Welcome, to Between the Lines!
Welcome to Between the Lines! Bi-monthly, you will discover new themes and adventures as you complete reading challenges and beyond the book activities for grades K to 8. Track your reading for each challenge using the Beanstack App. Complete all 4 reading challenges within the two months and you’ll have the chance to win a prize! Each month you can also submit your reading log for the chance to recommend your favourite book to other library customers with our Between the Lines bookmark!
Post your Between the Lines reading and adventure challenges on social media with the hashtag #MPLBTL to help other library users join in the fun.
Let the reading adventure start now!
March/April Reading Challenges
1. Read a book from our Science & Nature section
Your telephone, medication, the very building you’re in, what do all of these have in common? They all would not be possible without the advancements in science! In many ways, science makes our lives easier and helps us understand the universe. March and April are filled with celebrations revolving around science and mathematical themes. Join the celebrations by picking a book from our Science & Nature section and discover the amazing universe around you!
Reading List: Science and Nature Reads, opens a new window
2. Read a book about an animal character
Can I hear a roar? Can you roar louder? Many of our favourite characters in famous stories happen to be animals. Sometimes, the animal is at the heart of the story, and they show bravery and kindness, for example, Hedwig from Harry Potter, Peppa Pig, Winnie-the-Pooh, and so many more. Some animal characters are so cool that they have a book written just about their fun adventures. Read a book that has your favourite animal character in it!
Did you know that March and April host fun celebrations dedicated to animals and nature? Some of these days include World Wildlife Day on March 3 and World Penguin Day on April 25. Participating in these events encourages empathy for these creatures, inspiring us to make a difference in the well-being of animals around the world.
Reading list: Animal character reads, opens a new window
3. Read a funny book
Knock, knock!
Who's there?
"Reid."
"Reid" who?
READ BOOKS!
Laughing is a great way to feel better when things get tough. Giggle your way to a happier and healthier life by picking a funny book from our collection and enjoy the smiles!
Reading list: Laugh out loud Reads, opens a new window
4. Read a poetry book
Did you know that April is poetry month? Poetry is like art with words. With poetry, we can make rhymes, tell stories, and use our imagination and creativity. Instead of drawing pictures, poetry allows us to create stories with our words. As Albert Einstein once said, "Creativity is contagious, pass it on." Think of your favourite type of poetry (e.g. rhymes) and find a book with that type of poetry or read any one of our poetry books.
Reading List: Poetry books for children, opens a new window
Beyond Books Challenges
1. Participate in Earth Hour (March 23) or Earth Day (April 22)
Do you want to help the Earth and make a difference in your community? You've come to the right place! In March and April two special events are happening. On March 23, we celebrate Earth Hour and on April 22, it's Earth Day. Earth Hour is when you can turn off your lights for one hour to help save energy and think about how you can make a difference in protecting the environment. Earth Day is when we think about and work to help our planet. Join in on an Earth Day or Earth Hour activity that will help the environment. You can pick up trash in a park or turn off your lights for one hour. Together, we can make a difference and keep our Earth happy. After all, the Earth is our home.
Reading List: Earth Day/ Earth Day Activities, opens a new window
2. Visit the Varley Art Gallery
Have you visited the Unionville public library branch lately? For World Art Day on April 15th, stop by the Varley Art Gallery nearby. The Varley Art Gallery was named after, celebrates, and holds the works of Frederick Horsman Varley, who was a founding member of the famous Canadian group of artists; The Group of Seven! Bring a pencil and paper and draw what you see, or even better, sign up for an art class provided by the gallery. There are endless ways to get inspired and creative during your March Break!
Reading List: Visit the Varley Art Gallery, opens a new window
3. Draw or colour a picture for the Library
Early Spring is a great time to get creative! With March being Craft Month, and April 15th being World Art Day, celebrate by drawing or colouring a picture for the library! Need inspiration? Visit the Varley Art Gallery to see what famous artists have made in the past. Try sitting outside on a nice day or inside on a rainy one and draw what you see! When you come to the library, bring us your drawing or coloured picture and we’ll hang it up for all to see! Need a challenge? Try using paint to colour your picture!
Reading List: Drawing/Colouring Challenge, opens a new window
Featured Markham Public Library Online Resource: Tumble Books
The TumbleBooks online database gives customers access to electronic books with animation, sound, music and narration. TumbleBooks has hundreds of electronic books created from existing picture books, graphic novels, chapter books and non-fiction books, which you can read, or have read to you. Best of all there are no waitlists, all books are available all the time. Other great features of TumbleBooks:
- The TumbleBookLibrary highlights a new story every day.
- There are English, French and Spanish books to discover.
- There is a complete database of French Children’s Books (Tuble Biblio Enfants), TumbleBooks Audio Cloud (for all ages), and Teen Book Cloud (for middle school and high school readers)
Trying to find a poetry book? Click on the “tumble search” box in the upper right-hand corner and then choose the “keyword” search option, type in “poetry”. This database has many tools to help you discover your next great read. Start exploring today!
Programs
Markham Public Library Programming
The City of Markham Programming
Programming for all ages, opens a new window. All programming requires registration. The City of Markham has a new program registration system -- create an account today: City of Markham program registration site, opens a new window.
Add a comment to: Between the Lines Mar/Apr 2024: Poetry, humour, the Varley, Earth events, and more!