Join us Wednesday mornings for a different caper each week. Some activities will be challenging, others will get you crafting and still others will be relaxing and fun!
- September 2 - Fridge Magnet Craft
- September 9 - Come Celebrate a Generous Donation to Cafe Capers with a Special Guest
- September 16 - Community Sketches - Featuring Thamesville
- September 23 - Hummingbird Craft
- September 30 - Library Closed - See you next week!
Registration is not required. Simply drop by the Library Café on Wednesday mornings from 10:00 am to 11:00 am. While in the café, you can also treat yourself to a hot or cold drink and a tasty snack if you like!
Writer's Meetup
Chatham Branch Community Living Cafe
Saturday, September 12
3:30 pm to 4:30 pm
Come and provide support to those experiencing writer's block or maybe having a hard time breaking into the publishing world. This is a chance to network with like-minded individuals with experience, find a match for mentorship, or share advice and anecdotes. This experience is best suited for ages 18+. No registration required. The library will provide the space, the participants will provide conversation, support and experience. Light refreshments provided.
Project Bookmark Canada Plaque Unveiling - Robertson Davies
Thamesville Branch
Tuesday, September 22
1:30 pm
Chatham-Kent Public Library (CKPL) is proud to partner with Project Bookmark Canada, a national charitable organization dedicated to celebrating Canadian authors and the places that inspired their work. Project Bookmark Canada installs literary plaques in locations featured in Canadian literature, connecting readers with stories set in real communities. These "bookmarks" commemorate imagined scenes in real places, fostering an appreciation for Canadian literature while celebrating local history and cultural heritage.
The plaque will feature an excerpt from Davies' celebrated novel "Fifth Business", which reflects life in a small Ontario community before the First World War and the celebrations that followed its conclusion. The unveiling ceremony will include remarks from project supporters and community partners, as well as a public reading of the passage featured on the plaque. Following the unveiling, attendees are invited to enjoy refreshments provided by local favourite, Bent Tin Baked Goods.
Visitors are also invited to explore the Thamesville Old Town Hall Museum, which will be open during the event and will feature materials highlighting Robertson Davies' connection to the community.
All community members are welcome to attend this free event and celebrate the enduring legacy of one of Canada's most distinguished authors.
Family History Fair
Chatham Branch
Saturday, September 26
10:00 am to 3:00 pm
Visit with local historical groups, attend presentations, participate in fun family activities and get genealogy tips from experienced researchers.
Event schedule:
10:00 am to 3:00 pm
Children's Activities
Children's Room, 1st Floor
10:00 am to 12:00 pm
Family History Fair Expo
Visit with local genealogy groups, museums, and archives at booths located throughout the library. Ask questions, discover valuable resources, and make new connections with others who share an interest in family history. Visitors who stop by all Expo booths will be entered for a chance to win a door prize.
1:00 to 1:30 pm
Family History - Getting Started
Learn tips to help you begin your genealogy journey with confidence.
1:30 to 2:00 pm
Gathering Our Heroes
Learn about Gathering Our Heroes, an initiative dedicated to documenting and preserving the names and stories of Chatham-Kent's World War I and World War II veterans.
2:15 to 3:00 pm
DNA Panel – DNA Basics to Unexpected Outcomes
Learn the basics of DNA testing, explore how results can support family history research, and discover the surprises that sometimes emerge along the way.
All afternoon workshops will take place in the Meeting Room, 1st Floor.
Hosted in partnership with Kent Branch, Ontario Ancestors.
Retirement Income and Investment Planning SeminarChatham Branch
Saturday, October 3
1:00 pm to 2:30 pm
Chatham-Kent Public Library is offering a free financial literacy seminar to help pre-retirees and retirees feel more confident about their financial futures. The seminar is presented in partnership with Shauna Tremblay, Life and Health Insurance Advisor at Desjardins Financial Security.
Whether you are just a few years away from wrapping up your career or already navigating life in retirement, this seminar is tailored to help you maximize your next chapter. The seminar will discuss how pensions and investments actually work, providing practical tools to secure your wealth, avoid common financial pitfalls, and master the mindset shift that comes with life after work. The presenter will also explore smart strategies to ensure your estate is handled smoothly and tax-efficiently for the next generation. Join us to gain the clarity and peace of mind you deserve to truly enjoy your retirement. Registration is not required.
Mahjong Club
Come and play the ancient Chinese game of Mahjong at the Chatham branch. Our in-person Mahjong Club takes place every Monday afternoon at 3:00 PM in the first floor Cafe area. This is a free, drop-in program.
Adult Colouring
Are you looking for a creative outlet? Need some time to escape the everyday? All supplies provided. Come alone or bring a friend. Drop-in. Open to all ages and all skill levels.
Wallaceburg Branch every Wednesday 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm. See our Program Calendar for details
Chess Club
Are you new to chess or a chess master? If you'd like to test your strategies or learn some new skills, feel free to drop in any Tuesday or Thursday night. Open to all ages and skill levels. Bring your own board or borrow one from the library. Registration is not required for this free program.
Chatham Branch every Tuesday 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm.
Ridgetown Branch every Thursday 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm.
Wallaceburg Branch every Tuesday 5:45 pm to 7:45 pm.
Wheatley Branch every Thursday from 5:45 to 7:45 pm.
Knitting and Crochet Club
Do you like to knit or crochet? Join us to trade patterns, give suggestions or learn a new skill. Drop-in.
Wallaceburg Branch every Tuesday 1:30 pm to 3:00 pm.
Book Clubs
Join one (or more!) of our book clubs in a community near you! Visit our Book Clubs page for more information.
Movies @ CKPL
Watch a movie with us at the Chatham Branch. Movie time is 2:00 pm. Check our Program Calendar for Tuesday movie showings.
Trivia Night
Join us every Wednesday for virtual Trivia Night! Each week we'll post a new Trivia Night game on
CKPL's Facebook page. The game will be available from 6:00 pm until midnight. To play, click the link in our Facebook or Twitter post, choose a nickname and enter the game. Don't forget to check back the next day to see how everyone scored!
