Free Classes

Drop in for a casual game of chess in a welcoming setting at Toronto Public Library's Richview branch, whether you want to sharpen your skills or learn how to play. Chess sets are provided and all ages are welcome. Thursdays from 4 to 5 p.m., November 12 to December 10, 2026. Free drop in.

The Chess Institute of Canada brings chess to life at Toronto Public Library's Lillian H. Smith branch: take in a lesson on the game or sit down and start playing. Open to all ages; children under 12 must be supervised. Sundays from 2 to 3 p.m., November 8 to December 6, 2026. Free, no registration needed.

A friendly weekly chess club for adults and seniors at Toronto Public Library's North York Central branch, with chess sets provided and players of all levels welcome. There is no instruction, just good games and good company. Saturdays from 2 to 3:30 p.m., November 7 to December 19, 2026. Free drop in, no registration needed.

Weekend group runs that start from The Runners Shop on Bloor Street West: a casual 5 to 8 km run on Saturdays and a longer 12 km plus run on Sundays, both at 8:30 a.m. Your first run is free for new runners. The club hopes you will sign up afterwards, but there is no obligation. Reserve the free trial run on the shop's website.

Brazilian jiu jitsu studio on Industrial Street in Leaside, with an Intro to BJJ class recommended for beginners. Your first class is free for new students. The studio hopes you will sign up afterwards, but there is no obligation. Email the studio to book your free trial, then sign the online waiver and pick the free trial option before you come.

Brazilian jiu jitsu academy on Adelaide Street West with classes for adults, kids and a women's program, all levels welcome. Your first class is free for new students. The studio hopes you will sign up afterwards, but there is no obligation. Book your free class through the form on the academy's website.

Stories and activities for children aged 3 to 6 with a parent or caregiver, led by Helen Tweddle at the Cumberland branch of the Ottawa Public Library. Tuesdays from 4 to 4:30 pm, November 10 to December 8, 2026, in English. Free drop in program.

Practise your English conversation skills in a low pressure, friendly group for adults, including seniors and newcomers, at the Ruth E. Dickinson branch of the Ottawa Public Library (second floor meeting room). All levels welcome; adults only. Tuesdays from 6 to 7:30 pm, weekly through June 22, 2027. Free drop in, no registration.

Students in grades 1 to 10 get help with math, science, French, English and more from United for Literacy volunteers; bring your homework or assignments. Bilingual, in the Dolorès and Marcel Bériault Room of the Orléans branch of the Ottawa Public Library. Tuesdays from 5 to 6:30 pm, November 10 to December 15, 2026. Free drop in; a parent or caregiver must stay in the library.

Stories, rhymes and songs for toddlers and their parents or caregivers in Room 1B of the Nepean Centrepointe branch of the Ottawa Public Library. Wednesdays at 10:30 am for 30 minutes, November 11 to December 9, 2026, in English. Free drop in program.

A gentle half hour of stories, rhymes and songs for babies from newborn to 18 months and their parent or caregiver, at the Manotick branch of the Ottawa Public Library. Wednesdays from 1:30 to 2 pm, November 11 to December 9, 2026, in English. Free drop in program.

A bilingual English and French program for babies, toddlers and preschoolers with their families: 30 minutes of stories, rhymes and songs, then 30 minutes of free play with toys and activities. At the Blackburn Hamlet branch of the Ottawa Public Library. Wednesdays from 10:30 to 11:30 am, November 11 to December 9, 2026. Free drop in, no registration.