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.

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

05/30/2026

Cyber Safety: Understanding the Digital Landscape

We are excited to announce that the North Kawartha Public Library has partnered with Connected Canadians to present this informative workshop to explore the digital landscape, learn to recognize common online risks and gain practical strategies to protect personal information. Connected Canadians is a registered charity focused on digital literacy and inclusion. Free to attend, registration required.

July 18th 10 am - 11: 30 am
Wilson Park Community Centre.
66 Northey's Bay Road.

Sign up by calling 705-654-1071
or by emailing us at [email protected]

05/26/2026

Challenge yourself this summer to read more!
Pick up a Book Club Bingo card at the Woodview branch and get started today! Set your own personal reading goals- Complete 1 line, two lines, or for avid readers, the whole card! Return your card at the end of the summer for a chance to win a reading prize pack! For more information call us at 705-654-1071 or email [email protected]

05/23/2026

The North Kawartha Public Library Board of Directors welcomes Sarah McConnell as Interim Chief Executive Officer, effective May 19, 2026. Sarah brings eight years of progressive public library leadership across five library systems in the Durham Region and Greater Toronto Area, a Master of Information from the University of Toronto, and a Master of Business Analytics and Artificial Intelligence from Ontario Tech University. She has presented at the Ontario Library Association Super Conference on AI in public libraries and is committed to community-centered library service. The Board looks forward to her contributions to the Apsley and Woodview communities.

05/22/2026

Interested in playing Mah Jongg? Come to the Woodview Branch on Tuesday June 9, 2026!
10 am -12 pm Beginners and Experts welcome. Come learn to play or share your expertise with others!
Call the Woodview Branch for more information. 705-654-1071
[email protected]

05/21/2026

Join Lonnie from The Grape & Wedge as she guides guests through a tasting of five Canadian award-winning artisanal cheeses paired with five non-alcoholic wines and beers. Along the way, participants will learn a little about the history of cheese and its wonderful partnership with wine and beer — all without the alcohol.

Cash payment only. $40 per person or $35 for current G&W Cheese of the Month Club members.
Space is limited and pre-registration is required. To register, please call 705-656-4333 or email [email protected].

05/20/2026

Join us tomorrow after school for Kids Club!
Free drop in at the Apsley Branch for ages 6-10
Thursdays 3:15 pm.

05/17/2026

Scrapbooking party alert! 🎉Bring your photos and crafty stuff to the Woodview Branch on Sat, May 23! 11:00 am. Get ready for a creative jam session with fellow crafty folks! Free to attend. Call 705-654-1071 for more info. 66 Northey's Bay Road.

Address

175 Burleigh Street
Apsley, ON
K0L1A0

Telephone

+17056564333

Website

http://www.northkawarthalibrary.com/

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