Step into spring with exciting times at the Library

We have a wonderful variety of programs and events this month to usher in Spring. Local playwright William Lottering will be reading his one-act comedy play End of the Line, and you can get in the groove with Karishma during a fun and energetic Bollywood Dance Workshop. We’ll be presenting a special author event at the Old Town Hall with drag queen Kyne Santos, who combines a love of math and drag in the book Math In Drag. National Canadian Film Day will celebrate cinema in the Great White North with selected Canadian films on April 17, and our Out and About Family Storytime will take the beloved Library experience to the Magna Centre. All this and so much more to enjoy 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 Recreationand under Activities, Activity Registration, enter its title. NOTE: Registration ends one week before program date.

Bollywood Dance Workshop
Join Karishma @dancewithkarish in this super fun workshop for all ages and levels. Bollywood dancing comes from the Indian film industry and incorporates traditional Indian and Bhangra folk dance with Hip Hop, Jazz, Latin and belly dance styles. It is energetic, expressive and fun. The song choice will be geared toward celebrating the festival of Holi to welcome spring.
Saturday, April 13  

Time: 11:00 – 11:45 a.m.
Ages: 6 and up
Location: Multipurpose Room
Cost: FREE
Register for Bollywood Dance Workshop

National Canadian Film Day
A massive, one-day, coast-to-coast celebration of Canadian cinema! Drop in the Multipurpose Room on Wednesday, April 17 and enjoy these Canadian films:

Ru
Based on the Governor General's Award-winning novel by Kim Thúy, Ru is the story of the arduous journey of a wealthy family fleeing from Vietnam, before landing in Quebec. Rated 14A
Time: 9:30 a.m.

Night Raiders
A mother joins an underground band of vigilantes to try to rescue her daughter from a state-run institution. Rated PG
Time: 1:00 p.m.

Tia and Piujuq
Tia, a 10-year-old Syrian refugee living in Montreal, finds a magic portal and travels to the Arctic, where she befriends an Inuk girl with whom she immerses herself in a world of Inuit myth and magic. Rated 14A
Time: 3:30 p.m.

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

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

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.

April’s Film: Past Lives (2023)
Nora and Hae Sung, two deeply connected childhood friends, are wrested apart after Nora's family emigrates from South Korea. Twenty years later, they are reunited for one fateful week as they confront notions of love and destiny.

Wednesday, April 24
Time: 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Location: SilverCity Newmarket Cinemas
Get tickets to Past Lives

Get ready for the Library’s 3^rd Annual Community Plant Swap
It’s our yearly plant swap, a great way to exchange plants with others and chat about growing and gardening. 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. 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 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 Recreation and under Activities, Activity Registration, enter its title. NOTE: Registration ends one week before program date.

Out and About Family Storytimes at Magna Centre: Drop-in
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

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.

APRIL WORKSHOP
The Titanic
The "unsinkable" Titanic sank on April 15th, 1912. Join us as we examine how this happened. We will try building our own unsinkable ships using common household items. Maximum 10 participants.

Tuesday, Apr. 16
Time: 4:30 – 5:30 p.m.
Ages: 8 to 10 years
Location: Program Room
Cost: FREE
Register for The Titanic workshop

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, April 23
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:

Online Cookbook Club April 2024: Salads
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, April 18
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. April’s book is The Art Thief by Michael Finkel

Meeting on Tuesday, April 9
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. April’s book is Heat Wave by Richard Castle.
Meeting on Thursday, April 11
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:

Point, Click, Connect: Digital Literacy
Learn basic computer skills in this 2-day workshop from Job Skills where you’ll get one-on-one support from a team of tech savvy professionals. Find out about Microsoft Windows, Office and Excel, and communication via email and social media. Discover Internet job searching and networking, Google Drive, privacy and security and online shopping.

Date: April 30 and May 1
Time: 10:00-3:30 p.m.
Location: Large Study Room
Ages: 16 and up
Fee: Free
Register for Point, Click, Connect


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, April 28
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 Digital Reading – Drop-In
Discover the world of digital reading at Newmarket Public Library with Libby, Hoopla and PressReader! Join us for a quick introduction to these user-friendly apps that make borrowing and enjoying eBooks, audiobooks, eMagazines and eNewspapers easier than ever. Whether you're a seasoned reader or new to digital reading, this program will get you started on your literary journey. Date: Friday, April 5

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, April 13, 27
Time: 2:30 – 4:30 p.m.
Ages: All ages, but under 13 must be accompanied by an adult
Location: Main Floor
Cost: FREE

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.

Scholarship Essay Writing Workshop
Get expert advice from ACE Scholarship Consultant Judy Fiebig on creating a compelling scholarship essay that will stand out. Useful in writing supplemental essays for university and college applications as well. Attendees should bring a laptop and a summary of their extra-curricular activities, along with any paid work or other life experiences that might be worthwhile writing about in their essays. Limit six people per workshop.

Date: April 13
Time: 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Location: Board Room
Ages: 15 and up
Fee: $55 per person
Register for Scholarship Essay Writing

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, April 9, 23
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.

Priscilla (2023)
Directed by Sofia Coppola, the film is about Priscilla Beaulieu, and her complicated relationship with Elvis Presley after meeting him at the height of his fame. Rated R.
Friday, April 5

Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close (2011)
A young boy searches New York City for the lock that matches a key owned by his father, who died in the 9/11 attack on the World Trade Center. Rated PG-13
Friday, April 12

Unusual In Every Way (2021)
A documentary about an Indigenous man with autism, disabilities, and an extremely high IQ, focusing on his friendship with a renowned professor from Israel. Not rated.
Friday, April 19

The Stones and Brian Jones (2023)
Interviews and never-before-seen footage examine the short life of Brian Jones, the founder of the Rolling Stones. Not rated.
Friday, April 26

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