Library Programs

Ola Tarnowski and an advanced student ballerina are visiting us from the Hartt School's Community Dance Department! Ola will lead a ballet class for aspiring young dancers, and read a dance-themed story. This special event includes time to take photos with the ballerina and to check out a dance or ballet-themed book from the library's special display.
Drop in. Please come first to the children's desk for nametags.

FREE—Drop In; registration not required.
Kids ages 2 and up with a grownup 
Thursday, June 19 at 10:30 a.m.
  Sponsored by The Hartt School Community Dance Division.

Do you love to be creative and have fun without the pressure of perfection? Join us for some fun and easy art projects the third Thursday of every month at 1:00 pm. In June, we’ll relax and unwind with “Zen Waves,” a calming art project perfect for a mindful break. Using Sharpie and watercolor, we’ll create peaceful wave patterns and a glowing sun. Zero skills required. Just let your inner artist run wild!

The Canton Public Library will come alive with the sounds of nature—birds singing, toads trilling, and coyotes howling! Learn how to identify Connecticut’s wildlife by their unique calls and discover the “music” of the natural world. Plus, meet a live barred owl up close in this fascinating program presented by White Memorial Conservation Center!

Registration is limited to 50 participants
Entering grades 5 and up

The museum is full of secrets—can you and your team uncover them in time? Gather your friends and sign up for a time slot to take on our museum-themed breakout room challenge! Work together to solve puzzles, crack codes, and escape before time runs out. This exciting experience will run all day long, so pick a time, bring a team, and see if you have what it takes to break out of the museum!

Important Info:
- To register, click here.
- One person from each group should sign up and list all group members in the comment section.
- Each time slot is for 1 group of up to 8 participants.
- Open to kids entering grade 5 and up.
- Please be respectful—only sign up for one time slot per group so everyone gets a chance to play.
  Sponsored by Canton Public LIbrary.

WAIT LIST - AFTERNOON Book Buddies – Our 15th Summer! 
SIGN UP HERE  to be on the waitlist for the afternoon, or to join the evening group.
 ADVANCE REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED for this very popular program!For children ages 4–8. Each child is paired with a teen volunteer buddy for an hour of fun each week, sharing stories, laughter, and a love of books.Kids must be available to participate in at least 4 of the 6 Tuesdays of the program.
Every session includes:  

• Reading books with their buddy
• A hands-on STEAM activity or game
• Group camp songs

The program runs for 6 weeks and wraps up with a pizza party celebration! FREE. Registration opens June 1 and continues until all spaces are filled.
Sign up online via the library website. 
Tuesdays, June 24 to July 29;
Choose either: Afternoons 2:00 - 3:00 pm
OR
Evenings 6:30 - 7:30 pm
For children ages 4–8. Sponsored by The Friends of the Canton Public Library..

Join us as award-winning author and summer reading champion Katherine Applegate talks to viewers about her enthusiastically heartwarming novel in verse, Odder. 

Everyone wants to meet Odder, the Queen of Play. Odder spends her days off the coast of central California, practicing her underwater acrobatics and spinning the quirky stories for which she’s known. She’s a fearless daredevil, curious to a fault. But when Odder comes face-to-face with a hungry great white shark, her life takes a dramatic turn, one that will challenge everything she believes about herself―and about the humans who hope to save her.

Katherine Applegate’s Odder, is inspired by the true story of a Monterey Bay Aquarium program that pairs orphaned otter pups with surrogate mothers. This poignant and humorous tale told in free verse examines bravery and healing through the eyes of one of nature’s most beloved and charming animals.

Suggested ages 3rd-6th grades, but all ages are welcome!

Register for this virtual program by clicking HERE.  Can't make it for the live presentation, or want to check out some of our past author talks?  Recordings can be found HERE.  

  Sponsored by The Friends of Canton Public Library.

Sponsored by The Friends of the Canton Public Library..

New art experiences every week! Discover your creativity at multiple art stations, each one offering a chance to try something new. With the support of our enthusiastic teen volunteers, participants will:

• Explore different art materials and techniques
• Build creative habits
• Learn new skills through hands-on fun

Each week brings fresh opportunities to experiment, create, and express yourself through art!

FREE—Drop In; Kids ages 3 to 10 with a grownup
All Materials Provided.

Wednesdays 2:00-3:30 PM June 25 to August 6
NOTE: If a child is younger than 9, their grown-up must stay at the library during the program.

Susie Maguire's "The Poop Museum 2" is a delightful continuation of the beloved program that has captivated audiences in more than 80 countries and at our library last summer! 
This engaging hour dives deep into the world of poop, offering astonishing facts about human, animal, and insect droppings.
 While the subject matter might induce giggles, Susie skillfully balances humor with serious scientific exploration, making the program both educational and entertaining. It’s a show that ensures both children and their parents are enlightened, involved, and amused.
With its unique blend of fun and education, "The Poop Museum 2" guarantees that the knowledge shared will stick with viewers long after the
laughter subsides.
FREE, ADVANCE REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED
Kids entering K-5 and their grown-ups, too!
Thursday, June 26 at 10:00 a.m. Sign-ups will begin on the library website on June 1.

Story time is our favorite time of the week! For kids aged 1 to 5 years plus their loved ones - come by to enjoy songs, rhymes, and stories with Ms. Heather.
An active group where parents and caregivers are heartilyencouraged to play & sing along. Siblings are also welcome to attend. Stop first at the Children’s Desk for nametags.
FREE— Drop In. Thursdays at 10:30 a.m. 
Weekly June 26 – August 7

Play new and familiar board games alongside our friendly teen volunteers! Every week offers a fun way to:
Discover and learn new games. Practice teamwork and taking turns, and make new friends in a relaxed, playful setting
Come by and join the fun.

FREE— Drop In. All games and materials provided.
Kids ages 4 to 10.
Thursdays 1:30-3:30 PM June 26 to August 7

NOTE: If a child is younger than 9, their grown-up must stay at the library during the program.

Do you love mysteries?  Come to our mystery discussion at Good Friends Restaurant on the Canton/New Hartford line on Route 44.    The Mystery Lovers discuss our current read and enjoy drinks and/or a meal together.  If you are new to the group, please use the registration link so we know to expect you at the meeting.  You can ask Beth Van Ness any questions you have by calling 860-693-5800 or email to bvanness@libraryconnection.info.  Copies of the current book are available at our library circulation desk.   All adults are welcome at our book discussions.

"Cal Hooper thought a fixer-upper in a bucolic Irish village would be the perfect escape. After twenty-five years in the Chicago police force and a bruising divorce, he just wants to build a new life in a pretty spot with a good pub where nothing much happens. But when a local kid whose brother has gone missing arm-twists him into investigating, Cal uncovers layers of darkness beneath his picturesque retreat, and starts to realize that even small towns shelter dangerous secrets"--|cProvided by the Publisher.

Would you like to read quietly in the library after closing time?  You will have three opportunities this summer.  We will lock the doors after closing time and you can stay for an hour and read whatever you like.  We will provide drinks and plenty of comfortable seating.  No registration required.  No interaction required. 

WAIT LIST - AFTERNOON Book Buddies – Our 15th Summer! 
SIGN UP HERE  to be on the waitlist for the afternoon, or to join the evening group.
 ADVANCE REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED for this very popular program!For children ages 4–8. Each child is paired with a teen volunteer buddy for an hour of fun each week, sharing stories, laughter, and a love of books.Kids must be available to participate in at least 4 of the 6 Tuesdays of the program.
Every session includes:  

• Reading books with their buddy
• A hands-on STEAM activity or game
• Group camp songs

The program runs for 6 weeks and wraps up with a pizza party celebration! FREE. Registration opens June 1 and continues until all spaces are filled.
Sign up online via the library website. 
Tuesdays, June 24 to July 29;
Choose either: Afternoons 2:00 - 3:00 pm
OR
Evenings 6:30 - 7:30 pm
For children ages 4–8. Sponsored by The Friends of the Canton Public Library..

Sponsored by The Friends of the Canton Public Library..

New art experiences every week! Discover your creativity at multiple art stations, each one offering a chance to try something new. With the support of our enthusiastic teen volunteers, participants will:

• Explore different art materials and techniques
• Build creative habits
• Learn new skills through hands-on fun

Each week brings fresh opportunities to experiment, create, and express yourself through art!

FREE—Drop In; Kids ages 3 to 10 with a grownup
All Materials Provided.

Wednesdays 2:00-3:30 PM June 25 to August 6
NOTE: If a child is younger than 9, their grown-up must stay at the library during the program.

Travel through history and explore the art of different time periods in this hands-on summer series! Each week, we’ll dive into a new era—from the mysterious symbols of ancient Egypt to the bold colors of Pop Art—and create artwork inspired by the time. Register for one session or sign up for all seven to experience a full creative journey through the ages!

Drop-in
Entering grades 5 and up
 

Story time is our favorite time of the week! For kids aged 1 to 5 years plus their loved ones - come by to enjoy songs, rhymes, and stories with Ms. Heather.
An active group where parents and caregivers are heartilyencouraged to play & sing along. Siblings are also welcome to attend. Stop first at the Children’s Desk for nametags.
FREE— Drop In. Thursdays at 10:30 a.m. 
Weekly June 26 – August 7

This July, take creative control and curate your own story! Camp NaNoWriMo gives you the flexibility to set your own word-count goal and write whatever inspires you—whether it’s a novel, short stories, poetry, or something entirely unique. Meet up once a week to work on your writing, play games, and connect with other young writers as you bring your story to life!

Registration is limited to 20 participants
Entering grades 5 and up