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].
Paint Along: Abstract Watercolour
Tuesday, November 3
5:30-7:30 pm
DA Jones Branch, Beeton
A fun and easy abstract art project using watercolours and tape.
Join other beginner artists in a fun and social setting. We will create abstract art using watercolours, tape, and other provided art supplies. Each participant will take home a watercolour page with their work on it!
Ideal for ages 16+.
Mosaic Connects Simcoe: Seniors’ Arts Program
Fridays, November 6, 13, 20, 27, December 4, 11
2:00-4:00 pm
Memorial Branch, Alliston
Are you a senior 55 years or older residing in New Tecumseth & surrounding areas & looking to stay active, connected and engaged?
Join our 6-Week Multicultural Seniors’ Arts Program where you will:
- Participate in weekly arts & wellness activities,
- Learn about topics of interest to seniors,
- Meet new people, form new networks,
- Have fun while letting your creativity shine!
The final week will feature a showcase where participants can share the works they’ve created with families and the community.
Ideal for ages 55+.
Felt Poppies Workshop
Friday, November 6
10:00 am – 12:00 pm
DA Jones Branch, Beeton
NTPL presents a felt poppy workshop with Melissa Perry of the Metis Nation. Melissa will instruct participants on how to create their own felt poppy to take home as a symbol of remembrance.
While participants craft, Melissa will share a presentation focusing on remembrance from an Indigenous Canadian perspective.
Ideal for ages 16+.
An Evening with Adam Shoalts
Tuesday, November 10
Doors open at 6:16 pm
7:00-8:00 pm
The Gibson Centre for Community, Arts and Culture, 63 Tupper St. W. Alliston
National bestselling author and professional adventurer Adam Shoalts will join us to discuss his well-known expeditions in Canada’s wilderness, including his newest book, Vanished Beyond the Map: The Mystery of Lost Explorer Hubert Darrell. It is the story of a legendary lost explorer who disappeared more than a century ago and Shoalts’s quest to retrace his route to unravel the mystery of his disappearance.
Adam Shoalts, PhD, is the Westaway Explorer-in-Residence at the Royal Canadian Geographical Society. His expeditions range from mapping rivers to archaeological projects, but Shoalts is best known for his long solo wilderness journeys, including crossing alone nearly 4,000 km of Canada’s Arctic. Named one of the “greatest living explorers” by CBC and declared “Canada’s Indiana Jones” by the Toronto Star, Shoalts’s latest quest was retracing the route of a lost explorer, the subject of his new book Vanished Beyond the Map. His other #1 national bestselling books include Where the Falcon Flies, The Whisper on the Night Wind, A History of Canada in 10 Maps, and Beyond the Trees: A Journey Alone Across Canada’s Arctic.
Doors open at 6:15 pm. Program begins at 7:00 pm.
Free admission with ticket. Tickets are available for pick up at any of our three branches. Limited tickets may be available at the door, space allowing. Copies of the book are available for loan; request yours to read in advance of the event, if you wish!
Ideal for ages 18+.
Sewing Made Easy: Log Cabin Quilt Coasters
Friday, November 13
10:00-11:30 am
CRIC IdeaLab, Pam Kirkpatrick Branch, Tottenham
Tuesday, November 24
6:00-7:30 pm
CRIC IdeaLab, Pam Kirkpatrick Branch, Tottenham
A basic introduction to quilting, learn to create your own quilted coasters.
Do you already know how to sew, but want to try quilting? Learn how to make a “log cabin” quilt pattern and sew your own coasters.
Please note, it is required that registrants have familiarity with using a sewing machine before coming in. This program is not designed as an introduction to sewing.
Ideal for ages 18+.
Repair Cafe and Stuffie Hospital
Saturday, November 14
11:00 am – 2:00 pm
CRIC IdeaLab, Pam Kirkpatrick Branch, Tottenham
Celebrate sustainability by giving your textiles and stuffies a second life! Drop by our free Repair Café–no registration required. This edition of our repair café series will focus on textile sewing repairs.
All household items that need simple sewing, including missing buttons, small tears, or loose hems are welcome.
Additionally, a stuffie hospital will be set up for the stuffed friends at home in need of “medical” attention. Arms, legs, tails and eyes can all be sewn back on, and rips or tears can sometimes be operated on as well.
Skilled volunteers will be on hand to help, share practical tips, and explore possible fixes.
A small table with tools and supplies will be set up for use, so tinkering projects are welcome. However, no direct tinkering support for household goods will be provided at this version of the repair café.
While repairs aren’t guaranteed, it’s a fun, hands-on way to learn new skills and reduce waste. Light refreshments will be provided.
In collaboration with Greys for Green.
Drop-In!
Ideal for all ages.
3D Print Winter Ornaments
Thursday, November 19
6:00-7:30 pm
CRIC IdeaLab, Pam Kirkpatrick Branch, Tottenham
Learn to use TinkerCAD, a web-based app, to 3D design and print your own 3D printed winter ornaments.
Ideal for ages 18-55.
Local Author Showcase & Book Fair
Sunday, November 22
1:00-4:00 pm
Boston Pizza, 27 Young St, Alliston
New Tecumseth Public Library is partnering with Alliston Boston Pizza for our 2026 Local Author Showcase & Book Fair!
Registration required to attend, drop-in space permitting.
- 1:00-2:00 Arrival and Mingle (food and beverages available for purchase; seating on a first-come basis)
- 2:00-3:00 Author Showcase (listen to authors read from or discuss their works)
- 3:00-4:00 Book Fair and Mingle (chat with the authors, browse their titles, purchase books)
Cafe NTPL: Evening Book Tasting
Tuesday, November 24
6:00-7:30 pm
DA Jones Branch, Beeton
Join NTPL for the first ever Cafe NTPL, where we serve books instead of food! A book tasting is a fun new take on sharing books, without a book club level of commitment.
Inspired by culinary tasting menus, at NTPL’s book tasting participants will be encouraged to try a sampling of titles from the library’s collection.
The titles are divided into form or genre based platters, and each platter is accompanied by a menu of titles containing information about the books.
Tasters will be given a few minutes to examine each title; we encourage reading the summary, perhaps the author bio, and maybe even the first few sentences to get a taste for the title!
Sharing notes with fellow tasters is encouraged.
Discover a new title, make a friend, share the joy of a favourite book, or perhaps all three!
Ideal for ages 18+.
Horror Open Book Club
Thursday, November 26
6:00-7:45 pm
Memorial Branch, Alliston
Join us for our Horror Open Book Club as we dive into The Reformatory by Tananarive Due, a gripping blend of historical fiction, supernatural horror, and powerful social commentary.
Twelve-year-old Robert “Robbie” Stephens Jr. is sentenced to six months at the Gracetown School for Boys after defending his older sister, Gloria, from a white boy from a powerful family. The school is supposed to “reform” boys, but Robbie discovers that it is actually a place of brutality, racism, exploitation, and death. Robbie can see the ghosts of boys who died there, and those spirits reveal the school’s hidden history.
Library copies of the book will be provided to program registrants; staff will contact you to arrange pick-up.
Ideal for ages 18 +
Paint Along: Winter River
6:00-7:30 pm
Thursday, November 26: CRIC IdeaLab, Pam Kirkpatrick Branch, Tottenham
Thursday, December 17: Memorial Branch, Alliston
Join other artists and paint a step-by-step tutorial on painting a winter river landscape.
Ideal for ages 18 +
Budgeting Basics
Saturday, December 5
11:00 am – 12:00pm
Memorial Branch, Alliston
Chelsey Heidman from Sunlife joins NTPL’s safe and welcoming space for a presentation on the basics of budget creation.
Whether you’re learning to budget for the first time, updating your budget for a savings goal, planning for holiday expenses, or even thinking about a budget for retirement, understanding the basics is always key.
A Q&A period will follow the forty-five minute presentation.
Ideal for ages 18+.
Game On! Board Game Bash
Tuesday, December 8
2:00-4:00 pm
Memorial Branch, Alliston
Join NTPL for a fun, friendly and lightly competitive afternoon of board games. Chess, Ticket to Ride, Catan, Backgammon, CodeNames and more are available for play.
Light refreshments will be provided.
Ideal for ages 16+.
Wrap Party!
Tuesday, December 15
5:00-7:00 pm
DA Jones Branch, Beeton
Join NTPL in the cozy Joansie Room at the Beeton branch for a festive evening of holiday tunes, snacks, hot drinks and gift wrapping.
Some gift wrapping supplies (paper, tapes, scissors, bows) will be provided in limited quantities, first come first served.
Participants are also welcome to bring their own supplies, and swaps or exchanges are encouraged!
Come to wrap your gifts, to hang out with the community, or to sing along to some festive hits.
Drop In!
All ages welcome, ideal for ages 16+.
Family Flick at The Circle Theatre: Snow Day
Monday, December 28
1:00-3:30 pm
The Circle Theatre, 19 Victoria St. E., Alliston
Ready for a Snow Day? Relive the winter fun of this classic family favourite while introducing a new generation to the excitement.
Join us for a free family movie screening filled with laughs, snowy adventures, and a little nostalgia!
Doors open at 12:30 p.m. | Movie starts at 1:00 p.m. Seats are limited to the first 230 guests, so arrive early!
Concession stand will be open for snacks and refreshments.
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.
November 18: Celebrity Chefs
December 16: Make Ahead 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, November 5, December 3
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, November 11, December 9
DA Jones Branch, Beeton
Wednesdays, November 25
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, November 11, December 9
DA Jones Branch, Beeton
Wednesdays, November 25
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:
OnLand: An Insider’s Guide on How to Use It
Wednesday, November 18
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 for a webinar on: An insider’s look and demo of the OnLand records website.
The OnLand application acts as a “virtual Land Registry Office” (LRO), where you can search or browse land registry records in the Ontario Land Registration system.
Ideal for ages 18+
In the Loop
Thursdays, October 8-December 17
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!
Weathered: After the LA Firestorm (2026)
Thursday, November 12
A year after the devastating LA fires, Maiya May returns to document the rebuild and investigate survivors’ most pressing questions and concerns. This leads her to an inspiring new approach to preventing these disasters and locals who are working to make their community a model for recovery and resilience.
Bush Christmas (1983)
Thursday, December 10
Outback Queensland, the early 1950s. The Thompson family – struggling to keep their outback farm from foreclosure – place their financial hopes on their horse, Prince, a favourite to win the New Year’s Cup. Two horse rustlers named Bill and Sly steal Prince and make their way to a nearby mountain range to escape. However, the thieves have underestimated the resourceful Thompson kids John and Helen (a 15-year-old Nicole Kidman in her film debut). Featuring music and a special appearance by popular Australian folk band The Bushwackers, BUSH CHRISTMAS is an Australian family Christmas classic.
Knitting and Needlework Circle
Mondays, November 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, December 7, 14, 21, 28
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, November 4, 11, 18, 25, December2, 9, 16, 23, 30
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, November 11, December 13
10:00 am – 12:30 pm
Memorial Branch, Alliston
Bringing scripts to life… without makeup, costumes or a stage! Join us to table read and experience some of the greatest plays ever written. No memorization required.
NTPL Seniors Social
Wednesdays, November 11, 25, December 9
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: Felt Poppies with Melissa Perry
Wednesday, November 4
10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Tottenham Community & Fitness Centre, Multipurpose Room 2
NTPL presents a felt poppy workshop with Melissa Perry of the Metis Nation. Melissa will instruct participants on how to create their own felt poppy to take home as a symbol of remembrance.
While participants craft, Melissa will share a presentation focusing on remembrance from an Indigenous Canadian perspective.
Ideal for ages 55+.
NTPL Seniors Social: Retirement Finances with Chelsey from Sunlife
Wednesday, November 18
10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Tottenham Community & Fitness Centre, Multipurpose Room 2
Join NTPL Seniors’ Social in a safe and open space for a discussion on retirement finances with Chelsey Heidman from Sunlife.
A thirty to forty-five minute talk will be followed by a question period, light refreshments, and socialization.
Ideal for ages 55+.
NTPL Seniors Social: Chair Yoga
Wednesday, December 2
10:30-11:30 am
Tottenham Community & Fitness Centre, Multipurpose Room 2
Chair yoga for adults and seniors… a gentle and accessible way to improve strength, flexibility, balance, mindfulness and relaxation.
Ideal for ages adults 18+, and seniors.
NTPL Seniors Social: Celebrate the Season
Wednesday, December 16
10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Tottenham Community & Fitness Centre, Multipurpose Room 2
Enjoy coffee, tea, festive treats, and holiday tunes as we celebrate the season together.
It is a wonderful time to connect, share stories, and enjoy good company in a relaxed, cheerful setting.
Drop In!
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, November 24, December 22
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: November 4, December 2
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: Libby 101
Tuesday, November 19
2:00-4:00 pm
DA Jones Branch, Beeton
Libby by OverDrive brings eBooks and Audiobooks to your fingertips.
Join us for a hands-on tutorial on accessing the Libby by OverDrive app on your Android or Apple device, or libbyapp.com, and practice checking items out on your own device.
Ideal for ages 18+.
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:
November: Write In! Generative Writing Workshop
Tuesday, November 17
1:00-3:00 pm
Memorial Branch, Alliston
Saturday, November 28
2:00-3:30 pm
D A Jones Branch, Beeton
Engage in various timed writing prompts and exercises designed to encourage spontaneous writing and to spark memory, imagination, and observation.
Ideal for ages 18+
December: Informal Sharing Circle
Tuesday, December 15
1:00-3:00 pm
Memorial Branch, Alliston
Verbally share your writing sample (max 1200 words) and receive constructive feedback from the group.
Suggested prompt: Coming Home.
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.
