Whitby Public Library

Ribbons to Remember 🧡
Our community has been showing up in a beautiful way.
Orange ribbons have been added to our "Ribbons to Remember" displays at all Whitby Public Library locations, creating visible reminders of remembrance, reflection, and our shared commitment to truth and reconciliation.

If you haven’t added a ribbon yet, there’s still time. Ribbons are available at all WPL locations until October 6. Thank you to everyone who has taken a moment to participate and help create these meaningful community displays.

All Whitby Public Library locations will be closed on September 30 in recognition of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

📚Your library card works harder than you think!

At the Whitby Library, one small card delivers BIG savings:

✨ $21.6 million in value through our collections
✨$344.71 in value returned per household
✨$165,592.88 saved through library programs
✨$320,436.76 saved through free internet access

And here's the kicker: for every hour we're open, we generate $3,310.81 in value for our community.

Not bad for a card that fits in your wallet. 💙

All Whitby Public Library locations will be closed Wednesday, September 30, the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

Book Returns remain open and digital content is always available at https://whitbylibrary.ca/digital-content

Do you have a kid who's absolutely wild about dinosaurs and you’re rushed for time? 🦖 We've got you covered. Just stop by any of our locations and ask one of our friendly staff for a stack of dinosaur books. They'll happily help build the ultimate dino haul. The only challenge? Deciding how many to take home. (Our vote: all of them. They're free, after all.)

And since our staff regularly goes above the call, there's always a chance a special friend might show up at storytime. Like a dino buddy!

📜 A New Chapter for Whitby’s History 📜
There’s a lot of history on these shelves.
The Whitby Archives has recently received a generous donation of historical materials, including photographs, postcards, letters, documents, scrapbooks, and more, with a special focus on Whitby’s Post Office and local history. The donation also came with financial support that has helped the Archives acquire much-needed shelving to safely store and preserve the collection for years to come.

From a vintage postcard to photographs from Whitby’s centennial, these pieces offer a glimpse into the people, places, and stories that have shaped our community.

The Whitby Public Library gratefully acknowledges the financial support of an Anonymous Donor at Durham Community Foundation.

Learning a new instrument takes courage. 🎼Luckily, it doesn't have to take a big chunk out of your budget.

Whether you're strumming a ukulele for the first time or mastering a guitar chord, the Library is a place to explore, experiment, and have fun. No pressure. Just music, community, and the joy of learning something new. 🎶

So much possibility with one small card!

Curious how much your library card saves you each year? Try our Library Value Calculator and see your savings add up!
https://www.facebook.com/events/1648963233261751/1648966386594769/?active_tab=about&rdid=i7DbQIrPAItN9tS8

🍂 Thanks for stopping by! 🍂
We had such a great time at the Town of Whitby’s Harvest Festival in Brooklin this past weekend. More than 500 people stopped by our booth to say hello, make a craft, and learn more about what’s happening at their Library.

A big thank you to everyone who came by and spent some time with our Outreach Team. We loved meeting so many members of our community!

It all began with a Library school tour and a little spark of curiosity. 😀When DJ walked into Central Library, he found more than books. He found possibilities. Soon he was a regular at Teen Lounge, eagerly volunteering, and experimenting with the 3D printer whenever he had the chance. The Library became a launch pad for new friendships, new skills, and new ideas. Because sometimes all it takes is one visit to discover where you belong.

Libraries are more than places to borrow books. They're places where young people can connect, create, and imagine what's possible.

Join bestselling author Monique Gray Smith for an evening of conversation, reflection, and learning about truth and reconciliation in Canada.

During this virtual program, Monique will share her personal journey, read from her books, and explore how Canada’s historical treatment of Indigenous people continues to affect communities today. She’ll also introduce her Cultural Resilience model and share strategies for bringing these ideas into our work and everyday lives.

💻 Online
🗓 Monday, September 28
⏰ 6:30–8:30 p.m.

Register through Eventbrite at https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/author-visit-monique-gray-smith-tickets-1992653905472?aff=oddtdtcreator

Presented in partnership with Durham and York Region Libraries.

How much is your Library card worth? 💲One of our regular patrons wanted to find out. Sarah used the Library Value Calculator and saved a whopping $345 on one check out! 🎉What about you? Maybe it's the books you borrow every month. Maybe it's ebooks, movies, video games, programs, Wi-Fi, or the countless other resources available through the Whitby Library. Whatever you love most, your Library card delivers more value than you might think.

Our Library Value Calculator lets you add up the services you use and discover how much your Library card is saving you. Let us know your grand total! 💰https://whitbylibrary.ca/calculator