News from the Library
Visit the Library website↗ for our hours of operation↗, to access online resources, browse books, search programs and events, and more!
🌐 Discover the digital library↗
🔦In the spotlight: Congratulations to the 2025 Awesome Authors!
We’re thrilled to announce that the outstanding works of the 2025 Awesome Authors winners↗ are now featured in the latest edition of Pot-Pourri↗. This annual writing contest celebrates the incredible talent of Ottawa’s emerging young writers and artists, aged 9 to 18.
⏰Upcoming events
Barrhaven Builder's Club↗ – PD Day (December 5): Build, construct, engineer, and design using Lego, Meccano, K'nex, VEX Robotics, and more. Drop-in program. Family program.
Library Lecture Series: The "Secret" Writings of Henry VIII and Katherine Parr (His Sixth Wife!)↗ - December 6: Henry VIII and Katherine Parr owned hundreds of deluxe books. They sometimes read with pen in hand and left fascinating markings in the margins. But what do these "secret" writings in the margins reveal about the characters of the infamous Henry VIII and his wife who "survived"?
We will be joined by Carleton Professor, Micheline White, for a discussion on these writings in the margins and their not-so-hidden meanings.
Board Game Café↗ - December 7: Drop in to play board games and card games. This is a great opportunity to bring a friend! You are welcome to bring your own board games or enjoy our selection of games in a relaxed atmosphere. Drop in. Adults and Teens welcome.
Granny Squares for Warmth↗ - December 9: The Granny Squares for Warmth (GSFW) group was created in November 2020 as a Barrhaven-based group with a mission to create and donate hand-made blankets and shawls to people in need in the Ottawa area. Crocheters and Knitters - please join us to make granny squares for blankets, as well as to join squares, and to crochet or knit blankets and shawls. Everyone is welcome!
Conte en famille↗ - 10 décembre : Contes, comptines et chansons pour les enfants de tous âges et un parent ou gardien. Joignez-nous après notre Contes en famille pour jouer et socialiser. Il y aura des activités pour les tout-petits et leurs adultes. Portes ouvertes. Programme familial.
Ballet Jörgen presents Ballet 101↗ - December 10: The Ballet 101 program is a free one-hour presentation directed to children and youth, which provides the opportunity to see real performance by a professional ballet company while learning about ballet as a storytelling medium. The interactive component also teaches basic dance positions and allows participants to discover their own ability to convey emotions through movement. In partnership with Ballet Jörgen. All ages. Registration is recommended. Drop-ins are welcome if space is available.
Employment Support↗ - December 12 (10:30 am – 12:30 pm): Are you looking for work? Unemployed or underemployed? Drop-in to meet one-on-one with an Employment Counsellor from the Pinecrest-Queensway Employment Services team.
Kids Crafternoon: Snowball Sparkle Station↗ - December 12: Unwind and get inspired at the end of the week with our relaxed, hands-on creative sessions! This program is all about exploring your creativity in a fun and welcoming space. All materials are provided—just bring your imagination! Decorate your indoor snowball (styrofoam ball). Use glitter, paint, pipe cleaners, and googly eyes. The possibilities are endless! For ages 7-12. Drop-in program.
Learning English? Join one of our conversation groups to practice your English conversation skills in a low-pressure, friendly environment. All levels are welcome.
Wednesdays English Conversation Circle↗ at 6:30 pm
📌Chill vibes of simpler times
Get in the holiday spirit with a nostalgic family activities. Drop-in and exchange puzzles with other members of our community. Not into puzzles? Borrow a Christmas CD to play in the car when you are out and about.
📌 Reading recommendations
Adults
Travel without leaving Ottawa↗ - Has the cold, snowy weather got you down? Do the shorter days make you want to curl up with a good book? Let our librarians’ recommendations help you get cozy! These selections below were chosen to brighten your mood during these chilly months.
Children, tweens and teens:
For Fans of Studio Ghibli Films↗ - Titles for children, tweens and teens that are looking for books with whimsy, adventure and world building similar to the Studio Ghibli films.
📌Familles francophones : Cantook
Que vous lisez vos livres ou que vous préférez les écouter, l'application Cantook rassemble tous vos livres dans une seule application de lecture hautement personnalisable. Téléchargez Cantook gratuitement dans l’App Store↗ ou sur Google Play↗.