April 2025
CKPL Grow
Spring Seed Library
 
All CKPL branches offer a variety of vegetable, herb and flower seeds for residents to grow. Now that growing season is here, don’t miss out! 
 
CKPL’s Seed Library provides free seeds for residents to borrow so they can grow healthy gardens, have access to affordable food, and create beautiful spaces in their own backyards and communities. What do you need to check out seeds?  All you need is a valid CKPL library card!
 
Chatham-Kent Public Library is also looking for donations of any seed varieties for the Seed Library. Residents are also encouraged to save seeds from their gardens this year and donate them to CKPL to be used again next season.  CKPL Grows Seed Library have been supported thus far in part by generous local growers donating their seeds.
 
Featured Programs
Blenheim Branch
Spring into Fun

10:00 am to 3:00 pm | Drop-in
 
Say goodbye to winter and put a little spring in your step! Drop in to the library for activities and crafts celebrating spring. All ages.
Bothwell Branch
Explore the World of Minecraft 

April 4 and 5
10:00 am to 1:00 pm | Drop-in
 
Enjoy Minecraft themed crafts, activities and play Minecraft on the Playstation 4. Avoid the mobs and see if you can find diamonds around the branch! Ages 4+. 
Chatham Branch
Gardening Fun
10:00 am to 5:00 pm | Drop-in

Be a gardener for the day! Make a daffodil craft, do a scavenger hunt and play in our garden theme sensory bin.  
Dresden Branch
Trains!

10:00 am to 3:00 pm | Drop-in

We’re wild about trains. Train crafts, train scavenger hunt and train challenges will be available all day. Thomas the Train and all his friends will definitely be out. All ages welcome. 
Highgate Branch
Get Ready for Earth Day 

10:00 am to 3:00 PM | Drop-in
 
Paint a salt-dough earth ornament. All ages. 
Ridgetown Branch
Super Mario World! 

12:00 to 5:00 pm | Drop-in
 
Switch It Up! Enjoy Super Mario video games, crafts, and activities. Nintendo Switch & Wii will be available to play so bring a friend or family member and challenge them to a game! Ages 4 +. 
Wallaceburg Branch
It’s Raining Cats and Dogs!

10:00 am to 4:00 pm | Drop-in
 
Join us for crafts, scavenger hunts and more as cat and dog activities rain down in Wallaceburg. All ages. 
Wallaceburg Branch
Jigsaw Puzzle Race 
Tuesday, April 15 | 2:00 pm
 
Register your group of 4 people to compete against other teams. Each team receives a
500-piece puzzle and the first to complete it wins! Registration required.
 
CKPL's Program Calendar
CKPL's Program Calendar

Visit CKPL's Program Calendar to browse the complete listing of library programs for all ages!
 
Adult Programs
CK Reads
 
Join Chatham-Kent’s largest community-wide book club! Through discussions and programs, CK Reads hopes to bring the community closer together through a shared love of reading.  
 
For the 2025 CK Reads program a new title will be celebrated and discussed each season. CKPL's spring selection is "Blackwater Falls" by Ausma Zehanat Khan.
 
2025 CK Reads titles:
  • Winter Selection- "Serviceberry" by Robin Wall Kimmerer 
  • Spring Selection- “Blackwater Falls” by Ausma Zehanat Khan
  • Summer Selection- “Sophie Go's Lonely Hearts Club” by Roselle Lim
  • Fall Selection- “The Department of Rare Books and Special Collections” by Eva Jurczyk
CK Reads book club meetings will be offered quarterly. The second meeting to discuss “Blackwater Falls" will take place on Tuesday, June 17 at 6:30 pm at the Chatham Branch.
Drop-in. To find out more about CK Reads programs and events, visit www.ckreads.ca.  
 
Thamesville Branch
Life Writing 
Wednesdays, April 2 and 16 | 2:00 pm
 
Join us every other Wednesday (April and May) and explore ideas and inspiration for writing about your life - for your own pleasure, to share with friends and family, or to share with a wider audience. Please call the branch to register: 519-692-4251.
Tilbury Branch
Adult Craft Program

Tuesday, April 8 | 6:00 pm 

Join us on the second Tuesday of every month to create a beautiful and fun craft together with all supplies provided.
Please call 519-682-0100 to register.
Chatham Branch
Puzzle Swap
Saturday, April 12 | 10:00 to 11:00 am
 
Participants will receive a voucher for each puzzle they drop off during open hours from April 7 to April 11. Puzzles must have no missing pieces and be in good condition.  Puzzles must be 500+ pieces. Vouchers can be redeemed to "buy" a new puzzle on Saturday, April 12. Only voucher holders will be allowed to participate in the swap.
Chatham Branch 
Robert Frost: The Poet & 14 Poems
Saturday, April 19 | 2:00 pm 
 
Join us for the second event in a series of illustrated talks with Clair Culliford of The Veranda Presents. In this talk, Clair will share a few of his favourite Robert Frost poems as well as some facts about this great American poet.
Chatham Branch
Make it at Your Library- DIY Tile Coasters
Thursday, April 24 | 6:30 pm
OR
Friday, April 25 | 2:00 pm
 
All supplies provided! Registration required. Please call 519.354.2940 to register.
Chatham Branch
“The Meno Change Diary” with Michaela Cummings 
Saturday, April 26 | 10:30 am  
 
Join author Michaela Cummings as she shares her personal experiences with menopause and talks about her book “The Meno Change Diary”. Michaela will have copies of her book for sale at the event. 
Kid's Programs
Thamesville Branch
Harry the Therapy Dog

Wednesday, April 2 | 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm

Harry the Therapy dog is coming to the branch. Bring the whole family for an evening of stories, games, and lots of cuddles. Registration not required.
Wallaceburg Branch
Reading Buddies 

April 3, 10, 17 and 24
6:00 pm/6:30 pm/7:00pm
 
Reading Buddies offer free 1-on-1 assistance to kids in grade 1 through 6 who’d like to practice reading. Volunteers spend 30-minute appointments encouraging and motivating kids to read with cool books and using literacy-based games and activities. For more information or to register call 519-627-5292.
Tilbury and Wheatley Branches
Make a Custom Button 
Friday, April 4 - Tilbury Branch
10:00 am to 5:00 pm
Saturday, April 5 - Wheatley Branch 10:00 am to 2:00 pm 

Stop by Wheatley and Tilbury branches during open hours for a BUTTON BASH!  Use your creativity and make a button with a message just for you! 
 
Blenheim Branch
Creativity Club

Thursday, April 17 | 3:30 to 4:30 pm
 
Roll up your sleeves and get messy at Creativity Club! Whether you're splattering paint, mixing up experiments or constructing wild creations, this club is hands-on fun! Join us the third Thursday of the month to explore art, building, science and more.
Ridgetown Branch
Sing, Sign and Rhyme with EarlyON 

Wednesday, April 19 | 10:00 am

Discover the key benefits of singing, signing and rhyming to support language and regulation. Ages 0-6. *Registration required thru EarlyON’s website or by calling
1-866-720-7975 for more information.
Tilbury Branch
Earth Day Seed Bomb Program

Tuesday, April 22  | 1:00 to 6:00 pm

Celebrate Earth Day by making a seed ball with wildflower seeds, soil, and clay. Plant your seed bomb at home and watch it bloom! Drop-in.
Ridgetown Branch
Birthday Party Storytime 

Saturday, April 26
10:30 to 11:30 am
 
Scamper in for a paws-atively tail wagging birthday storytime with St. John Ambulance Therapy Dog Harry, his owner Bobbi, and library staff. This is a great opportunity for kids to pet and read to Harry and get more comfortable around dogs. Drop-in, all ages.
Spring Storytimes
Wallaceburg Branch
Spring Storytime  

April 2 to May 7
Wednesdays mornings | 10:30 am
 
Join Miss Stacey for stories, songs and rhymes for children 2 years and older and their caregivers. Registration required.
Blenheim Branch
Family Storytime

Wednesday mornings | 10:30 am
 
Join us for stories, songs and rhymes. Best suited for children 5 years and younger.
Drop-in.
Chatham Branch
Tuesday Storytime 

Tuesday mornings |10:00 am
 
Join us for songs, rhymes, and stories! Best suited to children 5 years and younger.
Drop-in
Chatham Branch
Thursday Storytime 

Thursday mornings |10:00 am
 
Join us for songs, rhymes, and stories! Best suited to children 5 years and younger.
Drop-in.
Chatham Branch
Mother Goose

Wednesday mornings | 10:30 am

 
Songs, rhymes, and stories for children 0 to 18 months and their caregivers. Please bring a blanket to sit on. Room opens at 10:00 am for playtime and socialization. Drop-in.
 
Dresden Branch
Twilight Tales

Thursday evenings | 6:00 PM
 
Each week we have stories, games and challenges for the whole family. Bring your friends. Drop-in.
Ridgetown Branch
Spring Storytime 

April 4 to May 30
Friday mornings | 10:30 am   
 
The library is the place to 'bee' this spring from April 4 to May 30 to enjoy stories and learn songs and rhymes. Ages 0-4 Drop-in
Tilbury Branch
Family Storytime

April 3 to May 8
Thursday mornings | 10:00 am 
 
Join us at the Tilbury Branch for songs, stories, and crafts. Great for children
0 to 6 years. Drop-in
Wallaceburg Branch
Spring Storytime  

April 10 to May 1
Thursdays mornings | 10:30 am
 
Stories, songs and rhymes for children 18 months and older and their caregivers. Registration required.
Teen Programs 
Teen Art Contest 
 
Are you 12 to 18 and passionate about creating art? If so, gear up for our 2025 Teen Art Contest! Four winners will be chosen, one for each category. This year's theme is 'Nature.' The categories are Painting, Drawing, Photography, and Mixed Media.
 
Contest guidelines:
  • This contest is for teens aged 12 to 18.
  • Participants must live in or attend school in Chatham-Kent.
  • Applications can be submitted from March 1 to May 26, and winners will be revealed by the end of June.
  • All artwork must be digitized (.jpg or .png file) and emailed to cklibrary@chatham-kent.ca, along with a completed application form.
  • Applications are available at all Chatham-Kent Public Library branches, or you can download the application form. 
Chatham Branch
Rainbow Read Book Club in Partnership with CK Pride
Tuesday, April 8 | 6:00 to 7:00 pm 
 
Join us every second Tuesday of the month to discuss a Rainbow Reads book of your selection! Participate either in person or online. If you wish to join virtually, registration is required. Email cklibrary@chatham-kent.ca or call 519-354-2940 to register. 
Chatham Branch
National Poetry Month Craft Program
Tween & Teen 
Saturday, April 19 | 1:00 to 2:00 pm 
 
Looking for an exciting way to spend your long weekend? Mark your calendar and come for a creative session where we’ll craft poetry art to celebrate National Poetry Month! Options include: Blackout poetry and DIY collage poetry.
Ridgetown Branch
Teen DIY Fancy Photo Frame
Tuesday, April 22 | 6:00 pm
 
Upcycle a photo frame and make it fancy with found objects. All supplies provided. Ages 9-16. Drop-in.   
Blenheim Branch
T(w)een Tuesdays
Tuesday, April 29 | 6:00 to 7:00 pm
 
Drop-in the last Tuesday of the month for a totally unique hangout where the vibe always changes, but the fun never stops. Try cool activities, meet new friends and make T(w)een Tuesday the highlight of your month.
Library Clubs
Chatham Branch
Tuesday Evenings
6:00 pm to 8:00 pm

 
Play chess in the Chatham Branch Cafe area every Tuesday evening. We provide the boards and pieces and you provide the strategy! No registration. Open to all ages.
Ridgetown Branch
Thursday Evenings
6:00 pm to 8:00 pm 

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. 
Wallaceburg Branch
Tuesdays and Thursdays
5:45 pm to 7:45 pm

 
Drop-in any Tuesday or Thursday night  from 5:45 pm to 7:45 pm. Open to all ages and skill levels. Bring your own board or borrow one from the library. Drop-in.
Wallaceburg Branch
Knitting and Crochet Club

Every Tuesday | 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm
Every Thursday | 1:30 pm to 3:00 pm
 
Do you like to knit or crochet? Join us every Tuesday evening or Thursday afternoon to trade patterns, give suggestions, or learn a new skill. Registration not required.
Chatham Branch
C-K Creative Yarns

Wednesday, April 16
1:30 to 3:30 pm
 
Anyone interested in the yarn arts (knitting, macrame, weaving, crochet, etc.) is welcome to participate No registration required. Learn new techniques, participate in project 'show and tells' and get troubleshooting help.
Tilbury Branch 
Every Thursday

4:00 pm to 7:30 pm
Drop-in | All ages
Wheatley Branch
Every Saturday 

10:00 am to 2:00 pm
Drop-in | All ages
Bothwell Branch
Bothwell Branch monthly book club meets one Monday a month (except July and August) at 7:00 pm. Contact Bothwell Branch for details at 519-695-2844. 
Dresden Branch
BYOB to the Dresden book club. Each month is a different theme and you get to choose which book you'll read. Drop-in.
 
Highgate Branch
Highgate Branch monthly book club meets one Monday a month (except July and August) at 1:00 pm. Contact Highgate Branch for details at 519-678-3313. 
Ridgetown Branch
Ridgetown Branch monthly book club meets the second Thursday of each month (except August) at 6:30 pm. Stop by the branch to register and pick up a copy of the latest book. 
Thamesville Branch
Thamesville Branch monthly book club meets the second Thursday of the month at 11:00 am. Contact Thamesville Branch for details at 519-692-4251. 
Tilbury Branch
The Tilbury Branch Book Club meets the first Tuesday of each month at 6:00 pm. Contact Tilbury Branch for details at 519-682-0100. Next meeting: Tuesday, April 1 at 6:00 pm; reading "James" by Percival Everett.
Virtual Programs
Adult Trivia Night
 
Join us every Wednesday for virtual Trivia Night! Each week CKPL posts 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 post, choose a nickname and enter the game. Don't forget to check back the next day to see how everyone scored!
 
Spice Club
Zoom Meeting
Tuesday, April 29
7:05 pm
 
Add some spice to your life! Register for the Spice Club at Chatham-Kent Public Library. Call 519-354-2940 or text 519-401-7174. Each Spice Club kit includes information about the featured spice, two recipe cards and a sample of the spice. Join us on Zoom for a virtual Spice Club discussion on Tuesday, April 29 at 7:05 pm.
Virtual Library Spotlight
Brainfuse App Now Available!
 
Enjoy free live online homework help, engaging games, practice tests, and endless learning opportunities—wherever you are! With just an internet connection and your library card, access live tutoring from any device! Visit www.ckpl.ca/virtual to get started!
 
Need live homework help?
1. Log on to HelpNow.
2. Click “Live Tutoring”.
3. Select your subject and level.
4. Enter our online classroom to receive expert assistance.
 
Writing a paper?
HelpNow has a Writing Lab! Send your paper to a tutor and receive constructive feedback to help you become a better writer.
 
Preparing for a test?
Visit SkillSurfer to practice academic concepts with our lessons, videos, and practice tests. Take practice tests on the SAT, ACT, GED, Canadian Citizenship, and many 
Study using our Flashcard feature
Flashbulb is our intuitive study tool where you can access and create interactive learning games, quizzes, and flashcards.
 
Going back to school? Want to brush up on academic skills?
Select “Adult Learners” from the menu to access High School Equivalency test prep, Canadian citizenship test prep, resume assistance, Microsoft Office support, and Career Resources.
 
Tuteurs français disponibles
 
Book Club Kits
Book Club Kits at CKPL
 
Hosting your own book club? CKPL has book club kits that contain multiple copies of the same title! Place a hold on book club kit titles in our online catalogue.
 
If you need assistance, please contact Ask CKPL.
 
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