You are here

Find a program or event

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.

  • poster for Poetry
    Monday May 26, 2025 at 6:00pm

    Every Monday evening we put the spotlight on a director's work, giving us a chance to explore their oeuvre, revisit movies we've played on Tuesdays, and just....watch some good movies. This month's pick is Lee Chang-dong.

    Join us for a free screening of Poetry In as part of our Monday Director Spotlight Series. The film was released in 1999. 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. 130 minutes. In Korean with English subtitles.

  • poster for I Saw the TV Glow
    Tuesday May 27, 2025 at 6:00pm

    Join us for a free screening of I Saw the TV Glow as part of our "The Ever-Evolving Self" movie theme for May. The film was directed by Jane Schoenbrun and was released in 2024. 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. 100 minutes. In English with subtitles.

  • poster for The Maltese Falcon
    Wednesday May 28, 2025 at 6:00pm

    Reminisce with us on a nostalgic trip every fourth Wednesday of the month as we play a film from the classic/Golden era of Hollywood  This month's pick is The Maltese Falcon.

    The film was directed by John Huston was released in 1941. 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. 101 minutes. In English with subtitles.

  • poster for Attack of the 50 Foot Woman
    Wednesday Jun 4, 2025 at 6:30pm

    Ottawa Bad Movie Nights and Ottawa Public Library present a screening of Attack of the 50 Foot Woman (1958).

    Please join us from 6:30pm to 8:30pm, at the OPL's Main Branch Auditorium. The event will also feature other bad movie items like trailers and serials.

    The event is free to attend. In English.

    Note: This film is intended for a mature audience. Viewer discretion is advised.

  • poster for Edge of Tomorrow
    Wednesday Jun 11, 2025 at 6:00pm

    Join us for excitement and thrills every second Wednesday of the month as we play an action/adventure movie  This month's pick is Edge of Tomorrow.

    The film was directed by Doug Liman and was released in 2014. 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. 113 minutes. In English with subtitles.

  • Tree emerging from a book / Arbre émergeant d'un livre
    Thursday Jun 12, 2025 at 1:00pm

    Want to learn more about your family history or are getting stuck working on your family tree? Drop-in to share research strategies, and discover what resources are available for your research. 

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

    We encourage you to bring your laptop or tablet. You may be able to borrow a Chromebook from the library, depending on demand.

    Depending on attendance, genealogy drop-ins may become a regular recurring program at the Main branch!

    **

    Vous souhaitez en apprendre plus à propos de votre histoire familiale ou êtes incapables de faire progresser le travail sur votre arbre généalogique? Venez échanger des stratégies et découvrir les outils de recherche généalogique à votre portée.

    Des spécialistes de la branche ottavienne de la Société généalogique de l'Ontario (site Web disponible en anglais seulement) répondront à vos questions et vous aideront à tirer le plein potentiel des ressources de la bibliothèque. 

    Nous vous encourageons à apporter votre propre ordinateur portable ou tablette. Vous pourriez être en mesure d'emprunter un Chromebook auprès de la bibliothèque, tout dépendant de la demande. 

    Selon le taux de participation, les séances de recherche généalogique portes ouvertes pourraient devenir un programme récurant à la Centrale!

    La séance est offerte en anglais seulement.

  • Old Parliament bulding / Ancien édifice du Parlement
    Monday Jun 16, 2025 at 1:00pm

    Join us as award-winning British journalist and author, Ursula Buchan, recounts the remarkable life and legacy of her grandfather: John Buchan (Lord Tweedsmuir) - war correspondent, journalist, prolific thriller writer, barrister, British Member of Parliament and Governor General of Canada. 

    Beyond the Thirty-Nine Steps, John Buchan's biography, written by Ursula Buchan, is available at the Ottawa Public Library.

  • poster for 10 Things I Hate About You
    Wednesday Jun 18, 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's pick is 10 Things I Hate About You.

    The film was directed by Gil Junger was released in 1999. 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. 97 minutes. In English with subtitles.

  • poster for Roman Holiday
    Wednesday Jun 25, 2025 at 6:00pm

    Reminisce with us on a nostalgic trip every fourth Wednesday of the month as we play a film from the classic/Golden era of Hollywood  This month's pick is Roman Holiday.

    The film was directed by Charles Walters was released in 1953. 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. 118 minutes. In English with subtitles.

  • poster for Night of the Lepus
    Wednesday Jul 2, 2025 at 6:30pm

    Ottawa Bad Movie Nights and Ottawa Public Library present a screening of Night of the Lepus (1972).

    Please join us from 6:30pm to 8:30pm, at the OPL's Main Branch Auditorium. The event will also feature other bad movie items like trailers and serials.

    The event is free to attend. In English.

    Note: This film is intended for a mature audience. Viewer discretion is advised.