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.

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  • 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.

  • 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!

  • Illustration of family reading together with red background
    Saturday May 24, 2025 at 10:30am

    Stories, rhymes and songs for children of all ages and a parent or caregiver. Followed by 30 minutes of "stay and play" for those who would like to linger and socialize. Drop-in program. One Saturday a month. 

    Contes, comptines et chansons pour les enfants de tous âges et un parent ou gardien. Cela sera suivi de stations de jeux pour ceux qui veulent rester socialiser après le programme pour un 30 minutes additionnel. Portes ouvertes. Un samedi par mois.

  • Saturday May 24, 2025 at 2:00pm

    L'information en français suit.

    Join us at the Rideau Branch to share and swap houseplants with fellow plant-lovers! A plant swap is a chance to share your propagations and cuttings with others, add new plants to your collection, and chat about a shared love of all things green and leafy.

    If you are interested in attending the event, please continue reading below for further information.

    Attendees are encouraged to prepare healthy, pest-free cuttings of plants that they would like to swap away. Labeling plants by type and attaching care tips is encouraged but not required.
    Two swap options will be available:

    • Free Swap: Plants and propagations that are up for grabs, no official trade needed.
    • Trade only: Plants and propagations that are to be traded as agreed upon by both swapping parties.

    Attendees can decide which type of swap(s) they want to participate in.
    Other plant-care related items such as extra pots, trays, soil, and gardening tools can also be brought for swapping or sharing. Repotting and gardening will not take place at the program.

    //

    Rejoignez-nous à la succursale Rideau pour une chance de partager et d'échanger des plantes d'intérieur avec d'autres amateurs de plantes ! Un échange de plantes est une occasion d'ajouter de nouvelles plantes à votre collection, de partager vos propagations et vos boutures avec d'autres, et de discuter avec d'autres personnes partageant un amour commun pour tout ce qui est vert et feuillu.

    Si vous souhaitez participer à cet événement, veuillez continuer à lire ci-dessous pour plus d'informations.

    Les participants sont invités à préparer des boutures saines et exemptes de parasites des plantes qu'ils souhaitent échanger. Il est recommandé d'étiqueter les plantes par type et de joindre des conseils d'entretien, mais ce n'est pas obligatoire.
    Deux options d'échange seront proposées :

    • Échange gratuit : Plantes et propagations qui sont à prendre, aucun échange officiel n'est nécessaire.
    • Échange seulement : Plantes et propagations qui doivent être échangées selon l'accord des deux parties.

    Les participants peuvent décider du type d'échange auquel ils souhaitent participer.
    D'autres articles liés à l'entretien des plantes, tels que des pots supplémentaires, des plateaux, de la terre et des outils de jardinage, peuvent également être apportés pour être échangés ou partagés. Le rempotage et le jardinage
    n'auront pas lieu pendant le programme.

  • Web banner for Arts and Culture
    Saturday May 24, 2025 at 2:00pm (series runs until Jun 21, 2025)

    Come recreate a famous piece of art. We will select a new piece of art and give you all the supplies you need!

    April inspiration: Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter
    May inspiration: Giants by OSGEMEOS
    June inspiration: The Wisdom of the Universe by Christi Belcourt

    Ages 6-12.

  • Saturday May 24, 2025 at 2:00pm

    Whether you're new to the library or a long-time visitor, there's always something new to discover. Join us for a relaxed, welcoming event where you can learn about all the resources and services we offer—from books and digital tools to creative spaces, technology, and programs. Come see how we can support you! 

    Registration encouraged but drop-ins always welcome.

  • Monday May 26, 2025 at 1:00pm (series runs until Jun 23, 2025)

    Are you a writer or author looking to learn more about the indie publishing process? Join author N.G. Avant for this monthly program discussing key aspects of the indie publishing process. This will include topics such as beta reading, getting book reviews, navigating platforms like Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) or Draft to Digital, building an author brand, and creating engaging social media content.

    All writers and authors are welcome! 

  • 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)

    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. 

    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.

  • Monday May 26, 2025 at 6:00pm

    Le 24 février à 18h: Avant les rues.

    Shawnouk, un jeune atikamekw, tue un homme lors d'un vol à main armée. Après s'être évadé en forêt, il retourne dans son village et cherche à se liberer par la pratique de rituels traditionnels. 

    Le 17 mars à 18h: Nos belles-sœurs.

    A la fin des années 1960, Germaine Lauzon est l'heureuse gagnante d'un million de timbres grâce auxquels elle pourra enfin acheter par catalogue tous dont elle a toujours rêvé. Elle invite sa fille, sa soeur et ses voisines à une petite soirée, mais la jalousie s'installe de plus en plus chez ces femmes.

    Le 28 avril à 18h: La vénus d’argent.

    Jeanne a 24 ans. Elle fait le pari de réussir sa vie dans le monde de la finance. Pas pour la gloire ou le luxe, mais parce que c'est le moyen qu'elle a trouvé pour gagner la liberté.

    Le 26 mai à 18h: Les visiteurs.

    En 1122, le sort d'une sinistre sorcière et la distraction d'un enchanteur propulsent un valeureux guerrier et son écuyer dans une époque démente, la nôtre !