Children and Families

MAY PROGRAMS

Family Art (All Ages)

Drop-in to the Family Dept. for a fun, all-ages art project! Each week in May, explore new materials and inspiration on Saturdays (10 a.m.–1 p.m.) or Mondays (3:30–7 p.m.).

  • May 2 & 4 - Paper Bag Kites
  • May 9 & 11 - Clothespin Butterflies
  • May 16 - Popsicle Stick Trucks (*The Library is CLOSED on Monday, May 18)
  • May 23 & 25 - Foil Fish
  • May 30 - Fruit Fun

National Youth Week: Makerspace Open House: (*Ages 11-18)

Unleash your creativity at our Teen Makerspace Open House in celebration of National Youth Week! 

Youth ages 11-18 are invited to drop-in on Thursday, May 7 from 3-7 p.m. to explore the Makerspace (2nd Floor) and design your own custom sticker sheet or personalize a mug using sublimation technology for free while supplies last! 

 *Please note that youth under the age of 13 must be accompanied by an adult.  

Homeschool Hangout: Energy is Electric! (Recommended for Ages 6-12)

This Homeschool Hangout is going electric!  Homeschool families are invited to drop-in for this interactive, hands-on program learning about simple circuits, creating light-up art, and making playdough electric! Spark your curiosity, connect with peers, and prepare for some shockingly good fun!  This program will be held in the Family Program Room on Tuesday, May 12 from 1:30-3 p.m. 

Don't forget to register by May 25 for our Homeschool Hangout Science Fair on Tuesday, June 16 from 1:30-3 p.m.

Drop-In Family Storytime in the Park (All Ages)

Join us at Victoria Park (75 Coldwater Road West) for mornings filled with stories, songs, activities, and crafts—each week features a different theme! This drop-in program welcomes all ages; caregivers must remain with children during the program. Please check OPL social media for weather-related updates.

This 5-week series runs Tuesdays from 10:30–11:30 a.m. until June 16.

  • May 19 - Flower Power
  • May 26 - On the Farm

Tweens: Retro Recess! (Ages 9-12)

Tweens, is your favourite subject recess?  We're bringing it back - old-school style!  Get ready for an evening of dodgeball, jump rope, marbles, prizes and more!  Join us on Tuesday, May 19, from 6-7:30 p.m. in the Library Program Rooms. Sneakers, a water bottle and comfortable clothing recommended!  

Register nowan up-to-date library card is required to attend.

JUNE PROGRAMS

Family Art (All Ages)

Drop-in to the Family Dept. for a fun, all-ages art project! Each week in June, explore new materials and inspiration on Saturdays (10 a.m.–1 p.m.) or Mondays (3:30–7 p.m.).
  • June 1 - Fruit Fun
  • June 6 & 8 - Collage Art with Old Books 
  • June 13 & 15 - DIY Fans
  • June 20 & 21 - Beaded Key Chains
  • June 27 & 29 - Library Card Holders

Drop-In Family Storytime in the Park (All Ages)

Join us at Victoria Park (75 Coldwater Road West) for mornings filled with stories, songs, activities, and crafts—each week features a different theme! This drop-in program welcomes all ages; caregivers must remain with children during the program. Please check OPL social media for weather-related updates.

This 5-week series runs Tuesdays from 10:30–11:30 a.m. until June 16.

  • June 2 - What's the Weather
  • June 9 - Silly Stories
  • June 16 - We're Goin

PA Day: Friday, June 5

Carnival Craze - Family Dept. Drop-In (All Ages)
Step right up for Carnival Craze at the Library!  Families are invited to drop-in and enjoy a fun-filled PA Day packed with carnival-themed crafts, games, and hands-on activities for all ages.  Come and clown around in the Family Dept. between 10 a.m. and 12 p.m.

Family Movie Matinee: Moana 2 (All Ages)
Ocean adventure awaits! Join us for a free screening of Moana 2 and follow along on an epic journey across the sea. Doors open at 2 p.m. in the Family Program Room. No registration required, but space is limited. (Rated PG.)

Mini Kindies Drop-In (Ages 3-5)

Ready, set, kindergarten! Kids ages 3-5 and their grown-ups are invited to join us for a high-energy program packed with games, songs, and silly fun that helps preschoolers practice the skills they’ll need for school.  We’ll zoom through colours, letters, and numbers, play movement games, and learn how to take turns—all while laughing and learning together.  We recommend arriving at the start of the program to make the most of your experience. This monthly drop-in program will be held in the Family Program Room:
  • June's theme: Tadpoles to Frogs: Graduation! on Friday, June 12 from 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m

 

Rainbow Storytime Drop-In (All Ages)

Join us on Saturday, June 13 from 10:30-11:30 a.m. for a joyful Rainbow Storytime in celebration of Pride Month!

Families are invited to enjoy a welcoming, inclusive Storytime featuring colourful books, songs, and activities that celebrate love, identity, and being yourself.  This special program will be in the Family Program Room and is designed for children of all ages and their caregivers, offering a safe and affirming space where every family can feel seen and celebrated.  Registration is not required but space is limited.

 

Homeschool Science Fair (Ages 7-14)

Young scientists are invited to showcase their discoveries at our OPL Homeschool Science Fair! Whether exploring chemistry, biology, physics, or earth science, participants will have the chance to use the scientific method, share their experiments, and connect with other homeschool families.

A prize of a $50 gift card will be awarded for the best entry.

This registered program is for children ages 7–14 and takes place in the Family Dept.on Tuesday, June 16 from 1:30–3 p.m. A library membership is required to participate.Register by May 25th!

OPL Storytime @ EarlyON (Ages 0-6)

Did you know EarlyON offers ongoing Stay, Play, and Learn programs for children ages 0–6, and the library joins select sessions to share information and a storytime?

These visits take place at different EarlyON locations and each program runs from 9:30–11 a.m., with Storytime usually around 10:30 a.m. (Centres are open 9 a.m.–12 p.m.). You must register through EarlyON to attend. 

Our next visit is Friday, June 19 from 9:30–11 a.m. at St. Bernard’s Satellite location (255 Oxford St.)
Date is subject to change.

Primary Party: Squishy Science (Ages 6-8 years)

Get ready for Squishy Science!  Join us in the Family Program Room on Tuesday, June 23 from 6-7 p.m. to explore the exciting world of science through hands-on, stretchy, ooey-gooey fun.  Measure, mix, and squish as we experiment together and make DIY NeeDohs, oobleck, and more! 
Register now; an up-to-date library card required.  

Contact Us

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