Travel, Sports and Hobbies
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At the Library
Staff Picks: We Recommend: The Canadian Outdoors
Attention Crafters
What's your hobby?? Gardening, knitting, scrapbooking, painting, geocaching, scuba diving.... The Hobbies and Crafts Reference Centre database is a searchable site of hundreds of hobby, craft and activity-related articles from leisure magazines. You can even get complete quilting patters, check it out!
Related Programs
See all library programs and events related to Travel, Sports and Hobbies.
Magazine, Newspaper, Encyclopedia & Journal Articles
Use Information Databases to search thousands of current and expert articles on your topic at one time.
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 "Creartive 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.
Websites
Aunt Annie's Crafts
Aunt Annie's page provides new crafts to try out every month. Some free patterns are available.
Beadwork (About.com)
This page offers comprehensive coverage of beading topics with extensive links to other sites. It includes chat, patterns, tutorials, and sources for supplies.
Canadian Gourd Society
A society of artists and craftspeople intent on the encouragement of Canadian gourd art recognition.
The Doll Net (published by World Wide Visions)
This site offers dollmaking bulletin boards, events, free patterns, online classes and a doll chat room.
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.
Knitting Pattern Central
This is a free knitting pattern site with links to knitting tutorials and free patterns in fifty plus different categories.
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.
Wool Works: the online knitting compendium
This a a volunteer-run site with lots of information for handknitters. It offers patterns, discussion groups, and many more resources.
World Wide Quilting Page (About.com)
This site offers patterns and instructions, basic to advanced quilting blocks and techniques. It also offers information on quilting guilds and shows in the U.S. and Canada.
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.
Jigsaw Land
Free online puzzles.
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.
Pets and Pet Care
At the Library
In My Community
Animalert London
Founded in London in 1977 by four animal lovers who wanted to ensure that pets were adopted by caring guardians. Scroll down to ‘Check out the pets waiting for Adoption’.
Animal Aide of St. Thomas Elgin
A non-profit, no-kill organization, funded from adoptions and donations, staffed entirely by volunteers. In addition to listings of pets for adoption this site includes information on ‘Emergency care’ and a fun ‘Kid’s room’.
Animal Outreach
Animal Outreach is a not-for-profit registered charity which provides shelter and care for abandoned, neglected, unwanted, injured and abused domesticated animals. It has a homeless cat rescue program which includes feral cats and a farmed animal rescue program. Shows cats and farm animals currently needing adoption.
A.R.F. Animal Rescue Foundation
ARF is based in the London area and works with First Nations and rural communities in Ontario to rescue, rehab, and re-home stray dogs and cats. The site includes dogs and cats needing adoption, training tips and information on recent legal rulings regarding the ownership of pit bull terriers.
Forest City Pond Club
The Club’s aims are to promote interest in ponds and related subjects, education on environmental issues and concerns, the study of aquatic life, the preservation of nature and the enjoyment of the hobby.
London Aquaria Society
Established in 1956 the Society’s main objective is to promote interest in the breeding and raising of tropical fish and to provide a forum in which hobbyists may exchange ideas, gain information and display their fish, sharing them with the public in the London area.
London Dog Owners Association
The Association was created to promote the development of London’s off-leash parks for dogs and provides maps to current and future park sites. It encourages responsible dog ownership and supports the interests of dog owners with respect to facilities, policies and practices in cooperation with the City of London and the London community. ‘Canine Curriculum’ covers such topics as what to consider before adopting a dog, the costs of good dog care and safety topics.
London Canine Association
Affiliated with the Canadian Kennel Club, this group organizes London area dog shows.
London Humane Society
The Society works to assist animals by providing them with a home until they can be adopted into a new family. View online the pets that are waiting for adoption and get information about the next annual ‘Bark in the Park’
Associated with the Canadian Cat Association, which is Canada's only purebred feline registry, this is the group which holds London’s annual cat shows.
SafePet
The Ontario Veterinary Medical Association's SafePet program assists women in leaving abusive partners by providing temporary housing and care for their pets via volunteer pet foster parents.
Websites
Agility Association of Canada
Official site for the promotion of uniform and safe standards for dog agility in Canada.
Animal Health Care from Canadian Veterinarians
Information and advice from Canadian veterinarians organized under the Cat Zone, Dog Zone and Other Animals which includes ferrets, hamsters, guinea pigs, iguanas, rats and more. Has information about careers in animal health care.
Arachnopets.com
Free general information and species care sheets for tarantulas, centipedes, and scorpions with the option of joining a bulletin board or chat group.
Aviculture Advancement Council of Canada
The A.A.C.C. is a Canadian organization of avicultural societies, individual aviculturists and pet bird owners. It organizes the National Cage Bird Show every year. The site has selected articles from “The Avicultural Journal” including information on the budgerigar, canary, parrot and finch.
Canada's Guide to Dogs
Information on health, training, working dogs, breeds, clubs and activities. Links to shelters and breeders and rescud foundations.
Canadian Cat Association
Official site of the Canadian Cat Association, Canada's only purebred feline registry.
Canadian Kennel Club
The CKC is the primary registry body for purebred dogs in Canada. It registers purebred dogs, regulates dog shows and performance events, and speaks out on major issues concerning dog ownership and the health & welfare of dogs across Canada. The site links local clubs and breed associations.
Cat Fanciers
A group of cat breeders, exhibitors, show judges, veterinarians, and other ailurophiles (cat lovers) throughout the world. It offers general information about cats and cat care, breed descriptions, shows, cat clubs and registries, the latest veterinary resources, links to other cat related sites.
Merck Veterinary Manual
Merck now offers all of the information that they provide in print online. The award winning website has the table of contents on the left hand side.
Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
Through its province-wide network the Society is one of the largest, most responsive animal welfare organizations in the country, providing care and shelter for thousands of animals every year. See especially the right side bar ‘Animal Fact Sheets’ link to articles about choosing and safely keeping domestic pets and assisting injured or abandoned wildlife.
Parrot-Care.com
Most websites about cage bird care are really ads for buying videos or books. This site gives a good free introduction to parrot care and the many points that one should consider before keeping such a high needs pet.
Parrot Pages
A good starting point for finding official pet bird associations for a variety of species and good avian veterinarian links.
Pigs4ever.com
A pot bellied pig gift and information centre. The most up-to-date information available on the care and well being of pet pigs, including events, care sanctuaries and even piggie poetry and stories.
Priceless Parrots
A free site with loads of information on the care and safe keeping of pet birds. Includes tips on playing with and training your bird and home-made toys.
Pets.ca - Canada's pet information center
Online bulletin-board communities for pet lovers from Canada and around the world who seek out information, put up pet pictures and memorials, and share the knowledge they have gained as pet owners. Information on everything from veterinary care and nutrition through links to specific pet sites and pet humour.
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.
Visual Arts Ontario
This non-profit organization addresses the interests of artists, arts organizations and the public interested in art, including photography. The organization provides training, creates opportunities and makes members aware of what is potentially available to them.
Sports
At the Library
Books about curling
Books about cycling
Books about golf
Books about hockey
Websites
Major League Baseball
Official site.
Canadian Football League
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 2010.
In My Community
London and District Baseball Association
Fanshawe Yacht Club and Sailing School
London Free Press Summer Campbook
Thames Valley Trail Association
Podcasts
Podcasts are simply an audio file. You can visit these sites and click on a link to listen to the recording right on your computer or you can download it to your portable listening device, such as an iPod or a MP3 player. If you really enjoy the recording, you can subscribe to the podcast via their website so that every time they add a new broadcast it is placed on your listening device using your computer. These sites provide more information on how to subscribe.
Inside Track
This CBC radio podcast goes behind the scenes to explore the world of sports and atheletes. Recent podcasts include a discussion of the NFL's record, both successes and failures.
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 trip planning by people with special needs. Transport Canada site developed in partnership by federal and provincial governments and not-for-profit associations.
Bed & Breakfast Online Canada
A directory of Canadian B & B's, 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 libraries have the print edition which has this contact information.
Exchange Rates
The Bank of Canada gives today's exchange rates for the Canadian dollar compared to any currency in the world. It also gives past rates for any date in the late 1990's.
Fodor's
This site allows you to choose from many popular cities or destinations in the U.S. and around 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 Fodor's own ratings. The site includes a kind of magazine with feature articles, and is very good on national and "favorite" parks in the U.S..
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.
Multimap [for International mapping]
This site will allow printing of outline maps of any place in the world. It also gives street maps and travel directions for the UK and Europe and has an interactive London underground map. International maps are generally not as detailed as MapQuest North American maps.
Ontario ~ More to Discover
Fine 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, as well as fares in Canadian dollars.
Tourism Offices Worldwide Directory
This site recommends itself as your worldwide guide to official tourist information sources, listing only official government tourism offices, convention and visitors bureaus, chambers of commerce, etc..
TripAdvisor
Award-winning search engine that helps consumers research travel plans via the web. Includes recommendations and reviews for hotels, vacation packages, etc..
Weather and Beyond
Find weather for any city, state, province, airport code, or country. Historic and forecasted temperatures are also highlighted. The variety of map displays from heat index to windchill and the doubling and animation features make this site more than your average weather information stop.