Moving in? Check out the library!

Whether you’re just settling in to your new home in Petawawa, or leaving us for a new adventure in a new location, remember to check in at your local library as soon as you can.

Visiting the library is a great way to get to know your new community, find resources to plan and survive your move, and have some fun too.

Getting to Know Your Community

Libraries are often located near other cultural, recreational and business centres in the community. They can be part of vibrant downtowns, shopping centres, or residential neighbourhoods. 

The Petawawa Public Library shares space with an arena, a banquet hall, the Town's Community Services Office and meeting rooms. On the grounds you will find a book tree, soccer fields, a baseball diamond, a dog park, miniature golf, a splash pad, a playground, a community garden and much more. A drug store, restaurants and a hotel are also nearby. 

Library staff can provide maps and information to help you navigate your new surroundings.

With a library card you can get access to a variety of things to help you explore your new community. For example, at the Petawawa Public Library, you can borrow passes for museums in Ottawa, GPS units for geocaching, binoculars, nordic walking poles, and even snowshoes for winter outings.

Even if all your boxes aren't unpacked yet, take a break and discover what's available at and around your new library.

Helpful Resources

If you find yourself without Internet service before, during and after your move, don't forget that libraries offer free access to computers and Wi-Fi. Faxing and printing are also available for a fee. These services are great if you have last-minute paperwork to complete or if you just want to keep in contact with friends and family online. 

Entertaining kids during the chaos of moving can be a challenge, but with a library card you can borrow DVDs and video games to manage boredom before your Internet and TV services are set up.

To keep up on current events, take advantage of comfortable reading areas with the latest issues of local newspapers and popular magazines.

Of course, there are books too. For practical advice, you might be interested in "The Art of Happy Moving: How to Declutter, Pack and Start Over While Maintaining Your Sanity and Finding Happiness".  For pure entertainment, you can browse the shelves for your favourite topics or authors. Like most libraries, the Petawawa Public Library's website features an Online Catalogue of all the items it circulates.

Remember, if you can't find something, ask a staff member. We're here to help.

Fun Programs

Libraries offer a wide variety of programs and activities for all ages. During the summer months, check out the TD Summer Reading Club for kids. Some sessions might require registration, some might be drop in. It depends on the library.

Adult programs could include craft or cooking classes, guest speakers, book clubs etc. If you have a talent or skill to share, let your new library know. It might be the beginning of a beautiful partnership and a great way to meet new people.

The Petawawa Public Library lists program offerings under the Programs & Events tab on our website. We post on Facebook too. You can also just stop in, take a look at our bulletin board or talk to our friendly staff. 

So What Are You Waiting For?

These are just a few of the reasons to make your new local library one of the first stops on your next move.

If you're new to the area, welcome to Petawawa! Come on in as soon as you can to see what we have to offer.

If you're saying good-bye to us, we'll miss you for sure. But we know you'll take advantage of all your new library has to offer.

Library User Pro-Tip

To borrow things from your new library right away, you will need a library card. Most public libraries require you to show photo ID and proof of residency in order to get a membership, so be sure to bring along something with your name, photo and address.

The Petawawa Public Library has a list of valid forms of identification on the Library's Membership Page.

By Lynn Tweedie
Co-ordinator of Bibliographic and Public Access Services 
at the Petawawa Public Library

How has using your local library helped you adjust to a new location? Let us know!