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.
This is a group for people who love to write.
Participants meet every second Saturday to discuss all things writing, whether it be highlighting their work, exchanging feedback or above all else, sharing their passion for the craft. Practitioners from all skill levels and writing genres are welcome.
Registration preferred. Drop-ins are welcome.
Get a Techno Buddy!
Technology and Social Media can be overwhelming.
Teen Volunteers share their Social Media knowledge with older Adult in a two-on-one setting.
Areas of technology help will focus on user’s personal account use by initial setting up of the accounts and how use the site:
X (former Twitter)
One hour= One topic
If you want to cover a different topic from the list, Facilitator will need to approve it, as this is a one hour session.
Meeting place: Teen Zone on the 3rd floor.
Please bring your device fully charged (ex. cell phone, tablet, or laptop).
Please provide a phone number we can contact you about your topic.
You can sign up for one session and one waiting list slot per quarter.
Click, Clack, Ding, Zing! Typewriter Poetry Type-In
Mechanical typewriters are experiencing a resurgence in interest for those seeking a way to disconnect from the frenzy of online writing and reconnect with the act of writing itself.
In 1950, poet Charles Olson wrote about the typewriter that it was, "for the first time, the stave and bar the musician has had."
At Ruth E. Dickinson Library on Saturday April 5th, 15 vintage typewriters will be available for testing. Try one yourself this Poetry Month and see what all the fuss is about.
Saturday April 5th, 2025. From 1:00 – 4:00 pm.
All ages welcome. Drop-In.
Clic, Clac, Ding Zing! Saisie de poésie à la machine à écrire
Les machines à écrire mécaniques connaissent un regain d'intérêt pour ceux qui cherchent un moyen de se déconnecter de la frénésie de l'écriture en ligne et de renouer avec l’acte d’écrire lui-même. En 1950, le poète Charles Olson a écrit à propos de la machine à écrire qu'elle était « pour la première fois la portée et la mesure dont disposait le musicien ».
À la bibliothèque Ruth E. Dickinson le samedi 5 avril, quinze machines à écrire rétro seront disponibles pour des essais. Ce Mois de la poésie, testez-en une et voyez ce qui provoque tant d'excitation.
Le samedi 5 avril 2025. De 13 h 00 à 16 h 00.
Bienvenue à tous !
AI is your writing partner, not your replacement. Learn how to use AI as your creative assistant for research, brainstorming, editing, overcoming writer’s block, and more. We'll also explore the ethical considerations and limitations of AI, ensuring you use these tools responsibly and effectively.
No tech experience required. If you can use a word processor, you can use these tools. Bring a laptop, tablet, or phone along with samples of your writing.
Sign up to experience firsthand how AI can make your writing workflow more productive.
Join us for a hands-on workshop exploring the art of Kusudama origami, a traditional Japanese paper-folding technique used to create beautiful, decorative floral spheres. In this session, participants will learn how to fold and assemble delicate paper flowers using pages up-cycled from a book. These flowers can be used for ornaments, gifts, or home decor. All materials will be provided.
Join author Michael F. Stewart for an evening of shared writing, support, and constructive criticism from peers. No experience necessary, all forms of writing welcome.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools have exploded over the last few years. They can supercharge your web searches and help you find the most relevant information. They can generate images, a personalized song, summarize long text, describe the content of videos, and more. Chris Taylor from the Ottawa PC Users' Group will show you how easily it can be done and how to detect dreaded "AI hallucinations". And you can do it all for free!
Registration is limited. Please pre-register online.
Share the pleasure of reading and discussing books ranging from the classics to the contemporary, but mostly fiction, in a relaxed atmosphere
(If the first Monday of a month falls on a Civic Holiday, the book club will be postponed to the following week)
January 6 - The unseen by Roy Jacobson
February 3- The Nickel Boys by Colson Whitehead (book club kit to be available at January meeting)
March 3 - Old God's Time by Sebastian Barry
April 7 - Trust by Herman Diaz
May 5 - Moon of the Crusted Snow (Canadian)- book kit reserved
June 2 - Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus
The Granny Squares for Warmth (GSFW) group was created in November 2020 as a Barrhaven-based group with a mission to create and donate hand-made blankets and shawls to people in need in the Ottawa area.
Crocheters and Knitters - please join us to make granny squares for blankets, as well as to join squares, and to crochet or knit blankets and shawls. Everyone is welcome!
Join us for an overview of Libby, an app that allows you to borrow eBooks, audiobooks, and magazines through the Ottawa Public Library.
This session will include how to navigate the app, borrowing and putting books on hold, logging into our partner libraries, and other helpful tips and tricks. This program will be held in the computer lab so that you can follow along on the computer, but feel free to bring your own device if you would prefer.