St. Catharines Public Library is committed to supporting educators, students, and lifelong learning in our community. We offer multiple ways to connect, including in-library, in-classroom, and virtually. Please note that browsing time is not included in the expected duration of the visit, but can be added via the Group Visit Booking form linked below.
Group Visit Themes/Modules Offered:
Click each heading to expand for further details.
Expected length: 30-40 minutes
Learn all about the public library, including borrowable items, library programs, and services during this presentation and tour of the library branch. Customize your visit depending on your age group with a scavenger hunt, storytime, or a demonstration of searching the library catalogue. This presentation can also be delivered in the community in school classrooms or at community organizations.
Expected length: 60 minutes
Take a deeper look at the Dewey Decimal Classification system and how non-fiction is organized and discovered by readers. This workshop will take students through the Big Ten categories of the DDC with hands-on searching and sorting activities and a demonstration of how to use the library catalogue.
Expected length: 20-30 minutes
Explore the online resources and apps that the public library provides, customized to your needs! Library staff will demonstrate resources that are great for school, work, or home, such as CloudLibrary, Hoopla, LinkedIn Learning, and Flipster.
Expected length: 30-45 minutes
In this hands-on, station-based workshop students will be introduced to a variety of STEM resources for their age group and learn about coding, circuitry, engineering, and more.
Expected length: 30-60 minutes
Dive into this hands-on workshop to explore the world of poetry via your choice of book spine poetry or blackout poetry activities. We recommend allotting 60 minutes if the blackout poetry activity is selected.
Expected length: 30 minutes. Offered during May and June only.
Learn about the library’s annual Summer Reading Club to encourage reading and literacy skills to avoid the summer slump.
Can’t make it to us? We’ll come to your school for a Summer Reading Club interactive presentation. Presentations can be for one class or assemblies.
Expected length: 20-30 minutes
Make the library a regular fixture in school life with a monthly trip to your local branch. Each visit will allow students to explore the library, including topics such as how to search the catalogue for fiction and non-fiction, interact with library digital collections, and discover exciting resources such as new books, STEM materials, and more. We’ll work with educators to map out a series of topics that works for your class.
Book Your Group Visit
Educators and organizations are encouraged to complete the Group Visit Booking form to request a visit. St. Catharines Public Library staff are able to book visits with at least two weeks' notice, based on staffing availability. Some requested library branch locations may be unable to accommodate a visit based on group size. Library membership cards are available for students upon request.
Click here to submit your Group Visit request
Educator Memberships
Educator memberships are available to educators currently working or living in St. Catharines. This includes Kindergarten to Grade 12 classroom teachers in public and private schools and licenced daycare employees. The membership allows educators to borrow library items for an extended period. Name identification and address verification as per Adult Card Registration and proof of educator status is required. Please call 905-688-6103 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more information.
