To ensure the safety of our members and staff during COVID-19, most adult and teen programs will be delivered through a variety of online platforms or as take-aways from the library. 

We have a variety of programs and activities for adults – some programs run for several months, and others are single events. Please see the programs below or check out our Events Calendar for a full schedule of all library programs and registration dates.

Tops of books

Annual Reading Challenge

Explore new books, authors, and genres as you complete our Reading Challenge. Read or listen to one book from 12 categories before the clock strikes midnight on December 31.

Take me to the 2021 Reading Challenge

2022 Reading Challenge coming soon!

Adult Book Club

Open book with coffee cupsJoin us for our monthly librarian-led book discussion. Please register a month in advance for either the afternoon in-person meeting or the evening Zoom meeting. All registrants will receive an email confirmation, and evening registrants will also receive Zoom meeting details.

Registrants will have the option to reserve a print copy of the next Book Club title. You can also access digital copies through hoopla or cloudLibrary, as available. Titles will be announced throughout the year.

The Library requires proof of vaccination for in-person Adult Book Club sessions.

When: Tuesday afternoons, 2:00 to 3:00 pm Where: in person in the Multipurpose Room
When: Tuesday evenings, 7:00 to 8:00 pm Where: Zoom
Ages: 18+

To register: please register for each book club event in our online calendar when registration opens the previous month. 

Drop In Genealogy

Learn about the lives of the people on your family tree using local resources. Experienced researchers from the Kawartha Branch of Ontario Ancestors will guide you to information in the library's combined local history and genealogy collection, as well as to online tools and resources. Bring your laptop and explore free library access to Ancestry online.

When: Wednesdays bi-weekly, 1:00 to 3:00 pm
Where: Quiet Study Area (by the microfilm readers)
Ages: 18+

Genealogy with Ontario Ancestors - Kawartha Branch

We're partnering with family history research experts, the Kawartha Branch of Ontario Ancestors, to bring you monthly presentations. Over the next few months, we'll take a virtual tour the genealogy collections of the four counties: Peterborough, Haliburton, Victoria (Kawartha Lakes) and Northumberland.

We'll explore physical and digital resources available at each of the libraries and include time for questions and answers at each meeting. You'll also learn about Ontario Ancestors and the benefits of joining your local Kawartha Branch.

Registrants will receive Zoom meeting details by email the day before the event.


Hidden Gems at the Peterborough Public Library

Library staff will highlight unique resources and guide participants through a tour of city directories and the Little Lake Cemetery map available online.

When: Thursday, January 20 from 1:00 to 2:00 pm
Where: Zoom
Ages: 18+
Registration begins: Monday, December 6

Register for Hidden Gems


Haliburton County Genealogy Resources

The Chair and Vice Chair of the Haliburton Highland Genealogy Group will share highlights of their collection housed in the Resource Room of the Minden Hills Branch of the Haliburton County Public Library.

When: Thursday, February 17 from 1:00 to 2:00 pm
Where: Zoom
Ages: 18+
Registration begins: Tuesday, January 4

Register for Haliburton County Genealogy Resources


Genealogy Resources of Victoria County at the Kawartha Lakes Public Library

Shawnee Hayward, Reference Librarian at the Kawartha Lakes Public Library will showcase genealogy resources available in the KLPL reference and archival collections.

When: Thursday, March 17 from 1:00 to 2:00
Where: Zoom
Ages: 18+
Registration begins: Tuesday, February 1

Register for Genealogy Resources of Victoria County

Intro to Spoken Word: Finding Your Voice

Woman speakingJoin Peterborough's new Poet Laureate, Sarah Lewis, for a series of four workshops on spoken word poetry. In these workshops, Sarah will discuss the medium of spoken word poetry, including its history and impacts.

Sarah will share her personal experiences and discuss how telling our stories can be both healing and a form of activism that gives voice to the things we are passionate about.

During these workshops, Sarah will share some of her poems, other influential poets and delve into how participants can create their own work. We will do this by examining the techniques and styles of spoken word, the creative writing process and prompt exercises to help you get started.

At the end of the 4 weeks, we will have a final showcase where participants can share their spoken word poems.

When: Wednesdays bi-weekly, January 19, February 2, February 16, March 2 from 7:00 to 8:00 pm
Where: Zoom
Ages: 18+
Registration begins: Monday, December 6

Register for Intro to Spoken Word

News & Views

NewspaperWe now have access to more news media than ever before, but we have few chances to discuss the topics of the day in-depth. Join us on Zoom once a month and share your views on the top stories of the moment.

We will explore a theme based on the news cycle at each meeting and suggest some articles to read as preparation. We will discuss the stories in a safe space where ideas, questions and opinions can be shared openly and respectfully.

This program is an opportunity to explore bias in the news, reliability of information and the ever-growing problem of "fake news." It is also an opportunity for people in our community to connect and understand one another's points of view.

When you register, we will send you an email with the month’s topics along with a few links to articles to help you prepare for our discussion.

When: Saturdays, January 15, February 12, March 12 from 11:00 am to 12:00 noon
Where: Zoom
Ages: 18+

Please note: registration closes the Tuesday before each Saturday meeting.

Personal Finance
January 18: From Baby to Uni: Saving with RESPs

If you have young children or a new baby on the way, now is the perfect time to explore the benefits of Registered Education Savings Plans (RESP). Senior Financial Planner at the Kawartha Credit Union, John Kehoe, will share the options available for parents looking at investing in their children's future.

When: Tuesday, January 18 from 7:00 to 8:00 pm
Where: Zoom
Ages: 18+
Registration begins: Monday, December 6

Register for From Baby to Uni


February 8: Buying your first home

House

With increasing house prices and changes in the mortgage market, it's essential to learn the ins and outs of the financial aspects of buying a house. Join local mortgage broker, Grace Reynolds, for an information session on what you need to do to get ready to buy your first home.

When: Tuesday, March 8 from 7:00 to 8:00 pm
Where: Zoom
Ages: 18+
Registration begins: Tuesday, January 4

Register for Buying your first home


March 15: RRSPs vs. TFSAs

If you need help you decoding all those confusing acronyms, you're not alone! John Kehoe, Senior Financial Planner at Kawartha Credit Union, will explore the advantages of each savings plan to help you decide which is appropriate for your needs.

This program is perfect for those looking to start saving but are unsure which vehicle is best.

When: Tuesday, February 8 from 7:00 to 8:00 pm
Where: Zoom
Ages: Registration begins: Tuesday, February 1

Register for RRSPs vs. TFSAs

Reading Challenge Online Book Chats

Join us for a monthly book chat about a featured Reading Challenge topic. We'll offer some suggestions and invite you to share your favourite reads as well. Subscribe to our Reading Challenge Newsletter for book suggestions and to receive the monthly Zoom link. 

  • January 13: Debut Titles | Subscribe by: January 11
  • February 10: Black History Month | Subscribe by February 8
  • March 10: Strong Women! |Subscribe by: March 8

When: Thursdays monthly, from 12:15 to 12:45 pm
Where: Zoom
Registration by subscription begins: Monday, December 6

Subscribe to Book Chats

Special Events
How to Talk To Your Teen About Cannabis

Talking with youth about cannabis can be tricky and complicated. This evidence-based presentation by the Canadian Mental Health Association will help you gain a deeper understanding of what leads to cannabis use, signs to look out for, and 10 tools you can start using right away, along with additional local resources.

When: Tuesday, December 7 from 7:00 to 8:00 pm 
Where: Zoom
Ages: 18+ 

Registrants will receive Zoom meeting details by email the day before the event.

Register for How to Talk to your Teen about Cannabis


Mugs to Go

Warm-up this winter with a fun and festive Grab & Go craft for Adults and Teens. Each kit will include almost everything you need to make a snowy-themed mug using simple paint or permanent markers and your own DIY stencils.

When your mug is complete, send a photo to libraryphotos@peterborough.ca or share them with our Facebook Craft-Along Group.

When: kits available starting Saturday, January 22
Where: Mezz Info Desk, while supplies last
Ages: 16+

Writing Circle

woman writingWriting doesn't have to be a lonely pursuit: join other writers in a safe place to receive feedback, offer advice, give moral support, and discuss issues you may be experiencing with your writing.

Our Writing Circle welcomes writers looking for a small community of artists who want help staying motivated, disciplined, and productive while pursuing their art.

When: Wednesdays, biweekly starting January 12 from 7:00 to 8:30 pm
Where: Zoom
Ages: 18+
Registration begins: Monday, December 6

Register for Writing Circle
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