It’s hard to believe, but summer is right around the corner! We’re excited to offer a wide variety of activities and events for kids of all ages and their grown-ups. Whether you love reading, drawing, writing, building, or exploring the outdoors, we’ve got something for you.
Read on to learn all about our summer program line-up! Please note that more programs will be added through the month of June – all registered programs will be announced before Summer Program Registration opens on Monday, June 16, and we’ll be announcing a very fun, self-guided, summer-long activity soon after.
If you’re a grown-up looking to attend adult programs, click here to view our adult program line-up.
Reading Records
Let’s avoid the summer slide, and keep our kids reading with BC Summer Reading Club!
With a Reading Record, kids can set their own goals, using their preferred method of reading – ebooks, audiobooks, graphic novels, whatever they enjoy! A digital version of the Reading Record is available, along with virtual events, activities, and contests throughout the summer. The 2025 online platform launches on Monday, June 16.
Visit the library each week to receive a sticker for completed goals, and enter our weekly prize draw. Kids who complete their entire Reading Record will receive a Summer Reading Club Medal and be entered in our Grand Prize Draw on September 2!
Visit the library on or after Thursday, June 26 to pick up a Reading Record!
Summer Celebrations
First up, our Summer Kick-Off Day! Join us on Thursday, June 26, between 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Florence Petersen Park, inside the library, and on Library Plaza. Here’s the schedule of activities:
- 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. – Games in Florence Petersen Park
- 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. – Crafts in the Kids Area
- 12 p.m. onward – Lucia Gelato on Library Plaza (while supplies last, kids served first!)
- 12 to 3 p.m. – Face painting in Florence Petersen Park
- 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 to 3 p.m. – Wonder Lab Open Houses
You’ll also be able to pick up your Summer Reading Record. This event will go ahead regardless of the weather – activities will move inside if needed! This event is made possible by support from the Friends of the Library and the Library Board of Trustees.
And, mark your calendars for the summer’s biggest event: the Urban Safari Exotic Animal Show!
Join us on Saturday, August 16 from 1 to 2 p.m. in Florence Petersen Park (right behind the library) for this incredible show. Urban Safari Rescue Society‘s live animal show will fascinate, educate, and entertain with animals ranging from insects & arachnids to amphibians, reptiles, and mammals. All ages welcome, no registration required. We recommend bringing a picnic blanket or camp chairs! This show will move into the library in case of bad weather.
Programs for School-Aged Kids
Registration is required for all of these programs!
Registration for these events opens on Monday, June 16 at 10 a.m. and the grades below are as of September 2025. Click here to access our registration form.
We’ve got an AMAZING line-up of special events for school-aged kids in July and August.
Summer Sewing Sessions
For teens in grades 7 to 12
Fridays, July 4 to August 15, 3 to 5 p.m.
Craft Studio: Fun with Felt – Tuesday, July 8
Grade 1 to 3 with a caregiver: 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Grade 4 and up, no caregiver required: 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.
Cardboard Stop Motion Workshops – Thursday, July 10
Grade 1 to 3 with a caregiver: 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Grade 4 and up, no caregiver required: 3:30 to 5 p.m.
Writing Workshops with Rebecca Wood Barrett
For kids in grades 4 to 7
Monday, July 14 and Wednesday, August 6, 3:30 to 5:30 p.m.
Craft Studio: Bead Buddies – Tuesday, July 22
Grade 1 to 3 with a caregiver: 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Grade 4 and up, no caregiver required: 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.
Terrible Teddies – Thursday, July 24
Grade 1 to 3 with a caregiver: 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Grade 4 and up, no caregiver required: 3:30 to 5 p.m.
Ocean Wise Virtual AquaClass: Mystery on the Reef
For kids in grades 1 to 7, Tuesday, August 5, 3:30 to 4:15 p.m.
Craft Studio: Ocean Reef Sculptures – Tuesday, August 12
Grade 1 to 3 with a caregiver: 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Grade 4 and up, no caregiver required: 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.
Rainbow Goblins Escape Room
For kids in grade 4 to 7
Thursday, August 14, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Craft Studio: Paper Weaving – Tuesday, August 19
Grade 1 to 3 with a caregiver: 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Grade 4 and up, no caregiver required: 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.
Colour Your Closet Tie Dye Workshops – Thursday, August 21
Grade 1 to 3 with a caregiver: 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Grade 4 and up, no caregiver required: 4 to 5 p.m.
Colour Your Summer Workshop with Illustrator Lauren Achtem
For kids in grades 1 to 7, Friday, August 22, 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.
Drop-in Summer Fun!
No need to register for these programs – you can drop-in for any of these sessions.
Sunday Arts & Trash
(all ages! Kids in grade 3 & under, please bring a grown up; kids in grade 4 & up, no caregiver required)
Sundays, July 6 to August 24, 3 to 5 p.m. in the Community Room
Crafts in the Park (ages 6 and under with an adult)
Wednesdays, July 9 to August 20, 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. in Florence Petersen Park
Stay tuned for details about our Rainbow Springs Summer Mystery Game, a self-guided activity that will have you looking for clues at the library each week!
Weekly Programs for Littles
Parents of little ones – we haven’t forgotten about you! We’ll still be offering your favourite weekly programs for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers. Click on the program name for full details. These programs all welcome drop-ins, no registration required! Please note that the location of these programs may change depending on the weather. Visit our website for the most up-to-date details.
Sundays:
- Family Storytime (ages 5 and under with an adult): 10:15 a.m.
- Singing with the Babies (birth to walking with an adult): 11:15 a.m.
Tuesdays:
- Family Storytime and Stay & Play (ages 5 and under with an adult): 10 to 11 a.m.
- Parent Infant Drop-in (birth to 12 months with an adult): 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Wednesdays:
- Crafts in the Park (ages 6 and under with an adult): 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Thursdays:
- Family Storytime (ages 5 and under with an adult): 10:30 a.m.
Fridays:
- Family Storytime (ages 5 and under with an adult): 10:30 a.m.
