Programs For All Ages
Port Hope Public Library's goal is to support extensive and comprehensive library programming and outreach that meets the diversity of needs in the community, and that supports the Library's collections and service mandate. The Library actively partners with other community agencies, organizations, educational and cultural institutions, or individuals to develop and present co-sponsored public programs. The Library's philosophy of open access to information and ideas extends to Library programming with all programs open to the public and largely offered free of charge.
Port Hope Public Library approaches programming with innovation and vision, which has been recognized provincially as the recipient for two consecutive years of the Ministry of Culture's Angus Mowat Award of Excellence in Public Library Service.
There are a wide variety of fun, informative and entertaining programs available at the library. See examples of your library's programming below.
Local History Chat with Bill Bickle
The Library's local history guru, Lori Stephenson-Brittain chats with Bill Bickle about the Hawkins family, and Dr. M.S. Hawkins, the namesake of Port Hope’s senior public school. A virtual version of our popular Local History Series for 2021. Watch their chat on the Library's Facebook page.
Local Author Interview with Linda Hutsell-Manning
Posted Wednesday, October 20 @ 1 PM
To mark Ontario Public Library Week, local author Linda Hutsell-Manning discusses her memoir Fearless and Determined. Watch the interview here on the Library's Facebook page. With thanks to the Canada Council for the Arts through The Writers’ Union of Canada.
Author Myriam Steinberg Virtual Interview!
Posted Monday, September 27 @ 1 PM
Myriam Steinberg chats with local Birth Doula Janette Taylor about her graphic novel, Catalogue Baby, detailing her journey to single parenthood. Join us on PHPL’s Facebook page @PortHopeLibrary
Virtual Author Talk with Shana Abé
Available September 15 on Library Social Media
Join Ashley and author Shana Abé to discover the real story of the second Mrs. Astor beyond all the scandals. Ms Abé's novel, The Second Mrs. Astor, is partly set on board the Titanic and covers the tragic loss of Mrs. Astor’s husband.
Unsinkable Lucile Author & Illustrator Chat
Posted to Facebook Tuesday, October 18
Join Ashley as she talks with Hugh Brewster, author of the new children’s book, Unsinkable Lucile, and the book’s illustrator, Laurie McGaw. Learn about Lady Duff Gordon, a famous Edwardian fashion designer and Titanic survivor, who began life as Lucy Sutherland, a farm girl from Ontario!
Learning, Laughter and Play
Wednesday mornings from 10:30 am to 11:30 am at the Mary J Benson Branch
Introducing our youngest patrons to the Library. In partnership with Early On Northumberland the Library presents stories and interactive play designed for children up to six years old however older children are welcome to attend. There is no cost, and registration is not required. Check the Events Calendar or the What's On newsletter for program dates.
Tween/Teen Book Club
Third Wednesday of the month at 4 pm at the Mary J Benson Branch. Join Lisa for a book club for tween/teens in Grade 6, 7 & 8. We will read a different book each month. Snacks will be provided. Please pre-register with Lisa at registrations@phpl.ca
Check the Events Calendar or the What's On newsletter for program dates.
Mystery Readers Book Club
A group dedicated to discovering who dunnit!
Mystery Readers Book Club members want to solve the crime and figure out who the culprit may be. Cozy mysteries, police procedurals, thrillers, hard boiled detectives and a little bit of true crime are discussed monthly along with a cup of tea and a cookie. Book club titles can be ordered through the Library’s interlibrary loan service.
Mystery Readers Book Club meets in the Program Room of the Mary J. Benson Branch at 7 p.m. on the first Tuesday of the month from September to June. New members are always welcome. For further information or to register, please visit the Library or contact us at 905.885.4712 or email
Library Book Club
Warning - attendance may be habit-forming!
Library Book Club is a lively collection of readers who meet to mull over a monthly book selection. Literary fiction, nonfiction, family sagas and memoirs – in fact, any book is fair game. The good-natured discussion ranges from the sublime to the ridiculous. Meetings are open to all. Book club titles can be ordered for members through the Library’s interlibrary loan service.
Library Book Club meets in the Program Room of the Mary J. Benson Branch at 7 p.m. on the fourth Tuesday of the month from September to June. New members are always welcome. For further information or to register, please visit the Library or contact us at 905.885.4712 or email
Northumberland 89.7 morning host Jim Glover and Library staff chat Thursday mornings at 8:45 am about Library resources, programs, and events. Listen to Truly Local Radio all about your public library.