Children and Families | Orillia Public Library

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.

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. Lakehead University Teacher Candidates will also be available for reading support and family literacy activities.

Drop-in to the Family Dept. for an assessment on Tuesday, October 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 until December 16 (with the exception of November 11) at 10:30 –11:30 a.m. in the Family Dept. Program Room.

October 28 - Monster Mash Up

Drop-In: Family Art (All Ages)

Get creative with a different art project each week! Join us in the Family Dept. and explore your creativity with a variety of materials and seasonal inspiration.

Drop in Wednesdays from 3:30–7 p.m. and Sundays from 1–3:30 p.m. on the following dates:

October 28 – Ghostly Friends

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 until December 10 at 10:30 –11:30 a.m. in the Family Dept. Program Room.

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 31 - Monster March

Drop-In: Family Art (All Ages)

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

Drop in Sundays from 1–3:30 p.m. and Wednesdays from 3:30–7 p.m. on the following dates:

November 1 & 4 – Leaf Rubbing
November 8 – Diwali Candles
November 15 & 18 – Picasso Pieces
November 22 & 25 – Collage Art
November 29 & December 2 – Bubble Wrap Painting

Please note: The Library is closed Wednesday, November 11.

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 November 3-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: 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 November 4-December 16 (Library Closure on November 11) at 10:30 –11:30 a.m. in the Family Dept. Program Room.

November 4 - I Read Canadian
November 18 - DINOvember
November 25 - More Bears

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 November 5-December 10 at 10:30 –11:30 a.m. in the Family Dept. Program Room.

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 November from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

November 7 - Remembrance Day
November 14 - Spy School
November 21 - Financial Literacy
November 28 - North Pole

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.

November’s theme is Math and Magic on Friday, November 13, from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.

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

Join us in the Family Dept. Program Room on Tuesday, November 17 from 1:30–3 p.m. to get ready for some icky, sticky fun. Homeschoolers and their families will experiment with ingredients to mix up some slime and design a personalized, slow-rising squishy toy to take home. It’s the perfect opportunity to learn about chemical reactions, explore sensory textures, and connect with other local homeschool families. Please wear clothes that can get a little messy!

Recommended for ages 6–12.

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, November 20th from 9:30-11 a.m. - Orillia Centre (250 West St. N. Unit 2)

Drop-In: Comic Club PA Day (All Ages)

Calling all comic lovers! Spend your PA Day at the library celebrating some of the best graphic novels and comic series, including Dog Man, The Baby-Sitters Club, Wings of Fire, and more! Try your hand at comic-themed crafts and challenges, explore your favourite characters and stories, and get creative with all things comics!

Join us on Friday, November 20, from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. in the Family Dept.

Registered: Primary Kids - Plushie Party (Ages 6-8)

Primary plushie fans! Grab your absolute favorite stuffed animal and join us for a creative library adventure. Together, we’ll design custom, handmade accessories for your cuddly best friend, and then pick up a paintbrush to create a beautiful canvas portrait of them to hang on your wall.

Join us on Tuesday, November 24, from 6-7 p.m. in the Family Dept. Program Room.

Register NOW! A current library card is required to register. Space is limited.