Students Guide to Spring at OPL 

Do you have your library card?

As the beloved character Arthur says, "Having fun isn't hard when you've got a library card!" Students can apply for a library card online or at a branch. Bonus - there are no overdue fines, ever! 

Elementary School 

Do you like surprises? Dive into a Grab and Go bag!
Grab and Go bags have different themes and topics, prepared by our staff and ready-to-go for you! 

Upcoming Programs 

Spycraft Mission 
Calling all agents! In this interactive story event, you will have to decode the organization’s plans, find their location, and create the means to foil their plot. Suitable for ages 8-12.

Ozobots 
Create a story using Ozobot (a tiny toy robot!) as a character. Suitable for ages 8-12.

Literary Creations
A fun and interactive program that combines a storytime with individual creation and imagination. Suitable for ages 4-7.

Cool Crafts  
We provide the materials, you bring the creativity! Join us to make something awesome and enjoy an inspiring story. Suitable for ages 4-7.

No Tech Coding  
Who says coding needs a computer! Learn the lo-fi side of coding, with games, crafts, and more. Suitable for ages 8-12.

Save the Date! On June 6, 2022 we'll be offering special programs for the PA Day, and registration opens for the 2022 Summer Reading Challenge; this year's theme is "What’s Your Next Adventure?" 

High School Students 

Learn from experts for free with your library card!

Enroll in a LinkedIn Learning session to build upon your skills, professionally and interpersonally. 

Feeling crafty and inspired? Watch classes on Creativebug and learn new techniques by experienced designers and makers.

Upcoming Programs 

Sewing 101: DIY Book Bag 
In Partnership with Creative Community Hive. Learn how to use a sewing machine in the making of a custom book bag! Machines and materials are provided. Ages 16+. Beginner level.

3D Printing 
Learn the basics of 3D printing and receive certification so you can start using OPL's all new Ultimaker machines. Suitable for ages 13+.

Comic Book 101  
Dive into the history, the creation, and the fun that comes with a good graphic novel! Suitable for ages 13+.

DIY Laptop Skins 
Want your laptop to stand out and showcase your coolness? Join us in learning how to design and make your own vinyl laptop skins on the library's Cricut Maker machines.

Cricut Design Space Intro 
Design and prepare a simple project for use on the Cricut machine, available at the Glen Abbey Creation Zone. Ages 13+.

Digital Paint Night  
Using Creation Zone technology, you'll learn the basics of digital painting in the recreation of a masterpiece! Ages 13+.

Looking for volunteer opportunities? OPL will be hosting a volunteer information night in June to support the 2022 Summer Reading Challenge.  

Community Conversations

We are bringing those experiences together for you through our Community Conversations Series, a collection of partnered programs, events, and resources to engage you in thoughtful discussions on social issues and polarizing topics. Community Conversations Series supports OPL’s mission to bring together people, information and ideas to enrich lives and build healthy communities. See our upcoming themes and how you can join the conversation at opl.ca/CommunityConversations.

 

Learning Tools

Online Learning

• TumbleBook Library offers interactive eBooks for kids in English, French and Spanish

• KanopyKids offers unlimited access to high-quality movies and TV shows like Arthur and Sesame Street.

• Hoopla offers instant streaming and downloadable children’s movies, television shows, audiobooks, and music.

• Little Pim is an online language learning system for ages 0-6.

• Khan Academy is a free website that offers expert-created content and resources for every course and level.

• LinkedIn Learning is an online learning platform featuring thousands of online courses taught by industry experts including: 3D printing, business, photography, coding and more.

• Mango Languages teaches practical conversation and simulates the way people learn when immersed in a foreign culture.

• Encyclopedia Britannica offers an online version which includes video clips, magazine articles, interactive exercises and activities for students.

eBooks and Audiobooks

• cloudLibrary offers a growing collection of eBooks and audiobooks for adults, teens, and kids. Listen or read on your computer, smartphone or tablet through the mobile or desktop app.

• AudiobookCloud is an online collection of over 1000 streaming audiobooks. Aimed at students from kindergarten to high school, the collection includes full-length unabridged classics, fiction and non-fiction books.

• CELA catalogue for those with print disabilities – CELA has Canada’s largest collections of books and online resources for people who have difficulty reading print due to a visual, physical, or learning disability.

Movies and Music

• Kanopy lets you stream documentaries, classic and indie films on desktop, mobile and Roku. Check out the Credit-Free Viewing list for a growing collection of titles that will not deduct from your 10 monthly play credits.

• Naxos Music Library allows you to stream classical, jazz, blues, relaxation, world and contemporary music, as well as spoken word and folk tales, from any computer.

• Hoopla offers instant streaming and downloadable television shows, movies, audiobooks, and music.

Newspapers and Magazines

• New York Times offers digital articles that can be viewed on any computer, smartphone, or tablet with an internet connection. Note: You will be directed to redeem a 72 hour access code. After those 72 hours have elapsed, simply click to redeem a new code.

• PressReader provides online access to 7,000+ full text, full colour issues of magazines and newspapers covering over 120 countries and 60 languages.

​Family History and Genealogy 

Ancestry Library Edition is a great resource for anyone doing genealogical or historical research. Records include census data, vital records, directories, photos, and more with some information dating back to the early 13th century. Access to this resource has been temporarily expanded to library cardholders working remotely, courtesy of ProQuest and its partner Ancestry.
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*Not an exhasutive list of all resources available. Visit opl.ca to find more great resources.