Newmarket library brings books outdoors with storywalks

Book pages available to read throughout downtown, also rotating in Newmarket parks this summer

Newmarkettoday.ca
July 13, 2023
Joseph Quigley

The Newmarket Public Library is inviting you to read books while exploring your community through storywalks this summer.

Two storywalks have launched this month, with one that will rotate throughout the municipality. The walks feature pages of books in different locations to encourage exploration while reading. Readers can stroll through the downtown to read the story Treasure by Mireille Messier and Irene Luxbacher, and can also enjoy Kate and the Dragon at Frank Stronach Park by Val Murray and Sarah Johnston until July 21.

The library said the storywalks are wonderful outdoor reading activities.

“Enjoy the sunshine and fresh air as you stroll through town parks while reading,” the library said on social media.

The storywalks are being done in partnership with the TD Summer Reading Club, and Newmarket BIA assisting with the downtown storywalk, and the Town of Newmarket with the rotating storywalk.

Downtown, the storywalk has pages posted at various businesses. Participants can go to the library to get a map featuring all the page locations, then return to fill out a ballot when they have completed the book for a chance to win a prize.

The second storywalk will be rotating throughout the community on various posts.

The rotating walk will be at Frank Stronach Park until July 21, Paul Semple Park from July 24 to Aug. 11 and then the Environmental Park Aug. 14 to Sept. 1.

In addition, library staff will have special storytimes, weather permitting, at 10:30 a.m. at various parks. Those storytimes will be available at Frank Stronach Park July 13 and 20, Paul Semple Park July 27, Aug. 3 and 10, as well as Environmental Park Aug. 17, 24 and 31.

“Take advantage of this opportunity for a delightful outing that blends nature, storytelling and family fun,” the library said.