Books, crafts, art classes, puppies, butterflies and more!

Gravenhurst Library
The children’s summer programs are off to a great start and it is not too late to get in on the fun.

They are not only a place for your child to drop in for some crafts, games and activities but also work to encourage children to keep reading through the summer.

Story Hour is Mon. to Fri., 11 to 12 noon and offers stories, games and crafts for children 2-6.  July 30 a special guest, The Amazing Corbin, will be at Story Hour to perform his Jungle Buddies Magic Show. Children and parents are welcome to come and enjoy his entertaining and interactive performance.

Special Events are every Tues. and Thurs. afternoon from 2-3:30 p.m. for children 6 to 12. These events offer games, activities, contests and more with a different theme each day. Coming up we have Medieval Times on July 22 featuring a castle contest and some great knight games. Water Day is July 27 with a rain date of  July 29. Children are encouraged to bring a towel, bathing suit and change of clothes as it is going to be a great event full of wet and wild games outside. July 29 is Monsters, where children can create their own monster and march around in some beastly monster masks.

If your child has not signed up for the TD Summer Reading club they can still register at the front desk where they will receive their Destination Jungle reading log and a free poster. The club encourages children to read by providing rewards and prizes along the way as they read. This year’s theme is Destination Jungle and those just developing reading skills, as well as those already reading on their own, are welcome to attend meetings Wed. from 2-3:30 p.m. Those registered are invited to participate in some extra jungle-related crafts and activities. This program is excellent motivation for young people to continue to develop their reading skills over the summer school break.

Huntsville Library

A special summer program! The library, Huntsville Festival of the Arts and the Friends of the Library present Jungle Cat World at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch # 232 on Thurs., July 29 at 11a.m. Don’t miss your chance to see exotic animals of the jungle and the tropics.

Jungle Cat World’s Wildlife Safari has captivated audiences across Canada with some of the most exotic creatures, providing a uniquely interactive approach to familiarizing the public about our vanishing wildlife. Their staff and animals have appeared in television programs such as TVO KIDS-Critter Corner, Discovery Channel and Canada A.M. to name a few. You can expect to see everything from giant scorpions to tigers, tarantulas to wolves. Don’t miss this uniquely interactive story-telling excursion where you will have the chance to meet wild animals up-close!

Tickets are $3 and can be purchased in advance at the library or at the door on July 29. The show is suitable for ages three and up.

For more information contact Sarah Mackenzie, children’s librarian, at 789-5232 ext. 3408.

Muskoka Lakes Library

July 28 - Meet dog lover Sharron Purdy, founder of a non-profit puppy rescue organization based in Muskoka. Sharron brings puppies down from Moosonee and Moose Factory, located on the fringe of James Bay, where they are found living under houses, in the bush or wandering stray.

Aug. 4 - Come join the fun story time with Medavie Emergency Medical Services- the people that deliver ambulance service to our area. Explore a real ambulance too!

Art Camp with Nancy Gray Ogle Week Three July 22: Painting Studio (material fee required to purchase canvas). Nature Up Close – painting the details. Acrylics – An introduction to the techniques of painting a landscape using acrylic paints, starting with a ‘value sketch’ then applying colour washes to produce your own scene.

Art Camp Week Four July 29: Paper Sculpture - Faces in the Jungle – Construct a 3D face using a variety of paper sculpture skills and your own imagination.

Art Camp Week Five August 5: Watercolour Studio (material fee required for paper) Let’s Get Wet - Create an explosion of colour and sunset skies while exploring the many techniques of this popular medium.

Paint With Me - Fridays 1:00 - 3:30 p.m. Teens and adult classes with Nancy Hunter. Nancy is a full-time artist/teacher. Nancy's enthusiasm for art is contagious!  Classes are limited to 10, so register early. Bring your paint smock, everything else is provided. Classes $35 per person per class.

Pre-registration required. 705-765-5650