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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.

  • Web banner for hobbies and crafts
    Friday Apr 18, 2025 at 1:30pm (series runs until Jun 27, 2025)

    Come play cards, roll the dice or play board games with us!

  • Saturday Apr 19, 2025 at 10:00am (series runs until Jun 28, 2025)

    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.

  • Campaign/campagne "crossings 200" and/et Ottawa Public Library/Bibliothèque publique d'Ottawa
    Saturday Apr 19, 2025 at 10:00am (series runs until May 31, 2025)

    Come view a series of historical photographs depicting the experience of the thousands of Norwegians that made their way to Canada since July 4, 1825, date of the first organized migration from Norway to North America. The photos are displayed along the second-floor balcony of the Main Branch and can be viewed anytime during hours of operation until the end of the month of May.

    The "Crossings 200" campaign celebrates the strong ties between Norway and Canada. 

    **

    Venez voir une série de photographies historiques dépeignant l'expérience de milliers de Norvégiens qui se sont rendus au Canada depuis le 4 juillet 1825, jour de la première migration organisée de la Norvège vers l'Amérique du Nord. Les photos sont affichées autours du balcon du deuxième étage de la Succursale Centrale, et vous pouvez les consulter à tout moment durant les heures d'ouverture jusqu'à la fin du mois de mai.

    La campagne « Crossings 200 » (site Web disponible en anglais seulement) célèbre les forts liens entre la Norvège et le Canada.

  • A drawing of a vintage typewriter in front of a light blue background with curlicues on either side.
    Saturday Apr 19, 2025 at 11:00am

    Celebrate National Poetry Month with the library!

    Join us at the Rideau branch for a morning of poetry reading and discussion in a casual setting.

    Come with one or more poems of your choosing to share and discuss with the group. These can be poems that you have written, or ones that you enjoy by another writer.

    Célébrez le Mois national de la poésie avec la bibliothèque !

    Rejoignez-nous à la succursale Rideau pour une matinée de lecture de poèmes et de discussion dans un environnement décontracté.

    Venez avec un ou plusieurs poèmes de votre choix à partager et à discuter avec le groupe. Il peut s'agir de poèmes que vous avez écrits ou de poèmes d'un autre auteur que vous appréciez.

    Les poèmes et les discussions se dérouleront principalement en anglais.

  • Tuesday Apr 22, 2025 at 2:00pm (series runs until Dec 30, 2025)

    Want to learn more about your family history or getting stuck working on your family tree?  

    Drop-in to work on your family tree, share research strategies, and discover what resources are available for your research. Sessions are held every other Tuesday at 2:00pm in the Genealogy area. 

    Specialists from the Ontario Genealogical Society Ottawa Branch and the Ottawa Public Library will answer questions and help you get the most from library resources.  

    Bring your laptop, tablet, or borrow a Chromebook from the library.  

    All welcome! 

  • A hand holds a file folder titled, "Top Secret Files". Une main tient un fichier nommé « Top Secret Files ».
    Tuesday Apr 22, 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 Osman

    PAST 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

  • A keyboard with letters spelling Pen & Paper Writers' Workshop
    Tuesday Apr 22, 2025 at 6:00pm (series runs until Apr 29, 2025)

    Get feedback on your writing (any genre) and ideas from the group. Hear the work of other writers and offer your feedback. Discuss issues about writing and publishing. Share your triumphs, trials and tribulations with a supportive, informal group.  "Pen and Paper" is just a name.  Bring any medium you want. 

  • English Conversation Group
    Tuesday Apr 22, 2025 at 6:00pm (series runs until Jun 24, 2025)

    Practice your English conversation skills in a low-pressure, friendly environment. All levels are welcome. 

  • Web banner for hobbies and crafts
    Tuesday Apr 22, 2025 at 6:15pm (series runs until Jun 24, 2025)

    Drop in with your knitting every Tuesday

    Share advice, ideas and conversation with other knitters.

    Venez faire un tour, échanger des conseils et des idées et converser avec d'autres adeptes du tricot!.

  • english
    Tuesday Apr 22, 2025 at 6:30pm (series runs until Jun 30, 2026)

    Do you already have some basic English language skills, and are you looking for a casual, friendly environment where you can practice your English-speaking skills? Join our English conversation group to help you gain confidence, grow your vocabulary, and meet new people.

    Tuesdays

    6:30-7:30 pm.

    September - June.

    The 2025 sessions resume January 7th.