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!

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 a popular book series. This drop-in program for all ages features interactive activities and crafts that encourage problem solving, creativity, and play.

This program runs Friday and Saturday mornings, August 7-22, between 10 a.m.-12 p.m. in the Family Dept.

August 7 & 8: Who Would Win?
August 15 & 16: Magic Tree House
August 21 & 22: Zoey and Sassafras

Drop-In: Dive in to the Makerspace!

Drop-in to the Makerspace from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Saturday until August 15, to create under the sea themed crafts!

Can’t make it to the drop-in? You can still participate! Stop by the Makerspace during opening hours to pick up that week’s project supplies and complete the activity at home!

Aug 8: Aquatic Plushies

Aug 11, 12, and 15: Glowing Diorama

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. Check OPL social media for weather updates.

This drop-in program runs Tuesday, August 4-18, from 10:30–11:30 a.m. at Victoria Park (75 Coldwater Road West).

August 11: Mermaid Madness
August 18: A Shark in the Park

Registered: Page Turner Party (Ages 6-12)

Celebrate the joy of reading with interactive read-alouds, movement games, literary activities, and fun book-themed crafts. Whether you're just starting out or already a book lover, we'll explore stories together in a fun, creative way.

This registered program runs Wednesday, August 5-19, 10:30-11:30 a.m. in the Family Program Room. A current library membership is required. Register now!

Special Presentation: Ontario Parks - Victorian Games (All Ages)

Let's explore Victorian Games with Ontario Parks! Try out Victorian era games like ball and cup, Jacob's ladder, dominos, and more! Looking for more fun? Outdoor themed crafts and activities will also be available. 

Attend this drop-in event on Thursday, August 13, between 10 a.m.-1 p.m. in the Family Dept.

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!

Attend this drop-in event 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: 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 OPL staff In The Park, 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.

Please note, caregivers must remain with their children while attending this program. 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: 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 occur on the 2nd 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 occur on the 2nd 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. With fuse beads, stickers, and gems, let your creativity sparkle!

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. (Centre's are open 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 25th from 9:30-11 a.m. – Orillia Centre (250 West St. N. Unit 2)