The Library is a busy place and Library staff cannot assume responsibility for children left unattended within our public facility. The following policy establishes the conditions needed to maintain the well-being of children and the responsibilities of their caregivers.
Children’s Tablets
The library has 3 Leapfrog tablets available for use in the children’s department. These are not for borrowing but can be used anywhere in the library while you visit. They contain a number of fun and educational games and have no access to the internet, except for what is preloaded on them. Ask at the circulation desk if you would like to use one!
Children between the ages of 10-14 are required to have an internet permission form signed by either a parent or guardian before accessing the library’s internet. Once completed, this form is kept on file at the library. Click here to go to our Library Policies page. Children under the age of 10 must be accompanied by an adult.
Children’s Programs
The Stirling-Rawdon Public Library offers programs for children year round with more programs being offered during school breaks such as March Break and during the summer holidays.
- Source Water with Lower Trent Conservation: Friday, July 18th 10:30-12:30
Lower Trent Conservation offers an engaging program focused on Source Water Protection. This program aims to promote environmental community engagement through interactive, hands-on learning. Participants will explore the concept of watersheds using a 3D map, examine how source water affects their community through a model, and enhance their understanding of water’s historical significance with activity pages. The program also includes a map-based exploration of Stirling, helping to connect participants to the local landscape. These programs are drop in style, come at any point and stay as long or short as you’d like
- Video Games Unplugged: Saturdays in July 11-1pm
Video Games Unplugged is a high energy, screen-free library program that brings kids favourite video games to life – without the consoles! Instead of playing the games, kids dive into real-world crafts, challenges and imaginative play inspired by the virtual worlds they love.
July 5th: Minecraft
July 12th: Pokemon
July 19th: Roblox
July 26th: Super Mario
- Storytime: Thursdays at 10:30am
Storytime continues each Thursday throughout the summer. Join us for a fun-filled reading adventure!
Bring your little ones for a lively and engaging storytime session featuring books, songs, and interactive activities. Perfect for toddlers and preschoolers, Storytime encourages a love of reading, sparks imagination, and supports early learning — all in a warm and welcoming space. Recommended for ages 4 and under and their caregiver. No registration required.
- PAWS for Reading: Tuesdays 6-7pm July 8th to August 19th
PAWS for Reading is a program that allows children to read to a trained therapy dog! Reading to a dog is fun and can help improve reading and communication skills because a dog doesn’t care if you stumble or make you feel awkward. Sign up for a 15 minute time slot to read to Burgess by calling us at 613-395-2837 or emailing info@stirlinglibrary.com or just drop into the library and ask! Tuesdays from July 8th to August 19th
- Patchwork Masterpieces: All Summer Long!
A collaborative art program where every child’s creativity completes the big picture! Drop into the children’s department any time for a fun and engaging art activity designed to spark imagination and teamwork. Each person colours a section of a larger picture. Once everyone’s artwork is complete, we assemble the pieces to unveil one amazing, library-sized masterpiece! Whether your child loves to doodle or colour within the lines, their piece plays a special part in the final work of art. Let’s create something amazing—together!
- Coding for Kids: Wednesdays 3-4pm July 2nd to August 20th
Join our exciting Kids Coding Program designed for young tech explorers! Whether your child is a beginner or already curious about computers, this program introduces them to the world of coding through fun, hands-on activities and interactive projects. Recommended for ages 6 and up. No registration required.
- Chapter Chompers: Tuesdays at 1pm July 8th to August 19th
Chapter Chompers Book Club combines reading, food* and creativity. Each week we will prepare a simple recipe together to eat for lunch while enjoying a chapter from a read-aloud book before participating in an activity that connects with the story.
This book club blends literacy, life skills and joy – making lunchtime something to look forward to! A separate registration is required for each week. Registration links for each week are below. Recommended for ages 6 +.
Register for each week at the links below:
July 8th
July 15th
July 22nd
July 29th
August 5th
August 12th
August 19th - Fair Crafts: Wednesdays 2-4pm July 2nd to August 13th
Come have fun at the library making cool crafts to enter in the Stirling Agricultural Fair! We’ll use paint, glue, glitter, and more to create awesome art you can be proud of. You might even win a ribbon at the fair!
July 2nd Finger Painting on 8.5×11 paper “Sunflower” Any craft not mentioned Any craft not mentioned July 9th Painted rock using theme Painted rock using theme Painted rock using theme July 16th A sun made with popsicle sticks A sun made with popsicle sticks Make a paper quilt sqaure on 8.5×11 paper July 23rd Straw blowing painting Straw blowing painting Any craft not mentioned July 30th A sunflower made with tissue paper on 8.5×11 paper Sunflower made from pipe cleaners and beads Sunflower made from pipe cleaners and beads August 6th Sunflower made with a paper plate Homemade wreath with a summer theme Homemade wreath with a summer theme August 13th Yarn Bracelet Handmade piece of jewelry Handmade piece of jewelry - Summer Reading: July 2nd to August 23rd
Calling all young explorers! This summer, turn every book into a new adventure with our Summer Reading Scavenger Hunt – the ultimate reading challenge just for kids! Pick up your scavenger hunt sheet at the library.
Complete fun reading challenges and check off each task as you go! Turn in your completed scavenger hunt sheet by August 23rd and earn a special book bundle prize! Complete the extra activities to earn bonus spins to win!
Who says summer reading is just for kids? Join our Adult Summer Reading BINGO Challenge and make your summer more inspiring, fun, and book-filled!
Pick up your BINGO card at the library and complete a line (horizontal, vertical, or diagonal) or fill the whole card for a chance to win!
- We are hiring!
The Stirling-Rawdon Public Library is looking to hire a Student Assistant for the Children’s Department. This is a permanent part-time position of 11 hours a week which includes evenings and every Saturday.
Apply in person or send resume and cover letter via email to jaye@stirlinglibrary.com by Tuesday July 1st, 2025
- Summer 2025
Our Summer Program Guide is now available! We have lots of fun things planned so there’s sure to be something for everyone! Paper copies are available in the library. If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to ask!
<object class="wp-block-file__embed" data="http://stirlinglibrary.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Summer-2025-Program-Guide-compressed.pdf" type="application/pdf" style="width:100%;height:600px" aria-label="Summer 2025 Program Guide“>Summer 2025 Program Guide - P.A Day Animation Club: Friday, May 30th at 12
Join us for an animation club that’s all about making props and sets for stop motion animations! Whether that’s claymation, cutout, puppeted, Lego or object animation and we’ll be learning about the history of stop motion animation as a whole!
For ages 7 and up. Register online here:
- After School Hangout: Wednesdays at 4pm
- After School Hangout: Wednesdays at 4pm
Express your creativity by making a unique piece of artwork out of tinfoil, yarn and markers! No registration required.
Paper Chain Python. Learn how to make a paper chain python this week! No registration required.
April 16th is CanFilm Day! CanFilmDay is a one-day celebration of Canadian cinema! Help us celebrate by making movie/film crafts and drawings. No registration required
Make a colourful and vibrant craft to create fun and unique shadows with! No registration required.
Join us on the last Wednesday of the month to learn the basics of coding! No registration required. Recommended for ages 5+
- Chevron Bookmark Take & Make Kit Available Now!
Our March Take & Make Kit is available now! Drop into the children’s department and pick one up while supplies last. Each kit contains the supplies needed to create several fun chevron bookmarks, all you need to supply are the scissors and glue!
- March Break 2025
Help us celebrate our favourite book characters this March Break! Join us for fun activities from Tuesday, March 11th to Saturday, March 15th.
- After School Hangout – Wednesdays at 4pm
February 4th: This week we’re building our own deserted islands but then disaster strikes and the challenge will be to fix it! Do you have what it takes to complete the challenge? Then join us!
February 12th: Get crafty with us this week as we make a unique stained glass heart suncatcher to decorate with!
February 19th: Learn how to turn an ordinary paper plate into a colourful woven bowl to store trinkets and treasures in!
February 26th: Join us on the last Wednesday of the month to learn the basics of coding! No registration required. Recommended for ages 5+
- PAWS for Reading: Wednesdays at 5pm throughout February
PAWS for Reading is a program that allows children to read to a trained therapy dog! Reading to a dog is fun and can help improve reading and communication skills because a dog doesn’t care if you stumble or make you feel awkward. Sign up for a 15 minute time slot to read to Zazu by calling us at 613-395-2837 or emailing info@stirlinglibrary.com or just drop into the library and ask! Starting February 5th and each Wednesday in February.
- FREE Trees!
We are partnering with Neighborhood Forest to inspire youth environmentalism and help green our community!
Parents/Guardians, please sign your child up to receive a free tree this Earth Day by filling out this short form: https://www.neighborhoodforest.org/parent-registration/…
Sign ups are open now through March 15th, trees will arrive the week of Earth Day (April 22)!
We’ll contact you when your tree is ready for pick-up at the library/youth group location!
For Parent FAQs please see: https://www.neighborhoodforest.org/parent-faqs/
#Freetreesforkids#NeighborhoodForest#EarthDay2025
- Storytime: Thursdays at 10:30am
Storytime returns tomorrow at 10:30am. Join us for songs, stories and social time!
- January After School Hangout: Wednesdays at 4pm
Join us Wednesdays at 4pm for our After School Hangout. Recommended for ages 5 and up with a different activity each week. No registration required.
Wednesday, January 8th at 4pm: Using only toothpicks and packing peanuts can you complete our toothpick tower challenges?
Wednesday, January 15th at 4pm: We’re playing the Fishbowl Game! The Fishbowl Game combines the classic games of Taboo, Charades and Password into one fun experience. Who can play? All ages!
Wednesday, January 22nd at 4pm: This week we’re doing a fun library scavenger hunt!
Wednesday, January 29th: Join us for coding this week!
- Storytime – Thursdays at 10:30am
Tomorrow is the last Storytime of 2024. Join us at 10:30am for a half hour of songs, stories and social time. No registration required.
- After School Hangout – Wednesday, December 18th at 4pm
It’s the last After School Hangout of 2024 tomorrow! Join us to make a fun and festive ornament. Everyone welcome, no registration required.
- After School Hangout – Wednesday, December 11th at 4pm
We’re decorating sugar cookies this week after school. Join us at 4pm on Wednesday, December 11th, while supplies last.
- After School Hangout – Wednesday, December 4th at 4pm
Make a fun and festive felt puppet tomorrow after school at 4pm! No registration required. Everyone welcome, recommended for ages 5 and up.
