Maker Hub Launch Party, family magic show and more!

We’re celebrating our revamped Maker Hub this month and inviting you to join us for a very special launch party on Thursday, March 14 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Get a look at our new Maker Hub and equipment, meet guest Makers who will demonstrate their crafts, and enjoy hands-on fun. It’s going to be a great time. So will the AbraKIDabra! Magic Show with Peter Mennie, whose blend of magic and family-friendly comedy will amaze and have everyone laughing. We’ll also present free films highlighting the accomplishments of a diverse group of women on March 8, International Women’s Day. All this plus a PA Day movie for the kids, our Bridging the Gap book club for all ages, and much more!

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.

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

Math in Drag Book Launch: Math is for Everyone
Meet drag queen Kyne Santos, who proves math can be fun. In her new book Math In Drag, Kyne explores mathematical mysteries and makes surprising connections, like the elegance of ballroom culture and the nature of infinity, the rebellious joys of Pride and dividing by zero, and the role of statistics in her own experience on Drag Race. Kyne wants readers to see numbers glitter, equations sashay through history, and embrace the beauty of math.

Date: April 6, 2024
Time: 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Location: Old Town Hall
Ages: All ages
Get free tickets to Math In Drag

Maker Hub Launch Party
Hey there, crafters and creators! The Library’s Maker Hub is relocating to the main floor to provide more space and awesome additions to spark your creativity!  In addition to our 3D printer, Cricut Maker, and Button Maker, we're adding two extra 3D printers, an embroidery machine, a knitting machine, melty beads, and accessible workstations where you can dive into your projects like never before. To celebrate, we’re inviting you to the ultimate Maker Hub Launch Party! A day filled with crafting magic, expert advice, and hands-on fun. We've got guest Makers lined up to share their tips and tricks in 3D printing, crocheting/knitting, and button-making. It's going to be an event that'll leave you feeling inspired and ready to unleash your creativity!

Date: Thursday, March 14
Time: 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Ages: All ages
Location: Maker Hub (main floor)
Cost: FREE

End of the Line: a one-act play by local playwright William Lottering
On a Friday afternoon four employees of a company, a widow, a person with paraplegia, a former sports captain and a secretary, wait for a bus that will run for the last time. Exposed to the weather and unique geography on this final day, they compare their lives and help each other. This situational comedy shows how people struggled with low income, mental health and physical challenges at a time when there were no cell phones. As the play is outside of a conventional theatre, Lottering will involve some volunteers. A question-and-answer session follows the play.

Date: Wednesday, April 10
Time: 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Ages: 12 years and up
Location: Multipurpose Room
Cost: FREE
Register for End of the Line

International Women’s Day Films – Drop-in
We’re celebrating International Women’s Day on Fri., March 8, with free films that highlight the accomplishments of a diverse group of women. Drop-in for one or all of the films in the Library’s multipurpose room.

Hidden Figures (2016, PG)
The inspiring story of three brilliant African-American women working at NASA in the 1960s and the role they played in the success of the space program.
Time: 10:00 a.m.

Selena (1997, PG)
This music biopic stars Jennifer Lopez as the Hispanic pop star whose rising career was cut short by her tragic death.
Time: 12:30 p.m.

The Iron Lady (2011, PG-13)
Meryl Streep won an Oscar for her performance as British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher in this historical drama
Time: 3:00 p.m.

Friday, March 8
Location: Multipurpose Room
Cost: FREE

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.

March’s Film: Suze (2023)
When her only daughter goes off to university, an empty nest mother gets stuck taking care of her daughter's heartbroken ex-boyfriend, who she can't stand.

Wednesday, March 27
Time: 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Location: SilverCity Newmarket Cinemas
Get tickets to Suze

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 favorites 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 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.

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.

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

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 2024
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 4 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

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, year round
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Ages: 3 and up
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, March 26
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:
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.

Bridging The Gap Book Club: Spring 2024 Graphic Novels.
No matter what generation you belong to, you’ll enjoy our Bridging the Gap Book Club. There’s no generation gap between people who love reading. Up next in the club: Graphic Novels. Read some books and experience the artistry and literary merit of this visual form of storytelling. Then we’ll get together and have a lively, interactive discussion on what we’ve read. For more information on the club contact 905-953-5110 Ext. 4770

Club Meeting: Tues., March 26
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Location: Multipurpose Room
Cost: FREE
Register for Bridging The Gap Book Club

Online Cookbook Club March 2024: Oatmeal and Quinoa
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, March 21
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. March’s book is Crow Mary by Kathleen Grissom.

Meeting on Tuesday, March 12
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. March’s book is Bluebird, Bluebird by Attica Locke.
Meeting on Thursday, March 14
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, March 24
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 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 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 eLearning – Drop-In
Discover the eLearning apps at Newmarket Public Library: LinkedIn Learning, Hoopla and Mango are available through your library. This is a quick introductory program where you can learn how to download, log in, and search for courses available in these apps and kickstart your eLearning. Please note that a valid and up-to-date library card or e-access card is required to sign into the apps.

Date: Friday, March 8
Time: 10:00-11:30 a.m.
Location: Board Room
Ages: Adults
Cost: FREE

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. All fiber artists are welcome: knit, embroider, macrame! 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, March 2, 16, 30
Time: 2:30 – 4:30 p.m.
Ages: All ages, but under 13 must be accompanied by an adult
Location: Board Room
Cost: 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.

Winning Canadian Scholarships
Many students want to apply for Canadian college and university scholarships but feel stressed and unprepared. Join scholarship coach Judy Fiebig, who will provide you with some strategies that can help you prepare applications for merit-based scholarships.

Date: March 30
Time: 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Location: Multipurpose Room
Ages: 13 and up
Fee: Free
Register for Winning Canadian Scholarships

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, March 12, 26
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 Counselling – Drop-In
Catholic Community Services of York Region will provide free assistance in creating a short-term plan that will make a difference for you, using the strengths, resources, and supports you have right now.

Dates: Tuesday, March 5
Time: 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Location: Main Level
Ages: Adults
Fee: Free

York Region Social Services– Drop-In
Meet with outreach workers and connect with community services: referrals to housing services, food, health and wellness, and more.

Dates: Wednesdays, March 6, 13, 20 27
Time: 1:00 – 5:00 p.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.

Cat Daddies (2021)
This heartwarming documentary tells the stories of nine ‘cat daddies’, men from all walks of life whose lives have been changed forever due to their love for cats. Not rated.
Friday, March 1

PA DAY MOVIE: Shazam, Fury of the Gods (2023)
More action and excitement in this sequel to Shazam, which sees Billy Batson and his alter ego Shazam battling evil gods. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Rated PG-13
Friday, March 15

Golda (2023)
A tense drama about Israeli Prime Minister Golda Meir’s leadership during the Yom Kippur War of 1973, when her country was facing complete destruction from its enemies. Rated PG-13
Friday, March 22

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