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Image for event: Chess Club

Registration opens:
March 31st, 2026 7:00pm

Chess Club
2026-04-21 18:30:00 2026-04-21 20:30:00 America/New_York Chess Club Everyone welcome John M. Harper Branch - Program Room

Tuesday, April 21
6:30pm - 8:30pm

Add to Calendar 2026-04-21 18:30:00 2026-04-21 20:30:00 America/New_York Chess Club Everyone welcome John M. Harper Branch - Program Room

John M. Harper Branch

Program Room

Everyone welcome

About the Program

Love chess or curious to learn? Join our Chess Club, a friendly monthly gathering for anyone interested in the game—whether you’re a beginner just learning the moves or an experienced player looking for a challenge. Come play, learn strategies, practice your skills, and enjoy a fun, relaxed environment with fellow chess enthusiasts. Bring a friend or come on your own—everyone is welcome at the board!

This program is being offered on multiple dates, please register for each date separately. If you are registering as a family or group, please register each person separately.

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. 

Staff: Min

AGE GROUP: | Families | Everyone Welcome |

EVENT TYPE: | Games |

TAGS: | Other Children's Programming |

John M. Harper Branch
Phone: 519-886-1310
Hours
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Mon, Mar 16 9:30AM to 9:00PM
Tue, Mar 17 9:30AM to 9:00PM
Wed, Mar 18 9:30AM to 9:00PM
Thu, Mar 19 9:30AM to 9:00PM
Fri, Mar 20 9:30AM to 5:30PM
Sat, Mar 21 9:30AM to 5:30PM
Sun, Mar 22 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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Majestic Tiles (Mahjong) Club
Mon, Mar 23, 10:00am - 12:00pm
John M. Harper Branch - Program Room
For Adults and Older Adults
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Tech Connect Appointment - One-on-one Technology Help
Mon, Mar 23, 11:00am - 11:45am
Main Library
Do you need help with technology? Let a Waterloo Public Library Tech Coach help you!
This event is full
Number Ninjas - with United for Litearcy
Mon, Mar 23, 6:30pm - 7:30pm
John M. Harper Branch - Discovery Room
For kids ages 6 to 8 years old.
This event is full
Knitting and Crochet Club
Mon, Mar 23, 7:00pm - 8:30pm
Main Library - James J. Brown Auditorium
For Adults
20s & 30s Book Club - "Funny Story" by Emily Henry
Mon, Mar 23, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
John M. Harper Branch - Program Room
For adults in their 20s and 30s.
Tech Connect Appointment - One-on-one Technology Help
Tue, Mar 24, 1:00pm - 1:45pm
John M. Harper Branch
Do you need help with technology? Let a Waterloo Public Library Tech Coach help you!
This event is full
Global Dance Class
Tue, Mar 24, 6:30pm - 8:30pm
John M. Harper Branch - Program Room
For Adults
This event is full
Open Mic Music Night
Tue, Mar 24, 7:30pm - 8:30pm
Main Library - James J. Brown Auditorium
For Adults and Teens (16+)
Explore Play Learn
Wed, Mar 25, 10:30am - 11:15am
Eastside Branch - Program Room
For toddlers and babies ages birth to 5 years old with a caregiver.
Tech Connect Appointment - One-on-one Technology Help
Wed, Mar 25, 2:00pm - 2:45pm
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
Wed, Mar 25, 3:00pm - 3:45pm
Main Library
Do you need help with technology? Let a Waterloo Public Library Tech Coach help you!
This event is full
Tech Tinker Lab
Wed, Mar 25, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
John M. Harper Branch - Program Room
For tweens ages 8 to 12 years old.
This event is full
Let's Talk for Youth - with the KW Multicultural Centre
Wed, Mar 25, 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Main Library - James J. Brown Auditorium
For newcomer youth ages 14 to 21 years old. Register
English Conversation Circle - with YMCA Immigrant Services
Wed, Mar 25, 6:30pm - 8:00pm
McCormick Branch
For Adults
Tech Connect Appointment - One-on-one Technology Help
Thu, Mar 26, 6:00pm - 6:45pm
Main Library
Do you need help with technology? Let a Waterloo Public Library Tech Coach help you!
This event is full
Book Chat: A Beginner's Guide to Dystopia
Thu, Mar 26, 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Main Library - Board Room
For Adults
This event is full
Conversemos en Español - Let's Chat in Spanish
Thu, Mar 26, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
John M. Harper Branch - Program Room
For Adults
This event is full
Tech Connect Appointment - One-on-one Technology Help
Thu, Mar 26, 7:00pm - 7:45pm
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, Mar 27, 2:00pm - 2:45pm
McCormick Branch
Do you need help with technology? Let a Waterloo Public Library Tech Coach help you!
This event is full
AI Literacy Day: Try AI Drop-In
Sat, Mar 28, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Main Library - James J. Brown Auditorium
For Families
Baby Art
Sat, Mar 28, 10:30am - 11:00am
John M. Harper Branch - Program Room
For babies birth to 12 months old with a caregiver.
This event is full
Reading Buddies - with United for Litearcy
Sat, Mar 28, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Main Library - James J. Brown Auditorium
For kids ages 6 to 9 years old.
This event is full
Habit Punch Cards: The Creative Way to Track Goals
Sat, Mar 28, 3:00pm - 4:30pm
McCormick Branch
For Adults
English Corner
Mon, Mar 30, 10:00am - 12:00pm
John M. Harper Branch - Program Room
For Newcomers
Number Ninjas - with United for Litearcy
Mon, Mar 30, 6:30pm - 7:30pm
John M. Harper Branch - Discovery Room
For kids ages 6 to 8 years old.
This event is full
How To: 3D Print
Tue, Mar 31, 10:30am - 11:00am
Eastside Branch - Program Room
For Adults and Older Adults
This event is full
Discovering Routines
Tue, Mar 31, 10:30am - 11:15am
Main Library - James J. Brown Auditorium
For kids ages 2 to 5 years old with a caregiver.
Creative Art Studio - for Adults
Tue, Mar 31, 6:30pm - 8:30pm
John M. Harper Branch - Program Room
For Adults
This event is full
Film Screening: "The Click Trap" - Community Viewing and Discussion
Tue, Mar 31, 6:30pm - 8:30pm
Main Library - James J. Brown Auditorium
For Adults and Teens (16+)
A Discussion with Susan Wismer and Melinda Burns - in Partnership with Words Worth Books
Tue, Mar 31, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Eastside Branch - Program Room
For Adults
Explore Play Learn
Wed, Apr 01, 10:30am - 11:15am
Eastside Branch - Program Room
For toddlers and babies ages birth to 5 years old with a caregiver.
Where the Wild Things Are
Wed, Apr 01, 2:30pm - 3:15pm
Eastside Branch - Naturespace,Program Room
For kids ages 2 to 5 years old with a caregiver.
Graphic Novel Reading Circle - for Tweens
Wed, Apr 01, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
John M. Harper Branch - Program Room
For tweens ages 8 to 12 years old.
English Conversation Circle - with YMCA Immigrant Services
Wed, Apr 01, 6:30pm - 8:00pm
McCormick Branch
For Adults
The Story of the Seagram Empire - In partnership with City of Waterloo Museum
Thu, Apr 02, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
John M. Harper Branch - Program Room
For Adults
After School Maker Club
Thu, Apr 02, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
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For kids ages 8 to 12 years old.
This event is full
20s & 30s Unfinished Objects (U.F.O.) Club
Thu, Apr 02, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Eastside Branch - Program Room
For adults in their 20s and 30s.
2SLGBTQIA+ Reading Circle - in partnership with SPECTRUM
Thu, Apr 02, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Main Library - James J. Brown Auditorium
For Adults
CLOSED Good Friday
Fri, Apr 03, All day
All library locations
All library locations are CLOSED for Good Friday.
Polymer Clay Critters
Sat, Apr 04, 10:30am - 11:30am
McCormick Branch
For kids ages 6 to 10 years old.
This event is full
Chinese Social Club 滑铁卢图书馆华人俱乐部
Sat, Apr 04, 1:00pm - 3:30pm
John M. Harper Branch - Program Room
For Adults
Eid Celebration - in partnership with Coalition of Muslim Women K-W
Sat, Apr 04, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Eastside Branch - Program Room
Everyone welcome
Chinese Family Storytime 中文故事时间
Sat, Apr 04, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
John M. Harper Branch - Program Room
For Families
CLOSED Easter Sunday
Sun, Apr 05, All day
All library locations
All library locations are CLOSED for Easter Sunday.
CLOSED Easter Monday
Mon, Apr 06, All day
All library locations
All library locations are CLOSED for Easter Monday.
Seniors Social Club
Tue, Apr 07, 10:30am - 12:30pm
John M. Harper Branch - Program Room
For Older Adults
Discovering Routines
Tue, Apr 07, 10:30am - 11:15am
Main Library - James J. Brown Auditorium
For kids ages 2 to 5 years old with a caregiver.
20s & 30s Social Club
Tue, Apr 07, 6:30pm - 8:30pm
John M. Harper Branch - Program Room
For adults in their 20s and 30s.
TV Show Trivia: Heated Rivalry
Tue, Apr 07, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Main Library - James J. Brown Auditorium
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Seniors Social Club
Wed, Apr 08, 10:00am - 11:30am
McCormick Branch
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Seniors Social Club
Wed, Apr 08, 10:00am - 12:00pm
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Explore Play Learn
Wed, Apr 08, 10:30am - 11:15am
Eastside Branch - Program Room
For toddlers and babies ages birth to 5 years old with a caregiver.
Where the Wild Things Are
Wed, Apr 08, 2:30pm - 3:15pm
Eastside Branch - Naturespace,Program Room
For kids ages 2 to 5 years old with a caregiver.
Watercolour Basics
Wed, Apr 08, 3:00pm - 4:30pm
McCormick Branch
For Adults
This event is full
Tween Artists in Residence
Wed, Apr 08, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
John M. Harper Branch - Program Room
For tweens ages 7 to 11 years old.
English Conversation Circle - with YMCA Immigrant Services
Wed, Apr 08, 6:30pm - 8:00pm
McCormick Branch
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Day of Pink: Zines for Resistance
Wed, Apr 08, 6:30pm - 8:00pm
John M. Harper Branch - Program Room
For teens ages 13 to 18 years old. 
Book Chat: Get Ready for Canada Reads 2026
Wed, Apr 08, 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Main Library - James J. Brown Auditorium
For Adults
De-Stress with Therapy Dogs - in partnership with Sunshine Therapy Dogs
Wed, Apr 08, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Eastside Branch - Program Room
For Students and Adults
Learn Create Play
Thu, Apr 09, 10:30am - 11:30am
McCormick Branch
For babies and toddlers ages birth to 5 years old with a caregiver.
After School Maker Club
Thu, Apr 09, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
McCormick Branch
For kids ages 8 to 12 years old.
This event is full
Seed Saving - with Seeds of Diversity
Thu, Apr 09, 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Eastside Branch - Program Room
For Adults
Saturday Stories
Sat, Apr 11, 10:30am - 11:15am
Eastside Branch - Program Room
For Families
Baby Art
Sat, Apr 11, 10:30am - 11:00am
John M. Harper Branch - Program Room
For babies birth to 12 months old with a caregiver.
This event is full
Space Jeopardy
Sat, Apr 11, 12:00pm - 1:00pm
Main Library - James J. Brown Auditorium
For tweens ages 8 to 12 years old.
Customize Your Own Bullet Journal
Sat, Apr 11, 3:00pm - 4:30pm
McCormick Branch
For teens ages 13 to 18 years old.
Explore Play Learn
Mon, Apr 13, 10:30am - 11:15am
John M. Harper Branch - Program Room
For kids ages birth to 5 years old with a caregiver.
Baby Music
Mon, Apr 13, 10:30am - 11:00am
McCormick Branch
For babies birth to 14 months old with a caregiver. 
Music Mondays - for Older Adults
Mon, Apr 13, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
McCormick Branch
For Older Adults
Registration opens Monday, March 23 2026 at 7:00pm
Crafting with Creativebug
Mon, Apr 13, 2:30pm - 3:30pm
Eastside Branch - Program Room
For Adults
Registration opens Monday, March 23 2026 at 7:00pm
Dog Lovers Pawty
Mon, Apr 13, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Main Library - James J. Brown Auditorium
For kids ages 5 to 9 years old.
Registration opens Monday, March 23 2026 at 7:00pm
Seniors Social Club
Tue, Apr 14, 10:30am - 12:30pm
John M. Harper Branch - Program Room
For Older Adults
Discovering Routines
Tue, Apr 14, 10:30am - 11:15am
Main Library - James J. Brown Auditorium
For kids ages 2 to 5 years old with a caregiver.
Global Dance Class
Tue, Apr 14, 6:30pm - 8:30pm
John M. Harper Branch - Program Room
For Adults
Registration opens Tuesday, March 24 2026 at 7:00pm
Open Mic Poetry Night
Tue, Apr 14, 6:30pm - 8:30pm
Main Library - James J. Brown Auditorium
For Adults
Registration opens Tuesday, March 24 2026 at 7:00pm
Menopause Café
Tue, Apr 14, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Eastside Branch - Program Room
For Adults
Seniors Social Club
Wed, Apr 15, 10:00am - 11:30am
McCormick Branch
For Older Adults
Baby Connections
Wed, Apr 15, 10:30am - 11:00am
John M. Harper Branch - Program Room
For babies ages 6 to 12 months old with a caregiver.
Registration opens Wednesday, March 25 2026 at 7:00pm
Explore Play Learn
Wed, Apr 15, 10:30am - 11:15am
Eastside Branch - Program Room
For toddlers and babies ages birth to 5 years old with a caregiver.
Majestic Tiles (Mahjong) Club
Wed, Apr 15, 10:30am - 12:30pm
Main Library - James J. Brown Auditorium
For Adults and Older Adults
Registration opens Wednesday, March 25 2026 at 7:00pm
Where the Wild Things Are
Wed, Apr 15, 2:30pm - 3:15pm
Eastside Branch - Naturespace,Program Room
For kids ages 2 to 5 years old with a caregiver.
Discovering Things That Go!
Wed, Apr 15, 2:30pm - 3:15pm
McCormick Branch
For kids ages 2 to 5 years old with a caregiver. 
Registration opens Wednesday, March 25 2026 at 7:00pm
Tween Artists in Residence
Wed, Apr 15, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
John M. Harper Branch - Program Room
For tweens ages 7 to 11 years old.
English Conversation Circle - with YMCA Immigrant Services
Wed, Apr 15, 6:30pm - 8:00pm
McCormick Branch
For Adults
Living with Loss Peer Support Group - with Bereaved Families of Ontario
Wed, Apr 15, 7:00pm - 8:45pm
Main Library - James J. Brown Auditorium
For AdultsRegister
Seedling Social
Wed, Apr 15, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
John M. Harper Branch - Program Room
For Adults
Registration opens Wednesday, March 25 2026 at 7:00pm
Let's Play with Robots - for Adults
Wed, Apr 15, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Eastside Branch - Program Room
For Adults
Registration opens Wednesday, March 25 2026 at 7:00pm
Learn Create Play
Thu, Apr 16, 10:30am - 11:30am
McCormick Branch
For babies and toddlers ages birth to 5 years old with a caregiver.
Explore Play Learn
Thu, Apr 16, 10:30am - 11:15am
Main Library - James J. Brown Auditorium
For babies and toddlers ages birth to 5 years old with a caregiver.
After School Maker Club
Thu, Apr 16, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
McCormick Branch
For kids ages 8 to 12 years old.
This event is full
Create Your Own Zine
Thu, Apr 16, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Eastside Branch - Program Room
For teens ages 13 to 18 years old. 
Registration opens Thursday, March 26 2026 at 7:00pm
Launch, Throw, Jump: Kinetic Energy
Thu, Apr 16, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Main Library - James J. Brown Auditorium
For tweens ages 8 to 12 years old.
Registration opens Thursday, March 26 2026 at 7:00pm
Saturday Stories
Sat, Apr 18, 10:30am - 11:15am
Eastside Branch - Program Room
For Families
Exploring Simple Robots
Sat, Apr 18, 10:30am - 11:30am
John M. Harper Branch - Program Room
For tweens ages 8 to 12 years old.
Registration opens Thursday, March 26 2026 at 7:00pm
Family LEGO Club
Sat, Apr 18, 1:00pm - 2:30pm
John M. Harper Branch - Program Room
For Families
Free Play Saturday - for Tweens and Teens
Sat, Apr 18, 2:00pm - 3:30pm
McCormick Branch
For tweens and teens ages 10 to 14 years old.
WPL's 150th Birthday Bash
Sat, Apr 18, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Main Library
Everyone welcome
Rubik's Cube Quest
Sat, Apr 18, 3:30pm - 5:00pm
John M. Harper Branch - Program Room
For tweens and teens ages 10 to 16 years old.
Registration opens Thursday, March 26 2026 at 7:00pm
Ones Exploring Nature
Mon, Apr 20, 10:30am - 11:00am
Eastside Branch - Naturespace
For ones 11 to 24 months old with a caregiver. 
Registration opens Monday, March 30 2026 at 7:00pm
Explore Play Learn
Mon, Apr 20, 10:30am - 11:15am
John M. Harper Branch - Program Room
For kids ages birth to 5 years old with a caregiver.
Baby Music
Mon, Apr 20, 10:30am - 11:00am
McCormick Branch
For babies birth to 14 months old with a caregiver. 
Music Mondays - for Older Adults
Mon, Apr 20, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
McCormick Branch
For Older Adults
Registration opens Monday, March 23 2026 at 7:00pm
Loom Knitting
Mon, Apr 20, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Eastside Branch - Program Room
For tweens ages 8 to 12 years old.
Registration opens Monday, March 30 2026 at 7:00pm
20s & 30s Book Club
Mon, Apr 20, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
John M. Harper Branch - Program Room
For adults in their 20s and 30s.
Registration opens Monday, March 30 2026 at 7:00pm
Knitting and Crochet Club
Mon, Apr 20, 7:00pm - 8:30pm
Main Library - James J. Brown Auditorium
For Adults
Seniors Social Club
Tue, Apr 21, 10:30am - 12:30pm
John M. Harper Branch - Program Room
For Older Adults
Discovering Routines
Tue, Apr 21, 10:30am - 11:15am
Main Library - James J. Brown Auditorium
For kids ages 2 to 5 years old with a caregiver.
Speak Up! Debate Games - for Tweens
Tue, Apr 21, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Main Library - James J. Brown Auditorium
For tweens ages 9 to 12 years old.
Registration opens Tuesday, March 31 2026 at 7:00pm
Chess Club
Tue, Apr 21, 6:30pm - 8:30pm
John M. Harper Branch - Program Room
Everyone welcome
Registration opens Tuesday, March 31 2026 at 7:00pm
Intro to Piano Basics for Adults
Tue, Apr 21, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Main Library - James J. Brown Auditorium
For Adults
Registration opens Tuesday, March 31 2026 at 7:00pm
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