Adult Programs & Events
SPECIAL EVENTS
Each month we offer a variety of special events, from our Simcoe Author Talk series to One Book One New Tecumseth, from Simcoe Reads to gardening programs and more.
For more information about any of the FREE programs listed here, please contact Kim and her team at [email protected].
Simcoe Reads 2026
8 Libraries. 8 Books. 1 Winner.
Eight libraries are bringing their communities together with Simcoe Reads, a cover-to-cover conversation for adults.
Each library has selected a local champion and book they believe everyone in Simcoe County should read.
Paint Along: Night Sky
Thursday, August 20
6:00-7:30 PM
CRIC IdeaLab, Pam Kirkpatrick Branch, Tottenham
Join other beginner artists in a fun, social setting as you will follow an easy step-by-step tutorial on painting a night sky! Supplies are included, and each participant will take home a canvas of their artwork. Ideal for ages 18+.
Saturday Switch: Family Takeover!
Saturday, August 22: Pam Kirkpatrick Branch, Tottenham
Saturday, August 29: D A Jones Branch, Beeton
2:00-4:00 PM
Drop in and enjoy Nintendo Switch games with the whole family at the library!
Summer Sizzle Open Book Club: Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke
Thursday, August 27
6:00-7:45 PM
Memorial Branch, Alliston
Join us for our Summer Sizzle 2026 Open Book Club, to discuss Yesteryear, by Caro Claire Burke.
A traditional American woman, a beautiful wife and mother who sells her pioneer lifestyle of raw milk and farm-fresh eggs to her millions of social media followers, suddenly awakens cold, filthy, and terrified in the brutal reality of 1855—where she must unravel whether this living nightmare is an elaborate hoax, a twisted reality show, or something far more sinister.
A gripping, electrifying debut novel that is as darkly funny as it is frightening, Yesteryear is a gimlet-eyed look at tradition, fame, faith, and the grand performance of womanhood.
Library copies of the book will be provided to program registrants; staff will contact you to arrange pick-up.
Ideal for ages 18+.
IdeaLab-on-the-Go
3:00-6:00 pm
Tuesday, September 8: DA Jones Branch, Beeton
Tuesday, October 20: Memorial Branch, Alliston
The IdeaLab is coming to you! Stop by the Alliston and Beeton branch when our IdeaLab Specialist is in to learn how to use either a Cricut Machine, sewing machine or an embroidery machine. Ask about the CRIC IdeaLab in Tottenham and what the space offers to everyone!
Drop In!
Game On! Chess
Saturday, September 12
1:00-3:00 pm
Memorial Branch, Alliston
Are you interested in playing chess but not sure where to start? Come join us for some friendly games with a learning focus.
A brief overview of the rules will be provided for all participants, and assistance will be available throughout the event.
Light refreshments will be provided.
Ideal for ages 16+
String and Tune Sessions
Tuesday, September 22
6:00-7:45 pm
DA Jones Branch, Beeton
Saturday, October 3
1:00-3:00 pm
Memorial Branch, Alliston
Tuesday, October 27
6:00-7:45 pm
CRIC IdeaLab, Pam Kirkpatrick Branch, Tottenham
Do you have a guitar, banjo, ukulele, or mandolin at home that needs a new set of strings? Would you like to do it yourself, but you can’t remember or never learned how?
Bring it to NTPL’s String and Tune Sessions to learn to do the job yourself. A brief instructional period will be followed by hands-on time for each participant to practice the techniques on their own and receive feedback.
Participants are required to bring their own instrument and strings, all other equipment will be provided.
Ideal for ages 16+.
Indigenous Medicine Garden Closing and Gathering
Friday, September 25
1:30-3:00 pm
Indigenous Medicine Garden, DA Jones Branch, Beeton
Join us as we gather in the Indigenous Medicine Garden to close our first growing season with gratitude. Together we’ll enjoy a gentle tour of the garden, harvest medicines and seeds with care, and learn about saving seeds to support future generations of these meaningful plants. This is a time to reflect on the season, celebrate what the garden has given, and honour our ongoing relationship with the land and to each other.
Indigenous Medicine Garden Coordinator Tanya Gluvakov, will guide us.
Drop In!
Ideal for ages 18+.
Arts & Crafts Supply Swap
Thursday, October 1
6:00-7:30 pm
CRIC IdeaLab, Pam Kirkkpatrick Branch, Tottenham
Love dabbling in new crafts and have an overflow of tools and supplies you no longer need?
Stop on by the IdeaLab and exchange your new or gently used arts and crafts supplies with other crafters and artists! The exchange is an open space to chat with fellow creatives on all things handmade.
Ideal for ages 16+.
Free Hearing Screening with Canadian Hearing Services
Tuesday, October 6
2:00-7:00 pm by appointment
DA Jones Branch (Beeton)
Join NTPL for a free hearing test with Canadian Hearing Services.
Alexandra, a hearing care counsellor with Canadian Hearing Services, will be in Joansie’s Room at the Beeton Branch from 2:00 to 7:00 offering free hearing tests. Each test will last about 30 minutes.
Participants are encouraged to bring a trusted person with them, as well as any prior hearing test results for comparison.
Register for your half hour appointment and we will contact you to confirm your timeslot. If you have a preferred time, please select it from the options in the registration form. No spot can be guaranteed, but best efforts will be made to accommodate each preference.
Drop-in appointments will be accommodated based on availability.
Playwrights Guild of Canada’s PlayConnect at NTPL, featuring Rosaleen Egan and Somebody/Anybody
Wednesday, October 7
6:30-7:30 pm
DA Jones Branch, Beeton
Interested in playwrighting, or in Canadian playwrights and scripts?
Join us to meet Rosaleen Egan, a local playwright, reading from and discussing her award winning script Somebody/Anybody. A Q&A will follow the Reading.
This reading event is made possible through the support of Playwrights Guild of Canada’s PlayConnect Program.
Ideal for ages 16+.
Cricut Made Easy: Skeletal Kitchen Mitts
Tuesday, October 13
6:00-7:00 pm
CRIC IdeaLab, Pam Kirkpatrick Branch, Tottenham
Spook up your kitchen game and iron-on vinyl skeletal hands to oven mitts. You will get to take home a pair that everyone will find “humerus”.
The Librarians at The Circle Theatre
Friday, October 16
7:30-9:30 pm
The Circle Theatre, 19 Victoria St. E., Alliston
Help NTPL kick off Ontario Public Library Week by joining us for a viewing of The Librarians at The Circle Theatre.
The Librarians (2025) is a documentary that follows librarians across the United States as they respond to a growing wave of book bans and censorship. Facing public pressure, political scrutiny, and personal threats, they work to protect access to diverse ideas and to uphold the freedom to read. The film highlights their role as frontline defenders of intellectual freedom and examines what these challenges mean for education, democracy, and free expression.
Join us for this cautionary tale, and stirring call to action.
A brief moderated discussion will follow the film, for all interested in joining.
FREE ADMISSION!
Concession stand open for purchases.
No registration required, drop-in. Arrive early to avoid disappointment!
Ideal for ages 16+.
Elderberry Workshop
Saturday, October 17
10:30 am -12:00 pm
DA Jones Branch, Beeton
Curious about elderberry but not sure where to start? This welcoming workshop is designed for beginners who want to learn the basics in a relaxed, hands-on setting.
We’ll explore how to identify elderberry, discuss its traditional and herbal uses, and cover simple harvesting and preparation tips. Together, we’ll make a batch of an elderberry preparation from fresh (frozen) elderberries for you to take home, while chatting about how and when it can be used. No previous herbal experience is needed—just bring your curiosity and enjoy learning alongside others.
Tanya Gluvakov from Roots and Raven will guide us.
Ideal for ages 18+.
Community Exchange: Costume Edition
Saturday, October 24
10:00 am – 3:00 pm
DA Jones Branch, Beeton
Celebrate the spooky season with NTPL’s first Community Swap! With this event, we strive to foster community connection, promote sustainability, and support our community. Whether you are looking for items, have items to drop off, or want to swap items, everyone is welcome!
Bring your gently used items to swap, or simply browse and take home new-to-you treasures — no donation required to participate.
This month’s theme is Halloween Costumes, but we welcome clothing, household goods, toys, games, outdoor gear, books, craft supplies, seasonal décor, and more at this super swap of all things.
Everything is FREE and everyone is welcome.
Donations will be accepted beginning on Thursday, October 22nd, and should be brought to the Beeton Branch. We kindly ask that all donations be in clean, working order, as we do not accept broken or dirty items. If you’re uncertain if your donation will be accepted, feel free to call the library.
Please note: We cannot accept large furniture or appliances at this time.
Drop In
Play Reading Series: 12 Dinners, by Steve Ross
Tuesday, October 27
1:00-3:30 pm
Memorial Branch, Alliston
Wednesday, October 28 (NTPL Seniors Social edition)
10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Tottenham Community & Fitness Centre, Multipurpose Room 2
Thursday, October 29
7:00-9:30 pm
DA Jones Branch, Beeton
Welcome to the dining room of 272 Aberdeen Road in Beamsville, Ontario, 1995. This is the room and the year in which we get to know Steve’s parents, Jim and Bettye, the smartest Ross and the most complicated Ross, respectively. Steve dreads and simultaneously looks forward to monthly dinners here; seeing his parents is always nice but never without conflict. 12 Dinners is an autobiographical, heartfelt, funny, and raw story of the family’s journey toward better understanding one another. It addresses the painful but prevalent issue of depression with both humour and humility Discussion and Q&A will follow the Reading. Refreshments available. Ideal for ages 18+.
Regular Monthly Events
NTPL’s regular monthly programming for adults includes an assortment of clubs and groups such as book clubs, a writers group, genealogy club, poetry circle and more.
Beeton Cookbook Club
6:00-7:30 pm
DA Jones Branch, Beeton
Cookbook Club is not a cooking demonstration, but a chance for fellow foodies to share recipes, favourite cookbooks, and tips and tricks they have learned during their cooking experiences, all related to the month’s theme. It is low key, no pressure, and listeners are welcome too! We simply chat, learn, and have fun. Food contributions are welcome but not necessary; we share what we have. This is an adult program for ages 16+, maximum 15 registrants.
As always, a small selection of theme-related cookbooks will be on hold for Cookbook Club members at the Beeton D.A. Jones Branch one month before each meeting date. Feel free to stop by, ask for the cookbooks at the desk, and check out any you like. Staff in the Alliston and Tottenham branches are more than happy to help you find related cookbooks in those branches as well; again, just ask at the desk! Or feel free of course to use your own recipes, family recipes, other cookbooks you have access to or recipes off the Internet.
September 16: Noodles
October 21: Middle Eastern Dishes
Book Clubs @ NTPL
- Queer Book Club, first Tuesday of each month, Alliston Branch, 6:00-7:45;
- First Edition Book Club, first Wednesday of each month, Alliston Branch, 6:15-7:45;
- No. 1 Literary Book Club, first Thursday of each month, Tottenham Branch 6-8;
- Beeton Book Club, first Thursday of each month, Beeton Branch 6:15-7:45;
- O.W.L.S. Seniors’ Book Club, second Tuesday of each month, Alliston Branch, 10:15-12:15 (for those aged 50+);
- Tuesday Tea Book Club, second Tuesday of each month, Beeton Branch, 1:30-3:00;
- Second Edition Book Club, second Wednesday of each month, Alliston Branch 6:15-7:45;
- Men’s Book Club, third Tuesday of each month, Beeton Branch, 6:00-7:45;
- Kingsmere Retirement Suites Book Club, third Thursday of each month, Kingsmere Retirement Residence, 2:00-3:30 pm.
For more information or to join, please contact us at [email protected].
Fit and Fabulous: Tai Chi
10:30-11:45 am
Thursdays, September 3, October 1
Memorial Branch, Alliston
Discover the benefits of Tai Chi with instructor Antonio Lampreia, a gentle form of exercise that combines slow, flowing movements with deep breathing and mindfulness. This class is designed for adults of all fitness levels and helps improve balance, flexibility, and mental focus, while reducing stress.
Spaces are limited, so please register early to reserve your spot.
Ideal for ages 18 +
Fit and Fabulous: Chair Yoga
1:30-2:30 pm
Wednesdays, September 9, October 14
DA Jones Branch, Beeton
Wednesdays, August 26, September 23, October 28
Memorial Branch, Alliston
Chair yoga for adults and seniors… a gentle and accessible way to improve strength, flexibility, balance, mindfulness and relaxation.
Fit and Fabulous: Yoga 101
6:30-7:30 pm
Wednesdays, September 9, October 14
DA Jones Branch, Beeton
Wednesday, August 26, Thursday, September 24, Wednesday, Octobr 28
Memorial Branch, Alliston
Are you new to Yoga or looking to get back to your mat? Join us for this beginner Hatha practice; emphasis on slow movement, refining poses, mindful breathing, and connecting to self. If possible, bring your own mat and props; limited materials available.
Genealogy Club
Wednesday, September 16
1:30-3:00 pm
Memorial Branch, Alliston
Explore your family. Find your roots. The Genealogy Club is getting a revamp! The Club meets bimonthly the third Wednesday of January, March, May, July, September and November, 1:30 to 3:00pm.
Meeting formats will vary, offering both roundtable family history research discussions and special guest speaker events.
Join us: September 16: Roundtable family history research discussion.
Ideal for ages 18+
In the Loop
Thursdays, June 25-September 3
Thursdays, September 10-October 29
6:30-7:30pm
Pam Kirkpatrick Branch, Tottenham
Group for teens and adults to enjoy crochet, knitting, sewing, rug hooking, …whatever – together!
Bring your own supplies.
All Ages
Drop-In!
Kanopy Club
7:00-8:30 pm
Zoom
Did you know you now have FREE access to thousands of online movies with your library card, via the Kanopy platform? Watch our pre-selected film at home each month in advance and then sign in to the Zoom program on the scheduled date and time to discuss. Think book club, but for film!
Dead Man Walking (1995)
Thursday, September 10
Sister Helen Prejean (Susan Sarandon), a New Orleans nun, is the spiritual advisor to Matthew Poncelet (Sean Penn), a vicious and complex murderer awaiting execution. Her dedication is to help others, like Matthew, find salvation. But as she attempts to navigate Matthew’s dark soul, she encounters a depth of evil that makes her question how far redemption can really go. Inspired by a true story, this provocative film earned Sarandon the 1995 Oscar® for Best Actress.
Mabel (2024)
Thursday, October 8
No one gets Callie, an awkward pre-teen whose one friend, Mabel, is a plant. Her teacher, Ms. G introduces her to the controversial world of “plant intelligence” and desperate to impress, Callie builds a secret greenhouse in her backyard. As Callie’s obsession grows, she is put at odds with her mother and jeopardizes her first chance at a real friendship.
Knitting and Needlework Circle
Mondays, August 17, 24, 31, September 14, 21, October 5, 19, 26
Tuesdays after long-weekend/staff training closures, September 8, 28, October 13
1:30-3:30 pm
Memorial Branch, Alliston
Join us every Monday afternoon in the Alliston Memorial Branch with your knitting or other needlework project. Exchange ideas and information and learn tips and tricks from other knitters.
Drop-In!
Let’s Play: Chess
Wednesdays, August 19, 26
4:30-5:30 pm
Memorial Branch, Alliston
Pam Kirkpatrick Branch, Tottenham
Wednesdays, September 2, 9, 16, 23, October7, 14, 21, 28
4:30-5:30 pm
Memorial Branch, Alliston
D.A. Jones Branch, Beeton
Pam Kirkpatrick Branch, Tottenham
Come play chess at the library! We provide the boards and the how-to-play chess books, and you bring the moves. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned player, you’re welcome to drop in, meet other players, and enjoy a game.
Expect to share tips, learn new strategies, and play games with other drop-in players.
No registration required. All ages and skill levels welcome.
New Tecumseth Script Readers
Fridays, September 11, October 9
10:00 am – 12:30 pm
Memorial Branch, Alliston
NTPL Seniors Social
Wednesdays, September 2, 16, October 7, 21
10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Tottenham Community & Fitness Centre, Multipurpose Room 2
Looking for a fun and friendly way to spend your morning? Bring your favourite handheld craft, projects, and ideas to this lively weekly gathering of seniors. Share your creativity, swap stories, and make new friends in a warm, welcoming space.
Drop-In!
Ideal for ages 55 +
NTPL Seniors Social: Craft Class with Tabitha Marshall
Wednesday, September 9
10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Tottenham Community & Fitness Centre, Multipurpose Room 2
Art class for seniors!
Join us for a fun and creative art class with Tabitha Marshall, all materials provided, no experience needed. Connect and create with friends!
Spaces are limited, so be sure to register early. This popular program may fill up quickly!
Ideal for ages 55 +
NTPL Seniors Social: Canadian Hearing Services Guest Speaker
Wednesday, September 23
10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Tottenham Community & Fitness Centre, Multipurpose Room 2
Hearing loss can often contribute to social isolation, communication difficulties, anxiety, depression, grief, and challenges navigating everyday activities. In the face of this, NTPL Seniors Social presents an information session with Hearing Care Counsellor Alexandra Barbu of Canadian Hearing Services. Alexandra’s talk will focus on hearing health care and communication strategies to foster connection.
Whether you are dealing with hearing health concerns yourself, or are a care-giver or loved one of someone who is, this presentation is sure to have some information for you!
This is a registered event.
Regular Seniors Social drop-in crafting/social time available in the Tottenham Branch on this date.
Ideal for ages 55+.
NTPL Seniors Social: Downsize and Declutter with New Leaf Organizing
Wednesday, October 14
10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Tottenham Community & Fitness Centre, Multipurpose Room 2
NTPL Seniors Social, in partnership with New Leaf Organizing, presents a discussion on downsizing and decluttering. Are you considering a downsize? Do you find that you’d like to declutter your space, but you’re not sure where to start? Are you simply interested in some new organizing strategies?
Join Heather and Kristen from New Leaf Organizing for an informative presentation! They will touch on strategies to downsize with confidence, letting go of belongings while preserving memories, where to begin when decluttering feels overwhelming, and creating safer, more functional spaces for aging in place. Light refreshments will be provided.
This is a registered event.
Regular Seniors Social drop-in crafting/social time available in the Tottenham Branch on this date.
Ideal for ages 55 +
NTPL Seniors Social: Play Reading Series
12 Dinners, by Steve Ross
Wednesday, October 27
10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Tottenham Community & Fitness Centre, Multipurpose Room 2
Welcome to the dining room of 272 Aberdeen Road in Beamsville, Ontario, 1995. This is the room and the year in which we get to know Steve’s parents, Jim and Bettye, the smartest Ross and the most complicated Ross, respectively. Steve dreads and simultaneously looks forward to monthly dinners here; seeing his parents is always nice but never without conflict. 12 Dinners is an autobiographical, heartfelt, funny, and raw story of the family’s journey toward better understanding one another. It addresses the painful but prevalent issue of depression with both humour and humility.
Discussion and Q&A will follow the Reading. Refreshments available.
Seniors Social drop-in crafting/social time available in the Tottenham Branch on this date.
Ideal for ages 55 +
Queer and Ally Craft Club
Wednesdays, weekly
6:00-7:45 pm
Memorial Branch, Alliston
Let’s get crafty! Join us for this fun, casual program. Meet new friends and use your imagination in a dedicated safe space for 2SLGBTQ+ allies.
Bring your own supplies.
Drop-in!
Ages 18+
Queer Game Night
Tuesdays, August 25, September 29, October 27
6:00-7:45 pm
Memorial Branch, Alliston
Come hang out, make new friends, and play some games at Queer Game Night! A welcoming space for 2SLGBTQ+ folks and allies. Whether you’re into strategy, silliness or just good vibes, we’ve got something for everyone. Come solo or bring friends, all are welcome!
Drop-In!
Queer Game Night will be offered on the fourth Tuesday of each month.
SPICE IT UP
First Wednesday of the Month: August 5, September 2, October 7
All Branches
Spice It Up! is our updated take on Savour & Spice. On the first Wednesday of each month, Spice It Up! will be available at each of our NTPL locations for pickup. Each kit contains a sample of the month’s spice, as well as feature recipes and facts.
No registration is necessary, and kits can be picked up on a first come, first served basis. Spice It Up! kits will be available while supplies last at the circulation desk. Due to high demand, participants will be limited to in-person pickup of one kit per month.
Tech Time: From Curiosity to Confidence: Practical AI Skills for Everyday Life
Tuesday, October 20
7:00-8:00 pm
Zoom
AI is everywhere! Whether you’re brand-new to AI or you’ve experimented with tools like ChatGPT, this session will help you get practical value fast. Our AI expert will show simple ways to use AI for everyday tasks—writing, planning, brainstorming, and problem-solving—using clear “prompt recipes” you can reuse. Expect quick live demos and an interactive Q&A. We’ll finish with essential tips for verifying results and protecting your privacy when using AI.
Dr. Richard R. Khan is a technology and AI leader based in Ajax, Ontario, with over 20 years of experience building and governing production-grade platforms across regulated environments, including healthcare and financial services. Richard has a DBA specializing in Emerging Technologies and Generative AI. He focuses on helping people adopt AI confidently, safely, and responsibly. He is the author of the peer-reviewed Responsible AI paper “RAISEF” (2025) and AI titles including The AI Glossary: 101 Essential AI Terms (2024) and 256 AI & Emerging Technology (2025). Richard also guest lectures and speaks on practical AI and Responsible AI.
Ideal for ages 16+.
The Writers’ Room
Write, share and discuss in a supportive, creative writing community. Writers of all skill levels, genres and styles are welcome. Meeting format will vary, offering both open and themed writing circles and additionally offering structured workshops. Day and/or evening sessions will be offered in our Alliston and Beeton Branches. Registration required, drop-ins welcome space permitting.
Join us for:
August: Informal Sharing Circle
Tuesday, August 18
1:00-3:00 pm
Memorial Branch, Alliston
Wednesday, August 19
6:15-7:45 pm
D A Jones Branch, Beeton
Verbally share your writing sample (max 1200 words) and receive constructive feedback from the group. Suggested prompt: Fireflies
Ideal for ages 18+
September: Write In! Generative Writing Workshop
Tuesday, September 15
1:00-3:00 pm
Memorial Branch, Alliston
Saturday, September 26
2:00-4:00 pm
D A Jones Branch, Beeton
Engage in various timed writing prompts and exercises designed to stimulate creativity.
September’s topic: No Ideas But In Things.
Ideal for ages 18+
October: Informal Sharing Circle
Saturday, October 17
2:00-3:30 pm
D A Jones Branch, Beeton
Tuesday, October 20
1:00-3:00 pm
Memorial Branch, Alliston
Verbally share your writing sample (max 1200 words) and receive constructive feedback. Suggested prompt: Ghosts.
Suggested prompt: Ghosts.
Ideal for ages 18+
Tech Assist
Do you have questions about technology? Do you have a new smartphone or tablet that you aren’t quite sure how to use? Need help getting started with Libby to access eBooks and audiobooks? Would you like to learn how to attend a library program using Zoom?
Request a 30-minute one-on-one session at any of our branches. Sessions are by appointment only. Call or email the branch you would like to have your appointment in.
Alliston:
705-435-5651
[email protected]
Beeton:
905-729-3726
[email protected]
Tottenham:
905-936-2291
[email protected]
Partnership Programs
NTPL has partnered with other community groups to bring you the following programs and services:
FOCUS Employment Services
(TAGS: Partnership Programs, Special Events, Employment)
NTPL has partnered with FOCUS Employment Services to offer drop in employment help at the Pam Kirkpatrick Branch in Tottenham on Tuesday afternoons from 1:30-4:30 pm. Drop in to meet with a team member from FOCUS and get help with:
| Services for Job Seekers | Services for Employers | Additional Services |
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For more information, contact FOCUS at: 1-877-513-0187 or [email protected]. You can also find them on social media (@FOCUSEmploymentServices). Click DISCOVER below to visit their website.
