Families in Orangeville, Ontario, can fill their August calendars with free library programs that mix crafts, outdoor exploring, and even a pyjama movie night for kids. The Orangeville Public Library has four no-cost events lined up between August 8 and 17, all designed to spark a love of learning without hitting the family budget.
Things kick off on Saturday, August 8, with Crafting with Books, followed by Family Nature Journaling on Sunday, August 9. That workshop is led by Billie Jo Reid, founder of Pine & Ponder Outdoors and the 2025 Canadian Wildlife Federation WILD Educator of the Year. Reid will bring her 25-plus years of outdoor education experience to the Mill Street library and neighbouring Mill Square Park, where families can record what they see, hear, and wonder about, no drawing skills needed.
On Tuesday, August 11, kids can throw on their comfiest PJs for a Movie & PJ Party Night, and on Monday, August 17, the library goes virtual with a Scientists in School workshop called Noticing Nature. Geared toward children ages 5 to 12, the online session uses games to explore bird calls, bee pollination, and how seeds grow, including a make-and-take seed caterpillar project. Registration is required ahead of time for every program. Details and sign-up links are on the library’s events page.
Three of the four events are held at the historic Mill Street branch downtown or the Alder Street branch inside the Alder Street Recreation Centre; the Scientists in School workshop takes place online. All four programs complement the library’s TD Summer Reading Club, whose 2026 theme is ‘Dive In!’
