Stories

Kids everywhere can instantly stream an incredible collection of stories, including titles across six different languages, that will help them continue dreaming, learning, and just being kids. All stories are free to stream on your desktop, laptop, phone or tablet. Due to the COVID-19 situation, Audible is providing complimentary access to Stories on a provisional basis.

TumbleBooks

TumbleBooks’ databases feature unlimited online access to a wide selection of eBooks and eAudiobooks. You can read as many books as you want, when you want, and on any device. There are no check-outs, holds, or downloads. Due to the COVID-19 situation, TumbleBooks is providing complimentary access to this database until August 31.

AudioBookCloud
All ages eAudiobook database

TumbleBooks

TumbleBooks’ databases feature unlimited online access to a wide selection of eBooks and eAudiobooks. You can read as many books as you want, when you want, and on any device. There are no check-outs, holds, or downloads. Due to the COVID-19 situation, TumbleBooks is providing complimentary access to this database until August 31.
TumbleBookLibrary
K-6 children’s eBook database
TumbleMath
K-6 math eBook database
TeenBookCloud
Gr 7-12 eBook database
RomanceBookCloud
A huge collection of steamy Romance eBooks for the older crowd!

Know Buddy Resources

Read entire eBooks online for free on a variety of different topics for grades pre-K to 6. Due to the COVID-19 situation, Amicus publishing has opened up their entire library of Know Buddy Resources eBooks to help with online learning. Complimentary access to this database is available for a limited time. The username is info@amicuspublishing.us and the password is AMICUS.

Storyline

Missing your favourite storytime programs at the library? Then check out Storyline! It streams videos featuring your favourite celebrities reading picture books. Each book includes supplemental curriculum material aimed to help strengthen comprehension, verbal, and written skills for your kids.

Story Time From Space

Want to get out of your house for a good story time? Well, this is about as far away as you can get! Join real-life astronauts on the International Space Station as they read your favourite STEAM-inspired children’s books

Scholastic Learn At Home

This free virtual learning resource centre has material for grades pre-K to 9. It allows you and your kids to access 20 days worth of lessons across all content areas. Virtually learning has never been so easy or so fun!

Khan Academy

Khan Academy offers practice exercises, instructional videos, and a personalized learning dashboard that empower learners to study at their own pace in and outside of the classroom. You can sign up for free as either a learner, a teacher, or a parent. 
Additionally, in response to school closures due to COVID-19, Khan Academy has published schedules for parents interested in structuring their child’s day more and guides for how to go about virtual learning. It also live-streams daily on Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter to help keep students and caregivers engaged.

Random House Teachers and Librarians

The Random House Children’s Books School and Library Marketing Team has put together a fabulous selection of resources for educators, librarians, and parents. If you’re putting together plans for teaching remotely or homeschooling your children and are looking for resources, visit the pages below for discussion guides, activities, and more available for FREE to download.

Elementary School Resources

Includes storytime books and activities, Sylvan workbooks, Dr. Seuss, Escape This Book!, exercise and meditation, imagination, Magic Tree House, nighttime books, non-fiction books and resources, social emotional learning, STEAM books, Step Into Reading, and additional resources.

Middle School Resources

Includes fiction books with guides, In the Middle of it All, non-fiction books with guides, series for binge-reading, STEAM books with guides, and additional resources.

High School Resources

Includes a young adult creative writing guide, a young adult supplemental texts brochure, discussion guides, The Princeton Review, and additional resources.

Coursera

This database allows you to start streaming on-demand video lectures today from top instructors in subjects like business, computer science, data science, language learning, and more. Due to the COVID-19 situation, Coursera is providing complimentary access to select courses for a limited time.

Mental health and well-being

From de-mystifying mindfulness to understanding the science of happiness, we’ve collected top wellness courses to help you prioritize mental health and well-being during these uncertain times.

High school students

From calculus to guitar for beginners, we’ve rounded up courses to help high school students everywhere keep learning.

College students

From preparing for an interview to learning data science, we’ve collected courses to make it easier to keep learning.

Career development

From creative problem solving to leading the company of the future, we identified courses to help everyone navigate the changing world of work.

Building your cloud technology career

From machine learning to cloud computing, we’ve curated a set of courses to help you grow your career in an increasingly digital world.

Understanding public health

From the science behind COVID-19 to communicating during global emergencies, we’re making popular public health courses completely free.

Courses in Spanish

From wellness to professional development, we’re making popular Spanish-language courses available for free.

Family Search

This nonprofit family history organization is dedicated to connecting families across generations. Millions of people use FamilySearch records, resources, and services each year to learn more about their family history. It has over 4 billion names from all over the world, offers 24/7 expert phone support, and (best of all) it’s completely free.

Curio

This educational streaming platform allows you to access thousands of programs, documentaries, audio content and archival material from CBC/Radio-Canada. Due to the COVID-19 situation, CBC is providing complimentary access to this database on a provisional basis.

National Film Board

The National Film Board of Canada has over 4,000 films, documentaries, and shorts available to stream for free.
 

2s and 3s

Mondays Apr 19 - May 17 @ 10:30am
Thursdays Apr 22 - May 27 @ 10:30am

For toddlers and preschoolers ready for a longer, more active program and their adult caregiver. Prepared supply kits will be available for pickup upon registration. This program will be held virtually through Google Meet.

Registration: Mondays Apr 19 - May 17 @ 10:30am

Registration: Thursdays Apr 22 - May 27 @ 10:30am

ABC, 123 Storytime - Ages 2-3

Friday Apr 16 @ 10:30am

A fun-filled story time for learning about letters and numbers. This program will run online using Google Meet.

Registration required

Action Figure Lab - Ages 8+

Tuesday Apr 13 @ 10:30am

Ever wanted to make your own action figure? We’ll look at how to do just that! Learn how to safely take toys apart and see how they fit together, then make your own bits to fit onto them. Parental supervision will be required for assembly, but not during the live program. All supplies (including the action figure parts) will be available for pickup after registration.

Registration required

Afternoon Doodles with Donna

Mondays Feb 1 - Mar 8 @ 4pm
*Excludes February 15

Join Donna as she takes you through the basics of drawing and doodling.

Registration required

After School Kids Club - Ages 8+

Thursdays Apr 22 - May 27 @ 4pm

Hang out, play games, and do crafts online with your friends. Prepared supply kits will be available for pickup upon registration. This program will be held virtually through Google Meet.

Registration required

Baby Art - Ages 4-12 Months

Monday Apr 12 @ 10:30am

Get ready for some creative and messy fun. All supplies will be available for pickup upon registration. This program will run online using Google Meet.

Registration required

Babytime

Tuesdays Apr 20 - May 25 @ 1pm

Have fun with music, rhymes, tickles and bounces. Let us introduce you and your baby to a variety of activities. Prepared supply kits will be available for pickup upon registration. This program will be held virtually through Google Meet.

Registration required

Baking Classes - Age 6+

Tuesdays Apr 6, 13, 20, 27 @ 4pm

Learn how to measure, fold and mix as you learn the basic principles of baking. Recipes and ingredient lists will be sent out after registration. This program will be held virtually through Google Meet.

Registration required

Bedtime Stories - All Ages

Wednesdays @ 7pm

Grab your favourite stuffy and join Miss Dolora for some bedtime stories. This program will run on our Facebook page.

Bookgartners - Ages 3-6

Wednesday Apr 7 @ 10:30am

Rhyming games, sensory bins and finger puppet activities based on the works of popular children’s authors. Prepared supply kits will be available for pickup upon registration. This program will be held virtually through Google Meet.

Registration required

Book Clubs

Book clubs are back! Book clubs will be running from October - May.

Registration required

Build-A-Book - Ages 3+

Thursday Apr 15 @ 10:30am

Build your own book. Make it your own by painting, drawing, and colouring all over it. All supplies will be available for pickup upon registration. This program will run online using Google Meet.

Registration required

Chapter By Chapter

Wednesdays @ 7pm

Join us every Wednesday night as we read a chapter a night. Relax at the end of the night with an adult “storytime”. This program will be on our Facebook page.

Chess Club - Ages 6+

Mondays @ 4pm

Move, countermove—learn the basics of chess. It’s sports for your brain.

Registration required

Colouring Circle - All Ages

Mondays @ 1:30pm

Colour and relax in the company of others in this online program. This program will be held virtually through Google Meet.

Registration required

Colour-Mixing Lab - Ages 3+ with caregiver

Wednesday Apr 14 @ 10:30am

Get your hands dirty and see what colours you can create. All supplies will be available for pickup upon registration. This program will run online using Google Meet.

Registration required

Cooking Classes - Ages 6+

Tuesdays May 4, 11, 18, 25 @ 4pm

Learn how to prepare some healthy, tasty recipes as you learn basic kitchen safety, food handling, cooking techniques and nutrition. Recipes and ingredient lists will be sent out after registration. This program will be held virtually through Google Meet.

Registration required

Crafternoons - All Ages

Thursdays @ 1:30pm

Join other crafters, knitters, crocheters and artists for an afternoon of virtual sharing and learning. Spend the afternoon sharing patterns, ideas and more. This program will be held virtually through Google Meet.

Registration required

Digital Music Makers - Ages 9+

Thursday Apr 15 @ 2:30pm

Join in for an interactive and collaborative music making experience that will introduce music fundamentals. See how you can use virtual instruments and online tools to learn, create, and play. Some musical theory will be covered, but no experience is required. This program will run online using Google Meet.

Registration required

DIY I Spy - Ages 6+ with caregiver

Wednesday Apr 14 @ 1:30pm

Create your own I Spy-style picture riddle diorama. All supplies will be available for pickup upon registration. This program will run online using Google Meet.

Registration required

DIY Photo Coasters - Ages 6+

Saturday May 1 @ 1pm

Create your own personalized photo coasters. Grab your favourite photos and make beautiful coasters. Keep them for yourself or give them away to family or friends. All supplies will be available for pickup after registration. This program will be held virtually through Google Meet.

Registration required

Edible Science - Ages 6+

Tuesday Apr 13 @ 2:30pm

Make some delicious snacks with the help of SCIENCE! All supplies will be available for pickup upon registration. This program will run online using Google Meet.

Registration required

Fun Fact Mondays - Ages 8+

Mondays @ 4pm

Learn some fun facts on a particular topic by checking out our Facebook page!

Fun For Ones

Tuesdays Apr 20 - May 25 @ 10:30am

For babies who are walking and talking and their adult caregiver. Join us for songs, stories, music and activities. Prepared supply kits will be available for pickup upon registration. This program will be held virtually through Google Meet.

Registration required

Gardening Chat - All Ages

Thursdays Mar 4 - Apr 29 @ 1pm

Have gardening questions? Master Gardener Kit Thompson will be happy to offer friendly, expert advice. This advice clinic is open to both novice and seasoned gardeners. Let's talk gardening!This program will run online using Google Meet.

Registration required

Have That Talk - Age 18+

Tuesdays Feb 9 - Mar 2 @ 10am

This program will be presented by the Community Health Centre and will include a series of five interactive modules that help to raise awareness about the importance of mental health in all areas of our lives.

Registration required

Kindergarten 101 - Ages 3-6

Wednesdays Apr 21 - May 26 @ 10:30am

Help your child get ready for school with Kindergarten 101, our kindergarten-style storytime routine designed to foster independence and play-based learning. Prepared supply kits will be available for pickup upon registration. This program will be held virtually through Google Meet.

Registration required

Jeopardy - Ages 12+

Tuesday April 13 @ 1:30pm

Join us for virtual jeopardy! Compete to see who has the best general knowledge. The program link will be shared upon registration.

Registration required

Letters to a Character - All ages

Write a letter to your favourite storybook character and get a response from that character! Place written letters in any of our library drop boxes with your address on them. We will share your letter with the character and they will mail you a response. The fine art of letter writing, and communicating by mail is a lost treasure. We’re excited to reignite the fun with our character mailbox.

Keyboarding Classes - Ages 6-10

Wednesdays Feb 24 - Apr 7 @ 4pm
*Excludes March 17

Children will learn how to type fluently, learn computer functions, format text, and discover how to interact in many online environments. 6 week program.

Registration required

Messy Masterpieces - All ages

Saturdays @ 10:30am

Explore your creativity through fun, easy, and sometimes messy art projects. Join us on Facebook!

Minute To Win It - Ages 6+

Friday Apr 16 @ 1:30pm

Move a cookie using only your face. Race a ping pong ball across the floor. You’ve got less than a minute to become an ultimate champion. All supplies will be available for pickup upon registration. This program will run online using Google Meet.

Registration required

Mystery Paint- All Ages

Tuesday Apr 13 @ 10:30am

Follow step by step instruction to create a beautiful painting. What will the picture look like? You’ll have to wait to find out! All supplies will be available for pickup upon registration. This program will run online using Google Meet.

Registration required

Number Ninjas - Ages 6-12

Mondays @ 4pm

Our virtual Number Ninjas program, for children in Grades 1-8, makes learning math fun.

Registration required

Paint Express - Ages 9+

Thursday Apr 15 @ 1:30pm

Embrace your creative side while painting a spring-themed canvas. A supply list will be sent after registration. This program will run online using Google Meet.

Registration required

Pirate Party - Ages 6+

Thursday Apr 15 @ 10:30am

Join us for a pirate party! Play games and complete activities all about pirates! All supplies will be available for pickup upon registration. This program will run online using Google Meet.

Registration required

Rainbow Kids Reading Club - Ages 6-10

Tuesdays Mar 23 - Apr27 @ 4pm

We are excited to be partnering with the Niagara Falls Community Health Centre and the Niagara on the Lake Public Library to offer this program. Rainbow Kids Reading Club is a six week series for children and their families. The books we read will spark discussion on gender identity and being yourself! Please contact Celeste from the Niagara Falls Community Health Centre to register.

Phone: 289-321-0588

Email: cturner@nfchc.ca

Rainbow Recycled Crayon Craft - All Ages

Saturday Apr 17 @ 1pm

Grab that box of broken crayons and join us for an Earth Day activity: DIY Rainbow Recycled Crayons. This simple eco-friendly craft is a fun way to reuse old crayons. A supply list will be sent out after registration. This program will be held virtually through Google Meet.

Registration required

Reading Buddies - Ages 6+

Wednesdays @ 4pm

A fun, weekly program that gives children one-to-one reading practice with a teen Reading Buddies volunteer. This program will run virtually through Zoom.

Registration required

Salad In A Jar - Ages 12+

Monday Apr 12 @ 1:30pm

Learn how to create quick, healthy and delicious salads to take on the go. Participate as a family Everyone attending will need to register. A supply list will be sent after registration. Some materials will be provided and will be available for pickup upon registration. This program will run online using Google Meet.

Registration required

Shake, Shimmy & Dance - Ages 0-7

Wednesdays Apr 21 - May 26 @ 4pm

Make some noise and bring your dancing shoes for our music and movement storytime! Prepared supply kits will be available for pickup upon registration. This program will be held virtually through Google Meet.

Registration required

Tech Times

Wednesdays Apr 21 - May 26 @ 4pm

One-on-one tech help with your phone, tablet, online accounts and more. For details and to book a Tech Time, visit our appointments page, call 905-356-8080 or speak to a staff member at your nearest location.

Virtual Paint Class - Ages 13+

Tuesday Apr 6 @ 7pm

Customers of any skill level are welcome to recreate beautiful paintings through step-by-step online instructions.

Registration required

Virtual Piano Classes - Ages 9-12

Saturdays Mar 13 - Apr 17

This is a perfect introduction to piano and music for those who have little to no experience or need a review of the very basics. You will learn how to read music, find notes on the piano and other essentials so you can begin playing pieces. You will be provided a keyboard, keyboard stand and bench, music stand and a lesson book to keep at home with you for the six week session. These materials will need to be returned when the session is done. The classes will be taught by Salony Sharma. This program will run online with Google Meets. More information will be shared upon registration.

Registration for 11:30am session

Registration for 12:15am session

Registration for 1:00pm session

Watercolour Basics II - Adults

Wednesdays Apr 21 - May 26 @ 10am

If you enjoyed Watercolour I, build on those skills with Watercolour II. Use watercolours to begin and create your own masterpiece. Prepared supply kits will be available for pickup upon registration. This program will be held virtually through Google Meet.

Registration required