The Oshawa Public Libraries provide residents with more than just books. The three locations also help people learn new skills and build connections.
They provide a wide range of programs, including literacy programs for young children, a craft program for teens, a games cafe and a local history speaker series.
“One of the most rewarding parts of working in a public library is seeing how programs can help people,” says Jennifer Clark, the manager of Programming and Community Engagement at Oshawa Public Libraries.
In addition, the libraries support people at various stages of their lives by connecting them with resources and opportunities, such as developing new skills or learning to read.
“We offer a welcoming environment where people can spend time without the expectation that they need to purchase anything,” says Clark.
By offering free learning programs and a public space for people to connect, libraries fill a gap for some people.
Among those who benefit from these programs are children. They learn through engaging activities, such as the Story Time and Family Story Time programs, where they develop literacy skills.
“Parents are always commenting on how they’ve seen their children’s reading improve through these programs,” said Clark.
In the Story Time program families are brought together. Every session involves reading aloud books, singing and dancing.
“A typical session is about encouraging participation, but not just from the littles, also for parents to engage as well,” said Victoria Bird, the children’s librarian.
She hopes participants in the program can build connections that will carry on with them throughout their life.
The learning continues outside of the library. Families often take books home, where they continue to read and sing.
It encourages at-home connection and literacy in their everyday activities, according to Bird.
She said seeing families engage with the program and hearing children “try to roar like a lion” is what she enjoys most.
Besides developing new skills and building connections, the programs also help by reducing social isolation, which is a nice thing to have, according to Bird.
She said families are supported no matter the background or language.
“We often have a lot of newcomers come and it’s a great space for them to start hearing different languages and get that knowledge here,” said Bird.
Oshawa residents can drop in for open events, use their library card to access digital resources or register online.
Membership at Oshawa Public Libraries rose by 14 per cent in new and active members in 2025.
Program attendance also increased to just over 44,000 people in 2024, up from just over 25,000 in 2022.
To find more about the Oshawa Public Libraries programs, visit oshawalibrary.ca.