Petawawa Public Library

Looking for reading inspiration?

Book Prizes and Awards

Here’s a selection of fiction nominees and winners from major literary awards this year, such as the Scotiabank Giller Prize, the Governor General’s Literary Awards, the Booker Prize, the Writer’s Trust of Canada, the National Book Awards, the Amazon Canada First Novel Award, and the Women’s Prize for Fiction.

Maybe you’ll find a new favourite author or genre! Open the full list to see if the title is available or not. You can then log in to your online library account and place a hold.

A selection of book covers from the list of literary award winners and nominees for 2023. — View the complete list.

If you haven’t done so already, you’ll need to set up an online account to place holds and view your checkouts. It’s pretty easy and you’ll find everything you need to know in our post, I’d like to access my account online.

Book Sale November 25 (12:30-2:30 pm)

Calling all Book Lovers

Recover from the stress of Black Friday shopping by stopping by the Petawawa Public Library between 12:30 and 2:30 pm on Saturday November 25 to browse for book bargains at our Book Sale!

You will find books for all ages and interests, in nearly new and gently used condition. Maybe you’ll even find the perfect gift for a loved one, or discover something to enjoy yourself on a cold winters’ night.

Where will the money raised go?

All proceeds will go to our Program Fund to help us provide free programs and barrier free access to all of our patrons.

What you need to know about donating books

Bring donations to the front desk on Wednesday evenings until November 22 between 5:30 and 7:30pm.

We cannot accept books in poor condition (no rips, tears, odours, or stains please)

Please place your donations in disposable boxes which can be handled by one person, or bags which we can keep.

More questions about donations? Call 613-687-2227 ext. 0.

Other donation options

Did you know you can donate to the Library online?

The Petawawa Public Library is a registered charity and we can accept contributions through the Canada Helps website. Our Charitable Registration Number is 886487503RR0001.

You can donate to the Library in general or direct your gift specifically to Library Programming.

DONATE ONLINE

A tax receipt will be issued.

Dyslexia Awareness Month

October is Dyslexia Awareness Month and thanks to a micro grant from the International Dyslexia Association Ontario and its Read October campaign we have been able to add “decodable books” to our children’s collection! The Petawawa Public Library is happy to help raise awareness of dyslexia and the resources available in our own library.

First Nation Public Library Week

October is a busy month! There’s Thanksgiving, Hallowe’en, Canadian Library Month, Ontario Public Library Week, Dyslexia Awareness Month and First Nation Public Library Week which runs from October 2-6! Read on to discover the special events for the week.

Our New Circulation Desk!

We are excited to officially announce the completion of our new Circulation Desk
(a.k.a. the Accessible Service Desk Retrofit).

This project is funded in part by the Government of Canada’s Enabling Accessibility Fund.

The library's old circulation desk cleared off and ready for demolition.

This is how it started. (Yes, that is duct tape holding the bottom together).

2 tables with computers served as the temporary circulation desk during the renovation.

This was our temporary service point. (We’ll just call it cozy and leave it at that).

The imprints of the old circulation desk left on the carpet.

Meanwhile, out with the old.

The electrician uses a power tool to dig a channel in the floor to accommodate wiring for the new desk.

Then the electricians went to work. (This was the loud phase).

The tiling contractor kneels on the floor and positions the new tiles using spacers.

After that, the tiling began.

Pieces of the new desk wait to be installed.

Finally it was installation day!

A view of the new circulation desk featuring a slot for returning books, and lots of space to serve customers.

This is the view of the finished desk when you walk in! Psst. We can raise and lower parts of the desk. But wait … there’s more!

A view of the two sections of the desk at right angles with a gap for easy access by staff.

Here is the view of both sections.

Thank you for your patience and understanding during the demolition and throughout all phases of the installation. We hope you will enjoy the change as much as we do!

We would also like to acknowledge the professional services provided by Library Outfitters, Petawawa Electric, Ben Brown Ceramic Tile Co. and Petawawa Civic Centre Operations staff.

Library Logo Wins Award!

Congratulations to Auni Milne of Sumack Loft, the designer of our logo!

The bear logo was submitted to LogoLounge, who selected it to be published in the next LogoLounge book. This book includes winning designs from around the world and is used by advertising agencies, communications companies, and graphic design boutiques as inspiration for their own work.

We’re thrilled for Auni, and excited that the logo representing the Petawawa Public Library will have such global exposure.

There’ll be no hibernation for this bear this winter!

Planning your first ever camping trip?

Wondering what you need to know to have a safe and fun experience in the great outdoors?

The library can help with that! We have partnered with Ontario Parks to provide access to Online or In-Park sessions with an Ontario Parks Ambassador.

Book your free Online Ambassador Experience to learn everything you need to know about before your first camping trip and discover tips and tricks to know before you go!

Sign up for a One-on-one In-Park experience at a participating park for practical hands-on instruction on the topic of your choice:

How to Cook While Camping
How to Build the Perfect Campfire
How to Set up Your Campsite
What Kind of Animals Live at Ontario Parks?

In-Park workshops are included in the cost of your camping permit at participating parks.

Pro tip:

Use the Filter Parks or Online Workshop tool to narrow your search when you visit the Ambassador Experience page.

An Ontario Parks Ambassador helps two young children build a campfire in a one-on-one In-Park session. Their family had previously joined an online group session to answer their pre-trip questions before the big day.

Medici TV

Having fun isn’t hard, when you’ve got a library card… Check out Medici TV, it’s not just another streaming service!

Science with Sarah: A Sneak Peek.

My name is Sarah Speight, and you guessed it, I have been running Science with Sarah at the Petawawa Public Library! I am a Geologist by trade and have spent the last 15+ years studying Science during my academic career. Recently, I successfully defended my Ph.D. thesis in Earth Sciences! Each week in Science with Sarah we have been running experiments and exploring different areas of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM). At this point, we have covered quite a few topics! Some of our favourites include rock and mineral identification, colour experiments, STEM building challenges, and number games. Check out our Space and Stars program below!

Q & A with Jacob, our Co-op Student!

What are you studying, and where do you hope to work at the end of your program?

I am currently in the final semester of my consecutive Bachelor of Education (BEd) through Nipissing University Schulich School of Education. My focus has been in the primary/junior division or kindergarten to grade 6. My undergrad was completed through Carleton University where I earned a Bachelor of Arts in Law (honours). After I am certified to teach in Ontario, I wish to stick around the Renfrew County in hopes of securing a career in the area.