BOOKED

Children's Programs

1,000 Books Before Kindergarten - All Branches

Ongoing
Attention parents and caregivers: join this growing movement to read every child 1,000 books before kindergarten. Reading to your infant/toddler/child teaches vocabulary, introduces the connection between pictures and words and creates lasting bonds. Register at any Branch to begin your journey. We‘ll keep a log of the number of books read and offer incentives along the way.

Maker Mondays - Smithville Branch

Mondays @ 6:00pm; March 4 & 18, April 15 & 29
Learn how to create new projects every Maker Monday using our amazing MakerSpace equipment and other STEAM techniques. Recommended for children ages 8 to 12. Registration required.

Rhythm and Rattles - Wellandport Branch

Wednesdays @ 11:00am; March 20 to April 24
A 6-week story time program that incorporates early literacy with songs, rhymes, instruments and more! Recommended for children ages 0-2. Registration required.

Music & Movement - Smithville Branch

Thursdays @ 11:00am; March 21 to April 25
A 6-week story time program for toddlers that incorporates movement games alongside early literacy to help develop better physical awareness, improve gross and fine motor skills and learn how to navigate social movement relationships. Recommended for children ages 3 to 5. Registration required.

Caistorville Crafternoon - Caistorville Branch

Alternating Saturdays @ 2:00pm; March 9 to April 20
Come and spend the afternoon creatively crafting with library staff. Recommended for children ages 6 to 10. Registration required.

Afterschool Arts & Crafting - Smithville Branch

Tuesdays @ 3:45pm; March 19 to April 23
A 45 minute-long 6 week program for children to explore the world of art and crafting. Recommended for children ages 6 to 10. Registration required.

STEAM Saturdays - Wellandport Branch

Alternating Saturdays @ 11:00am; March 23 to April 20
Welcome back to S.T.E.A.M! Come join us for a science, technology, engineering, art, and math program recommended for children ages 8-12. March features slime science (eww!) and in April we‘ll learn how to make our own logo stickers using Cricut Design Space. Later in the month we‘ll learn how to construct a marble run using only recycled materials. Registration required.

Recycled Book Origami - Wellandport Branch

Saturday April 13 @ 11:00am
Have fun with friends in this introductory origami workshop. Learn how to make simple animals and shapes using pages from discarded books. Recommended for ages 8-12. Registration required.

Make Your Own Board Game - Smithville Branch

Thursday April 18, 25 & May 2 @ 3:45pm
A three-part program. Become a game master! Using our 3D printer, along with our Cricut Maker, kids will have the opportunity to create their very own board game! Please see website for more details. Recommended for ages 8-12. Registration required.

Upcycle! - Smithville Branch

Monday April 22 @ 4:00pm
Join us for an upcycle craft using book dust jackets to make a fantastic Earth collage. Recommended for ages 6-10. Drop-in.

Looking for March Break? Check out our Seasonal Programs Page

Teen & All Ages Programs

Teens

Cosplay Club - Smithville Branch

Fridays @ 6:00pm; March 8 & 22, April 5 & 19
Newcomers and pros alike are welcome to learn all about costuming with Sarah. Recommended for teens ages 13 to 18. Registration required.

Dungeons & Dragons - Smithville Branch

Fridays @ 3:30pm; March 1 & 15, April 12 & 26
Calling all Paladins, Warlocks, Druids and Barbarians. Come to the Library Friday afternoons and begin your fantasy adventure! All materials provided. Registration required.

Get Baking - Smithville Branch

Saturdays @ 2:00pm; March 23 & April 20
Get Baking! teaches teens basic baking skills while making a new, fun and tasty treat each month. March’s recipe is Shamrock parfaits! February will have teens baking chocolate coconut bird's nests. Registration required.

Teen Time Tuesdays - Caistorville Branch

Tuesdays @ 6:00pm; March 5 until April 30
Come to Caistorville on Tuesdays and play a plethora of new and old games, watch videos, listen to music or just hang out and make new friends in a teen-friendly space. Drop in.

Creative Writing Club - Caistorville Branch

Fridays @ 3:00pm; March 1 & 15; April 12 & 26
Creative writing prompts, exercises and guided meaningful discussions designed to improve your writing skills. Registration required.

CanFilm Day Screening: "The F Word" - Caistorville Branch

Wednesday April 17 @ 5:30pm
Drop-in for a screening of The F Word, directed by Michael Dowse. The dreaded “F word” in this contemporary and hilarious romantic comedy is “friendship.” The movie stars Daniel Radcliffe, Adam Driver and Zoe Kazan. Movie is rated 14A. Snacks and refreshments will be provided. Drop-in.

All Ages

Peek-A-Boo Sugar Eggs - Smithville Branch

Saturday March 30 @ 1:00pm
Sugar eggs are unique Easter gifts that can last a lifetime and beyond. Come make your own and see how food can be turned into art! Children must attend with an adult. Registration required.

Therapy Tails - Smithville Branch

Mondays @ 5:00pm; March 18 & April 15
Improve your child’s reading skills by having them read in a positive, encouraging space to a real, live furry friend. Or, just come in for a quiet cuddle with the Therapy Tails team, Marion and Wifi. Drop-in.

Earth Day Celebration - Wellandport Branch

Saturday April 20 @ 1:00pm
Join us in the Indigenous Garden for a discussion about biodiversity and the importance of maintaining native plants in our gardens. Drop-in.

One Book, One Niagara - Centennial High School Gymnasium (Welland)

Tuesday April 23 @ 6:00pm
Join the Niagara-wide community reading initiative today by picking up a copy of Kai Thomas’ novel, In the Upper Country. Kai will be visiting in-person at Centennial High School to discuss his writing. Drop-in.

Adult Programs

Tech-Time - Smithville Branch

Tuesdays; 10:30am to 12:30pm & 1:30pm to 3:30pm
Not sure how to use your new device? Stuck with a tech problem that makes no sense? Contact us for a 30-minute one-on-one appointment with a library staff member. Appointment only.

Painting the Palette - Caistorville Branch

Friday March 8 & April 19 @ 1:00pm
A monthly social art program that explores different types of painting mediums. From oil to pastels and even spray painting, come try your hand at something new. In March we will be using pastels to paint an iconic local scene, the Smithville Train Station. In April we will use ink wash to paint a bamboo scene. Registration required.

Cricut Craft Club - Smithville Branch

Thursdays @ 1:00pm; March 14 & April 11
The craft club is a 2-hour monthly program that teaches a new project each month to showcase the amazing crafting ability of the Cricut Maker 3 and Cricut Design Space. March will feature Etched Mason Jar Vases, and in April we‘ll be making HTV Pet Bandanas. No experience is necessary. Registration required.

Seed Savers Club - Wellandport Branch

Thursdays @ 6:30pm; March 14 & April 11
Seed Savers Club is open to anyone interested in knowing more about seed saving and growing organic, heirloom food. Registration required.

Adult Book Club - Smithville Branch

Mondays @ 6:30pm; March 25 & April 22
Join us in March as we discuss Oona Out of Order by Margarita Montimore. April's book club meeting will discuss In the Upper Country by Kai Thomas, winner of the 2023 Atwood Gibson Writer’s Prize. Registration required.

As Seen on Pinterest - Caistorville Branch

Tuesdays @ 6:00pm; March 26 & April 23
Ever wondered how you can make all those interesting crafts and home projects you see on your Pinterest boards? Come try your hand at fun, beginner-friendly crafts! See website for more details. Registration required.

Old Book, New Look - Wellandport Branch

Thursdays @ 6:00pm; March 28 & April 25
Find new ways to upcycle your beloved old books by taking part in beginner-friendly crafts and home décor projects. March's project is Paper Weaving and in April we’ll be making Magnolia Wreaths. Registration required.

Virtual Author Visit: Brad Taylor - Smithville Branch

Friday April 5 @ 6:00pm
New York Times best selling author and former Special Forces Officer Brad Taylor will be discussing his latest book, Dead Man‘s Hand, in this exclusive virtual visit. At the end, readers will have the opportunity to participate in a Q&A with Brad. Registration required.

The Cookbook Clique - Smithville Branch

Saturday April 27 @ 3:30pm
Have a passion for food? For cooking? Baking? Join the clique! Borrow a different cookbook every month and challenge yourself to make something new! Together we'll meet, sample dishes, share tips and evaluate our chosen recipes and cookbooks. Meetings will occur the last Saturday of the month. Registration required.

Normal Aging vs. Dementia - Smithville Branch

Tuesday April 30 @ 1:30pm
Presented by the Alzheimer's Society of Niagara. Join us for the start of a 3-month long information series covering important topics related to Alzheimer's and dementia. In April, learn what is normal when it comes to memory loss and aging, and how to recognize the signs of more serious problems. Registration required.