PARKING NOTICE: Parking at the Eastside Branch will be significantly impacted by the Ontario Volleyball Championships taking place at RIM Park during the month of April. Click here to see exact the dates and find more info about how you can still enjoy the library’s services during this time.

 

HOLIDAY CLOSURE: All WPL locations will be CLOSED on Friday, April 18, Sunday, April 20 and Monday, April 21 for the Easter holidays.

Celebrating Earth Day on April 22, 2025

Apr 16, 2025 - Waterloo Public Library
Read / Watch List
Special Day or Month of Significance

Earth Day is celebrated around the world every year on April 22; it is a global movement dedicated to environmental protection, sustainability, and climate action. Since its inception in 1970, Earth Day has grown into a powerful reminder of the urgent need to care for our planet. From tree-planting initiatives to clean-up campaigns and climate advocacy, this day encourages individuals, communities, and organizations to take meaningful action.

Read on to learn about how WPL can help you be more environmentally conscious.

Get Growing

As part of our focus on helping the community build environmental literacy skills, WPL is thrilled to offer new initiatives at the library that provide opportunities for people of all ages to learn more about food production and food sustainability, along with increased awareness around caring for the environment.

Visit our Get Growing page to learn more about:

  • Naturespace Garden Boxes
  • Grow Towers
  • Seed Library
Group of kindergarten kids learning gardening outdoors

Reading List

Intervention Earth: Life-saving Ideas From the World’s Top Climate Engineers
Gwynne Dyer
Wildlife Crossings of Hope: Connecting Creatures Around the Globe
Teddi Chichester Bonca
The Nature of Our Cities: Harnessing the Power of the Natural World to Survive a Changing Planet
Nadina Galle
Bompa's Insect Expedition
David Suzuki
Sustained: Creating a Sustainable House Through Small Changes, Money-saving Habits, and Natural Solutions
Candice Batista
Ary's Tree
Deborah Kerbel
DIY Thrift Flip: Sewing Techniques for Transforming Old Clothes Into Fun, Wearable Fashions
April Yang
Bird, Bee & Bug Houses: Homes and Habitats for Garden Wildlife
Susie Behar
The Darkness Manifesto: On Light Pollution, Night Ecology, and the Ancient Rhythms That Sustain Life
Johan Eklöf
Afloat
Kirli Saunders
Carbon: The Book of Life
Paul Hawken
Ganesha Goes Green
Lakshmi Thamizhmani
Medicine Wheel for the Planet: A Journey Toward Personal and Ecological Healing
Dr. Jennifer Grenz
How to Help a Hare and Protect a Polar Bear: 50 Simple Things You Can Do For Our Planet!
Jess French
The Heat Will Kill You First: Life and Death on a Scorched Planet
Jeff Goodell
Loop de Loop: Circular Solutions for a Waste-free World
Andrea Curtis
Dispersals: On Plants, Borders, and Belonging
Jessica J. Lee
Let's Get Creative: Art for a Healthy Planet
Jessica Rose
The Climate Change-resilient Vegetable Garden: How to Grow Food in a Changing Climate
Kim Stoddart
Outdoor Farm, Indoor Farm
Lindsay H. Metcalf

Cool Things to Borrow

Many items in our Cool Things to Borrow collection can inspire or support a more environmentally-conscious lifestyle.

Bike Locks

If you’re biking to the library and need to secure your bike, we offer bike locks for you to borrow while you are visiting the library.
Nordic Walking Poles

Nordic Walking Poles can enhance your hiking experience while promoting fitness and stability.
Explore Nature Kits

Use our Explore Nature Kits to discover and appreciate the nature that surrounds us.

Bike Repair Tool Kits

Our bike repair kits contain all the tools to help you keep your bike in perfect working order, perform routine maintenance, and do repairs and upgrades.
Pedometers

Planning to walk more? Borrow one of our pedometers to track your steps.

Park Passes

Borrow a pass to explore beautiful natural parks and spaces in Ontario.

Earth Day 2025 in Waterloo Park

Celebrate Earth Day with Friends of Waterloo Park at their 3rd annual event in Waterloo Park.
Learn about the environment and take part in a community clean-up.

Saturday, April 26, 2025
10 am – 12 pm

Learn More
Waterloo Public Library

WPL’s Check It Out blog is your go-to destination for all things literary, curated with care by your trusted library staff. With insightful book reviews, reading suggestions, helpful resources and more, we’re here to inspire and guide you on your journey through all that the library has to offer.