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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.

  • Open book on a white blanket on the grass, with coffee and a pastry

    Thursdays, May 16, 2024 - Jun 20, 2024
    11:00am
    60 minutes

    2 sessions remaining

    Nos dernières sessions avant la pause d'été! Veuillez nous joindre le 3e jeudi de chaque mois pour des rencontres conviviales afin de discuter des livres de langue française.

    Quand vous vous inscrivez, nous vous réservons une copie du livre - pas besoin de le commander vous-même, à moins que vous préférez apprécier le titre dans un autre format. Au plaisir de vous voir!

  • 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.

  • Monday Apr 29, 2024 at 5:15pm
    30 minutes

    Sorry this event and its waiting list are full

    Do you have children ages 5-8?  Would you like them to read more?  Then join our weekly Reading Buddies program.   Each child will be paired with a teen volunteer for fun and interactive read aloud sessions.  Together they will share the joys of reading in a friendly, encouraging and enthusiastic environment.  Registration required.    

  • cercle de lecture vanier

    Mondays, Apr 29, 2024 - Jun 24, 2024
    7:00pm
    75 minutes

    3 sessions remaining

    La succursale Vanier de la Bibliothèque publique d’Ottawa invite les francophones et les francophiles de toutes générations à se joindre à un Cercle de Lecture. On y mettra l’accent sur les ouvrages écrits en français se rapportant à la francophonie canadienne. Chacune des personnes participantes aura le choix de présenter un livre de sa préférence, dans une atmosphère harmonieuse. Une animatrice en assurera le bon déroulement. Les rencontres du cercle auront lieu le dernier samedi de chaque mois (dès Octobre) de 19h à 20h15.

  • Tuesdays, Apr 30, 2024 - Jun 04, 2024
    10:30am
    30 minutes

    6 sessions remaining

    Stories, rhymes and songs for babies and a parent or caregiver. Ages 0-18 months.

    Drop-in.

  • Tuesday Apr 30, 2024 at 6:30pm
    45 minutes

    Sorry this event and its waiting list are full

    Parent at and Child Book Club

    Share the love of reading! This new book club is for kids 10-12 and a parent or guardian. Share a book together and then join for fun and a book chat. The first book will be kept at the information desk in the kids’ section for you to pick up and read prior to the first book club meeting.

    We will meet monthly on Tuesday at 6:30 (45 minutes)

    One registration per family.

    January 30th Smile by Raina Telgemeier

    February 27th The Wild Robot by Peter Brown

    March 26th   Restart by Gordon Korman

    April 30th  The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate

  • Tuesdays, Apr 30, 2024 - Jun 25, 2024
    6:30pm
    60 minutes

    3 sessions remaining

    Meet new people and share the enjoyment of good books in an informal and relaxed atmosphere. All are welcome!

    Drop-in every last Tuesday of the month between 6:30-7:30pm. 

    January 30th, February 27th, March 26th, April 30th, May 28th, and June 25th. 

    Books are available at the Metcalfe branch service hub. 

  • 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. 

  • Book Banter

    Wednesdays, May 01, 2024 - Jun 05, 2024
    2:00pm
    90 minutes

    2 sessions remaining

    Share the enjoyment of good books in a relaxed atmosphere!

    Sept-June.

    1st Wednesday of the month. 

    September 2023 - June 2024 Selections

    SEPT 6
    The Splendid and The Vile - Erik Larson

    OCT 4
    Rules of Civility - Amor Towles

    NOV 1
    The Company We Keep - Frances Itani

    DEC 6
    The Island of Missing Trees - Elif Shafak

    Jan 3
    Fight Night - Miriam Toews

    FEB 7
    The Lincoln Highway - Amor Towles

    MARCH 6
    The Island of Sea Women - Lisa See

    APRIL 3
    Permanent Astonishment - Tomson Highway

    MAY 1
    The Searcher - Tana French

    JUNE 5
    The Girl in His Shadow - Audrey Blake