North Kawartha Public Library

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Apsley, ON
North Kawartha Public Library

The North Kawartha Public Library has a main branch in Apsley and a second in Woodview. Only some books could be saved.

Historical Background

In the early 1930’s the members of the Apsley Women’s Institute initiated a book lending service. Books were received from the Traveling Libraries Branch of the Toronto Education System for a period of three months. The books were stored in the Town Hall, Red Cross Hospital or Orange Hall.

1937

The need for a library became evident for which money had to be raised in the c

ommunity. Burleigh and Anstruther Township Council gave permission for a library to be built on municipal property next to the Town Hall for the fee of one dollar per year.

1939

During the summer the building was raised entirely by volunteer workers and books weeded from the Toronto, Hamilton and Kingston libraries were put on the shelves. Volunteer librarians and members of the Women’s Institute provided the service.

1940

Hydro came to Apsley and the building was wired.

1961

March 31st, the Town Hall caught fire and it quickly spread to the library. The $1500 insurance money was put into a Bursary Fund for Apsley students who graduated from grade 13 at Lakefield and were going on to further education.

1968

A new library system was started in Ontario and the Burleigh Anstruther library became part of the Lake Ontario Regional Library System. The Burleigh Anstruther Council made available a room in the newly built Municipal Offices and the Lake Ontario Regional Library System agreed to put in shelving, furniture and 1500 books.

06/19/2026

Have you signed up for the Art of Bouquet Building Yet?

Two Dates and locations to choose from!

Floral Designer, Sue Rankin of Flowers by Sue will lead us through this inspiring hands-on workshop celebrating the beauty of seasonal garden blooms. Participants will learn expert techniques for harvesting, conditioning ad arranging flowers using Sue's simple six-step design formula while creating their own arrangement to take home in a premium glass vase. This workshop is perfect for anyone looking to extend the life of their flowers and gain confidence in creating stunning, professional-looking bouquets. $45.00 per person which includes all materials.

Pre-registration required. Limited Spaces per workshop.
Email [email protected] or call 705-656-4333.

06/17/2026

This Friday Night!

Join us for an engaging and informative Wildfire 101 presentation with Ken Cox from the Haliburton Fire Management Headquarters of Ontario's Ministry of Natural Resources. With nearly two decades of experience in wildfire response and education, Ken will explore how wild land fires start, how they behave and what homeowners and communities can do to better protect themselves and their properties. This one hour presentation will take place at the Apsley Branch, 175 Burleigh Street @ 7: 00 pm.
Free to attend, no registration required. For more info call 705-656-4333.

06/12/2026

Join us tomorrow and every Saturday this summer for a family story time at the Woodview branch. All ages welcome.

This Saturday! We still have spots left at both locations. Call 705-656-4333 or email programming@northkawarthalibrary....

06/11/2026

This Saturday!

We still have spots left at both locations. Call 705-656-4333 or email [email protected] to sign up! $40.00 per person.

Cheese & Cheers: A Non-Alcoholic Pairing Experience

1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Woodview Library Branch
66 Northey's Bay Road

OR

6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Glen Alda Community Centre
3723 County Road 620

Lonnie from Grape & Wedge will guide guests through a tasting of 5 award winning artisanal cheese pair with 5 non-alcoholic wines and beers, while learning about the history of cheese and its wonderful partnership with Spirits!

06/09/2026

Mark your calendars! Our annual book sale is coming in July!

We are still accepting gently used books, DVDs and puzzles at both branches during regular business hours to help make this event a success!

Your donations today, help the library tomorrow!

06/07/2026

CHEESE AND CHEERS!
Saturday June 13th

We have a few spots left, don't miss out on this unique experience!

Lonnie from the Grape and Wedge will guide you through a tasting of 5 Canadian artisanal cheeses paired with 5 non alcoholic wines and beers. You will learn a little about the history of cheese and its wonderful partnership with spirits. $40.00 per person or $35.00 per person for G&W Cheese of the Month Club Members.

Choose from two locations:
Woodview library branch 1 pm -3 pm OR
Glen Alda Community Centre 6 pm - 8 pm

Pre-registration is required.
To reserve your spot, email [email protected].
Or come into the library during regular hours.

We hope to see you there!

06/06/2026

Kid’s Club End of the Year Wrap-Up!

A huge thank you to all the amazing kids who brought so much energy and creativity to the library this year. We wrapped up our last weekly meet this week with lots of treats and free lemonade for all!

We are so proud of everything you made, and discovered, and the kindness you shared. Have a wonderful summer, we can’t wait to see you all for more fun next year!

06/04/2026

What's on your June Agenda? Join us for one of our events at the North Kawartha Public Library!

Today is the last after school KIDS CLUB! 3:15 pm Apsley Branch!

Drop in to learn how to play Mah Jongg at the Woodview branch and then join us at the Apsley branch for a complimentary Wild Fire 101 presentation. Summer Saturday story will begin this week in Woodview for kids (and adults) of all ages!

We still have a few spots left to sign up for our Cheese and Cheers Non-Alcoholic Pairing Experience! A great experience being led by Lonnie from The Grape and Wedge. $40.00 per person. Choice of Woodview library branch 1-3 pm or Glen Alda Community Centre 6-8 pm on June 13th. Call 705-656-4333 to sign up today!

Visit either branch for more information about all upcoming events or click on Calendar of Events on our website. www.northkawarthalibrary.com

We hope to see you at the library in June!

06/03/2026

Happy Pride Month!

05/31/2026

The Small Town Shorts Film Festival will feature short films made by the members of Trent Hills, Marmora & Lake Stirling-Rawdon, Madoc, Asphodel-Norwood, Tweed, North Hastings, North Kawartha and Brighton. The festival will include jury prizes and audience prizes based on age level categories. Small Town Shorts is designed to encourage collaborative creation, to give members of the community the opportunity to see what they have created on a big screen! Pick up a submission form at your local participating library! Screenings will take place at the Aron Co-op theatre on October 1, 2026 in Campbellford.

For more information please visit www.smalltownshortsfilmfest.ca

Address

175 Burleigh Street
Apsley, ON
K0L1A0

Telephone

+17056564333

Website

http://www.northkawarthalibrary.com/

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