Adult Summer Reading Program
June 26 – Sept. 7
No registration required.
Submit your ballot online. Opens June 26.
Why should kids have all the fun? Collect your ballot at check out or via our website and tell us about your reading experience for your chance to win 1 of 3 gift certificates to local Midland businesses.
Be sure to check out the MPL Summer Reading Guide for great reading recommendations for all ages.
Adult Summer Photography Contest: Dive In
Jul. 1 – Sep. 7
Email your entry to [email protected] by 11:59pm on Sep. 7.
Capture the magic of the season with our 2026 theme: Dive In! Submit your best original photo for a chance to win an exciting prize package.
Open to all MPL members ages 18 and up. Please ensure all photo submissions are appropriate for the whole community to enjoy.
Simcoe Reads
8 Books. 8 Libraries. 1 Winner.
Join your Library for our annual Simcoe Reads event! A champion from each community has chosen a book they think everyone in Simcoe County should read right now. Our competitors are Barrie, Bradford, Essa, Innisfil, New Tecumseth, Ramara, and Severn Public Libraries!
Our local champion, Nahanni Born, has chosen Bob Joseph’s engaging and relevant book, 21 Things You May Not Know About the Indian Act.
Virtual Visit with Bob Joseph
Tuesday, September 22, 6:00PM
Join us in person at Midland Public Library, or online.
Hosted by champion Nahanni Born, Bob Joseph will virtually visit the Midland Public Library and Simcoe Reads participants for an author talk. Register HERE.
Simcoe Reads Debate
Tuesday, September 29, 6:30PM
At the John Hayter Southshore Community Centre
After a summer of reading terrific books, interacting with the authors and your community’s champion, please plan to join us for the final event: a conversation between the 8 champions representing Barrie Public Library, Bradford West Gwillimbury Public Library, Essa Public Library, Innisfil ideaLab & Library, Midland Public Library, New Tecumseth Public Library, Ramara Public Library, and Severn Public Library. This in-person event will be at the John Hayter Southshore Community Centre, 205 Lakeshore Dr, Barrie ON L4N 7Y9 on Tuesday, September 29, at 6:30 pm. Audience voting will happen the night of the event to determine the number one book to be read in Simcoe County. Register HERE.
Join in the social media discussion by using #SimcoeReads2026.
Adult Take & Make: Homemade Cheese
Available from July 7 while supplies last
Adults
Try something new this summer with a cheese-making kit! Each kit contains materials and instructions needed to complete the project; participants supply their own milk**. Reserve a kit in advance online or swing by the library to see if kits are still available. Limit 1 kit per library card. **Note: this kit is not compatible with plant-based milks.
Intro to Machine Embroidery
Thursday, July 9, 5:30-7:30PM
Adults
Interested in using our Husqvarna embroidery machine? You’ll get a feel for the machine by embroidering your initials on a tea towel before our volunteer, Tim, walks you through designing your own embroidery files. Registration required.
Midland Summer Movies
Thursdays at Dusk
MPL is joining up with the Town of Midland to show some great movies this summer! Join us in Little Lake Park at Rotary Stage with your snacks! When it starts to get dark, the movie will start! (Weather permitting; movies subject to change).
Thursday, July 9, 8:30pm start – Finding Nemo – Sponsored by Bryson Bumstead, Realtor
Thursday, July 16, 8:30pm start – The Little Mermaid (1989) – Sponsored by Morden Construction
Thursday, July 23, 8:30pm start – Atlantis
Thursday, July 30, 8:30pm start – Luca
Thursday, August 6, 8:30pm start – Elemental
Thanks to our community partners!
Persian Bread Making
Saturday, July 11
1PM to 3PM
Join the Barrie Persian Association for this hands-on workshop on making barbari bread, a flatbread with a golden, crunchy exterior and a beautiful, pillowy interior. Free, drop-in!
With thanks to the Heart of Georgian Bay Community Forward Fund.
Book Pairing with Local Business
Join us for an evening where we pair local business products with selections from the library’s collection, bringing together local specialties and engaging book discussions in a relaxed and welcoming setting.
- Wednesday, July 15, 6:30-7:30pm – The Rustic Tub
- Wednesday, August 5, 6:30-7:30pm – Business TBC
The Language of Flowers
Thursday, July 16, 6:30-7:30PM
Adults
Did you know that there is a hidden meaning in the flowers you send or the herbs you choose? Join Simcoe County Master Gardener Joan to discover the secret meanings of flowers and herbs in folklore and culture, including Ophelia’s bouquet from Hamlet. This is a great program for gardeners and literary enthusiasts alike! Registration required.
Anishinaabe Knowledge about Water with Trish Monague
Saturday, July 18, 2PM
Join Elder Trish Monague to learn more about Anishinaabe understandings of and care for nibi, water. Free, drop-in!
With thanks to the Heart of Georgian Bay Community Forward Fund.
Beach Read Book Club
Space is limited. Registration required.
Escape into great stories this summer with the MPL Beach Read Book Club! Borrow a copy of the book from the library and then join us for a live book club discussion in Little Lake Park.
- Wednesday, July 22, 6:30-8pm – The Moon of the Turning Leaves by Waubgeshig Rice
- Wednesday, August 19, 6:30-8pm – A New Season by Terry Fallis
The Sound of Painting
Thursday, August 13, 5:30-7:30PM
Adults
Back by popular demand! Join us for a paint night with a twist! Follow along as we create beautiful landscape masterpieces – using only the audio instructions! Registration required.
Right Size & Thrive Seminar
A Practical, No Pressure Guide to Downsizing and Next Chapter Planning
Registration encouraged – click dates above to register.
Planning Your Next Chapter – Wills, Smart Money Strategies & Housing Choices
Thinking about the next chapter of life? Join us for a friendly and informative session designed to help you make confident decisions about your home, finances, and future. Local experts will answer common questions about wills and estate planning, share creative financial strategies to help preserve and pass on your wealth, and explore housing options for the years ahead. You’ll leave with practical insight and renewed motivation to live your best life now and in retirement.
No need to RSVP, hosted in the lower boardroom. Coffee, tea and sweet treats provided. Doors open 12:30pm, presentation starts at 1pm.
Presented by: Team Jordan
International Overdose Awareness Day
Monday, August 31, 2026
1PM to 4PM (Drop-In). Join us at 1:00PM for speakers and remembrances.
The Canadian Mental Health Association, Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit, Gilbert Centre and Midland Public Library have coordinated on behalf of the North Simcoe Drug Strategy Group to create an event where our community can join together to remember those we’ve lost, reflect on the ongoing drug toxicity crisis, and strengthen our collective call for justice, compassion, and change.
This event will feature:
A peer-led, interactive memorial project
Harm reduction info and naloxone
Light refreshments and community connection
All are welcome. Whether you come to grieve, connect, or learn, this space is for you.
SCMG Advice Table
Need some gardening advice? Visit the Simcoe County Master Gardeners at MPL! You’ll find them in the lobby on the second Tuesday of every month from May through September, 2-5PM, ready to answer your questions about plants.
Mahjong Meetup
Last Tuesday of the month, 10am-12pm
Whether you’re a seasoned player or learning the game, all are welcome at our monthly Mahjong meetup! Enjoy casual games, friendly competition, and a chance to explore both American and Chinese styles.
Drop-in, no registration required.
Email [email protected] for more information or to join the mailing list.
First Chapter Indigenous Book Club
MPL’s book club exploring Indigenous authors, works, and topics. The club is currently full. Contact Faith, [email protected] or 705-526-4216 ext. 3305, to get on a wait list.
For previously read titles, click here.
The Top Floor Writers’ Group: MPL’s Community-Led Writers’ Group
In person
2nd Wednesday of the month, 6-7:30pm
Join an enthusiastic, informal and volunteer-led writer’s circle to improve your craft, regardless of your level of experience. Open to all genres – this group is open to anyone interested in the writing process.
For more information contact Jenn at [email protected].
All Ages Uke Jam in the Library!
No Meetings in July or August. 2nd Wednesday of the Month, 6-7:30pm
Drop-in. No registration required. Contact Jenn at [email protected] to join the mailing list to receive the songs/chords to practice in advance.
Bring your uke and join the fun! Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned strummer, all ages and skill levels are welcome at this relaxed, all-ages jam session. Play along, learn new songs, and make music with your community!
Bring your own ukulele—or borrow one while supplies last!
B.Y.O.B (Bring Your Own Book) Club
Virtual
Last Wednesday of the month, 7-8pm
Join friendly readers to discuss what you’ve been reading lately via Zoom. New members are always welcome!
- Wednesday, July 29, 7pm – Read a book that features water on the cover or in the subject
- Wednesday, August 26, 7pm – Read a book with magical realism or fantastical elements
Email [email protected] for more information or to receive the online meeting information.
Need help finding a title to fit our prompt? Visit our personal reading recommendations page.
Genealogy Club
3rd Thursday of the month, 2-3pm
Whether you’re starting your family tree or have years of research in hand, our informal monthly gathering of genealogists and local history enthusiasts offers a welcoming space to swap stories, share research tips and tricks, and connect with others passionate about tracing roots and uncovering the past.
Drop-in, no registration required.
Email [email protected] for more information or to join the mailing list.
Midland Makers
1st Thursday of the month, 6:30-7:45PM
Adults
Attention all crafters, creators, and DIY-ers! Drop in the first Thursday evening each month to work on your projects, troubleshoot or learn something new with other members of the community. This is a casual way to explore MPL’s MakerPlace and discover new hobbies. Email [email protected] to find out more. No registration required.
**Please note there will be no January meeting due to holiday closures.
Community-Led French Conversation Group
In-Person
Drop-In Fridays, 11am-12pm
Practice your French conversation skills & meet new people in a relaxed environment. Newcomers always welcome! For more information contact Jenn at [email protected].
Tech Help
Monday, 10AM-1PM and Fridays, 1-4PM
Figuring out a new device? Giving video chat a try? If you’ve got a question about today’s technology or are looking for a little guidance, then we’re here to help! Drop by on Monday mornings or Friday afternoons to see our volunteer tech tutor. Don’t forget all your necessary devices and cables! Sessions are provided on a first come, first served basis.
Build Your Business – Virtual 1-1 Research and Referrals
Interested in starting or building your small business or entrepreneurship idea, but don’t know where to start? We can be your point of connection to all the great resources available for new or expanding business owners, saving you time! We can also introduce you to the great resources available via your Library, like Simply Analytics, LinkedIn Learning, and more.
Email Faith at fshergold at midlandlibrary.com or call 705-526-4216 ext. 3305 to book your FREE virtual 1-1 today.
Online Author Talks with Library Speakers Consortium
Virtual author visits from bestselling authors and thought leaders.
Don’t miss any of our upcoming online author talks with the Library Speakers Consortium. Subscribe to our monthly newsletter.
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