In The News
Artist in Residence
Call for Applications Extended to April 28
This program provides one artist or one collective of artists with the opportunity and funds up to $3,000 to develop new work that will animate the BWG Library and Cultural Centre.
This program is open to artists of all disciplines and folks can submit hard-copy or online applications.
This project is made possible through the support of the Bradford United Church and the Bradford Arts Centre upon their closing in June 2023.
Empowered Expressions Art Exhibit
Youth Empowerment Collective
May 4 to 18
We are getting very excited to host the inaugural Empowered Expressions Art Exhibit organized by the Youth Empowerment Collective . This art exhibit will feature over fifty pieces of artwork from local children and youth in the Zima Room, and aligns with the first Youth Empowerment Day on May 4th 2024.
The exhibit opens to the public at 2:00 p.m. on May 4th, and will be on display in the Zima Room until May 18th 2024.
For more information visit https://youthempowermentcollective.ca/
Join the Flag Raising for Youth Empowerment Day at the BWG Leisure Centre at 11 am on Saturday, May 4.
200 Meters Film Screening - Cancelled
Film Screening Cancelled
The Bradford West Gwillimbury Public Library (BWGPL) takes a community-led approach to its programming. It seeks to support local groups and initiatives that promote cross-cultural understanding while providing a safe space for all. We are a public institution that provides a gateway for all persons within our community to advance themselves through literacy, lifelong learning, social engagement, and cultural enrichment.
A few months ago, Library staff were contacted by a resident who was interested in hosting an event intended to build understanding from a Palestinian perspective and help combat rising Islamophobia and anti-Palestinian racism. Library staff have since been working with the resident to coordinate a public film screening of “200 Meters,” which explores the life of a Palestinian father living in the West Bank. The screening was scheduled for March 17, 2024, at the BWGPL.
Out of an abundance of caution for the safety of participants and all library patrons, we have made the difficult decision to cancel the film screening. With further consultation and support from local community groups and organizations, the BWGPL will work to find a solution that both honours the resident's intention while ensuring all feel safe and welcome.
Art of Punjab Exhibition
Art of Punjab Exhibition
Celebrating Sikh Heritage Month
April 6 to May 2
Launch Saturday April 6 • 2 p.m.
Join us for the Art of Punjab Exhibit featuring the acclaimed artwork of Canadian artist Kanwar Singh in celebration of Sikh Heritage Month. This month-long exhibit runs from April 6th to May 2nd 2024 in the Zima Room of the BWG Public Library.
About the Artist: Kanwar Singh
Kanwar Singh stands as a significant figure in the portrayal of Sikh history through art, his works have been displayed in the Virasat-e-Khalsa museum in Punjab and the Without Shape Without Form gallery in London UK, as well as other galleries around the world. Born in Amristar India, and raised in Toronto Canada, Singh’s artistic journey is deeply intertwined with his exploration of Sikhism, drawing inspiration from historical and spiritual narratives.
His paintings delve into the lives of the ten Gurus, iconic Sikh heroes, and their devotion, sacrifice and connection to Waheguru (God). Through his art, Singh not only preserves but breathes life into the legacy of Sikhism, promoting messages of peace, love, unity, and equality. Educated in Fine Art and History, Singh’s unique style marries the grace of traditional Sikh painting with the dramatic intensity of Renaissance and Baroque eras, creating a body of work that is both innovative and deeply reverent.
Celebrating Sikh Heritage Month, The Art of Punjab Exhibit offers a unique opportunity for visitors to engage with Sikh culture and history through the lens of Kanwar Singh’s work. This free exhibition is an artistic showcase that also seeks to build cross-cultural understanding in and around our community.
This project has been made possible with the support of Alectra Utilities who is the sponsor of the Library’s Culture@BWG initiative, ensuring regular access to cultural activations throughout the year.
To learn more about Kanwar Singh’s work, please visit artofpunjab.com.
Natasha's Nook: Life inside the BWG Library
Check out Natasha's Nook, a weekly column in the local newspaper, BradfordToday, to stay up to date on all the exciting programs and events happening inside the BWG Library!
January 20, 2024: Library display is local history guessing game
January 6, 2024: Chill out with the Winter Reading Challenge
December 27, 2023: Ring in the New Year with the BWG Library
December 16, 2023: Festive celebration planned for local seniors
December 9, 2023: Discover the wonder of Wonderbooks
December 2, 2023: Rediscovering the joy of the holidays
November 25, 2023: BWG Library has your self-care needs covered
November 10, 2023: Put thoughts to paper at journaling workshop
November 4, 2023: BWG Library marking Remembrance Day with events
October 28, 2023: I Read Canadian, Eh?
October, 22, 2023: Author to share fun, spooky stories
October 14, 2023: Full slate of activities at BWG Library in October
July 20, 2023: Time to talk books as Simcoe Reads nears
July 15, 2023: BWG Library has new program for those off to school
July 1, 2023: BWG Library becomes Barbie haven this month
June 23, 2023: BWG Library's hosting Summer Reading Club party
June 17, 2023: BWG Library celebrating Indigenous Peoples Day
June 10, 2023: BWG Library patron's passion on the grow
June 3, 2023: BWG Library puts focus on seniors this month
May 27, 2023: This one's for the tweens
May 19, 2023: Farmers' market season starts Saturday
May 12, 2023: BWG Library putting together Puzzle Mania
May 6, 2023: It's time to dance at BWG Library
April 29, 2023: 3D Printing now available at BWG Library
April 22, 2023: Time to vote for Forest of Reading awards
April 14, 2023: It's rhyme time at the BWG Library
April 8, 2023: Get growing this season with seed library
April 2, 2023: BWG Library launches new book clubs
March 27, 2023: Preserve photos, videos at BWG Library's digitization station
March 19, 2023: Peruse the news with PressReader
March 11, 2023: Library loses Libby, welcomes cloudLibrary
March 5, 2023: BWG Library is about much more than books
BWG Library In The News
Juno-winning blues guitarist to BWG Library - BradfordToday, Jan. 22, 2024
Showcase of art by Black youth coming to Bradford - BradfordToday, Jan. 22, 2024
Chess Club continues at Library thanks to this Grade 9 student - BradfordToday, Jan. 3, 2024
Canvas for Change to 'uplift and spotlight' Bradford's Black youth - BradfordToday, Dec.13, 2023
Photo exhibit depicts war in Ukraine - CBC Radio, Dec. 2, 2023
Ukrainian photo exhibit making stop at BWG Library - BradfordToday, Nov. 29, 2023
Ukrainian Photo Exhibit at BWG Library - CTV News, Nov. 27, 2023
Canvas for Change Program with Making Change - Rogers TV, Nov. 20, 2023
Library's latest South Simcoe WWI veteran database released - BradfordToday, Nov. 8, 2023
Bradford Library hosting exhibit of photos depicting war in Ukraine - BradfordToday, Nov. 7, 2023
BWG Welcomes New Community Fridge - Town of BWG, Oct. 26, 2023
Digitized copies of historic newspapers now available through Bradford Library - BradfordToday, Oct. 26, 2023
Warm-hearted volunteer serves up empathy at Out of the Cold Café - BradfordToday, July 11, 2023
BWG Library expects 'extremely successful' Drag Queen Storytime - BradfordToday, June 2, 2023
WWI archival database available at Bradford Library - CTV News, April 30, 2023
Database on local veterans goes public at BWG library - BradfordToday, April 12, 2023
'Book Club Sets' available at BWG Library for local reading groups - BradfordToday, Feb. 5, 2022
No more late fines at BWG Library - BradfordToday, June 4, 2021
Five free things at the BWG Library - BradfordToday, May 15, 2021
Slow internet? The BWG Library can help! - BradfordToday, April 3, 2021