The library offers a rich collection and a variety of programs where children and their families can explore, learn, and have fun together in a warm, welcoming environment—while discovering a lifelong love of reading.
Registration for summer activities starts June 10.
Dive into Summer !
The TD Summer Reading Club is Canada’s biggest, bilingual summer reading program for kids of all ages, interests and abilities. There’s something for everyone, including kids with print disabilities as well as preschoolers and their families.
Reading challenges are from June 30 to August 18, 2026.
Pre-register starting June 10 ! Visit our Summer Reading Club page for all the details!
Summer Activities
Complete schedule of summer activities at the library
For Little Ones (0 to 6 years old)
Hike and Storytime
Russell Branch
Mondays 9:00-11:00 AM
Bilingual | Drop in activity.
Please note that this program has a limit of 30 participants.
9AM-10AM: Get moving and breathe some fresh air! We will go on a fun morning hike down the conservation area across the street from the library. Meeting place: library parking lot.
10AM-11AM: It’s story time! With each book, a new adventure begins. Have fun participating in the activities after the story.
For children 0-6 years old. In partnership with EarlyON Child & Family Centre.
Storytime in the Park
Yahoo Park (Embrun)
Outdoor Storytime
Russell Branch
Fridays at 10:30 am
From July 3rd to August 21 | Bilingual
Families are invited to enjoy this drop-in story time all summer long. Storytime will be held outside at the Russell Branch and at Yahoo Park in Embrun.
(Indoors at both library branches in case of rain or extreme heat)
Storytime with Princess Lyria
Russell Branch in English:
Saturday, August 8 | 10:30 am to 11:30 am
Embrun Branch in French:
Saturday July 18 | 10:30 am to 11:30 am
For children ages 3 to 6
Register here for Russell
Register here for Embrun
Join us for a magical storytime with Princess Lyria! Children are invited to come dressed as their favourite prince, princess, fairy, or magical character for this enchanting event. Princess Lyria is excited to share her magical story with young readers through an interactive reading filled with imagination and fun.
The event will also include games and photo opportunities with Princess Lyria. Books will be available for purchase after the event.
School-Age Activities
LEGO Challenge
Russell Branch: July 2
Embrun Branch: July 7
10:30 am to 4:30 pm
Bilingual | Drop in at anytime during those hours. No registration required.
For children 5 years old and up.
Can you build a LEGO boat that really floats? In this hands-on engineering challenge, kids will design and test their own LEGO creations to see whose boat can hold the most weight without sinking. The goal: create a floating boat strong enough to carry 5 quarters!
Learn about Jellyfish
Russell Branch
Monday July 6 from 1:30 to 2:15 pm
Bilingual. Ages 5 to 9.
Register here.
Dive into the magical world of jellyfish, as we read splashy stories, uncover mind-blowing facts, and craft our very own wiggly jellyfish creations. Get ready for a glowing good time that will spark curiosity and creativity.
Bingo : ocean creatures
Russell Branch: July 9 – 10:30 to 11:30 am
Embrun Branch: July 21 – 2 pm to 3 pm
Bilingual. Ages 6 and up.
Register for Russell
Register for Embrun
Join us for a fun-filled game of Ocean Creature Bingo where kids will match sea animals and learn amazing facts about life under the sea. Win prizes!
Code Club
Russell Branch: July 8 to August 12
Embrun Branch: July 9 to August 13
1:30 pm to 2:30 pm
Bilingual | Ages 8 to 12
Register here.
Discover the world of coding in a fun and creative way at the library’s Code Club! Kids will learn the basics of programming using Scratch. Through hands-on projects and guided activities, participants will build problem-solving skills, creativity, and confidence with technology. No coding experience needed!
*We recommended signing up to as many sessions as you can since we will be building on the skills learned in previous weeks. Although you still can register for individual sessions as well to fit your schedule. Children must be able to follow written instructions independently.
Learn about Sharks
Russell Branch:
July 13 – 1:30 pm to 2:15 pm
Embrun Branch:
August 11 from 2:00 pm to 2:45 pm
Bilingual. Ages 5 to 9.
Register here for Russell
Register here for Embrun
Plunge into the thrilling world of sharks, as we read splashy stories, uncover jaw-dropping facts, and create our very own toothy shark crafts. Get ready for a fintastic good time that will spark curiosity and creativity.
Mystery at the Library
Embrun Branch:
July 14 – 2 pm to 3 pm
Russell Branch:
July 23 -10:30 am to 11:30 am
Bilingual. Ages 7 and up.
Register here for Embrun
Register here for Russell
Can you crack the case? During her beach vacation, someone stole Lillian’s treasure chest from her basement! Search for clues, solve puzzles, and help uncover the thief in this exciting mystery adventure.
Roots and Raindrops
Russell Branch: July 16
1:30 pm to 2:30 pm
In English | Ages 6 to 10
Register here.
Explore the movement of water through the garden and learn how plants use water to become everything from flowers to fruit. A short lesson on water absorption, an activity exploring plant structure and water use and a visit to the garden to see it all in action.
Activity led by professional gardener Jennifer Glenn.
Learn about Turtles
Russell Branch:
July 20 – 1:30 pm to 2:15 pm
Bilingual. Ages 5 to 9.
Register here.
Glide into the peaceful world of sea turtles as we enjoy stories, uncover shell-tastic facts, and create our very own charming turtle craft. Get ready for a turtlerific good time that will spark curiosity and creativity.
Learn about Beavers
Russell Branch:
July 27 -1:30 pm to 2:15 pm
Bilingual. Ages 5 to 9.
Register here.
Gnaw your way into the busy world of beavers, as we enjoy lively stories, discover dam-tastic facts, and build our very own crafty beaver creations.
Tie-Dye T-shirts
Russell Branch: July 30
10:30 am to 11:30 am
Embrun Branch: July 28
2:00 pm to 3:00 pm
Bilingual | Ages 7 and up
Register here for Russell
Register here for Embrun
Get creative and design a unique T-shirt a spray bottle dye technique! Participants will experiment with vibrant colours to create a wearable piece of art they’ll be proud to show off all summer long. **You need to bring your own white t-shirt**
Bubble Science
Russell Branch:
August 13 – 10:30 am to 11:15 am
Embrun Branch:
August 4 – 2:00 pm to 2:45 pm
Bilingual. Ages 6 and up.
Register here for Russell
Register here for Embrun
Get ready to experiment with the science of bubbles! Kids will work together to create a special bubble solution designed to make bubbles that are extra strong and nearly unpoppable. Through testing and teamwork, participants will discover how different ingredients can change the size, strength, and stretchiness of their bubbles.
Ocean in a Jar
Russell Branch:
August 6 – 10:30 am to 11:15 am
Embrun Branch:
August 18 – 2:00 pm to 2:45 pm
Bilingual. Ages 5 and up.
Register here for Russell
Register here for Embrun
Create your own mini ocean in a jar! Kids will design a colourful underwater scene inside a mason jar using ocean-themed craft materials, glitter, and water to make a fun, shakeable ocean display. Each creation becomes a swirling sea adventure that can be taken home and enjoyed again and again.
Activities for Tweens and Teens – Click here !
Join us to celebrate a wonderful summer !
Thursday, August 20th
6:00 to 7:00 pm
Register for our Circus Workshop
7:15 pm
Stay for yummy snacks and beverages as we announce the WINNERS of our Summer Reaching Challenges!
Literacy Program
1,000 Books Before Kindergarten
1,000 Books Before Kindergarten is an early literacy program designed to help parents and caregivers give their young children the confidence necessary to become strong readers. The goal is to have read 1,000 books (yes, you can repeat books) before your little one finishes kindergarten.
We are using the reading platform Beanstack to track participants’ milestones and we will also have a Reading Wall and prizes. Interested to participate? Have a look at this page.
You are the key to your child’s success in reading…
Read. Talk. Play.
There is a direct connection between reading aloud and later reading success. Ask your child questions as you read aloud, and talk about the pictures to involve your child in the story. Children who grow up in conversational homes – with parents who talk to them and encourage them to talk – have an edge over children who hear very little language. Have fun with word games and making up silly songs and rhymes. Children who play with sounds of words before they enter school are better prepared to learn to read.
Digital Library for Kids
Stream or download chapter books, audiobooks, music, movies, and comics for kids.
Key Features: Instant access: no holds. Wide range of kids’ books and entertainment. Stream on your device or download offline.
Create an account and access the collection:
Desktop: https://www.hoopladigital.com/
Mobile app: IOS and Android
Also available with Roku, Apple TV, Fire TV and more
User help: https://www.hoopladigital.com/help
Explore a huge collection of kids ebooks and digital audiobooks.
You can stream with Wi-Fi or mobile data, or download for offline use and read anytime, anywhere.
Create an account and access the collection:
Desktop
Mobile app
Find your library (Township of Russell Public Library / Ontario Library Service Consortium)
Login with your library card number.
User help: Guides
Early Literacy Stations
Kids from the ages of 2 to 8 have access to a bilingual early literacy workstation in each library branch. This special computer, which is equipped with a colourful keyboard and LCD screen, offers a full range of English and French educational software programs.
Come enjoy the Children’s Reading Garden!
