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↗
Holiday hours
Wednesday, December 24 – 10 am to 3 pm
Thursday, December 25 - Christmas Day - CLOSED
Friday, December 26 - Boxing Day – CLOSED
Wednesday, December 31 – 10 am to 3 pm
Thursday, January 1, 2026 - New Year's Day - CLOSED
🔦In the Spotlight - OPL's most requested books↗ of 2025
Learn what Ottawans have been reading this past year. In the list, find our most popular fiction, local authors, non-fiction, teen and children favourite reads as well as books for series fans. Of note: French-language borrowing hit record highs again this year! Award-winners, beloved staples, and reader-favourites all shine.
⏰Upcoming events
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 (Drop-in - 4 pm): 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.
Bilingual Family Storytime / Conte en famille bilingue↗ - December 13 (10:30 am): Stories, rhymes, and songs for children of all ages and a parent or caregiver. Contes, comptines et chansons pour les enfants de tous âges et un parent ou gardien.
Sensory Storytime↗ - December 13 (2 pm): This program provides a welcoming environment and respects the needs of children from 18 months to 6 years who live with developmental disabilities and/or autism, or who show signs of a developmental delay. This program is drop-in, but if you choose to register, you will receive a reminder email.
Family Storytime and Craft↗ - December 14 (Drop-in - 10:30 am - 11:45 am): Stories, rhymes, and songs for children of all ages and a parent or caregiver followed by an arts & crafts activity. Family program.
Slow Stitchers and Handcrafters↗ - December 14 (2 pm - 4 pm): If you hand sew, quilt, knit, crochet, needlefelt, cross-stitch, embroider, needlepunch, english paper piece or any other handcraft, please join us for a fun, welcoming get together to work on your own projects. Everyone and all ages welcome. Looking forward to meeting new friends and hope to see you there!
EarlyON Baby Playgroup↗ - December 15 (Drop-in - 1:30 pm - 3 pm): Baby playgroups are facilitated by Early Childhood Educators with early learning activities for babies and a chance for caregivers to network and share experiences. A partnership between the Early On Family and Child Centre and the Library. Ages 0-12 months. Drop in program.
Storytime with Holiday Sing-Along & Craft↗ - December 20 (Drop-in - 10:30 am - noon): Celebrate the season with a festive storytime followed by a joyful holiday sing-along and fun craft. Family 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.
Tuesday English Conversation Circle↗ at 6:00 pm
Wednesday English Conversation Circle↗ at 6:30 pm
📌Newcomers and people of no fixed address
Library cards are available to those who do not yet have a permanent address. Meet the Flex Card - Come in and ask at the desk about your options. This card is for:
Clients without photo ID and/or proof of Ottawa address
Clients with a temporary shelter address
📌 Reading recommendations
Adults: Books for chilly winter nights↗ - Ottawans are familiar with long, cold winters. Being “snowed-in” at least a few times a winter makes for some excellent reading. There really is no better time to curl up on the couch with a mug of hot chocolate and a good book. A cold winter day really is a bookworm’s dream.
Children, tweens and teens - Thieves, Heists & Museum Crimes!↗ Selections from the Children's collection surrounding art heists, thieves & museum crimes.
📌Familles francophones: Vous cherchez à améliorer vos habiletés de lecture en anglais?
La BPO vous propose une collection de livres gradués comprenant plusieurs niveaux d’habiletés qui compte une variété d’intérêts. Visitez la réception ou découvrez ample détailes↗.