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 19th: 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM
John M. Harper Branch
Age Group: Older Adults
Drop-in
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.
Tech Connect
Tech Connect Appointment
May 19th: 01:30 PM - 02:15 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.
Special Events
A Discussion with Christine Fischer Guy and Antanas Sileika
May 19th: 07:00 PM - 08:00 PM
Eastside Branch
Age Group: Adults 19+
Registration required
About the Event
Join authors Christine Fischer Guy and Antanas Sileika for an engaging conversation about creativity, identity, and resilience in politically charged worlds. Their newest novels explore how art can become both a refuge and a quiet act of resistance.
Socials and Clubs
Seniors Social Club
May 20th: 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
Chinese Conversation Circle
May 20th: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Main Library
Age Group: Older Adults
Registration required
About the Program
Practice speaking Mandarin in a relaxed and friendly environment! This conversation group is perfect for anyone looking to improve their Chinese language skills through casual discussions, cultural topics, and guided practice. Whether you're a beginner or looking to brush up on your fluency, all levels are welcome.
Lifelong Learning
Hand Lettering Basics: 3D Letters
May 20th: 02:00 PM - 03:30 PM
John M. Harper Branch
Age Group: Older Adults
Waitlisted
About the Program
Turn words into art in this beginner‑friendly hand lettering program for older adults. In this session, we'll learn and practice the basics of 3D lettering.
Literacy and Language Learning
English Conversation Circle
May 20th: 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.
Socials and Clubs
Clay Lip Balm Caddy Keychains
May 20th: 07:00 PM - 08:00 PM
John M. Harper Branch
Age Group: Teens
Waitlisted
About the Program
Create something cute and practical! Design and sculpt a one-of-a-kind clay keychain container to keep your lip balm close at hand. Use your imagination to craft an accessory that shows off your personal style—fun, bold, quirky, or totally unique. In week one, you’ll sculpt your design; in week two, you’ll paint and finish it. Best of all? You’ll never lose your lip balm again!
Socials and Clubs
Living with Loss Peer Support Group
May 20th: 07:00 PM - 08:45 PM
Main Library
Age Group: Adults 19+
Drop-in
About the Program
Living With Loss is a peer grief support group for adults 18+ which provides a space to connect with others who are grieving a death. You do not have to attend every group session, but can select the sessions that suit your specific needs. You are welcome to join at any phase of your grief and attend for as long as you need the support.
Outdoors
Planting for Pollinators
May 21st: 06:00 PM - 07:15 PM
Eastside Branch
Age Group: Older Adults
Registration required
About the Program
Celebrate World Bee Day with an introduction to WPL’s honeybee hives and local pollinators! Discover fascinating facts about bees, butterflies, birds, and other pollinators, and learn how to attract them to your garden, balcony, or patio with native flowers and shrubs. Explore and interact with the pollinator and sensory gardens in the Naturespace for a fun, educational experience.
