Whether a monthly event or a special experience, Port Colborne Public Library's adult programs provide a chance for you to meet people who share the same interests. For upcoming programs, please check our calendar and newsletter.

Documentary films

Bring a friend or two and join us for an afternoon of film-watching. Enjoy a lively discussion. Presented the last Monday of the month, January to December, 1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. This year, the films featured will be provided by the National Film Board of Canada.

Pre-registration is required. Free.

Contact the library for more information: 905-834-6512.

2024 Season

January 29, 2024

  • Dear Audrey (2021, 89 min.)
    • Acclaimed activist-filmmaker Martin Duckworth has devoted his life to peace and justice. But now he's put down his camera to fight for the most important cause he's ever faced-- caring for his wife, Audrey Schirmer, through the final stages of Alzheimer's disease. Martin tirelessly embraces each new chapter with grace and resilience, demonstrating his unconditional loyalty as he finds new reasons to love her each day.

February 26, 2024

  • John Ware Reclaimed (2020, 72 min.)
    • Follow filmmaker Cheryl Foggo on her quest to re-examine the mythology surrounding John Ware, the Black cowboy who settled in Alberta, Canada, before the turn of the 20th century. Foggo's research uncovers who this iconic figure might have been, and what his legacy means in terms of anti-Black racism, both past and present.

March 25, 2024

  • Arab Women Say What?! (2023, 82 min.)
    • The film offers a counter-mainstream narrative that embraces the unique experiences and perspectives of eight Arab women sharing their insights, cuisine and laughter. Amid the rhythm of poetry and music, they tackle issues of feminism, politics, exile and the yearning for a sense of belonging.

April 29, 2024

  • Katinniq / Vanishing Point (2012, 82 min.)
    • This feature documentary tells the story of 2 Inuit communities of the circumpolar north-- one on Canada's Baffin Island, the other in Northwest Greenland-- that are linked by a migration led by an intrepid shaman. Navarana, an Inghuit elder and descendant of the shaman, draws inspiration and hope from the ties that still bind the 2 communities to face the consequences of rapid social and environmental change.

May 27, 2024

  • Secretariat's Jockey, Ron Turcotte (2013, 74 min.)
    • This feature-length documentary tells the story of jockey Ron Turcotte, who, along with his legendary horse Secretariat, won the prestigious American Triple Crown in 1973. Follow along as we witness Turcotte's rise to fame, the fall in 1978 that left him a paraplegic and his emotional journey back to the people and places that marked his life. This is a road movie that delves deep into the thrilling and dangerous world of horseracing, featuring never-before-seen footage of Secretariat and appearances by Triple Crown winners Steven Cauthen and Jean Cruguet. 

June 24, 2024

  • Standing on the Line (2018, 80 min.)
    • In both amateur and professional sports, being gay remains taboo. Few dare to come out of the closet for fear of being stigmatized, and for many, the pressure to perform is compounded by a further strain: whether or not to affirm their sexual orientation. Breaking the code of silence that prevails on the field, on the ice and in the locker room, this film takes a fresh and often moving look at some of our gay and lesbian athletes.

July 29, 2024

  • Sovereign Soil (2019, 91 min.)
    • Set in the northern wilds surrounding the tiny sub-Arctic town of Dawson City, Yukon, Sovereign Soil is an ode to the beauty of this ferocious, remote land and the wisdom of those who've chosen to call it home.

August 26, 2024

  • Stateless (2020, 95 min.)
    • Director Michèle Stephenson’s new documentary uncovers the complex history and present-day politics of Haiti and the Dominican Republic through the grassroots electoral campaign of a young attorney named Rosa Iris.

September 23, 2024

  • Ever Deadly (2022, 89 min.)
    • An immersive, visceral music and cinema experience featuring Tanya Tagaq, avant-garde Inuk throat singer, and created in collaboration with award-winning filmmaker Chelsea McMullan. This documentary explores Tagaq's transformation of sound with an eye to colonial fallout, natural freedom and Canadian history.

October 28, 2024

  • Unarchived (2022, 84 min.)
    • In community archives across British Columbia, local knowledge keepers are hand-fashioning a more inclusive history. Through a collage of personal interviews, archival footage and deeply rooted memories, the past, present and future come together. History is what we all make of it.

November 25, 2024

  • As the Crow Flies (2016, 83 min.)
    • Follow a group of Royal Canadian Air Cadets as they undergo seven weeks of training to get their pilot's license in an intense program that normally takes six to eight months.

December 16, 2024

  • Borealis (2020, 93 min.)
    • Borealis offers an immersive portrait of the forest from the perspective of the plants and animals that live there. Humans are only beginning to understand the complex networks that nurture and sustain this unique ecosystem, as well as the things that destroy it. The survival strategies adopted by different organisms no longer work, and massive change is underway.

Port Colborne Public Library Book Club

Introducing the Port Colborne Public Library Book Club! Pre-register to join us and stop by the library to pick up a copy of our latest book. Discussions are held the second Monday each month from January to December, 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Pre-registration required. Free.

2024 Books
  • February 12, 2024 - Maid by Nita Prose
  • March 11, 2024 - Whisper on the Night Wind by Adam Shoalts
  • April 15, 2024 - Akin by Emma Donoghue
  • May 13, 2024 - Our Voice of Fire by Brandi Morin
  • June 10, 2024 - The Evening Chorus by Helen Humphreys
  • July 8, 2024 - Spark Like Stars by Nadia Hashimi
  • August 12, 2024 - Dear Edward by Ann Napolitano
  • September 8, 2024 - The Navigator of New York by Wayne Johnston
  • October 21, 2024 - The Women in the Castle by Jessica Shattuck
  • November 18, 2024 - The Deep by Nick Cutter
  • December 9, 2024 - Circling the Sun by Paula McClain
Scrabble tiles
Scrabble for seniors

Thursdays
See calendar for dates.
2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

How do you spell fun? S-C-R-A-B-B-L-E! Make words and make friends at the library. New and experienced Scrabblers welcome.

For ages 55+. Pre-registration required. Free.

Various craft supplies on a table
Seniors' craft circle

Tuesdays
See calendar for dates.
10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Bring your own project and join the circle to enjoy a time of socializing and crafting. Don't have a project? Grab some supplies from our Craft Cart and get started!

For ages 55+. Pre-registration required. Free.

Chess set
Adult chess club

Mondays
See calendar for dates.
6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Do you play chess? Would you like to learn how to play chess? Adults are invited to join us for a series of chess workshops for both beginner and experienced players.

Pre-registration required. Free.

Community Connect

Learn more about services and programs offered by local community support groups.

BIAN (Brain Injury Association of Niagara)

Tuesday, July 16, 2024.
12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.

The Brain Injury Association of Niagara is committed to empowering and maximizing the quality of life for individuals living with the effects of an acquired brain injury and their families through support, social activities, community and peer opportunities, advocacy, and information and are committed to education, awareness, and prevention of brain injury in the Niagara region. Stop by to learn more about their programs and services.

Drop-in. Free.

Alzheimer Society Niagara Region
Alzheimer Society supports individuals living with dementia and their loved ones and caregivers. Whether you want to learn more about the programs and services we offer or find dementia-related information specific to your needs, the Alzheimer Society has the education and resources to help you.
BIAN (Brain Injury Association of Niagara)

Tuesday, July 16, 2024.
12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.

The Brain Injury Association of Niagara is committed to empowering and maximizing the quality of life for individuals living with the effects of an acquired brain injury and their families through support, social activities, community and peer opportunities, advocacy, and information and are committed to education, awareness, and prevention of brain injury in the Niagara region. Stop by to learn more about their programs and services.

Drop-in. Free.

Birchway Niagara (Formerly Women's Place)

See calendar for dates.
10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Learn about communication, boundaries, safety planning, and healthy relationships with Birchway Niagara. Learn how to help someone who may be experiencing abuse. Confidential meeting spaces available.

Drop-in. Free.

Bridges Community Health Centre Programs and Services

See calendar for dates.
10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Learn about free programs and services offered by Bridges Community Health Centre with Health Promoter Lori.

Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program

Wednesdays
See calendar for dates.
10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Learn about eligibility and enrollment in the Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program (OSDCP) with Valerie Wehlann. The Government of Ontario developed the OSDCP to provide free dental care for low-income seniors (65 and older). Valerie works as the Dental Health Community Worker at Bridges Community Health Centre

Valerie can also be reached at 905-871-7621 ext. 2245 for any additional dental assistance related questions.  

Drop-in. Free.

PFLAG Niagara

See calendar for dates.
11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Wondering what all the fuss is about pronouns? Struggling to keep track of all of the letters in 2S&LGBTQQIA+ and what they mean? Maybe you have questions but aren't sure if you'll say the right thing or use the correct terms, or you want to know more about how you can be a better ally to the community. Pflag Niagara is here for you!

All are welcome to stop by, ask questions, and chat with us.

Drop-in. Free.

Resume Refresh with PC Works

Tuesdays
See calendar for dates.
10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Bring in a copy of your resume (paper/digital) and get tips to improve it. PC Works will help refresh and optimize your resume to highlight your skills to match your employment goals. Don't have a resume? PC Works can help get you started.

Drop-in. Free.

Service Canada

Next sessions: 
See calendar for dates.
10:00 am to 1:00 p.m.

Service Canada provides Canadians with a single point of access to a wide range of government services and benefits through the internet, by telephone, in person or by mail.

Service Canada will be in your community to help you apply for the programs and services:

  • Old Age Security (OAS)
  • Canada Pension Plan (CPP)
  • Employment Insurance (EI)
  • Social Insurance Number (SIN)
  • My Service Canada Account (MSCA).

Drop-in. Free.

Speak with a Registered Dietician

See calendar for dates.
10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Have questions about nutrition and diet? Speak a Registered Dietician from Bridges Community Health Centre.