Celebrate summer with great times at the Library!

Children and teens can embark on a reading adventure this summer as the Library’s reading clubs return, encouraging literacy while school’s out. Participants keep track of the books they read, take part in special programs, and qualify for weekly prizes and grand prizes at the end of the summer. We’ve also got a special event to kick of the summer reading clubs that everyone can attend, The Bubble Show, filled with bubble magic, juggling, music and more. The fundraising event Fairy Trail Walk for Esther takes place this month, and our new live music series Newmarket Library: Unplugged launches with performances from local and independent musicians. Other great programs: bicycle maintenance with Newmarket Cycles, DIY Father’s Day programs in the Maker Hub, 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.

Visiting Library Service:

If you are unable to leave home due to a disability, bring the library to you with our Visiting Library Service (VLS). Volunteers from the community will select the books, magazines or movies you want from the Library, and deliver them to your home. They will also collect borrowed items and return them to the Library. To apply for the service, or to become a VLS volunteer, contact Kathryn at krichardson@newmarketpl.ca

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 a part of this fun and exciting family event 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

Mark your calendar for the next Repair Café
Get ready for the return of the Repair Café in collaboration with NewMakeIt and York Region Makers. Volunteers will be on hand using their skills to fix small household items, bicycles, clothing, and more. Just bring your item and any replacement part it needs. One item allowed per guest. Register early, space is limited.

Saturday, August 10
Time: 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Location: Multipurpose Room
Cost:FREE
Register for a Repair Café timeslot

TD SUMMER READING CLUB 2024

This year the program will be returning to in-person registration and tracking. Children can enjoy a reading adventure this summer, while keeping track of the books they read and accumulating beads for each reading milestone to create their very own ‘brag tag’. There are a variety of programs planned, as well as weekly and grand prizes for each age group: 0 to 2, 3 to7, and 8 to12. Find out more about the Club and programs at https://bit.ly/sumclub24 Register in-person at the Library starting Sat., June 15.

The Bubble Show
It’s an event bubbling over with fun for everyone, filled with bubble magic, juggling, music and cool lighting effects. You’ll be amazed by bubble tricks that include volcano bubbles and bubble tennis. Kids get to make their own bubbles too! Please register 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

End of Summer Extravaganza
Save the date for this can’t miss party celebrating summer reading. The party will feature performances by Mad Science, fun activities, prizes and tasty snacks. TD Summer Reading Club grand prize winners will be announced at this time.

Wednesday, August 21
Time: 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Ages: All ages, families
Location: In the Library
Cost: Free

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.

NEWMARKET LIBRARY: UNPLUGGED
Channeling MTV Unplugged nostalgia, our new music series presents our community with up-close and acoustic (mostly) performances all summer long. Join us every other Tuesday for 30-minute sets of mesmerizing music. Our performers bring forth a diverse range of genres spanning from country, pop, electronic/ambience and alternative. Become a part of our community’s vibrant creative scene and enjoy performances from local and independent artists!

Charlie Sackett – Drop-in
Our series kicks off with the multi-talented Charlie Sackett.
Date: Tuesday, June 25
Location: Library Main Floor
Time: 7:00 – 7:30 p.m.
Ages: All ages (children to be accompanied by adult)
Fee: Free

NEWMARKET LIBRARY 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
 

ESL CONVERSATION CIRCLE
Staff and volunteers from Catholic Community Services of York Region (CCSYR) will be hosting a biweekly English Conversation Circle at the Library. English conversation circles are designed to help improve your language skills, boost your confidence, and provide opportunities to connect with new people. Learn more about library resources as well.

Date: Every other Tuesday starting June 4
Time: 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 noon
Location: Board Room
Ages: 18 and up
Fee: FREE
Register for ESL Conversation Circle

PRIDE PROGRAM:

Challenging Queer Disinformation
A virtual workshop presented by pflag York Region. Queer community members, parents and allies are invited to discuss the resurgence of transphobic and other anti-LGBTQ2+ rhetoric and policy-making across the country. This workshop is brought to you in collaboration with pflag York Region, Richmond Hill Public Library, Newmarket Public Library, King Township Public Library and Markham Public Library. Zoom link will be emailed two days before program.

Date: Tuesday, June 11
Time: 6:30 - 7:45 p.m.
Location: Via Zoom
Ages: 16 and up
Fee: Free
Register for Challenging Queer Disinformation 

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.

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 Father’s Day Cards – Drop-in
Join us for a DIY card-making event where kids of all ages, accompanied by an adult, can let their creativity shine. With cardstock, colourful vinyl stickers, and heartfelt messages inside, each card will be a personalized masterpiece for Dad.

Date: Saturday, June 15
Time: 2:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Location: Library Main Floor
Ages: All ages (children to be accompanied by adult)
Fee: Free

Cricut Creations: Father's Day Mug Crafting
It's time to make Father’s Day ultra-awesome! Personalize a mug design, include a heartfelt message, and heat transfer onto a mug for a thoughtful keepsake that Dad will treasure with every sip.

Date: Wednesday, June 12
Time: 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Location: Maker Hub
Ages: 14 years and up
Fee: $5 per person
Register for Cricut Creations
 

Colouring with Pride – Drop-in
Cool off from the Pride Parade and unleash your creativity with some colourful fun. Families can drop-in anytime to enjoy free Pride-themed colouring activities, complete with all the materials you need. It’s the perfect way to cool off, get crafty, and celebrate Pride together!

Date: Saturday, June 15
Time: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Location: Library Main Floor
Ages: All ages (children accompanied by an adult)
Fee: Free

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

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

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.

JUNE WORKSHOP
What’s the Weather Today?
Let’s find out all about the weather. We’ll look at various kinds of weather including fog and rain, and conduct several weather-themed experiments. And we will create the water cycle in a bag to take home.  

Maximum 12 participants.
Tuesday, June 18
Time: 4:30 – 5:30 p.m.
Ages: 8 to 10 years
Location: Program Room
Cost: FREE
Register for Plant Life Cycles

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

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

Community Supports Clinic – Drop-In
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: Friday, June 7, 21
Time: 9:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Location: Main Floor Study Room
Ages: Adults and youth
Fee: 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. June’s book is Finding Me by Viola Davis.

Meeting on Tuesday, June 11
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. June’s book is Eva’s Eye by Karin Fossum.
Meeting on Thursday, June 13
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:
 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 eLearning – Drop-in
Discover the eLearning apps at Newmarket Public Library: LinkedIn learning, Hoopla and Mango 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.

Date: Friday, June 7
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. 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, June 8, 22
Time: 2:30 – 4:30 p.m.
Ages: All ages, but under 13 must be accompanied by an adult
Location: Multipurpose Room
Cost: FREE

NEWMARKET CYCLES WORKSHOPS:
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, June 12
Time: 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Ages: 10 and up
Location: Multipurpose Room
Cost: FREE
Register for How to Change a Flat Tire

Bicycle Maintenance Basics: Safety Checks and Tune-Ups
Whether you're new to cycling or just want to brush up on your maintenance knowledge, this hands-on workshop will guide you through the essentials. Get ready to pedal with confidence after this informative and practical workshop. Participants may bring their own bicycle and/or tools, but they are not required to. Please wear a shop apron or clothing that you don’t mind getting dirty.

Thursday, July 4
Time: 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Ages: 10 and up (maximum 8 participants)
Location: Multipurpose Room
Cost: FREE
Register for Bicycle Maintenance Basics

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, June 4, 18
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.

Love, Simon (2018)
Based on the popular book, this teen comedy is about gay teenager Simon, who encounters life-changing situations when he falls for the anonymous classmate he communicates with online. Rated PG-13.
Friday, June 14

The Color Purple (2023)
The film version of the Broadway play based on Alice Walker’s classic book. It’s the story of Celie and her resilience and strength as she faces numerous hardships in her life.
Rated PG=13
Friday, June 21

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