The library is a free space for all members of the public to use. If you are new to Cape Breton and Canada here are the top 5 reasons you should visit the public library!

1. FREE Bilingual Books to Borrow

The library has books in many languages other than English, including French and Gaelic.  Due to popular demand we recently added several bilingual English-Arabic books to our collection.  The books are great vocabulary builders for children and adults.  Anyone can get a library card (FREE) and borrow the books (also FREE).  We also have audio-CDs, textbooks, and dictionaries for learning English.  

2. Children's Play Areas

Many of our library branches have children's play areas with toys, puzzles, and games.  Children and their parents are welcome any time during branch open hours.

- Above: Children's area at Baddeck Public Library, Below: Children's area McConnell Library, Sydney.

3. Free WiFi and Public Computers

All library branches have free wi-fi and computers for public use.  Printing and scanning are available as well.  

4. Studying and English Conversation Circles

All library branches have space to sit and study and for anyone looking for opportunities to practice English, the McConnell Library in Sydney will soon be starting English Conversation Circles to help newcomers learn English and learn more about our community.

Above: Tables for study or conversation in Children's Area at McConnell Library, Sydney

5. Story times, puppet shows, knitting groups, board game nights, workshops and more!

Hundreds of programs for children, teenagers and adults are offered for FREE at the library.  Story times for babies and young children help develop their language skills and encourage a love of reading. They are also great ways to meet other parents in the community.  School-aged children have the opportunity to play with Lego, make crafts or try 3D printing.  Some branches have teen games nights and open-mics.  And for adults there are knitting groups, chess clubs, book clubs, healthy living workshops, film nights and author readings. 

For more information about the library visit our website: http://cbrl.ca and check our Facebook page for upcoming events.