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Stratford Public Library
Join us as we celebrate Ontario Public Library Week (OPLW) and this year's theme, Loud for Libraries. Public libraries are more than places to borrow books. They are vibrant community hubs that bring people together to learn, create, connect, and engage with the world around them. Ontario Public Library Week is an opportunity to recognize the value libraries bring to our communities and to show your support for the services, programs, and spaces that help people thrive. Throughout the week, Stratford Public Library is celebrating with a variety of special events and activities:
Liberty Street & Chatelaine Presentation
OCT 22 | 7:00 - 8:00 PM | Virtual via Zoom
Did you know that Chatelaine magazine was a source of political, legal, and social information for Canadian women in the 50s & 60s, tucked in between the recipes and housecleaning tips? Join Dr. Valerie Korinek, author of Roughing it in the Suburbs: Reading Chatelaine Magazine in the Fifties and Sixties, as she explores the ways in which Chatelaine played a role as 'mass market feminism' in that era.
Our Perth County Reads 2026 novel, Liberty Street by Heather Marshall, you'll know how important Chatelaine reporting was to that story!
After Hours in the Stacks: a Cocktail Party & Silent Disco Fundraiser
OCT 24 | 7:00 - 9:00 PM | Main Floor | 19+
SPL is turning down the noise and turning up the fun with a one-of-a-kind silent disco. Slip on a pair of wireless headphones, choose from multiple music channels and playlists, and dance your way through the stacks while sharing the dance floor. Join us as we transform the library into an unforgettable evening of music, movement, and community. Snacks are included. Cash bar provided by Betty's Wine Bar.
History of the Library - Photographic Display & Exhibit
Explore the Library's past in a self-guided tour. Discover what has changed in the library building over the last century and explore our history through photos and artifacts.
Social Media Fun
Follow us throughout the week for fun reels, special posts, trivia, and challenges -- and some awesome book suggestions. Share your favourite library memories and tag us to be featured on our page!
- Instagram @splibrary
- Facebook @StratfordPublicLibrary
And More
Join us all week for Mayor Ritsma's proclamation of Public Library Week in Stratford, a library flag raising, special book displays, and grab a copy of Overdue by Dean Robinson.
Whether you're attending an event, exploring our history, borrowing your next great read, or sharing your love of the library online, we invite you to join us in being Loud for Libraries this Ontario Public Library Week. Together, we can celebrate the importance of public libraries and the role they play in creating strong, connected communities.