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 12th: 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 12th: 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.
Tech Connect
Tech Connect Appointment
May 12th: 03:00 PM - 03:45 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.
Writing
Open Mic Poetry Night
May 12th: 06:30 PM - 08:30 PM
Main Library
Age Group: Adults 19+
Waitlisted
About the Program
Join us in a welcoming, judgment-free space for another special evening of poetry and connection. Whether you’re a seasoned poet or sharing your work for the very first time, this is your chance to present original writing in a supportive atmosphere. Prefer to simply listen and soak in the words? That’s perfectly fine too, everyone is welcome.
Socials and Clubs
Creative Art Studio
May 12th: 06:30 PM - 08:30 PM
John M. Harper Branch
Age Group: Older Adults
Waitlisted
About the Program
Enjoy this beginner‑friendly art program for adults who want to explore sketching, watercolour painting, and acrylic painting in a supportive, social setting. Each session offers guided time to experiment with basic techniques, materials, and colour, while leaving plenty of room for personal creativity.
Special Events
An Evening with Kim Echlin and Ray Robertson
May 12th: 07:00 PM - 08:00 PM
Eastside Branch
Age Group: Adults 19+
Registration required
About the Event
Join authors Kim Echlin and Ray Robertson for a conversation about truth, storytelling, and independent thinking in turbulent times. In Tell Others, Storytelling in a World of Turmoil, Echlin explores how stories help us resist silence and make meaning in a troubled world, while in The Right to Be Wrong, Robertson champions the importance of open dialogue and the freedom to disagree. Together, their books offer powerful reflections on how we speak, listen, and seek understanding today.
Socials and Clubs
Seniors Social Club
May 13th: 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
Majestic Tiles (Mahjong) Club
May 13th: 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Main Library
Age Group: Older Adults
Waitlisted
About the Program
Step into the world of strategy, skill, and tradition with the Majestic Tiles Club! Whether you're brand new to Mahjong or a seasoned player, this friendly group is the perfect place to learn, play, and connect.
Arts
Hand Lettering Basics: Block Letters
May 13th: 02:00 PM - 03:30 PM
John M. Harper Branch
Age Group: Older Adults
Registration required
About the Program
Discover the fun of expressing words through art! In this beginner‑friendly hand lettering program for older adults, you’ll learn how to turn simple writing into eye‑catching illustrated letters. We’ll start with classic block lettering and explore the differences between clean, modern styles and more traditional or decorative serif styles.
Tech and Tools
Digital Decluttering
May 13th: 02:30 PM - 04:00 PM
Eastside Branch
Age Group: Older Adults
Registration required
About the Program
Take some dedicated time to simplify your digital life in this relaxed, supportive program for older adults. With guidance from staff, you’ll learn practical ways to organize, refresh, and feel more confident using your device.
