Books & Audiobooks
May 4-10, 2026 is Mental Health Week in Canada. Founded in 1951 by the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA), Mental Health Week offers practical ways to maintain and improve our mental health as well as practical solutions to support recovery from mental illness.
This year’s theme is “Come Together, Canada.” This Mental Health Week, CMHA is inviting you to connect with your community and yourself! Together, we can strengthen belonging, reduce isolation, and support well-being, because connection strengthens mental health.
Join us in reflecting on how we can support one another and ourselves; browse our curated list of suggested reads and resources below to get started.
Programs & Events
Strengthen connections and combat isolation through creative, educational and engaging programs.
Socials and Clubs
Seniors Social Club
May 6th: 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
McCormick Branch
Age Group: Older Adults
Registration required
About the Program
Come and join the fun at our Seniors Social Club! Sip on hot tea or coffee while enjoying lively conversations, plenty of laughs, and the chance to meet new friends in a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
Socials and Clubs
Special Seniors Social Club
May 6th: 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Main Library
Age Group: Older Adults
Registration required
About the Program
Join us for a special Seniors Social Club with ClimateActionWR! Climate change isn’t a distant issue - it’s already shaping communities across Waterloo Region. The good news is that there are many ways people can be part of the solution.
Tech Connect
Tech Connect Appointment
May 6th: 02:00 PM - 02:45 PM
Main Library
Age Group: Older Adults
Waitlisted
About Tech Connect
During this personalized one-on-one technology session, a Tech Coach will help you build your digital skills and knowledge using your laptop, tablet or mobile device. Select the topic that you want to learn about such as Waterloo Public Library's online resources, using email or navigating the internet.
Tech Connect
Tech Connect Appointment
May 6th: 03:00 PM - 03:45 PM
Main Library
Age Group: Older Adults
Waitlisted
About Tech Connect
During this personalized one-on-one technology session, a Tech Coach will help you build your digital skills and knowledge using your laptop, tablet or mobile device. Select the topic that you want to learn about such as Waterloo Public Library's online resources, using email or navigating the internet.
Literacy and Language Learning
English Conversation Circle
May 6th: 06:30 PM - 08:00 PM
McCormick Branch
Age Group: Adults 19+
Drop-in
About the Program
Practice your conversational English and meet new people with the YMCA Immigrant Services. This program is open to all English levels.
Crafts and Hobbies
Bookish Collage Creations
May 6th: 07:00 PM - 08:00 PM
John M. Harper Branch
Age Group: Adults 19+
Waitlisted
About the Program
Give old books new life through art! Use a mix of art supplies and recycled book pages to create unique and expressive collages. Cut, layer, and arrange words and images to make something entirely your own. All supplies provided - no experience required.
Socials and Clubs
20s & 30s Unfinished Objects (U.F.O.) Club
May 7th: 06:00 PM - 07:30 PM
Eastside Branch
Age Group: Adults 19+
Registration required
About the Program
Set aside dedicated time and space to finally finish those almost-done projects or crafts you’ve had on the back burner. Enjoy peer support and socialize with fellow creatives as you make progress at your own pace in a cozy, low-key setting. Bring your own work or project; basic tools, electrical outlets, and light refreshments will be available. If you’d like to bring your own tools or equipment, you’re welcome to—just be mindful of the shared space and stick to quiet tools.
Tech Connect
Tech Connect Appointment
May 7th: 06:00 PM - 06:45 PM
Main Library
Age Group: Older Adults
Waitlisted
About Tech Connect
During this personalized one-on-one technology session, a Tech Coach will help you build your digital skills and knowledge using your laptop, tablet or mobile device. Select the topic that you want to learn about such as Waterloo Public Library's online resources, using email or navigating the internet.
Literacy and Language Learning
Conversemos en Español - Let's Chat in Spanish
May 7th: 07:00 PM - 08:00 PM
John M. Harper Branch
Age Group: Adults 19+
Waitlisted
About the Program
Under the direction of a Spanish teacher, practice conversational Spanish, meet other Spanish speakers and make new friends. A basic knowledge of Spanish is necessary in order to be able to participate.
Socials and Clubs
2SLGBTQIA+ Reading Circle
May 7th: 07:00 PM - 08:00 PM
Main Library
Age Group: Adults 19+
Registration required
About the Program
Join WPL and SPECTRUM for a reading circle for 2SLGBTQIA+ folks and allies that takes less commitment than a book club. We'll have different readings (short stories, essays, poetry, etc) that we will read together and then discuss. No preparation needed! The readings will explore 2SLGBTQIA+ topics and/or be written by 2SLGBTQIA+ writers.
