This November at McLaughlin Branch, Oshawa Public Libraries will play host to authors from the mystery, fantasy and horror genres, in a one-day event where visitors will have the chance to chat with the authors, our guest of honour Kelley Armstrong, and to pitch their work to publishers one-on-one. To learn more about the Darklit Fest of Durham, visit the festival homepage.

The Oshawa Public Libraries is happy to announce that, in partnership with the Oshawa Community Museum and Archives and The Robert McLaughlin Gallery, it will be republishing volume one of Thomas Bouckley's Pictorial Oshawa!

Available for pre-order now, the book will include updated descriptions of the photographs, as well as some new never-before-seen images! Books are available by cheque or cash for $40 each. Copies will be available on November 5, 2010, with a special launch at The Robert McLaughlin Gallery the same day. After November 5, the price will go up to $45, so order your copy today!

You can drop off your order form at any branch of the Oshawa Public Libraries.

To celebrate the 2010 "Pass the Book" title The Factory Voice the Oshawa Public Libraries will be hosting a unique and exciting wrap-up gala on Friday, September 24 at the Jubilee Pavilion, Lakeview Park.

Join us for this 1940s social and dance experience:

• Big Band Music - "Swing Street Big Band"
• Swing Dancing - "Rhythm Dynamix Dance Group"
• Vintage Cars
• Prizes for the best 40s outfits
• H’ors d’oeuvres and Desserts
• Cash Bar
• Meet author Jeanette Lynes
• And more!

• Jubilee Pavilion, Lakeview Park
• Tickets are $25 each and available at any branch of the Oshawa Public Libraries and the Oshawa Community Museum

The Pass the Book community read returned to Oshawa this summer, with residents of Durham Region coming together to read Jeanette Lynes' The Factory Voice. Check out upcoming events at which you can participate in Pass the Book themed programmes in our August-September Pass the Book brochure.

OPL is once again offering workshops on topics of interest to web users new and old, in partnership with the John Howard Society. Interested in creating a web page, surfing social networks, or getting a good deal by buying online? Sign up for our web workshops by calling Aaron Kimberley at 905-579-6111 ext. 5261. Sign up early, as space is limited:


Create Your Own Website
Thursday, August 5 at 1:30 pm
John Howard Society Durham
75 Richmond St W
Learn how to build a website or find a design, how to get an address, and how to pick a host for your site.


The Social Web
Thursday, August 12 at 1:30pm
John Howard Society Durham
75 Richmond St W
Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn: Use the web to connect with friends, family, employers, celebrities and more.


Buying and Selling Online
Thursday, August 19 at 1:30pm
John Howard Society Durham
75 Richmond St W
We’ll take a look at the ins and outs of buying and selling on the web - what to watch for, and how to find a great deal.

The Adult Summer Reading Club is back by popular demand! It again coincides with the TD Summer Reading Club for children and the Teen Summer Reading Clubs. Find more information on how to participate at our Adult Summer Reading Club page, or continue to our fourth list of biweekly reading club themes and titles to join in. Get the whole family swinging through the summer by reading.

Congratulations to our winners for the 2010 Express Yourself Teen Art and Writing Contest! The winning submissions are linked below. Read, browse and enjoy the artistic talent Oshawa Teens shared with us this year.

Grades 7-9 Art:

On Tuesday May 18th at 7PM, come to OPL's Legends Centre Branch for a workout which will get you moving. This will be an opportunity to strengthen the foundation of your upper body. Your back, abs and lower body muscles will all be challenged during a variety of balance and resistance exercises. Bring a towel, and dress comfortably. Ages 19+.

Oshawa Public Libraries, in partnership with the Oshawa Senior Citizens Centre, has selected the winners of the fourth annual writing contest for seniors. We hope all those who participated enjoy the offerings of our winning writers:

#1 - Frazer Canyon Runaway by Julie Timms
#2 - The Night the Toys Played by Jean Larsen
#3 - Cooking in the Open by Irene Lubowitz

The shelves at Oshawa Public Libraries were rocking on Saturday, March 27, as Battle of the Bands 2010 drew local bands and music fans to the McLaughlin Branch.

Bands competed in three categories: K-8, Grades 9-12, and Adult.

Some of the participants and organisers at this year's battle: