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.
For Little Ones (0-6 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.
Babies & Books
Russell Branch
Tuesdays 10:30-11:00 AM
September 8 to December 15
Bilingual
Drop in program. No cost.
Join the fun with Awa! Sing songs and rhymes, sensory toys & other book related activities. A different theme every week.
For babies 0 to 18 months. In partnership with Embrun Family Centre.
Toddler Time with Julie
Embrun Branch
Tuesdays 10:30 – 11:00 AM
September 29 to December 1
Drop in program. No cost.
In French.
Enter a wonderful world just for little ones, where stories come to life through songs, rhymes, and fun games! A new theme every week. Toddlers discover the joy of books, develop their language skills, and meet new friends.
For children 18 to 36 months accompanied by an adult.
*Older and younger siblings are welcome to join.
Storytime & Crafts with Kristina
Russell Branch
Wednesdays 10:30-11:30 AM
September 30 to December 2
English
Register here.
Join Kristina for a delightful weekly Storytime filled with imagination, creativity, and fun! Each session features engaging stories, songs, and hands-on crafts that bring the themes to life. Little ones explore books, develop early literacy skills and make new friends.
For children 3 to 4 years old accompanied by an adult. Registration required.
Cost: $25 / 10 sessions
(cost prorated ($2.50 per week) if you sign after the start of the program)
Toddler Time with Stephanie
Russell Branch
Thursdays 10:30-11:00 AM
October 1 to December 3
Bilingual
Drop in program. No cost.
Enter Stephanie’s wonderful world, where stories come to life through songs, rhymes, and fun games! A new theme every week. Toddlers discover the joy of books, develop their language skills, and meet new friends.
For toddlers 18 to 36 months old accompanied by an adult.
*Older and younger siblings are welcome to join.
School-Age
Code Club
Russell Branch
Last Monday of the month 4:00–5:00 PM
Embrun Branch
Last Thursday of the month 4:00–5:00 PM
Register for Russell
Register for Embrun
September to November
Ages 8 to 12 years old
Bilingual | Free | Registration required.
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, a beginner-friendly platform where they can create their own games, animations, and interactive stories. Through hands-on projects and guided activities, participants will build problem-solving skills, creativity, and confidence with technology while having fun with friends.
No coding experience needed!
Children must be able to follow written instructions independently.
Homeschool Hangout
2nd Tuesday of the month from 2 pm to 3 pm
Russell Branch
All ages.
In English. Free. Registration required.
A Library card is required to register.
Register for our September meet up
Join us once a month at the library for our Homeschool Hangout! This casual, welcoming gathering is designed for homeschoolers and their families to connect, learn, and have fun together. Each month features a different activity—ranging from hands-on crafts and STEM experiments to games and group activities—so there’s always something new to explore.
Our prepared, instructor-led activities will be best suited for older children (7+), but families with kids of all ages are welcome to join in. We’ll have a dedicated table for parents and younger children, complete with colouring pages, simple crafts, Lego, and more.
Storytime in Pyjamas: It’s Fall!
Russell Branch (English)
Embrun Branch (French)
Friday, October 16 from 6:30 – 8:00 PM
Register here for Russell
Register here for Embrun
Come celebrate the beautiful season of fall with us: stories, crafts and snacks. Wear your favourite pyjamas and bring your stuffed toy!
For children 5-8 years old.
Registration required. Cost: $ 8
Storytime in Pyjamas: Winter Wonderland!
Russell Branch (English)
Embrun Branch (French)
Friday, December 11 from 6:30 – 8:00 PM
Register here for Russell
Register here for Embrun
A beautiful winter wonderland is coming! Let’s celebrate with stories, crafts and snacks. Wear your favourite pyjamas and bring your stuffed toy!
For children 5-8 years old.
Registration required. Cost: $ 8
Book Clubs
Junior Book Club
Russell Branch
First Thursday of the month
4:15 – 5:15 PM
October to May | Grades 3-5
English
Register here.
Come and discuss your latest reads, make a fun themed craft, and enjoy a tasty snack! Our Junior Book Club is a friendly, relaxed space where readers can share their thoughts, discover new books, and get creative together.
New members welcome anytime!
Registration required. No cost.
View list of titles.
Youth Book Club
Russell Branch
First Thursday of the month
5:15 – 6:15 PM
October to May | Grades 6-8
English
Register here
Come and discuss your latest reads, make a fun themed craft, and enjoy a tasty snack! Our Youth Book Club is a friendly, relaxed space where readers can share their thoughts, discover new books, and get creative together.
New members welcome anytime! Registration required. No cost.
View list of titles.
Club de lecture Junior
Embrun Branch
Third Wednesday of the month 4:00 – 4:45 PM
October to May | Grades 3-5
French
Register here.
Come and discuss your latest reads, make a fun themed craft, and enjoy a tasty snack! Our Junior Book Club is a friendly, relaxed space where readers can share their thoughts, discover new books, and get creative together.
New members welcome anytime! Registration required. No cost.
View list of titles.
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!
