March 26, Main Library –  7:00 – 8:30pm

From Roots to Ritual: The Story of Sauna With Kivia Sauna’s Alan Jalasjaa, official sauna ambassador appointed by Sauna From Finland.

Alan Jalasjaa, a sauna expert and co-host of “Kivia: The Spirit of Sauna” podcast has had a lifelong love affair with sauna. Introduced to sauna at a very young age following Finnish tradition, he earned the nickname “saunapoika” or “sauna-boy.”

Join Alan to learn more about sauna, enjoy snacks, coffee, and a chance to win a $175 gift card generously sponsored by Guelph Sauna Rentals! During the event audience members will be given access to a QR code to scan and fill out an e-ballot for a chance to win a $175 gift card to Guelph Sauna Rentals (GSR). The winner of the draw will be notified by March 31.

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This is a free program but you must register in advance to attend. Follow this link to the program page on the public library’s website to register.

Program time: 7:00pm – 8:30pm.

A Tribute to Two Friends

The Friends of the Guelph Public Library would like to pay tribute to two firm friends who passed away recently.

Steve Lidkea – March 7, 1955 – January 28, 2026

From Steve’s obituary – “From an early age , Steve’s greatest passion was reading books, in which he would get lost for hours…” Whether it was moving heavy furniture or moving books, Steve was always there to help when asked. He volunteered for years with pre-sale setup, sorting and sale days, where he was very willing, capable, and helpful. The FGPL Book Sale Committee extends its condolences to his wife, Roxana Roshon, and his family.

Read more about Steve –  https://www.passagescb.ca/obituaries/stevelidkea

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Robert “Bob” Ireland – September 17, 1940 – February 17, 2026

Well-known in Guelph business circles as the founder of Guelph Tool and Die, later Guelph Manufacturing, Bob rescued our 2015 Big booksale by donating the building – rent free – at the former Home Hardware site on Speedvale Ave. W. This large space enabled us to raise nearly $120,000 at that year’s sale for our continuing support of the Guelph Public Library. A grateful FGPL Book Sale Committee extends its condolences to his wife, Sharon, and the Ireland family.

Read more about Bob – https://www.dignitymemorial.com/en-ca/obituaries/guelph-on/robert-ireland-12753274

We need your support!

This event has taken place.

Thanks to everyone who wrote a letter of support.

For nearly 30 years, our community has waited for a new Central Library, a place that reflects Guelph’s values of learning, inclusion, and connection. That long-awaited moment is almost here. But for the new Central Library to truly serve the community, it must be supported with an expanded operating budget.

The new Central Library will be nearly three times the size of the current Main Library. Without sufficient operating funding, however, much of this new space will remain inaccessible, limiting hours, programs, and services. A major civic investment deserves the staffing and resources needed to fully activate it.

We are asking you to help.

Please take a few minutes to contact Mayor Cam Guthrie and your City Councillors to urge them to support the operating budget expansion for the Guelph Public Library in the upcoming 2026 City budget.

Personal messages matter. You might consider sharing:
• Why the New Central Library matters to you and your family
• How you use Library services
• Why a fully funded Central Library is important for Guelph’s future

Even a short email can make a real difference.

Send your email of support for the GPL to clerks@guelph.ca and a copy to the Mayor and Councillors before 10am on Friday, January 30, 2026.

Thank you for standing up for the Library and for being part of this important moment in Guelph’s history.

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Thank you for attending this year’s
Annual General Meeting
In case you missed it, the meeting agenda and annual reports are all posted here…..

The BIG Book Sale was a BIG success

$95,000 raised  —  5,000 attendees  —  55,000 items sold!

Thank you! – The Bamco Group, Red Brick Cafe,
over 250 volunteers, and our faithful customers.

Click here for a list of this year’s Donors, Supporters, and Suppliers

 

Congratulations!

To the recipients of this year’s Lifetime Memberships, Retiring Chief Librarian Steve Kraft, and Mary Mulholland, long-time executive member of the Friends.

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Thank you for attending this year’s

Friends of the Guelph Public Library

Annual General Meeting

and to our excellent guest speakers,

Acting CEO Guelph Public Library, Dan Atkins,

and Campaign Advisory Committee member, Kathryn Elton

In case you missed it, the meeting agenda and annual reports are all posted here…..

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We Did It! $1million Gift to the Public Library

At a ceremony held on September 11 at the site of this year’s book sale, founding Friends of the GPL Chair Virginia Gillham and current Chair Ian Findlay presented a BIG CHEQUE for $1,000,000 to the Guelph Public Library (CEO Steve Kraft and Board Chair Randalin Ellery). The amount was raised through the efforts of the Friends at 14 previous sales stretching back to the first sale in 2007 that raised $8,200. On hand to witness the presentation current and former Friends members and book sale volunteers. Way to go!

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Donations are Closed for this year

Donations will no longer be accepted for this year’s sale. If you didn’t make it and would like to try somewhere else contact Salvation Army, Bibles for Missions, Goodwill, or St. Vincent de Paul for their donation policies.

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