It's the coolest summer ever at the Library!

There’s something for everyone this summer at Newmarket Library. Love music? Drop in for or NPL Unplugged series of concerts featuring talented local and independent musicians. Enjoy seeing science come to life? Mad Science is in the building, with entertaining demonstrations for the entire family. Fascinated by space? Our Summer Reading Club Space Spectacular Party celebrates the ‘final frontier’ with activities, contests, craft-making, and more. Need an item repaired? Bring it to the Repair Café and to have it fixed. All this and children’s entertainer Russ’ summer concerts, bicycle repair programs with Newmarket Cycles, Maker Hub Summer Féte activities, and so 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

Moonlight Movies presented by TD
Staff from Newmarket Library will be at the Town’s Moonlight Movies in August, taking place at various parks. We’ll be providing children in attendance with free craft kits. Stop by our booth to say hello and pick up a kit for the kids while supplies last.
Find out more about Moonlight Movies 

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.

Space Spectacular: End of Summer Reading Club Party: Drop-in
All are welcome! Featuring two drop-in Mad Science shows (see below) and activity stations around the Library. Contests: Build a Lego Rocket and Create a Space Bookmark. Enjoy a space-themed scavenger hunt, out of this world craft making, and build electrical circuits that power a small light or fan. Contribute to a giant collective melty bead scene. Refreshments  included. Summer Reading Club grand prize winners will also be announced.   

Wed., August 21
Time: 1:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Ages: All ages
Location: Main and Children’s Floors
Fee: Free

 
Singalong with Russ Concert Series: Drop-in
Russ is back! Popular children’s musician Russ returns to the Library with his fun-filled concerts that families love. He creates a real party with his instruments and musical games, like the Hokey Pokey freeze game, or sleeping bunnies. Enjoy traditional tunes mixed with Russ’ own songs. Two times to choose from on each date. Maximum 35 participants/children per show.

Thurs., July 4 – August 8
Time: 9:45 - 10:15 a.m.
Time: 10:30 - 11:00 a.m.
Ages: 6 months - 5 years
Location: Multipurpose Room
Fee: Free

Mad Science: Up, Up and Away: Drop-in
This show is a featured event of the Space Spectacular: End of Summer Reading Club Party!  See a hot air balloon made from a dry-cleaning bag and a demonstration on how pressure can be used to create special effects in the movies. An audience member will experience the wondrous and floating powers of a Mad Science Hovercraft! Maximum 40 participants/children per show.

Wed., August 21
Two times: 1:30 - 2:15 p.m. & 2:30 - 3:15 p.m.
Ages: 6 years and up
Location: Multipurpose Room
Fee: Free

Repair Café
Do you have something that needs a simple fix, like sewing a button, replacing a vacuum cord, or aligning a bicycle wheel? Bring in your broken item and have it assessed by the volunteer fixers at the Repair Café, who will fix it for free. Repairs are never guaranteed, and participants should be aware that our fixers are not responsible for fixing items or returning them to the state with which they arrived. Repair Café specialties include: bicycles, jewelry, sewing needs (small tears and repairs), small appliances, and toys. Repair Cafés are provided in partnership with The Regional Municipality of York and delivered by NewMakeIt. Only one item allowed per person, and registration is required.

Saturday, August 10
Time: 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Location: Multipurpose Room
Ages: 18 and up
Fee:Free
Register for a Repair Café timeslot

TD SUMMER READING CLUB 2024: To the Stars!
5, 4, 3, 2, 1, blast off for an out of this word reading adventure this summer for children 3 to 5 and 6 to 12. Join the club and explore stars, planets, comets and more. Come with us as we land on far away planets, view constellations, and travel through space...all from our exploration base in the library. Log the books you read, receive a completion certificate, and pick up a rewards package at the Library from Aug. 20 to Sept. 21. Prize draws take place near the end of summer. Find out more about the Club and programs at https://bit.ly/sumclub24
Register in person at the library starting June 22 until July 22. 

 
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.

 
NPL UNPLUGGED: Drop-in
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. Be part of our community’s vibrant creative scene and enjoy performances from these local and independent artists:

July 9      Corey Marshall (pop/classics)
July 23    Seymour & Son (country)
Aug. 6     The Grip (ambiance/electronic)
Aug. 20   Pufferbellies (folk/rock)

Location: Library Main Floor
Time: 7:00 – 7:30 p.m.
Ages: All ages (children to be accompanied by adult)
Fee: Free

ESL CONVERSATION CIRCLE: Drop-in
Supported by Catholic Community Services of York Region (CCSYR), English as a Second Language conversation circles are designed to help improve your language skills, boost your confidence, and provide opportunities to connect with new people. You will learn more about library resources as well.

Date: Biweekly Tuesdays, July 2, 16, 30 and August 13, 27
Time: 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 noon
Location: Multipurpose Room
Ages: Adults
Fee: Free

READING CHALLENGES:

2024 Summer Reading Challenge
Summer’s here with longer nights to enjoy the great outdoors, and some great books! Relax and discover new reads while playing Bingo for a chance to win a prize. Your Bingo card has squares representing various reading challenges. For each challenge you complete, you get a badge that earns you a ticket you can enter in an end of summer prize draw. For more information ask at the Adult Services Information Desk on the lower level or call 905-953-5110 ext. 4770 Find the challenge at the bottom of our Reading Challenges webpage.

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.

MAKER HUB SUMMER FÉTE!
Get ready for a summer full of creativity and fun with our exciting lineup of weekly activities. Book a one-on-one session with a Maker Hub staff member to explore our Maker Hub equipment. All programs take place in the Maker Hub on the Library’s main floor. Children must be accompanied by an adult. If you have questions, please contact 905-953-5110 x4735 or email makerhub@newmarketpl.ca

Choose the program(s) you want to attend and fill out our registration form.

Week 1: Pinback Button Bonanza
Learn to design your own unique button from scratch. Bring a USB with your pictures or browse stock photos to create your very own custom accessories.
Dates: July 2 – 6
Ages: 10 and up
Fee: Free

Week 2: 3D Printer Extravaganza
Get hands-on with our 3D printer and create an awesome pre-made summer design.
Dates: July 9 – 13
Ages: 10 and up
Fee: Free

Week 3: 3D Butterfly Magic
Create a beautiful 3D butterfly using cardstock and the Cricut Maker.
Dates: July 16 – July 20 
Ages: 6 and up
Fee: $1 (material cost)

Week 4: Summer Flowers Shadow Box Workshop
Discover how the Cricut Maker helps in precision cutting materials, and experiment with our 3D printed quilling tool to craft intricate flowers. In the end, you’ll have a stunning shadow box.
Dates: July 23 – July 27  
Ages: 18 and up
Fee: $12 (material cost)

Week 5: Knitting Frenzy
Effortlessly create a quick and easy design with our Addi Express knitting machine. Experience the fun and take home your very own handmade creation.
Dates: July 30 – August 3
Ages: 12 and up
Fee: $3 or BYOY (Bring your own yarn)

Week 6: Mug Sublimation Sensation
Create a personalized mug using Cricut Design Space and the Cricut Maker, then transfer your design with our Mug Press to take home your custom creation.
Dates: August 6 – 10   
Ages: 12 and up
Fee: $10 (material cost)

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.

Preschool Storytime: Drop-in
Join us for stories, songs, play rhymes and a movie. Maximum 15 participants.

Tues., July 2 to Aug. 20
Time: 9:45 – 10:15 a.m.
Ages: 3 to 6 years
Location: Story Room
Fee: Free

Baby and Toddler Storytime: Drop-in
Let’s have fun with songs, rhymes, bounces, tickles and a short story in this program created just for babies and toddlers. Maximum 15 participants.

Tues., July 2 to Aug. 20
Time: 9:45 – 10:15 a.m.
Ages: 6 months to 2 years
Location: Program Room
Fee: Free

Summer Activities: Drop-in
From Wednesday to Saturday afternoons join us for fun drop-in activities kids will love.  Wednesday: Lego, Thursday: Board Games, Friday: Puzzles, and Saturday: I Spy.
Maximum 15 participants.

Wed. to Sat. July 3 to Aug. 24
Time: 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Ages: 3 to 12 years
Location: Program/Story Room
Fee: Free

Chess in the Library – Drop-in
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. 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
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. July’s book is The Fraud by Zadie Smith, and August’s is The Shepherd’s Life by James Rebanks.

Meetings on Tues., July 9 and Tues., Aug. 13
Time: 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Location: Via Zoom
Fee: 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 Digital Reading
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: Fri., July 5
Time: 10:00-11:30 a.m.
Location: Board Room
Ages: Adults
Fee: Free
Register for Discover Digital Reading

Discover Video Streaming and eMusic
Discover a world of digital entertainment with Kanopy, Hoopla, and Freegal, all at your fingertips using your library card. Stream movies, music, and more right from your device. 

Date: Fri., Aug. 9
Time: 10:00-11:30 a.m.
Location: Board Room
Ages: Adults
Fee: Free
Register for Discover Video Streaming and eMusic

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, Google Drive, privacy and security and online shopping.

Wed., July 3 and Thurs. July 4  
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.

Computer Workshops for Teens 
Are you between 9 and 14 years old and interested in learning computer building and coding skills? Attend our free computer workshops this summer. Apply to receive a free computer if you attend all sessions! Limited quantities. First come, first serve. In partnership with Newmarket Library and funded by the Community Action Table (CAT).

Thurs., July 18, 25 and Aug. 8, 15
Time: 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Ages: 9 to 14 years
Location: Multipurpose Room
Fee: Free
Register for Computer Workshops for Teens

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, July 6, 20
Time: 2:30 – 4:30 p.m.
Ages: All ages, but under 13 must be accompanied by an adult
Location: Library Main Floor
Fee: Free

NEWMARKET CYCLES WORKSHOP:
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.

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
Fee: Free
Register for Bicycle Maintenance Basics

Bicycle Chains: How to Maintain and Replace Them
Keeping a bicycle chain in good working order is essential, and very easy when you know how. In this hands-on workshop learn how to tell if your bicycle chain needs to be replaced, how to identify an appropriate replacement, and how to install it. 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.

Thurs., Aug. 1
Time: 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Ages: 10 and up (maximum 8 participants)
Location: Multipurpose Room
Fee: Free
Register for Bicycle Chains: How to Maintain and Replace Them

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.

Computer Workshops for Teens 
Are you between 9 and 14 years old and interested in learning computer building and coding skills? Attend our free computer workshops this summer. Apply to receive a free computer if you attend all sessions! Limited quantities. First come, first serve. In partnership with Newmarket Library and funded by the Community Action Table (CAT).

Thurs., July 18, 25 and Aug. 8, 15
Time: 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Ages: 9 to 14 years
Location: Multipurpose Room
Fee: Free
Register for Computer Workshops for Teens

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, July 2, 16, 30
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

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, July 5, 19
Time: 9:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Location: Main Floor Study Room
Ages: Adults and youth
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 featured on signs along trails. Take advantage of this opportunity for a delightful outing that blends nature, storytelling, and family fun.  

Fairy Trail Walk for Esther: The Paper Bag Princess by Robert Munsch
Christian Wehrli organized The Fairy Trail Walk for Esther as a fundraising event in memory of his sister Esther, and funds raised from the event are going toward purchasing children’s books for the Library and future StoryWalks® in the community. The Paper Bag Princess by Robert Munsch is the Storywalk® featured and can be viewed now at Fairy Lake Park.
Fairy Lake Park, Newmarket

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

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

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