Step into a new year of delight at the Library!

A new year beckons with lots of events planned for you in the months to come. To kick things off, we are thrilled to now have three Royal Ontario Museum passes in our catalogue. Borrow a pass and get free general admission to ROM for up to four people per visit. For newcomers, the ESL Conversation Circle will help boost their confidence by improving language skills while connecting with other people. We’ve also partnered with Job Skills to provide the In Motion & Momentum+ Career Readiness program for people 15 to 30, helping them to plan for the future. Plus, opportunities to visit with representatives from community organizations at the Library, storytimes for children and families at the Library and Magna Centre, and 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.

Get FREE admission to ROM!
We are thrilled to now have three Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) passes in our catalogue. Library members can borrow a pass and get free general admission to ROM for up to 4 people per visit. Each pass is a one-week loan, no renewals, and must be presented along with your Library card, receipt and ID to gain admission. It’s a great way to explore all ROM has to offer! Reserve a ROM pass.

Library outreach at the Seniors Meeting Place weekly in 2025!
Seniors, drop by and chat with Library staff about programs and services. Sign up for a Library card or renew your existing card. Borrow books, DVDs, puzzles and games. Thursdays, beginning January 9, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Get a free custom-made Newmarket Library backpack for your child!
Parents, get a free custom-made Newmarket Library backpack and book for your child when you register for our reading challenge, 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten. The challenge is a fun way to build early literacy skills. One backpack per child while supplies last. Register for the challenge at https://bit.ly/sumclub24  and the first 100 registrants will be notified when to pick up their free backpacks.

ESL Conversation Circle
Designed to help newcomers boost their confidence by improving their language skills and connecting with other people. For more information contact CCYSR (Catholic Community Services of York Region).

Adults 18 and up
Tuesdays, January 14, 28
Time: 10:30 a.m. to 12 noon
Location: Large Study Room


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.

January’s Film: Ghostlight (2024)
When Dan finds himself drifting from his wife and daughter after his son’s suicide, he discovers community and purpose in a local theatre’s production of Romeo and Juliet. Unwilling to confront his grief at home, he begins to confront his loss through the play. Funny and heartwarming, Ghostlight is an exploration of how we feel love and loss through art.

Wednesday, January 22
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Location: SilverCity Newmarket Cinemas
Get tickets for Ghostlight or pay at the door

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

Walk-In Counselling with Catholic Community Services York Region
Drop in to meet with Catholic Community Services of York Region (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.

Wednesdays, January 8, 15, 22, 29
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Ages: Adults
Location: Boardroom

Settlement Services Walk-in Counselling: Drop-in
Catholic Community Services of York Region will assist you with language training, career and employment, housing, health care, education, transit, citizenship, important documents and more. Free. No appointment needed.

Friday, January 3
Time: 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Ages: Adults
Location: Main Floor 

Contact North: Drop-in
Come by and meet with Contact North to find out about online education and training opportunities. Contact North offers a comprehensive range of education and training services designed to empower individuals in achieving their academic and professional goals. 

Fridays, January 10, 24
Time: 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Ages: Adults
Location: Main Floor

Home Care Workers Cooperative: Drop-in
Meet with Home Care Workers Co-operative (HCWC), a team of devoted personal support workers dedicated to providing outstanding care for individuals in need. A female-owned non-profit cooperative, they prioritize serving clients and are committed to the community with compassion and professionalism.

Wednesday, January 15
Time: 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Ages: Adults
Location: Main Floor

York Region Children’s Aid Society: Drop-in
York Region Children Aid Society will be available on site with information for York Region residents about the process of applying to become foster parents. York Region is currently experiencing a critical shortage of diverse foster homes to support children and youth.

Friday, January 24
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Ages: Adults
Location: Main Floor

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.

Pixel Project Digitizing Memories
Seniors 55 and over, learn how to digitize your vintage photos, slides, Super 8 films, preserving them for you and future generations to enjoy! These FREE Workshops take place in Newmarket Library’s Board Room and are funded by the Ontario Government’s Seniors Community Grant Program. Space is limited to 10 participants per workshop.

Converting Super 8mm and 8mm Reels to Digital
Learn to use the Wolverine Movie Maker Pro to convert film reels into MP4 digital movie files.

Friday, January 10, 2025
Time: 10:00 – 11:30 a.m.
Location: Library Board Room
Ages: Adults 55+
Fee: Free
Register for Converting Super 8mm and 8mm Reels to Digital

How to Use a Document Scanner: Beginner Workshop
With the Ricoh Overhead Scanner you can scan personal documents, books (up to 30mm thick), newspapers, magazines, and more.

Friday, February 14, 2025
Time: 10:00 – 11:30 a.m.
Location: Library Board Room
Ages: Adults 55+
Fee: Free
Register for How to Use a Document Scanner

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.

Family Literacy Day: Drop-in
Join us as we celebrate Family Literacy Day with an all-day event. Kick things off with Family Storytime from 9:45 to 10:15 a.m., then enjoy activities throughout the day. Look for a giant Word Search activity, colouring sheets, create your own comic, story dice and more!

Saturday, January 25
Time: 9:45 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Ages: 3 to 10 years
Location: Library second floor
Cost: FREE

Out and About Family Storytime at Magna Centre: Drop-in
Newmarket Library is holding storytime at the Magna Centre, a wonderful way for caregivers and children to enjoy sharing stories, rhymes and fingerplays that engage young minds and help with learning. Drop-in anytime for these free storytimes.

Wednesdays, January 8 to February 26
Time: 10:30  11:00 a.m.
Ages: 6 months to 5 years
Location: Magna Centre Main Floor Program 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, January 11 to March 29
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 children and their caregivers.

Tuesdays, January 7 to February 25
Time: 9:45 – 10:15 a.m.
Ages: 3 to 5 years
Location: Story Room
Cost: FREE

Music And Movement: Drop-in
A fun interactive music-based program where children and caregivers together will get to dance, sing, play instruments and enjoy finger rhymes. Maximum 15 children and their caregivers.

Tuesdays, January 7 to February 25
Time: 10:30 – 11:00 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.  

Sundays, January 12 to March 30
Time: 1:30 – 4:00 p.m.
Ages: 3 and up
Location: Story Room
Cost: FREE

Chess in the Library – Drop-in
Love playing chess? Or maybe you are new to the game.  Join us on Saturdays for the opportunity to play a challenging game with your peers or learn how to play from a volunteer.  This program is part of the Chess in the Library organization whose mission is to promote chess across Canada through its student volunteer run program.  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.

Saturdays, January 11 to June 28
Time: 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Ages: 8 to 18 years
Location: Program Room
Fee: Free

READING CHALLENGES:

10 To Try Reading Challenge 2025
Are you looking to discover new books? Ready to read a book about nature, a book with a snowy setting, and more? If so, you’re going to love our 10 To Try Reading Challenge. Log the time you spend reading and complete reading activities to earn badges and tickets to enter prize draws for $25 gift certificates to Indigo Books and Metropolis Mercantile & Café. Ask at the Information Desk on the lower level for more information or call 905-953-5110 ext. 4770.
Find the challenge at the bottom of our Reading Challenges webpage.

1,000 Books Before Kindergarten
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.

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. January’s book is The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store by James McBride.

Meeting on Tuesday, January 14
Time: 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Location: Via Zoom
Fee: 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. January’s book is Perfect Remains by Helen Fields.

Meeting on Thursday, January 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

JOB SKILLS PROGRAMS:

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, Google Drive, privacy and security and online shopping.

January 29, 30 
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Location: Large Study Room
Fee: Free
Register for Point, Click, Connect or email pcc@jobskills.org or call 905-235-5255.

In Motion & Momentum+ Career Readiness
Tap into your full potential in the Job Skills program In Motion & Momentum + Career Readiness (IMM+), offered by Job Skills for people 15 to 30 years of age The program has three phases: In Motion focuses on your strength and skills and creates a vision for your future, Momentum builds on your vision and takes steps to make it a reality, and Momentum+ continues building momentum with planning to achieve your career goals.
Phase one begins in January, registration required.
Contact Job Skills for more information: 905-898-5138 or imm@jobskills.org.

LEARN A HOBBY:

Newmarket Crochet Crew – Drop-in 
Looking to learn Crochet? Want to try out a new pattern? Interested in working together with others to make a group project come to life? Or just interested in some company while you work on your crafts?  This club welcomes you!  The first session of each month will focus on more hands-on assistance and technical support for those who need it. The second session of each month will focus on community projects. 

Every other Saturday, January 4, 18
Time: 2:30 – 4:30 p.m.
Ages: All ages, but under 13 must be accompanied by an adult
Location: Multipurpose Room
Fee: 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.

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. The club is an inclusive hangout where you will find acceptance, laughter and friendship. We’ll have respectful conversations about gender, sexuality and identity, and enjoy crafts, snacks, movies, games and more!

Biweekly Tuesdays, January 14, 28
Time: 6:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Ages: 13 to 20 years
Location: Story Room
Fee: Free
Learn more and see the dates for YA Pride Club

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