Black History Month, new book kiosks, and more!
To celebrate Black History Month the Library and the Newmarket African Caribbean Canadian Association (NACCA) have several special events planned: an energy hygiene workshop to manage stress, release limiting beliefs and foster resilience, a painting program on the history of Black art during which you can create your own masterpiece, and a hands-on activity to create a community Vision Board that reflects personal growth, collective strength and cultural legacy. This month will also see the launch of our Library on the Go book kiosks at Town recreation facilities. Stocked with over 150 popular book titles for all ages, these “mini-libraries” provide the convenience of accessing books while “on the go”. Plus, York Cinemania presents the Mike Leigh film Hard Truths, a new database of children’s eBooks and audiobooks in over 75 different languages, 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.
NEW: Library on the Go book kiosks
Newmarket Library is launching two new book kiosks at Magna Centre and Ray Twinney Recreation Complex. Dubbed “Library on the Go”, the kiosks will be available to use starting February 20, 2025.
These ‘mini-libraries’ allow Library members to borrow books while visiting the recreation facilities, which are open for extended hours. People can grab a book to read following an early morning swim or after a late evening workout.
Each kiosk has a collection of over 150 books for all ages that will be rotated on a regular basis to keep things fresh. There will be a selection of popular fiction, non-fiction, children’s books and more.
How do they work? Simply look for a book, scan your library card, open the door and take the book you want. When you close the door, the kiosk automatically prints a receipt indicating the book you’ve borrowed. Returning a book is just as easy. Scan your Library card, open the door, put the book back on the shelf and the kiosk checks it in.
Join us for a launch of each of the Library on the Go kiosks:
Magna Centre
Wednesday, February 26
10:00 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Ray Twinney Recreation Complex
Saturday, March 1
9:00 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Black History Month 2025: I and I, I Wanna Rule My Destiny
Hosted and sponsored by Newmarket Public Library in partnership with the Newmarket African Caribbean Canadian Association (NAACA)
Regulating My Energy to Rule My Destiny: Energy Hygiene Workshop
Join the Newmarket African Caribbean Canadian Association (NACCA) at Newmarket Library for an empowering and transformative experience focused on self-mastery and energetic well-being. This workshop is ideal for:
- Community members, 15 years or older, looking to improve their emotional
well-being and energy balance. - Individuals seeking tools to manage stress, release limiting beliefs and foster resilience.
- Those interested in self-mastery and personal growth.
- Beginners curious about Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) and other energy hygiene practices.
- Persons ready to align their mindset with their goals and take control of their destiny.
Learn how to harness powerful techniques like Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) to cleanse and protect your energy field, reprogram your subconscious mind and enhance overall wellness. Through interactive exercises and demonstrations, discover how to shift your energy, release limiting beliefs and foster emotional resilience. This workshop will help you cultivate a mindset aligned with your true desires, empowering you to rule your destiny with clarity, confidence and balance. Refreshments provided, free childcare available. FREE. Register online.
Wednesday, February 19
Time: 6:30 – 9:00 p.m.
Ages: 15 years and up
Location: Multipurpose Room
Paint & Sip with Chika Oh
Join the Newmarket African Caribbean Canadian Association (NACCA) at Newmarket Library for a creative and inspiring afternoon. Beginner and experienced painters will be guided by a professional artist in a relaxed, welcoming environment. Journey through the history of Black art from the 16th and 17th centuries to today. Learn how Black art has been acquired, valued and celebrated over time. Find inspiration to create your own masterpiece. Theme: reflect on self-determination and community through artistic expression. All supplies and refreshments will be provided. Free childcare available.
FREE. Register online.
Sunday, February 23
Time: 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Ages: 13 years and up
Location: Multipurpose Room
Envision Your Future: A Vision Board Experience for Growth and Community
Join us this Black History Month for a powerful month-long Vision Board experience at Newmarket Public Library and Old Town Hall’s Community Gallery located behind Serpa Gallery on the ground floor. This is a space where you can envision not only your own dreams but also a brighter future for our community. This hands-on activity invites you to connect with your purpose, draw strength from our shared heritage and build a vision that reflects personal growth, collective strength and cultural legacy.
Whether you are setting goals for health, career, creativity or social impact, this experience will inspire you to see beyond the present and contribute to the legacy of generations to come. Visit anytime during the month to add your voice to our Legacy Wall and let your dreams inspire others.
February 1 to 28
Locations:
Newmarket Library main floor and second floor
Community Gallery at Old Town Hall
To learn more about NACCA's Black History Month theme and full programme, visit their website.
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, February 11, 25
Time: 10:30 a.m. – 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.
February’s Film: Hard Truths (2024)
Pansy is an angry, depressed woman living in London, England, whose constant criticism isolates her from everyone except her cheerful sister. It’s the latest film from acclaimed director Mike Leigh.
Wednesday, February 26
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Location: SilverCity Newmarket Cinemas
Get tickets for Hard Truths 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, February 5, 12, 19, 26
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Ages: Adults
Location: Boardroom
York Region Educational Services Information: Drop-in
Meet with York Region Educational Services who offer a range of free educational programs tailored for everyone in the community. From language courses to STEAM initiatives and personal development workshops, there's something for children, youth, adults, and seniors alike.
Sundays, February 2, 23
Saturday, February 22
Time: 1:30 – 4:30 p.m.
Ages: Adults
Location: Main Floor
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, February 7
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.
Tuesdays, February 4, 18
Time: 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Ages: Adults
Location: Main Floor
NEW DIGITAL RESOURCES AT THE LIBRARY:
NEW! LOTE4Kids
We are thrilled to announce the launch of LOTE4Kids, a database of children's ebooks and audiobooks in over 75 different languages. Each book within the LOTE4Kids collection is paired with English translations to enhance language learning and comes available in many formats including bilingual editions and interactive flipbooks. The platform offers thousands of books, with 150-200 new books and new languages added monthly. Includes comprehension quizzes and engaging learning activities that deepen the understanding of the stories. Accessible through a user-friendly web App and the free, secure and ad-free mobile App for iOS and Android. Explore the world of LOTE4Kids today. Automatic access to LOTE4Kids is available in-library.
Mango Languages now has American Sign Language
American Sign Language (ASL) Inside language module is now available via the Mango Languages learning platform. Like other courses found in Mango Languages, ASL Inside teaches intuitive language construction through a conversation-based approach that reinforces grammar, vocabulary, culture, and pronunciation. Look for it in Mango Languages.
Little Pim is on the go!
Little Pim®, Mango Languages’ language learning for children, is also available in a mobile App for iOS and Android. Discover Little Pim today.
PROGRAMS FOR STUDENTS:
Winning Canadian Scholarships with Judy Fiebig: Drop-in
Many students want to apply for Canadian college and university scholarships but feel stressed and unprepared. In this free program join scholarship coach Judy Fiebig, who will provide strategies that can help you prepare applications for merit-based scholarships. No registration required.
Saturday, February 8
Time: 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon
Ages: Students
Location: Large Study Room
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.
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:
Celebrate Lunar New Year: Drop-in
Come join Newmarket Library and 108 Health Promotion Association as we celebrate the Year of the Snake. This free and family-friendly afternoon will include Taiji performance, Korean dance, traditional Chinese costumes, Zodiac gifts, and more!
Sunday, February 9
Time: 2:30 – 4:00 p.m.
Ages: All welcome
Location: Multipurpose Room
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, February 5 to 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, February1 to June 28
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, February 4 to 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, February 4 to 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, February 2 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, February 1 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. February’s book is What I Ate In One Year by Stanley Tucci.
Meeting on Tuesday, February 11
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. February’s book is The God of the Woods by Liz Moore.
Meeting on Thursday, February 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
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.
February 26, 27
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
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, February 1, 15
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 Recreation and under Activities, Activity Registration, enter its title. NOTE: Registration ends one week before program date.
Coins and Connections – Drop-In
Are you a student in grades 6-10 who wants to learn more about how to manage and grow your money? Come join Andrew and Ryan, two Grade 11 students from GW Williams Secondary School, as they share free drop-in sessions aimed at strengthening financial literacy skills for local youth. Weekly sessions will cover topics such as budgeting, stocks, banking and more.
Sundays, February 9, 16, 23 and March 2
Time: 2:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Ages: 11 years and up
Location: Board Room
Fee: Free
Youth Write Now
Find your voice; have your say. If you are in grades 7-12 and wish to work with a published writer and teacher, look no further. Youth Forum will be held on the third Wednesday of each month, February 2025 to June 2025 at Newmarket Public Library. This program is led by Writer's Community of York Region.
Wednesday, February 19
Time: 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Ages: 11 years and up
Location: Large Study Room
Register for Youth Write Now
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, February 4, 18
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
Library outreach weekly at the Seniors Meeting Place and Magna!
Drop by and chat with Library staff about programs and services. Sign up for a Library card or renew your existing card. Borrow books and DVDs.
Seniors Meeting Place
Thursdays from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Magna Centre
Wednesdays from 2 – 6:30 p.m.
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