What’s happening in July at OPL 

Schools out, sun’s out! Welcome to the library, where summer comes alive with a treasure trove of books and fun activities to dive into! Here are some highlights for July at OPL. 

Join the Oakville Public Library’s Summer Reading Challenge  

Ready. Set. Discover! Every summer has its own story, and this year it’s set up for discovery with the annual OPL Summer Reading Challenge!  

The summer is the perfect time to catch up on your reading, indoors and out, plus add in exciting and free library programs and activities into the mix too, for the whole family to learn, explore and have fun. 

This challenge runs from June 24 to August 31, 2023. Plus – there's a chance to win* great prizes too... so, start reading! Visit opl.ca/SummerReading to learn more and for library staff recommended reading lists to get you started.   

*NEW* Check out the OPL Library on the Go Book Bikes 

OPL is cruising around your neighbourhood this summer with our Library on the Go Book Bikes! 

Join OPL staff at various special events and pop-ups at public parks throughout the summer. You and your family can enjoy free programming such as storytimes, crafts and hands-on fun in science, technology, engineering, art and math! You can also browse and borrow a mini library collection at the book bikes*. 
 
To find out which programs will be in your neighbourhood visit our program calendar at opl.ca/programs and search for “book bike,” and sign-up for our enewsletter to receive weekly updates. 
 
Availability of the book bikes are subject to the weather and park operating hours. Dates, times and locations are subject to change but will always be reflected on opl.ca/programs. 
 
*An OPL library card is required. You can register online for your library card here. 

*NEW* Explore the outdoors with an OPL Nature Kits 

Discover the world around you with OPL Nature Kits. Designed for families with children aged 4-10, these kits contain books, toys and activities selected to encourage scientific exploration and a love for nature. To borrow a Nature Kit, place a hold online for pickup at your nearest branch, or browse through currently available kits in our catalogue. 

Take a day trip with an Ontario or Halton Park Passes 

Pack your new OPL Nature Kits when you head to a park with a loanable park pass from the library. Free with your library card, you can borrow one of two park passes from Conservation Halton or Ontario Parks.  

Conservation Halton Parks Family Pass  

Get active this summer boating, cycling, hiking, picnicking, swimming, wildlife viewing and much more this summer with OPL and Conservation Halton. 

Borrow one of our Family Passes to explore the following parks:  

• Crawford Lake 
• Hilton Falls 
• Kelso 
• Mount Nemo 
• Mountsberg 
• Rattlesnake Point 
• Robert Edmondson (formerly Burns) 

Ontario Parks Day Pass Permit 

Borrow day-use vehicle permits for unlimited day-use access for one vehicle and its occupants to all provincial parks in Ontario where fees are normally charged. 

Learn more on our website at opl.ca/ParkPasses. 

Get into gear with a free summer Sports Kits 

Enjoy some fresh air and a fun workout with one of free ready-to-use sports equipment kits for borrowing, including: 

• Lacrosse 
• Tennis 
• Cricket 
• Multi-sports Kits - includes basketball, football, soccer and volleyball

All items are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Holds are not available. View available sports kits 

Be water-ready with your OPL Lifejacket  

Lifejackets are available in a variety of sizes for infants, children, and youth and adults. Perfect for the beach or poolside this summer. Lifejackets are provided in partnership with the Town of Oakville. 
 
All items are available on a first-come, first-serve basis from the Glen Abbey and Iroquois Ridge branches. Holds are not available. View available lifejackets  

StoryWalks 

Take a stroll (or cycle!) and explore the newest StoryWalks at a local park! Try one of our self-guided walks with selected stories available at Bronte Heritage Waterfront Park, Tannery and Waterworks Parks and George Savage Park. The stories change seasonally. StoryWalks are in partnership with the Town of Oakville. 

Featured stories this summer are:  

• Picture a Tree by Barbara Reid – Tannery Park
• Blackflies by Robert Munsch – George Savage Park
• The Duck Says by Troy Wilson – Bronte Heritage Waterfront Park

Get updates with the OPL Enewsletter

Register for programs, browse our collections and learn about our range of library services on our website, or visit your local branch and speak to our friendly staff. Also sign-up for our weekly enewsletter to receive the latest library news and reading recommendations right to your inbox. 
 

Note: Any programs and events listed are subject to change by date and time. For a complete list of all library programming and events visit our online calendar.