Looking for fun and educational STEAM activities you can do at home?
You can find activities incorporating Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math (STEAM) created by our library staff.
STEAM Newsletter Archive
Read our STEAM Newsletters for a ton of library recommended STEAM activities, podcasts, programs and more for all ages!
Activity of the Month Archive
Get printable instructions for one very special ORL original Activity of the Month. Each month we’ll take you on a STEAM adventure. There’s something here for everyone!
Events
Soup’s On: Cozy Stories for Soup-er Kids!
Soup’s on! From overflowing cooking pots to flying spoons, soup (for some reason?) has a habit of turning up in the most memorable children’s stories. Put together by the ORL’s soup-er duper Youth Services Librarians, the ORL Reads list Soup-er Books for Soup-er Kids rounds up titles that celebrate slurps, spills, and the kind of kitchen chaos young readers love. These stories are made for reading aloud, giggling through, and…
AI Introduction: Clearer Questions Equal Better Answers
Artificial intelligence tools are becoming part of everyday life. People are using them to plan trips, write emails, explore new topics, and organize ideas. But if you’ve ever felt disappointed or confused by the answers you received, the issue may not be the tool itself. It may be the question you asked. This post launches the ORL’s AI Basics series with a simple starting -point: learning how to provide clearer…
From Charter to Checkout: The Responsibility of Freedom
Freedom to read is often discussed as a right—and it is. In Canada, that right is rooted in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, which protects fundamental freedoms of thought, belief, opinion, and expression. At the same time, freedom to read carries responsibility. For libraries, that responsibility is reflected in how collections are built, how access is protected, and how readers are supported in making their own choices. During…
Black History Month Reads at the ORL
Black History Month invites readers to explore stories, histories, and voices that reflect the depth and diversity of Black experience. To mark the month, ORL librarians have curated two ORL Reads lists that offer thoughtful entry points for readers of all ages. These lists bring together fiction, nonfiction, memoirs, and history, highlighting voices and perspectives that invite reflection, discovery, and deeper understanding. Whether you’re looking for a place to begin…
Come On Down! (The Benefits of Just Being Here)
Screens are a constant part of daily life. They help us learn, work, and stay connected, but they also mean many of our interactions happen alone, even when others are involved. Increasingly, people are seeking places that offer a different kind of connection: shared physical space that doesn’t demand participation, purchase, or performance. Research consistently shows that accessible public spaces play an important role in individual and community wellbeing. Studies…
Safer Internet Day: Building Healthy Digital Habits Together
Safer Internet Day on 10 February 2026 is a global reminder that the internet can be a powerful tool when it is used thoughtfully and with care. For families especially, building healthy digital habits early helps children feel confident and supported as they navigate online spaces. Online safety is not about fear or restriction. It is about guidance, shared expectations, and giving young people the tools they need to make…
New Year, New Skills: Top Online Learning Tools to Try Now
A new year often inspires us to try something different. Your ORL library card provides free access to Online Resources that support personal development, career advancement, and creative exploration. Whether you want to strengthen professional skills, learn a new language, or introduce your family to beginner-friendly coding, the following resources make it easy to get started. CodeCombat CodeCombat transforms learning to code into a family-friendly adventure. Instead of simplified drag-and-drop…
Dig Into Your Roots: Genealogy Resources at the ORL
Curious about where your story begins? Whether you’re tracing a single family line or mapping out generations, genealogy research is a journey of discovery—and the ORL is here to help every step of the way. From beginner-friendly books to powerful online databases and welcoming programs, the ORL offers a wide range of resources to support anyone interested in exploring their family history. Start with Books and eBooks Sometimes the best…
Celebrate Family Literacy Day with the ORL
Family Literacy Day is the perfect chance to slow down, share a story, and try something new together. This year’s theme, Make Mealtime Family Learning Time, highlights how everyday moments, like planning meals, following recipes, or talking around the table, can spark a lifelong love of reading. From hands-on activities to digital tools, the ORL offers plenty of family-friendly ways to enjoy reading and learning on January 27, both at…
January at the ORL: Fun Programs to Brighten Your New Year
The New Year has arrived, and ORL branches are buzzing with programs that spark creativity, connection, and curiosity! Whether you’re battling fierce red dragons in a tabletop roleplaying game, learning a new technology, or strumming a ukulele with friends, there’s something incredible waiting for you at the ORL. Here’s a quick snapshot of standout events happening this month. For more information on programs and activities at your local branch, please…
Soup’s On: Cozy Stories for Soup-er Kids!
Soup’s on! From overflowing cooking pots to flying spoons, soup (for some reason?) has a habit of turning up in the most memorable children’s stories. Put together by the ORL’s…
AI Introduction: Clearer Questions Equal Better Answers
Artificial intelligence tools are becoming part of everyday life. People are using them to plan trips, write emails, explore new topics, and organize ideas. But if you’ve ever felt disappointed…
From Charter to Checkout: The Responsibility of Freedom
Freedom to read is often discussed as a right—and it is. In Canada, that right is rooted in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, which protects fundamental freedoms of…
Black History Month Reads at the ORL
Black History Month invites readers to explore stories, histories, and voices that reflect the depth and diversity of Black experience. To mark the month, ORL librarians have curated two ORL…
Come On Down! (The Benefits of Just Being Here)
Screens are a constant part of daily life. They help us learn, work, and stay connected, but they also mean many of our interactions happen alone, even when others are…
Visit Our Makerspaces
Want more hands-on STEAM experience?
At ORL Makerspaces, you will find equipment and tools for projects, digital media creation, and exploring and learning new technology.
Use Creation Stations for digital design or animation; cut hundreds of different materials for custom DIY projects with our Cricut Makers; and you can even print three-dimensional objects using our 3D printers.
To see all the equipment offered, how to book a maker station, and to find your nearest library location with a Makerspace, check out ORL Makerspaces.
Details
Under 14? Your parent or guardian who is an ORL Maker must come with you to use the equipment.
Are you between 14 and 18? You must have your legal guardian sign your Makerspace Waiver & Guidelines [PDF] agreement.