We are working hard to continue to offer online library services during our closure. Please see our COVID-19 page for information and updates.
Upcoming programs and activities for IdeaMarket
IdeaMarket programs are library programs and events that connect cultures and promote diversity and the active exchange of ideas. Included are IdeaMarket Public Forms which we host periodicially.
What is IdeaMarket Public Forum?
IdeaMarket Public Forum provides a welcoming space for people to meet, interact and discuss issues affecting their community in a non-judgemental, friendly and productive manner. A typical session is about 1.5 hours long, has a speaker(s) who will lead the conversation, and also provides opportunity for the broader audience to participate by joining in the discussion.
We have addressed a wide variety of topics in the past, including climate change, mental health, the precarious job market, and even local infrastructure development. See videos from some of our past sessions:
- Global Warming: Have we ignored it for too long?
- Following the Dream: Five journeys in entrepreneurship
- Climate Change: The science, the politics and what's really happening?
- No Place to Call Home: Taking action on youth homelessness
- Is Newmarket a Bike Friendly Community?
Submit your proposal and lead your own Ideamarket
With our new community-led approach to IdeaMarket planning, we invite members of the community to submit interesting session proposals and lead a public forum on a topic of their choice. As the session organizer, you will receive free meeting space in the library, support in advertising your session, and possible assistance with incidental expenses. In exchange for this, the library gains assistance in delivering new and valuable programming to the public - a win-win situation for both parties!
The rules are simple:
1. The purpose of your session must be positive - your goal must be to improve some aspect of life or community
2. Your session cannot be political or partisan, and must treat all participants and the broad community with respect.
Still interested? If so, we encourage you to submit an IdeaMarket session proposal by clicking the yellow button below. Your proposal will be reviewed by a mixed group of library staff and members of the public, and sessions will be selected for further review based on factors including interest, fit, appropriateness and feasibility. If your proposal is selected for further review, you will be contacted by the library and invited for an in-person meeting.