Adult Programs & Events
Practical AI Skills for Everyday Life
Russell Branch – In English
Thursday, September 10 | 6:30 to 8:00 p.m.
Embrun Branch – In French
Thursday, September 17 | 6:30 to 8:00 p.m.
Free workshop
Register for Russell
Register for Embrun
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, Christian Barnett (IM/IT and cybersecurity professional), will show simple ways to use AI for everyday tasks—writing, planning, brainstorming, and problem-solving—using clear “prompt recipes” you can reuse.
On the agenda: short live demonstrations, an interactive Q&A session, and essential tips for verifying results and protecting your privacy when using AI.
We are also offering the sessions virtually in partnership with The Nation Public Library:
English Virtual Session – Microsoft Teams
Thursday, October 22 | 6:30 – 8:00 p.m.
Join Session Here
French Virtual Session – Microsoft Teams
Thursday, October 29 | 6:30 – 8:00 p.m.
Join Session Here
Echoes From this Land: collaborative national art project
Russell Branch
Saturday, September 19 from 10:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.
Free event. Everyone is welcome
Echoes from This Land: Visioning and Revisiting the Truth & Reconciliation 94 Recommendations is a print-based exhibition born from a uniquely collaborative experience. This exhibition encourages viewers to connect with the visual reflections of Indigenous and non-Indigenous artists and creators interpretating the 94 Calls to Action.
On Saturday, September 19th, we invite the whole community for the opening ceremony. The opening ceremony will include teachings and a smudging ceremony led by Elders. This gathering invites us to experience the artwork, listen to different perspectives, ask questions, and consider what truth, reconciliation, relationship, and responsibility can look like for generations to come.
Everyone is welcome. The exhibition will be at the Russell branch until the end of October 2026.
In partnership with No Borders Art Festival, Indigenous Grassroots Circle of Eastern Ontario and Circle of Art, Opirg-Gripo Ottawa
Suggested film on the subject:
The Secret Path
Parenting Café: conversations, support and community
Russell Branch
3rd Monday of the month from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
In English | Free
For all parents and caregivers
Registration recommended.
A relaxed monthly gathering for parents and caregivers to connect, share experiences and talk about the realities of raising children. Each month features a different parenting-related theme to get the conversation started, but the discussion is informal and guided by the interests and questions of those who attend. Come with a question, a story, an idea—or just come and listen. There’s always room for another voice at the table.
Conversations are facilitated by Elise Coté, a bilingual facilitator with over 25 years of experience working with youth and families.
Themes:
September 21: Technology (phones, social media, videogames, etc.)
October 19: Anxiety (coping with change, making friends, self-harm, etc,)
November 16: Parenting pressures (mom guilt, finding balance, finding help, navigating changes, etc.)
The Stories That Built Russell: Voices, History & Heritage
Russell Branch
Saturday, October 3 from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm
Free. Registration recommended.
Register here.
What stories can the people, places and buildings of Russell tell us about the community we call home?
Join us for engaging talks exploring the history of Russell from three different perspectives. Connie Johnston, author of Voices of Our Town, will share stories and memories gathered from generations of Russell residents, bringing the community’s past to life through the voices of the people who experienced it.
Phil Gurski, author of The Fenians: The Brotherhood’s Terrorist Threat to Canada, will explore the Fenian movement—offering a glimpse into the broader historical events that shaped the region in which Russell developed.
Finally, Erin Gurski, Chair of the Russell and District Historical Society, will turn our attention to the places that remain around us today. Her presentation will explore some of Russell’s heritage buildings and the stories behind them.
Whether you’ve called Russell home for generations or are new to the community, come discover the people, events and places that have helped shape Russell.
Puzzle Swap
Saturday, November 7 (Russell)
Saturday, November 14 (Embrun)
All day (10:00 AM – 5:00 PM)
Drop in to refresh your puzzle collection by swapping out one of your puzzles for a new-to-you puzzle. Children’s puzzles and donations are welcome: thank you for dropping-off in advance.
Swapped puzzles must:
-Be complete with no missing pieces
-Be in the original box
-Be in overall good condition
An Evening of Remembrance with Veteran Dr. Darrell Menard
Russell branch
Monday, November 9
6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Free event.
Register here.
In recognition of Remembrance Day, join us for a special evening with Canadian Forces veteran Dr. Darrell Menard as he shares stories from his years of military service.
Drawing from his personal experiences as a military physician, Dr. Menard will reflect on the challenges, sacrifices, and unforgettable moments that shaped his career.
Following the presentation, there will be an opportunity to ask questions and meet the author. Copies of his memoir, Diary of a Deployed Doc, will be available for purchase and signing
Folklore Storytelling Evening
Embrun Branch
Tuesday, November 24 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Tickets: $10
Event in French.
Register here.
Come discover the stories and traditions of our region with local storytellers Louis Racine and Johanne Turcotte. Through their tales, immerse yourself in the world of Francophone folklore.
Louis will also accompany his stories with a few songs to add a musical touch to the evening.
An intermission featuring small bites and beverages will give you a chance to enjoy some friendly conversation before continuing this evening of storytelling, songs, and celebration of our heritage.
Once Upon a Winter: an evening of storytelling with Gail Anglin & Janet LeRoy
Russell Branch
Monday, November 30 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Tickets: $10
Register here.
As the days grow shorter and the holiday season approaches, join us for a cozy evening of captivating storytelling and music.
Acclaimed storytellers Gail Anglin and Janet LeRoy will share a collection of tales inspired by winter, the approaching holidays, and the traditions and quiet moments that make this season so meaningful.
The evening will be presented in two storytelling sessions. There will be an intermission featuring live music with professional pianist John Dapaah, refreshments, and a selection of delicious small bites.
Adopt-a-Book Library Fundraiser
Russell and Embrun Branch
From October 17 to November 21
Help grow your library’s collection while sharing the joy of reading with your community. With Adopt-A-Book, you can choose a new book to donate to the library—and you’ll be the first to borrow it, even if there’s a waitlist!
You can adopt a book for yourself, in honour of someone special, or simply because you can’t resist a great new read. Every donation helps bring fresh titles to our shelves.
Genealogy Club
Embrun Branch
First Thursday of the month at 6 PM
(No meetings July-August)
Registration required.
Free.
Join us at any time to learn more about your genealogy. Come and learn new tips and tricks on different ways to build your family tree. No experience necessary.
Knitting Group
Russell Branch
Every Tuesday at 6:30 PM
Registration not required
Bilingual
Want to learn how to knit with a fun group of people? Looking for help with your knitting project? All levels of knitters welcome. Bring your projects with you.
Write It Now (WIN) + Writing Group
Russell Branch
Every second Thursday at 10:15 AM to 12:15 PM
In English
See our calendar of events for specific meet up dates.
WIN + is a creative writing group. You can follow the memoir workbook Write It Now to help write memoirs. You can also bring any creative writing piece you are working on to share (optional) with the group; poems, short stories, etc. Or just come to listen and learn.
New members are welcome at any time! No registration required. No cost.
Book Clubs
Millennialish Book Club
Russell Branch
Last Thursday of the month at 7:00 PM
Registration required. In English.
Millennialish Book Club is for readers who love reading and discussing books in a casual, friendly setting. We’ll explore a variety of engaging titles and come together to share thoughts, opinions, and laughs. Whether you consider yourself a millennial or are just close in age, you’re welcome to join—no age checks required. Come for the books, stay for the conversation.
See our reading list here.
Adult Book Club
Russell Branch
First Tuesday of the month at 8:00 PM
(no meetings in July and August)
In English. Registration required.
Join fellow book lovers in a relaxed and welcoming environment. Each month we dive into a new book. Whether you’re an avid reader or looking to get back into the habit, everyone is welcome. Registration is required, but participation is free. The library provides the books for every participant. New members are welcome to join our discussions at any time.
Click here to view the Book Club page for the list of titles.
Club de lecture pour adultes
Embrun Branch
Last Thursday of the month at 1:00 PM
(no meetings in June, July, August and December)
Registration required. In French.
Join fellow book lovers in a relaxed and welcoming environment. Each month we dive into a new themed reading. Whether you’re an avid reader or looking to get back into the habit, everyone is welcome. Registration is required, but participation is free. The library provides the books for every participant. New members are welcome to join our discussions (in French) at any time.
See list of themes here.
Need a little help with technology? Our free service offers personalized assistance with everyday technology questions.
Whether you need help using your smartphone, tablet or computer, navigating a website, using email, etc., our volunteer tech helper can help you get started.
Appointments are available Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Russell Branch. 1-hour appointments.
Please bring your device with you whenever possible. Our volunteer can provide guidance and support, but may not be able to assist with every technical issue.
If you are not able to complete the online booking yourself, we can help you book an appointment at the library. Please visit or contact us and a staff member will be happy to assist you.
We’re excited to reveal our 2026 Year-Long Reading Challenge. It’s a fun, flexible way to discover new books, expand your literary horizons, and maybe even win a prize!
What’s the challenge all about?
- From January 5 to December 21, 2026, you can aim to read 50 award-winning books in 50 weeks.
- You can read print books, eBooks, audiobooks, or books from home — whichever you prefer.
- At the end of the year — in January 2027 — one lucky reader will win a $50 gift card to Chapters Indigo.
Take a look at our Reading Challenge page for all the details and the list of literary prizes.