Programs & Events

What's going on at the library? We have plenty of programs for children, teens, and adults!

Children | Teens | Adults

Children's Programs

Babytime

Our fall Babytime session begins September 9 and runs through October 14 on Tuesdays at 1:30pm.  Babytime is perfect for little ones aged 0-12 months and a caregiver or parent. These sessions are drop ins only and it can fill up quickly! Please bring a blanket for baby to rest on during the session as we'll be doing lots of songs and activities on the carpet. You don't even need a library card to attend!

On September 30, we'll also be welcoming Jessica Mahoney from Language Express who will be coming to talk with participants about Language Express services as well as general speech and language milestones. If you are attending this session, Ms. Mahoney will arrive toward the end of the session at about 2:15pm. We also welcome other parents who may want to attend and ask questions.

Babytime is open to everyone, even if you'd only like to come to one or two sessions. The new drop in format has been working well, but make sure to get here early–we can only accommodate the first 15 babies and parents. Once the room is full, we will put a notice on our door to let parents know they should try again next week and we'll have a fun resource pack to take home. We'd appreciate limiting attendance to two adults plus baby, please, to allow space for everyone.

While babytime is aimed at providing fun skills for babies, it's really for parents. You'll have fun meeting new people and we encourage lots of interaction after each session. Get to know the person next to you and go out for a coffee—it's a fun way to get out of the house and expand what you do in this busy parenting world you live in.

We're looking forward to seeing everyone over the summer!

Storytime

Fall Storytime is back with a fun group of sessions for parents and caregivers and their littles aged 2-5. Storytime takes place on Wednesdays at 10am before the library opens and allows everyone to have lots of fun and choose books once the session is over. No registration is required, but please plan on being here for the starting time of 10am. Fall Storytime runs from September 10 – December 17. If the buses are cancelled when the weather gets cold, we do not run storytime or other children's programs as we understand that many parents will also have older children at home as well.

Storytime is our weekly early literacy program for children aged 2-5. We sing songs, read great books and practice lots of early literacy skills in a fun manner. This is the perfect session for families with children of a variety of ages as we work hard to engage everyone through lots of activities and get kids to enjoy books. If your child hasn't really had the opportunity to meet or socialize with other children, this is the perfect setting to get them started. We do a lot of repetition to make sure kids start to keep comfortable and learn about routines and following direction. It's a great session to get your child ready for school!

This program is also provided in an accessible space, with access to our meeting space from our outdoor ramp. During most storytime hours, the library is still closed to regular visitors so please plan on using the side door access–posters are placed on the front door with arrows providing direction to the accessible space.

While we do periodically offer sensory-friendly storytime programming, there are also always sensory objects available for children who might need some stimulus-calming during the session. We expect these sessions to be a little noisier or busier than some programs due to the age of the children, so please prepare if you have sensory issues if necessary.

If your child is in need of accessible reading options such as Braille books, dyslexia-friendly options such as decodable books or audiobooks, we can provide you with options for reading at home. Please feel free to let is know ahead of time if your child would like some of these options, or if they have other sensory or accessibility issues that may prevent them from enjoying our space or the program. We'd be happy to try to accommodate. You can email Heidi at hsinnett@carletonplace.ca

No registration is required for this fun program.

See you at the library!

Toddler Time

Toddler time returns in September for another 6 week session. Join us for this fun drop in on Tuesday mornings at 10:30am starting Tuesday, September 9–no registration required.

If you haven't been to Toddler Time, then you're in for some fun! Join us for a morning session open to children aged 1-3. 

This program is also provided in an accessible space, with access to our meeting space from our outdoor ramp. We expect these sessions to be a little noisier or busier than some programs due to the age of the children, so please prepare if you have sensory issues if necessary.

If your child is in need of accessible reading options such as Braille books, dyslexia-friendly options such as decodable books or audiobooks, we can provide you with options for reading at home. Please feel free to let us know ahead of time if your child would like some of these options, or if they have other sensory or accessibility issues that may prevent them from enjoying our space or the program. We'd be happy to try to accommodate. You can email Heidi at hsinnett@carletonplace.ca

No registration is required for this fun program of activities, songs, books and much more to keep your toddler moving and learning. This will run for a 6-week session then take a quick break.

Intergenerational Storytime

Intergenerational Storytime will continue in 2025 at VIVA: The Waterside at 105 McNeely Avenue. It's a great place to attend a smaller version of storytime in a quiet environment that really makes a difference in the lives of the residents at Waterside who take part. No registration is required–just arrive a few minutes early and be prepared to have fun.

New upcoming dates!

Thursday, August 28th at 10am

Thursday, September 18th at 10am

Waterside is an accessible space with easy-access electronic door buttons at the front door. Please feel free to bring in strollers or other child-friendly vehicles such as carts or wagons when visiting for storytime.

Many seniors don't receive a lot of visitors and very few see children so this is a great opportunity for them to experience the joy of youth in their comfortable setting and try something new. Kids will enjoy the quiet, cozy environment of Waterside–we'll meet in the front lobby and do all of the same fun songs, stories and early literacy activities that we do at the library, but on a different day in a different place. If you can't make it to our storytime that week, you'll have another opportunity to get out and enjoy an activity.

Waterside is located at 105 McNeely Avenue. There is plenty of free parking up front or at the rear of the building and we'll end each session with a fun stamp, sticker or treat just to wrap things up. No registration is required–please invite your friends to come along! We'd love for these sessions to really grow this year.

French Language Storytime

French Language Storytime will hopefully resume in the fall. Please watch for future updates here.

The Carleton Place Public Library is proud to partner with Conseil des écoles catholiques du Centre-Est to offer a monthly French language storytime program!

French Storytime is open to children of all ages and is primarily aimed at those who speak French, although all levels of French are welcome. This can be a great session for parents who want to expose young children to the language when they don't speak it themselves, and it's also great for those in French Immersion who need extra practice.

No registration is required–just come to the library on one of the Saturday mornings listed in our calendar and enjoy a fun hour of stories and songs in French.

Reading Dragons and Friends

How does Reading Dragons and Friends work? 

Reading Dragons and Friends are collectible playable cards featuring mythical creatures like dragons, unicorns, griffins, and more.  

Children track the time they spend reading in 30-minute increments to earn cards – using their reading tracker to track the time spent reading. After completing four 30-minuite reading periods, they can come to the library to collect a family of Reading Dragons and Friends.  

Anyone can start the program and collect up to four families (13 cards!) a month!

How do we start? 

You can start collecting Reading Dragons and Friends cards anytime! Just ask to register for the program at the front desk! 

Reading Dragons and Friends is a reading incentive program developed the Dover Public Library in 2019 – it is used by over 400 libraries across the globe and has helped foster a love for reading in thousands of children worldwide.

Please email Julia with any questions at jhawkins@carletonplace.ca  

Book Dragons Book Club

Book Dragons Book Club is now full for the 2025-2026 season.  If you have any questions, or if your child is interested in joining Book Dragons, please reach out to Julia at jhawkins@carletonplace.ca.

At Book Dragons, we read a new novel each month and meet in person to discuss it as a group. The aim of this book club is to teach kids to read critically, but it's also a lot of fun. We do an activity and usually play at least one fun ice breaker game during each meeting as well.  Please plan on having your child at the library by 6pm so we can start on time.

Please note: if the buses are cancelled, we do not run programs. Please listen to local radio stations on snowy mornings or visit https://www.steo.ca/delays/ for updates on bus cancellations.

Summer Literacy Tutoring

Our Summer Literacy Tutoring program runs from July through the middle of August for kids who have been in Kindergarten to Grade 2 during the current school year. In early May, we contact all local schools and ask teachers to recommend students for the program–those kids who might benefit from a few weeks of tutoring one-on-one to help with the summer reading slump.  Our tutors prepare lessons based on the teacher reports and work with their students for a 2-week period to help strengthen skills, work on reading confidence, and encourage a love a books and reading that will hopefully carry through to the next school year.

This is a very popular program and spaces fill up quickly. Once all spaces are full, we will still offer a weekly "Reading Buddy Friday" program with the tutors that is open to everyone each week, even if they are not participating in the literacy tutoring program. Registration begins on the Monday of each week. Please call the library at 257-2702 for more information.

PLEASE NOTE:  Our Summer 2025 sessions are now over. If you are interested in finding a tutor for your child during the school year, please contact your school for suggestions. In early May 2026, we will once again contact schools and open up registration to those children who are struggling readers as recommended by their teachers. Please watch this website and our social media pages in early May for instructions on how you can request that your child be added to a recommendation list.

For more information, feel free to reach out to Heidi at hsinnett@carletonplace.ca.

Teen Programs

Teen Volunteers at the Library

Queer Sphere Crafting Circle

Queer Sphere is back with the new fall version and we're so excited!  Teens aged 12+ are invited to join us monthly for fun crafting, meeting new people, and feeling welcome in a safe and encouraging environment. No registration required.

Our first fall meeting takes place on Wednesday, September 10 from 3-4:30pm. We hope to see you there!

Adult Programs

Adult Book Club

Meets the second Monday of the month from 6:30 pm to 8 pm, in the Barbara Walsh Room.

Book club is a perfect time to relax and discuss some great reads.  Copies of books are available as eBooks, and are also sourced through the Provincial inter-library loan network.  Book club selections are made by members. Drop in for one session, or join us every month!

While all are welcome to attend Book Club meetings, the library is currently at capacity for the number of book club copies we are able to source through the Provincial inter-library loan network. Please place a hold on one of our physical or digital copies.

September 8, 2025 – The Gilded Hour by Sara Donati

October 20, 2025 – Theme month!  This month's theme is "Graphic Novels". Read any graphic novel you like. Need some ideas? Check out some suggestions for great graphic novels here.

November 10, 2025 – Table for Two by Amor Towles

December 8, 2025 – Oryx and Crake by Margaret Atwood

January 12, 2026 – Theme month! This month's theme is "Non-Violent True Crime". Read any nonfiction book about heists, thefts, cons, etc. where no physical harm or injury to another person occurred. Need some ideas? Check out our list of interesting non-violent true crime reads here.

February 9, 2026 – Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver

March 9, 2026 – Looking for Jane by Heather Marshall

April 13, 2026 – Britt-Marie was Here by Fredrik Backman

May 11, 2026 –  The Alice Network by Kate Quinn

June 8, 2026 – Bad Cree by Jessica Johns

Emergency Preparedness Workshop with the Canadian Red Cross

As recently as 15 years ago, Red Cross responses to disasters here in Canada were predominantly helping those who were impacted by local house and apartment fires and the very occasional ice storm and power outage. More recently, Red Cross volunteers find themselves occupied by a dramatic increase in climate-related and other events. Planning for annual fire and flood seasons that dislocate more and more people, and responding to tornadoes and hurricanes, is unprecedented. Deployments across the country are year-round.

In this course, you will learn what steps you can take to prepare for a range of emergencies, the risks in our community, the plan you need to make, and the kit you will need to take care of yourself and your family. The more people that can take care of themselves for the first 72 hours of a disaster, the more our first responders, such as police, fire, ambulance, hydro, water and road crews, can focus on helping those who cannot help themselves.

Join us on Wednesday, September 24th, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Carleton Place Public Library (101 Beckwith Street) for an informative meeting where you'll learn what you need to prepare for a 72 Hour Emergency. Please email Heidi at hsinnett@carletonplace.ca to register.

Upcoming Author Talk: Labyrinth of Dreams by Nadee Fernando-O'Driscoll (Saturday, Oct 18, 2025 at 2PM)

Join us on Saturday, October 18th, 2025 at 2PM with local author Nadee Fernando-O'Driscoll as she performs a reading and author talk about her debut novel – Labyrinth of Dreams!

Nadee is an author, advocate, and inspirational voice whose life embodies transformation, resilience, and unwavering resolve. Born and raised in Sri Lanka, she pursued academic excellence, earning a Bachelor of Science from the University of Pune in India before embarking on a new journey in Ottawa, Canada, in 2004. She now calls Carleton Place home, where she shares her passions with her family.

From an early age, Nadee found solace and strength in words, but it was at 49 that she truly embraced her talent, publishing her debut novel, Labyrinth of Dreams. Through her writing, she champions the struggles of women and marginalized groups, challenging entrenched social conventions and advocating for meaningful change. Her work is both personal and universal—a journey of self-discovery and a call for societal progress.

Today, Nadee continues to write using her platform to inspire reflection, spark conversation, and encourage others to dream new dreams, regardless of the obstacles they face. As an author, keynote speaker and passionate advocate, she remains committed to uplifting voices often unheard and to fostering resilience in all she does. Nadee's story is a testament to the belief that our lives are not defined by setbacks, but by the courage to rise, reinvent, and express our authentic selves at every stage.

Copies of the book will be available for purchase after the event for $20 (cash only).

Cookbook Book Club

️ Cook Book Book Club: A Tasty Twist on Book Clubs!

Calling all food lovers and culinary explorers—CPPL's Cook Book Book Club is dishing up something special, and we want YOU to join the feast!

This isn't your typical book club. Each month, we pick a theme, try out recipes, and bring our delicious creations to share at our meeting. It's like a potluck party for foodies! Plus, at the end of the year, we create a cookbook featuring our favorite recipes.

When? The FIRST WEDNESDAY of every month at 6:30 PM.
‍ Where? Your library, where food and fun come together!

New members are always welcome, so come hungry and ready to cook up something amazing!

No sign-up necessary!

Our first meeting is on Wednesday, Sepetember 3rd, 2025 and the theme is: Local Foods! Whether you're experimenting with heirloom vegetables or sourcing artisanal cheeses, we invite you to explore and cook with the freshest, seasonal ingredients available and join us and share your seasonal culinary creations. 

Silent Art Night

️ Join us on the fourth Tuesday of each month for Silent Art Night!

Join us at the library for some gentle music, comfortable companionship, and a space dedicated to art and creation! Come with your art supplies or use our provided basic drawing materials to create something creative. You can always keep the artwork you create, and we will be making several donations to local organizations with any art that members donate to to share with the community. 

No registration required – newcomers are always welcome!

If you have any questions, please contact Julia at jhawkins@carletonplace.ca

Alzheimer's Society Caregiver Support

The Carleton Place Public Library is proud to partner with the Alzheimer's Society of Lanark, Leeds and Grenville to offer a Caregiver Support group.  These monthly meetings for caregivers are offered to any person caring for a loved one living with dementia.  Join a representative from the Alzheimer's Society of Lanark Leeds and Grenville for opportunities to develop a social network, coping strategies and to meet others in similar situations.

Drop-ins are welcome, but connecting with the Alzheimer's Society beforehand is appreciated. Interested participants can contact the Alzheimer's Society of Lanark Leeds Grenville at 1-866-576-8556 or e-mail Geralynne Smith at Gsmith@alzllg.ca.

Meetings held in the library's Barbara Walsh Room on the second and last Monday of each month, from 1:30pm to 3:30pm.

Film Screening : There's A Place for Me Here

• When: October 23 @ 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
• Where: Carleton Place Public Library

Join us for the screening of "Lanark County Voices … There's a Place for Me Here," an inspiring documentary that shares the voices of thirteen members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community living in Lanark County. Through their stories of belonging, challenges, and hope for the future, this film captures both the progress made and the work still ahead in creating a welcoming community for all.

Local Immigration Partnership – Lanark & Renfrew are offering this screening in partnership with Queer Connection Lanark and the Carleton Place Public Library. This event is a part of the Local Immigration Partnership's Culture Connect event series – fall edition.

About Queer Connection Lanark
Queer Connection Lanark County works to increase the visibility and inclusion of the 2SLGBTQI+ community. Since 2014, they have built on the legacy of earlier local organizations to make Lanark County a welcoming place for people of all genders and orientations. Queer Connection Lanark proudly collaborates with community committees and celebrates the work of Pride Committees in Carleton Place, Mississippi Mills, Smiths Falls, and Perth.

This is a free event. Registration is required. Light refreshments will be served

 Carleton Place Newcomers Connect

Are you new to Canada? New to Carleton Place? We'd love to see you at the library for our Carleton Place Newcomers Connect sessions each month. Join us the 1st Tuesday of each month at 6:30pm, or the 3rd Thursday of each month at 6:00pm to talk with others new to our community and share experiences. We'll have a fun conversation topic each session and encourage attendees to practice their English skills or just connect with someone new in Carleton Place.

If you're a newcomer to our community and would like help getting established in English (help with Government documents, understanding important banking information etc., please reach out to:

Lanark & Renfrew Immigration Settlement Services    or

Local Immigration Partnership