Free Classes

Bring your knitting or crochet project, or even needlepoint or cross stitch, and swap tips and ideas with other crafters at the Blackburn Hamlet branch of the Ottawa Public Library. Adults of every skill level are welcome. Thursdays until December 17, 2026, from 6:30 to 8:00 PM in the meeting room. Free bilingual drop in program, no registration needed.

Open, informal chess games for adults at the Orléans branch of the Ottawa Public Library. Beginners and stronger players are equally welcome in this relaxed club, and you can bring your own board or borrow one. Every second Sunday, November 15 and 29 and December 13 and 27, 2026, from 1:30 to 3:30 PM in the Bériault Room. Free bilingual drop in program, no registration needed.

Teens and tweens aged 10 to 18 can play chess with other young players in a relaxed, informal setting at the Cumberland branch of the Ottawa Public Library. All levels are welcome. Thursdays November 19, December 3 and December 10, 2026, from 4:00 to 5:00 PM in the Adult Programming Room. Free bilingual drop in program, no registration needed.

An afternoon of fun for home schooled children and their families at the Hazeldean branch of the Ottawa Public Library in Kanata. Each month brings a different activity, such as LEGO, chess, games or crafts, and it is a great way to meet other homeschooling families. Thursdays November 12 and 26 and December 10, 2026, from 2:15 to 3:00 PM. Free drop in program, no registration needed.

Kids aged 6 and up can play and learn chess after school at the Main branch of the Ottawa Public Library on Metcalfe Street. It is a friendly, bilingual club where young players of every level practise together. Tuesdays from November 10 to December 8, 2026, 3:45 to 4:45 PM, in Program Room MA 117. Free drop in program, no registration needed.

Open, informal chess games for adults of all levels at the Cumberland branch of the Ottawa Public Library. Beginners and advanced players are both welcome, and you can bring your own board or borrow one. Sunday, November 8, 2026, from 1:30 to 3:30 PM in the Adult Programming Room. Free drop in program, no registration needed.

Stories, songs, rhymes and activities for children 5 and under with their parents or caregivers at Toronto Public Library's Fairview branch, next to Fairview Mall. Saturdays from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., November 7 to November 28, 2026. Free drop in, no registration required, but space is limited.

Spend an afternoon at the weekly drop in knitting and crochet circle at Toronto Public Library's Don Mills branch: bring your work in progress, show it off, get advice and swap ideas with fellow fibre fans. Beginners and all ages are welcome, and a few materials are available. Thursdays from 1 to 2 p.m., November 12, 2026 to January 7, 2027. Free drop in.

Stories, songs, rhymes and activities for children 5 and under with their parents or caregivers at Toronto Public Library's Main Street branch, a year round program in the east end. Saturdays from 10:30 to 11 a.m., November 7 to November 28, 2026. Free drop in, registration not required.

Stories, songs, rhymes and activities for children 5 and under with their parents or caregivers at Toronto Public Library's Lillian H. Smith branch on College Street. Saturdays from 10 to 10:30 a.m., November 7 to November 28, 2026. Free drop in.

Stories, songs, rhymes and activities for children 5 and under with their parents or caregivers at Toronto Public Library's Palmerston branch, followed by Stay and Play time. Fridays from 10:30 to 11 a.m., with play until 11:30, November 6 to November 27, 2026. Free drop in.

Improve your English speaking skills in a relaxing, supportive group at Toronto Public Library's Fort York branch, with conversation prompts on topics you enjoy and a chance to make new friends. Learners at all levels are welcome; this is not a formal class. Saturdays from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., November 7 to December 12, 2026. Free, no registration listed.