Pakenham Santa Claus & Almonte Christmas Parades (Dec. 6 & 7) It’s official! MMPL is putting together a float for the Pakenham & Almonte parades and we need YOUR help!
Have some boxes at home? Please consider decorating them to look like big books and dropping them off at the library to be used on our float. Be as creative as you like with your materials, colours, and design!
Please keep the following guidelines in mind:
👉 Cardboard box made to look like a “book”
👉 Approx. 12-18 inches high
👉 Approx. 3-6 inches wide
“Books” may be dropped off at either branch from now until 21 November.

FREE English as a Second Language (ESL) sessions are available at the Almonte Branch!

Do you or someone you know need some help learning English?  The Lanark & Renfrew Immigrant Settlement Services (LRISS) is offering sessions every Thursday, 1:00pm-3:30pm from 13 November – 18 December at the Almonte Branch meeting room. These informal sessions will be led by a volunteer ESL teacher and focus on everyday English, conversation skills, and building confidence in speaking. Whether you’re a newcomer or simply looking to strengthen your English, this program is open to all!

Register online: https://form.jotform.com/253085038161251 or call the library at 613-256-1037

Kids Comics Workshop!
Clayton Hanmer, illustrator of The Gland Factory, visits the Almonte branch for a presentation & illustration workshop! Saturday, 15 November from 2:00–3:30pm – Almonte Branch. FREE EVENT in partnership with Mill Street Books – the book is for sale at the event. Register here: https://form.jotform.com/252864207238258

Stuffie Sleepover at the Almonte Branch!!! Friday, 21 November 21 @ 5:00 – 5:45pm
Get cozy and head to the library after-hours with your pajamas and stuffie. After storytime and a craft,  your stuffies will stay behind and spend the night at the Library playing games and getting into mischief… and eventually sleeping! (Please don’t bring a stuffie that your child cannot sleep without!)  They will be ready for pickup by their humans on Saturday in Almonte between 10-2. Recommended ages 3-7. REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED by clicking here https://form.jotform.com/253014416419249 or call the Almonte Branch at 613-256-1037

Cardboard Creation – PD Day Drop-In!!!
Use our Makedo cardboard tools to create 3D sculptures and structures made of cardboard! No registration required – drop in anytime on Friday, 28 November, from 1-4pm at the Almonte Branch. Ages 5+ accompanied by an adult.

Help Bring Robotics to Mississippi Mills & Lanark Highlands!
Your local libraries have applied for funding through the 2025 Commonwell L.E.A.F. Initiative to bring robotics equipment and programming hours to our community in 2026, but we need your help!
The funding decision is partly based on community support and anyone can add their voice. You don’t need to have kids or have participated before. If you think this is a great idea for our community, your support matters! DEADLINE is 14 November.
Visit our project page: https://tinyurl.com/4dm637a3, then choose one simple way to show support:
đź’¬ Share a story
📸 Add a photo
❤️ Leave a comment

Thank you!!!

Free Expression & The Public Library: A Conversation presented by Learning Again in Almonte

On Thursday, 27 November from 7-9pm at the Almonte Branch, Ottawa Public Library Chief Librarian and CEO Sonia Bebbington, in conversation with Christine Row, CEO/Chief Librarian of Mississippi Mills Public Library, will discuss the commitment to intellectual freedom in order to support freedom of expression, critical thinking, and democracy. Sonia and Christine will discuss censorship challenges and the importance of reading and engaging with a variety of perspectives and supporting the public library.

Pay what you can; registration required. Look for the registration link at the bottom of the page here: https://www.learningagainalmonte.ca/lectures-winter-25

SATURDAYS MAKERDAYS FOR TEENS is lighting up November at the Makerspace and there are still a few spots left! These workshop aren’t “just crafts;” it’s industrial design meets imagination! Work with cool tools like Cricut machines and the Laser Cutter to design, craft, and create your own light-up projects.

All Saturdays in November, 10am–12:30pm, Ages 10–16. All supplies provided. Free to attend – register: https://form.jotform.com/252955674857274

The Community Pantry (part of the A Meal for All program) is looking for donations to keep the pantry shelves stocked during the winter/holiday season. A Meal for All and its pantry at the Mississippi Mills Public Library, Almonte Branch, supports individuals and families right here in Mississippi Mills who may need access to food.

Donated items can be left in the Community Pantry Donation Bins at Almonte branch (155 High St.), or in the donation bin at the weekly Thursday Community Breakfast (111 Church St., Almonte). Financial donations can be made to the A MEAL FOR ALL program via e-transfer. Please visit https://lanarkcountyfoodbank.ca/e-transfer-information/ for more information. Cash donations can be placed in the suggestion box in the Community Pantry or given to the Team Lead at the weekly Thursday morning Breakfast – 111 Church Street, Almonte.