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Thunder Bay Public Library plans free drop-in events for nearly every day in February

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The Thunder Bay Public Library is encouraging locals to pop by for free events and community gatherings throughout the month of February.

From babies to retirees, the library has something for everybody in their newly released schedule.

Programming includes weekly beading, knitting, gardening and hip-hop classes. There’s a chess club, spice club and travel club as well.

Parents of small children can enjoy programs like play days and family storytime sessions. They can also drop in for daily Discovery Club sessions, a self-guided exploration of STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, math) concepts for children 4 and up.

Elderly locals can meet and socialize at weekly Retirement Explorers gatherings and a Seniors Coffee Chat.

On February 12, the library will offer free counselling for adults completing applications such as housing assistance. Downsizing With Care is an interactive, informative session on life skills for young adults planned for February 2.

For a full schedule of events and programming, visit the library website.

Fort Frances Public Library(1)

Fort Frances Library budget seeks decrease in municipal funding.

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The Fort Frances Public Library Technology Centre wants less money from the town.

The proposed budget for 2026 includes a 1% decrease in the amount provided by the municipality.

The total request is $606,931.

Chief Executive Officer Nadine Cousineau anticipates increased funding in other areas, including the rental of the Shaw Community Hub and use of the photocopier, two of the library’s largest revenue generators.

“We also have a plan in place to increase marketing and advertising of these two services,” says Cousineau.

“I feel very confident with extra effort, we will easily surpass those numbers.”

The library is also receiving a financial boost from Ontario Library Services.

It is providing $1,310, a 44.6% increase over 2025, in funding through its Connecting Libraries Initiative.

“It’s a program through OLS, which is intended to upgrade internet services in unserved and underserved communities,” says Cousineau.

“This will reimburse our connectivity costs for a 12-month period, and we’ll also have a less expensive monthly public internet bill going forward.”

The library will also see a 4.7% decrease in salaries, wages and benefits because of recent staffing changes that have led to new employees starting at the lower ends of the pay scale.

It will save the library more than $22,000.

Cousineau says there are increases in maintenance and repairs, insurance, and software, some due to inflation.

Non-resident memberships will increase 1.9%, matching the rise placed on other town services and programs.

Cousineau says they are holding the line on all other expenses, including programs and the purchase of new library materials.

“What this means for the staff is we’ll work with the same amount of money, regardless of inflation, and still hope to deliver the same level of services to the Fort Francis community.”

No changes in hours of service are planned.

Town council is expected to formally vote on the budget at a later date.