Books take us to magical places… Where will reading take you?

Take part in CBRL’s Magical Doorways Art Show & Prize Draw from May 16th – June 20th!

Choose a fantastical world, bring it to life, and enter to win a fun gift basket of books, toys, and treats!

How it works:

1. Come into any CBRL branch to pick up a doorway
2. Draw the place you would like to escape to inside of your doorway and color your creation
3. Return your masterpiece to the library and fill out a ballot for a chance to win
4. All magical doorways will be displayed at your local library. Take a peek and see where everyone’s reading adventures are taking them!

We can’t wait to see where your door leads you!

We are excited to kick off a fun reading challenge for all ages celebrating Canadian authors from across the country.

Readers are invited to explore books from five Canadian regions, and you can find great suggestions on the online catalog including:

– English and French titles

– Separate reading lists for youth and adults

How to take part

1. Get a free contest map at your library or print one from the Same Page website.
2. Read one Canadian book from each of the five regions.
3. Bring your map to the library after you finish each book. You’ll get a travel stamp (sticker) and a chance to win a prize.

READ Coast to Coast starts on Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026 and ends on April 30, 2026.

Prize for children: Canada goose stuffie and $100 book lovers prize ($50 Indigo gift card/ $50 On The Same Page BookStore gift card)

Prize for teens/adults: Canada goose stuffie and $100 book lovers prize ($50 Indigo gift card/ $50 On The Same Page BookStore gift card)

Reading Canadian is a great way to share stories and explore the country without leaving home.

Did you know?

Read Coast-to-Coast is a Same Page initiative, supported by the Province of Nova Scotia.To learn more, visit https://www.samepagens.ca/coast2coast/

Book Lists

Need help finding Canadian Books? Our librarians have created book lists for each of the regions!

1. Read Coast-to-Coast, The Northern Territories: Adult 

   Read Coast to Coast, The Northern Territories: Children and Young Adults

2. Read Coast-to-Coast, The West Coast: Adult

Read Coast to Coast, The West Coast: Children and Young Adults

3. Read Coast-to-Coast, The Prairie Provinces: Adult

Read Coast to Coast, The Prairie Provinces: Children and Young Adults

4. Read Coast-to-Coast, Central Canada: Adult

Read Coast to Coast, Central Canada: Children and Young Adults

5. Read Coast to Coast, The Atlantic Provinces: Adult

Read Coast to Coast, The Atlantic Provinces: Children and Young Adults

In this modern digital world, knowing how to use our devices is more important than ever before.

CBRL, in partnership with NS Community Technology, is offering free, one-on-one digital literacy sessions, to help you get up to speed with your tech.

Need help navigating library services?

Want to get in touch with friends and family?

Struggling with a tough computer problem? Browsing the web?

We’re more than happy to help will all this and more!

All skill levels and abilities welcome!

Join the waitlist for a summer session with the technology trainer but filling in the form below.

We will begin contacting people on the waitlist and scheduling summer appointments at the beginning of July.

All skill levels and abilities welcome!

CBRL has a collection of light therapy lamps available to borrow.

Lamps can be placed on hold and delivered to the library location of your choice for you to take home. You may borrow the lamp for three weeks.

What is a Light Therapy Lamp?

According to MayoClinic,

“Light therapy is a way to treat seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and certain other conditions by exposure to artificial light. SAD is a type of depression that occurs at a certain time each year, usually in the fall or winter.

During light therapy, you sit or work near a device called a light therapy box (or lamp). The box gives off bright light that mimics natural outdoor light.

Light therapy is thought to affect brain chemicals linked to mood and sleep, easing SAD symptoms. Using a light therapy box may also help with other types of depression, sleep disorders and other conditions.”

How to use the lamp

DO…

• Turn on the lamp and allow a few minutes for bulb to achieve full brightness.
• Sit about 6-24″ away from the lamp, with the lamp positioned slightly off centre.
• Keep your eyes open, but DO NOT look directly at the light. Avoid wearing sunglasses, tinted glasses, or a hat with a visor as they block the good light. Clear glasses are fine.
• Use it any time of day. Morning and mid-afternoon are ideal times, but NOT within 4 hours before bedtime, which can affect your ability to get a good sleep.
• More information from Happy Light Manufacturer

Place a hold on a light therapy lamp today!

On this page:

• About Snap Circuits Motion
• Getting Started
• Troubleshooting
• Additional Resources
• STEAM Kits

About Snap Circuits Motion

Snap Circuits Motion kit is focused on physics and things that “move” like pulleys, fans and motion detectors. Design electrical circuits with easy-to-use parts that simply snap together.

Contains 35 pieces

Please refer to the parts layout map included in your kit

Recommended age: 8+ years old

Snap Circuits Motion can be requested through the SamePage Catalogue.

Once available it can be borrowed for 3 weeks.

Request Snap Circuits Motion

Caution!

• Adult supervision required
• Choking hazard – not suitable for under the age of 3
• Do not touch moving parts
• Do not connect to electrical outlets or attach extra power sources
• Do not leave circuit unattended
• Read pages 1 and 9 of the Instruction Manual for more information

Getting Started

• Take a look at the kit contents and make note of anything that is missing.
• Next, carefully read safety information in Instruction Manual.
• Start by placing the base grid on a flat surface.
• You will need a power source for every circuit you build. Your power source is the battery holder with three 1.5V AA batteries (included).
• Notice the black numbers labelled on the project diagrams. These show the order in which to place your circuit parts.
• Detailed project instructions included in manual.

STEAM Kits

Frequently Asked Questions

What is STEAM?

STEAM is an acronym for science, technology, engineering, art, and math. It is an approach to learning that uses these subjects as a guide to problem-solving, inquiry, dialogue, and critical thinking.

What are STEAM Kits?

STEAM Kits contain hands-on activities that support STEAM-based
learning.

How do I check out a STEAM Kit?

For how long can I borrow a STEAM Kit?

STEAM Kits can be checked out online through the Cape Breton
Regional Library website (www.cbrl.ca), or in person at any of our
branch locations.

STEAM Kits can be borrowed for up to 3 weeks.

How do I return a STEAM kit?

STEAM Kits can be returned to any of our branch locations. Please
bring the STEAM Kit to the circulation desk. Do not leave in the book return dropbox.

Who do I contact for more information?

If you have any questions or need assistance with your STEAM Kit,
please contact your local branch or email us at info@cbrl.ca.

Explore More Steam Kits to Borrow

Snap Circuits Motion

Snap Circuits Discover Coding

Backstrap Loom

Loom Knitting

Picasso Tiles

Squishy Circuits

Spool Knitting

Weaving: Peg Loom

Learn to Crochet Kit 2: Make a Ribbed Hat

Learn to Crochet: Kit 1. Make a Dishcloth

MAKEDO FREEPLAY

Cubroid

The Rita E. Gillis Children’s Literacy Collection celebrates the life and legacy of Rita E. Gillis—an inspiring educator, devoted mentor, and lifelong advocate for children’s literacy.

Born and raised in Balls Creek, Rita dedicated her life to nurturing young minds and fostering a love of learning. Through decades of teaching, she left a lasting impact on generations of students, remembered not only for her kindness and dedication, but for her deep belief in the power of literacy to transform lives.

Today, Rita’s legacy lives on at the McConnell Library in Sydney. With generous support from her sons, the Library is proud to house the Rita E. Gillis Children’s Literacy Collection—an ever-growing selection of books that encourages literacy, imagination, and a lifelong love of reading in children.

This collection stands as a tribute to Rita’s remarkable life and her unwavering commitment to young learners, ensuring her spirit continues to inspire for years to come.

Add your support to the Rita E. Gillis Children’s Literacy Collection by making a donation today!

On this page:

• About Snap Circuits Discover Coding
• Kit Contents
• Additional Equipment Needed
• Getting Started
• Troubleshooting
• STEAM Kits

About Snap Circuits Discover Coding

Snap Circuits: Learn the basics of coding! Download the Snap Circuits^® App and control Snap Circuits^® projects using your smartphone or tablet to control lights, sounds and a motor! Discover Coding is a great introduction to coding, using easy graphical coding.

Kit Contents

Please refer to the parts layout map included in your kit. Please notify the library if any pieces are missing

Additional Equipment Needed

• You will need to download the free Snap Circuits coding app to an android or ios device. The device must have Bluetooth enabled.

Recommended age: 8+ years old

Snap Circuits Discover Coding can be requested through the SamePage Catalogue.

Once available it can be borrowed for 3 weeks.

Request Snap Circuits Discover Coding

Caution!

• Adult supervision required
• Choking hazard – not suitable for under the age of 3
• Do not touch moving parts
• Do not connect to electrical outlets or attach extra power sources
• Do not leave circuit unattended
• Read pages 1 and 9 of the Instruction Manual for more information

Getting Started

• Take a look at the kit contents and make note of anything that is missing.
• Download the Snap Circuits Coding app to an android or ios device.
• Next, carefully read pages 1-9 of the Instruction Manual as it contains important safety and parts information.
• Start by placing the base grid on a flat surface.
• You will need a power source for every circuit you build. Your power source is the battery holder with three 1.5V AA batteries (included).
• Notice the black numbers labelled on the project diagrams. These show the order in which to place your circuit parts.
• Start building your circuit! Refer to the Instruction Manual for project ideas

STEAM Kits

Frequently Asked Questions

What is STEAM?

STEAM is an acronym for science, technology, engineering, art, and math. It is an approach to learning that uses these subjects as a guide to problem-solving, inquiry, dialogue, and critical thinking.

What are STEAM Kits?

STEAM Kits contain hands-on activities that support STEAM-based
learning.

How do I check out a STEAM Kit?

For how long can I borrow a STEAM Kit?

STEAM Kits can be checked out online through the Cape Breton
Regional Library website (www.cbrl.ca), or in person at any of our
branch locations.

STEAM Kits can be borrowed for up to 3 weeks.

How do I return a STEAM kit?

STEAM Kits can be returned to any of our branch locations. Please
bring the STEAM Kit to the circulation desk. Do not leave in the book return dropbox.

Who do I contact for more information?

If you have any questions or need assistance with your STEAM Kit,
please contact your local branch or email us at info@cbrl.ca.

Explore More Steam Kits to Borrow

Snap Circuits Motion

Snap Circuits Discover Coding

Backstrap Loom

Loom Knitting

Picasso Tiles

Squishy Circuits

Spool Knitting

Weaving: Peg Loom

Learn to Crochet Kit 2: Make a Ribbed Hat

Learn to Crochet: Kit 1. Make a Dishcloth

MAKEDO FREEPLAY

Cubroid

Library staff can assist with transferring audiobooks to the device. Borrowers must register for CELA and NNELs to get access to books from those services.

• Reserve through the online catalogue or by phoning 902-562-3161.
  • Introduction to Victor Reader Stream (handout included when borrowing device)
  • Quick Tips for the Victor Reader Stream (handout included when borrowing device)
  • Transferring Books to the Victor Reader Stream
  • Audio/Video Lessons on using the Victor Stream Reader

The Optelec Traveller HD is a unique reading magnifier designed for an ideal reading experience.

• Easy to use and easy to carry
• Great image quality
• Magnification up to 30x

Let’s Chat Conversation cards are a great resource for sparking meaningful conversations in group settings, workshops, or one-on-one interactions.

The cards are divided into 6 topics for easy separation and can be used with individuals or groups. There are 112 double-sided cards, that’s 224 unique questions! The box includes guidance on how to use these prompts. These cards are ideal for those seeking activities for the elderly with dementia, offering engaging conversation prompts to stimulate meaningful discussions and brain activity through reminiscing and decision-making. Designed in conjunction with Dementia Specialist Gail Elliot of Enhanceability.

Get connected with a mobile hotspot!

CBRL has partnered with @NS Community Technology to offer loans of mobile hotspots.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

About the Hotspots:

These easy-to-use devices provide WiFi connectivity and can be used with tablets, smartphones, laptops, or any wireless-capable device. Each hotspot includes 40+ GB of data and can be borrowed for a three-week period.

Network Coverage & Usage Notes:

The hotspots operate on the Eastlink mobile network and will work in areas with access to cellular service. Borrowers are responsible for confirming if their location is within Eastlink’s coverage area. A coverage map is available on Eastlink’s website. Please note that signal strength and speed may vary depending on location, topography, network traffic, and other conditions.

Important: Wifi hotspot devices perform best with Android devices and may not be compatible with Apple devices.

Return Guidelines:

Devices must be returned directly to a staff member—they cannot be placed in book drops or return bins. Devices will be deactivated if not returned by the due date, and a replacement fee will apply for any unreturned hotspots.

Is my information tracked on the Hotspot?

The Hotspot devices are provided by your library to access the Internet for educational and recreational purposes. No private information, such as name, login information, account numbers, or websites visited, is collected or retained.

Troubleshooting

Please be sure to read the Quick Start Guide included with your Hotspot first.

Tips:

• Ensure the device is fully charged before use.
• Hold the power button down for a few seconds to turn on. If the device is asleep, lightly press the power button to wake the device.
• Network strength can be seen on the status display screen when the device is powered on.
• No connection or connected to the device but not the Internet? Restart by turning the power off and back on. Disconnect from the network on your wireless-capable device and then reconnect to it.
• For more information, contact your local library or visit our online catalogue to place a hold: https://samepagecbrl.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S195C498215

Beginning May 1st, 2025, the Cape Breton Regional Library will implement changes to Hoopla, the popular digital media service that offers access to eBooks, audiobooks, movies, music, and more.

CBRL had almost one thousand new Hoopla users last year, and with more users joining every month the rising costs are projected to exceed our digital resources budget allocated for 2025. To ensure we can continue offering a wide range of digital and physical materials to our patrons, we must make adjustments to how Hoopla is accessed.

What’s changing:

• ​Effective May 1st, the number of Hoopla checkouts per patron each month will be reduced from five to three. 
• We will also be introducing a Collective Daily Borrow Limit which will ensure that the library does not exceed its limited budget.

A Collective Daily Borrow Limit means that once CBRL lends enough titles out to reach the established daily spending limit, borrowing is turned off for the rest of the day for all patrons. Patrons will receive a message saying to “try again tomorrow” when that limit has been reached. The collective daily borrow limit will reset each day at midnight. 

Any daily budget that is not spent will roll over into the following day. Patrons can still borrow 3 items per month as long as the daily spending limit is not reached.  

Why make this change?

Libraries all over North America, including several other libraries in Nova Scotia, are having to make tough decisions regarding their Hoopla service.  Over the past several years, the costs associated with Hoopla have risen significantly. Hoopla is a pay-per-use service, charging the library for each checkout. Their pricing model makes the costs unpredictable and difficult to budget. 

​Understanding Hoopla’s Cost Structure

It’s helpful to understand how Hoopla’s pricing works. Libraries pay a set fee each time an item is borrowed. While prices vary, the average cost per checkout for all materials is about $2.80. With more patrons accessing this service each month, these fees add up quickly.

Cost Management Strategies​

We remain committed to offering diverse digital resources, but managing these rising costs is essential. By reducing the monthly checkout limit, and introducing a Collective Daily Borrow Limit we can control our costs while continuing to offer this popular service.

​Exploring Additional Solutions

Without additional funding for Nova Scotian Libraries, we may have to make further reductions in the future. This would most likely be discontinuing Hoopla service entirely and reallocating funds to another service such as Libby/Overdrive. We have reviewed our data and found that more people are borrowing more items through Libby and on average Libby fees work out to $0.41 per circulation compared to $2.80 per circulation on Hoopla.

​Bonus Borrows

We encourage patrons to take advantage of Hoopla’s “Bonus Borrows,” available during the last seven days of each month. These special titles don’t count against your monthly limit, and the Library incurs no cost for them. Look for Bonus Borrows in the app or on Hoopla’s main page during the final week of each month.

​

Other Digital Services Unaffected

These changes apply only to Hoopla. Other digital services, including Libby/OverDrive, remain unaffected. We also encourage you to continue to borrow physical materials including books, DVDs, Blu-Rays, and audiobooks on CD or Playway.

​We know these adjustments may be disappointing to some, and we truly appreciate your support as we balance fiscal responsibility with excellent library service. Your feedback is always welcome — please don’t hesitate to share your thoughts with us as we navigate the future of digital resources at the Library.

​Thank you for your continued support of Cape Breton Regional Library.

How can you help

Voice your support for libraries and the need for increased library funding by writing to your MLA.

Donate to CBRL’s Books & Beyond Campaign. All donations to Books & Beyond go towards enhancing our collections of books, Library of Things equipment and kits, and digital library resources.

On this page

• About the Backstrap Loom Kit
• Kit Contents:
• Borrow a Backstrap Loom Kit
• How to use the Backstrap Loom:
• FEEDBACK
• STEAM Kits

About the Backstrap Loom Kit

Recommended age: 9+ years old

Learn the centuries-old art of backstrap loom weaving to make colourful belts, straps, wristbands, or bookmarks!

Your project is yours to keep.

Donations for supplies are gratefully accepted

Kit Contents:

• Wooden Clamp
• Plastic heddle
• Shuttle/beater
• Yarn for weaving
• Instruction booklet

How to use the Backstrap Loom:

Watch a Video Tutorial:

Getting Started

1. Attach the warp to the wooden clamp by loosening the black knobs, separating the clamp, and placing the short knotted end of the warp between the pieces of wood. Tighten the black knobs to secure the clamp and warp.
2. Using the white cotton string, feed one end through the free end of the warp, in front of the knot, and then fasten the white string to a heavy, stationary object like a table leg.
3. Wrap the weaving yarn around the shuttle/beater.
4. Take the cord attached to the clamp, unhook the side attached with a small screw, bring it around your back and re-hook the cord to the clamp. The clamp should be about 6 to 8 inches away from the front of your body.
5. Ensure correct tension in the warp by slightly leaning back, whether sitting or standing, until the warp is pulled tightly.

How to Weave

*Refer to the included Instruction Booklet or video for step-by-step photos*

1. Make a space (referred to as a “shed”) with the warp yarn by pulling straight up on the rigid heddle. You should have a triangular-shaped space in the warp yarn.
2. Pull the shuttle/beater through the shed, leaving a 1 inch “tail” on the side on which you started.
3. Tap the weft yarn into place by using either the shuttle/beater, or the rigid heddle. The shuttle makes a narrower, firmer end result, while the heddle is more wide and loose.
4. Push the rigid heddle down to make another shed. You should notice that the yarn strands have switched positions.
5. Tuck the yarn tail into the weaving, then bring the shuttle/beater through to the other side.
6. Tap the weft yarn into place as in Step 3.
7. Continue these steps until you’ve reached your desired length.

Snap Circuits Motion

Snap Circuits Discover Coding

Backstrap Loom

Loom Knitting

Picasso Tiles

Squishy Circuits

On This Page

• About Loom Knitting Kit
• Borrow a Loom Knitting Kit
• Getting Started
• FEEDBACK
• STEAM Kits

About Loom Knitting Kit

Recommended Age 6+

In this kit you will learn how to knit on a round loom. Loom knitting can be easier to learn than knitting on needles and is a great way to introduce children to knitting. It can also be a useful method for people with arthritis or mobility issues. This kit includes looms in three sizes and enough yarn to make a hat.

Your project is yours to keep.

Donations for supplies are gratefully accepted

Items included in the kit:

1. 3 knitting looms (31 peg, 36 peg, 41 peg)
2. Loom hook tool
3. Tapestry needle
4. 2 skeins yarn
5. Book: Knitting Loom Primer
6. STEAM kit Information Guide (this document)

Getting Started

Watch the video below or follow along with written instructions included in the kit.

STEAM Kits

Frequently Asked Questions

What is STEAM?

STEAM is an acronym for science, technology, engineering, art, and math. It is an approach to learning that uses these subjects as a guide to problem-solving, inquiry, dialogue, and critical thinking.

What are STEAM Kits?

STEAM Kits contain hands-on activities that support STEAM-based
learning.

How do I check out a STEAM Kit?

For how long can I borrow a STEAM Kit?

STEAM Kits can be checked out online through the Cape Breton
Regional Library website (www.cbrl.ca), or in person at any of our
branch locations.

STEAM Kits can be borrowed for up to 3 weeks.

How do I return a STEAM kit?

STEAM Kits can be returned to any of our branch locations. Please
bring the STEAM Kit to the circulation desk. Do not leave in the book return dropbox.

Who do I contact for more information?

If you have any questions or need assistance with your STEAM Kit,
please contact your local branch or email us at info@cbrl.ca.

Explore More Steam Kits to Borrow

Snap Circuits Motion

Snap Circuits Discover Coding

Backstrap Loom

Loom Knitting

Picasso Tiles

Squishy Circuits

Spool Knitting

Weaving: Peg Loom

Learn to Crochet Kit 2: Make a Ribbed Hat

Learn to Crochet: Kit 1. Make a Dishcloth

MAKEDO FREEPLAY

Cubroid