Find books, music, movies, and more.

Stop by the Iroquois Ridge Creation Zone every other Wednesday* for a fun and interactive Open Studio session!

Every Other Wednesday*
6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Iroquois Ridge, Creation Zone
Cost: Free/Drop-in
Ages: All Ages

Have you read a book that you can’t stop talking about? A good book can pique your interest, provoke your curiosity, captivate and enthrall you, or it can make you laugh out loud. Drop in to this monthly book chat for an opportunity to discuss a book that has captured your imagination or get inspired with suggestions for your next great read.

Wednesday, September 5
2 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Woodside Branch, Program Room

Cost: Free
Age: 55Y+

Occurs on the first Wednesday of the month from September until March.

Bring your tablet, smartphone, or laptop and receive help with basic computer skills. We can assist with email, sharing photos, messaging, Microsoft Word, downloading library apps and more. Small class size will allow for individual attention.

• Wednesday, September 12
  1 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
  Iroquois Ridge Branch, Creation Zone

• Monday, September 24
  4 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
  Central Branch, Auditorium

• Tuesday, October 9
  2 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
  Woodside Branch, Program Room

• Monday, October 29
  4 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
  Central Branch, Auditorium

• Wednesday, November 7
  1 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
  Iroquois Ridge Branch, Creation Zone

• Monday, November 26
  4 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
  Central Branch, Auditorium

• Tuesday, November 27
  6 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
  Iroquois Ridge Branch, Creation Zone

• Wednesday, January 9
  1 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
  Iroquois Ridge Branch, Creation Zone

• Monday, January 28
  4 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
  Central Branch, Auditorium

• Wednesday, February 6
  1 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
  Iroquois Ridge Branch, Creation Zone

• Monday, February 25
  4 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
  Central Branch, Auditorium

• Tuesday, March 5
  2 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
  Woodside Branch, Program Room

Cost: Free
Age: 18Y+

Drop in to the Creation Zone every other Wednesday between 6-8pm to try out virtual reality and chat with our Creation Specialist.

Every Other Wednesday
6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Iroquois Ridge Branch, Creation Zone
Cost: Free/Drop-in
Age: All Ages

Join us for FREE Adult Board Games. Meet up at Central Branch every second and fourth Thursday of the month.

• Thursday, September 13
• Thursday, September  27
• Thursday, October 11
• Thursday, October 25
• Thursday, November 8
• Thursday, November 22
• Thursday, December 13
• Thursday, December 27
• Thursday,  January 10
• Thursday, January 24
• Thursday, February 14
• Thursday, February 28

5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

Central Branch

Cost: Free/Drop-in

Age: All Ages

Did you know the library has downloadable movies, music, and more? We also have databases providing you with health, business, and consumer information. Make the most of your free library card by joining us for this hands-on session and learn about what your library has to offer.

• Tuesday, October 9
  7 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
  Central Branch, Auditorium
  Course Code: 239952

• Wednesday, October 17
  2 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
  Woodside Branch
  Course Code: 239954

• Thursday, January 31
  1 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
  Iroquois Ridge Branch, Creation Zone
  Course Code: 240033

• Tuesday, February 12
  7 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
  Central Branch, Auditorium
  Course Code: 240030

• Friday, February 22
  10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
  White Oaks Branch
  Course Code: 240031

• Thursday, March 7
  2 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
  Woodside Branch
  Course Code: 240032

Cost: Free

Age: 16Y+

Whether you’re new to genealogy or an experienced researcher, come learn in this informal seminar setting. Here’s a chance to ask and answer questions about genealogical research and get some tips and tricks!

• Wednesday, March 13
• Wednesday, April 10
• Wednesday, May 8

Central Branch Auditorium
Cost: Free
Age: 18Y+
6:30-8:30pm (doors open at 6:00pm)

Thinking of stopping by? Email elise.cole@oakville.ca to ensure a seat!
Brought to you in partnership with the Ontario Genealogical Society and the Oakville Public Library.
Past dates: October 10, November 14, January 9, February 13

This hands-on workshop is designed to help newcomers enhance their computer literacy skills through the introduction of Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

• Thursdays, January 17 – March 7

6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Iroquois Ridge Branch
Cost: Free/8 classes
Age: 18Y+

To register call Halton Multicultural Council Connections at 905-842-2486 x.241

Are you a film fanatic? Join us for a screening of a film from the Kanopy streaming service, followed by discussion of some thought provoking pieces. Stay tuned for more information on title selection.

• Tuesday, October 23
  6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
  Course Code: 239972

• Tuesday, February 19
  6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
  Course Code: 240027

Central Branch, Auditorium

Cost: Free

Age: 18Y+

Starting in November come by the Creation Zone on Thursdays with your needles & thread for a social knitting and crochet drop-in.

Thursdays
6:30 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Iroquois Ridge Branch, Creation Zone
Cost: Free/Drop-in
Age: 12Y+

Exceptions: Thursday December 27, January 3, March 7

In this workshop we will go over basic video editing and training fundamentals for iMovie on the iPad Pro. iPad Pro and sample media will be provided for this workshop.

• Thursday, December 13
  Course Code: 239965

• Thursday, March 7
  Course Code: 240025

1 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Iroquois Ridge Branch, Creation Zone
Cost: $8
Age: 16Y+

Learn the basics of Microsoft Excel with the various resources available to you through Lynda.com in this hands-on workshop.

• Saturday, January 12
  10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
  Central Branch
  Course Code: 240028

• Monday, February 25
  10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
  Iroquois Ridge Branch, Creation Zone
  CourseCode: 240029

Cost: Free

Age: 16Y+

From picture books to young adult novels, this weekly course with Brian Henry is accessible for beginners and meaty enough for advanced writers. Through lectures, in-class assignments, homework, and feedback on your writing, we’ll give you ins and outs of writing for younger readers and set you on course toward writing your own books. We’ll have two published children’s authors as guest speakers.

Thursday, January 24
6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Central Branch, Auditorium
Cost: $199 /9 classes*
Age: 18Y+

*No class on March 14, 2019

To reserve your spot, email brianhenry@sympatico.ca and allow 2-3 business days for a response.  Don’t have an email account?  Call Elise at 905-815-2042 ext. 5037.

For details about parking and directions, please visit tinyurl.com/z4nfm3e

This session helps you prepare for your annual tax filing. Topics include what you can claim on your tax returns, filing your taxes, dates to remember, and RRSP contributions.

Tuesday, February 19
6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Iroquois Ridge Branch
Cost: Free
Age: 18Y+

Call the Newcomer Information Centre to register at 905-875-3851 x.5008

Oakville Public Library is pleased to present its first ever Seedy Sunday! Come and celebrate the launch of the OPL Seed library, exchange seeds and visit with a variety of organizations all related to seeds, plants and gardening! There will be lectures, nature-themed storytimes and much more, so be sure to stop by!

Sunday, February 24  10:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Queen Elizabeth Park Community & Cultural Centre
Cost: Free/Drop-in  Age: All ages

Exhibitors/Vendors:

Watch this space for details about Speakers and Storytimes!

11am – 11:45am: How to Build Lasagna Beds with Backyard Groceries
Learn how to make great soil out of household and yard wastes. Bryan from Backyard Groceries, will share the ins and outs and his tricks for making a lasagna bed out of society’s scraps! Get his advice on making your own super charged gardening soil!

12:30 – 1:15 pm – Homesteading: Not Just Hippies with Cell Phones with Sentimental Farm
Rob & Chris Croley describe their journey in homesteading, including their path to growing 70% of their food organically and their use of permaculture, food preservation, free range chickens, rabbits, apiculture, and dairy goats.

1:30 – 2:30 pm – Saving and Starting Seeds with David Marshall
Join David Marshall from the Halton Region Master Gardeners to learn how to harvest seeds from your garden and start your own seedlings indoors. David will demonstrate how to set up a DIY grow lamp system.

 Thank you to Oakvillegreen Conservation Association for partnering with us and all their tremendous assistance with this event!

Join us for an evening with beloved longtime co-host of 98.1 CHFI’s morning show, Erin Davis, to talk about her new book, Mourning Has Broken.

Monday, February 25, 2019
7:00 p.m.
Oakville Centre for the Performing Arts
Cost: $25/Ticket*

Age: 18Y+

Tickets available through oakvillecentre.ca

The Oakville Centre for the Performing Arts, Oakville Public Library and A Different Drummer Books are pleased to present this series that feeds the inquisitive mind. It provides you with an opportunity to hear, ask questions and meet some of Canada’s top influencers and authors.

Wind down with colouring and then we’ll show you how to bring your artwork to life using iPads and Osmos.

Saturday, March 2
10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Iroquois Ridge Branch, Creation Zone
Cost: Free/Drop-in
Age: All Ages

Come join our Local Collections Librarian and learn some tips and tricks to maximize your use of Ancestry and Ancestry Library Edition.

Wednesday, March 6
7 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Central Branch, Auditorium
Cost: Free
Age: 18Y+
Register via IRIS using Course Code: 240034

Literacy South Halton offers a variety of part-time Literacy and Basic Skills programs for adults aged 19+ who require upgrading in reading, writing, math and workplace computer skills.

Help is provided to adults to build the essential literacy skills needed to communicate and connect at home, at work, and in the community.  Set up a free appointment if you are looking to increase your job opportunities, go back to school, attend a training program, or increase your independence.

Starting Sunday, March 17
Woodside Branch
Cost:  Free/By Appointment
Age:  19Y+

Please call 905-631-1770 to book an appointment or email info@literacycouncil.ca for more information.

Services are confidential & flexible.

Bring your tablet, smartphone, or laptop and receive help with basic computer skills. We can assist with email, sharing photos, messaging, Microsoft Word, downloading library apps, and more.

• Tuesday, March 19
  6 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
  Iroquois Ridge Branch, Creation Zone

• Monday, March 25
  4 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
  Central Branch, Auditorium

• Monday, April 29
  4 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
  Central Branch, Auditorium

• Tuesday, May 14
  2 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
  Woodside Branch

• Monday, May 27
  4 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
  Central Branch, Auditorium

• Tuesday, June 11
  3:30 p.m. – 5 p.m.
  Woodside Branch

• Monday, June 24
  4 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
  Central Branch, Auditorium

• Monday, July 8
  6 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
  Iroquois Ridge Branch, Creation Zone

• Friday, July 26
  10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.
  Woodside Branch

• Monday, July 29
  4 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
  Central Branch, Auditorium

• Tuesday, August 13
  6 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
  Iroquois Ridge Branch, Creation Zone

• Thursday, August 22
  5 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
  Woodside Branch

• Monday, August 26
  4 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
  Central Branch, Auditorium

Cost: Free
Age: 18Y+

A settlement specialist is available in the library to meet with newcomers to help them settle and integrate into their new community. Information is provided on education, healthcare, housing, employment, translation services, citizenship tests, citizenship applications and more.

Starting Thursday, March 21
9:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Iroquois Ridge Branch
Cost: Free/Drop-in
Age: 18Y+

To make an appointment call HMC Connections at 905-842-2486 ext. 267.
Mandarin speakers please call 905-842-2486 ext. 257.
Drop-ins welcome.

Bring you needles & yarn to this social knitting and crochet drop-in.

• Every Friday from March 22 – June 28
  10:30 a.m. – 12 noon
  Woodside Branch
• Every Wednesday from April 3 – August 28
  6 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
  Central Branch

Free/Drop-in
Age : 12Y+

A six-part introduction on how to look for work or volunteer positions in today’s market. Appropriate for newcomers, people returning to the workplace or changing careers, new graduates or anyone interested in an overview of the job search process. Attend all or select from the following topics, presented by a staff member from The Centre:

• Tuesday, March 26 – The Workplace Today

• Tuesday, April 2 – Target and Market Your Skills

• Tuesday, April 9 – Writing Resumes for Success

• Tuesday, April 16 – Targeting your Cover Letter

• Tuesday, April 23 – Hidden Job Market

• Tuesday, April 30 – Interview Skills and Practice

1 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Iroquois Ridge Branch
Cost: Free
Age: 18Y+

To register call Alice Maroti at 905-336-5444 ext. 103 or contact marotia@thecentre.ca

Join us for FREE Adult Board Games. Meet up at Central Branch every second and fourth Thursday of the month.

Thursday, March 28
5:30 p.m.- 8:30 p.m.
Central Branch, Auditorium
Cost: Free/ Drop-in
Age: All Ages

Occurs Mar 28, Apr 11 and 25, May 9 and 23, Jun 13 and 27, Jul 11 and 25, Aug 8 and 22

Game design uses a combination of art, logic, story development and technology to create engaging interactive experiences. Drop in to check out new games developed by students in the Bachelor of Game Design at Sheridan College. Play their games, talk to them about game design, and test out some of our Creation Zone technology.

Saturday, March 30
10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Iroquois Ridge Branch
Cost: Free
Ages: All Ages

This session will help you learn about new regulations and forms for Canadian citizenship. Find out about the documents you will need and how to check the status of your application online. Get valuable tips on preparing for the citizenship test.

• Tuesday, April 2

• Tuesday, May 7

• Tuesday, June 4

• Tuesday, July 2

• Tuesday, August 6

5 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Iroquois Ridge Branch
Cost: Free
Age: 18Y+

To register call HMC at 905-464-3222

Do you use social media or shop online? Are you concerned or unsure about the privacy and security aspects of the online landscape? Come to this session to learn advice and best practices to keep your identity and information safe, while still enjoying all the internet has to offer.

• Tuesday, April 2
  7 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
  Central Branch, Auditorium
  Course Code: 245167
• Thursday, July 11
  2 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
  Woodside Branch
  Course Code: 245241

Cost: Free
Age: 16Y+

Have you read a book that you can’t stop talking about? A good book can pique your interest, provoke your curiosity, captivate and enthrall you, or it can make you laugh out loud. Drop in to this monthly book chat for an opportunity to discuss a book that has captured your imagination or get inspired with suggestions for your next great read.

• Wednesday, April 3
  2 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
  Woodside Branch
• Saturday, April 6
  10:30 a.m. – 12 noon
  White Oaks Branch

Cost: Free/5 classes
Age: 18Y+

Learn about new Canadian immigration policies and regulations. Topics include: general guidelines for Permanent Resident application, PR Card renewal, and general guidelines for Canadian Citizenship application, questions, and answers. Conducted in Mandarin.

• Wednesday, April 3

• Wednesday, August 7

10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Iroquois Ridge Branch
Cost: Free
Age: 18Y+

To register call Halton Multicultural Council Connections at 905-842-2486 ext. 257 or email jchen@hmcconnections.com

Hands-on workshop to help newcomers enhance their intermediate computer skills. Includes Microsoft Word, introduction to Excel, and introduction to PowerPoint.

Thursday, April 11
6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Iroquois Ridge Branch
Cost: Free/8 classes
Age: 18Y+

To register call HMC Connections at 905-842-2486 ext. 241

Katherine Ashenburg is the author of two celebrated non-fiction books and award winning magazine articles; Sofie & Cecilia is her debut novel. It is a gorgeous gem of a book about women’s friendship, set in the art world of Sweden in early twentieth century Europe.

Thursday, April 11
7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Central Branch, Auditorium
Cost: $10*
Age: 16Y+

*Tickets are available at all OPL branches and A Different Drummer Books starting March 11

Presented by OPL and A Different Drummer Books

Tissue paper flowers are a delicate craft with beautiful results. Join us for an instructor-led session of floral fun.

Tuesday, April 16
7 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Iroquois Ridge Branch, Creation Zone
Cost: $7
Age: 18Y+
Course Code: 245222

Have you ever needed a website for a small business idea, a hobby, or an artist gallery, but don’t know where to start? This 90-minute workshop will provide you with the necessary tools to understand how to build and go live with a website without having to write a line of code.

Thursday, April 18
1 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Iroquois Ridge Branch, Creation Zone
Cost: $8
Age: 16Y+
Course Code: 245161

If you’ve ever considered writing your personal stories, this course is for you.

We’ll look at memoirs, travel writing, personal essays, family history~personal stories of all kinds. Plus, of course, we’ll work on creativity and writing technique and have fun doing it. Whether you want to write a book or just get your thoughts down on paper, this weekly course will get you going.  We’ll reveal the tricks and conventions of telling true stories, and we’ll show you how to use the techniques of the novel to recount actual events. Weekly writing exercises and friendly feedback from the instructor will help you move forward on this writing adventure.

Whether you want to write for your family and friends or for a wider public, don’t miss this course.

Thursday, April 18
6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Central Branch, Auditorium
Cost: $199/10 Classes
Age: 18Y+

Email brianhenry@sympatico.cato register. No email, call Ashley at 905-815-2042 x5338

Learn the basics of Microsoft Word with the various resources available to you through Lynda.com in this hands-on workshop.

Saturday, April 20
10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Woodside Branch

Cost:  Free/1 class
Age: 16Y+
Course Code: 245219

Please bring you own laptop.

“Getting Started” – Opening lecture, followed by a beginner’s workshop: Why DNA? Includes Q&A with the audience and a lesson on how to get started with DNA testing for genealogy.

Saturday, April 27
9:45 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Central Branch, Auditorium
Cost: $8/1 Class
Age: 16Y+
Register via IRIS using Course code: 245172

“Next Steps” – Participants will learn how to move their DNA information into the intermediate level by looking at matching and more.

Saturday, April 27
1:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Central Branch, Auditorium
Cost: $8/1 Class
Age: 16Y+
Register via IRIS using Course code: 245171

Professional genealogist and Grandma’s Genes founder Mags Gaulden specializes in genetic genealogy. Mags currently leads several WikiTree projects including the DNA project, the United Empire Loyalist Project, the British Home Children Project and the Templeton and McElmoyle Name Studies. She is a member of the Canadian Casualty Identification Team, working to connect living family with the remains of soldiers.

In this workshop we will go over basic video editing and training fundamentals for iMovie on the iPad Pro. iPad Pro and sample media will be provided for this workshop.

Thursday, May 2
1 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Iroquois Ridge Branch, Creation Zone
Cost: $8
Age: 16Y+
Course Code: 245177

Join historian Janie Cooper-Wilson for a discussion on navigating research into early African-Canadian residents, and explore their role in Ontario’s collective history.

Saturday, May 4
2 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Central Branch, Auditorium
Cost: $8
Age: 16Y+
Register via IRIS using Course Code: 245157

Janie has pursued her lifelong passion for research in Black History in her academic and personal life. Through research and DNA testing, she has connected her maternal lineage to the first Angolan Slaves, exported to Virginia in 1619; and her paternal lineage to 1693 Madagascar.

Drop by the library for Star Wars themed activities for Jedi masters of all ages.

Saturday, May 4
2 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Iroquois Ridge Branch, Creation Zone
Cost: Free
Age: All Ages

Learn the basics of Google Docs with the various resources available to you through Lynda.com in this hands-on workshop.

Thursday, May 9
2 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Woodside Branch

Cost:  Free/1 class
Age:  16Y+
Course Code:  245178

Please bring your own laptop.

Maximize your cell phone camera to take quality photos using apps and other camera settings.

Thursday, May 16
1 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Iroquois Ridge Branch, Creation Zone
Cost: $8
Age: 16Y+
Course Code: 245198

*Please bring your own device.

A hands-on introduction to 3D design software and the basics of 3D modelling and printing.

Thursday, May 23
7 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Iroquois Ridge Branch, Creation Zone
Cost: $8
Age: 18Y+
Course Code: 245153

Feeling overwhelmed trying to sift through all of the genealogical information available on the web? Join our Local Collections Librarian as she demonstrates some of the best websites and other tools to use when researching your family history. This session is suitable for the beginner researcher and anyone looking for a refresher session.

Tuesday, May 28
6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Iroquois Ridge Branch
Cost: Free
Age: 16Y+
Register via IRIS using Course Code: 245169

Learn about eligibility criteria, documents required and the application process. Find out about what it means to be a Canadian, your rights as a citizen and how to be a responsible citizen.

Monday, June 3
6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Iroquois Ridge Branch
Cost: Free
Age: 18Y+
Call NIC to register at 905-875-3851 ext. 5008

Learn the necessary skills to produce well-composed and well-edited photographs. On our last workshop date, we will hold a Photography Critique.

Thursday, June 6
1 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Iroquois Ridge Branch, Creation Zone
Cost: $24/3 classes
Age: 16Y+
Course Code: 245197

Learn the basics of Google Sheets with the various resources available to you through Lynda.com in this hands-on workshop.

Monday, June 10
2 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Woodside Branch

Cost:  Free/1 class
Age:  16Y+
Course Code: 245179

Please bring your own laptop.

Whatever you’re writing ~ fiction or nonfiction ~ readers will care about your story only if they care about your people. In this workshop, you’ll learn techniques for creating fictional characters and depicting real people. You’ll learn how to breathe life into the page so that your characters start telling you how the story should go.

Saturday, June 22
10 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Central Branch, Auditorium
Cost: $49 in advance or $53 at the door
Age: 18Y+

Email brianhenry@sympatico.ca to register in advance. No email, call Ashley at 905-815-2042 x 5338

This is your chance to take up writing in a warm, supportive environment.  This course will open the doors to all kinds of creative writing.  We’ll visit short story and children’s writing, writing in first and third person, and writing just for fun.  You’ll get a shot of inspiration every week and an assignment to keep you going until the next class.  Best of all, this class will provide a zero pressure, totally safe setting, where your words will grow and flower.

Tuesday July 2
1 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Woodside Branch

Cost:  $189/7 classes
Age:  14Y+

To reserve your spot, email brianhenry@sympatico.ca.  No email?  Call Ashley at 905-815-2042 ext. 5338.

Learn the basics of Microsoft Excel with the various resources available to you through Lynda.com in this hands-on workshop.

Monday August 19
1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Woodside Branch

Cost:  Free/1 class
Age:  16Y+
Course Code:  245247

Please bring you own laptop.