Teen Programs

Summer Bookmark Contest

The Blue Mountains Public Library and Jessica’s Book Nook are inviting local youth to get creative this summer with our Community Bookmark Contest!

Design an original bookmark inspired by the theme:

Show us your community through your eyes! Draw inspiration from the places, people, memories, books, and stories that make this area special to you.

Open to youth ages 5–17Submit an original bookmark design

Winners will be selected in three age categories:

Ages 5–8Ages 9–12Ages 13–17

Winning bookmarks will be printed and available at Jessica’s Book Nook

Bookmark templates and entry forms are available at the library, or participants may create their own design at home. Completed entries can be dropped off at the L.E. Shore Library. Please remember to include your contact information with your submission.

Celebrate creativity, storytelling, and community — one bookmark at a time! 

EXHIBIT CLOSING: Nature in Motion

This exhibition closes June 30 at 2pm.

The Gallery at L.E. Shore is excited to host artists Diana Bick and Kim Etherington-Reid for our June 2026 exhibition.

These two artists’ distinct styles have been brought together by chance.

But what they are both addressing through their abstract and non-objective art is how the land - nature - is changing. It is in constant motion. Air, water, soil, biodiversity, are shifting by natural processes, but more importantly, by human influences. Their expression in art is physical, but also emotional, as seen in the mark making and textures of this exhibition’s works.

These interpretations are personal, but in sharing the artwork, the intent is that an appreciation of what is happening and how we might influence the outcome, becomes a topic of conversation and perhaps action. The artwork is intentionally subtle, but the message is not.

Learn more

Hola at the Library: Intro to Spanish!

Join us for a fun and welcoming introduction to Spanish. Perfect for beginners, this interactive class will explore basic words, greetings, numbers, and simple everyday conversation through games and guided activities. No experience needed — just come ready to learn, practice, and have fun!

The class is led by Patty, originally from Lima, Peru, who teaches Spanish in the community. With a background in Law and experience raising a bilingual child, Patty brings a natural and practical approach to language learning. She creates relaxed, conversation-based sessions where participants feel comfortable trying Spanish from day one.

For Teens and Adults. Registration required.

Analogue Summer: A Slow Summer Reading Challenge

Join us for Analogue Summer: A Slow Summer Reading Challenge, a nostalgic, feel-good reading challenge inspired by the summers we miss most: long afternoons with a good book, handwritten lists, porch reads, beach days, road trips, library visits, and living a little more offline.

 Pick up your Summer Bingo Card at the L.E. Shore Library beginning July 2 and complete reading prompts, creative challenges, and screen-free activities throughout the summer. Remember when reading could earn you a Personal Pan Pizza? We're bringing that feeling back. Complete your Bingo card this summer for a chance to win a $50 gift card to Bruce Wine Bar, because some rewards never go out of style, they just get a little more grown up.

 Participants can also track their progress on our in-library leaderboard as they complete Bingo lines and cards throughout the summer. Remember to submit your completed Bingo Card into the ballot box at the L.E. Shore Library for your chance to win.

Contest runs July 2 – September 2For Ages 18+

Read more. Scroll less. Stay awhile.

Rainbow Dance Party

Get ready to dance, create, and celebrate at our Rainbow Dance Party, a joyful, all-ages PRIDE event for the whole family!

Join DJ and dance leader Tyler Boyle on the Front Lawn at L.E. Shore Library for a morning packed with energy and colour. Whether you're busting moves on the dance floor or getting crafty at one of our activity stations, there's something for everyone. Expect a flash mob-style dance with easy-to-follow steps that leave plenty of room for your own flair, plus LGBT+ resources, games, and arts & crafts.

No dance experience necessary, this event is open to all ages and abilities. Come as you are, bring your rainbow spirit, and help us celebrate pride together!

Drop in event. All ages.

Poetry Workshop with Aniah Ruthven

Join local poet, Aniah Ruthven (she/her), for this “wild and wacky workshop” centred around spoken word and the art of invention. Participants will explore the tools, materials, and blue-prints found in the poet’s toolbox before tearing them apart and building something of their own from the scraps. They will have the opportunity to learn, explore their voice, respond to prompts, and present a spoken-word poem of their own at the end of the event.No previous poetry experience is required, all skill levels are welcome. Ages 13 and up. Please register below. Limited spaces.

Bio:

Holding a great enthusiasm for the written and spoken word, Aniah Ruthven (she/her) comes most alive when articulating her creative voice. Whether through songwriting, novels, slam poetry, film/animation, or short stories, her passion lies in the act and art of invention – communicating pertinent, critical commentary for our times. Merging her voice with lyrical intention, she also explores songwriting as an outlet for sharing messages of activism and empowerment... Performing her songs live with The Ruthven Sisters.Believing in the value of raising and supporting the voices of our community’s youth, Aniah is currently working towards creating a youth poet laureate position for the area and enjoys sharing her own works at local events.

Intro to English Smocking

Discover the timeless art of English Smocking at the L.E. Shore Library with Robin. In this hands-on introductory class, participants will learn the basics of traditional smocking techniques used to create delicate gathers, decorative patterns, and beautifully detailed sewn designs.

Robin first discovered smocking in Grade 8 sewing class and quickly fell in love with the craft. Over the years, she has created handmade dresses for her daughters and grandchildren, continuing a tradition that has been passed down through generations. Now, she is excited to share her knowledge and passion with others.

Participants will receive a sample of gathered fabric and embroidery floss to begin learning the foundational stitch that forms the basis of many smocking designs.

This program is best suited for those with intermediate sewing skills and some experience using a needle and thread.

All supplies provided. Registration required. Spaces are limited.

Hocus Pocus: Broomstick Workshop

Get ready for a little Halloween magic at the library! 

Join us at the L.E. Shore Library as Wendy Tomlinson from the Métis Nation of Ontario leads a fun, hands-on, multigenerational program just in time for Hallow’s Eve. Together, we’ll craft our very own witch’s broom—perfect for a bit of spooky season flair!

 All materials are provided, and no experience is needed—just bring your creativity (and maybe your best cackle ). 

Free program. Spaces are limited. Ages 8+ Registration required

A Poetry Reading & Performance with Susan Wismer and Hania

Susan Wismer, poet and Hania Krajewski, musician and storyteller invite you to come join us for a fun evening of sonnets and folktales. We will have shakers and wooden blocks and a tambourine or two for anyone who wants to help us out. This is a family-friendly event, feel free to bring kids old enough to enjoy listening to stories and songs. A Q&A and opportunity for conversation will follow.

Susan lives gratefully on Treaty 18 territory at the southern shore of Manidoo-gitchigami (Georgian Bay) in Collingwood, Ontario. Hand Shadows, a chapbook co-authored with Michele Green and Suzette Sherman, was published in 2024 with Wintergreen Press). Hag Dances, published with At Bay Press came out in Spring 2025.

Hania Krajewski (retired Drama and Music school teacher, Orff specialist) loves to collaborate and work with stories.

Copies of Susan Wisemar new Poetry Book  The Hag Dances will be available for purchase.

Registration required. All ages welcome.

Bead & Create: Wall Hanging Workshop with Spirited Earth Designs

Spirited Earth Designs invites you into the Gallery Space for an enchanting evening of creativity and connection. Be guided through the art of crafting your very own beaded wall hanging, where each bead carries its own meaning and story. As you design, you’ll learn the symbolism behind different beads and weave intention into a piece that’s uniquely yours.

Let your creativity flow, your hands wander, and a little magic take shape.

$50 per personAll supplies providedRegistration required

WORKSHOP: Intuitive Weaving | Dianne Kennedy Cruttenden

If the cost of participation is a barrier, subsidies for this workshop may be available. Please emailTheGallery@TheBlueMountains.ca to inquire.

Intuitive Tapestry Weaving moves beyond the rigid patterns and structures of traditional weaving to explore the freedom of letting your instincts guide your creation. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced weaver, this workshop encourages you to trust your intuition, while exploring a variety of techniques, textures and materials.

This is one of Dianne’s favourite workshops. There is always a joyful energy that is created as we play with all the colourful yarn and fibres and allow ourselves the freedom to explore weaving without restrictions. As we complete our weavings and reflect on the fun day we have had, we look around the classroom and see how each creative expression is unique and exciting.

Ages: 16+

Supplies: everything you will need will be provided, including a large selection of beautiful yarn, various fibres and a simple frame loom to use and take home.

Snacks: please bring a bag lunch and drinks.

Registration: registration is required through the library. Registration is due by end of day October 29, 2026.

Register for this workshop

Fee & Payment: $120.00 per person, which includes all supplies and a simple frame loom.

Following registration, the $120.00 fee must be paid in two installments: 

If you need more information, please contact Dianne at:226 370 0248dkcweaver@gmail.com