Newmarket Public Library has reading clubs, concerts for kids this summer

There will be three different reading clubs for kids of all ages, writes Lorne Chase

Yorkregion.com
June 26, 2020

Kids’ reading clubs are still happening this summer at the library as will the summer concert series featuring children’s entertainer Russ. - Newmarket Public Library

Although Newmarket Public Library is now entering Stage 2 of the province’s reopening strategy, the cautious approach being taken to ensure the safety of patrons and staff will take time. Even when the building opens again this summer, in-library programs will not resume at that time.

However, the library is still running several programs this summer. One of those is the annual TD Summer Reading Club. Held at libraries throughout the country, the club is a great way to keep children reading while school is out.

“It’s been shown that reading skills decline during summer vacation,” says Susan Hoffman, the library’s head of children’s services. “Reading clubs help children keep up their reading skills while having fun keeping track of the books they read, participating in activities related to the club, and earning rewards at the end of the summer.”

This year’s reading club will be a little different. In the past, children would come into the library to register for the program. Instead, parents can register children online right now through READsquared. There are actually three reading clubs for different age groups: the TD Summer Reading Club for ages six to 12, the Read-to-Me Club for ages three to five, and the Teen Summer Reading Club for teens over 12.

Participants log the books they read, earn points toward a completion certificate, and a rewards package when the clubs end on Aug. 28 (they can pick up their packages at the library from Sept. 1 to 5). They are also eligible for a prize draw at the end of the summer. Due to the pandemic, this year’s reading club events organized by staff at the library will take place online via Zoom.

Another tradition at the library is children’s entertainer Russ, and his summer concert series for children six months to five years of age, and their families. To make sure that children don’t miss out on this wonderful musical experience, the library has Russ returning for eight free concerts that will take place online via Zoom every Thursday from July 2 to Aug. 20 from 10 to 10:30 a.m. This year, Russ will literally be bringing the party right into children’s homes. You can register now for the concert.

Summer just wouldn’t be summer without reading clubs and Russ’ concerts. So it’s good to know that even this year summer traditions are still happening at the library.