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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.

  • Notepad, camera, and magnifying glass on old map

    Tuesdays, May 21, 2024 - Jun 18, 2024
    1:30pm
    60 minutes

    2 sessions remaining

    All aboard for the final leg of our tour around the world, with Sweden, Nigeria, and Spain! Join us the third Tuesday of each month where we will discuss a title set in a different country and/or written by a foreign author.

    When you register, we will reserve a copy of the book for you - no need to place a hold, unless you would like to enjoy the book in a different format. This is the last chance to get your Reader's Passport stamped before the summer!

  • Open book on an off-white background, with blooming magnolias resting on the open book

    Thursdays, May 23, 2024 - Jun 27, 2024
    7:00pm
    60 minutes

    2 sessions remaining

    Our final book club sessions before the summer break!

    Come join us the 4th Thursday of every month for lively discussion on a variety of English-language books. Everything from non-fiction to fantasy to gentle reads, there's something for everyone - and you may find a new genre that appeals to you!

    When you register, we will reserve a copy of the book for you - no need to place a hold, unless you would like to enjoy the book in a different format.

    For June, we'll be having a BYOB party... Bring Your Own Book Party, that is! Whether it be an old favourite, or something new and amazing that recently crossed your path, we want to see what you recommend everyone should read and hear why you loved it. A list of the recommended titles will appear on the website after the event.

  • Woman clutching her hair in frustration, looking at her laptop

    Saturday Jun 22, 2024 at 2:00pm
    120 minutes

    The average time it takes for an unprotected computer to be compromised after connecting to the Internet is under 15 minutes. Don't let it be yours!

    Chris Taylor, President of the Ottawa PC Users' Group, will show you the simple steps you need to take to keep your PC from being hacked.

    And best of all, it can be done for free!

    **Please note that you are not required to bring your laptop for the session.

  • Wednesday May 01, 2024 at 1:30pm
     minutes

    What if Earth had a beating heart that powered everything on the planet? In a way, the Global Ocean is like Earth’s heart.  

    Using this powerful premise and the principles of ocean literacy, award-winning author Rochelle Strauss builds students’ understanding of the global ocean’s influence on us, and our influence on the ocean.  

    Through this dynamic, engaging and interactive presentation, students will dive into the global ocean to discover that while Earth is home to five distinct oceans, these oceans are actually connected to form one global ocean and this one ocean sustains all life on Earth. The presentation will highlight the important roles the global ocean plays in supporting all life on Earth, such as regulating Earth’s climate, controlling weather, providing habitat, and as a source of food for many animals on the planet (including people).  

    But the global ocean is in trouble, with many human activities having a huge impact on the global ocean.  Students will explore how pollution, overfishing, acidification, habitat destruction, warming water and rising sea levels are all affecting the health of the global ocean.  

    Through stories called Ripples of Change, Rochelle will share that the news isn’t all bad. By showcasing leading ocean conservation initiatives and other good news stories from around the world, Rochelle will demonstrate the actions people and organizations are taking to protect the global ocean.  

    The final, and perhaps most impactful and dramatic moment of the presentation comes with an interactive activity that engages the full audience and which clearly demonstrates to each student the power of just one person to make a change. This activity leaves students feeling empowered and inspired. It will also build their capacity for making informed and responsible decisions when it comes to protecting the Earth’s global ocean. 

  • Ready, Set, Kindergarten!

    Wednesdays, May 01, 2024 - May 22, 2024
    2:00pm
    45 minutes

    4 sessions remaining

    A school readiness program for children 3–4 years old, who will be entering kindergarten in September 2024, and their adult co-learner.

    Stories and child-centered learning stations with a focus on the foundational concepts of letter recognition, numeracy, colors, shapes, measurement, rhyming, and retelling.

  • Wednesdays, May 01, 2024 - May 08, 2024
    4:00pm
    60 minutes

    2 sessions remaining

    Teams of two teen volunteers will share their technology knowledge with one older adult per session.

    Volunteers will help older adults with basic use of devices such as laptops, tablets and smartphones. Some subjects that can be addressed include internet applications like browsers, email, calendars, social media, games, and file and photo management, such as Google Suite, OneDrive, and iCloud.​

    Register in-branch at the 2nd floor hub.​

  • Wednesdays, May 01, 2024 - May 15, 2024
    6:30pm
    90 minutes

    3 sessions remaining

    2024 will be one of the most consequential years in the history of democracy. Elections have been or will be held in many countries ranging in size and power from El Salvador to India. The decisions of voters will determine whether the worldwide growth in authoritarianism over the past twenty years will continue or democracy will begin to make a comeback.

    The US Presidential and Congressional elections on Tuesday November 5 stand out as an especially critical democratic moment for two reasons: first because they will be a supreme test of American democracy; and second because they will send a powerful message to the rest of the world, including the dictatorships and wannabe dictatorships.

    The group will discuss the background and issues of Democracy on Trial and week by week follow the important democratic events and developments of 2024.

    Mr. Robert Miller will lead the discussion. He is the author of Canada and Democratic Development and, prior to his retirement, served as President and CEO of the Parliamentary Centre, Canada’s leading institution promoting and supporting international democratic development.

    Session #1 Wednesday, April 3: Is History Repeating Itself?

    Session #2, Wednesday April 10: Democratic Fatigue and the Appeal of the Strong Man

    Session #3, Wednesday, April 17: Big Countries and Small: The Cases of El Salvador and Rwanda, Russia and India

    Session # 4, Wednesday, April 24: The Fire Next Door: The Authoritarian Impulse in the United States

    Session #5, Wednesday, May 1: Donald Trump and the Invention of Trumpism

    Session #6, Wednesday, May 8: Can it Happen Here? If Trump wins, is Canada next? A discussion with John Ibbitson, Globe and Mail columnist and one of Canada’s leading authors on politics and public affairs.

    Registration recommended.   

  • Thursday May 02, 2024 at 11:00am
    90 minutes

    Presented by Dying With Dignity Canada (Ottawa Chapter), End of Life Options (including MAiD) is a workshop to educate people about the options available to mitigate or end suffering at life's end, including palliative care, treatment options, and Medical Assistance In Dying (MAiD). Workshop includes the current legislation on MAiD, the process for applying in Ontario and explanation of the experience by a loved one.

  • Thursday May 02, 2024 at 1:00pm
    90 minutes

    Presented by Dying With Dignity Canada (Ottawa Chapter), Advance Care Planning is a workshop about making choices about how you would like to be cared for in the future, at a time when you are not able to speak for yourself. How to prepare an Advance Directive and choose a Power of Attorney for Personal Care are discussed. Materials include worksheets to identify and articulate one's beliefs about end of life care and choices around planning your own health care. Discussion will include how to talk to your loved ones about your health care wishes in the event of illness and unexpected physical events.

    Registration is required as space is limited.

  • Thursdays, May 02, 2024 - May 23, 2024
    1:00pm
    90 minutes

    4 sessions remaining

    Ready for more than conversation? These 4-week module classes will help build on your English language skills. Beginner and Intermediate sessions. Each session's registration will open three (3) weeks prior to the first class. 

    Everyone welcome! Register online.  

    You are registering for: Beginner classes : May 2, 9,16 and 23 2024

    Vous cherchez un peu plus qu'une conversation? Nos classes en format module de 4 semaines vous aideront à développer vos compétences linguistiques en anglais. Sessions au niveau débutant ainsi qu'intermédiaire. Ouverture des inscriptions trois (3) semaines avant la première classe pour chaque session. 

    Tous sont bienvenus ! Inscription en ligne.  

    Vous vous enregistrez pour: session débutant: les 2, 9,16 et 23 mai 2024