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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.

  • gardening image
    Wednesday May 21, 2025 at 10:00am

    It’s time to divide your perennials and rejuvenate your garden!  Bring some plants, take some plants, and borrow some gardening books.  Please remember to label all plants you bring in.  

    Drop by near the Centennial branch main entrance any time between 10am and 7pm on Wednesday May 21. 

  • 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. 

  • poster for Mamma Mia
    Wednesday May 21, 2025 at 6:00pm

    Join us for lighthearted love and laughs every third Wednesday of the month as we play a romantic comedy movie  This month it's Mamma May-a with a screening of Mamma Mia! The Movie.

    The film was directed by Phyllida Lloyd was released in 2008. The screening will take place in our auditorium, starts at 6:00PM and is free to attend.

    Note: The film is intended for a mature audience. 109 minutes. In English with subtitles.

  • Wednesday May 21, 2025 at 7:00pm (series runs until Jun 18, 2025)

    Storytelling Open Mic is a perfect place for newcomers to discover oral storytelling in a warm and supportive atmosphere or for more experienced tellers to test out new stories. Listeners are needed and welcome! You will hear folk tales, historical pieces, fractured fairy tales, true personal stories, recitations, ballads, and original stories - ranging from funny to poignant. Attendees can listen or tell a story 5-10 minutes long. In collaboration with Ottawa Storytellers.

  • Thursday May 22, 2025 at 6:00pm

    Get up close and personal with your photographic subjects such as flowers, insects, water droplets, or detailed parts of larger subjects or scenes. Learn how to isolate your subject from the background, and control how much of the image is in sharp focus. You can shoot up close with regular lenses and cell phones, but Lynda will also include a discussion about using dedicated macro lenses. Presented by Lynda Buske from the Ottawa PC Users' Group and the Orleans Photo Club. 

    If you plan to attend, please register to ensure the program is presented.

  • Friday May 23, 2025 at 2:00pm

    Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools have exploded over the last few years. They can supercharge your web searches and help you find the most relevant information. They can generate images, personalized songs, summarize long text, describe the content of videos, and more. Chris Taylor from the Ottawa PC Users' Group will show you how easily it can be done and how to detect dreaded "AI hallucinations". And you can do it all for free.

    Registration is required

  • A diverse group of people of all ages underneath an image of books
    Saturday May 24, 2025 at 10:30am

    Have you ever wanted to work in a library?  Are you curious about the educational requirements for library jobs? Are you interested in learning more about working at OPL? If so, join us on May 24th and learn what it takes to work in a library!

    We will be joined by representatives from Algonquin College's Library and Information Technician program, Carleton's Bachelor of Information Technology (Information Resource Management) and the University of Ottawa's Master of Information Studies who will each give a brief presentation about their respective diplomas/degrees. OPL staff will also provide information about working and applying to jobs at OPL (Hint: Not all positions at OPL require a library degree!) 

    So, whether you are a high school student exploring career options, a parent looking to re-enter the workforce or simply someone interested in working in libraries, then this program is for you!

    We hope to see you there!

  • Saturday May 24, 2025 at 10:30am

    Stories, rhymes and songs for children of all ages and their parents or caregivers. Local children's book illustrator, Gillian Reid, will read her books Molly's Tuxedo by Vicki Johnson and Peanut Goes for the Gold by Jonathan Van Ness before leading everyone through some crafts.

    Family program for ages 4+. Drop-in.

    About Gillian Reid:
    Gillian Reid is a children’s book illustrator, character designer, and life drawing teacher. Originally from Northern Ireland, she now calls Ottawa home. She has been illustrating picture books since 2017 and has been doing animation character design for a decade. Her work has been published by Epic! Creations, Harper Collins, Penguin Workshop, and Little Bee Books. She has also worked on the Emmy Award winning Netflix series Hilda.

  • Monday May 26, 2025 at 1:30pm (series runs until Jun 15, 2026)

    Enjoy singing your favourite soft pop songs from the 50’s-80’s, Celtic and other folk music! All ages and levels of experience welcome. 

    3rd Monday of the month@ 1:30-3:00.

    September-June. Some exceptions may apply. 

    April session held Monday, April 14th, same time. 

    May session held Monday, May 26th, same time.

  • Monday May 26, 2025 at 5:15pm (series runs until Jun 23, 2025)

    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. 

    Session dates:
    May 26
    June 2, 9, 16 and 23

    Note:  Those who register for the May-June session will not be able to register for the April-May session and vice versa.