Children and Families | Orillia Public Library

SUMMER PROGRAMS

TD Summer Reading Club Registration (Ages 0-13)

TD Summer Reading Club is Canada's biggest, bilingual summer reading program for kids of all ages, all interests, and all abilities. We are looking forward to another summer of reading adventures, fun library programs, and awesome prizes.

How to participate (registration is now closed):

If you registered in July, visit the Family Dept. weekly to tell us about your books, collect stickers, and earn ballots to enter exciting prize draws. Our Grand Prize is a $600 gift card to the Orillia Rec Centre!
Continue to read for fun! We'll work together to find books to spark your imagination and love of reading. Keep tracking your books in your TD Summer Reading Club logbook.
Don’t miss out on reporting during our last week, Super Reader Week, August 17-22!

Registered: Family Glass Fusion Workshop

Join Hilarie from The Bougie Mermaid on Saturday, August 22 at 2:30 p.m. to create a beautiful 4" x 4" fused glass sun catcher! Adults and children can register together and create a project as a team, while individuals ages 13+ may register on their own. Choose from a selection of designs and create a unique piece of glass art to brighten your home.

No experience is necessary, and all materials are provided. Cost is $30 per project. Register in person at the Library Check Out Desk. Please register for one space per project. Maximum two children per adult. Participants must have a valid Orillia Public Library membership.

DEADLINE EXTENDED! Register by Wednesday, August 19.

Drop-In: Stories With a Splash! (All Ages)

Join us at Victoria Park for stories, songs, and splash-filled fun for all ages! Come dressed for sun and water play. Caregivers must remain with children during the program.

We’ll wrap up our StoryTime in the Park series with A Shark in the Park on Tuesday, August 18 from 10:30–11:30 a.m. at Victoria Park (75 Coldwater Road West).

Check OPL social media for weather updates.

Special Presentation: Science North - Power Up! (All Ages)

Families are invited to discover the wonders of the Power Up! exhibit presented by Science North!. Enjoy the Experimental Explorers Science Show, featuring thrilling live science experiments! Additionally, families can explore interactive stations that delve into topics such as renewable energy, magnetism, and other electrifying activities.

This drop-in event will be held on Thursday, August 20, between 11 a.m.-2 p.m. in the Family Dept. Experimental Explorers Science Show will be held at 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m.

Drop-In: STEAM with a Theme (All Ages)

You are invited to the Family Dept. to explore the fun of combining STEAM challenges with the theme of the popular book series, Zoey and Sassafras! This drop-in program for all ages features interactive activities and crafts that encourage problem solving, creativity, and play.

This program runs on Friday, August 21 and Saturday, August 22, between 10 a.m.-12 p.m. in the Family Dept.

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. from September 1-29.

September 1 - Paper Plate Jellyfish
September 8 - Back to School Bookmarks
September 15 - Salt Painting
September 22 - Square Collage Art
September 29 - Picasso Pieces

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 4-week drop-in session will be held every Wednesday at 10:30-11:30 a.m. from September 2-23.

September 2 - Back to School
September 9 - Under Construction
September 16 - Rhyme Time
September 23 - Hello, Autumn!

Drop-In: Family Pirate BINGO! (All Ages)

Ahoy, mateys! It's Family PIRATE BINGO, fun for all ages, where heaps of treasure await!

Join us in the Family Dept. Program Room for a swashbuckling good time on Friday, September 4, from 10:30-11:30 a.m. or 2:30-3:30 p.m.

This is a drop-in program, however, space is limited.

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 5 - Pirate Party
September 12 - Ancient Worlds
September 19 - When I Grow Up
September 26 - Coding

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

Join us in the Family Dept. Program Room for a fun, hands-on science adventure exploring the wild world of weather! Homeschool students and their families will investigate clouds, wind, and rain through cool experiments and creative projects.

This drop-in program will be held on the second Tuesday of each month:

Wild Weather - Tuesday, September 8, 1:30-3 p.m.

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

Welcome to Mini Kindies! This fun, social, story and play-based program for preschoolers helps kids build the skills they need to feel ready and excited for their first day of kindergarten. Perfect for kids ages 3-5 years of age and their grown-ups. This program will be held in the Family Dept. Program Room. We recommend arriving at the start of the program to make the most of your experience.

This drop-in program will be held on the second Friday of each month:

Welcome Superkids! - Friday, September 11, 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m.

Registered: Primary Party - Parachute Play (Ages 6-8)

Get ready for high-flying fun with Parachute Play! From exciting group games with our colourful parachute to making parachute toys, we'll play, create, and experiment at this up-lifting event.

Join us on Tuesday, September 15, from 6-7 p.m., in the Family Dept. Program Room.

Register now: an up-to-date library card is required to attend.

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.

Register now: an up-to-date library card is required to attend.

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)