Practice your English language conversation skills and meet new friends in a relaxed and friendly environment.
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.
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Thursday May 15, 2025 at 6:30pm (series runs until Jun 12, 2025)
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Thursday May 15, 2025 at 7:00pm (series runs until Jun 19, 2025)
Join us to discuss books from the science fiction and fantasy genres each month. All are welcome!
Every 3rd Thursday of the month from 7:00pm to 8:30pm.
Here's what we're reading Winter/Spring 2025:
January 16th: Agency by William Gibson
February 20th: The Ferryman by Justin Cronin
March 20th: The Terraformers by Annalee Newitz
April 17th: The Witch King by Martha Wells
May 15th: Camp Zero by Michelle Min Sterling
June 19th: The Lives of Puppets by TJ Klune
Please note: Registrants are responsible for securing a copy of the book to read or listen to.
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Friday May 16, 2025 at 2:30pm
Sorry this event and its waiting list are full
Discover how to draw, paint, and print like an artist. In each session, you'll explore various techniques inspired by renowned artists
May 16: Van Gogh
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Saturday May 17, 2025 at 10:30am
Sail on the HMS Beagle with Charles Darwin. We will search for animals old and new and build our journals as we go.
This program is a game where you will have a character to play on a small team. You do not need previous roleplaying experience. Ages 8-18 are welcome.
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Saturday May 17, 2025 at 11:00am
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:
Facebook
Instagram
X (former Twitter)
Pinterest
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.
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Saturday May 17, 2025 at 2:00pm
Curious about native plant gardening? Join us for a presentation with Ottawa Wildflower Seed Library; they will provide an overview of native plant gardening and how you can help make a difference in your garden.
The Ottawa Wildflower Seed Library is a grassroots organization that promotes gardening with native plants to provide food and habitat for bees, butterflies, insects, birds, and other wildlife.
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Tuesday May 20, 2025 at 1:00pm
In the final session, participants will learn various techniques to preserve food and extend its shelf life. We'll cover general tips for preserving dry ingredients, freezing techniques, drying and canning methods, and pickling. The session will include practical demonstrations and provide additional resources to help participants implement these techniques at home. Presented by Foodsharing Ottawa
Registration Required
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Tuesday May 20, 2025 at 2:00pm
Learn how to more effectively tell the story of your vacations through pictures. Regardless of what kind of camera you use (cell phone, tablet, DSLR, etc.), Lynda Buske from the Ottawa PC Users' Group and the Orleans Photo Club will show how to use light, foreground, people, and framing. Learn the best ways to shoot seaside, sunrise/sunset and more to create descriptive photos that needs no captioning.
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Tuesday May 20, 2025 at 2:30pm (series runs until Jun 24, 2025)
Join us each month for discussions on mystery novels! From cold-blooded murders to humourous whodunnits, come meet fellow mystery enthusiasts as we chat about the pre-selected book.
When you register, a physical copy will already be available to you! If you are on the waitlist, or if you would prefer a different format such as an e-book or audiobook, please click on the title link below to place a hold through your own account.
SPRING SESSIONS ❀ Registration opens March3, 2025 ❀
April 22: Drive Your Plow Over the Bones of the Dead, by Olga Tokarczuk
May 20: Vera Wong's Unsolicited Advice for Murderers, by Jessie Q. Sutanto
June 24: The Thursday Murder Club, by Richard OsmanPAST TITLES ❦ FALL 2024 - WINTER 2025 ❦
September: Still Life, by Louise Penney
October: Everyone In My Family Has Killed Someone, by Benjamin Stevenson
November: The Spy Coast, by Tess Gerritsen
December: Treasure State, by C.J. Box
January: The Turn of the Key, by Ruth Ware
February: Dead Man's Grave, by Neil Lancaster
March: The Woman in the Library, by Sulari Gentill -
Wednesday May 21, 2025 at 11:00am
Explore the Ottawa Public Library’s genealogy resources and how to use them during this information session. We will discuss how to access and use Ancestry Library, FamilySearch Affiliate Library, Genealogy Quebec, MyHeritage Library Edition, and the ProQuest Historical Newspapers.
This program will be held in the computer lab on the lower level so that you can follow along on the computer, but feel free to bring your own device if you would prefer.