Are you smiling? After a long, cold bitter winter, we’re finally showered in sunshine and taking in not just green but all colours! If you can’t wait to go hiking, before you go, please don’t forget to check out the cool services that Vaughan Public Libraries offer – they may bring you more fun experiences and help you save some money.

First and foremost, our annual Storywalks are back to take your reading outdoors! Each spring, we put out beautifully designed storyboards of critically acclaimed picture books in our city parks and trails so you can read while you hike during the summer months. This year, we have eight Storywalks as outlined below, plus one pop-up Storywalk that you’ll have to discover in the city trails or events (it’s a secret for now, LOL). For details of these books, please keep on reading until the end of the post :).

Second, Vaughan Public Libraries is introducing Birding Canada Backpacks this year in partnership with the City of Vaughan, Birds Canada, and Vortex Optics. These backpacks are designed to help you learn about local wildlife and enjoy the outdoors. Each backpack includes binoculars and a variety of resources to support both experienced birders and those trying birdwatching for the first time.

Third, we’ll be doing an Explore Your Trail program on July 5 at Marita Payne Park. Other than travelling the local trails with a high-tech twist, you’ll be introduced to the new Food Forest Community Garden at the park. This is a free-use vegetable garden for the community that is supported by the City of Vaughan. 

Of course, on top of these new initiatives, we continue to offer  Nature Backpacks and Ontario Park Passes. Check them out today and enjoy the outdoor fun!