Exploring Nature with St. Thomas Public Library by Amelia Bainbridge, Communi- cations & Donor Relations Coordinator St. Thomas Public Library As the breeze warms and flowers bloom, the call of the outdoors becomes irresistible. Fortunately, St. Thomas is home to many parks and paths, so we don’t have to travel far to experience nature in all its spring glory. The Benefits of Stepping Outside There are many advantages to immersing yourself in nature. For young children, it is a chance to learn about the world, experience new textures and scents, and expand their vocabularies. In fact, exploring outside is an excellent way to build literacy skills. You can point out signs as you walk, build structures with sticks and rocks, narrate stories about the local wildlife, or simply enjoy a book together in the fresh air. Outdoor time is equally beneficial for older kids, teens, and adults. Being in nature is a proven stress reducer, offering our eyes and brains a necessary break from screens while acting as a powerful mood booster. Best of all, it’s free! Enhancing Your Experience If you are looking for fresh ways to soak in these benefits, visit the St. Thomas Public Library. Your library card can unlock several ways to elevate your time outdoors: • Ping Pong Sets: Borrow a ping pong set to use at the outdoor tables in Westlake Evans Park, located right next to the library. Each kit includes two paddles and a ball, providing everything you need to stay active on a beautiful day.
Hometown St. Thomas May Cover We look forward to welcoming the community to our Nature Lab in the coming months. This new area near the lower level entrance will be a lush discovery zone where visitors of all ages can engage with the natural world. Stay tuned for more information! Hometown St. Thomas May 2026 Issue 79 • Parks Passes: You can sign out a day pass to explore Ontario’s Provincial Parks for free. These passes grant day- use vehicle access for you and your passengers. Keep a pass for one week to visit several different locations. There are over 100 beautiful provincial parks in Ontario to explore, with Port Burwell Provincial Park being the closest. • Seed Library: Gardening is a productive and fun way to spend time outside. If you are preparing to plant, browse our Seed Library. Simply use your library card to check out seeds from our collection. At the end of the season, let a few plants go to seed, collect the same amount you borrowed, and return them to the library. Our collection features native species including flowers, fruits, vegetables, and herbs. Nature Lab
Photos from the 2026 Impact Awards hosted by the St. Thomas & District Chamber of Commerce. The awards were held on April 17th at the Joe Thornton Community Centre. Photos by Shutter Studios.
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Page 34 Hometown St. Thomas • May 2026
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