We offer a variety of literacy based programming for children of all ages throughout the year. Our goal is to inspire a love of reading in young children while having fun!
Get ready to catch the Hogwarts Express and join us for Back to Hogwarts Week at the James L. McIntyre Centennial Library (50 East St.) from Monday, August 31st to Saturday, September 5th, 2026! Kids of all ages and their caregivers are invited to drop in during opening hours to get sorted into their Hogwarts House and prepare for another magical school year. No registration is required for this free drop-in event. For more information, please contact the Children’s Department at: 705-759-5241.
There will be lots of fun, singing, shakers and scarves!
Designed for the youngest library users and their parents or caregivers, Baby Time is a great way to introduce young children to the library, to begin a love of books, and to help children develop into lifelong learners. This session will run for 4 weeks from Thursday, September 24th to Thursday, October 15th from 10:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at the James L. McIntyre Centennial Library, 50 East Street.
This 30 minute program is for caregivers and babies aged 0 to 12 months. Registration for the upcoming session opens Thursday, September 3rd at 9:00am: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/1996813253193?aff=oddtdtcreator
Please call the Children's Desk at 705-759-5241 for more information.
Please note: each participating child or their responsible adult must have a valid Sault Ste. Marie Public Library card in order to register for this program. Please have your card ready, as the card number is required during registration.
Generously sponsored by:
The Dove Real Beauty workshop for girls is a fun, educational and interactive program for young girls ages 6-10.
The Dove Real Beauty workshop for girls is a fun, educational and interactive program for young girls ages 6-10 and their adult female mentors that encourages girls and women everywhere to embrace a more positive image of themselves, both inside and out.
Online registration begins September 2nd, 2026: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/dove-real-beauty-september-23rd-2026-centennial-library-tickets-1998423762269?aff=oddtdtcreator
The event will be held on Wednesday September 23rd, 2026 at the James L McIntyre Centennial Library (50 East St) This program is generously sponsored by Zonta Club of Sault Ste. Marie Area.
Spaces are limited! Please call 705-759-5241 for more information.
Please note: each participating child or their responsible adult must have a valid Sault Ste. Marie Public Library card in order to register for this program. Please have your card ready, as the card number is required during registration.
No library card? Don’t worry – it’s easy to sign up for your FREE membership! The fastest way to get a card is to visit one of our library locations with photo ID and proof of address. You can also sign up for a card through our website: https://ssmpl.ca/using-ssmpl/get-a-library-card/ Please allow up to 5 business days for us to process your online registration.
Baby Picasso is a 4-session program that introduces young children 6-12 months old to experiences that integrate music, art, literacy, and sensory stimulation. The program will take place on Monday mornings, starting October 19 to November 9, 2026, from 10:00 to 10:45 a.m. at the James L. McIntyre Centennial Library (50 East St). Babies will have the opportunity to create art using food products such as pudding and pasta.
The program is limited to 12 babies. Please note: one caregiver must attend with each child registered.
Registration begins Monday, September 28, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. Follow this link to register on Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/baby-picasso-october-2026-centennial-library-tickets-1998447061959?aff=oddtdtcreator
Get up and get moving with Toddler Time! The Centennial Library is offering a session of Toddler Time on Monday mornings from 10:00-10:30 a.m. starting Wednesday October 21st to December 2nd, 2026.
Registration begins September 30th, 2026 @ 9:00am: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/toddler-time-fall-2026-tickets-1999696830049?aff=oddtdtcreator
This program is open to children 13 to 29 months of age. Space is limited.
Through stories, songs and fun, toddlers develop skills and caregivers learn how to encourage and support learning.
Note: Library card required for registration.
This program is generously sponsored by Zonta Club of Sault Ste. Marie area.
DROP OFF ANYTIME DURING OPERATIONAL HOURS AT THE CENTENNIAL LIBRARY, 50 EAST STREET SEPT 1 thru OCT 1.
Got old Halloween costumes? Donate them between September 1st thru October 1st for our Costume Swap on October 3rd!
Let's keep Halloween fun, affordable, and eco-friendly!
The Sault Ste. Marie Public Library is inviting families to get into the Halloween spirit while giving gently used costumes a new life at its upcoming Costume Swap on Saturday, October 3, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Centennial Library.
Ahead of the event, the Centennial Library will be accepting donations of new and gently used Halloween costumes and accessories from September 1 through October 1, 2026. Donations can be dropped off in the Children's Department during regular library operating hours.
At the Costume Swap, attendees can simply come to the Centennial Library, browse the available selection, and choose costumes and accessories to take home - FREE of charge. There is no need to bring a costume to participate!
Please note: All donations must be received before the swap. The library will not be accepting costume donations or "swaps" on the day of the event.
The Costume Swap is a great opportunity for families to find something fun for Halloween while helping costumes and accessories find a new home and reducing waste. Last year we had nearly 200 costumes rehomed and reused. We look forward to helping even more families save time and money this spooky season !
Event Details
What: Costume Swap
When: Saturday, October 3, 2026 | 1:00–3:00 p.m.
Where: Centennial Library
Costume Donations: September 1–October 1, 2026
Drop-off Location: Children's Department at the Centennial Library 50 East Street, during regular operating hours
Come browse, choose a costume, and get ready for Halloween!
Kids and their caregivers are invited to drop in for LEGO My Library at the James L. McIntyre Centennial Library (50 East St.) on Sunday afternoons, starting September 13th, 2026, between 2:00 and 4:00 p.m. for LEGO challenges and free-building time. Please note the new day and time! This program will run weekly until November 29, 2026, resuming in the new year on January 10, 2027.
LEGO My Library is offered in partnership with Kiwanis of Lakeshore and Kiwanis Aktion Club of Lakeshore.
Surprise Reads for Kids
Surprise Reads for Kids is a monthly subscription with books picked just for kids, based on what they like to read! Each month, we’ll select 3 books for your child, check them out to you, package them for pick-up, and contact you to let you know your Surprise Reads are ready! Note: a valid library card is required to subscribe.
Fill out our online survey (1 survey per child – choose from Picture Book, Learning-to-Read, EZ Reader, or Middle Grade) by following the links below:
Surprise Reads Picture Book Subscription
Surprise Reads Learning-to-Read Subscription
Surprise Reads EZ Reader Subscription (Approx. Gr. 2-4)
Surprise Reads Middle Grade Subscription
The best part, it’s free and we do the work!
Forest of Reading Award Program
The Forest of Reading Award Programs are where children and young adults pick the winner! Readers choose a program that they would like to be a part of, usually based on their age or grade, and simply begin reading! They can read all ten of the titles, or pick and choose to read only the ones they are interested in. Participants are encouraged to read at least five of the ten titles to be eligible to vote in April. This program aims to encourage a genuine and life-long love of reading among readers of all ages.
