Skip to main content
close
font 1 font 2 font 3
Reset to standard size
Font size options
Increase or decrease the font size for this website by clicking on the 'A's.
Yellow on Black White on Black Soft Greys Black on Linen Black on White
Reset to default contrast
Contrast options
Choose a color combination to give the most comfortable contrast.
Image for event: Ahoy, Mateys!

Registration opens:
December 30th, 2025 7:00pm

Ahoy, Mateys!

Pirate Party
2026-01-24 10:30:00 2026-01-24 11:30:00 America/New_York Ahoy, Mateys! For kids ages 4 to 9 years old. John M. Harper Branch - Program Room

Saturday, January 24
10:30am - 11:30am

Add to Calendar 2026-01-24 10:30:00 2026-01-24 11:30:00 America/New_York Ahoy, Mateys! For kids ages 4 to 9 years old. John M. Harper Branch - Program Room

John M. Harper Branch

Program Room

For kids ages 4 to 9 years old.

About the Program

Grab your captain’s hat and get ready to set sail on a pirate-themed adventure filled with stories, songs, and crafts! Young buccaneers will learn about life at sea, create their own pirate treasures, and take part in fun, hands-on activities that spark imagination and curiosity.

For kids ages 4 to 9 years old. Please register each child attending separately. 

Please note, a caregiver must remain in the library while children under 10 years of age attend a program.

We kindly remind you that registrations will be removed if the registered person does not meet the program’s specified age requirements. 

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: Grace

AGE GROUP: | Kids |

EVENT TYPE: | Lifelong Learning | Crafts and Hobbies |

TAGS: | Other Children's Programming |

John M. Harper Branch
Phone: 519-886-1310
Hours
Skip Opening Hours widget
We're closed Thursday December 25 due to Christmas Day
We're closed Friday December 26 due to Boxing Day
We're closed Sunday December 28
Mon, Dec 22 9:30AM to 9:00PM
Tue, Dec 23 9:30AM to 9:00PM
Wed, Dec 24 9:30AM to 1:30PM
(Christmas Eve)
Thu, Dec 25 Closed
(Christmas Day)
Fri, Dec 26 Closed
(Boxing Day)
Sat, Dec 27 9:30AM to 5:30PM
Sun, Dec 28 Closed
previous
this week
next
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

Skip Upcoming Events widget
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
Tech Connect Appointment - One-on-one Technology Help
Mon, Dec 29, 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 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.
This event is full
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.
This event is full
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.
This event is full
Ones Exploring Music
Mon, Jan 05, 10:30am - 11:00am
McCormick Branch
For ones ages 11 to 24 months old with a caregiver.
This event is full
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. 
Loom Knitting
Mon, Jan 05, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Eastside Branch - Program Room
For tweens ages 8 to 12 years old.
Vision Board Making
Mon, Jan 05, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
John M. Harper Branch - Program Room
For Adults
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.
Magic Workshop
Tue, Jan 06, 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Eastside Branch - Program Room
For tweens ages 9 to 12 years old.
Ontario Provincial Parks: Tips for New Campers
Tue, Jan 06, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Main Library - James J. Brown Auditorium
For Adults
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
This event is full
Kids Tech Club
Wed, Jan 07, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
McCormick Branch
For kids ages 8 to 10 years old.
Boba and Board Games - for Adults
Wed, Jan 07, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Eastside Branch - Program Room
For Adults
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. 
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.
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
Conversemos en Español - Let's Chat in Spanish
Thu, Jan 08, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
John M. Harper Branch - Program Room
For Adults
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
This event is full
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.
This event is full
Ones Exploring Music
Mon, Jan 12, 10:30am - 11:00am
McCormick Branch
For ones ages 11 to 24 months old with a caregiver.
This event is full
Tech Connect Appointment - One-on-one Technology Help
Mon, Jan 12, 11:00am - 11:45am
Main Library
Do you need help with technology? Let a Waterloo Public Library Tech Coach help you!
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. 
Loom Knitting
Mon, Jan 12, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Eastside Branch - Program Room
For tweens ages 8 to 12 years old.
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.
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
Seniors Social Club
Tue, Jan 13, 10:30am - 12:30pm
John M. Harper Branch - Program Room
For Older Adults
Explore Play Learn
Tue, Jan 13, 10:30am - 11:15am
Main Library - James J. Brown Auditorium
For babies and toddlers ages birth to 5 years old with a caregiver.
Open Mic Poetry Night
Tue, Jan 13, 6:30pm - 8:30pm
Main Library - James J. Brown Auditorium
For Adults
Teen Social Club
Tue, Jan 13, 6:30pm - 8:30pm
John M. Harper Branch - Program Room
For teens ages 13 to 17 years old.
Magic Workshop
Tue, Jan 13, 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Eastside Branch - Program Room
For tweens ages 9 to 12 years old.
Seniors Social Club
Wed, Jan 14, 10:00am - 11:30am
McCormick Branch
For Older Adults
Explore Play Learn
Wed, Jan 14, 10:30am - 11:15am
Eastside Branch - Program Room
For toddlers and babies ages birth to 5 years old with a caregiver.
Kids Tech Club
Wed, Jan 14, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
McCormick Branch
For kids ages 8 to 10 years old.
Dog Man Bingo
Wed, Jan 14, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
John M. Harper Branch - Program Room
For kids ages 7 to 12 years old.
Shrinky Dink Charms
Wed, Jan 14, 6:30pm - 8:00pm
John M. Harper Branch - Program Room
For teens ages 14 to 18 years old. 
Simple Stamps and Print Making
Wed, Jan 14, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Eastside Branch - Program Room
For Adults
This event is full
Ones Winter Wonderland
Thu, Jan 15, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Main Library - James J. Brown Auditorium
For ones ages 12 to 23 months old with a caregiver.
Adult Crafternoon
Thu, Jan 15, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
McCormick Branch
For Adults
Balloon Olympics
Thu, Jan 15, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
John M. Harper Branch - Program Room
For kids ages 6 to 9 years old.
Arts & Crafts Club
Thu, Jan 15, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
McCormick Branch
For kids ages 6 to 9 years old.
Conversemos en Español - Let's Chat in Spanish
Thu, Jan 15, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
John M. Harper Branch - Program Room
For Adults
Saturday Stories
Sat, Jan 17, 10:30am - 11:15am
Eastside Branch - Program Room
For Families
Babies: Music and Motion
Sat, Jan 17, 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
Pete the Cat Storytime
Sat, Jan 17, 10:30am - 11:15am
McCormick Branch
For toddlers ages 2 to 5 years old with a caregiver.
Board Game Drop-In
Sat, Jan 17, 11:00am - 1:00pm
Main Library - James J. Brown Auditorium
For Families
English Corner
Mon, Jan 19, 10:00am - 11:30am
John M. Harper Branch - Program Room
For Adults
Registration opens Monday, December 29 2025 at 7:00pm
Baby Connections
Mon, Jan 19, 10:30am - 11:00am
Main Library - James J. Brown Auditorium
For babies ages 6 to 12 months old with a caregiver.
This event is full
Ones Exploring Music
Mon, Jan 19, 10:30am - 11:00am
McCormick Branch
For ones ages 11 to 24 months old with a caregiver.
This event is full
Music Mondays - for Older Adults
Mon, Jan 19, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
McCormick Branch
For Older Adults
Intro to Piano Basics - for Teens
Mon, Jan 19, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Main Library - James J. Brown Auditorium
For teens ages 13 to 17 years old. 
Loom Knitting
Mon, Jan 19, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Eastside Branch - Program Room
For tweens ages 8 to 12 years old.
20s and 30s Speed Friending
Mon, Jan 19, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
John M. Harper Branch - Program Room
For adults in their 20s and 30s.
Registration opens Monday, December 29 2025 at 7:00pm
Seniors Social Club
Tue, Jan 20, 10:30am - 11:30am
John M. Harper Branch - Program Room
For Older Adults
Explore Play Learn
Tue, Jan 20, 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 20, 6:30pm - 8:30pm
John M. Harper Branch - Program Room
For adults in their 20s and 30s.
Registration opens Tuesday, December 30 2025 at 7:00pm
Mindful Collaging
Tue, Jan 20, 6:30pm - 8:00pm
Main Library - James J. Brown Auditorium
For Adults
Registration opens Tuesday, December 30 2025 at 7:00pm
Magic Workshop
Tue, Jan 20, 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Eastside Branch - Program Room
For tweens ages 9 to 12 years old.
Seniors Social Club
Wed, Jan 21, 10:00am - 11:30am
McCormick Branch
For Older Adults
Explore Play Learn
Wed, Jan 21, 10:30am - 11:15am
Eastside Branch - Program Room
For toddlers and babies ages birth to 5 years old with a caregiver.
Baby Art
Wed, Jan 21, 3:00pm - 3:30pm
McCormick Branch
For babies ages 6 to 12 months old with a caregiver.
Registration opens Monday, December 29 2025 at 7:00pm
Dinosaur Jeopardy
Wed, Jan 21, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
John M. Harper Branch - Program Room
For kids and tweens ages 7 to 13 years old.
Registration opens Tuesday, December 30 2025 at 7:00pm
English Conversation Circle - with YMCA Immigrant Services
Wed, Jan 21, 6:30pm - 8:00pm
McCormick Branch
For Adults
Living with Loss Peer Support Group - with Bereaved Families of Ontario
Wed, Jan 21, 7:00pm - 8:45pm
Main Library - James J. Brown Auditorium
For AdultsRegister
Boba and Board Games - for Adults
Wed, Jan 21, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Eastside Branch - Program Room
For Adults
Registration opens Tuesday, December 30 2025 at 7:00pm
Show and Tell Party - Short Talks About What You Love
Wed, Jan 21, 7:00pm - 8:30pm
John M. Harper Branch - Program Room
For teens ages 14 to 18 years old. 
Registration opens Tuesday, December 30 2025 at 7:00pm
Learn Create Play
Thu, Jan 22, 10:30am - 11:30am
McCormick Branch
For babies and toddlers ages birth to 5 years old with a caregiver.
Ones Winter Wonderland
Thu, Jan 22, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Main Library - James J. Brown Auditorium
For ones ages 12 to 23 months old with a caregiver.
Books and Barks
Thu, Jan 22, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
John M. Harper Branch - Program Room
For kids ages 7 to 9 years old.
Registration opens Tuesday, December 30 2025 at 7:00pm
Arts & Crafts Club
Thu, Jan 22, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
McCormick Branch
For kids ages 6 to 9 years old.
Boggle Word Challenge
Thu, Jan 22, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Main Library - James J. Brown Auditorium
For kids ages 6 to 8 years old.
Registration opens Tuesday, December 30 2025 at 7:00pm
Tech Connect Appointment - One-on-one Technology Help
Thu, Jan 22, 6:00pm - 6:45pm
Main Library
Do you need help with technology? Let a Waterloo Public Library Tech Coach help you!
Conversemos en Español - Let's Chat in Spanish
Thu, Jan 22, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
John M. Harper Branch - Program Room
For Adults
Saturday Stories
Sat, Jan 24, 10:30am - 11:15am
Eastside Branch - Program Room
For Families
Ahoy, Mateys! - Pirate Party
Sat, Jan 24, 10:30am - 11:30am
John M. Harper Branch - Program Room
For kids ages 4 to 9 years old.
Registration opens Tuesday, December 30 2025 at 7:00pm
Family LEGO Club
Sat, Jan 24, 1:00pm - 2:30pm
John M. Harper Branch - Program Room
For Families
Family Maker Afternoon
Sat, Jan 24, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Eastside Branch - Program Room
For Families
Learn to Crochet
Sat, Jan 24, 3:00pm - 4:30pm
Main Library - Board Room
For Adults
This event is full
Rubik's Cube Club
Sat, Jan 24, 3:30pm - 5:00pm
John M. Harper Branch - Program Room
For tweens and teens ages 10 to 16 years old.
Registration opens Tuesday, December 30 2025 at 7:00pm
See all events