Ottawa Public Library Workshops

Have a look at what is going on at the Ottawa Public Library this spring!

A short story writing contest, a reading circle, Digital Inclusion Week, and more…there is something for every taste and interest.

Register for these free and interesting programs today!

Writing

50+ Short Story Contest

Do you love writing short fiction? Are you 50 years old or older? The Ottawa Public Library’s annual 50+ Short Story Contest runs until May 31, 2018.

Join one of our writing workshops with local authors to help you start on or improve your short story:

Friday, May 4, 3 pm to 4 pm
Peter Scotchmer (in English)
Alta Vista branch
Register for this writing workshop

Monday, May 7, 2 pm to 3:30 pm
Michèle Vinet (in French)
Orléans branch
Register for this writing workshop
 

Saturday, May 12, 2 pm to 3:30 pm
Peter Scotchmer (in English)

Carlingwood branch
Register for this writing workshop

Genealogy and Local History

Photograph Detective: Identifying and Dating Historic Photographs

Thursday, May 24, 6 pm
Sunnyside branch, 1049 Bank Street
In English only

Trying to confirm a date of a family photograph to identify who is in it, or what age they are in that picture, requires combining knowledge of photographic processes with the history of fashion and trends.  Using real antique photographs as examples, Kyla will teach you how to discern which process was used to create a photograph and gives tips regarding clothing, hair styles, and settings that will allow you to sleuth out the ancestors in your family albums.

Register for Photograph Detective: Identifying and Dating Historic Photographs

Reading

Aging by the Book: A Reading Circle

Tuesdays, from May 15 to June 19, 2 pm
Carlingwood branch, 281 Woodroffe
In English only

Be a part of a group that meets weekly for six weeks to explore the older adult experience as portrayed in a wide range of written work. We will discuss poems, short stories, essays, and excerpts from novels and memoirs. Readings will be provided.

Register for Aging by the Book

Cooking

Instant Pot 101: Live demo and Q&A

Saturday, April 28, 2:30 pm
St-Laurent branch, 515 Côté Street
In French only

Join us for an introduction and demonstration to cooking with the Instant Pot! The Instant Pot is an electric pressure cooker that has become popular with home cooks and chefs.  Let us take the mystery out of this timesaving kitchen tool.

Register for Instant Pot 101

Digital Inclusion Week

Windows Performance Tune-Up

Monday, May 7, 6 pm
Carlingwood branch, 281 Woodroffe Avenue
In English only

May 7 - Register for Windows Performance Tune-Up

Windows Performance Tune-Up

Thursday, May 10, 6 pm
Sunnyside branch, 1049 Bank Street
In English only

May 10 - Register for Windows Performance Tune-Up

If your Windows computer is getting sluggish, you don't have to re-install Windows just to gain back lost performance. Chris Taylor, President of the Ottawa PC Users’ Group and Microsoft Most Valuable Professional, will demonstrate and explain how to safely use many native and 3rd party tools that can help speed up Windows. 

Introduction to Lynda.com

Tuesday, May 8, 7 pm
Cumberland branch, 1599 Tenth Line
In English only

Learn to use Lynda.com, one of Ottawa Public Library's resources. With over 4,000 video courses from top experts, Lynda.com is the place to go for learning computer programming, multimedia software, 3D animation, photography, project management, and much more.

Register for Introduction to Lynda.com

Introduction to Basic Searching

Wednesday, May 9, 10 am
Main branch, 120 Metcalfe Street
In English only

This workshop will teach students how to do 3 basic searches in Google, a keyword search, a phrase search and an advanced search. Students will also learn how to navigate the results screen and how to evaluate their search results

Register for Introduction to Basic Searching

La fraude informatique et les escroqueries

Wednesday, May 9, 2 pm
St-Laurent branch, 515 rue Côté
In French only

Financial abuse through fraud and scams is a growing concern in Canada. In fact, it is the most common type of abuse among seniors. Join us to learn a few tips to protect your personal information and to avoid being a victim of cybercrimes.

Register for La fraude informatique et les escroqueries

Introduction to iOS

Wednesday, May 9, 6 pm
Carlingwood branch, 281 Woodroffe Avenue
In English only

Join us for an introduction iOS, the operating system that runs iPhones and iPads, with Dave and Tom, founders of the Bytown Mac User Group. ByMUG has been helping Ottawans using Mac and iOS devices since 2006. Bring your device and follow along. No device? No problem! This informative workshop will cover the basics and much more!

Register for Introduction to iOS
 

Protecting Your Computer
 

Saturday, May 12, 10 am
Main branch, 120 Metcalfe Street
In English only

The average time it takes for an unprotected computer to be compromised after connecting to the Internet is under 15 minutes. Don't let it be yours. Chris Taylor, President of the Ottawa PC Users' Group will show you the simple steps you need to take to keep your computer from being hacked.

Register for Protecting Your Computer

For all of our adult programs, please visit BiblioOttawaLibrary.ca.