Join us for some wonderful adults-on programming -- from workshops, info sessions, film screenings, crafting, to art exhibits, and more.
SUMMER (JULY & AUGUST)
Register for our SUMMER Programs HERE
Taoist Tai Chi Demo in the Garden
AUG 19 | 7:00 - 8:00 PM & AUG 28 | 2:00 - 3:00 PM | Library Garden
Join members of the Fung Loy Kok Institute of Taoism (Stratford Branch) as they lead us through a demo of Taoist Tai Chi ® in the Library Garden. Wear comfortable clothes you can move in.
Happy Hour: AUGUST Edition
AUG 21 | 7:00 - 9:00 PM | Main Floor
An after-hours celebration of community, creativity, and connection. Sip, mingle, and soak up the atmosphere with a cash bar, literary-inspired activities, and a live musical performance right in the stacks. Featuring Double Take, a musical duo.
STAR (Summer Time Adult Reading) Challenge (18+)
JULY & AUGUST
Pick up a STAR reading ballot at our circulation desks. Borrow library books (digital and audiobooks count!) and upon their return, let our staff know how many you read. Receive a stamp for each book read -- and after 5 stamps you are entered into a draw. Winners will be drawn at both the end of July and end of August.
EARLY FALL (SEPT & OCT)
Register for EARLY FALL Programs HERE
PC READS 2026: Liberty Street by Heather Marshall
FALL 2026
Take part in Perth County Reads. Place a hold on a physical copy or on the ebook or audiobook, and watch for upcoming events from all the Perth County Libraries HERE.
Vyshyvanka & Ukrainian Embroidery
SEPT 10 | 2:00 - 3:00 PM | Auditorium
Explore the ancient art of Ukrainian Vyshyvanka (embroidered blouses) this September during Ukrainian Heritage Month! Presenter Halyna Patryliak will share the regional variations and symbolism of Vyshvanka, its history, the power of protective stitching, and some real Vyshyvanka to examine.
Fall Into Reading (18+)
SEPT 14 - NOV 8
Pick up a Fall Into Reading stamp card at our circulation desks. Borrow library books (digital and audiobooks count!) and upon their return, let our staff know how many you've read in each of our eight categories to receive stamps. After four stamps (four categories) you are entered into a draw.
HELP NOW! Digital Resources Info Session: for School-age Learning and Homework Help
SEPT 15 | 6:30 - 7:30 PM | Auditorium
Do you or your kids need tutoring or homework help? This hands-on information session will introduce you to a selection of elementary-friendly learning and homework help databases you can use FREE with your library card. Young children welcome -- play zone area available.
Pints & Pages
SEPT 15 & OCT 20 | 6:30 - 8:30 PM | Relic Lobby Bar (3rd TUES of month)
Discuss whatever it is you've been reading - a book, a magazine, a blog, or even a podcast! New members are welcome! Registration is required due to space constraints.
AI For Everyday
SEPT 16 | 6:30 - 7:30 PM | Auditorium
Public Service Librarians, Sanam and Brittany, present an introduction to artificial intelligence (AI). Discover how it can help with everyday tasks, spark creativity, and boost productivity. Learn about popular AI tools, how to write effective prompts, and get hands-on experience exploring what AI can do. PLEASE REGISTER HERE
Book Drop-n-Swap
SEPT 17 | 5:00 - 8:00 PM + SEPT 18 & 19 | 10:00 - 3:00 PM
Drop off your unwanted books, find some "new-to-you" ones to take home. Free to drop, free to “shop” - no money exchanged at all, no dropping necessary for swapping! Details and Donation Rules HERE.
Stratford Writers Festival at SPL
SEPT 25 | 2:00 PM & 3:00 PM | Auditorium + SEPT 26 (All Day)
Join our Poetry Labyrinth walk, facilitated by Leslie Wright of Labyrinth Possibilities, on Friday afternoon (2 time slots). Experience a poetry panel and podcast recording on Saturday (more to come).
National Day for Truth & Reconciliation: Short Films
SEPT 30 | 9:00 AM | Stratford City Hall
We have partnered with Downtown Stratford BIA and the City of Stratford to present three short films from the National Film Board in honour of National Day of Truth & Reconciliation. Each film will be followed by a group discussion. Popcorn and activities included.
Musical Appreciation with Ann Reynolds
OCT 9, 16, 23, 30 | 2:00 - 3:00 PM | Auditorium
Take a journey through MUSICAL WORLDS with Melomaniac and "Music Connoisseur" Ann Reynolds this fall as she takes us on a musical journey. Listen to excerpts of carefully selected pieces on each week's theme, and learn from Ann's commentary as she places them all in context.
Liberty Street & Chatelaine Magazine
OCT 22 | 7:00 - 8:00 PM | Zoom
Liberty Street & Chatelaine Magazine: Inside the World of Canadian Women's Mass Market Feminism in the 60's -- our Perth County Reads 2026 event. Did you know that Chatelaine magazine was a source of political, legal, and social information for Canadian women in the 50s & 60s, tucked in between the recipes and housecleaning tips? Join Dr. Valerie Korinek as she explores the ways in which Chatelaine played a role as 'mass market feminism' in that era.
After Hours in the Stacks: SILENT DISCO FUNDRAISER
OCT 24 | 7:00 - 9:00 PM | SPL Main Floor | 19+
SPL is turning down the noise and turning up the fun at this one-of-a-kind silent disco that will transform the library into an unforgettable evening of music, movement, and community. Slip on a pair of wireless headphones, choose from multiple music channels and playlists, and dance your way through the stacks. Dance along to amazing tunes, and everyone enjoying their own unique experience, while sharing the same dance floor.
Every ticket helps support our vision for a new library that will inspire, connect, and serve our community for generations to come. PURCHASE TICKETS HERE - $20
LATE FALL (NOV & DEC)
Register for LATE FALL Programs HERE
Writers' Meet & Greet
NOV 4 | 6:30 - 8:30 PM | Auditorium
Are you a local writer looking for community? Join us to network, enjoy light refreshments, and find out more about other writers in our area. You just might find someone to write with regularly -- or someone in your genre to proofread!
AI & Hiring for Small Business with Avery Swartz
NOV 12 | 6:00 - 8:00 PM | Tim Taylor Lounge at Rotary Complex
Join Avery Swartz, tech educator, bestselling author, and founder of Camp Tech, for a practical evening on hiring well in the age of AI. Avery will show you how these tools actually work, where they help, and where they cause harm. Expect real examples, live demonstrations, and plenty of time for your questions. REGISTRATION REQUIRED HERE
CROW-vember: Urban Birds with David Gascoigne
NOV 13 | 2:00 - 3:00 PM | Auditorium
Join us this CROW-vember for a fascinating talk on urban birds, with KW's David Gascoigne.
Pints & Pages
NOV 17 & DEC 15 | 6:30 - 8:30 PM | Relic Lobby Bar (3rd TUES of month)
Discuss whatever it is you've been reading - a book, a magazine, a blog, or even a podcast! New members are welcome! Registration is required due to space constraints.
Embroidery 201 (ages 16+)
NOV 19 | 6:30 - 8:30 PM | Auditorium
We'll explore how to add decorative stitches beyond the basics, with the french knot, pistil stitch, and buttonhole stitch. And get an overview of how embroidery can embellish a range of things!
"Little Artist" with Indigo Esmonde
NOV 20 | 2:00 - 3:00 PM | Auditorium
Discover your inner artist as we playfully write and draw together. You'll connect to a quiet voice inside and you'll follow its advice. No artistic experience necessary, just bring a sense of curiosity about what your inner artist has to say.
Tax Help for Small Business
NOV 24 | 2:00 - 4:00 PM | Auditorium
If you're self-employed or a small business owner, and you aren't sure what deductions you might be entitled to, this is the program for you. Scott Reaume from the CRA will teach you what to collect all year long, so that entering your tax info is a breeze.
MAKE THE HOLIDAYS Workshops
CRAFTING WITH BOOKS - WREATHS: NOV 27 | 2:00 - 3:00 PM | Auditorium -- Ready to reuse & recycle, while creating some fabulous holiday wreaths? Join us to cut, fold, glue and more, using old book pages.
DESIGN A PERSONALIZED VOTIVE: DEC 4 | 2:00 - 3:00 PM | Auditorium -- Bring light to the season by creating a votive holder, using personalized imagery and a DIY sticker making technique.
MEDITATIVE DRAWING: DEC 10 | 2:00 - 3:00 PM | Auditorium -- Need a hour to decompress and relax with art? Join our Meditative Drawing class and make an abstract, colour-blocked drawing that's all about the process. Enjoy spa music and quiet time, while you create for the joy of it!
LIBRARY EVENTS
Chess Knight at SPL (All Ages)
MONDAYS | 6:30 - 8:30 PM
Drop-in and gather on the main floor of the library, where all ages come together to enjoy a chill night of playing chess and drinking tea. BYOBoard if you have one -- if you don't, come anyway.
Thursday Night Writers Club
THURSDAYS | Drop-In 5:00 - 9:00 PM | Library Main Floor
Write among books you love, alongside new friends and old. Work on your craft without saying a word, or bounce ideas off your neighbour -- all while enjoying tea and treats in a cozy environment.
Questions? Contact Melanie at mkindrachuk@splibrary.ca or phone 519-271-0220 x 128.