Get Outdoors SFPL!

Spend more time outside this year by joining the Smiths Falls Public Library “Get Outdoors Club”!

Just follow us on our social media platforms, or check out this page! In the future we hope to host in person programs that will require registration such as hiking, nature crafts, gardening, and more. For now we will be posting fun activities you can do by yourself or in small groups. All ages welcome!

Get Outdoors - In the Pumpkin Patch

L.M. Montgomery’s character Anne of Green Gables said it best: “I am so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers.”

The trees have all changed their colours, the fall harvest is done, sweater weather is here and there is pumpkin flavoured everything! This is the perfect time of year to visit a local pumpkin patch, drink some hot cider and enjoy the crisp fresh autumn air without the bugs!

This month we’ve got a pumpkin recipe from Leacock Farms to share with you, tips and tricks for carving pumpkins and how to make your own autumn dried flower wall hanging.

When you think about autumn, pumpkins definitely come to mind. Here’s how you can roast your own pumpkin for delicious seasonal dishes!

Cut a pie pumpkin in half, then core out the seeds. Flip over and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper skin side up.
Bake at 350F for 1 hour or until soft.
Let it cool.
Use a spoon to scrape the flesh from the skin into a bowl and mash it. Now it’s ready for use! If you wish to store it for later, let it cool and store it in freezer bags and put it in the freezer.

Want to try baking pumpkin bread with your own freshly roasted pumpkin? We have a recipe from Leacock Farms! Download or grab a copy of the recipe at the library.

TIP: Check out our collection of cook books for more ideas!

Books to Get You Outside

Ontario Parks Day-Use Vehicle Permits

Did you know? Your Smiths Falls Public Library card isn’t just good for books! You can borrow free Day-Use Vehicle Permits.

These park permits provide unlimited day-use access for one vehicle and its occupants to more than 100 provincial parks in Ontario where fees are normally charged. Park capacity limitations apply. These permits must be displayed on the rear-view mirror or dashboard of the vehicle while it is in a park.

Passes can be borrowed for 7 days.

MAPsacks and Rideau Valley Conservation Area Passes

Borrow a MAPsack (“Movement And Play” sack) from our Children’s Department and we will include a Rideau Valley Conservation Area Pass! These passes allow you free access to local conservation areas such as:

Baxter Conservation Area
Foley Mountain
Perth Wildlife Reserve
Rideau Ferry Yacht Club
W.A. Taylor Conservation Area

Passes cover the cost of one vehicle and can be borrowed for a 7-day period with a MAPsack.