All Programs and Events

Hike & Storytime **No activity on Monday, April 6
Russell Branch
Mondays 9:00-11:00 AM
On-going program
Bilingual

9AM-10AM: Get moving and breathe some fresh air! We will go on a fun morning hike down the conservation area across the street from the library. Meeting place: library parking lot.
10AM-11AM: It’s story time! With each book, a new adventure begins. Have fun participating in the activities after the story.
For children 0-6 years old. In partnership with EarlyON Child & Family Centre.
Drop in program. No cost.

Babies & Books
This program is currently on hold. Families are still welcome to gather and connect. Sensory books and toys will be available for babies, but there will be no facilitator for the group until further notice.
Russell Branch
Tuesdays 11:00-11:30 AM
January 13 to March 10
Bilingual

Join the fun with Josiane! Sing songs and rhymes, sensory toys & other book related activities. A different theme every week. For babies 0 to 18 months. In partnership with Embrun Family Centre.
Drop in program. No cost.

Toddler Time with Emily
Embrun Branch
Tuesdays 10:30 – 11:00 AM
February 3 to April 14
In French

Enter Emily’s wonderful world, where stories come to life through songs, rhymes, and fun games! A new theme every week. Toddlers discover the joy of books, develop their language skills, and meet new friends. For children 18 to 36 months accompanied by an adult. Drop in program. No cost.
*Older and younger siblings are welcome to join.

Storytime & Crafts with Kristina
Russell Branch
Wednesdays 10:30-11:30 AM
February 4 to April 15
English Register here.

Join Kristina for a delightful weekly Storytime filled with imagination, creativity, and fun! Each session features engaging stories, songs, and hands-on crafts that bring the themes to life. Little ones explore books, develop early literacy skills and make new friends. For children 3 to 4 years old accompanied by a parent of caregiver.
Registration required. Cost: $25 / 10 weeks.
*Cost prorated ($2.50 per week) if you register after the start of the program.

Toddler Time with Stephanie
Russell Branch
Thursdays 10:30-11:00 AM
February 5 to April 16
Bilingual

Enter Stephanie’s wonderful world, where stories come to life through songs, rhymes, and fun games! A new theme every week. Toddlers discover the joy of books, develop their language skills, and meet new friends. For toddlers 18 to 36 months old. Drop in program. No cost.
*Older and younger siblings are welcome to join.

After School Club (Russell)
Russell Branch
Last Monday of the month 4:00–5:00 PM
January to May
Ages 7 years +
Bilingual | Register here.

Stop by the library after school to have some fun! You can play: Board games, Card games, Minecraft Magnetic Blocks, LEGO challenges and code with our new Vincibot robot.
Registration required. No cost.

After School Club (Embrun)
Embrun Branch
Last Thursday of the month 4:00–5:00 PM
January to May
Ages 7 years +
Bilingual | Register here.

Stop by the library after school to have some fun! You can play: Board games, Card games, Minecraft Magnetic Blocks, LEGO challenges and code with our new Vincibot robot.
Registration required. No cost.

Junior Book Club FULL *Join our waitlist here*
Russell Branch
First Thursday of the month 4:15 – 5:15 PM
October to May
Grades 3-5
In English | *See the list of titles here*

Come and discuss your latest reads, make a fun themed craft, and enjoy a tasty snack! Our Junior Book Club is a friendly, relaxed space where readers can share their thoughts, discover new books, and get creative together. New members welcome anytime! Registration required. No cost.

Youth Book Club
Russell Branch
First Thursday of the month 5:15 – 6:15 PM
October to May
Grades 6-8
In English | Register here.

Come and discuss your latest reads, make a fun themed craft, and enjoy a tasty snack! Our Youth Book Club is a friendly, relaxed space where readers can share their thoughts, discover new books, and get creative together. New members welcome anytime! Registration required. No cost.

Club de lecture junior
Embrun Branch
Third Wednesday of the month 4:00 – 4:45 PM
October to May
Grades 3-5
In French | Register here.

Come and discuss your latest reads, make a fun themed craft, and enjoy a tasty snack! Our Junior Book Club is a friendly, relaxed space where readers can share their thoughts, discover new books, and get creative together. New members welcome anytime! Registration required. No cost.

Homeschool Hangout
2nd Tuesday of the month from 1 pm to 2 pm
Russell Branch
All ages.
In English. Free. Registration required. Register here.
A Library card is required to register.

Join us once a month at the library for our Homeschool Hangout! This casual, welcoming gathering is designed for homeschoolers and their families to connect, learn, and have fun together. Each month features a different activity—ranging from hands-on crafts and STEM experiments to games and group activities—so there’s always something new to explore. *Have a look at our registration page or events calendar for the details of each monthly activity.

Our prepared, instructor-led activities will be best suited for older children (7+), but families with kids of all ages are welcome to join in. We’ll have a dedicated table for parents and younger children, complete with colouring pages, simple crafts, Lego, and more.

R.E.A.D. with Artemis
Russell Branch
Tuesdays at 4 pm & 4:30 pm
January 27; February 10 & 24; March 10 & 24
Children 6 to 9 years old
Bilingual |Register here.

One on one reading time with Ottawa Therapy Dog, Artemis (and her owner Rebecca).
Your child can practice and gain confidence in their reading skills in a relaxed and non-judgmental atmosphere. Bring a book from home or choose one at the library. Free. Registration required. 

Black History Month Storytime & Craft *French activity
Embrun Branch
Saturday, February 14 from 10:30 – 11:15 am
Free activity.
Register here.

Celebrate Black History Month with a special storytime and craft at the library! Local author Karin Prince-Agbodjan will read engaging stories that highlight Black history and culture, followed by a hands-on craft inspired by the theme. The storytime is open to all ages. Please note that registration is required for the craft portion for children ages 5 to 9.

Black History Month Storytime & Craft
Russell Branch
Saturday, February 21 from 10:30 – 11:15 am
Free activity. | English activity
Register here.

Celebrate Black History Month with a special storytime and craft at the library! Berylla, a Russell resident, will read engaging stories that highlight Black history and culture, followed by a hands-on craft inspired by the theme. The storytime is open to all ages. Please note that registration is required for the craft portion for children ages 5 to 9.

Storytime in Pyjamas: Spring!
Russell Branch (English)
Embrun Branch (French)
Friday, April 24 from 6:30 – 8:00 PM
Register here.

Come celebrate the season of spring with us: stories, crafts and snacks. Wear your favourite pyjamas !
For children 5-8 years old. Registration required. Cost: $ 8

Youth Book Club
Russell Branch
First Thursday of the month 5:15 – 6:15 PM
October to May
Grades 6-8
In English | Register here.

Come and discuss your latest reads, make a fun themed craft, and enjoy a tasty snack! Our Youth Book Club is a friendly, relaxed space where readers can share their thoughts, discover new books, and get creative together. New members welcome anytime! Registration required. No cost.

Tween & Teen Paint Night
Monday, February 9 from 6 to 8 pm
Russell Branch
12 years old and up
Cost: $8 | Register here.

Tweens and teens are invited to unwind at a fun paint night at the library! Guided by art teacher Carly, participants will follow simple step-by-step instructions to create their own colourful masterpiece to take home. All materials will be provided, and snacks are included. Come enjoy a creative evening and bring some friends!

Queer Social with Russell Pride
First Thursday of the month from 6 to 8 pm
Next meet up: January 8
Russell Branch
Drop in at anytime.

Are you queer and also craving connection? The Russell Pride group has got you covered. Come socialize with your local queer community, sip some coffee, spill some tea. We can’t wait to see you there!

Literary Cafe
Russell Branch
Last Monday of the month | from 6:30 to 7:30 PM
Next meeting: March 30
Bilingual | 13 +

Want to practice your public speaking skills? Have a short story/poem you want to share?
Be a reader at the cafe! All skill levels are welcome! Coffee/tea and snacks provided.
No registration required. Sign in to speak on arrival.

3D Printing
Russell Branch

The Russell Branch has a Creality K1C 3D Printer which library patrons can learn to use to print their own 3D models.
You need a valid library card. And you need to be 13 years old or older to use the printer or be accompanied by an adult;

Learn more information about the training sessions and printer use here.

Poetry Workshop with Silvia Fiorita Smith
Wednesdays from 1 pm to 2:30 pm
January 28 to March 18
Russell Branch
Cost: $25 (8 sessions). Registration required. Register here.

Unleash your creativity and explore the power of words in this welcoming poetry workshop led by local published poet and writer Silvia Fiorita Smith. Over the course of eight weekly sessions, participants will learn how to express thoughts, emotions, and personal stories through poetry.
Please bring your writing materials.

French Language Lessons: intermediate level
Online Course
Tuesdays from 7 PM to 8:30 PM
February 3 to March 24
Registration required. Register here.
Cost: $ 30/8 classes

Develop your writing and speaking skills in French through writing exercises, verb conjugations, discussions and assigned homework.
**Participants must have a basic knowledge of the French language and be able to follow a class taught in French. Lessons will be taught on Google Meet and homework will be available through Google Classroom.

.A valid library card is required to register.

Sunday Social
Russell Branch
Sundays 10:30 AM to 2 PM
Starts September 7

Feeling social? Bring a friend or make new ones at our Sunday Social at the library!
Enjoy puzzles, cards, board games, crosswords, and more. This free drop-in program is open to everyone aged 13 and up.

Adult Book Club
Russell Branch
First Tuesday of the month at 8:00 PM
(no meetings in July and August)
In English. Registration required.

Join fellow book lovers in a relaxed and welcoming environment. Each month we dive into a new book. Whether you’re an avid reader or looking to get back into the habit, everyone is welcome. Registration is required, but participation is free. The library provides the books for every participant. New members are welcome to join our discussions at any time.
Click here to view the Book Club page for the list of titles.

Millennialish Book Club
Russell Branch
Last Thursday of the month at 7:00 PM
Registration required. In English.

Millennialish Book Club is for readers who love reading and discussing books in a casual, friendly setting. We’ll explore a variety of engaging titles and come together to share thoughts, opinions, and laughs. Whether you consider yourself a millennial or are just close in age, you’re welcome to join—no age checks required. Come for the books, stay for the conversation.
See our reading list here.

Club de lecture pour adultes
Embrun Branch
Last Thursday of the month at 1:00 PM
Registration required. In French.

Join fellow book lovers in a relaxed and welcoming environment. Each month we dive into a new themed reading. Whether you’re an avid reader or looking to get back into the habit, everyone is welcome. Registration is required, but participation is free. The library provides the books for every participant. New members are welcome to join our discussions (in French) at any time.
See list of themes here.

Write It Now (WIN) + Writing Group
Russell Branch
Every second Thursday at 10:15 AM to 12:15 PM
In English
See our calendar of events for specific meet up dates.

WIN + is a creative writing group. You can follow the memoir workbook Write It Now to help write memoirs. You can also bring any creative writing piece you are working on to share (optional) with the group; poems, short stories, etc. Or just come to listen and learn.
New members are welcome at any time! No registration required. No cost.

Genealogy Club
Embrun Branch
First Thursday of the month at 6 PM
(No meetings June-August)
Registration required. Free.

Join us at any time to learn more about your genealogy. Come and learn new tips and tricks on different ways to build your family tree. No experience necessary.

Knitting Group
Russell Branch
Every Tuesday at 6:30 PM
Registration not required
Bilingual

Want to learn how to knit with a fun group of people? Looking for help with your knitting project? All levels of knitters welcome. Bring your projects with you.

Literary Café
Russell Branch
Last Monday of the month
From 6:30 to 7:30 PM
Bilingual

Want to practice your public speaking skills? Have a short story/poem you want to share?
Be a reader at the cafe! All skill levels are welcome! Coffee/tea and snacks provided.
No registration required. Sign in to speak on arrival.

Meet the Author Event with Emily Austin
Monday, April 20 at 6:30 pm
Russell Branch
Cost: $8
Registration required. Register here.

Join us for an inspiring, welcoming evening with Ottawa’s very own Emily Austin — acclaimed novelist and poet. Emily will discuss her latest works, share her writing journey, and take your questions in a friendly Q&A. A book-signing will follow the talk, giving you the chance to meet her and get a signed copy of her books.

Meet the Author Event with Josée Ouimet
Wednesday, April 22 at 6 PM
Embrun Branch
Cost: $8
Registration required. Register here.
French event.

We are pleased to welcome Josée Ouimet, a prolific author since 1995—novelist, short story writer, and poet. This is a wonderful opportunity to discover her inspiring journey and learn more about her novels—particularly her historical sagas—her inspiration, and the role of writing in her life.

A question and answer session and book signing will follow the meeting.

Puzzle Swap
Saturday, April 11 (Russell)
Saturday, April 18 (Embrun)
All day (10:00 AM – 5:00 PM)

Drop in to refresh your puzzle collection by swapping out one of your puzzles for a new-to-you puzzle. Children’s puzzles and donations are welcome: thank you for dropping-off in advance.

Swapped puzzles must:
-Be complete with no missing pieces
-Be in the original box
-Be in overall good condition

Ask Me Anything – Local Democracy
Monday, May 4 at 6:30 pm
Russell Branch
Free. Registration required. Register here
In partnership with Leadership féminin Prescott-Russell

Join us for an engaging and informative panel discussion focused on the health of local democracy and the role residents play in shaping it. This bilingual (English and French) session will bring together experienced municipal leaders from outside Russell Township to share insights, perspectives, and practical ways to get involved.

During the evening, we will provide an overview of the current state of local democracy, including how to register and vote, through a presentation by the Township’s Clerk, Joanne Camiré Laflamme. Panelists Marie-Noelle Lanthier, leader of Leadership féminin and former municipal councillor for La Nation, and Kirsten Gardner, former Deputy Mayor of South Dundas will discuss the roles and responsibilities of municipal council members, drawing from their own experiences in office. Attendees will also learn about resources available to those interested in running in municipal elections, as well as concrete actions residents can take to support and strengthen democracy both during election periods and between elections.

Local Authors Showcase
Saturdays : May 2, 9, 16 & 23 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Russell Branch
Free event for everyone. Drop in.
Authors in English and French.

The Library is proud to host the Local Authors Showcase. This series of events, taking place on Saturdays in May, spotlights the creative talent of 17 authors in the township and surrounding areas.
Meet Local Authors: Connect one-on-one with writers from our area and learn about their creative journeys. Hear about the writing process, publishing paths, and the stories behind the stories.
Books for Sale:  Authors will have copies of their books available for purchase and signing.

Visit our Local Authors Showcase page for full program and author details.