Black History Month events, York Cinemania & more!

To celebrate Black History Month the Library and the Newmarket African Caribbean Canadian Association (NACCA) are presenting two events: a special speaker presentation with Dr. Natasha Henry-Dixon, assistant professor of African Canadian History at York University; and a screening of the documentary Living In Colour, about the Black community across Canada, presented by the Black Rivers Alliance and guest speaker Melissa Nelson from Archives of Ontario. In addition, Kern Carter, author of the teen book Boys and Girls Screaming will talk about his work in an online event. Our Film Fridays will showcase films for Black History Month, including Chevalier and Judas and the Black Messiah. We’ve also got a special Valentine’s Day program for children, online library discovery program, children’s Storytimes and the return of York Cinemania with great films from TIFF.

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 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.

Black History Month Events
Hosted and sponsored by Newmarket Public Library in partnership with the Newmarket African Caribbean Canadian Association (NAACA)

Film Screening and Discussion: Living in Colour
Presented by Black Rivers Alliance and guest speaker Melissa Nelson, Archivist,
Archives of Ontario

There is growing awareness in Black communities that documentary and film evidence can be used as an empowering toll for story-making, history-making and change. Living in Colour, written and delivered by The Black Rivers’ Alliance, is a 40-minute documentary that discusses, analyzes, and receives the past, present, and potential future of the Black community across Canada. It features conversations between members of The Black Rivers’ Alliance regarding Black culture, the reception of Caribbean and African cultures by immigrants and the descendants of immigrants across Canada and the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), the growth of Black pop culture and where it comes from, as well as the exploration of the presence of Black identity in North America and the Caribbean, and whether or not said identity is ultimately rooted in Africa. Olivia Hutchinson, Marcus Walkes, Atiya Williams and Jaylah A. Hall interview and have conversations with Black men, women, and youth across York Region to explore different perspectives on these topics that exist within their community, with hopes of Creating and affirming tangibility and reliability in learning more about the truth in past and modern history; history that will fan the fire to form the foundation to build culturally empowered Black teens.

Friday, February 16
Time: 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Ages: 10 years and older
Location: Multipurpose Room
Cost: FREE
Register Film Screening and Discussion: Living in Colour


“Writing Our History” with Dr. Natasha Henry-Dixon
Join us for a live and interactive speaker presentation and interview, hosted by Newmarket Public Library and moderated by Newmarket African Caribbean Canadian Association’s Jerisha Grant-Hall. NAACA is pleased to welcome Dr. Natasha Henry-Dixon as this year’s honoured speaker, an assistant professor of African Canadian History at York University. The 2018 Vanier Scholar is researching the enslavement of Black people in early Ontario. Her publications include Emancipation Day: Celebrating Freedom in Canada (2010), Talking About Freedom: Celebrating Freedom in Canada (2012), a number of youth-focused titles, and several entries for the Canadian Encyclopedia on African Canadian history. Through her various professional, academic, and community roles, Natasha’s work is grounded in her commitment to research, collect, preserve, and disseminate the histories of Black Canadians.

Wednesday, February 21
Time: 7:00– 9:00 p.m.
Location: Multipurpose Room
Cost: FREE
Register for “Writing Our History” with Dr. Natasha Henry-Dixon

Black History Month: Author Kern Carter
Kern Carter, author of the teen novel Boys and Girls Screaming will share the pain and joy behind his book’s creative process as well as his personal journey of breaking through in a challenging career. Ken Carter is a prolific writer, educator, and mentor based in Toronto, Canada. With a passion for storytelling, Kern has authored three books, which have received critical acclaim and garnered a dedicated following. In addition to his impressive body of work, Kern is committed to supporting emerging writers and helping them find their voice. He has created several online platforms that provide a safe and welcoming space for new writers to share their stories and connect with others in the community. These platforms are made possible through partnerships with various organizations and institutions, helping to elevate the voices of countless writers who may not have had the opportunity otherwise. Kern’s commitment to mentorship extends beyond his online platforms. He also teaches at Humber College as a professor and runs workshops on the craft of writing and how to make money as a writer.

Date: February 22, 2024
Time: 7:00 – 8:00pm
Location: Online
Ages: 14 and up
Fee: Free
Register for Black History Month: Author Kern Carter

York Cinemania
York Cinemania is back! Presented by Newmarket Public Library and East Gwillimbury Public Library, York Cinemania brings independent and award-winning TIFF films to audiences in northern York Region showing at SilverCity Cinemas Newmarket. Ticket Prices: $15 per person, per film. Learn more about York Cinemania.

February’s Film: When Morning Comes (2022)
Jamal, a young boy living in Jamaica, struggles with his widowed mother's decision to send him to Canada to live with his grandmother. Her concern is for Jamal’s future, but he finds the idea unsettling, causing friction in their relationship. This acclaimed first feature film by director Kelly Fyffe-Marshall is a moving drama about the immigrant experience.
Wednesday, February 28
Time: 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Location: SilverCity Newmarket Cinemas
Get tickets to When Morning Comes

FUN FOR CHILDREN AND FAMILIES:
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.

Family Storytime: Drop-in
Let’s get together for a fun interactive time as we enjoy stories, songs, rhymes and finger-plays.

Every Saturday, until June 2024
Time: 9:45 – 10:15 a.m.
Ages: 6 months to 5 years
Location: Children’s Floor Picture Book Area
Cost: FREE

Preschool Storytime: Drop-in
Join us for stories, songs and rhymes! Each week a new theme and a new set of stories.

Maximum 15 participants.
Wednesday., February 7 – 28
Time: 9:45 – 10:15 a.m.
Ages: 3 to 5 years
Location: Story Room
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.
Maximum 15 participants.

Tuesday, February 6 – 27
Times: 9:45 – 10:15 a.m.
Ages: 2 to 4 years
Location: Story Room
Cost: FREE

Toddlertime: Drop-in
A fun-filled eight-week program of stories, movement, fingerplays, rhymes and songs.
Maximum 15 participants.

Wednesday, February 7 – 28
Times: 9:45 – 10:15 a.m.
Ages: 24 to 35 months
Location: Program Room
Cost: FREE

Baby and Toddler Storytime: Drop-in
An interactive eight-week program for you and your child. Includes songs, bounces, rhymes and puppets. Maximum 15 participants.

Friday, February 2 – March 1
Times: 10:30 – 11:00 a.m.
Ages: 6 months to 35 months
Location: Children’s Floor Picture Book Area
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, February 6 – 27
Time: 9:45 a.m. – 10:15 a.m.
Ages: 2 to 4 years
Location: Multipurpose Room
Cost: FREE

Full STEAM Ahead Workshop: Winter Season
We’ll share stories about the Winter season then we will encourage creative play with our Winter Sensory bin. The benefits include promoting fine motor skills as well as sensory exploration.  Filled with cotton balls, pom poms, and paper straws you can build a snowflake, or just let your imagination soar! A take-home Winter craft will be available. Registration required.

Tuesday, February 20
Time: 4:30 – 5:30 p.m.
Ages: 3 to 6 years
Location: Program Room
Cost: FREE

Blox Builders Club: Drop-in
Bring your imagination and create your own world with LEGO and DUPLO. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Saturdays, year round
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Ages: 3 to 12 years
Location: Story Room
Cost: FREE

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, February 27
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. 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

GET IN EARLY FOR MARCH BREAK PROGRAMS:
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.

AbraKIDabra! Magic Show with Peter Mennie
A magic show with the perfect blend of family-focused magic, classic kid clown-like antics and parent-approved pop culture references. Peter Mennie provides comedy, magic, audience involvement and music so that everyone laughs a lot, is amazed and leaves with a smile on their face. Registration required, maximum 50 participants.

Thursday, March 14
Time: 2:00 - 3:00 p.m.
Ages: 3 years and up
Location: Multipurpose Room
Cost: $5 per attendee

Stuffy Sleepover
Bring your stuffy for a bedtime story time and then leave them at the library for a sleep-over for fun with other stuffy friends. Registration required, maximum 15 participants.

Tuesday, March 12
Time: 6:30 - 7:00 p.m.
Ages: 3 to 6 years
Location: Story Room
Cost: FREE

Reach For The Stars
Create your very own constellation in a jar and learn about the stars in this stellar program all about our night sky! Registration required, maximum 12 participants.

Wednesday, March 13
Time: 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Ages: 8 to 12 years
Location: Program Room
Cost: FREE

Dog Man and Cat Kid Bingo
Fans of Dog Man and Cat Kid join us for several rounds of bingo. You may even be lucky enough to win a small prize. Registration required, maximum 15 participants

Thursday, March 14
Time: 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Ages: 6 to 10 years
Location: Program Room
Cost: FREE

READING CHALLENGES:

10 To Try Challenge
Read a book in each of 10 categories, keep track of your reading, and share your favorite 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.

BOOK CLUBS:

Online Cookbook Club February 2024: Chocolate, chocolate...
If you’re looking for an opportunity to share your enthusiasm for the culinary arts with like-minded individuals, then join us for our online cooking club. We’ll select different recipe ideas ahead of our meetings, get cooking, then meet online to share and discuss the results.

Meeting on Thursday, February 15
Times: afternoon at 3:00 p.m.
Location: Via Zoom
Cost: FREE
For more information contact Adult Department at 905-953-5110 ext. 4770

Afternoon Book Club
Book lovers join us for fiction and non-fiction reads on alternating months. We've chosen some intriguing titles that you're sure to enjoy. February’s title is Passionate Mothers, Powerful Sons by Charlotte Gray.

Meeting on Tuesday, February 13
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. February’s book is The Word Is Murder by Anthony Horowitz.

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

COMPUTER SKILLS:

Minecraft Club, Build A Minecraft Game World: Drop-in
If you know what enderman, skelly, redstone and creeper are, then you obviously ‘dig’ Minecraft. Learn to create your own Minecraft game world, new characters and objects in the Minecraft Club. Gain skills in Minecraft Education MakeCode Arcade tutorials and Mcreator.Presented by Code Ninjas East Gwillimbury and Newmarket Library. NOTE: First-come, first-served, so check-in early at the Children’s Information desk on the second floor. To attend the second workshop, please put your name on the waitlist. Parents/guardians must remain in the Library during the program. Limit 12 children per workshop.

Sunday, February 25
Choose from two Times:
2:00 – 3:00 p.m. or 3:15– 4:15 p.m.
Ages: 8 years and up
Location: Board Room
Cost: FREE

ONLINE LIBRARY DISCOVERY PROGRAMS:
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.

Newmarket Library’s Online Library has digital eBooks, audiobooks, magazines, newspapers, streaming movies, and more. All 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 – Drop-In
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: February 9, 2024
Time: 10:00-11:30 a.m.
Location: Board Room
Ages: Adults
Fee: Free

TEEN PROGRAMS:
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.

Free Computer Workshops For Teens 
Are you age 11 to 18 and would like to learn how to build a computer and develop a website? This program is intended to empower youth in developing skills in computer technology. Provided by Create Your Ripples and funded by York Region. You will take home a free computer with full attendance.

Sundays, February 11, 25 and March 3
Time: 1:30 – 3:30 p.m.
Ages: 11 to 18 years
Location: Large Study Room
Cost: FREE
Sign up by emailing cy.ripples@gmail.com or phone 647-390-2991

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, February 13 & 27
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

COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS AT THE LIBRARY:
Drop in to meet and chat with representatives from community organizations 
and learn more about the services they offer.

Settlement Services: Catholic Community Services York Region – Drop-In
Get help with language training, career and employment, housing, health care, education, transit, citizenship, important documents and more. Free. No appointment needed.

Dates: February 6
Time: 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Location: Main Level
Ages: Adults
Fee: Free

Walk-in Counselling: Catholic Community Services York Region – Drop-In
Drop in to meet with CCSYR outreach counsellors to create a short-term plan that will make a difference for you right away - using the strengths, resources and supports you have right now. Free for the first session and visit.

Dates: February 7, 14, 21, 28
Time: 1:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Location: Main Level
Ages: Adults
Fee: Free

Community Supports Clinic – Drop-In
Drop in to meet with outreach workers and connect with community services: referrals to housing services, food, health and wellness, and more. Free, confidential referrals and support.

Dates: February 2, 16
Time: 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Location: Main Level
Ages: Adults
Fee: Free

FILM FRIDAYS AT NPL
No registration required, just 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 Black History Month

Race (2016)
Biopic of track and field athlete Jesse Owens, who overcame discrimination at home and abroad. When he won four gold medals at the 1936 Berlin Olympics in Nazi Germany, Owens deflated Hitler’s Aryan supremacy myth. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Rated PG-13
Friday, February 2

Chevalier (2022)
True story of composer Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-Georges, who became a celebrated violinist and composer in France during the late 1700s. Rated PG-13
Friday, February 9

Judas and the Black Messiah (2021)
A powerful film and true story about William O’Neal, an FBI informant, who went undercover to infiltrate the Black Panther Party in Chicago, during the 1960s. Rated R
Friday, February 16

The United States vs. Billie Holiday (2021)
A true story about legendary jazz singer Billie Holiday, who had a relationship with Jimmy Fletcher without realizing he was an undercover operative for the U.S. Federal Department of Narcotics. Rated R
Friday, February 23

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

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