Travel, Sports and Hobbies
Books featured in our most recent Armchair Travel Newsletter- Click a book cover to read that book's summary
- Subscribe to have this newsletter sent to your email each month
Related Programs
See all library programs and events related to Travel, Sports and Hobbies.
Crafts
In the Library
Books about Handicrafts (general)
Books about beadwork
Books about calligraphy
Books about collage
Books about crochet
Books about embroidery
Books about knitting
Books about needlework
Books about patchwork and quilting
Books about scrapbooking
Books about stained glass
In My Community
Canadian Embroiderers' Guild, London Ontario
Founded in October 1971, the Guild is a teaching organization, in the tradition of the craft guilds of the middle ages. The Guild frequently showcases the work of its members at various London Public Library locations.
City of London
Check listings under the heading of "Creative City" for information on and links to the decorative arts and crafts in London.
London Arts Council
The Council is an umbrella organization for the arts in London, including crafts and craft organizations. For example, contacts and events for "Artisans London" --a not for profit umbrella organization which includes such local organizations as the "Forest City Decorative Artists", the "Miniature Enthusiasts", etc. can be found on this site. The Arts Council's mission includes "nurturing awareness of, involvement in, and commitment to, excellence of all levels of Arts and Culture" for Londoners. The site offers art news, an arts calendar, as well as information on grants administered by the Council.
London District Weavers and Spinners This London,Ontario Guild, now in its fifth decade, offers a shared experience of weaving and spinning, as well as teaching sessions for those interested in this craft.
London Potters Guild
The London Potters Guild, founded in 1981,is a guild formed to encourage the growth and development of potters as well as to generate an appreciation for pottery in the London Community.
Stained Glass Guild of London Ontario
This Guild which opened its doors at the East Lions Artisan Centre (1731 Churchill Avenue) in January 2010 was founded by local stained glass artists Ted Goodden and Lynette Richards as a way to get people more involved in this expressive art form. The Centre offers lots of room to work, learn and create.
Websites
Beadwork (About.com)
This page offers comprehensive coverage of beading topics with extensive links to other sites. It includes patterns, tutorials, and sources for supplies.
Canadian Gourd Society
A society of artists and craftspeople intent on the encouragement of Canadian gourd art recognition.
Embroiderers' Association of Canada, Inc.
This site offers information about associations for embroidery.
Fusion: The Ontario Clay and Glass Association
This site provides information about the association, a members' gallery, events calendar, information about classes and links to related sites.
Knitting Help
If you want to learn to knit or to explore advanced techniques, this site offers 150 free online videos. It also includes a popular knitting forum.
Needlepoint (About.com)
This page offers comprehensive coverage of embroidery topics, including history, patterns, stitches and more.
OntarioArtist
An Ontario Government website for finding information and links to programs and services for artists, including those who work in crafts and design.
Ontario Crafts Council
The Ontario Crafts Council home page, which promotes craft, advocates for craftspeople, and provides information, services and programs.
Scrapbooking.com Magazine
This online monthly magazine is a good site for both the novice and experienced scrapbooker. It features information on layouts, articles, bulletin boards, etc.
Games
At the Library
Books about chess
Books about playing bridge
Websites
American Contract Bridge League
All about bridge including rules, online lessons and useful links to local opportunities to play.
Backgammon Galore
Backgammon rules and online game links.
Billiard Congress of America
Everything about pool and billiards including its history, rules, lessons and lists of associations. Select ‘Play’ from the sidebar and scroll down to ‘Be Good at Billiards’ for illustrated instructions and handy tips.
Birthday Party Ideas
A great variety of contemporary party theme ideas for kids, teens, adults, holidays and more.
Blackjack Info
Tips, tricks and practice.
Card Games Website
An awesome site - be sure to scroll through the ‘Alphabetical Index of Card Games’ for rules and links to specific game sites such as Solitaire Central.
Chess Federation of Canada
Rules and regulations, clubs, tournaments, links.
Elliott Avendon Museum and Archive of Games
Located at University of Waterloo. A great site for the history and cultural aspects of games including Canadian.
Entertainment Software Rating Board
The American ESRB rating system helps parents and other consumers choose the games that are right for their families. These standards are now being enforced in Ontario under the Theatres Act.
Conjuror
Although “magicians never tell”, free tricks for the beginner magician are revealed.
National Scrabble Association
Sponsored by Hasbro, the official trademark owner of Scrabble in North America, this site includes links to Scrabble in Canada.
Ontario Problem Gambling Helpline
A place to find information about problem gambling treatment services in Ontario.
Party Game Central
Over 1000 free games with instructions. Try the ‘custom games’ to find games suitable for your group’s specific size, activity level or indoor/outdoor location.
In My Community
London Chess Club
Keep in touch with local playing opportunities or play online.
Forest City Backgammon Club
Everyone is welcomed to join the Thursday evening Backgammon sessions at the Central Library 5 - 9 p.m.. Contact Greg Fowler at fowgre@yahoo.ca for more details.
Photography
At the Library
Books about photography (general)
Books about fine art photography
Books about digital photography techniques
In My Community
City of London
Check listings under the heading of "Creative City" for information on and links to galleries, museums, and resources which offer exhibitions and opportunities in photography in London.
Fanshawe College
The home page of Fanshawe College where information on courses related to photography can be found.
London Arts Council
The London Arts Council home page. The Council is an umbrella organization for the arts in London, including photography. The Council's mission includes "nurturing awareness of, involvement in, and commitment to, excellence of all levels of Arts and Culture" for Londoners. This site offers art news, an arts calendar, as well as information on grants administered by the Council
London Camera Club
The home page of the London Camera Club containing information for photo-enthusiasts of all levels of experience. The page includes club information, events, members portfolios and web sites. It also includes links to other photography sites, both national and international.
London Videography Club
The club was established in 1992 as a meeting place for amateur and professional videographers working in all forms of digital media, who are interested in improving their video production and keeping abreast of the rapidly changing technology in this field.
Websites
Canadian Association for Photographic Art
The official site of the Canadian Association for Photographic Art, a "forum for both amateur and professional photographers who wish to share their views and insights with others both locally and across the country". CAPA is a non-profit organization which promotes photography as an art form.
Canadian Heritage Information Network
The CHIN site acts as a gateway to museums, galleries, and heritage information in Canada and around the world. It includes the Artists in Canada database, an alphabetical and descriptive listing of Canadian artists, including photographers, that indicates which libraries (including London Public Library) own information files on these artists.
Canadian Museum of Contemporary Photography
The Canadian Museum of Contemporary Photography's home page on the web. The museum, located in Ottawa, showcases the work of Canadian photographers, through travelling exhibitions, education programs, publications, etc.
George Eastman House - International Museum of Photography and Film
The official site of the George Eastman House - International Museum of Photography and Film. The site offers photography news, events, exhibits and links to related sites.
The Photographic Historical Society of Canada
The Society, which was formed in 1974, was created to advance the knowledge of and interest in the history of photography, particularly of photography in Canada.
Sports
At the Library
Books about curling
Books about cycling
Books about golf
Books about hockey
Websites
Canadian Curling Association
Official site
Major League Baseball
Official site.
Canadian Football League
Official site.
National Basketball Association
Official site
National Football League
Official site.
National Hockey League
Official site.
Canadian Olympic Committee
Commonwealth Games Association of Canada
Sport Canada
Publisher- Canada. Sport Canada.
Festivals and Events in Ontario
Use this site for Ontario programs on arts, sports and history during 2013.
In My Community
London and District Baseball Association
Travel
At the Library
Travel Guidebooks
We also have travel guides for specific regions, more countries and cities. Go to the catalogue, choose word search and type in the name of the city or region and "guidebooks".
Online Audiobooks
Don't forget that you can also learn some language phrases using our online audio books that you may download to your computer and mp3 player.
Mango Languages
Learn a language online at your own pace. Courses for learning English as well as a number of non-English languages. Basic courses for travelers, or more in-depth courses to take you beyond the basics.
In My Community
Tourism London site with many categories for local information such as what to do, where to stay, shopping, calendar of events.
Websites
Access to Travel
Provides links/information on accessible transportation and travel for people with special needs. Developed by Transport Canada site in partnership with federal and provincial governments and not-for-profit associations.
Bed & Breakfast Online Canada
A directory of Canadian B & Bs, this site includes photos, rates, and special amenities.
CottageRentals.com
Tyler's On-line Cottage Rental Directory lists many Canadian cottages with photos, rental prices, etc. There is a fee to obtain the phone numbers of the cottage owners. The library has the print edition that has this contact information.
This is the official travel and tourism website of the United States. It includes an interactive map, links to travel booking sites and links to tourism information for all 50 states.
Exchange Rates
The Bank of Canada gives today's exchange rates for the Canadian dollar compared to any currency in the world.
Fodor's
This site allows you to choose from many popular cities or destinations in the world. Once you have made your choice, you can consult descriptions of attractions, hotels and restaurants, current weather, and maps. Read comments from guests/diners as well as see Fodor's own ratings.
Information and Assistance for Canadians Abroad
The Consular Affairs Bureau maintains this site for Canadians travelling to or living in foreign countries. Be informed about safety and security conditions, health issues, visa requirements, etc..
MapQuest [for North American mapping]
A useful site, not only for maps showing streets within cities, locating cities within provinces or states and showing countries, but also giving distances between places and driving directions.
Ontario ~ More to Discover
A government site covering events, accommodations, maps, weather, etc..
Rail Europe
This site has information about getting Eurail passes and other types of passes for train travel and also has schedules for travel between hundreds of towns and cities. It provides fares in Canadian dollars.
Road Scholar is the new name for Elderhostel, a not for profit educational travel organization for adults.
TripAdvisor
Award-winning search engine that helps consumers research travel plans via the web. Includes recommendations and reviews for hotels, vacation packages, restaurants, and more.