In 2025, the Blue Mountains Public Library (BMPL) proudly celebrates its 30th anniversary of inspiring creativity, fostering lifelong learning, and preserving our community’s heritage.
Since its opening its doors in 1995, BMPL has grown far beyond a traditional library. Today, it is home to the Craigleith Heritage Depot, museum, art gallery, and archives—a vibrant GLAM (Galleries, Libraries, Archives, and Museums) institution dedicated to serving and celebrating the Blue Mountains community.
A Season of Celebration
To honour this exciting milestone, BMPL is hosting a series of free, public events throughout the fall and winter. Each program explores themes at the heart of our mission: democracy, intellectual freedom, Truth and Reconciliation, digital literacy, books, and shared history.
As we reflect on 30 years of community-driven success, BMPL is also looking ahead—with bold plans to modernize services and re-imagine our spaces for generations to come. A full list of anniversary events is included below. Additional details will be announced throughout the season.
30th Anniversary Event Lineup
Author Talk & Exhibit Opening: Daughters of Aataentsic
Saturday, October 4 from 1-4pm | The Gallery at L.E. Shore
Adults | Admission: Free
Join us for a powerful afternoon of storytelling and visual art, celebrating Wendat/waⁿdat women and matriarchal history.
- Author Kathryn Magee Labelle shares stories from her book, Daughters of Aataentsic: Life Lessons from Seven Generations—a moving account of seven Wendat/waⁿdat women who shaped their communities across centuries and continents.
- Artist Catherine Tàmmaro presents her companion exhibit, Yaaʔtayęhtsih yayǫmęʔah (The Daughters of Aataentsic), offering a multidisciplinary visual response to these stories.
Learn more about the Daughters of Aataentsic event
On Book Banning with Ira Wells
Friday, October 17 at 7pm | L.E. Shore
Adults | Admission: Free
Join writer and critic Ira Wells for a timely talk on book banning, intellectual freedom, and the vital role of libraries in protecting the right to read.
Wells is an associate professor at Victoria College, University of Toronto, and President of PEN Canada. His essays and reviews have appeared in The Atlantic, The Globe and Mail, The Guardian, and other major publications. He is the author of several books, including "On Book Banning: How the New Censorship Consensus Trivializes Art and Undermines Democracy."
Digital Feelings: Celebrating Youth Expression Through Animation and Filmmaking
Tuesday, November 25 at 7pm | L.E. Shore Memorial Library
All Ages | Admission: Free
Discover the power of storytelling through digital art at this community showcase of youth-created animation. The evening features:
• A keynote by Tom Strnad of the South Georgian Bay Media Association
• Opening remarks from BMPL CEO Jennifer Murley
• A screening of youth-created films exploring emotion, identity, and creativity
Come support the next generation of digital creators and see how public libraries help bring stories to life.
Online Trivia Night: 30 Years of BMPL
Friday, November 7 at 7 pm | Virtual
All Ages | Admission: Free
How well do you know the history of the Blue Mountains Public Library? Join us for a fun and fast-paced Online Trivia Night, where participants will test their knowledge of BMPL’s milestones, people, places, and quirky facts from the past 30 years. This interactive virtual event is perfect for library lovers, history buffs, and anyone up for a friendly challenge.
Grand Prize: The trivia champion will win a copy of our limited-edition colouring book, illustrated by local artist Beverley Smith. Bring your curiosity and your competitive spirit! The link to play will be available in our November Library newsletter, on Facebook, and on the online event calendar.
30th Anniversary Special Exhibition | December 2025
Grand Reception: Saturday, November 29 from 2-4pm | The Gallery at L.E. Shore
The Bay Valley Artists (formally the Marsh Street Artists) are bringing a special exhibition to The Gallery at L.E. Shore to help us mark 30 years of incredible art. The show’s theme? We’re tying it in as close as we can: 30”x30” painting!
Join us for the grand opening to explore a beautiful collection of work, mingle with the Bay & Valley Artists and celebrate local artistic talent.
An Evening Soirée with Ken Haigh
Thursday, December 4 at 7pm | L.E. Shore Memorial Library
All Welcome | Admission: Free
Step back in time with Ken Haigh, the first CEO of the L.E. Shore Memorial Library, as he recounts the origins of BMPL and the grassroots movement that brought a new public library to life in 1995.
This special evening includes:
• A historical presentation by Ken Haigh
• Reflections on the library’s early days and its evolution over three decades
• Light refreshments and community mingling
Celebrate our history, our people, and the future of your library.