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.
Literacy and Language Learning
Conversemos en Español - Let's Chat in Spanish
April 30th: 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.
Tech Connect
Tech Connect Appointment
May 1st: 02:00 PM - 02:45 PM
McCormick Branch
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 1st: 02:30 PM - 03:15 PM
John M. Harper Branch
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.
Outdoors
Past, Present, and Possible: Exploring Waterloo Park
May 2nd: 12:30 PM - 01:30 PM
Main Library
Age Group: Adults 19+
Drop-in
About this Event
Step into the heart of the city with Past, Present, and Possible: Exploring Waterloo Park with the City of Waterloo Museum and the Waterloo Public Library Ellis Little Local History Room. This guided journey invites you to walk through the park’s storied landscape, uncovering how this green space has shaped our community for generations. Together, we’ll reflect on what the park means to you today and envision the exciting possibilities for its future. Join us to experience Waterloo Park not just as a destination, but as a living piece of our shared history.
Socials and Clubs
Chinese Social Club 滑铁卢图书馆华人俱乐部
May 2nd: 01:00 PM - 03:30 PM
John M. Harper Branch
Age Group: Older Adults
Registration required
About the Program
Connect, share, and socialize in Chinese (mostly is Mandarin) at our Chinese Social Club! This friendly drop-in program offers a welcoming space for Chinese-speaking adults and seniors to enjoy casual conversations, cultural activities, games, and light refreshments.
Outdoors
Nature Mindfulness Walk
May 2nd: 02:00 PM - 03:30 PM
McCormick Branch
Age Group: Older Adults
Registration required
About the Program
This gentle outdoor program invites you to slow down, reconnect with nature, and enjoy some peaceful time in your community. We’ll take a guided mindfulness walk through nearby forest trails, using all our senses to notice the sights, sounds, and feelings around us.
Tech Connect
Tech Connect Appointment
May 4th: 10:00 AM - 10:45 AM
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 4th: 11:00 AM - 11:45 AM
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.
Socials and Clubs
Music Mondays
May 4th: 02:00 PM - 03:00 PM
McCormick Branch
Age Group: Older Adults
Registration required
About the Program
Join us for a low‑pressure, joy‑filled music‑making session with a friendly group of peers. Each gathering features a curated mix of songs—both old favorites and new discoveries—selected by Grace (your host), with help from group suggestions and a lifetime of inspiration from her parents’ record collection.
Crafts and Hobbies
Painting: Beyond the Brush
May 4th: 06:30 PM - 08:00 PM
John M. Harper Branch
Age Group: Adults 19+
Waitlisted
About the Program
Get ready to let loose and paint outside the lines - literally! Each participant will receive a canvas, paint, and a collection of fun, non-traditional tools to create their masterpiece (think sponges, forks, string, and more). This relaxed, judgment-free session is all about play, creativity, and experimenting with colour - no art experience required.
