Find our featured programs here. Reviews, crafts, activities and more. View our newsletter for more programs and details.

Book reviews by our library patrons

Find new reads through our patron reviews, teen reviews, and reviews by kids for kids! Interested in participating? See the featured review page for details or contact us. Teens are awarded 5 community service hours for each approved review. Reviews are published here and on social media accounts.

See reviews

March Break at the library

Join us every day during March Break for fun, free activities!

See March Break events

Adult chess club

Mondays
March 4, 11, 18 & 25, 2024.
6:00 to 7:30 p.m.

Do you play chess? Would you like to learn how to play chess? Adults are invited to join us for a series of chess workshops for both beginner and experienced players.

Pre-register. Free.

Bill's Best Reads with William Thomas

We are excited to introduce Bill’s Best Reads! Each month, we will feature a book hand-selected by bestselling author, scriptwriter, and nationally syndicated humour columnist, William Thomas.

March's selection: A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini.
April's selection: The Light Between Oceans by M.L. Stedman.

To place a hold, find "A Thousand Splendid Suns" or "The Light Between Oceans" today in our catalogue, or call us at 905-834-6512.

A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini The Light Between Oceans by M.L. Stedman

Documentary films

Our documentary film program is back and we have exciting news! This year, the films featured will be provided by the National Film Board of Canada. Be sure to pick up the new schedule of amazing films we will be showing in 2024!

Join us for a screening and discussion of a documentary film:

Monday, March 25, 2024. 1:30 to 3:00 p.m.

Arab Women Say What?! (2023, 82 min).

Join us for a screening and discussion of the documentary film Arab Women Say What?! (2023, 82 min). The film contemplates politics, identity, and home through the conversations, hospitality, and openness of a group of Arab women.

Monday, April 29, 2024. 1:30 to 3:00 p.m.

Katinniq / Vanishing Point (2012, 82 min).

Join us for a screening and discussion of the documentary film Katinniq / Vanishing Point (2012, 82 min). The film tells the story of two circumpolar Inuit communities that are linked by a migration led by an intrepid shaman.

Pre-registration is required. Contact the library for more information: 905-834-6512. Free.

Income tax clinics

Do you have a simple tax situation and a modest income? You may be eligible for help with filing your taxes. You must call to register.

Registration opens Thursday, February 29 at 9:30 a.m. Spaces are limited.

Top Hat Ceremony

Friday, March 22, 2024.

Every March, when the canal reopens after the winter shutdown, the captain of the first downbound ship is presented with a ceremonial top hat, modelled after an iconic top hat from the Port Colborne Historical and Marine Museum. The type of hat was worn by ship captains a century ago when the canal was in its early days.

Meet us at the event where we'll be popping up with commemorative buttons. For more information about the 2024 Top Hat Ceremony, please visit the City of Port Colborne website.

Port Colborne Public Library Book Club

Introducing the Port Colborne Public Library Book Club! Pre-register to join us and stop by the library to pick up a copy of our March book.

Monday, March 11, 2024. 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.

Join us for a discussion of The Whisper on the Night Wind by Adam Shoalts.

Limited spaces. Pre-register. Free.

Monday, April 8, 2024. 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.

Join us for a discussion of Our Voice of Fire by Brandi Morin.

Limited spaces. Pre-register. Free.

One eRead Canada

Unlivrel/One eRead Canada brings people and libraries together to read or listen to a single title in both English and French. This year's selection is Hotline by Dimitri Nasarallah. Check out a digital copy from Libby or Hoopla during April to participate.

Pop-Up Library: Eclipse at Vale

Available starting Friday, March 8, 2024.

Pick up your free eclipse glasses at the library! You must show your Port Colborne Public Library card. While supplies last.

Monday, April 8, 2024. 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Join us at the Vale Center to celebrate the solar eclipse! The library will be popping up with a fun craft. Bring your ID and sign up for a library card!

Art in the Atrium

March: Port Colborne High School

We're excited to welcome artists from PCHS! Support these talented teens by visiting their show. Don't forget to sign the guestbook!

April: Douglas Todd

A full-time archaeologist and former reporter-photographer, Douglas spends his time fishing, caregiving, cooking, and painting Canadian places, spaces, and people. Support Douglas' work by visiting his exhibit in April.

Adult painting with Kyla: the tulip fields

Thursday, March 21, 2024. 1:00 to 3:00 p.m.

In this acrylic painting workshop, paint a majestic landscape that showcases the soft, soothing colours of spring! Blending and shading techniques will be explored. Learn how to create perspective and depth in a few simple steps.

All supplies are included. Space is limited.
Pre-registration required. Cost is $15.

Pastel tulips in a field

One Book, One Niagara

Tuesday, April 24, 2024.

We are thrilled to announce that One Book, One Niagara is back! Now in its sophomore year, One Book, One Niagara will continue to build community throughout Niagara through a shared reading experience. This year's selected title is In the Upper Country by Kai Tomas.

The experience culminates in an in-person author event with Kai Thomas on the evening of Tuesday, April 23, 2024.

Tickets are free and will be available soon.

One Book One Niagara collage of book covers

Activities for children

Join us for various activities. Check out our newsletter for current and upcoming events and programs.

Looking for more activities?

Join us every day during March Break for fun, free activities! For kids and teens.

See March Break events

Bookmark contest

Submit a bookmark design for a chance to be our featured artist for the month. Available in the Children's Room. Free.

March theme: Earth Day
Submissions due by March 30, 2024

April theme: Rainy Day
Submissions due April 30, 2024

Scavenger hunts

Find all of the scavenger hunt items and win a small prize. This program runs in the Children's Room every day with a new theme each week. Drop-in.

Weekly themes
  • Week of March 3: Breakfast Foods

  • Week of March 10: Green

  • Week of March 17: Tulips & Daffodils

  • Week of March 24: Easter Eggs

  • Week of March 31: Veggies

 

  • Week of April 7: Rainy Day
  • Week of April 14: Fruits
  • Week of April 21: Earth Day
  • Week of April 28: Dinosaurs

Touch-a-Truck Book

On September 21, 2023, children and families drew pictures of their favourite vehicle at the Touch-a-Truck & Fire Prevention Kick-Off Open House.

We are excited to announce that we collected the drawings and have made them into a book that you can now check out at your Port Colborne Public Library!

Small child pulling books from shelf
Baby time

Tuesdays
March 5, 12, 19 & 26, 2024.
April 2 & 9, 2024.
10:15 to 10:45 a.m.

Songs, stories, and rhymes with your little one.

For ages zero to two. Free.
Pre-registration required.

Child playing in cotton ball snow
Tot time

Thursdays
March 7, 14 & 21, 2024.
April 4 & 11, 2024.
10:15 to 11:00 a.m.

Enjoy stories, crafts, and a circle-time.

For ages two to five accompanied by a parent/caregiver. Free.
Pre-registration required.

Shelly reading a story
Story time with Shelly

Saturdays
March 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30, 2024.
April 6, 13, 20 & 27, 2024.
10:30 to 11:30 a.m.

Meet us in the Children’s Room for a fun, free, family time.

All ages. Free. No registration required.

Community Connect

Learn more about services and programs offered by local community support groups.

Resume Refresh with PC Works

Tuesdays
March 5, 12, 19 & 26, 2024.
April 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30, 2024.
10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Bring in a copy of your resume (paper/digital) and get tips to improve it. PC Works will help refresh and optimize your resume to highlight your skills to match your employment goals. Don't have a resume? PC Works can help get you started.

Drop-in. Free.

Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program

Wednesday, March 20, 2024.
Wednesday, April 17, 2024.
10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

The ODSCP is a free dental care program for low-income seniors (65 and older). Stop by to learn how to enrill. For other dental assistance questions, call Valerie Wehlann from Bridges at 905-871-7621 ext. 2245

Drop-in. Free.

Speak with a Registered Dietician

Thursday, April 11, 2024.
10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Have questions about nutrition and diet? Speak with Christina, who is a Registered Dietician and Diabetes Educator from Bridges Community Health Centre.

Bridges Community Health Centre Programs and Services

Thursday, March 28, 2024.
Friday, April 26, 2024.
1:00 to 3:00 p.m.

Learn about free programs and services offered by Bridges CHC with Health Promoter Lori.

Service Canada

Third Wednesday of each month.

Next sessions:
Wednesday, March 20, 2024.
Wednesday, April 17, 2024.
10:00 am to 1:00 p.m.

Service Canada provides Canadians with a single point of access to a wide range of government services and benefits through the internet, by telephone, in person or by mail.

Service Canada will be in your community to help you apply for the programs and services:

  • Old Age Security (OAS)
  • Canada Pension Plan (CPP)
  • Employment Insurance (EI)
  • Social Insurance Number (SIN)
  • My Service Canada Account (MSCA).

Drop-in. Free.

Canada Revenue Agency

Wednesday March 20, 2024. 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

CRA's outreach department provides information on their free income tax clinics for those who need assistance filing their taxes to get their benefits and credits.

Their Outreach Officer can also provide information on scams awareness, the disability tax credit certificate, and the benefits, credits, and tax deductions available for individuals.

Birchway Niagara (Formerly Women's Place)

Monday, March 11, 2024.
Monday, April 15, 2024.
10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Learn about communication, boundaries, safety planning, and healthy relationships. Learn how to help someone who may be experiencing abuse. Confidential meeting spaces available.

Drop-in. Free.

PFLAG Niagara

Saturday, April 6, 2024.
11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Wondering what all the fuss is about pronouns?  Struggling to keep track of all of the letters in 2S&LGBTQQIA+ and what they mean? Maybe you have questions but aren't sure if you'll say the right thing or use the correct terms, or you want to know more about how you can be a better ally to the community. Pflag Niagara is here for you!

In communities across the country, the pflag Canada network provides peer support, education and advocacy for a Canada that affirms, respects, and values all sexualities, genders, and gender expressions. Volunteers from Pflag Niagara will be on hand to answer questions and share resources and information.

April 6th is International Asexuality Day! All are welcome to stop by, ask questions, and chat with us.

Drop-in. Free.

Wonderbooks

We now have Wonderbooks, thanks to a generous donation from the Port Colborne Lions Club! Wonderbooks are print books with a ready-to-play audiobook inside. Press play to read along with a book, and then switch to learning mode for literacy learning and fun.

To see what's available, please visit our online catalogue. You can also search “Wonderbook” as a keyword search for all of LiNC

Cover of a Wonderbook

Book club sets

Have you ever wanted to start your own book club? Now there are more ways than ever to borrow a set of book club books. All free with your Port Colborne Public Library card.

Port Colborne Public Library book club sets

We are happy to offer the following sets:

LiNC book club sets

Did you know that you can order over 250 different sets of book club books through LiNC using your Port Colborne Public Library card? From mystery to biography, from the classics to the latest bestsellers, there is a book for every kind of club. Some restrictions may apply.

To see what's available, please visit our online catalogue. You can also search “Book Club Set” as a title search. Need more information? Call us at 905-834-6512, we are happy to help you get started!

Online programs

Did you know we have a YouTube channel? You can watch follow-along craft tutorials, activities and story times. Some videos are only available for a limited time, so check back for any updates. We also promote author talks, presentations, and other online programs of interest.