Hard copy library books may be out of the question right now, but as the Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy says; “Don’t panic.” The Perth Union Library and its staff are still here for you, even if it is from a socially appropriate distance! Wondering how to use our resources, or what’s even available? Read on, dear patron. 

1 – Check out our new website

 If you haven’t explored our new website yet, now is the perfect time! Resources for kids, digital services, exploration & enrichment, as well as our catalogue for book searches are ready for your perusal with just an easy click from our homepage at  www.perthunionlibrary.ca

2 – Explore our online book collection

Dear patrons, we know that there is truly nothing like a “real” book, but have you checked out Libby yet? Libby is a free app with which you can download e-books and audiobooks using your library card. Online copies might not be “the same,” but these resources are a treasure all on their own. Audiobooks are a great way to enjoy a story hands-free, and who knew that reading in the dark could be so cozy? You can set your text size, brightness level, and even colour scheme from the settings menu. Remember that your library card number is listed near the barcode on your card.

3 – Find your next book

Sometimes finding your next read is difficult. We’re here to help! Not only does our website have a staff picks page, but we also have a direct link to NoveList. NoveList is a great way to help match you with the titles you want; just search for a favourite book and click through for a list of similar titles or authors. You can also browse book titles by genre or by description. If you are wondering what the last book you checked out from the Perth Library was called, remember that you can log in to your account on our website, and view your circulation history!

4 – Watch movies for free

Kanopy is a movie-streaming service that you can access for free using your library account. Search films by genre or topic, set parental controls, and even check your viewing history. The Kanopy library is an especially great way to explore some new ideas if you are needing a break from Hollywood media. Be aware though; you only get five free movies per month! What a great excuse to set up a virtual movie night, and enjoy a film together – apart.

5 – Visit the museum

Feeling a need to see something besides the usual surroundings? Visit the museum from your couch! Many cultural spaces around the world are opening up their displays to virtual tours for free. These can be found with a few easy clicks from the Perth Union Library’s homepage. First, select “Programs & Events” then “Adult Learning.” This will take you to a page rich in easy-click links to lead you on your next great online adventure. You can even visit the Metropolitan Opera! “Nightly Met Opera Streams” at 7:30 p.m. Remember that you can easily bookmark a page from your internet browser - look for the three dots representing a drop-down menu, or a star near the web address.

6 – Build your digital skills

Libraries are a place of shared knowledge. Even in the midst of so much change, this continues to be true. At the Perth Union Library, we recognize that the online world can be a difficult and overwhelming place to navigate. Feeling stranded is the worst! To help you on your way, we have included a resource link on our Adult Learning page called “TechBoomers.” The TechBoomers site offers a wide range of tutorials from internet safety and shopping online, to how to use Facebook. If you are feeling that you have these things figured out pretty well, you can even find tutorials on how to learn computer programming, run a successful blog, or advice on how to get your business online.

7 - Free Wifi

The library is a place of connection and we are all finding new ways to connect with our community these days. As always, allow us to get you connected digitally; if you bring your own device, you can connect freely to the library’s wifi network from anywhere around the library building. Now that the weather is getting warmer you can actually linger in the library garden, applying appropriate physical distancing, of course!

8 - Explore the world

While we may not be able to pack our bags and hop on a plane right now, we can still explore the wonders that the world has to offer right in our own homes! Under the Digital Library tab of our website, you can find Global Road Warrior and AtoZ World Travel, both of which are fantastic resources packed with information about the many places and cultures of our wonderful world.

9 - Connect the kids

We've got tons of fun stuff and educational resources for kids on our website! On the Kids’ Resources page, you’ll find links for at-home learning, exploration, and play with ideas for offline activities as well. For the younger set, click over to our Babies & Toddlers page where you’ll find tons of guides and storytimes to help you build your child’s early literacy skills. Parents, we haven’t forgotten you - you now have your very own Parents’ Corner filled with information and resources to support you and your growing readers! Kids can sign up for our new Pen Pal Program to connect with other kids in our community (and to get some reading & writing practice in!)

10 - Connect with us

Connect with us on social media for all the latest updates - follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram! If you’re missing the friendly faces you usually see at the library, check-in with our staff on the library’s blog to see what we’re up to (find it under the “About” tab of the website, under “News”). Miss getting together with your book club to chat about what you’ve read? Join the Perth Union Library Together Apart Book Club on Goodreads. We’re currently reading The Outlander by award-winning Canadian author Gil Adamson which is accessible free for all with your Perth Union Library card. Join in the discussion!

This is just a short list of the ways the library is here for you. Hop on our website for current information about the library closure, links to mental health support, and our regular catalogue. We’re also on social media, and would love to meet you there! It is such a wild change to be distant from our wonderful patrons. We hope that you are all keeping well. Have questions or just want to say hi? Reach out to us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and come visit our virtual space soon!

The Perth & District Library is here for you! We are providing alternate services and our virtual branch is always open 24/7. Please visit our website and follow us on social media for up-to-date information on your library services during COVID-19 closure.  

Julie Hansen
Perth & District Union Public Library
613.267.1224
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

The Township is re-opening the public boat launch today, April 30, 2020.

The Ontario government is further expanding the list of essential workers eligible to receive free emergency childcare during the COVID-19 outbreak. Those who will benefit include people who work in the food supply chain, retirement homes, grocery stores and pharmacies, and certain federal employees, including the military.

Read the full press release.

Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit

The Government of Canada has recommended the use of face coverings when physical distancing (2m/6ft apart) is difficult to maintain and has mandated that all air passengers use them during travel. With this in mind, now is a good time to uncover the facts on face coverings. Knowing the facts will help you and your family make an informed decision about wearing a face covering during this COVID-19 pandemic.

Outside of air travel, wearing a face covering is a personal choice. A face covering is a non-medical mask made of cloth that covers the nose and mouth. It should fit snugly but comfortably against the side of the face and be secured with ties or ear loops. Here are some considerations:

• Face coverings protect those around you by preventing your respiratory droplets from contaminating others or landing on surfaces. It is a way to cover your cough or sneeze.
• Given recent evidence related to transmission from persons who are pre-symptomatic or have no symptoms, a face covering is another measure you can choose when keeping a distance is a challenge, such as on public transit/in taxis and in smaller grocery stores or pharmacies.
• Remember, wearing one does not replace the need to continue with other public health measures, such as staying home as much as possible, avoiding close contact with others outside of your household and thorough and frequent hand hygiene practices.
• Face coverings should not be placed on or used by: children under the age of two, anyone who has trouble breathing, or anyone who is unconscious, incapacitated or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance.
• You can make your own face coverings with materials you have on hand. Check out these ‘sew’ and ‘no sew’ instructions along with guidelines if you choose to purchase one made by someone else.

When wearing a face covering, take the following precautions to protect yourself:

• Wash your hands before putting it on & taking it off.
• Avoid touching your face covering while using it.
• Use your own face covering and do not share yours with others.
• Clean surfaces that your dirty face covering touches.
• Change it as soon as it gets damp or soiled. Cloth face coverings can be laundered with other items using a hot cycle, and then dried thoroughly. Check out the Do’s and Don’t’s of using shared laundry.

Wear cloth face coverings only and keep the medical masks for our health care workers! Remember the best protection is to stay home, practice physical distancing and wash hands often. For more information on face coverings: Government of Ontario and Government of Canada.

The Health Unit has staff answering COVID-19 related questions and concerns for the public from 8:30am to 4:30pm every day at 1-800-660-5853 extension 2499. Public Health Inspectors are also available to discuss environmental health concerns. You can also get more information about COVID-19 by visiting www.healthunit.org/coronavirus or by connecting with LGLHealthUnit on Facebook and Twitter. 

The Province of Ontario’s List of Essential Workplaces identifies critical infrastructure repair of roads as essential work.  Drummond/North Elmsley Township will be starting the reconstruction of Tennyson Road the week of April 20.  Culvert replacements and ditching will take place first followed by pulverizing and resurfacing of the 14.7 kilometres of roadway which will likely be done in sections.  The public can expect delays and periodic stretches of single-lane traffic and detours while culverts are being replaced.  The project is expected to take several months.

In addition to the usual traffic control and signage, anti-viral precautions will be taken for the safety of contractors working on site. This will include physical distancing measures and facilities for handwashing and disinfecting at the construction site.

Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit

Physical activity is good for the body, mind and soul. During times of stress, physical activity helps us cope with life challenges.

It is okay to go outdoors for a walk, run, or bike ride if you are not under quarantine or in self-isolation due to illness or exposure. Being outdoors calms the brain, increases creativity, enhances learning and decreases anger and aggression. While out, be respectful of one way traffic flow patterns and avoid recreational areas or parks that are closed.

• Walk, run or bike by yourself or with people you live with. Be sure to practice safe-cycling.
• Go to places with no or very few people and keep a minimum distance of 2m/6ft from others.
• Talk to neighbours over the fence or at a distance, like at the end of the driveway. Ensure this doesn’t lead to groups of neighbours chatting together – keep at least 6 feet apart (two arms lengths).
• If you go fishing, make sure you do so in a place that is open to the public, and stay 6 feet away from other people.
• Respects the signs that say a trail, beach, park or other place is closed.
• If walking in wooded areas, protect yourself from ticks. Apply a repellant with DEET. Wear light coloured clothing that covers exposed skin, tuck your pants in your socks and wear fully enclosed shoes, not sandals.
• Stay away from wild animals or animals you don’t know to prevent bites.
• Wash your hands when you get home.
• Remember to check for ticks. If you find a tick, use tweezers to grasp the tick by the head as close to your skin as possible. Pull it straight out, gently but firmly. Clean and disinfect the bite area.

If you are self-isolating, there are some great ways to be physically active and reduce sedentary time while indoors, or on your outdoor property!

• Take advantage of online workouts. Many of these are free such as YMCA at Home Programs.
• Check with your local fitness or yoga studio – they may have some online options for you.
• Have a home dance party (even if you are by yourself).
• Use video games like “Just Dance” or Wii Fit to make physical activity fun for the family!
• Perform domestic chores, on your own property, such as cleaning or gardening. Get kids to help outside. Outdoor chores seem more fun than vacuuming!
• Walk on your own property or walk on the spot. If you are on the phone, stand or walk around instead of sitting down.
• Stand up whenever possible. Challenge yourself to stand every 30 minutes. If working at home, consider setting up a standing desk by using a high table or stacking a pile of books.

Physical activity and eating well go hand and hand. Remember to stay hydrated! Check out the Health Unit’s “Healthy Eating” section on the website for tips on getting the nutrients you need for good health, including a healthy immune system.

The Health Unit has staff answering COVID-19 related questions and concerns for the public from 8:30am to 4:30pm every day at 1-800-660-5853 extension 2499.  Public Health Inspectors are also available to discuss environmental health concerns. You can also get more information about COVID-19 by visiting www.healthunit.org/coronavirus or by connecting with LGLHealthUnit on Facebook and Twitter. 

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Province of Ontario has provided relief funding to Social Services to help support those most in need. As part of Lanark County’s allocation, an emergency rent/mortgage bank has been set up to assist County residents who are behind in their rent/ mortgage and are at-risk of being evicted or losing their home. If your household income last month is below the maximum Household Income Limits (see chart below) and your current assets (chequing and savings accounts) are less than a total of 2 months’ rent/mortgage, you may be eligible for assistance under this program.

Download the application

After declaring a State of Emergency due to the global COVID-19 pandemic, the Province modified its Essential Service list of businesses on Friday April 3^rd and now excludes some residential construction projects.

With the new regulations, work can begin or continue on construction projects where a building permit had been issued prior to April 4, 2020.  Residential construction projects where the permit has been issued on or after April 5, 2020 will be put on hold for ten (10) days or until such time as the Emergency Order is updated to allow these projects to proceed.

The Township will continue to accept permits applications.  See bulletin release dated March 23, 2020.  These new permit applications will continue to be processed and approved however will placed on a “Pending” status.  Once the Province amends the Order to allow these projects to resume construction, these permits will be changed from the “Pending” status and released for the worksite. 

Staying at home, physical distancing, and hand washing will help stop the spread and flatten the curve. If you have any questions or require assistance with your project, don’t hesitate to contact me.

Take care and be safe.

Peter Echlin

During this COVID-19 pandemic, the Township of Drummond/North Elmsley is focused on the delivery of essential municipal services while protecting the health and safety of our staff. We are also tracking news releases to ensure residents have access to reliable information.

This week we are reducing the staff presence at the municipal office in compliance with Public Health recommendations that everyone able to work from home should do so. We will continue to have access to voicemails and emails in order to respond to residents, so please call in if you need additional information. We will continue posting and sharing information about municipal services on the Township website and on the Facebook page.

Please leave messages as you would normally at 613 267 6500 and staff will get back to you as quickly as possible. Documents can be hand-delivered to the mailbox on the table outside the municipal office at 310 Port Elmsley Road or mailed as usual.

Roadside maintenance continues as weather allows. Curbside collection of garbage and recycling continues, and the landfill at 745 Code Road is open with normal hours. The ReUse Centre at the landfill is closed until further notice for physical distancing. If you need to interact with landfill or curbside collection staff, please maintain the 2-meter physical distance required to prevent transmitting the virus.

Big Thanks to all residents performing your civic duty by staying home! That is an essential service too.

Easter dinner, in the spirit of caring and community, will be cooked and delivered by CC's on the Rideau  to people in financial need or in a state of isolation throughout the day on Sunday April 12, 2020.

The meals will be cooked in their commercial kitchen by their talented staff, who are donating their expertise and time.

CC's on the Rideau have started a list of names, please reach out to them by phone or email to add your name to the list.  Names and the number of meals need to be confirmed by Sunday April 5, 2020.

If you know someone who could use this free meal - please get their permission to pass their contact information on to CC's on the Rideau.

We are accepting donations to cover the cost of bringing the food in, any funds collected in excess will be donated to local churches for their lunch program.

Thank you for sharing.
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Phone: 613-267-6060

A special thank you to all of our loyal customers for keeping CC's  a part of your good food routine - you are also welcome to take part in this meal!!!