PARKING NOTICE: Due to a career fair at RIM Park on Wednesday, September 23, the parking lot at the Eastside Branch may be busier than usual between 9:00am – 4:00pm.

Roots & Shoots

Discover how local teens are creating positive change through sustainability, community initiatives, and hands-on learning.

A teen volunteer steams clothing for the community closet program.
A teen from the Roots & Shoots team helps to clean up the pollinator garden at the Eastside Branch

What is Roots & Shoots?

We’re proud to be part of Roots & Shoots, a global youth leadership program founded by the Jane Goodall Institute that empowers young people to make a positive difference for people, animals, and the environment.

Thanks to a grant from the Jane Goodall Institute, supported by Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada Inc., we’ve been working with members of our Teen Events Team to bring new programs and community initiatives to life. Our teen volunteers have shared their ideas, passions, and creativity to help shape projects focused on sustainability, environmental action, and community wellbeing.

Programs

Over the next two years, Roots & Shoots will bring more than 20 programs to the library, exploring topics like sustainability, textile conservation, native plants, and environmental action. Check out upcoming programs below.
Lifelong Learning

Fall Seed Saving

September 24th: 06:30 PM - 07:30 PM
Eastside Branch
Age Group: Older Adults
Registration required

About the Program

Discover the art and importance of fall seed saving in this informative presentation led by Bob Wildfong, Executive Director of Seeds of Diversity Canada. Learn how thoughtful garden planning and planting practices support successful seed collection, and explore why saving seeds plays a vital role in preserving biodiversity and strengthening our food systems. Whether you’re new to gardening or looking to deepen your knowledge, this session will equip you with practical tips and inspiration for your own garden.

Learn more
Arts & Crafts

Crafting with Creativebug: Mindful Mending

October 28th: 02:30 PM - 03:30 PM
Eastside Branch
Age Group: Older Adults
Registration required

About the Program

Learn how to access and make the most of Creativebug, the library’s online arts and crafts resource, in this hands-on introductory session! We’ll walk through how to log in, browse classes, and start projects from home.

Learn more
Arts & Crafts

Crafting with Creativebug: Mindful Mending

November 4th: 02:30 PM - 03:30 PM
Eastside Branch
Age Group: Older Adults
Registration required

About the Program

Learn how to access and make the most of Creativebug, the library’s online arts and crafts resource, in this hands-on introductory session! We’ll walk through how to log in, browse classes, and start projects from home.

Learn more
Socials and Clubs

Crafting with Creativebug: Needle Felting

November 11th: 02:30 PM - 03:30 PM
Eastside Branch
Age Group: Older Adults
Registration required

About the Program

Learn how to access and make the most of Creativebug, the library’s online arts and crafts resource, in this hands-on introductory session! We’ll walk through how to log in, browse classes, and start projects from home.

Learn more
Socials and Clubs

Crafting with Creativebug: Needle Felting

November 18th: 02:30 PM - 03:30 PM
Eastside Branch
Age Group: Older Adults
Registration required

About the Program

Learn how to access and make the most of Creativebug, the library’s online arts and crafts resource, in this hands-on introductory session! We’ll walk through how to log in, browse classes, and start projects from home.

Learn more

Community Closet

The WPL Community Closet is a free, thrift-inspired pop-up where anyone can browse and take clothing at no cost. Created by our Roots & Shoots team, the Community Closet encourages clothing reuse, reduces textile waste, and helps make clothing more accessible throughout our community.

Before each event, we’ll collect clean, gently used clothing donations, which volunteers and library staff will sort, organize, and prepare for shopping. The Community Closet will visit each library location over the next two years.

Community Closet Events

  • September 2026 – Eastside Branch
  • December 2026 – Main Library
  • March 2027 – McCormick Branch
  • June 2027 – John M. Harper Branch
  • September 2027 – Eastside Branch

*dates and locations are subject to change

A close up of racks of clothing.
Staff and teen volunteers in the Naturespace at the Eastside Branch during Community Green Day in September 2026

Community Green Day: Roots and Shoots Launch

The Community Green Day in September 2026 marked a strong start to our Roots & Shoots project, bringing the community together to support local pollinators and create lasting environmental impact.

Together, participants planted a variety of native, pollinator-friendly flowers selected for their ability to thrive in Southern Ontario, return year after year, and provide food sources for bees, butterflies, moths, birds, and other beneficial species throughout the seasons. Beyond adding beauty to our shared spaces, these new plantings will help strengthen local ecosystems and contribute to a healthier future for pollinators.

On Community Green Day:

  • We welcomed over 186 participants;
  • We planted 60 new native plants in the pollinator garden with the help of the community;
  • Participants shopped the clothing racks for free and we rehomed 200+ articles of donated clothing.

The Impact

“I got to work with a team that shares a passion for the environment. It was especially cool to see our ideas come to life and make a positive impact in our community.”
– Harper

“We collaborated with a team and got to learn more about native dye plants and other strategies to help support the environment.”
– Tayyabah

“Participating was a great opportunity to collaborate as a team to develop our own outreach program from start to finish, while helping our community and the environment around us. I enjoyed working with other teens to develop our own Community Closet, inspired by our shared interests in sustainability and fashion. I’m excited to see how our idea for a library thrift store will benefit both our community and the environment around us.”
– Brynn

Interested in more green initiatives at the library?

Learn more about our seed library, outdoor gardening opportunities, pollinator garden, and hydroponic indoor growing towers.

Get Growing