Your Library is the place to be in May!

So much to look forward to this month and in the early weeks of June. As the better weather returns, so do the Library’s StoryWalks®, where pages of a children’s book are placed on signs in parks for families to read while walking the trails, and the Fairy Trail Walk for Esther StoryWalk® will include a special fundraising costume parade launch the entire family will enjoy. Get hands-on experience with a knitting machine and other equipment during several Maker Hub programs, and popular drag queens E’Claire and Athena of the Haus of Devereaux return for age-appropriate 2SLGBTQ+ stories, crafts and fun for everyone. Out and About Family Storytime continues at the Magna Centre, and we’ve got great films chosen for Film Fridays in celebration of Asian Heritage Month. Enjoy these and other engaging programs and events this month!

Register for Library programs
Create an Xplor Recreation account to register for Library and Town programs. Take a few moments to sign up for your account. For a program requiring registration, please log in to Xplor Recreation and under Activities, Activity Registration, enter its title. NOTE: Registration ends one week before the program date.

You can also register in person for Library programs at all Library Service Desks. For more information call 905-953-5110 Ext. 4770 for Adult programs, 905-953-5110 Ext. 4690 for Children’s programs and 905-953-5110 Ext. 4860 for Community programs.

SPECIAL EVENTS:

For a program requiring registration, please log in to Xplor Recreation and under Activities, Activity Registration, enter its title. NOTE: Registration ends one week before program date.

Fairy Trail Walk for Esther
The Fairy Trail Walk is a StoryWalk^®, where pages of a children’s book are placed on signs in parks for families to enjoy while they are walking the trails. Newmarket resident Christian Wehrli’s desire to create a memorial to his sister Esther, who passed away in 2021, was the catalyst for creating this StoryWalk®. Esther was a kindergarten teacher in Switzerland who loved storybooks. When she visited Christian in Newmarket, Esther enjoyed spending time at Newmarket Library and walking the Tom Taylor Trail. To commemorate his sister’s love of children and reading, Christian proposed the Fairy Trail Walk for Esther in partnership with Newmarket Library.

Fundraising Costume Parade Launch
Your family can be part of this fun and exciting family event to launch a wonderful StoryWalk®, with proceeds going towards StoryWalks® in the community and purchasing children’s books for Newmarket Library. Take part in a costume parade, enjoy watching a balloon artist, and receive a commemorative water bottle. The parade starts at the Amphitheatre in Fairy Lake Park near downtown Newmarket. Wear your favourite fairy tale costume and enjoy an outing that combines exercise and literacy as you stroll along and read The Paper Bag Princess by Robert Munsch.

Sunday, June 9
Time: 1:30 – 4:00 p.m.
Ages: All ages
Location: Fairy Lake Park Amphitheatre
Cost: $25 per person (family of three or more $49)
Get tickets and find out more about the Fairy Trail Walk for Esther

Newmarket Library’s Summer StoryWalks®
Get ready for an outdoor reading activity that will delight families and readers of all ages. Enjoy sunshine and fresh air as you stroll through Town parks reading some wonderful books. Take advantage of this opportunity for a delightful outing that blends nature, storytelling, and family fun.  

Afro, No! by Amaya James
Amaya James wrote Afro, No! when she was nine years old. It explores the sometimes complicated relationship that young black girls can have with their hair. It speaks to the beauty, uniqueness and joy that comes with the pain and challenge of getting their hair done.
Paul Semple Park, Newmarket
Beginning in May

Etty Darwin and the Four Pebble Problem by Lauren Soloy
Charles Darwin would take daily walks during which he would do much of his thinking. His children were always welcome to join him, and his daughter Etty often did. Lauren Soloy’s charming story imagines what they might have talked about during their walks together. As Soloy says, “walking is a wonderful way to contemplate big questions.”
Woodland Hills Labyrinth Park, Newmarket
Beginning in May

Drag Queen Storytime with the Haus of Devereaux
Don’t miss this free family Drag Queen Storytime, with E’Claire and Athena of the Haus of Devereaux. Enjoy acclaimed and age-appropriate 2SLGBTQ+ stories, crafts and fun for everyone! Story sessions at 2 and 3 p.m. Please register all those planning to attend.

Saturday, May 25
Time: 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Ages: All ages
Location: Multipurpose Room
Cost: FREE
Register for Drag Queen Storytime

Plant Swap and Sale
It’s our yearly plant swap. Prepare by dividing your perennials such as hostas, irises and others, and place some in pots to share. Or take clippings from your houseplants and root them in pots. Or if you have too many of a particular houseplant, bring some in to swap. Join us and enjoy sharing your passion for plants with others. NOTE: We are gratefully accepting plant donations to include in our Plant Sale. Please drop off plants the day before or the morning of May 11^th (the day of the sale). Please do not bring any invasive plants. For more information call 905-953-5110 Ext. 4770.

Saturday, May 11
Time: 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Location: Multipurpose Room

READING CHALLENGES:

1,000 Books Before Kindergarten: Fairy Tale Theme
Embark on this rewarding reading challenge with your child, keep track of your reading on Beanstack and share your favourites with the Library and other fellow readers. Find the challenge at the bottom of our Reading Challenges webpage.

100 Books Before University
Can you complete the challenge before leaving high school? Read 100 books before university, log your reading in Beanstack, and earn a new set of badges!  Find the challenge at the bottom of our Reading Challenges webpage.

10 To Try Challenge
Read a book in each of 10 categories, keep track of your reading, and share your favourite discoveries with the Library and your fellow readers. Earn badges to complete your Bingo card and enter a draw for a gift card for Olive Oil Co. or Metropolis Mercantile & Café. Scroll to find the 10 To Try Challenge at the bottom of our Reading Challenges webpage.

Cookbook Challenge
A tasty way to combine two pastimes: reading and cooking. Have fun expanding your culinary repertoire and earn badges to complete your Bingo card and enter a draw for a gift card for Olive Oil Co. or HomeSense. Scroll to find the Cookbook Challenge at the bottom of our Reading Challenges webpage.

TD SUMMER READING CLUB 2024:

Registration opens Sat., June 15
This year the program will be returning to in-person registration and tracking. Return to the Library to collect beads while you reach your reading milestones and show off your results with special brag tags. Take part in a variety of registered and drop-in programs throughout the summer. See the website calendar for more details. There will also be weekly prizes and end-of-summer grand prizes for each age group: 0-2, 3-7, and 8-12.

The Bubble Show
Kick off a summer of great reading with The Bubble Show, filled with bubble magic, juggling, cool music and lighting effects. Bubble tricks include volcano bubbles and bubble tennis, and kids get to make their own bubbles. Please register for each person attending.

Saturday, June 22
Time: 2:00 - 2:40 p.m.
Ages: All welcome
Multipurpose Room
Cost: $5 per person
Register for The Bubble Show

Teen Summer Reading Club Challenge 2024
For ages 13 and up. In-person registration begins at the Library on Saturday, June 15. Participants will fill out a ballot for every book read and have a chance to win a pair of wireless earbuds as a grand prize.

MAKER HUB PROGRAMS:
For a program requiring registration, please log in to Xplor Recreationand under Activities, Activity Registration, enter its title. NOTE: Registration ends one week before program date.

DIY Mother’s Day Cards
Get ready to craft the perfect Mother's Day surprise! Join us for a DIY card-making event where kids of all ages can let their creativity shine. With cardstock, colourful vinyl stickers, and heartfelt messages inside, each card will be a personalized masterpiece for Mom.

Date: Saturday, May 4
Time: 2:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Location: Library Main Floor
Ages: All ages (children to be accompanied by adult)
Fee: Free
Register for DIY Mother’s Day Cards

Cricut Creations: Mother's Day Mug Crafting
It's time to make Mother's Day extra special! Personalize a mug design, include a heartfelt message, and heat transfer it onto your mug for a thoughtful keepsake that Mom will treasure with every sip.

Date: Wednesday, May 8
Time: 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Location: Maker Hub
Ages: 14 years and up
Fee: $5 per person
Register for Mother’s Day Mug Crafting

Cricut 101: Beginner's Guide to Cricut Design Space
Discover the world of Cricut crafting with our Cricut 101 workshop. Join us as we navigate through setting up an account, exploring exciting projects, and crafting your own custom designs. With hands-on experience using the Cricut Maker, you'll craft your way to success and leave with a vinyl sticker made during the session. Don't miss out on this immersive experience in the art of Cricut crafting.

Date: Wednesday, May 15
Time: 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Location: Maker Hub
Ages: Adults
Fee: Free
Register for Beginner’s Guide to Cricut Design Space

Machine Knitting 101: Beginner's Workshop
An exciting introduction to knitting machines. Ever wondered how these magical devices work? Here's your chance to find out. Try out an Addi Express in this hands-on session. Learn casting on, knitting rounds, and casting off. Come see if machine knitting sparks your interest and get ready to embark on a fun and rewarding journey of crafting with yarn.

Date: Friday, May 31
Time: 2:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Location: Maker Hub
Ages: 14 years and up
Fee: Free
Register for Machine Knitting 101

FUN FOR CHILDREN AND FAMILIES:
For a program requiring registration, please log in to Xplor Recreationand under Activities, Activity Registration, enter its title. NOTE: Registration ends one week before program date.

Out and About Family Storytimes at Magna Centre
Now you can enjoy Library storytimes at the Magna Centre, a wonderful way for caregivers and children to enjoy sharing stories, rhymes and fingeplays that engage young minds. Maximum 12 children with a caregiver.

Wednesdays, April 3 to June 26
Time: 10:30 - 11:00 a.m.
Ages: 6 months to 5 years
Location: Magna Centre Multipurpose Room #1, Ground Level
Cost: FREE
See all the dates for storytimes at Magna Centre

Pickles on Pizza, Author reading with Amanda Leigh: Drop-in
Local firefighter and author Amanda Leigh will be reading from her new picture book, Pickles on Pizza. Discover the joys of teamwork and trying something new. Amanda is well-known for her Saturday night pizza tradition at the CYFS fire station.

Wednesday, May 15
Time: 10:30 a.m.
Ages: All welcome
Children’s Picture Book Area
Cost: FREE

Mother’s Day Storytime and Craft: Drop-in
Let’s have fun in a very special Mother’s Day Storytime! We’ll share stories and make a greeting card for Mom with tissue paper flowers (while supplies last, quantities are limited). 

Saturday, May 11
Time: 2:00 – 2:30 p.m.
Ages: 3 to 12 years
Story Room
Cost: FREE

Family Storytime: Drop-in
Let’s get together for a fun interactive time as we enjoy stories, songs, rhymes and finger-plays. No registration required.

Every Saturday, until June 29
Time: 9:45 – 10:15 a.m.
Ages: 6 months to 5 years
Location: Children’s Floor Picture Book Area
Cost: FREE

Preschool and Toddler Storytime: Drop-in
Join us for stories, songs and rhymes! Each week a new theme and a new set of stories. No registration needed. Maximum 15 participants.

Tuesday, April 2 to May 21
Times: 9:45 – 10:15 a.m.
Ages: 2 to 5 years
Location: Story Room
Cost: FREE

Music And Movement
A fun interactive music-based program where children and caregivers together will get to dance, sing, play instruments and enjoy finger rhymes. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Registration required.

Tuesdays, April 2 to May 21
Time: 9:45 – 10:15 a.m.
Ages: 2 to 4 years
Location: Multipurpose Room
Cost: FREE
Register for Music and Movement

Blox Builders Club: Drop-in
Bring your imagination and create your own world with LEGO and DUPLO. Children must be accompanied by an adult. No registration required.  

Saturdays until June 29
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Ages: 3 and up
Location: Story Room
Cost: FREE

Full STEAM Ahead Workshops
STEAM workshops will inspire your child’s curiosity about Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math. Each workshop includes hands-on activities and experiments. Registration required.

MAY WORKSHOP
Plant Life Cycles: Seed Planting
From seed to roots to seedlings, plants are important in our everyday life. How long does it take for a seed to grow? Let’s explore and discover various plant life cycles. We will plant bean seeds and learn about the importance of composting. Maximum 12 participants.

Tuesday, May 21
Time: 4:30 – 5:30 p.m.
Ages: 7 to 9 years
Location: Program Room
Cost: FREE
Register for Plant Life Cycles

Craft Afternoons: Drop-in
Channel your inner artist when you visit our craft table in the program room. Open every fourth Tuesday afternoon in the month. Different crafts each month. Drop-in while art supplies last.

Tuesday, May 28
Time: 3:30 – 5:00 p.m.
Ages: 5 to 12 years
Location: Program Room
Cost: FREE

Tween Book Club
For pre-teens interested in reading challenging books. Every month we discuss our monthly pick and do activities based on the book’s theme. Contact Children’s Dept. to register.

Every third Thursday of the month
January 18 to May 16
Time: 7:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Ages: 9 to 12 years
Location: Program Room
Cost: FREE

Chess in the Library – Drop-in program
Love playing chess? Want to learn? Here’s your opportunity to play a good game with your peers, or learn how to play. Chess in the Library is an organization whose mission is to promote chess across Canada through its student volunteer-run program at libraries. Parent/caregiver is to remain in the building if participant is under the age of 11. No registration required. For more information, visit the Chess in the Library website.

Every Saturday all year round
Time: 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Ages: 8 to 18 years
Location: Program Room
Cost: FREE

BOOK CLUBS:

Afternoon Book Club
Book lovers join us for fiction and non-fiction reads on alternating months. We've chosen some intriguing titles you're sure to enjoy. May’s book is Lady Tan’s Circle of Women by Lisa See.

Meeting on Tuesday, May 14
Time: 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Location: Via Zoom
Cost: FREE
For more information contact Adult Department at 905-953-5110 ext. 4770


Dark Evenings Mystery Book Club
Mystery fans we’ve got intriguing titles to see you through the long, dark nights of fall and winter. May’s book is Down a Long Dark River by Karen Odden.

Meeting on Thursday, May 9
Time: 7:00 – 8:15 p.m.
Location: Via Zoom
Cost: FREE
For more information contact Adult Department at 905-953-5110 ext. 4770

ONLINE LIBRARY DISCOVERY PROGRAMS:
For a program requiring registration, please log in to Xplor Recreationand under Activities, Activity Registration, enter its title. NOTE: Registration ends one week before program date.

Newmarket Library’s Online Library has digital eBooks, audiobooks, magazines, newspapers, streaming movies, and more. All are available to access from the comfort of your home. We’ll show you how to enjoy all the digital delights waiting for you. Use a tablet provided by the Library (or your own device). A valid, up-to-date library card or e-access card required.

Discover Video Streaming and eMusic
Discover a world of digital entertainment at Newmarket Public Library with Kanopy, Hoopla, and Freegal, all at your fingertips using your library card. Stream movies, music, and more right from your device. Join us to learn more. Bring your own device or use the Samsung tablets provided for the program. Please note that a valid and up-to-date library card or e-access card is required to sign in to the apps.

Date: Friday, May 10
Time: 10:00-11:30 a.m.
Location: Board Room
Ages: Adults
Cost: FREE
Register for Discover Video Streaming and eMusic

LEARN A HOBBY:

Newmarket Crochet Crew – Drop-in 
Looking to learn crochet? Want to try out a new pattern? Interested in working with others to make a group project come to life? Or would you like company while you work on your crafts? B.Y.O.Y (Bring Your Own Yarn) for working on personal projects, or stash bust, trade, and partake in making a project with the group. Try your hand at a knitting machine if holding hooks and needles isn't your thing. Get hooked on a new hobby!

Every other Saturday, May 11, 25
Time: 2:30 – 4:30 p.m.
Ages: All ages, but under 13 must be accompanied by an adult
Location: Main Floor
Cost: FREE

NEWMARKET CYCLES WORKSHOP:
For a program requiring registration, please log in to Xplor Recreationand under Activities, Activity Registration, enter its title. NOTE: Registration ends one week before program date.

How to Change a Flat Tire
This is a great opportunity to learn step-by-step how to change a flat tire on a bicycle. From locating the puncture to using tools to remove the tire, you will gain valuable skills to confidently repair and maintain your bike. We will be working hands-on with bicycle wheels, so please dress accordingly. Younger participants may want to bring a parent or caregiver to help.

Wednesday, May 8
Time: 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Ages: 10 and up
Location: Multipurpose Room
Cost: FREE
Register for How to Change a Flat Tire

TEEN PROGRAMS:
For a program requiring registration, please log in to Xplor Recreationand under Activities, Activity Registration, enter its title. NOTE: Registration ends one week before program date.

YA Pride Club – Drop-In 
In the YA Pride Club, LGBTQ+ teens can be themselves free from judgement and enjoy activities, discussions, and lots of fun. Whether you're questioning, out and proud, or anywhere in between, the club is an inclusive hangout where you will find acceptance, laughter and friendship. In biweekly meetings, we’ll have respectful conversations about gender, sexuality and identity, and enjoy game nights, movie screenings, themed parties and creative workshops.

Biweekly Tuesdays, May 7, 21
Time: 6:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Ages: 13 to 20 years
Location: Story Room
Cost: FREE
Learn more and see the dates for YA Pride Club

FILM FRIDAYS AT NPL
No registration required, drop in and enjoy a free movie in the Library’s multipurpose room. All movies start at 2:00 p.m. Doors open at 1:45 p.m. Children must be accompanied by an adult. You can bring your own snacks.

Celebrating Asian Heritage Month

Past Lives (2023)
Childhood friends Nora and Hae Sung are separated when Nora's family emigrates from South Korea. Twenty years later, they reunite for one week. Rated PG.
Friday, May 3

Minari (2020)
Jacob Yi relocates his Korean-American family from California to rural Arkansas to follow his dream of starting a farm to grow and sell Korean fruits and vegetables. Rated PG.
Friday, May 10

Life of Pi (2012)
Based on the best-selling novel by Yann Martel, this award-winning film is a magical story about Pi Patel, the son of a zookeeper. Rated PG.
Friday, May 17

Slumdog Millionaire (2023)
Indian teen Jamal Malik becomes a contestant on the Hindi version of Who Wants to be A Millionaire? to prove his love for his friend Latika. Rated 14A.
Friday, May 24

Parasite (2019)
Jobless and unmotivated patriarch Ki-taek and his unambitious family luck into a scheme that becomes a winner-take-all class war with the wealthy Park family. Rated 14A.
Friday, May 31

The library is open during its regular hours Tuesday to Thursday 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., Friday and Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Sunday 1:00 to 5:00 p.m.

Enquiries about adult programs 905-953-5110 Ext. 4770 and children’s programs 905-953-5105