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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.

  • RBC Foundry at Bayview Yards, 7 Bayview Station Road Ottawa, ON K1Y 2C5
    Thursday Feb 27, 2025 at 7:00pm

    This Freedom to Read Week, join public historian and comics librarian Amie Wright for an evening discussion of the unexpected history of comic book censorship in the United States and Canada. Historical restrictions were very real and impacted current understandings around comics and graphic novels which, while popular, remain some of the most censored and misunderstood titles in schools and libraries.

    Event offered in partnership with Library and Archives Canada.

    Bio:

    Amie Wright, MA MLIS (she/her) is a Public Historian and Comics Librarian. Amie is currently completing her PhD in History at Carleton University researching the 1950s moral panic around children’s comic book reading and serves as contract instructor at both Carleton’s Department of History and McGill’s Graduate School of Information Studies. Amie is the former Manager of School Outreach / MyLibraryNYC at the New York Public Library (NYPL) and the former inaugural President of the American Library Association (ALA) Graphic Novels and Comics Round Table (GNCRT). Amie has worked since 2013 to create professional development opportunities for schools and libraries on comics including partnering with New York and San Diego Comic Con, and the Toronto Comic Arts Festival (TCAF). You can find some of Amie’s writing on comics, history, libraries, and education in Canadian Literature, The Teaching Librarian, Booklist, and American Libraries.

    Date: Thurs, Feb 27, 2025

    Time: 7 to 8pm

    Location: RBC Foundry at Bayview Yards, 7 Bayview Station Road Ottawa, ON K1Y 2C5

    Visit the Bayview Yards website for information about parking and transit options.

    Language: English

    Ages: Young adult and adult

    Admission: Free admission; register to save your spot

  • Friday Feb 28, 2025 at 11:00am

    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.

  • Friday Feb 28, 2025 at 2:00pm (series runs until May 30, 2025)

    Join in stimulating discussions on selected titles in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere on the last Friday of the month.

  • Société Historique d`Ottawa - Michel Picard
    Saturday Mar 1, 2025 at 1:00pm

    Pour débuter le mois de la francophonie, rencontrez un homme engagé et témoin de prédilection.  Avec un regard vers le passé, il dévoilera ses défis et ses réussites à informer la population francophone. Quels bons souvenirs a-t-il de ses rencontres avec les acteurs de changements de la région? C’est à découvrir!

    Conférencier invité: Michel Picard, Animateur d'Unique FM, chef d`antenne, journaliste...… 53 ans dans les médias francophones et lauréat comme personnalité influente de la francophonie canadienne en 2023 par Francopresse

    Organiser par la Société Historique d'Ottawa

    Présentation en français. Aucune inscription requise

  • A book, with coffee and glasses beside it
    Saturday Mar 1, 2025 at 2:00pm

    Join us for a lecture on the theme of cosmic horror in comics, presented by University of Ottawa Professor, Sean Moreland. Did you know that the concept of cosmic horror has been influenced by diverse figures from Edgar A. Poe and H.P. Lovecraft to contemporary writers like Stephen King and Caitlin R. Kiernan? The genre has also had an influence on Japanese manga, from the historical figures of Lafcadio Hearn and Edogawa Rampo to contemporary mangaka including Gou Tanabe and Junji Ito. Come join us as we discuss all things cosmic comics! 

    Free. Register online!

    Curious to learn more about Cosmic Horror as a genre? 

    "Cosmic horror, sometimes called Lovecraftian horror, is a subgenre of horror fiction that focuses on existential fears and themes of human irrelevancy." ​The genre focuses on the smallness and powerlessness of mankind in the universe as well as on our fear of the unknown.​

    ​Source: https://www.laterpress.com/blog/cosmic-horror​ 

  • Web banner for Arts and Culture
    Saturday Mar 1, 2025 at 2:30pm

    Sorry this event and its waiting list are full

    Participants will explore the fundamentals of Iris folding by organizing and layering strips of paper in a spiraled design that mimics the look of a camera Iris lens.

  • Web banner for travel
    Monday Mar 3, 2025 at 6:00pm

    NEW!

    Enjoy photos and narration from a cruise that included Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Russia, Poland, and Estonia. Highlights include a rock church, and palaces of Peter the Great and Catherine. Presented by Lynda Buske from the Ottawa PC Users’ Group and the Orleans Photo Club. ​

    Registration limited. Please pre-register online.

  • Monday Mar 3, 2025 at 6:00pm (series runs until Jun 02, 2025)

    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.

  • Monday Mar 3, 2025 at 6:00pm

    Learn how to extend the battery life of your PC laptop, discover the handy Microsoft PowerToys, detect fake USB flash drives before you lose data, learn why you should avoid PC "fix-it" utilities, and embed music in PowerPoint presentations. Chris Taylor, President of the Ottawa PC Users' Group, will help you with these quick and effective remedies.​

    If you plan to attend, please register to ensure the program is presented.

  • Monday Mar 3, 2025 at 6:30pm

    Better understand Canada’s tax system and minimize the amount of tax paid.  Topics covered include:

    • understanding tax laws
    • tax planning
    • keeping detailed records
    • how to achieve tax goals
    • reducing taxable income
    • tax deductions versus tax credits
    • increasing deductions
    • using tax credits

    Presented in partnership with CPA Canada.