Borrow a guitar, exchange cuttings, discover virtual reality, have a coffee: Montreal’s libraries offer a range of services and activities extending well beyond book lending. Here is an overview of what these real leisure and activity centers have in store for you.
Posted at 7:30 a.m.
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1. Borrow items.
In several Montreal libraries, it is possible to borrow toys, board games, gardening tools, musical instruments… And even passes to visit a Montreal museum. The Mordecai-Richler, Saul-Bellow, Marie-Uguay and Rosemont libraries also offer outdoor equipment loans.
PHOTO MATHIEU SPARKS
Benny Library
2. Make your own creations.
Have you ever visited one of the 16 Fabricathèques in the Montreal library network? These creative spaces have been specially designed to encourage socialization, artistic expression and enriching discoveries.
PHOTO ANNIE-ÈVE DUMONTIER
Saint-Henri Library
Inaugurated last June, the Medialab at the new Maisonneuve library invites you to discover unexpected forms of cultural expression and entertainment, by providing you with nearly 20 software programs, as well as digital equipment to make your own films. Staff also hold regular workshops, activities and support clinics.
Médialab is a learning center where exchange and pleasure await you! In this space, we want to build a community to create and exchange best practices, while helping to reduce the digital divide.
Marie-Ève Leprohon, section head of the Maisonneuve library
For its part, the new L’Octogone library, which reopened on September 29, houses, among other things, a cartoonist’s workshop, as well as a culinary and scientific laboratory.
PHOTO VINCENZO D’ALTO
L’Octagon Library
Our comic book collection is huge. There is something for all ages and interests. It is a form of visual and literary art. This signature collection is the pride of the City of Montreal library network and that is why we placed it at the heart of our new library.
Valérie Medzalabanleth, division head of the L’Octogone library
Two Montreal libraries are getting a makeover
Modernized spaces and a more diverse offering than ever: a new chapter is opening for the Maisonneuve and L’Octogone libraries. These investments are the result of a collaboration between the City of Montreal and the Ministry of Culture and Communications as part of the Library Renovation, Expansion and Construction Program, carried out through the Agreement on the cultural development of Montreal.
3. Cultivate your mind and develop your green thumb.
Urban agriculture initiatives are even growing on library roofs. At the Maisonneuve library, you are invited to go up to the open-air terrace and admire the urban vegetable garden whose harvests are given to a local community restaurant.
Did you know ?
If you live in Montreal, all you need is a free library card to get seeds of fine herbs, flowers, vegetables and medicinal plants for free. Several libraries also accept exchanges and donations of cuttings and seeds.
4. Immerse yourself in the digital world.
Video games room in Maisonneuve, tablets and virtual reality equipment available for loan at L’Octogone: the offerings of Montreal libraries continue to grow. The entire network also offers you free wifi, a large collection of digital books and newspapers, and access to public computers and tablets. It is even possible to take language courses online through free platforms.
PHOTO MÉLANIE DUSSEAULT
Maisonneuve Library
5. Pedal a desk bike.
A pedal desk to channel children’s energy into a seated position is one of the many ways to facilitate inclusion in Montreal libraries. Documents in adapted formats, tactile puzzles, wheelchairs, digital magnifying glasses: people with functional limitations benefit from adapted infrastructure and equipment. Many libraries also offer a home loan service for people who are unable to travel.
PHOTO LOUIS-ÉTIENNE DORÉ
Library of Saint-Michel
2023-10-21 20:30:19
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