News from Ruth E. Dickinson: your local library branch
Visit the Library website for our hours of operation, to access online resources, browse books, search programs and events, apply for a library card, and more!
🌈 Capital Pride 2023 at OPL 🌈
It is almost time for Capital Pride, a festival dedicated to the 2SLGBTQIA+ people of Ottawa that spans August 19-27. The theme of this year’s Capital Pride, “Get Proud!” is both an invitation and an appeal. Capital Pride is a time for celebration and a time to gather with friends, family, and community. But it is also a time to remember that the pursuit of equality is still ongoing.
With our core values including community, inclusion, and intellectual freedom, we at OPL remain committed to serving all people of Ottawa regardless of gender, gender expression, or sexuality. We invite you to join us at programs this August and beyond to share and learn. We will continue to provide access to diverse stories and voices. OPL is for everyone, and we are so excited to celebrate Capital Pride with all of you!
👩💻 Techno Buddies 👨💻
Are you an older adult who needs help with technology? Try our Techno Buddies program! Teams of two teen volunteers will share their technology knowledge with one older adult each for one hour per week over the next 2 weeks.
Volunteers will help older adults with topics such as basic use of devices like desktop computers, tablets and smartphones, internet applications like browsers, email, calendars, social media, and games, and file and photo management, such as Google Suite, OneDrive, and iCloud. Wednesday, August 23 and Wednesday, August 30 from 3 pm to 4 pm. Register in-branch at the 2nd floor hub.
🚂 Stay & Play 🚙
Join us to play and chat! There will be self-directed activities and toys for parents/caregivers and young children. Drop-in program. Thursday, August 24 from 10:30 am to 11:30 am
🏆 Win a Magazine Subscription 🏆
Hey kids, have you been tracking your reading this summer? Your reading calendar serves as your ballot for the chance to win the grand prize in our draw! Each library branch is awarding one yearlong magazine subscription in English or French! Bring back your ballots to any library branch between August 21 and 27, 2023. For more information, please click here.
🦉 Fall Children's Programs 🦉
Staff at the Ruth E. Dickinson branch are excited to welcome children and families back for in-person programming this fall! Registration opens on Monday, August 28 at 10 am. Here are a few of our favourites. For a full list of programs happening at Ruth E. Dickinson, please click here.
Preschool Show and Tell (September - October): Wednesdays at 2 pm starting September 13 - Join us for a preschool circle time with lots of stories, rhymes and songs, followed by a craft. Children are encouraged to bring an item or photo to share/talk about with the other participants. For children aged 3-4 (starting kindergarten in the fall of 2024) and a parent/caregiver. Siblings are welcome.
Sensory Storytime: Select Saturdays at 3 pm (September 9, October 21, November 4, December 2) - Our monthly Storytime welcomes and respects the needs of children aged 0-6 years living with developmental disabilities and/or Autism, who may face barriers related to sensory experiences, show signs of, or are at risk for a developmental delay. A family member must be present for the entirety of the event. Offered in partnership with Mothercraft Ottawa.
Night Owls Book Club: Monthly on select Thursdays starting September 28 at 6 pm - New to independent reading? Join our family book club and discover great reading suggestions to get you started and keep you going. We will share favorites, listen to read-alouds and participate in book-related art activities. For kids ages 6-8 and their adult reading partner.
We also offer a variety of drop-in programs (no registration required!) including toddlertime, babytime, Early ON baby playgroup, contes en famille, and more!
🆕 Parenting in Ottawa Drop-In: Tuesdays at 2 pm starting September 12 - Speak, in person, with a Public Health Nurse to get support around infant feeding and parenting. No appointment is necessary, simply drop in during these hours. Learn ways to help your child eat healthy and be active Make sure your child is on track with their growth and development. In partnership with Ottawa Public Health.