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Image for event: 20s & 30s Book Club

Registration opens:
December 22nd, 2025 7:00pm

20s & 30s Book Club

"Anxious People" by Fredrik Backman
2026-01-12 19:00:00 2026-01-12 20:00:00 America/New_York 20s & 30s Book Club For adults in their 20s and 30s. John M. Harper Branch - Program Room

Monday, January 12
7:00pm - 8:00pm

Add to Calendar 2026-01-12 19:00:00 2026-01-12 20:00:00 America/New_York 20s & 30s Book Club For adults in their 20s and 30s. John M. Harper Branch - Program Room

John M. Harper Branch

Program Room

For adults in their 20s and 30s.

About the Program

Join our book club and meet fellow book lovers! Share your passion for reading, enjoy engaging discussions, and make new friends in a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere.

This month we will be reading Anxious People by Fredrik Backman.

About the Book

A failed bank robber bursts into an open house and takes a group of strangers hostage—but nothing is quite what it seems. As tensions rise, secrets are revealed, and this eclectic group of “victims” discovers unexpected connections. Anxious People is a heartwarming, funny, and deeply human story about forgiveness, empathy, and the messy ways we try to do our best.

Upcoming Winter Club Dates

Feb 9: The Wedding People by Alison Espach

Photography Notice: Please note that photographs and videos may be taken at this event and may be broadcast, reproduced, and/or made available in print or online. For individual or small group photos, staff will make attendees aware of their presence and will ask permission before taking photos. 

For larger public events, please note that by attending, you are consenting to the use of your appearance, image, and voice in print or digital productions created by the Waterloo Public Library for promotional use only. Please speak to library staff at the event if you’d like to be excluded from any photo/video. 

Programmer: Lainie

AGE GROUP: | Adults 19+ |

EVENT TYPE: | Socials and Clubs |

TAGS: | Book Clubs |

John M. Harper Branch
Phone: 519-886-1310
Hours
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Mon, Dec 08 9:30AM to 9:00PM
Tue, Dec 09 9:30AM to 9:00PM
Wed, Dec 10 9:30AM to 9:00PM
Thu, Dec 11 9:30AM to 9:00PM
Fri, Dec 12 9:30AM to 5:30PM
Sat, Dec 13 9:30AM to 5:30PM
Sun, Dec 14 Closed
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About the branch

Located on the west side of Waterloo, the John M. Harper Branch shares a building with the Stork Family YMCA. It features soaring ceilings, dedicated study space (including 3 bookable study rooms), a large Community Room and an outdoor courtyard. 

Upcoming events

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Baby in a Box Photography Session
Sat, Dec 13, 10:30am - 12:00pm
John M. Harper Branch - Program Room
For babies ages birth to 18 months old and their caregiver.
This event is full
Chinese Social Club 滑铁卢图书馆华人俱乐部
Sat, Dec 13, 1:00pm - 3:00pm
John M. Harper Branch - Program Room
For Adults and Older Adults
Crafty Christmas
Sat, Dec 13, 2:30pm - 4:00pm
Eastside Branch - Program Room
For Families
Chinese Family Storytime 中文故事时间
Sat, Dec 13, 3:30pm - 4:30pm
John M. Harper Branch - Program Room
For Families
Tech Connect Appointment - One-on-one Technology Help
Mon, Dec 15, 10:00am - 11:00am
Main Library
Do you need help with technology? Let a Waterloo Public Library Tech Coach help you!
This event is full
Explore Play Learn
Mon, Dec 15, 10:30am - 11:15am
John M. Harper Branch - Program Room
For kids ages birth to 5 years old with a caregiver.
Discovering Hot & Cold
Mon, Dec 15, 10:30am - 11:15am
Eastside Branch - Program Room
For toddlers ages 2 to 5 years old with a caregiver.
Registration is now closed
Ones Exploring Music
Mon, Dec 15, 10:30am - 11:00am
McCormick Branch
For ones ages 11 to 24 months old with a caregiver.
Tech Connect Appointment - One-on-one Technology Help
Mon, Dec 15, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Main Library
Do you need help with technology? Let a Waterloo Public Library Tech Coach help you!
This event is full
Music Mondays - for Older Adults
Mon, Dec 15, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
McCormick Branch
For Older Adults
Loom Knitting
Mon, Dec 15, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Eastside Branch - Program Room
For tweens ages 8 to 12 years old.
This event is full
Intro to Piano Basics - for Tweens
Mon, Dec 15, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
New venue John M. Harper Branch - Program Room
For tweens ages 10 to 12 years.
Registration is now closed
Knitting and Crochet Club
Mon, Dec 15, 7:00pm - 8:30pm
Main Library
For Adults
20s & 30s Book Club - "Iona Iverson’s Rules for Commuting" by Clare Pooley
Mon, Dec 15, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
John M. Harper Branch - Program Room
For adults in their 20s and 30s.
How To: Record in the Digispace
Tue, Dec 16, 10:30am - 11:00am
Eastside Branch - Digispace (Recording Studio)
For Adults and Older Adults
This event is full
Seniors Social Club
Tue, Dec 16, 10:30am - 12:30pm
John M. Harper Branch - Program Room
For Older Adults
Explore Play Learn
Tue, Dec 16, 10:30am - 11:15am
Main Library
For babies and toddlers ages birth to 5 years old with a caregiver.
Tech Connect Appointment - One-on-one Technology Help
Tue, Dec 16, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
John M. Harper Branch
Do you need help with technology? Let a Waterloo Public Library Tech Coach help you!
This event is full
20s & 30s Social Club
Tue, Dec 16, 6:30pm - 8:30pm
John M. Harper Branch - Program Room
For adults in their 20s and 30s.
This event is full
Open Mic Poetry Night
Tue, Dec 16, 6:30pm - 8:30pm
Waterloo Memorial Recreation Complex - Room 200
For Adults
Holiday Craft Night
Tue, Dec 16, 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Eastside Branch - Program Room
For Families
Tech Connect Appointment - One-on-one Technology Help
Wed, Dec 17, 10:00am - 11:00am
John M. Harper Branch - Study Room 1
Do you need help with technology? Let a Waterloo Public Library Tech Coach help you!
This event is full
Babies: Music and Motion
Wed, Dec 17, 10:30am - 11:00am
Eastside Branch - Program Room
For babies from birth to 12 months old with a caregiver.
This event is full
Sketching 101: Shading Basics
Wed, Dec 17, 2:00pm - 3:30pm
John M. Harper Branch - Program Room
For Older Adults
This event is full
Crafty Kids
Wed, Dec 17, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Eastside Branch - Program Room
For kids ages 7 to 10 years old.
Simple Circuit Holiday Cards
Wed, Dec 17, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
John M. Harper Branch - Program Room
For tweens ages 9 to 12 years old.
De-Stress with Therapy Dogs - in partnership with Sunshine Therapy Dogs
Wed, Dec 17, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Eastside Branch - Program Room
For Students and Adults
Merry Music Babies
Thu, Dec 18, 11:00am - 12:00pm
New venue Eastside Branch - Program Room
For babies ages birth to 18 months with a caregiver.
This event is full
Light Up Card Making
Thu, Dec 18, 11:00am - 12:00pm
McCormick Branch
For Adults
This event is full
LEGO Lab
Thu, Dec 18, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
John M. Harper Branch - Program Room
For kids ages 6 to 9 years old.
This event is full
Winter Solstice Lantern Making
Thu, Dec 18, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
McCormick Branch
For tweens ages 9 to 12 years old.
This event is full
Tech Connect Appointment - One-on-one Technology Help
Thu, Dec 18, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Main Library
Do you need help with technology? Let a Waterloo Public Library Tech Coach help you!
This event is full
Pajama Storytime
Thu, Dec 18, 6:30pm - 7:15pm
Eastside Branch - Program Room
For Families
2SLGBTQIA+ Reading Circle - in partnership with SPECTRUM
Thu, Dec 18, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Main Library - Emma Belle Roos Room
For Adults
Tech Connect Appointment - One-on-one Technology Help
Thu, Dec 18, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Main Library
Do you need help with technology? Let a Waterloo Public Library Tech Coach help you!
This event is full
Drop-In Tech Connect - Technology Help
Fri, Dec 19, 9:30am - 10:30am
Main Library
Drop-in for help for technology questions
Tech Connect Appointment - One-on-one Technology Help
Fri, Dec 19, 10:30am - 11:30am
Main Library
Do you need help with technology? Let a Waterloo Public Library Tech Coach help you!
Tech Connect Appointment - One-on-one Technology Help
Fri, Dec 19, 10:30am - 11:30am
Main Library
Do you need help with technology? Let a Waterloo Public Library Tech Coach help you!
This event is full
Tech Connect Appointment - One-on-one Technology Help
Fri, Dec 19, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
McCormick Branch
Do you need help with technology? Let a Waterloo Public Library Tech Coach help you!
This event is full
Babies: Music and Motion
Sat, Dec 20, 10:30am - 11:00am
John M. Harper Branch - Program Room
For babies from birth to 12 months old with a caregiver.
This event is full
Rescheduled
Rock STEM Camp
Sat, Dec 20, 11:00am - 1:00pm
New date Saturday, December 20, 1:00pm - 3:00pm
John M. Harper Branch
For Families
Rock STEM Camp
Sat, Dec 20, 1:00pm - 3:00pm
John M. Harper Branch - Program Room
For Families
2025 Bingo
Sat, Dec 20, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
McCormick Branch
For tweens and teens ages 10 to 15 years old.
English Corner - Practice English
Mon, Dec 22, 10:00am - 11:30am
John M. Harper Branch - Program Room
For Adults
Discovering Hot & Cold
Mon, Dec 22, 10:30am - 11:15am
Eastside Branch - Program Room
For toddlers ages 2 to 5 years old with a caregiver.
Registration is now closed
Ones Exploring Music
Mon, Dec 22, 10:30am - 11:00am
McCormick Branch
For ones ages 11 to 24 months old with a caregiver.
Music Mondays - for Older Adults
Mon, Dec 22, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
McCormick Branch
For Older Adults
Celebrating Kwanzaa - December 23 to 31
Tue, Dec 23, All day
All library locations
For Families
Seniors Social Club
Tue, Dec 23, 10:30am - 12:30pm
John M. Harper Branch - Program Room
For Older Adults
Explore Play Learn
Tue, Dec 23, 10:30am - 11:15am
Main Library
For babies and toddlers ages birth to 5 years old with a caregiver.
Open Mic Music Night
Tue, Dec 23, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Eastside Branch - Program Room
For Adults
CLOSED Christmas Day
Thu, Dec 25, All day
All library locations
All locations CLOSED for Christmas Day
CLOSED Boxing Day
Fri, Dec 26, All day
All library locations
All locations CLOSED for Boxing Day
Family LEGO Club
Sat, Dec 27, 1:00pm - 2:30pm
John M. Harper Branch - Program Room
For Families
Rubik's Cube Club
Sat, Dec 27, 3:30pm - 5:00pm
John M. Harper Branch - Program Room
For tweens and teens ages 10 to 16 years old.
This event is full
CLOSED for Holidays
Sun, Dec 28, All day
All library locations
All locations CLOSED for holidays
Explore Play Learn
Mon, Dec 29, 10:30am - 11:15am
John M. Harper Branch - Program Room
For kids ages birth to 5 years old with a caregiver.
Ones Exploring Music
Mon, Dec 29, 10:30am - 11:00am
McCormick Branch
For ones ages 11 to 24 months old with a caregiver.
Robobuilders for Families
Mon, Dec 29, 2:30pm - 4:00pm
Eastside Branch - Program Room
For kids ages 5 years old and up with a caregiver.
This event is full
Music Mondays - for Older Adults
Mon, Dec 29, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
McCormick Branch
For Older Adults
Karaoke Pajama Party
Mon, Dec 29, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
New venue John M. Harper Branch - Program Room
For tweens ages 9 to 12 years old.
Cozy Crafts and Colouring
Mon, Dec 29, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
John M. Harper Branch - Program Room
For adults in their 20s and 30s.
Seniors Social Club
Tue, Dec 30, 10:30am - 12:30pm
John M. Harper Branch - Program Room
For Older Adults
Explore Play Learn
Tue, Dec 30, 10:30am - 11:15am
Main Library
For babies and toddlers ages birth to 5 years old with a caregiver.
Dragon Egg Scavenger Hunt
Tue, Dec 30, 2:30pm - 4:00pm
Eastside Branch - Program Room
For Families
Scrabble & Bananagrams Bonanza
Tue, Dec 30, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Main Library
For Adults
Chess Night for Tweens
Tue, Dec 30, 6:30pm - 8:00pm
John M. Harper Branch - Program Room
For tweens ages 9 to 15 years old.
This event is full
Noon Year's Eve
Wed, Dec 31, 11:15am - 12:15pm
John M. Harper Branch - Program Room
For Families
CLOSED for New Year's Day
Thu, Jan 01, All day
All library locations
All locations CLOSED for New Year's Day
Babies: Music and Motion
Sat, Jan 03, 10:30am - 11:00am
John M. Harper Branch - Program Room
For babies from birth to 12 months old with a caregiver.
This event is full
Robobuilders for Families
Sat, Jan 03, 10:30am - 12:00pm
Eastside Branch - Program Room
For kids ages 5 years old and up with a caregiver.
This event is full
Craft Extravaganza
Sat, Jan 03, 10:30am - 11:30am
McCormick Branch
For Families
Rescheduled
Winter Math Olympics
Sat, Jan 03, 11:00am - 1:00pm
New date Saturday, January 03, 1:00pm - 3:00pm
John M. Harper Branch
For Families
Winter Math Olympics
Sat, Jan 03, 1:00pm - 3:00pm
John M. Harper Branch - Program Room
For Families
Bucket List 2026
Sat, Jan 03, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
McCormick Branch
For adults in their 20s and 30s.
Majestic Tiles (Mahjong) Club
Mon, Jan 05, 10:00am - 12:00pm
John M. Harper Branch - Program Room
For Adults and Older Adults
Baby Connections
Mon, Jan 05, 10:30am - 11:00am
Main Library - James J. Brown Auditorium
For babies ages 6 to 12 months old with a caregiver.
Registration opens Monday, December 15 2025 at 7:00pm
Ones Exploring Music
Mon, Jan 05, 10:30am - 11:00am
McCormick Branch
For ones ages 11 to 24 months old with a caregiver.
Music Mondays - for Older Adults
Mon, Jan 05, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
McCormick Branch
For Older Adults
Intro to Piano Basics - for Teens
Mon, Jan 05, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Main Library - James J. Brown Auditorium
For teens ages 13 to 17 years old. 
Registration opens Monday, December 15 2025 at 7:00pm
Loom Knitting
Mon, Jan 05, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Eastside Branch - Program Room
For tweens ages 8 to 12 years old.
Registration opens Monday, December 15 2025 at 7:00pm
Vision Board Making
Mon, Jan 05, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
John M. Harper Branch - Program Room
For Adults
Registration opens Monday, December 15 2025 at 7:00pm
Seniors Social Club
Tue, Jan 06, 10:30am - 12:30pm
John M. Harper Branch - Program Room
For Older Adults
Explore Play Learn
Tue, Jan 06, 10:30am - 11:15am
Main Library - James J. Brown Auditorium
For babies and toddlers ages birth to 5 years old with a caregiver.
20s & 30s Social Club
Tue, Jan 06, 6:30pm - 8:30pm
John M. Harper Branch - Program Room
For adults in their 20s and 30s.
Registration opens Tuesday, December 16 2025 at 7:00pm
Magic Workshop
Tue, Jan 06, 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Eastside Branch - Program Room
For tweens ages 9 to 12 years old.
Registration opens Tuesday, December 16 2025 at 7:00pm
Ontario Provincial Parks: Tips for New Campers
Tue, Jan 06, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Main Library - James J. Brown Auditorium
For Adults
Registration opens Tuesday, December 16 2025 at 7:00pm
Explore Play Learn
Wed, Jan 07, 10:30am - 11:15am
Eastside Branch - Program Room
For toddlers and babies ages birth to 5 years old with a caregiver.
Watercolour Workshop
Wed, Jan 07, 2:00pm - 3:30pm
John M. Harper Branch - Program Room
For Older Adults
Registration opens Wednesday, December 17 2025 at 7:00pm
Kids Tech Club
Wed, Jan 07, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
McCormick Branch
For kids ages 8 to 10 years old.
Registration opens Wednesday, December 17 2025 at 7:00pm
Boba and Board Games - for Adults
Wed, Jan 07, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Eastside Branch - Program Room
For Adults
Registration opens Wednesday, December 17 2025 at 7:00pm
Make a Musical Canjo
Wed, Jan 07, 7:00pm - 8:30pm
John M. Harper Branch - Program Room
For teens ages 14 to 18 years old. 
Registration opens Wednesday, December 17 2025 at 7:00pm
Adult Crafternoon
Thu, Jan 08, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
McCormick Branch
For Adults
Maker Day
Thu, Jan 08, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
John M. Harper Branch - Program Room
For kids ages 6 to 9 years old.
Registration opens Thursday, December 18 2025 at 7:00pm
Arts & Crafts Club
Thu, Jan 08, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
McCormick Branch
For kids ages 6 to 9 years old.
2SLGBTQIA+ Reading Circle - in partnership with SPECTRUM
Thu, Jan 08, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Main Library - James J. Brown Auditorium
For Adults
Registration opens Thursday, December 18 2025 at 7:00pm
Conversemos en Español - Let's Chat in Spanish
Thu, Jan 08, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
John M. Harper Branch - Program Room
For Adults
Registration opens Thursday, December 18 2025 at 7:00pm
Saturday Stories
Sat, Jan 10, 10:30am - 11:15am
Eastside Branch - Program Room
For Families
Fun in the (Imaginary) Sun
Sat, Jan 10, 10:30am - 12:00pm
John M. Harper Branch - Program Room
For Families
Chinese Social Club 滑铁卢图书馆华人俱乐部
Sat, Jan 10, 1:00pm - 3:00pm
John M. Harper Branch - Program Room
For Adults and Older Adults
Learn to Crochet
Sat, Jan 10, 3:00pm - 4:30pm
Main Library - Board Room
For Adults
Registration opens Thursday, December 18 2025 at 7:00pm
Chinese Family Storytime 中文故事时间
Sat, Jan 10, 3:30pm - 4:30pm
John M. Harper Branch - Program Room
For Families
Explore Play Learn
Mon, Jan 12, 10:30am - 11:15am
John M. Harper Branch - Program Room
For kids ages birth to 5 years old with a caregiver.
Baby Connections
Mon, Jan 12, 10:30am - 11:00am
Main Library - James J. Brown Auditorium
For babies ages 6 to 12 months old with a caregiver.
Registration opens Monday, December 15 2025 at 7:00pm
Ones Exploring Music
Mon, Jan 12, 10:30am - 11:00am
McCormick Branch
For ones ages 11 to 24 months old with a caregiver.
Music Mondays - for Older Adults
Mon, Jan 12, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
McCormick Branch
For Older Adults
Intro to Piano Basics - for Teens
Mon, Jan 12, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Main Library - James J. Brown Auditorium
For teens ages 13 to 17 years old. 
Registration opens Monday, December 15 2025 at 7:00pm
Loom Knitting
Mon, Jan 12, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Eastside Branch - Program Room
For tweens ages 8 to 12 years old.
Registration opens Monday, December 15 2025 at 7:00pm
20s & 30s Book Club - "Anxious People" by Fredrik Backman
Mon, Jan 12, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
John M. Harper Branch - Program Room
For adults in their 20s and 30s.
Registration opens Monday, December 22 2025 at 7:00pm
Knitting and Crochet Club
Mon, Jan 12, 7:00pm - 8:30pm
Main Library - James J. Brown Auditorium
For Adults
A Discussion with Nancy Silcox - in partnership with Words Worth Books
Mon, Jan 12, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Eastside Branch - Program Room
For Adults
Registration opens Monday, December 22 2025 at 7:00pm
See all events