Rockcliffe Park Library Branch
Family Storytime/ Contes en famille
Mondays, Sep 14, 2026 - Dec 28, 2026 - 9:30am - 30 minutes
Stories, rhymes, and songs for children of all ages and a parent or caregiver. Drop-in program. Family English program.
Stories, rhymes, and songs for children of all ages and a parentor caregiver. Drop-in program. Family English program.
Contes en famille. Contes, comptines et chansons pour les enfants de tous âges
RP Rebel Readers - Kids Book Club
Join us as we kickoff the 2026-2027 RP Rebel Readers Book Club at Rockcliffe Park! For our first meeting on Tuesday, 29 Sept at 4:00PM. We will be discussing: The Millicent Quibb School of Etiquette for Young Ladies of Mad Science by Saturday Night Live comedian Kate McKinnon. Click on the book title or the image to place a hold and get your copy.
**Bring at least one suggestion of a book to suggest to the group to read. We will pick our next book to read from your suggestions**
We will meet once a month, on a Tuesday from 4-5PM on these dates: Just register once, for the first date, if you plan to attend every month 27 Oct, 2026; 24 Nov, 2026; 15 Dec, 2026; 26 Jan, 2027; 23 Feb, 2027; 30 Mar, 2027; 27 April, 2027; 25 May, 2027; 15 June, 2027
This book club is for kids ages 9-12 and will be in English. Registration is required as space is limited.
Silent Book Club for Teens - Tuesdays, Sep 22, 2026 - Jun 15, 2027 - 6:30pm
Want to get more reading done but don't want to be alone? Come to silent book club. Bring your own book (of your choice - Novel, graphic novel/manga, non-fiction, whatever!) We'll have snacks, socialize, and spend some time sharing what we're reading. For teens. Silent Book Clubs are all about creating a cozy, pressure-free space where people can read together without the obligation of a structured discussion.
Drop in (no registration required) to see what it's like
RP Acoustic Music Circle
This is a drop-in for musicians ages 16+, to make some music. Bring your acoustic musical instrument - wind, string, keyboard or percussion. (instruments are not provided) This is a great way for local musicians to share their work with the community. This is for emerging artists or bands, who may not have access to traditional venues or performance opportunities and/or for more experienced musicians looking to hone their performance skills, experiment with new material, and test out ideas. This music performance circle can provide exposure to a variety of music genres (classical, jazz, rock, folk, pop, etc.), as well as new and experimental forms. 2026-2027 Schedule Tuesdays from 6:00-7:30PM 2026 8 Sep / 13 Oct / 24 Nov / 8 Dec 2027 12 Jan / 9 Feb / 9 Mar / 13 Apr / 11 May / 8 June
Rockcliffe Park Adult Book Club
Tuesdays, Sep 01, 2026 - Jun 01, 2027 = 1:30pm - 60 minutes
The Rockcliffe Park Book Club gathers to enjoy and discuss a wide variety of books selected by book club members. Please join in to share the enjoyment of good books in a relaxed atmosphere in person, in the afternoon. The group will meet the first Tuesday of every month. The books selected for 2026-7 are as follows: September 1, 2026: The Promise by Damon Galgut; October 6, 2026: On Isabella Street by Genevieve Graham; November 3, 2026: What We Can Know by Ian McEwan; December 1, 2026: My Father's House by Joseph O'Connor; January 5, 2027: Prophet Song by Paul Lynch; February 2, 2027: Liberty Street by Heather Marshall; March 2, 2027: Still Life by Sarah Winman; April 6, 2027: Vanished Beyond the Map by Adam Shoalts; May 4, 2027: This Bright Dust by Nina Berkhout; June 1, 2027: Hotline by Dimitri Nasrallah
MahjongTuesdays, Sep 01, 2026 - Dec 29, 2026 - 1:00pm
120 minutes
Due to popular demand, the Rockcliffe Park branch American Mahjong group will continue to meet weekly through the year! Tuesday afternoons from 1pm to 3pm The branch will provide 2 Mahjong sets. If you have your own, please bring it. You must also bring your own card which you can purchase from the National Mahjong League. Note: It was recommended to purchase from the National Mahjong League as.other purchasing sources have reported fake cards.
All players welcome. No experience needed. There are a number of volunteers to guide those new to the game.
Write with Us!
Wednesdays, Sep 02, 2026 - Dec 30, 2026 - 1:30pm
90 minutes
The Writers Collective of Canada (WCC) and the Rockcliffe Park Branch invite you to join us for our writing workshops: Write With Us! We are all connected through story. Stories have the power to remove barriers of difference and to broaden perspectives. By writing together and listening to others with only positive feedback, we connect with the common humanity that bonds us all. Writers are free to write to whatever genre they desire. We will share and receive feedback on our pieces. Each workshop stands alone so no need to feel that one has missed out. A new writing prompt will be explored each session. WCC believes that every voice deserves to be heard. No experience is necessary.
Martha Hodgson
Public Service Supervisor / Superviseur, services publics
Rockcliffe Park Branch / Succursale Rockcliffe Park
Ottawa Public Library / Bibliothèque public d’Ottawa
[email protected]
613 580 2940
EVENTS IN NEIGHBOURING COMMUNITIES
Beechwood Market season opening - June 6
Ottawa Street Markets launches the return of its Beechwood Market season in New Edinburgh Park, at 203 Stanley Avenue, on June 6. The market continues every Saturday until Oct. 31, from 9 am to 1 pm. For details, please visit ottstreetmarkets.ca
Explore Ottawa's National Cemetery: Free Walking Tours at Beechwood - until mid-October
Beechwood Cemetery has announced a new season of free, volunteer-led historical walking tours. Participants can choose from Eastern or Western routes, each offering fascinating stories about prominent Canadians, military heroes, local history, and the evolution of Beechwood as Canada's National Cemetery. Tours are approximately 90 minutes long, wheelchair accessible, and take place rain or shine. Registration is required, and space is limited. Comfortable footwear, water, and weather-appropriate clothing are recommended. Details: beechwoodottawa.ca
Akoustic live music series - July 15 to September 23
Presented by the Vanier BIA, Akoustik is back for 2026 — 10 Wednesday nights of free live music at St. Charles Market square, July 15 through September 23, from 6 to 8 pm. Twenty-one artists. Ten Wednesdays. One summer-long soundtrack of folk, soul, hip-hop, and everything in between — free and outdoors. Everyone welcome. For the full schedule, please visit vanierbia.com/akoustik.
From Sept. 5 to 7, visitors can explore the State rooms of Rideau Hall at their own pace and visit the private gardens and Palm House, which are not open to the public during regular tours. Guides will be on hand to answer questions about the history of the residence and the role of Canada’s governor general. Details: www.gg.ca
September 11, 2026 - October 18, 2026
Under the Big Top, St. Laurent Shopping Centre,
LUZIA is a vibrant journey through an imaginary Mexico, blending breathtaking acrobatics with stunning visuals, from urban sets to deserts and ocean, showcasing Mexico's rich heritage and modern allure. Refreshing and unexpected, LUZIA enchants by artistically incorporating water into the acrobatic presentation – a first for a Cirque du Soleil touring production. Details: www.cirquedusoleil.com/canada/ottawa/shows
Celebrate What Makes Beechwood Buzz - Sept. 12
BeechFest is back! Beechwood Avenue will come alive with live music, street eats, local art and family fun on Saturday, Sept. 12 from 3 to 9 pm. This year’s festival is expanding, with Beechwood closed from Marier Avenue to Loyer Avenue and festivities extending along St. Charles Street from Beechwood to Barrette Street. Access to local businesses will remain available from nearby side streets. Updates: vanierbia.com/beechfest
Places That Matter in Ward 13 - Submissions due by August 31
Introducing Places That Matter in partnership with theSpace Creative Hub. The Rideau-Rockcliffe Community Resource Centre wants to know what places in Ward 13 matter most to you! This project is a collaboration between theSpace Creative Hub and the Rideau-Rockcliffe Community Resource Centre Community Food Bank. They are inviting community members to share the places in Ward 13 that matter most to them. Spaces of connection, memory, and belonging. Selected submissions will inspire local artists to create original artworks that reflect our community stories. These pieces will be exhibited at the Rideau Community Hub and later auctioned to support both participating artists and the Community Food Bank. Some stories may be featured alongside the artwork. Together, they are turning community stories into art that gives back. To see the boundaries of what is considered Ward 13, please visit www.rideau-rockcliffe.ca/ourward Submissions are welcome at this link by August 31.
The Council on Aging of Ottawa's annual Walk of Ages fundraiser - Sept. 12
Celebrate aging, movement and community at the Council on Aging of Ottawa's Walk of Ages on Sept. 12 from 11 am to 2 pm at the sports field at the Rideau Community Hub, 815 St. Laurent Boulevard. This intergenerational fundraiser brings people together in support of older adults and a more age-friendly Ottawa. Participants can walk or roll the route at their own pace or join the guided Walk This Way option. The event will also feature live music, community booths, family activities, classic cars and a cash BBQ with Halal and vegetarian options. Details: walk-of-ages-2026.raiselysite.com
Donate Your Empties to BottleWorks Ottawa - Sept. 12
BottleWorks Ottawa is accepting donations of empty bottles and cans to support youth facing barriers to employment. The social enterprise, operated by Operation Come Home, provides paid employment, skills development and social supports for young people experiencing homelessness. A bottle drive will take place Saturday, Sept. 12, from 1 to 4 pm at the New Edinburgh Park Fieldhouse, 203 Stanley Avenue. BottleWorks can also arrange pickups from homes and businesses and can issue charitable tax receipts for eligible donations. Learn more at bottleworks.ca or email [email protected].
Heritage Ottawa Walking Tours in Rideau-Rockcliffe Ward - Sept. 13 & Oct. 4
Heritage Ottawa walking tours continue rain or shine this summer with several upcoming opportunities to explore the city’s history. The following tours take place in Rideau-Rockcliffe. For the full schedule and to pre-register, please visit heritageottawa.org/en/2026-walking-tour-season
Canada Army Run - Sept. 20
The Canada Army Run takes place in Ottawa on Sept. 20. Funds generated through the event support the Canadian Armed Forces community. Participants of all abilities and fitness levels are welcome to participate. Run, walk or roll. All races start near Ottawa City Hall and finish beside the National War Memorial. Information about road closures and parking-related impacts will be posted at ottawa.ca/newsroom closer to the date. In Rideau-Rockcliffe Ward, there may be impacts along Sussex Drive, MacKay Street, Dufferin Road, Princess Avenue, Lisgar Road, Rideau Terrace, Corona Avenue, Sir George-Étienne Cartier Parkway, Birch Avenue, Beechwood Avenue and Hemlock Road. Route course information is available at armyrun.ca/in-person.
Family Storytime/ Contes en famille
Mondays, Sep 14, 2026 - Dec 28, 2026 - 9:30am - 30 minutes
Stories, rhymes, and songs for children of all ages and a parent or caregiver. Drop-in program. Family English program.
Stories, rhymes, and songs for children of all ages and a parentor caregiver. Drop-in program. Family English program.
Contes en famille. Contes, comptines et chansons pour les enfants de tous âges
RP Rebel Readers - Kids Book Club
Join us as we kickoff the 2026-2027 RP Rebel Readers Book Club at Rockcliffe Park! For our first meeting on Tuesday, 29 Sept at 4:00PM. We will be discussing: The Millicent Quibb School of Etiquette for Young Ladies of Mad Science by Saturday Night Live comedian Kate McKinnon. Click on the book title or the image to place a hold and get your copy.
**Bring at least one suggestion of a book to suggest to the group to read. We will pick our next book to read from your suggestions**
We will meet once a month, on a Tuesday from 4-5PM on these dates: Just register once, for the first date, if you plan to attend every month 27 Oct, 2026; 24 Nov, 2026; 15 Dec, 2026; 26 Jan, 2027; 23 Feb, 2027; 30 Mar, 2027; 27 April, 2027; 25 May, 2027; 15 June, 2027
This book club is for kids ages 9-12 and will be in English. Registration is required as space is limited.
Silent Book Club for Teens - Tuesdays, Sep 22, 2026 - Jun 15, 2027 - 6:30pm
Want to get more reading done but don't want to be alone? Come to silent book club. Bring your own book (of your choice - Novel, graphic novel/manga, non-fiction, whatever!) We'll have snacks, socialize, and spend some time sharing what we're reading. For teens. Silent Book Clubs are all about creating a cozy, pressure-free space where people can read together without the obligation of a structured discussion.
Drop in (no registration required) to see what it's like
RP Acoustic Music Circle
This is a drop-in for musicians ages 16+, to make some music. Bring your acoustic musical instrument - wind, string, keyboard or percussion. (instruments are not provided) This is a great way for local musicians to share their work with the community. This is for emerging artists or bands, who may not have access to traditional venues or performance opportunities and/or for more experienced musicians looking to hone their performance skills, experiment with new material, and test out ideas. This music performance circle can provide exposure to a variety of music genres (classical, jazz, rock, folk, pop, etc.), as well as new and experimental forms. 2026-2027 Schedule Tuesdays from 6:00-7:30PM 2026 8 Sep / 13 Oct / 24 Nov / 8 Dec 2027 12 Jan / 9 Feb / 9 Mar / 13 Apr / 11 May / 8 June
Rockcliffe Park Adult Book Club
Tuesdays, Sep 01, 2026 - Jun 01, 2027 = 1:30pm - 60 minutes
The Rockcliffe Park Book Club gathers to enjoy and discuss a wide variety of books selected by book club members. Please join in to share the enjoyment of good books in a relaxed atmosphere in person, in the afternoon. The group will meet the first Tuesday of every month. The books selected for 2026-7 are as follows: September 1, 2026: The Promise by Damon Galgut; October 6, 2026: On Isabella Street by Genevieve Graham; November 3, 2026: What We Can Know by Ian McEwan; December 1, 2026: My Father's House by Joseph O'Connor; January 5, 2027: Prophet Song by Paul Lynch; February 2, 2027: Liberty Street by Heather Marshall; March 2, 2027: Still Life by Sarah Winman; April 6, 2027: Vanished Beyond the Map by Adam Shoalts; May 4, 2027: This Bright Dust by Nina Berkhout; June 1, 2027: Hotline by Dimitri Nasrallah
MahjongTuesdays, Sep 01, 2026 - Dec 29, 2026 - 1:00pm
120 minutes
Due to popular demand, the Rockcliffe Park branch American Mahjong group will continue to meet weekly through the year! Tuesday afternoons from 1pm to 3pm The branch will provide 2 Mahjong sets. If you have your own, please bring it. You must also bring your own card which you can purchase from the National Mahjong League. Note: It was recommended to purchase from the National Mahjong League as.other purchasing sources have reported fake cards.
All players welcome. No experience needed. There are a number of volunteers to guide those new to the game.
Write with Us!
Wednesdays, Sep 02, 2026 - Dec 30, 2026 - 1:30pm
90 minutes
The Writers Collective of Canada (WCC) and the Rockcliffe Park Branch invite you to join us for our writing workshops: Write With Us! We are all connected through story. Stories have the power to remove barriers of difference and to broaden perspectives. By writing together and listening to others with only positive feedback, we connect with the common humanity that bonds us all. Writers are free to write to whatever genre they desire. We will share and receive feedback on our pieces. Each workshop stands alone so no need to feel that one has missed out. A new writing prompt will be explored each session. WCC believes that every voice deserves to be heard. No experience is necessary.
Martha Hodgson
Public Service Supervisor / Superviseur, services publics
Rockcliffe Park Branch / Succursale Rockcliffe Park
Ottawa Public Library / Bibliothèque public d’Ottawa
[email protected]
613 580 2940
EVENTS IN NEIGHBOURING COMMUNITIES
Beechwood Market season opening - June 6
Ottawa Street Markets launches the return of its Beechwood Market season in New Edinburgh Park, at 203 Stanley Avenue, on June 6. The market continues every Saturday until Oct. 31, from 9 am to 1 pm. For details, please visit ottstreetmarkets.ca
Explore Ottawa's National Cemetery: Free Walking Tours at Beechwood - until mid-October
Beechwood Cemetery has announced a new season of free, volunteer-led historical walking tours. Participants can choose from Eastern or Western routes, each offering fascinating stories about prominent Canadians, military heroes, local history, and the evolution of Beechwood as Canada's National Cemetery. Tours are approximately 90 minutes long, wheelchair accessible, and take place rain or shine. Registration is required, and space is limited. Comfortable footwear, water, and weather-appropriate clothing are recommended. Details: beechwoodottawa.ca
Akoustic live music series - July 15 to September 23
Presented by the Vanier BIA, Akoustik is back for 2026 — 10 Wednesday nights of free live music at St. Charles Market square, July 15 through September 23, from 6 to 8 pm. Twenty-one artists. Ten Wednesdays. One summer-long soundtrack of folk, soul, hip-hop, and everything in between — free and outdoors. Everyone welcome. For the full schedule, please visit vanierbia.com/akoustik.
- Sept. 2: Lyle Odjick performs at 6 pm and the Angelique Francis Band performs at 7:10 pm.
- Sept 9: Hannah Vig performs at 6 pm and Amos The Transparent takes the stage at 7:10 pm.
- Sept. 16: At 6 pm, enjoy a performance by Vancamp, while Jessica Pearson and The East Wind perform at 7:10 pm.
- Sept. 23: Featuring Joly at 6 pm and Moonfruits at 7:10 pm.
-
From Sept. 5 to 7, visitors can explore the State rooms of Rideau Hall at their own pace and visit the private gardens and Palm House, which are not open to the public during regular tours. Guides will be on hand to answer questions about the history of the residence and the role of Canada’s governor general. Details: www.gg.ca
September 11, 2026 - October 18, 2026
Under the Big Top, St. Laurent Shopping Centre,
LUZIA is a vibrant journey through an imaginary Mexico, blending breathtaking acrobatics with stunning visuals, from urban sets to deserts and ocean, showcasing Mexico's rich heritage and modern allure. Refreshing and unexpected, LUZIA enchants by artistically incorporating water into the acrobatic presentation – a first for a Cirque du Soleil touring production. Details: www.cirquedusoleil.com/canada/ottawa/shows
Celebrate What Makes Beechwood Buzz - Sept. 12
BeechFest is back! Beechwood Avenue will come alive with live music, street eats, local art and family fun on Saturday, Sept. 12 from 3 to 9 pm. This year’s festival is expanding, with Beechwood closed from Marier Avenue to Loyer Avenue and festivities extending along St. Charles Street from Beechwood to Barrette Street. Access to local businesses will remain available from nearby side streets. Updates: vanierbia.com/beechfest
Places That Matter in Ward 13 - Submissions due by August 31
Introducing Places That Matter in partnership with theSpace Creative Hub. The Rideau-Rockcliffe Community Resource Centre wants to know what places in Ward 13 matter most to you! This project is a collaboration between theSpace Creative Hub and the Rideau-Rockcliffe Community Resource Centre Community Food Bank. They are inviting community members to share the places in Ward 13 that matter most to them. Spaces of connection, memory, and belonging. Selected submissions will inspire local artists to create original artworks that reflect our community stories. These pieces will be exhibited at the Rideau Community Hub and later auctioned to support both participating artists and the Community Food Bank. Some stories may be featured alongside the artwork. Together, they are turning community stories into art that gives back. To see the boundaries of what is considered Ward 13, please visit www.rideau-rockcliffe.ca/ourward Submissions are welcome at this link by August 31.
The Council on Aging of Ottawa's annual Walk of Ages fundraiser - Sept. 12
Celebrate aging, movement and community at the Council on Aging of Ottawa's Walk of Ages on Sept. 12 from 11 am to 2 pm at the sports field at the Rideau Community Hub, 815 St. Laurent Boulevard. This intergenerational fundraiser brings people together in support of older adults and a more age-friendly Ottawa. Participants can walk or roll the route at their own pace or join the guided Walk This Way option. The event will also feature live music, community booths, family activities, classic cars and a cash BBQ with Halal and vegetarian options. Details: walk-of-ages-2026.raiselysite.com
Donate Your Empties to BottleWorks Ottawa - Sept. 12
BottleWorks Ottawa is accepting donations of empty bottles and cans to support youth facing barriers to employment. The social enterprise, operated by Operation Come Home, provides paid employment, skills development and social supports for young people experiencing homelessness. A bottle drive will take place Saturday, Sept. 12, from 1 to 4 pm at the New Edinburgh Park Fieldhouse, 203 Stanley Avenue. BottleWorks can also arrange pickups from homes and businesses and can issue charitable tax receipts for eligible donations. Learn more at bottleworks.ca or email [email protected].
Heritage Ottawa Walking Tours in Rideau-Rockcliffe Ward - Sept. 13 & Oct. 4
Heritage Ottawa walking tours continue rain or shine this summer with several upcoming opportunities to explore the city’s history. The following tours take place in Rideau-Rockcliffe. For the full schedule and to pre-register, please visit heritageottawa.org/en/2026-walking-tour-season
- New Edinburgh: Explore the history, architecture and streetscapes of New Edinburgh during a Heritage Ottawa walking tour on Sept. 13 at 2 pm. The tour highlights the neighbourhood’s industrial roots, early residents and evolution from one of Canada’s earliest planned communities. The tour departs from the Rideau Gate entrance to the Rideau Hall grounds and is led by local historian and author Janet Uren.
- Rockcliffe Park: Masterpieces of Domestic Design: Revival Style Architecture in Rockcliffe Park takes place Oct. 4 at 2 pm. The new walking tour explores Rockcliffe Park’s historic residential architecture, from Tudor and Gothic Revival to Georgian, Colonial Revival and modernist designs. The tour departs from the Rockcliffe Park Public Library parking lot, 380 Springfield Road, and is led by architectural historian Martha Edmond.
Canada Army Run - Sept. 20
The Canada Army Run takes place in Ottawa on Sept. 20. Funds generated through the event support the Canadian Armed Forces community. Participants of all abilities and fitness levels are welcome to participate. Run, walk or roll. All races start near Ottawa City Hall and finish beside the National War Memorial. Information about road closures and parking-related impacts will be posted at ottawa.ca/newsroom closer to the date. In Rideau-Rockcliffe Ward, there may be impacts along Sussex Drive, MacKay Street, Dufferin Road, Princess Avenue, Lisgar Road, Rideau Terrace, Corona Avenue, Sir George-Étienne Cartier Parkway, Birch Avenue, Beechwood Avenue and Hemlock Road. Route course information is available at armyrun.ca/in-person.
- From Councillor Rawlson King