Summer heats up with events for all ages!

We’re kicking off the summer with some great events you won’t want to miss. Plant lovers will enjoy our second annual plant swap, a great way to meet and share plans with other enthusiasts. World champion balloon artist Debbie Stevens will delight families with her fun balloon show, making fantastic creation and acting out The Three Little Pigs, with balloons! This month will also see the return of the TD Summer Reading Club, an Ancestral Voices author event with Drew Hayden Taylor, and the launch of the Library’s online Reading Challenges. All this, as well as a job fair with ACCES employment, drop-in children’s storytimes, and more!

Brainfuse: interactive online help for students and job seekers
For students from Grade 1 to university level, Brainfuse HelpNow lets them get live online help from tutors with homework help, skills building, and test preparation. With self-study tools, including targeted lessons, quizzes, and flashcards. With Brainfuse JobNow, job seekers can consult live online with coaches in creating resumes, conducting a job search, and preparing for interviews. Self-study tools for a wide range of careers, and math, reading and writing tests for adult learners.
Find Brainfuse in our Online Library under eLearning

NEW! Online Reading Challenges for all ages
Reading Challenges are a great way to discover new books and have fun. The Library now has several online Reading Challenges available on our new Beanstack platform, with more to come. Log in and choose from ongoing challenges, and new challenges that will be added regularly. Post reviews of the books you read to share with others. Discover great reading challenges today

COMING SOON: Our new catalogue!
We know you’re going to love our new, enhanced catalogue. You’ll find more accurate search results, and greater integration with eBooks and audiobooks. There are more readers advisory features, and the ability to build your own virtual bookshelves. You can enjoy user contributed content, reviews, and lists shared between libraries. And it's more user-friendly on mobile devices too! Take a look at our new-look catalogue

COMING SOON: Linkedin Learning online courses
LinkedIn Learning provides access to over 16,000 online courses, everything from project management to web design. New business, technology and creative courses are added each week. Look for further information on this exciting new service soon.

Register for programs with Xplor Recreation
Create an Xplor Recreation account. Online registration for Library and Town programs can only be done using Xplor Recreation. Take a few moments to sign up for your account

SPECIAL EVENTS
Register for event with title at Xplor Recreation
NOTE: Registration usually ends one week before program date

Drag Queen Storytime – Drop-in event
In celebration of Pride Month and the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, drop in and join us for a fun family event with stories read by E’Claire and Athena from the Haus of Devereaux. No registration required.
Saturday, June 3
Time: 12:30 – 4:30 p.m. (Story sessions at 1:30 and 3:00 p.m.)
Location: Multipurpose Room
Cost: FREE

NPL’s Second Annual Community Plant Swap
Plant lovers start dividing and transplanting your plants in preparation for the library’s second annual Community Plant Swap. Swap your garden or houseplants and/or cuttings with other plant enthusiasts. It’s a great way to diversify your collection, and chat with others about how to care for the new plants you acquire. Register with title Community Plant Swap from May 10 to June 10 at https://bit.ly/plantSWAP, call us at 905-953-5110 Ext. 4770 and we’ll sign you up. 

Saturday, June 10
Time: 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Location: Multipurpose Room
Suggested donation of $5 at the door (proceeds go to the Library’s free community seed library).

Debbie’s Imaginary Balloon World
A show full of fantastic balloon creations that will absolutely astound you. Debbie makes balloons fly through the air, balances them on her nose, creates a balloon dog behind her back, and lots of other antics. Participants will step into an imaginary balloon world with the Three Little Piggy’s and the Big Bad Wolf. Watch in amazement as Debbie transforms three volunteers into balloon animals!
Sat., June 17
Time: 2:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Ages: 3 years and up
Location: Multipurpose Room
Cost: $7 per person
Register for Debbie’s Imaginary Balloon World

AUTHOR EVENTS

Contemporary Indigenous Storytelling with Drew Hayden Taylor
Expand your understanding of Indigenous storytelling traditions and literature in this virtual author visit with award-winning Ojibway playwright, journalist, writer, filmmaker, and stand-up comedian, Drew Hayden Taylor. An Ojibway from the Curve Lake First Nations in Ontario, Drew has worn many hats in his literary career, from performing stand-up comedy at the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C., to being Artistic Director of Canada’s premiere Native theatre company, Native Earth Performing Arts. This program is presented as part of the Ancestral Voices series.

Wednesday, June 14
7:00 to 8:00 p.m.
Online program
Register for Contemporary Indigenous Storytelling  

Local Author Showcase and Marketplace
Drop-in and meet local authors and enjoy light refreshments at this intimate evening where we will hear author readings from featured books, and browse their works in our local author marketplace. Meet authors Douglas Smith, Gary D. McGugan, Hyacinthe M. Miller, Mark Creedon, Michelle Kellman, Mike Madill, Stephanie Simpson McLellan, Val Tobin, and Yanis Fourar.

Thursday, June 1
Time: 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Ages: Adults
Location: Multipurpose Room
Cost:FREE

BOOK CLUBS

Bridging the Gap: an intergenerational book club
June is Seniors Month and we wanted to give you a heads up about our exciting new book club, Bridging the Gap coming this fall., a book club for people of all ages. Members get together to talk about books they’ve read based on a chosen theme or subject. It’s a great way to discover new books, and enjoy intergenerational viewpoints and insights. Look for more information in September, and a date for our first meeting in November 2023.

ADULT READING CHALLENGE
Get ready for a summer discovering new books in our first Adult Summer Reading Challenge on the Library’s new Beanstack service, starting June 29, 2023 and ending August 31st, 2023.  You’ll have the opportunity to read from multiple genres including Fantasy, Horror, Short Stories, Non-Fiction, and Romance. Get started early by exploring our Beanstack platform. Click here to register for your account: Beanstack: Reading Challenges and Personalized Recommendations

JOB FAIR

Multi-Sector job fair with ACCES Employment
ACCES Employment and NPL are hosting a multi-sector job fair during which job seekers can meet with representatives from 10 local companies in a variety of industries. Connect directly with hiring managers and get instant feedback on your resume. Take a free VR tour of training modules and learn about careers in the Trades. Employers: Adecco, Central Climate Control, College of Carpenters and Allied Trades, Ice Works Bath Co., Lightenco, Multimatic, Sigma Workforce Solutions, and Southlake Regional Health Centre.

Wednesday, June 14
Time: 2:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Ages: Adults
Location: Multipurpose Room
Cost:FREE
Register for the Job Fair 

TD SUMMER READING CLUB 2023
It’s a summer tradition: the TD Summer Reading Club for kids 3 to 5 and 6 to 12 is back! Do you like cool stuff, amazing facts and mysterious fiction? What makes you curious and creative? Explore your neighbourhood, library and the world around you. Show off your collections and creations. Have fun collaborating and creating new things with others. Discover mysterious, bizarre and intriguing stories gathered from near and far and from our imaginations. What extraordinary treasures will you collect to remember your epic adventures this summer? The TD Summer Reading Club for children and teens begin June 17.
Visit the TD Summer Reading Club webpage for more reading fun

Enjoy summer Reading Challenges
You can join in the fun by registering online through the Beanstack reading challenge platform beginning June 17. Participants complete reading activities, earn badges, and recieve a rewards package that can be picked up at the library from August 22 to September 23. Prize draws will also take place near the end of summer. Be sure to visit the Library to pick up your Summer Reading Club log book package. Children’s Services have also organized several summer reading club events and programs for participants.
The TD Summer Reading Club for children begins June 17.
Discover great reading challenges

Summer Reading Club programs for kids 3-5 and 6-8
Register for programs with titles at Xplor Recreation
NOTE: Registration usually ends one week before program date

Members of the TD Summer Reading Club and others are welcome to join us for a fun time of activities, games, and stories. Registration required for each individual date you want to attend.

Discover the World of Turtles
Wednesday, July 5
Ages: 3-5 years
Learn some interesting and amazing facts about turtles. What do they eat? Where do they live? And are they really one of the slowest animals on earth? All while making an awesome turtle suncatcher to hang in a window.

What Does Your Garden Grow?
Wednesday, July 12
Ages: 6-8 years
Find out as we decorate a pot, then plant some mystery seeds in it. We’ll also read some gardening stories. Take your pot home and keep an eye on it to see just what begins to bloom.

Come Rain or Shine
Wednesday, July 19
Ages: 3-5 years
Children will have fun with weather-themed stories and songs, and then try not to be blown away as they create their very own tornadoes.

A Puzzling Scavenger Hunt
Wednesday, July 26
Ages: 6-8 years
Children will have fun working together to follow clues leading them to puzzle pieces hidden around the children’s department. Once all the pieces have been found, they’ll be surprised with the results after putting the puzzle together.

All of the above programs
Time: 2:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Location: Program Room
Cost: Free


FUN FOR CHILDREN AND FAMILIES:
Register for programs with their titles at Xplor Recreation
NOTE: Registration usually ends one week before program date

Family Storytime – Drop-in program
Let’s have fun as we enjoy stories, songs, rhymes and finger-plays and share good times together. Drop-in program, no registration required.

Every Saturday until June 24
Time: 9:45 – 10:15 a.m.
Ages: 6 months to 5 years
Location: Picture Book Area
Cost: FREE

Blox Builders Club with LEGO: Drop-in Program
Bring your imagination and create your own world with Lego. Children must be accompanied
by an adult.

Sat., April 1  – June 24
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Ages: 4 years and up
Location: Story Room
Cost: FREE

Chess in the Library – Drop-in program
Love playing chess? Want to learn? Here’s your opportunity to play a challenging 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. For more information, visit the Chess in the Library website. Make your move and have a great time playing chess at NPL
Every Saturday
Time: 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Ages: 8 years and up
Location: Program Room
Cost: FREE

P. A. DAYS MOVIES AT NPL
P.A. Day Movies are back. We’re showing free family movies in the library’s story room every P.A. Day this year. Free snacks, but please bring your own beverage. Children must be accompanied by an adult. No registration required, just drop in and enjoy!

Rumble (2021)
In a word where humans and giant monsters co-exist, Monster Wrestling is a sport that monster athletes compete in. Winnie, a young human girl, becomes monster Steve’s coach, and the two begin training to turn him into a star of the sport.
Rated G
Friday, June 2
Time: 1:30 – 3:15 p.m.
Location: Multipurpose Room
Cost: FREE

TEEN PROGRAMS:
Register for programs with their titles at Xplor Recreation
NOTE: Registration usually ends one week before program date

Teen Summer Reading Club 2023
This year registration is through Beanstack. Look for the Reading Challenges button on the homepage of the Library’s website or discover great reading challenges. Registration for the Teen Summer Reading Club begins June 17.  Explore some great books. The reading club ends on Aug. 22. You’ll also be eligible for a prize draw at the end of the summer.

NATURE PROGRAMS:

Trees: Did You Know? with York Simcoe Nature Club
Where is the oldest living tree in Ontario? What is the tree with the hardest wood in Canada? Find the answers to these and other questions in an online presentation by York Simcoe Nature Club. Learn more about tree history, local species, Canada’s boreal forest, and much more. Gain knowledge and a better appreciation for trees and see why so many individuals are dendrophiles (people who love trees). 

Thursday, June 22
7:00 to 8:00 p.m.
Online program
Register for Trees: Did You Know


SENIORS PROGRAMS:
Register for programs with their titles at Xplor Recreation
NOTE: Registration ends one week before program date

Powerful Tools For Caregivers with CHATS
In partnership with CHATS and the Self-Management Program, join Shirley Brennan and Paula Duncan for a FREE six-week workshop for caregivers. Topics include developing a self-care "Toolbox", identifying and reducing personal stress, and communicating feelings, needs and concerns.

Wednesdays, May 31, June 7, 14, 21, 28 and July 5 
Time: 1:30 – 3:00 p.m.
Location: Multipurpose Room
Cost: FREE
Register for Powerful Tools For Caregivers

Seniors Discovery Program: Online Library Collection
Seniors 55+, learn how to access Newmarket Public Library’s Online Library collection. Using a tablet provided by the Library (or your own device), discover digital eBooks, audiobooks, magazines, newspapers, streaming music and movies, and more. A valid library card or e-access card is required. This program for seniors 55 years and older is funded by the Seniors Community Grant Program and the Government of Ontario.
Friday, June 9
Time: 10:00 – 11:00 a.m.
Location: Board Room
Cost: FREE
Register for Seniors Discovery Program

FILM FRIDAYS AT NPL – Drop-in program
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. Movie titles to be announced for certain dates (watch our social media posts for upcoming titles).

The Duke (2020)
In 1961, a 60-year-old taxi driver steals Goya’s portrait of the Duke of Wellington from the National Gallery in London. Starring Jim Broadbent and Helen Mirren. Rated R. Friday, June 9

The Whale (2022)
Brendan Fraser won an Academy Award for Best Actor as a reclusive, morbidly obese English teacher who attempts to reconnect with his estranged teenage daughter. Rated R. Friday, June 16

French Exit (2020)
An aging Manhattan socialite existing on the last of her inheritance moves to a small Paris apartment with her son and cat. Starring Michelle Pfeiffer and Lucas Hedges. Rated R. Friday, June 23

The library is open during its regular hours Tuesday to Thursday 9:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday 1 to 5 p.m.

Enquiries about adult programs 905-953-5110 Ext. 4770 and children’s programs 905-953-5105