The Echo Lake Little Library

Libraries come in a variety of forms, from bookmobiles to impressive edifices, but all provide valuable community services. In recent years, a quaint, unofficial form of library has begun cropping up in unexpected places. One of the latest can be found outside of Baysville, ON,  on Echo Lake.

When the cottagers’ association decided to replace the large lake information sign, the idea for The Echo Lake Little Library also took shape. Frequent visitor, Sarah Soberg offered her design and painting talents for the sign, planned by cottagers Michelle LeBlond and Brad Lilleberg, who along with cottager,, Dan Gibson, constructed it. Lilleberg also built and painted the little library. Thanks are due to Sunshine Tree Services, Baysville, who cleared the area, and to the Steele Tile Co., for donating roof tiles.

Cottagers are invited to take a book, or leave one,  or both.  There’s no concern about late fees, because, with one exception, no returns are required. That exception to the “no returns” policy is “Haunted Journey”, a novel by local author and Echo Lake resident, Wendy Truscott, who has donated two copies to the library. “Haunted Journey” is set in the Lake of Bays area, and while a work of fiction, is partially  based on memories shared by older, local residents, some of whom settled and farmed on Echo Lake. The association suggested these particular copies be returned to the library, so that more cottagers might enjoy them.

During the current pandemic, when readers are unable to meet and chat at their beloved Baysville Library, the timely construction of the Echo Lake Little Library provides an added bonus. Neighbours can safely meet outdoors while choosing a good book and perhaps share recommendations.

Granite Springs

Writing is often a lonely endeavor. For that reason, it’s always a pleasure to share one’s work with readers and/or listeners. Thank you to Granite Springs, Bracebridge, for inviting several members of the Muskoka Authors’ Association to share readings of their work.

Our audience laughed at humorous adventures, were touched by a memoir, teased by a mystery-in-progress, and listened attentively to my reading of a chapter from my new novel, tentatively titled, Shattered. What a delightful way to pass a February afternoon

7th Annual Tall Pine Tales

Another successful summer of authors’ readings has concluded. Every year Tall Pine Tales by Cottage Country Writers succeeds in bring this series to audiences in Muskoka and Haliburton. We look forward to doing it all again in 2020. Watch for the dates.