The Orillia Public Library is shaking off the last stretch of winter with a full slate of March programming, headlined by a week of March Break activities for kids and teens.
March Break Level Up! runs March 16 to 20 in the library's family department, with themed days built around play, building and creating, according to an Orillia Public Library news release.
The week kicks off Monday, March 16, with a Family Art Pixel Party, an all-ages drop-in from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. where families can build blocky, pixel-inspired creations.
Tuesday, March 17, features a family movie matinee screening of The Super Mario Bros. Movie at 2 p.m. No registration is needed, but space is limited.
Wednesday and Thursday mornings, March 18 and 19, are Mario-themed. From 10 a.m. to noon, families can drop in for It's-a-Me, Mario!, featuring crafts and races, while kids can head to the Makerspace for Super Mario Mashup to design their own mix-and-match Mario character puzzle.
On Wednesday, March 18, teens can take part in Teen Mario Party IRL from 2 to 4 p.m., a life-sized version of the Mario Party board game with mini-games and prizes. Registration is recommended, with limited drop-in spots available.
Friday, March 20, wraps up the break with two registered programs: Arcade Invasion, for ages nine to 12, which is full with a wait list, runs from 2 to 3:30 p.m., and Press Start!, for ages six to eight, runs from 2:15 to 3:15 p.m. with games, challenges and a chance to win prizes.
Shrek screening and adult programs
Teens can also drop in for a Movie and a Meal featuring Shrek on Wednesday, March 25, from 3 to 5 p.m., with a snack provided.
Adults have their own options. The Artful Way to Wellness returns Thursday, March 19, at 6 p.m., a guided art session focused on creativity as a way to restore calm. The session costs $10 per person and requires registration.
On Thursday, March 26, at 2 p.m., visitors can meet the six local women behind the murder mystery The Red Canoe and hear how they crafted the story. Registration is requested and everyone is welcome.
Gardeners can drop by Seedy Saturday on March 28 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. to swap seeds, share tips and learn about local growing initiatives from community partners.
The month wraps up Tuesday, March 31, at 6 p.m. with Nature Is My Therapist, featuring speaker, author and nature guide Raven Murphy. She will share how everyday moments in nature can ease stress and restore perspective, with no hiking boots required. Registration is requested and everyone is welcome.
Full details and registration information are available on the library's events calendar at events.orilliapubliclibrary.ca.
