Children and Families

Discover fun, engaging programs for children and families at the Orillia Public Library! From stories and crafts to learning and special events, there’s something for every age and interest.

Registered: Tween Time - Maker Mixer (Ages 9-12)

Calling all crafty tweens! Personalize your gear and make your own keychains, bag tags, and a bedazzled water tumbler. Let your creativity sparkle with fuse beads, stickers, and gems!

Join us on Tuesday, September 22 from 6-7 p.m. in the Family Dept. Program Room.

Drop-In: Family Art (All Ages)

Join us in the Family Dept. for a fun art project that all skill levels will enjoy! Let your creativity flow with different materials and inspiration available each week.

This 5-week drop-in session will be held every Tuesday at 3:30-7 p.m. until September 29.

September 22 - Square Collage Art
September 29 - Every Child Matters: Rock Painting Gathering with Special Guest Michelle Green

Drop-In: Family Storytime - In The Park! (All Ages)

Join us at Victoria Park (75 Coldwater Road West), for mornings full of books, songs, activities, and crafts with a different theme each week! All ages are welcome to this drop-in program.

Caregivers must remain with their children. Check OPL's social media for weather-related updates.

This drop-in session will be held every Wednesday at 10:30-11:30 a.m. until September 23.

September 23 - Hello, Autumn!

Drop-In: Saturday Special (All Ages)

Join us in the Family Dept. for an EXTRA SPECIAL Saturday! Every week, enjoy a fresh selection of self-guided activities we have created just for you!

This drop-in program runs every Saturday in September from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

September 26 - Coding

Drop-In: Courtyard Storywalk - The Orange Shirt Story (All Ages)

In recognition of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, families are invited to reflect while reading the pages of The Orange Shirt Story by Phyllis Webstad in the Library Courtyard windows. This self-guided Storywalk will be available from September 20-30. Begin at the windows near our West Street entrance and follow the numbered pages.

Registered: OPL Storytime @ EarlyON (Ages 0-6)

Did you know we partner with EarlyON to share library information and a storytime during their Stay, Play, and Learn for children ages 0-6? Visits are from 9:30-11 a.m., with Storytime usually around 10:30 a.m. (EarlyON Child and Family Centre is open from 9 a.m.-12 p.m.). You must register through EarlyON to attend. Check EarlyON Simcoe North social media channels for weather-related closure updates.

Friday, September 25 from 9:30-11 a.m. - Orillia Centre (250 West St. N. Unit 2)

Drop-In: Saturday Special (All Ages)

Join us in the Family Dept. for an EXTRA SPECIAL Saturday! Every week, enjoy a fresh selection of self-guided activities we have created just for you!

This drop-in program runs every Saturday in October from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

October 3 - Writer's Voice
October 10 - A Slice of My Culture
October 17 - Pumpkin Patch
October 24 - Monsters for Mayor
October 31 - Monster March

Drop-In: Parent's Night - Journey to Reading (Adults Only)

Whether your child is just beginning to read, having difficulty learning to read, or is dyslexic, this free workshop is for you! Join us Tuesday, October 6 at 6 p.m. in the Family Dept. Program Room for a relaxed and welcoming evening designed for parents and caregivers.

Discover practical tools, helpful tips, and step-by-step guidance to support your child on their journey to becoming an independent reader and make learning to read both exciting and effective.

No childcare will be provided.

Drop-In: Wednesday Family Art (All Ages)

Join us in the Family Dept. for a fun art project that all skill levels will enjoy! Let your creativity flow with different materials and inspiration available each week.

This drop-in program will be held every Wednesday in October from 3:30-7 p.m.

October 7 - Spider Webs
October 14 - Haunted Houses
October 21 - Monster Bash
October 28 - Ghostly Friends

Drop-In: Mini Kindies (Ages 3-5)

Welcome to Mini Kindies! This fun, social, story- and play-based program is designed for preschoolers ages 3–5 and their grown-ups. Children will build the skills and confidence they need to feel ready and excited for their first day of kindergarten through stories, play, and activities.

Join us on the second Friday of each month in the Family Dept. Program Room. We recommend arriving at the start to make the most of your experience. October’s theme is Pumpkin Party, on Friday, October 9, from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Drop-In: Babytime (Newborn to Walking)

Join us for stories, songs, tickles, and bounces, in this baby and caregiver program. Each program will end with a baby play time and caregiver social. This program is best for babies from birth until walking.

This program will be held every Tuesday from October 13-December 8, in the Family Dept. Program Room.

Two timeslots are available: 10:15–11 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.–12:15 p.m. Drop-in at the time that works best for your family.

Drop-In: Homeschool Hangout (Ages 6-12)

Join us in the Family Dept. Program Room on Tuesday, October 13 from 1:30–3 p.m. to explore the wonders of the human body in this hands-on program designed specifically for homeschool students and their families. Through interactive activities, 3D models, and engaging projects, discover how our organs, bones, and muscles work to keep us alive and thriving.

Recommended for ages 6–12.

Drop-In: Reading Assessment Nights (Ages 5+)

Unlock your child’s reading potential with a free, personal reading assessment. Bring your reader to meet Jenny and she will help them discover their strengths, areas for improvement, and what steps to take next on the journey to independent reading.

Drop-in to the Family Dept. for an assessment on Tuesday, October 13, 20 & 27 between 5-7 p.m.

Drop-In: Super Storytime (Family)

Read, write, talk, sing and play along with us at Super Storytime! Perfect for families with children ages 5 and younger. Arrive early, as space is limited.

This drop-in program runs every Wednesday from October 14-December 16 (with the exception of November 11) at 10:30 –11:30 a.m. in the Family Dept. Program Room.

October 14 - On the Farm
October 21 - We Love Our Library!
October 28 - Monster Mash Up

Drop-In: Toddler Time (Walking to 36 Months)

Join Jenny for Toddler Time! This lively, interactive program features bright, engaging books, music and movement activities, and early literacy skills. Connect with your child and other families in a supportive, play-based environment.

This drop-in program runs every Thursday from October 15-December 10 at 10:30 –11:30 a.m. in the Family Dept. Program Room.

Registered: OPL Storytime @ EarlyON (Ages 0-6)

Friday, October 16 from 9:30-11 a.m. - St. Bernard’s Satellite location (255 Oxford St.)

Drop-In: Sunday Family Art (All Ages)

Join us in the Family Dept. for a fun art project that all skill levels will enjoy! Let your creativity flow with different materials and inspiration available each week.

This drop-in program will be held on Sunday, October 18 & Sunday, October 25, from 1-3:30 p.m.

October 18 - Monster Bash
October 25 - Ghostly Friends

Registered: Tween Time - Spellbook Design (Ages 9-12)

Tweens, get into the eerie spirit of season by designing your own grimoire. Bring your nightmares to life by decorating a book with dark designs, weird webs, dragon eyes, and imagination.

Join us on Friday, October 23 from 4-5:30 p.m. in the Family Dept. Program Room.

Orillia Public Library
36 Mississaga Street West
Orillia, Ontario
L3V 3A6
Email: info@orilliapubliclibrary.ca
Phone: 705-325-2338
Fax: 705-327-1744

Opening hours

Monday 10am-8pm

Tuesday 10am-8pm

Wednesday 10am-8pm

Thursday 10am-8pm

Friday 10am-6pm

Saturday 9am-5pm

Sunday Closed