Youth Programs & Events

Get Out and Do Something

For more information about any of the FREE programs listed here, please contact Amanda and her team at [email protected].

Click here for a printable list of September-October Programs for Youth.

Click here for a printable list of November-December Programs for Youth.

Did You Know?

Your Library’s Child & Youth Programming Team Can Visit You!

Schools, childcare centres, homeschool groups, and other children’s organizations are invited to connect with our Child & Youth Programming team for customized outreach visits or in‑library experiences. Whether you’re looking for storytimes, curriculum‑aligned activities, or a special group visit, we’re happy to collaborate and support your learners.

To request a visit or program, simply email us at [email protected] with all the details of how we can support.

Please note that outreach and group bookings depend on staff availability, and advance notice is greatly appreciated so we can plan the best possible experience for your group.

Fall Special Events

Illustration of diverse cats in Halloween costumes gathered under “Community Exchange: Costume Edition,” with warm orange autumn tones.

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

 

The Art of Junk Journalling

Saturday, October 24
2:00-3:00 pm
Memorial Branch, Alliston

Friday, November 20
12:30-1:30 pm
Pam Kirkpatrick Branch, Tottenham

Looking for a creative way to express yourself? Join us for a fun and relaxed program where you can turn everyday paper scraps into something uniquely your own.

Junk journaling is a creative way to unwind, explore your creativity, and make something meaningful from ordinary materials. You will receive a journal to begin your journey, and a variety of supplies will be provided to help bring your ideas to life.

Returning participants are encouraged to bring their junk journals to continue building and personalizing their creations. Space is limited, and registration is required.

Ideal for ages 10+. 

String and Tune Sessions

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+.

 

Teen Halloween Movie Night: Hellboy

Thursday, October 29
5:30-8:00 pm
Memorial Branch, Alliston

Celebrate Halloween with an evening of monsters, mayhem, and popcorn!

Join us for a screening of Hellboy (2004), the action-packed supernatural adventure based on the popular graphic novels.

Bring a friend, grab some popcorn, and settle in for a spooky movie night at the library.

Film is rated PG-13 and registrants must be 13 years or older to attend this program.

 

“Felt Poppies Workshop” poster with vivid red felt flowers and dark centers framing elegant brown lettering on a cream paper background; warm, handcrafted tone.

Felt Poppies Workshop

Friday, November 6
10:00 am – 12:00pm
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+.

Cricut Gift Mug

Tuesdays, November 10, 17
5:00-6:30 pm
CRIC IdeaLab, Pam Kirkpatrick Branch, Tottenham

Design your own mug to create the perfect gift for someone special! Mugs are microwave and dishwasher safe.

Supplies are included, each person takes only one mug home.

Ideal for ages 13-17.

Story Squad: Family Writers’ Circle

Thursdays, Novemer 12, December 10
5:30-6:30 pm
Memorial Branch, Alliston

Bring your imagination and create something together! Story Squad is a playful creative writing hour for kids and their grown-ups to explore storytelling through games, challenges, and hands-on activities.

Create stories and comics, invent characters and worlds, design menus and newspapers, play with words, and discover all the different ways an idea can become a story.

Each session will offer new ways for families to write, imagine, and create side by side. No writing experience needed!

Registration is required. Space is limited.

Ideal for ages 7–12 with their grown-ups.

Cheerful Canada Post graphic invites children to “Write to Santa,” showing a red North Pole mailbox with a bow, a letter, and Santa peeking in.

Write to Santa

November 13-December 3
Open Hours
All Branches

Starting November 13th through December 3rd, drop by any of our branches to write your letter to Santa and drop it into our magical in-house mailboxes. Santa’s elves will do their best to send a reply before December 25th!

Ideal for children and youth.

A teddy bear sits among patterned fabric swatches, with needle and thread nearby beneath “Repair Café and Stuffie Hospital,” suggesting cozy, caring repairs.

Repair Cafe and Stuffie Hospital

Saturday, November 14
11:00 am – 2:00pm
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.

Colorful “OUT and ABOUT” lettering with rainbow trails, alongside a mint leaf and bowl of creamy dessert on a pale background; playful, upbeat design.

Out and About: Holiday Special

Tuesday, November 17
2:30-3:30 pm 
Pam Kirkpatrick Branch, Tottenham

Tuesday, November 24
3:00-4:00 pm
Memorial Branch, Alliston

Join us for a special holiday edition where 2SLGBTQIA+ teens and allies can connect, unwind, and make their own candy cane-inspired lip balm to take home.

Mix and customize your lip balm with a festive peppermint twist, then package your creation while enjoying a welcoming, judgement-free space to hang out and connect with others.

All materials will be provided.

Registration is required. Space is limited.

Ideal for ages 14-18.

Intro to 3D Design and Print

Wednesdays, November 18, December 16
4:00-5:30 pm
CRIC IdeaLab, Pam Kirkpatrick Branch, Tottenham

A monthly program where teens will learn the basics of 3D design using TinkerCAD. They will also learn how to prepare it for 3D printing and take home their own creation. Each session is a one-off intro, so each date must be registered for separately.

Ideal for ages 12-17.

 

The Rec Room: Teen Game Social

Friday, November 20
2:00-4:00 pm
DA Jones Branch, Beeton

No school? Come game with us.

Drop in for Nintendo Switch, board games, snacks, and a laid-back afternoon with other teens. Bring your friends, challenge someone to a game, or jump into whatever’s being played.

Stay for a round or hang out for the whole program. We’ll have the games and snacks covered. This is a drop-in program.

No registration required.

Ideal for ages 13–17.

Teen Trivia Night

Thursday, December 3
6:30-7:30 pm
Memorial Branch, Alliston

Think you know a little bit about everything? Put your random knowledge to the test at Teen Trivia Night!

Take on rounds of general trivia covering everything from pop culture and entertainment to sports, science, history, and more. Register your your team (maximum of 4 teammates) for a night of friendly competition, pizza, and prizes.

No trivia expertise required, just bring what you know and take your best guess!

Registration is required.

Ideal for ages 13–17.

Holiday ornament-making flyer on a festive red background with glowing star lights and knitted hats: “Crafting Connections” invites people to earn volunteer hours.

Crafting Connections: Holiday Ornament Making

Saturday, December 5
1:30-3:30 pm
Simcoe Manor, Beeton

Get creative, give back, and connect with your community!

Join NTPL at Simcoe Manor for a special intergenerational holiday workshop, where teens and residents will craft mini toque ornaments together in celebration of National Giving Week.

Spend the afternoon crafting, chatting, and connecting with members of your community while earning volunteer hours.

You’ll also make your own mini toque ornament to take home as a keepsake from the experience.

Registration is required. Space is limited.

Ideal for ages 14–18 (high school students).

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+.

DIY Cardboard Ornament

Tuesday, December 8
4:00-5:30 pm
CRIC IdeaLab, Pam Kirkpatrick Branch, Tottenham

Use a cardboard saw to cut and design your own ornament!

Get to use a cardboard saw to cut and design your own fun ornament! Paint, sew, or glue on decorations for a unique ornament to share during the holiday season.

Ideal for ages 5-12.

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+.

Winter Break Programs

Jingle Bell Jam

10:30-11:30 am
Monday, December 21: Memorial Branch, Alliston
Tuesday, December 22: Pam Kirkpatrick Branch, Tottenham
Wednesday, December 23: DA Jones Branch, Beeton

Join us for a festive family music-making adventure! Create your own jingle bell instrument, then join us for a joyful sing-along filled with holiday favourites, laughter, and seasonal cheer.

Drop In!

Ideal for families of children ages 0-12.

Winter Bingo Bonanza

10:30-11:30 am
Tuesday, December 22: DA Jones Branch, Beeton
Wednesday, December 23: Memorial Branch, Alliston
Tuesday, December 29: Pam Kirkpatrick Branch, Tottenham

Get ready for a snowy twist on the classic Bingo game! Play exciting rounds and enjoy plenty of laughs, fun and prizes! Ideal for families with children 2-12 years old.

Crafts and Cocoa

10:30 am – 12:00 pm 
Tuesday, December 22: Memorial Branch, Alliston
Wednesday, December 23: Pam Kirkpatrick Branch, Tottenham
Tuesday, December 29: DA Jones Branch, Beeton

Come warm up with cozy winter crafts, activities and cocoa at this relaxed, drop-in event—perfect for families looking to spend creative time together.

Drop In!

Ideal for families of children ages 2-12.

“Family Flick at the Circle Theatre: Snow Day” event poster, featuring a Snow Day movie image over rows of red cinema seats, with theatre and NTPL logos.

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.

Happy NOON Year!

Wednesday, December 30
10:30 am – 12:00pm
All Branches

Ring in the New Year early without missing bedtime!

Join us for festive crafts, fun activities, and a special countdown to noon, followed by a bubbly dance party.

Drop In!

Ideal for families with children ages 2-12.

Regular Events

A close-up of hands knitting with yarn in a basket next to them. The words "IN THE LOOP" are overlaid on the image.

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!

Drop-In Chess

Let’s Play: Chess

Wednesdays, October 14, 21, 28, 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.

Mario Kart characters racing on a rainbow track in space, with text overlays promoting a family takeover event for Switch Saturdays gaming sessions.

Saturday Switch: Family Takeover!

Saturday, October 24: Memorial Branch, Alliston
10:00 am-12:00 pm

Saturday, November 14: Pam Kirkpatrick Branch, Tottenham
2:00-4:00 pm

Saturday, November 21: Memorial Branch, Alliston
10:30 am – 12:30 pm 

Saturday, December 12: DA Jones Branch, Beeton
2:00-4:00 pm

Bring the whole family to the library for an afternoon of Nintendo Switch fun! Saturday Switch: Family Takeover! is a casual drop-in program where families can play together, try different games, and enjoy some friendly competition.

Whether you’re racing, teaming up in cooperative games, or challenging each other to mini games, there’s something for all ages and skill levels to enjoy.

This program is all about spending time together, having fun, and connecting through gaming in a relaxed and welcoming environment.

Ideal for families.

Bright “Side Quest” graphic with orange banner, colorful abstract shapes, puzzle pieces, stacked dice, and figures; playful, adventurous tone.

Side Quest

Thursdays, November 19, December 17
6:00-7:00 pm
DA Jones Branch, Beeton

Looking for a place to try new things, tackle challenges, and connect with other curious minds? Side Quest Society is a monthly meetup for tweens featuring a mix of games, creative projects, puzzles, team challenges, and special missions.

Each session offers a new adventure, giving participants the chance to build skills, explore their interests, and make new discoveries in a fun, welcoming environment.

Ideal for grades 5-8.

Teen Volunteer Blitz

Thursday, October 22
Memorial Branch, Alliston
3:00-5:00 pm

Tuesday, November 10
Pam Kirkpatrick Branch, Tottenham
2:30-4:30 pm

Saturday, November 21
Memorial Branch, Alliston
2:00-4:00 pm

Tuesday, November 26
D A Jones Branch, Beeton
3:30-5:30 pm

Ready to rack up volunteer hours fast? Jump into our Teen Volunteer Blitz—popping up on random weeknights and Saturdays! If you’re a grade 9-12 student you can register online and show up ready to make a difference.

Want the inside scoop when the next blitz drops? Email us at [email protected] to get on the list!

Blue ribbon with white text that states: "All our programs are free!"