What's On for Kids at the Main Library

The Main Library offers a selection of fun, educational programs for children from newborn to 14 years of age.

Please note that some of the programs require registration while others are drop-in. The details are listed in each program description. Tickets must be picked-up - first come, first served. If you have any questions then please call (519) 886-1310 ext. 129.

Drop-in Programs:

Tales for Tots

Join us in the picturebook area for a storytime that is filled with stories, songs and fingerplays that incorporate the six pre-reading skills outlined in the Every Child Ready to Read program. Geared for children ages 2 and 3, but all ages are welcome.

• Date: Mondays, Sept. 21 to Dec. 14
• Time: 10:30 to 11:00am

Preschool Wiggles and Giggles

Early literacy begins with you! Bring your preschooler to the library for this fun and interactive program that helps develop the six pre-reading skills every child needs in order to be ready to read. Ages 3 to 5 years old

• Date: Wednesdays, Sept. 30 to Dec. 9
• Time: 10:15 to 11:00am
• Registration: not required, however, program is limited to 20 children and their caregivers.

One-derful Walkers

Early Literacy begins with you - bring your baby to the library for this engaging and interactive program that helps develop the six pre-reading skills your child can start learning from birth! Ages 12 to 24 months.

• Date: Thursdays, Oct. 1 to Dec. 10
• Time: 10:30 to 11:00am

Babytime

Join us for a fun and playful experience. Babies and caregivers will participate in stories, fingerplays, action rhymes, tickles and more. The program is followed by a 15 minute social time to visit and play together. Ages 3 to 15 months.

• Date: Thursdays, Oct. 1 to Dec. 10
• Time: 11:15 to 11:45am

Family Storytime

Families are invited to attend an interactive storytime with picturebooks, songs, finger plays and poetry. Fun for everyone!

• Date: Saturdays, Oct. 3 to Dec. 5
• Time: 11:00 to 11:30am

Fridays with Chester

This is a 45 minute drop-in program for 3 to 5 year olds who are ready to separate from their caregivers. The program features songs, stories, games and so much more.

• Date: Fridays, Oct. 9 to Dec. 4
• Time: 1:30 to 2:15pm

Family Night @ the Library

Looking for a fun way to spend some quality time with your kids? Join us at WPL for Family Night @ the Library. Families are invited to this fast paced program filled with fun stories, songs, family games and lots of giggles! It is geared for ages 6 and under, and their caregivers, but everyone is welcome to attend.

• Date: Second Tuesday of every month - Dec. 8.
• Time: 6:30 to 7:15pm

Books and Games

Books and Games is about nurturing the love of reading in children through one-on-one reading time and learning games. Our tutors are students from the University of Waterloo and are affiliated with Frontier College, a national organization promoting literacy for everyone. Ages 6 to 12.

• Date: Thursdays, Oct. 15 to Dec. 3
• Time: 6:00 to 7:30pm

LittleCounters

Discover how songs, games and stories can help your baby learn about numbers and counting. The program will be presented by Dr. Kotsopoulos, and Dr. Lee, from Wilfrid Laurier University. This program is very popular so come early. For ages 12 to 28 months. This is a drop-in program that is limited to the first 15 babies and their caregivers.

• Date: Tuesdays, Nov. 10 to Dec. 8
• Time: 10:15 to 11:00am

Crafty Christmas

This Christmas program is a favourite annual tradition. Families are invited to come and make holiday crafts and ornaments. This program is free. Donations of non-perishable food items for the Food Bank are gratefully accepted, but not required. Everyone welcome.

• Date: Wednesday, Dec. 9
• Time: 6:30 to 8:00 p.m.

Christmas Storytime

Join us for a special storytime that will include songs, stories and a craft. Ages 2 to 6.

• Date: Wednesday, Dec. 16
• Time: 10:15 to 11:00am

Programs requiring Tickets or Registration:

Christmas Concert with Sandy MacDonald

Get into the spirit of the season with carols and seasonal songs sung by library favourite Sandy MacDonald. You may even get a chance to sing-a-long. Everyone welcome.

• Date: Friday, December 4 It's a PD Day
• Time: 11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.
• Tickets: Nov. 28

A Little House on the Prairie Christmas

It's time to get ready for Christmas - Pioneer style. Join us for simple crafts, a pioneer snack and a terrific story! Ages 7 to 12 years old

• Date: Saturday, Dec. 5
• Time: 1:30 to 2:30pm
• Registration: Nov. 21 - Dec. 2

Gingerbread Fun!

Listen to the Gingerbread Man story and then create your own miniature gingerbread house! Ages 4 to 7.

• Date: Saturday, Dec. 12
• Time: 10:30 to 11:30am
• Registration: Dec. 1

Christmas Lanterns

Be creative, cut out shapes and glue tissue paper all over glass jars to make festive lanterns. Ages 5 to 10.

• Date: Saturday, Dec. 12
• Time: 2:00 to 3:00pm
• Registration: Nov. 30 to Dec. 9.

Erick Traplin

Need to get out of the house and work off some of the food you've enjoyed over the holidays? Then come to the library and see one of the region's most popular children's performers, Erick Traplin, in concert. His concerts are always lots of fun! Everyone welcome.

• Date: Wednesday, Dec. 30
• Time: 2:00 to 2:45pm
• Tickets: Dec. 19