15 minute read
Library Programs
CHILDREN’S PROGRAMS
Register for programs by searching titles at Xplor Recreation
NOTE: Registration ends one week before program start date
Family Storytime: Drop-in
Let’s get together for a fun interactive time as we enjoy stories, songs, rhymes and finger-plays.
Every Saturday, starting Sept. 9 Time: 9:45 to 10:15 a.m.
Ages: 6 months to 5 years
Location: Children’s Floor Picture Book Area
Cost: FREE
Toddlertime: Drop-in
A fun-filled eight-week program of stories, movement, fingerplays, rhymes and songs. No Registration required. Maximum 15 babies with caregivers.
Wednesday, October 4 to November 22
Times: 9:45 to 10:15 a.m.
Ages: 24 to 35 months
Location: Program Room
Cost: FREE
Babytime: Drop-in
An interactive program for you and your baby, with songs, a variety of active rhymes and puppets. Maximum 15 babies with caregivers. Friday, October 6 -November 24 Time: 10:30 to 11 a.m.
Ages: 6 to 23 months
Location: Children’s Floor Picture Book Area
Cost: FREE
Preschool Storytime: Drop-in
Join us for stories, songs and rhymes, each week will explore a new theme and stories. The program will help increase children’s vocabulary, comprehension and ability to interact socially. Maximum 15 participants.
Tues., October 3 to November 21 Wed., October 4 to November 22 Time: 9:45 to 10:15 a.m.
Ages: 3 to 5
Location: Story Room
Cost: FREE
Parent-Child Mother Goose
A group experience for you and your baby. This 10-week program focuses on the pleasure and power of using rhymes, songs and stories together. It will give your baby healthy early experiences with communication, language and social relationships, and provide a chance for you to socialize with other parents with young children. This program is brought to you by EarlyON Child and Family Centre. Registration is limited. Register at EarlyON portal starting Aug. 18 at 10 a.m. You are required to sign in or create an account before registering for this program.
Thursday, September 28 to November 30
Time: 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Ages: 3 to 10 months with parent
Location: Multipurpose Room
Cost: FREE
Register at EarlyON starting Aug. 18 at 10 a.m.
Vision Therapy for Families
Do you or your child struggle with tracking words when reading, have issues with balance, or difficulty copying notes off the board at school? Perhaps you have trouble focusing your eyes when looking from near to far away? Vision therapy could address these issues. Join Dr. Karen Ho, Optometrist, and Cassidy deLaat, COA, from York Optometric Centre for an interactive discussion on the benefits of Vision Therapy treatment. Dr. Karen Ho obtained her Doctor of Optometry at the University of Waterloo in 1997 and is currently working on the Practical Vision Therapy Accreditation Program with Vision Therapy Canada, and has completed various extensive Vision Therapy Programs. Cassidy deLaat is a Certified Optometric Assistant who has worked in the industry for four years and is currently completing her education in Practical Vision Therapy.
Tuesday, November 14
Time: 7 to 8 p.m.
Ages: 9 years and up
Location: Multipurpose Room
Cost: FREE
Music And Movement
A fun interactive music-based program where children and caregivers together will get to dance, sing, play instruments and enjoy finger rhymes. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Registration required.
Tuesdays, October 3 to November 21
Time: 9:45 a.m. to 10:15 a.m.
Ages: 2 -4 years
Location: Program Room
Cost: FREE
Home Alone
Designed for the older child to give them basic emergency and safety training. Topics include: handling phone calls, people at the door, 911 emergencies, basic first aid, and at home do’s and don’ts. Presented by St. John Ambulance. Registration required. Maximum 20 participants. Sat., November 25
Time: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Ages: 8 to 11 years
Location: Multipurpose Room
Cost: $65 per child
Chess in the Library – Drop-in program
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. No registration required. For more information, visit the Chess in the Library website.
Every Saturday September 2 to Dec. 30
Time: 2 to 4 p.m.
Ages: 8 to 18 years
Location: Program Room
Cost: FREE
Full STEAM Ahead
STEAM workshops that will inspire your child’s curiosity about Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math. Each workshop includes hands-on activities and experiments. Registration required.
Build A Kite Engineering Challenge:
Ages 6 to 8
Tuesday, September 12
How does the tail of a kite affect how it flies? Learn about forces, wind and flight. Using paper bags and streamers, we will create our own kites to decorate and fly on a windy day. Registration required.
Chicka Chicka Boom Boom!: Ages 3 to 5
Tuesday, October 17
Chicka chicka boom boom! Will there be enough room? Come find out as we make the coconut tree and play around with the alphabet. Registration required.
Create It!: Ages 8 to 12
Tuesday, November 14
In this activity we will take ordinary household objects like a bottle cap, a paperclip or a bread tag and apply creative thinking by turning these objects into works of art. What will you create? Once we have made our art pieces, we will then use them in a storytelling session. All materials will be supplied. Registration required.
Gingerbread-like Houses: Ages 8 to 12
Tuesday, December 12
December 12th is Gingerbread House Day. Come celebrate. Discover your engineering skills as we make dwellings that look like gingerbread houses but are made from upcycled materials.
All Programs Limit 12 participants per program. Registration is required.
Times: 4:30 to 5:30 p.m.
Location: Program Room
Cost: FREE
Craft Afternoons: Drop-in
Channel your inner artist once a month when you visit our craft table in the program room. Different crafts each month. Drop-in while art supplies last.
Tuesdays, Sept. 26, Oct. 24, Nov. 28
Time: 3:30 to 5 p.m.
Ages: 5 to 12 years
Location: Program Room
Cost: FREE
Fun With Zentangles!
Drop in to de-stress with this meditative activity towards mindfulness. A Zentangle is a drawing method that promotes concentration and creativity. Choose from easy, medium or hard colouring sheets and bring out the artist in you!
Tuesday, November 21
Time: 6 to 8 p.m.
Ages: 8 and up
Location: Program Room
Cost: FREE
Stamp It: Create Your Own Holiday Card
Have lots of fun with this craft program just for Tweens! We will be making Holiday cards to send to your loved ones with stamps and cardstock. Maximum 15 participants.
Tuesday, December 5
Time: 7 to 8 p.m.
Ages: 8 to 12 years
Location: Program Room
Cost: FREE
Blox and Bots: Lego WeDo
Bring your imagination and create your own world with LEGO and DUPLO, using old school LEGO bricks. Space is limited. Registration is required.
Tuesday, October 3 and 10
Time: 4 to 5:30 p.m.
Ages: 7 to 9 years
Location: Program Room
Cost: FREE
Blox Builders Club: Drop-in
Bring your imagination and create your own world with LEGO and DUPLO. This is a drop-in program using old school LEGO bricks. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Every Saturday, September 9 to December 23
Time: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Ages: 3 years and up
Location: Story Room
Cost: FREE
Drag Queen Storytime with the Haus of Devereaux: Drop-in
Don’t miss this fun, family drop-in storytime event returning by popular demand and featuring the wonderful queens of the Haus of Devereaux. Enjoy acclaimed and age appropriate 2SLGBTQ+ stories, crafts and plenty of fun for everyone! Story sessions will be at approximately 2:00 and 3:00 p.m. No registration required.
Sat., November 4
Time: 2 to 4 p.m.
Ages: All ages welcome
Location: Multipurpose Room
Cost: FREE
Singalong with Russ Fall Concerts
Children’s entertainer Russ is back at NPL for his annual Fall Concert, a fun, interactive show. Children 6 months to 5 years and families love the songs, the laughter, and having a great time. When Russ comes to play, it’s time to party!
Sat., October 28
Time: 10 to 10:45 a.m.
Time: 11 to 11:45 a.m.
Ages: 6 months to 5 years
Location: Multipurpose Room
Cost: $3 per child
Happy Halloween at the Library
Who’s ready for a spooktacular time? We’ll have fun with Halloween-themed songs, stories, rhymes and fingerplays ideal for children 3 to 6 years. Registration required.
Sat., October 28
Time: 2:30 to 3 p.m.
Ages: 3-6 years
Location: Program Room
Cost: FREE
Tween Book Club
For pre-teens interested in reading challenging books like The Witches by Roald Dahl or Swindle by Gordon Korman. Meetings are once a month to discuss that month’s chosen book, with activities based on the book’s theme. Every third Thursday of the month
October 19 to May 16
Time: 7 to 8 p.m.
Ages: 9 to 12
Location: Program Room
Cost: FREE
Holiday Storytime at the Library
Come celebrate the holiday season with this special story time. We will be sharing stories, songs and rhymes about Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa and discussing how all these different occasions are celebrated.
Registration required.
Sat., December 16
Time: 2:30 to 3 p.m.
Ages: 3 to 6 years
Location: Story Room
Cost: FREE
Reading Buddies
Reading Buddies is a literacy-based program for children who need reading encouragement. Children in grades 1 – 4 will meet one-on-one with a high school or adult volunteer mentor for ten one-hour sessions. If you are interested in obtaining a Reading Buddy for your child, please fill out our online registration form on our website or call 905-953-5105.
Minecraft Club
This fall, join Code Ninjas East Gwillimbury and the Newmarket Public Library for a FREE monthly Minecraft Club! Ninjas will learn and work in Minecraft Education MakeCode Arcade tutorials to automate tasks and code crazy events, learn how to create Minecraft Mods in MCreator, and participate in free building and build challenges. This program is drop-in and space is limited to 12 participants, so arrive early! Takes place the last Sunday of every month starting October 29th and ending June 30th. (Note: December’s session is on December 17th.) Check-in at the top floor reference desk. Parents/Guardians must stay in the library during the program.
Sunday, Oct. 29, 2023 to June 30, 2024
Time: 2 to 4 p.m.
Ages: 8 years and up
Location: Board Room
Cost: FREE
P. A. Days Movies at the Library
P.A. Day Movies are back. We’re showing free family movies in the library’s multipurpose room every P.A. Day this fall. Free snack, but please bring your own beverage. Children must be accompanied by an adult. No registration required, just drop in and enjoy!
Titles to be announced.
Friday September 22
Friday October 20
Friday November 17
Time: 2 p.m. (doors open at 1:45 p.m.)
Location: Multipurpose Room
Cost: FREE
Film Fridays
No registration required, just drop in and enjoy a free movie. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Movie titles will be announced in the Library’s monthly e-newsletter and on our social media.
September 8, 15, 29
October 6, 13, 27
November 3, 10, 24
December 1, 8, 15,22
Time: 2 p.m.
Location: Multipurpose Room
Cost: FREE
Book Clubs
Register for programs by searching titles at Xplor Recreation
NOTE: Registration ends one week before program start date
Tween Book Club
For pre-teens interested in reading challenging books like The Witches by Roald Dahl or Swindle by Gordon Korman. Meetings are once a month to discuss that month’s chosen book, with activities based on the book’s theme. Registration required, maximum 10 participants. Every third Thursday of the month
October 19 to May 16
Time: 7 to 8 p.m.
Ages: 9 to 12
Location: Program Room
Cost: FREE
Bridging The Gap Book Club
Baby Boomer, Generation X, Millennial. Generation Z. Do you want to join a book club that has lively conversations with a mix of viewpoints from different generations? In our Bridging the Gap Book Club we’re inviting book lovers of all ages to share in an exciting reading experience. Meetings take place three times a year, and our first book theme is World War II, with members choosing any book they want related to that theme. Discover new books, new outlooks and, most of all, that readers of any age have one thing in common: a love of books.
First Meeting (World War II book theme)
Tues., November 28
Time: 7 to 8 p.m.
Location: Multipurpose Room
Cost: FREE
Register for the Bridging The Gap Book Club
Online Cookbook Club
If you’re looking for an opportunity to share your enthusiasm for the culinary arts with like-minded individuals, then join us for our online cooking club. We’ll select different recipe ideas ahead of our meetings, get cooking, then meet online to share and discuss the results. Upcoming topics include: What I Cooked/Baked on my Summer Vacation, Quick Breads and Yeast Breads and many more.
Meetings third Thursday of the month
Time: 3 p.m. or 7 p.m.
Location: Via Zoom
Cost: FREE
For more information contact Adult Department at 905-953-5110 ext. 4770
Afternoon Book Club
Book lovers join us for fiction and non-fiction reads on alternating months. We’ve chosen some intriguing titles that you’re sure to enjoy, including Ducks by Kate Beaton, Coronation Year by Jennifer Robson, Crow Mary by Kathleen Grissom and more.
Meetings second Tuesday of the month
Time: 2 to 4 p.m.
Location: Via Zoom
Cost: 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. Serious fans of mystery and suspense will enjoy upcoming selections including, Crossing Places by Elly Griffiths, The Unquiet Dead by Ausma Zehanat Khan, Ice Princess by Camilla Läckberg and many more. For more information contact Adult Department at 905953-5110 ext. 4770
Meetings second Thursday of the month
Time: 7 to 8:15 p.m.
Location: Via Zoom
Cost: FREE
Register for Dark Evenings Mystery Book Club
Teen Programs And Volunteer Opportunities
Register for programs by searching titles at Xplor Recreation NOTE: Registration ends one week before program start date
Seminar on U.S. University Options
We welcome back education coach Imbert Fung for another information session for high school students and their parents and educators on US university options. This program will discuss how to find good fit schools and the scholarships and financial aid that are readily available to talented Canadian students. The program will also compare the advantages and disadvantages between attending top Canadian versus US schools. Saturday, September 30
Time: 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Ages: 14 years and up
Location: Multipurpose Room
Cost: FREE
What Every Babysitter Should Know
Learn how to care for infants, toddlers, and older children; what questions to ask parents; how to give first aid and what to do in an emergency. Receive a workbook and a certificate from St. John Ambulance. Registration required.
Saturday, November 18
Time: 10 a.m to 5 p.m.
Ages: 11 to 15
Location: Multipurpose Room
Cost: $70 per youth
VIP – Values, Influences, and Peers
VIP is a program developed by York Regional Police, an 8- week informative course designed to educate youth on matters affecting them such as law, bullying, property crimes and online safety. Maximum 15 participants. Registration required.
Thursdays, October 5 to November 23
Time: 6 to 7 p.m.
Ages: 11 to 14
Location: Story Room
Cost: FREE
Chess in the Library
Chess in the Library is a student volunteer-run program. The program is all about providing accessible chess through public libraries. Participants gather each week to play casual or blitz games and with the opportunity for tournaments. Players of all ages and strengths are welcome.
Student volunteers are needed to oversee chess matches, basic teaching and set up. This opportunity is a great way for students to earn their community service hours. Do you love chess and willing to lead others in the game? Register online and we will touch base with you about next steps. Chess in the Library runs every Saturday from 2- 4 p.m. in the Library.
Teen Advisory Group (TAG)
Teens aged 13-18 can earn community volunteer hours and help awesomeify the library! The T.A.G. works on projects that will help shape the library’s programs and services. What kinds of projects? Lots! We’ve done things like assisting with library programs, create book displays, run contests, advise on web site development, participate in community events, suggest things the library should buy, and so much more! T.A.G. members ultimately guide the group’s direction, it’s up to YOU how things will happen!
Sound interesting? Have some ideas you’d like to bring to the table? Want to join? GREAT! Send an application form to Dora at dlafleur@ newmarketpl.ca and she will touch base with you about joining! Regular meetings happen every other week on Wednesday evenings from 7 to 8 p.m.
Reading Buddies Mentors
Earn community service hours and make a difference while working one-on-one with a child who is struggling to read. As a volunteer mentor you will get to know your buddy and plan your meetings to have fun and help them develop their reading skills. Mentors must have good communication skills, be independent, and be able to commit to the full 10 weeks of this program. Mentors will be interviewed, trained and matched with a child. Teens or adults who wish to volunteer can register online or call 905-953-5105 for more information. This program runs from September to June but we are always looking for interested Reading Buddies’ mentors.
Computer Skills: Point, Click, Connect: Digital Literacy
Learn basic computer skills in this 3-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.
Time: 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Location: Large Study Room
Cost: FREE
Register for Sept. 19 to 21
Register for Oct. 24 to 26
Money Smarts: Register for programs with titles at Xplor Recreation. NOTE: Registration ends one week before program start date
Get tips and advice from Harold Reiter, CPA in a series of discussions that will help you learn more about basic financial issues. Register to attend online or in person at the Library.
Money Smarts: Tips and Secrets Smart Canadians Know
Learn all about banking services, opening a bank account, ATMs, Debit and Credit cards, and how to establish a credit history. Gain insight on understanding your pay cheque and payroll deductions, filing your income tax return and tools and resources available. Learn where to go for support and guidance
Thursday, October 5
Time: 7 to 8 p.m.
Location: Multipurpose Room (or Zoom)
Cost: FREE
Money Smarts: Planning for Your Retirement
Learn how to effectively plan for your retirement including: why you need a retirement plan; how much do you need to save; retirement saving strategies; sources of retirement income; tools and resources available.
Thursday, November 2
Time: 7 to 8 p.m.
Location: Multipurpose Room (or Zoom)
Cost: FREE
Money Smarts: Disability, Accessing Your Benefits
Learn about the Disability Tax Credit (DTC) and Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP) including: CRA definition of a disability; determining eligibility; the Disability Tax Credit; the Registered Disability Savings Plan; tools and resources available.
Thursday, December 7
Time: 7 to 8 p.m.
Location: Multipurpose Room (or Zoom)
Cost: FREE
Click here to view full program information and register online
Aging Healthy With Chats
In partnership with CHATS, these programs will be held online or in-person at the Library.
Aging Healthy: Crime Prevention
A guest speaker from York Regional Police will discuss crime prevention, including vehicle safety, emergency scams, robbery, and distraction theft.
Wednesday, September 13
Time: 10 to 11:30 a.m.
Location: Multipurpose Room
Cost: FREE
Register for Aging Healthy: Crime Prevention
Aging Healthy: Mindfulness
A guest speaker from CHATS will provide an informative session on mindfulness and the aging process. Learn about different types of aging, how stress relates to the aging process, and self-care strategies you can employ.
Wednesday, October 11
Time: 10 to 11:30 a.m.
Location: Multipurpose Room
Cost: FREE
Register for Aging Healthy: Mindfulness
Aging Healthy: Fall Prevention
A guest speaker from CHATS will discuss how to prevent falls, one of the leading causes of injury among older adults. Learn about risk factors, and get tips on how to prevent trips and falls. Find out about the medical alert system Lifeline.
Time: 10 to 11:30 a.m.
Location: Multipurpose Room
Cost: FREE
Register for Wednesday, Nov. 8 Register for Wednesday, Dec. 13
Aging Healthy: Transit Services For Seniors
A guest speaker from York Region Transit will discuss transit programs and services, including Local versus Viva Transit, fares and payment, and mobility on request.
Wednesday, December 13
Time: 10 to 11:30 a.m.
Location: Multipurpose Room
Cost: FREE
Register for Aging Healthy: Transit Services For Seniors
• Draw a floor plan or a map of your home.
• Designate a safe place to meet once outside.
Fire Safety Checklist
Test all smoke alarms.
Develop a home escape plan and practice it.
Check all electrical cords and ensure they are in good condition. Replace damaged cords right away. Make sure all of your extension cords are used safely and are not under carpets or across walking areas.
Check the kitchen and make sure flammable items are cleared away from the stovetop.
Avoid overloading a circuit with 'octopus outlets.' If additional outlets or circuits are required, have them installed by a licensed electrician.
Have your chimney inspected and cleaned regularly (at least once a year).
Have your furnace inspected at least once a year. If you have portable space heaters, ensure they are at least 1 metre away from burnable items.
Check your clothes dryer and make sure the vent and filter are clean.
Install a carbon monoxide alarm.
Practice your home escape plan regularly with everyone in your home.
• Teach everyone that their priority is to get out and stay safe.
• Teach kids when and how to call 9-1-1.
• Practice. Practice. Practice.
• Don’t wait, plan your escape!
If a fire breaks out in your home, you may have only a few minutes to get out sefely once the smoke alarm sounds. Working smoke alarms and a practiced home escape plan could save your life.
Proudly protecting the communities of Aurora and Newmarket.
STAY FIRE SMART
