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How Your Bracebridge Library Card Can Save You Money
Signing up for a free Bracebridge Library card is worth its weight in gold.
If you live in or own property in Muskoka, you can sign up for a Bracebridge Library card for free. That should be a good enough reason to register for one, but if you need more motivation, here are some ways having a library card could save you money:
Attend fun programs for all ages
Programs are offered at the Bracebridge Library for children, tweens/teens, and adults… for free!
Whether you are looking to learn a new skill like calligraphy, how to make the perfect gift using only things you can find in your backyard, or something fun for your little one to enjoy, the library has programming for all ages.
Say goodbye to costly streaming subscriptions
Subscribing to one (or more) of the many streaming services available is becoming increasingly expensive. Long gone are the days of visiting Blockbuster on a Friday night to pick out which movie or video game you would spend your weekend enjoying.
But, thankfully, the Bracebridge Library is helping to fill that void!
Your library card gives you access to more than just books! Our catalogue includes CDs, DVDs, video games, and consoles. All these items can be borrowed for free.
Are you noticing a theme?
Online resources
The Bracebridge Library has a lot more online than just eBooks. We have online resources that are available to you for free with your library card.
Some of the resources include:
- Libby is a free app that allows users to borrow eBooks, eAudiobooks, and magazines from the Bracebridge Library. The material can be downloaded for offline use.
- LOTE4Kids allows children to enjoy the magic of books in world languages from the comfort of home. Each book is provided with an English translation to help develop multilingual reading and listening skills.
- Fiero Code is a self-paced learn-to-code software for kids between the ages of 8 and 18. It includes hundreds of coding tutorials and dozens of real-world projects that can help prepare youth for future jobs. This program provides meaningful life skills such as critical thinking and problem-solving.
- Auto Repair Source offers a user-friendly search experience and access to a wealth of information to help users diagnose, repair and maintain today’s complex vehicles.
- LinkedIn Learning has over 16,000 courses covering topics from project management to photography. It is available to everyone with a valid Bracebridge Library card.
Some of the resources can only be used at the Coulson Family Bracebridge Library.
Cool Things to Borrow collection
The Cool Things to Borrow collection is one of the ways the Bracebridge Library shows how a library isn’t just a place where you borrow books. The collection includes useful, creative, educational, and just plain fun items that you can borrow with your library card.
Some of the items you can borrow include:
- Autism support kits: The Bracebridge Library has curated kits designed to address the communication and emotional needs of children with autism. These can be borrowed for up to three weeks at a time.
- Consoles & video games: The Bracebridge Library has PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 consoles that can be borrowed for up to one week at a time. It includes the necessary cables and controllers. A selection of video games for both consoles, along with the Nintendo DS & Wii and Xbox One & Series X, are also available to borrow.
- Musical instruments: The library has a wide variety of musical instruments, including an acoustic guitar, banjo, and electric drum pads.
- SMPL Music Player: The SMPL Music Player is designed to be easy to use. Music begins playing once the lid is lifted and stops once it is closed. Songs can be changed at the push of a button. It plays any MP3 file, including audiobooks and comes pre-loaded with a selection of big band-era songs.
- Vehicle maintenance tools: The Bracebridge Library has a selection of vehicle maintenance tools, making it easier to take on those small jobs at home without having to purchase equipment you may only use occasionally.
All of the items that make up the Cool Things to Borrow collection can be borrowed for free.
Record an informative podcast or hit song
There are rooms available for you to use for free to study on your own or in a group. On top of that, there is also the Recording Studio!
It has the equipment you need to record the next song of the summer, or to start a podcast about your favourite topic.
Unleash your creativity in the Makerspace
The Makerspace features multiple 3D printers, a laser cutter, an embroidery machine, and even a button maker!
Makerspace Coordinator Kayla Pollock is ready to show you how to use all the cool gadgets.
Learn about Muskoka’s past
The Local History Room is dedicated to preserving the area’s rich history. Adult and Information Services Librarian Cindy Buhne will guide you through the library’s history collection and find the resource you are looking for.
Muskoka is filled with history, but it can be hard to sort through everything to find what you want to know.
Get one-on-one tech help
Technology is becoming increasingly complicated to use. The Bracebridge Library wants to help you understand it!
No matter how minor your tech question may be, the staff at the Bracebridge Library are available to help you through the issue.
Drop-in one-on-one tech help is available from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. every Thursday. This service is a good fit for concerns that can be resolved in 15 minutes. Patrons are seen in order of arrival.
If you have a more complex issue, email [email protected] to set up an appointment.