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!
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.
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!
TD Kids’ Summer Reading Club starts Monday, June 22nd, 2026, at the Sault Ste. Marie Public Library!
Kids aged 12 and under can sign up for the Ocean Quest Reading Club and complete reading challenges at their own pace to earn Ocean Quest cards and trade them in for prizes.
Visit either library location for more information and to sign up for this fun, free program.
Visit the Children’s Department at the James L. McIntyre Centennial Library (50 East St.) for free, drop-in crafts all summer, from June 29th to August 29th.
Drop in during opening hours – no registration required. There will be a new craft every week!
In July & August, drop in to the Children’s Department at the James L. McIntyre Centennial Library anytime during opening hours to try our weekly LEGO challenge and be entered in a draw for a great LEGO prize!
This program is offered in partnership with Kiwanis of Lakeshore and Kiwanis Aktion Club.
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.
