Get Ready for an Awesome Summer at CKPL
Kick off the fun on Friday, June 26 or Saturday, June 27!
Blenheim Branch
Friday, June 26 - drop-in between 10:00 am and 3:00 pm
Readers of all ages are invited to come to the library to enjoy great books, take part in fun activities, and explore exciting events all summer long.
Bothwell Branch
Friday, June 26 & Saturday, June 27 - drop-in between 10:00 am and 1:00 pm
Make your summer sizzle with amazing books, activities and crafts. Special little gift for every child who signs up while supplies last.
Friday, June 26 - 6:00 pm to 6:45 pm BBQ, 7:00 pm Dog Man movie
Calling all Supa Buddies! Join the Supa Squad for a Dog Man movie night at the Jim Kish Theatre in Bothwell. Movie and BBQ sponsored by the Optimist Club of Bothwell. Recommended age 6+. Drop-in.
Chatham Branch
Friday, June 26 - drop-in between 11:00 am and 3:00 pm
Celebrate the start of summer with us! Children ages 0–12 who register for Summer Reading will receive a sweet treat from the Riverside on the Road truck! Enjoy candy‑themed activities. Drop‑in. Special guest Lefty of the Chatham-Kent Barnstormers will be here between 11 and 11:30 am to greet everyone, take photos, and kick off the festivities!
Dresden Branch
Friday, June 26 - drop-in between 1:30 pm and 3:30 pm
Join us for fun, interactive games and activities with CK Recreation's Play Rangers to kick off summer! Children ages 0-12 who register for Summer Reading will receive a sweet treat.
Highgate Branch
Friday, June 26 - drop-in between 10:00 am and 3:00 pm
Make your summer sizzle with amazing books, activities and crafts. Special little gift for every child who signs up while supplies last. All ages drop-in.
Merlin Branch
Saturday, June 27 - drop-in between 10:00 am and 2:00 pm
Readers of all ages are invited to come to the library to enjoy great books, take part in fun activities, and explore exciting events all summer long.
Ridgetown Branch
Friday, June 26 - drop-in between 12:00 pm and 5:00 pm or Saturday, June 27 - drop-in between 10:00 am and 2:00 pm
Make your summer sizzle with amazing books, activities and crafts. Special little gift for every child who signs up while supplies last. All ages.
Thamesville Branch
Saturday, June 27 - drop-in between 10:00 am and 2:00 pm
Start your summer off right! Drop-in to play some giant games outside and tell us all about your summertime dreams. Plus, get a temporary tattoo while you're here!
Tilbury Branch
Friday, June 26 - drop-in between 12:00 pm and 5:00 pm
Stop by the library to join us as we begin our summer reading program! Enjoy some giant games and special crafts as you get started on your summer
reading list. Make sure to enter the draw for a special prize only available on kick-off day!
Wallaceburg Branch
Friday, June 26 - drop-in between 10:00 am and 5:00 pm
Celebrate the start of summer with fun activities and a chance to win great prizes!
Wheatley Branch
Saturday, June 27 - drop-in between 10:00 am and 2:00 pm
Stop by the library to join us as we begin our summer reading program! Enjoy some giant games and special crafts as you get started on your summer reading list. Make sure to enter the draw for a special prize only available on kick-off day!
Summer Performances
𝐑𝐢𝐝𝐠𝐞𝐭𝐨𝐰𝐧 𝐁𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐡 - 𝐑𝐮𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐅𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐬
Wednesday, July 22 at 11:00 am
Rumple brings unmatched energy to every show and combines magic, comedy, and loads of audience interaction! Suitable for all ages. Drop-in.
𝐃𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐝𝐞𝐧 𝐁𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐡 - 𝐑𝐮𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐅𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐬
Wednesday, July 22 at 2:00 pm
Rumple brings unmatched energy to every show and combines magic, comedy, and loads of audience interaction! Suitable for all ages. Drop-in. Sponsored by Maple Mutual Insurance Agent Shelby Ennett.
𝐖𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐞𝐛𝐮𝐫𝐠 𝐁𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐡 - 𝐌𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐧 𝐐𝐮
Tuesday, August 18 at 2:30 pm
Qu is a multi-instrumental musician who is well-known for being engaging, charismatic, and encouraging of audience participation. Tickets are free and available beginning July 20 at Wallaceburg Branch.
A huge thank you to the sponsors of the 2026 Summer Reading Program!
Blenheim Branch
Joan Thrower
Lee-Ann Carnegie
Riverview Gaming Centre
Bothwell Branch
Bothwell Firefighters Association
Optimist Club of Bothwell
Royal Canadian Legion Branch 252
Chatham Branch
Flying Squirrel Trampoline Park
Kiwanis Club of Chatham-Kent
Chatham LaSertoma
McDonald's Chatham
Riverside Ice Cream
Royal Canadian Legion Branch 624
The Magic Land
Turns & Tales Board Game Cafe
Dresden Branch
Arim's Dollar Plus
Austino's Pizza
Babcock Jewellers Ltd
Burnett Family
Burns Restaurant
Dresden Foodland
Dresden Home Hardware
Dresden IODE
Dresden Legion
Dresden Subway
Dresden Rotary Club
Driftwood Spa
Emma Mae Elegance
Exprezzionz
Godfather's Pizza
Laura M. Poland Professional Co.
Lila's Soap Co.
LumberJack Building Centres
Marios Pizza Plus
MacTavish Pharmacy
Maple Mutual Insurance,
Agent Shelby Ennett
Sugared Spoon
Teamoutfitters
Union Block Bakery
Highgate Branch
Don and Dianne McKillop
Duart Community Hall
Highgate and District Lions Club
Royal Canadian Legion Branch 335
Merlin Branch
Jay Johnson
Riverview Gaming
Ridgetown Branch
IODE - Confederation Chapter
Salus Mutual
Thamesville Branch
Bent Tin Baked Goods
Candied Memories
Fast & Fresh
Laurie Clark Designs
Sugared Spoon
Thamesville Home Hardware
Thamesville Horticultural Society
Thamesville La Sertoma Club
Thamesville Surplus
Thamesville TOPS
Thamesville Horticultural Society
Tilbury Branch
Tilbury Lioness Club
Knights of Columbus Council 2356
IODE - Captain Garnet Brackin Chapter
Tilbury Lions Club
Royal Canadian Legion Branch 206
Wallaceburg Branch
Allison Lee
Becky Green
Cavanagh Funeral Home
Clock Tower Dental
Kinsmen Club of Wallaceburg
Knights of Pythias
McDonald’s Wallaceburg
Wheatley Branch
Wheatley Swans
Wheatley Lions Club
Optimist Club of Wheatley
Kids Online Resources
Brainfuse - Homework help, live tutors and studying tips and tricks.
Creativebug - "Youtube for Crafters" that features 1000+ instructor led videos for beginner to expert level makers.
Hoopla - A streaming service of ebooks, audiobooks, music, movies, and TV shows that can be enjoyed on your computer, tablet, or phone.
Libby by Overdrive - Ebooks, audiobooks and magazines.
NoveList K-8 - Find your next read based on your favourite books, authors and series
PebbleGO - Animal, Science, Social Studies and Dinosaur databases that feature built-in reading and research tools expertly levelled for emerging readers.
TumbleBook Library - Animated talking picture books, read-along chapter books, graphic novels, audio books, educational videos, language learning books, read-alongs, and nonfiction too!
Dial-A-Story
Even when the library is closed, this new program is always available for your listening pleasure! Call 519-354-2940 and press "3" to select a story to listen to over the phone. The recordings will change regularly, so check back often!
LitBits
CKPL staff are sharing their favourite songs, rhymes, and story recommendations for little ones in these literacy video tidbits. You can find all our videos on CKPL's YouTube channel.
Borrow Some Fun!
Storykits & Play Packs – These kits contain literacy and physical activity toys, puppets, storytelling props, books and more to keep you busy and learning.
Puzzles – From 6 pieces to 1,000 pieces, we have a puzzle that fits every member of your family!
Launchpads – Tablets pre-loaded with content for kids; designed with a simple, easy-to-use interface. 100% secure, no download time and no need for wifi!
Contact your local library branch for more information!
