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Some in-branch programs require registration with your library card. Please log in with your library account or follow this link to apply for a card online. You can also apply for a card in person at any of our 33 locations.

  • Thursday Apr 24, 2025 at 6:30pm

    Join talented members of the Stittsville Creative Writing Group community as they present their stories for your enjoyment.

    We are writers: we dream what the engineer builds, and the scientist discovers. We are mystics and mad people, poets and prophets. We are schemers and dreams, and storytellers. We invite you to hear our tales.

    This event will be taking place in the Grace Thompson room.

  • A picture of a book, notepad and a coffee mug
    Saturday Apr 26, 2025 at 10:30am

    Did you know that 2025 marks the 95th anniversary of the publication of the first Nancy Drew novel? We will be joined by local author, Nancy Lauzon, for a discussion on all things Nancy Drew, from the origins of the series to Nancy Drew Sleuth conventions!  Nancy will also bring her varied Nancy Drew collection for perusing. We hope to see you there!​

  • Saturday May 3, 2025 at 2:00pm

    Are you a new library user and want to learn about what we offer at the Ottawa Public Library? Have you been an OPL member for years, but want to learn more about our collections, services, and programs? Join us to discover what you can access at your local library branch, and have a chance at winning some OPL merch! Registration encouraged but drop-ins always welcome.

  • Monday May 5, 2025 at 1:30pm

    Want to learn more about your family history or getting stuck working on your family tree? Drop-in to work on your family tree and share research strategies. Discover what library resources are available for your research with specialists from the Ontario Genealogical Society Ottawa Branch. ​

  • Web banner for travel
    Monday May 12, 2025 at 6:00pm

    Canada North attracts travellers from around the world who want to discover the pristine beauty and grandiose space our country has to offer. Carole Gobeil, a polar travel specialist here in Ottawa has travelled to these remote areas many times and loves sharing her passion with other curious adventurers.  Places like Yukon, NorthWest Territories, Nunavut, Nunavik, Labrador are to be discovered at this travel talk.

    Registration is limited. Please pre-register online

  • Two hands joined around a cup of coffee
    Wednesday May 14, 2025 at 2:00pm (series runs until May 14, 2025)

    Planning for your dependant's end of life' experience.

    Do you have a dependant with a disability that would hinder them from making decisions concerning their care at the end of life ? Do you think you may die before your dependant? Would you like to have a say in medical interventions at the end of their lives? Would you like to make sure they would have the care that you would choose if you were with them? Would you like input into their after death service?

    Come and chat with Mar. We'll chat about Guardianship, Recording idiosyncrasies your child may have that your guardian and care staff would need to know, Writing down your wishes for your child for medical interventions, Expressing your desire for your child to die at their home, hospital or hospice and Making burial and funeral arrangements, 

    Mainly, How to talk to your guardian. You need to talk, talk, talk so they know your wishes

    Drop-ins welcome, but registration preferred.

    Please choose one session (afternoon or evening).

    Ottawa Public Library is partnering with the Home Hospice Association to offer death cafés with various themes. Check out the OPL website for upcoming death cafés.

  • Web banner for health and wellness
    Monday Jun 9, 2025 at 1:30pm

    Maintaining healthy eating habits throughout the lifespan is important. Participants will learn about changing dietary needs and eating habits as we age, reflect on their own eating habits, needs and challenges, discuss healthy eating, and explore opportunities to expand their options.​

    For older adults. ​

    Registration limited. Please pre-register online. ​

  • Old Parliament bulding / Ancien édifice du Parlement
    Monday Jun 16, 2025 at 1:00pm

    Join us as award-winning British journalist and author, Ursula Buchan, recounts the remarkable life and legacy of her grandfather: John Buchan (Lord Tweedsmuir) - war correspondent, journalist, prolific thriller writer, barrister, British Member of Parliament and Governor General of Canada. 

    Beyond the Thirty-Nine Steps, John Buchan's biography, written by Ursula Buchan, is available at the Ottawa Public Library.