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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.

  • 2 mains jointes autour d'une tasse de café

    Wednesday May 08, 2024 at 6:15pm
    120 minutes

    Un café mortel, c'est une rencontre où on discute de la mort. Notre but est d'aider les gens à être à l'aise avec l'idée de la mort et leur finitude. 

    La bibliothèque publique d'Ottawa (BPO) offre ce programme en partenariat avec l'association "Home Hospice Association".

  • Wednesdays, May 08, 2024 - May 15, 2024
    6:30pm
    90 minutes

    2 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.   

  • Thursdays, May 09, 2024 - May 30, 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

  • Thursdays, May 09, 2024 - May 30, 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: Intermediate 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 intermédiaire: les 2, 9, 16 et 23 mai 2024

  • Sleuth Hounds

    Thursdays, May 09, 2024 - Feb 13, 2025
    1:30pm
    90 minutes

    10 sessions remaining

    Come meet to enjoy and discuss a wide variety of books selected by book club members. All are welcome!

    Every second Thursday of the month from 1.30pm to 3.00pm.

    Here's what we're reading in 2024/2025:

    • March 14: Dead Wake by Eric Larson
    • April 11: Warlight by Michael Ondaatje 
    • May 9: American Dirt by Jeanine Cummins
    • June 6: Bad Blood: Secrets and Lies in a Silicon Valley Start-Up by John Carreyrou
    • July 11: Mansions of the Moon by Shyam Selvadurai
    • August 8: Looking for Jane by Heather Marshall
    • September 12: On the Ravine by Vincent Lam
    • October 10: The Story of Us by Catherine Hernandez
    • November 14: Snow by John Banville
    • December 12: Three Holidays and a Wedding by Uzma Jalaluddin
    • January 9: A Newfoundlander in Canada by Alan Doyle
    • February 13: The Drowning Woman by Robin Harding
  • Children learning and playing

    Thursday May 09, 2024 at 2:00pm
    45 minutes

    Sorry this event and its waiting list are full

    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.

  • Young child doing science experiment

    Thursdays, May 09, 2024 - May 30, 2024
    4:00pm
    60 minutes

    4 sessions remaining

    Sorry this event and its waiting list are full

    Stories and activities that support Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math.​

    ​For a child aged 3-6 and a parent or caregiver. Registration required.

    Please only reserve a spot for each child attending.  

  • Thursday May 09, 2024 at 4:15pm
    60 minutes

    Ages 7-12 years old. Let's do some paper craft engineering and a not-so-engineering craft too! Join us after school. 

  • Bedtime Math

    Thursdays, May 09, 2024 - Jun 06, 2024
    6:00pm
    45 minutes

    2 sessions remaining

    An evening family storytime program that encourages mathematical thinking through playful learning and hands-on activites.

    Engage, Encourage and Grow Together.

    For young thinkers ages 3-6 and their adult co-learner.

  • How to Secure a Home Wireless Network

    Thursday May 09, 2024 at 6:00pm
    120 minutes

    Many wireless routers do not default to the most secure configuration. Make sure you are not the "low-hanging fruit" that someone will decide to attack. It is surprisingly easy to make sure your network is secure. Chris Taylor, President of the Ottawa PC Users' Group will show you just how easy it is.