Newmarket library cooks up array of workshops, and Black History Month event

Newmarkettoday.ca
Jan. 27, 2021

Desmond Cole, journalist, activist, broadcaster and the author of the No. 1 bestseller The Skin We’re In: A Year of Black Resistance and Power, will be featured Feb. 25
about 14 hours ago By: Lorne Chase

Newmarket Public Library, as it has since last summer, continues to offer curbside service during the current lockdown. Choose from thousands of books, DVDs, magazines and more.

Check the library’s catalogue to place an item on hold for curbside pickup. Or you can choose to read an eBook or stream a movie or TV show through the library’s online library.

For adventurous readers, the library has a Winter 2021 Reading Challenge. With 10 different categories to explore, the challenge is designed to take you beyond your reading comfort zone to try new reading experiences. Keep track of your reads on a checklist and then bring it into the library to enter it in a prize draw at the end of April. To access the checklist online and for more information visit here.

And the library continues to offer plenty of free online programming for young and old alike. Check out the variety of programs coming soon:

Black History Month event with author Desmond Cole

Join us for a special online event with Desmond Cole on Thursday, Feb. 25 at 7 p.m. Desmond is a journalist, activist, broadcaster and the author of the number one bestseller The Skin We’re In: A Year of Black Resistance and Power. Desmond is renowned for his reporting and commentary on social justice, especially on issues of racial discrimination and racism. The evening will be moderated by Michael Bowe. Register here.

Shadowpath Theatre Classical Play Reading Club presents Exit, An Illusion

In celebration of Black History Month, our Classical Play Reading Club has chosen Exit, An Illusion (1929) by Marita Bonner, an African-American playwright who challenged the racist stereotypes of the time. Dot is a woman whose parents were an interracial couple, white and black. Her good friend is Buddy, an African-American man. One day Dot tells Buddy she has a date with Exit Mann, resulting in a heated discussion between her and Buddy that touches on fidelity, race, and identity. Join us as Shadowpath Theatre performers and local theatre enthusiast bring to life this classic play on Thursday, Feb. 4 at 7 p.m.

Ergonomics 101: Working At Home presented by Honsberger Physio+

How do you ensure your long-term health while working at home? Join us for a discussion on ergonomics with a representative from Honsberger Physio+ on Wednesday, Feb. 3 at 7 p.m. Learn tips on how to create a work space at home with the proper furniture and tools to support physical wellness, and discover some simple stretches that will help make you feel better and prevent injury. Register now and make your home work environment work for you.

Nighttime Wonders hosted by York Region Forestry

When the sun goes down in our forests, another world awakens. Join us Wednesday, Feb. 10 at 6:30 p.m. for Nighttime Wonders hosted by York Region Forestry, and enjoy a virtual tour of this nocturnal world. Learn all about our local forests and see what happens at night. Discover the sights, sounds and creatures that live in this natural habitat. Ideal for ages 4 and up. Register now and explore a nighttime world full of wonders.

Retirement The Right Way with author Mike Drak

Are you prepared for the major life change of retirement? Join Mike Drak, co-author of Victory Lap Retirement and the new book Retirement Heaven or Hell on Thursday, Feb. 11 at 7 p.m. to find out about the non-financial challenges you may face when you retire. Mike will outline the retirement principles that will affect a post-career lifestyle such as attitude, relationships, physical activity, continuous learning, and having ongoing goals. Register now to learn how to prepare yourself for a vibrant and fulfilling retirement.

Navigating the Health Care System for Seniors presented by CHATS

Are you caring for an aging parent, spouse, relative or friend? CHATS (Community & Home Assistance to Seniors) will be holding a free online workshop on Tuesday, Feb. 16 at 1 p.m. on how to navigate the health-care system to find the support services that are available for caregivers. If you’re unsure of where to start in looking for assistance, then don’t miss this informative discussion. Register now.

NPL’S Dark Evenings Online Mystery Club is reading Redbreast by Jo Nesbo

This is Nordic crime at its best with inspector Harry Hole following the trail of a killer all the way from Norway to South Africa and Vienna, culminating in a nail-biting conclusion. Voted Norway’s best crime novel the year it was released, The Redbreast is a standout in Nesbo’s Harry Hole series. Club meeting takes place online on Thursday, Feb. 11 at 7 p.m. Register now.

Online Cookbook Club February: Slow Cooking and Lunch

We’ll slow things down and then have lunch in NPL’s Online Cookbook Club in February. Slow Cooker by Diane Phillips provides over 400 recipes for dishes you can let simmer awhile for some delicious meals, which you can tell us all about during our meeting on Thursday, Feb. 11 at 3 p.m. Later in the month we’ll try recipes from Gale Gand’s Lunch! to turn midday eats into flavour-packed meals, then meet to discuss the results on Thursday, Feb. 25 at 3 p.m. Register now and put your cooking tips and ideas on the table for all to share.

Will You Be Our Valentine?

"It’s a feeling inside. It’s a smile in your heart. It keeps us together when we’re apart," a quote from Monica Sheehan’s children’s book Love Is You & Me that is perfect for Valentine’s Day. Join us on Saturday, Feb. 13 at 2:30 p.m. to share stories, songs and create a Valentine’s craft together. Ideal for children aged six months to six years. Free craft kits available beginning Feb. 1 for curbside pickup. Register here.

For more information on upcoming programs check our Programs and Activities calendar on the homepage of the library’s website www.newmarketpl.ca