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 or our reading log brochure. 

Complete all 4 reading challenges within the two months and you’ll have the chance to win a prize! Simply bring in your completed reading log and you’ll receive a ballot to enter into a raffle draw. Raffle winners will be contacted a few weeks after the last month of the edition (e.g. Nov/Dec winners will be contacted in January). You will also receive a bookmark, which you can use to recommend a favourite book to other library customers. 

Throughout the school year, we’ll be running additional contests so be sure to check our website for upcoming events and activities! 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!

Mar/Apr Reading Challenges

1. Read a book about the environment

Spring brings flowers and also many days that celebrate our Earth! March 22nd is Earth Hour and April 22nd is Earth Day! Learn about environments that make our world go round—from the good, the bad, and a little bit of both. Pick a book to read that shares information about climate change, our seas, animals and their ecosystems, and find gratitude for this home we share with others!

Reading list:  The Environment

2. Read a craft book (and try a craft from it)

Looking for a new hobby to try? Why not borrow a craft book from your local Markham Public Library and choose a craft to make! Not only is making a craft fun, but it is also a great way to display your creativity and individuality. Not to mention, it is a wonderful way to spend some quality time with your friends and family. So go ahead and express yourself. You never know, you may just find your inner Picasso!

Reading List: Craft Time!

3. Read a book that has rhymes in it

Let’s find a little nook, and snuggle up with a rhyming book! As Dr. Seuss Day is March 2nd and April is Poetry Month, we challenge you to read a book with rhymes in it! Whether there are llamas wearing pajamas, or cats in hats, hopefully you find some fun in that!

Reading List: Books that Rhyme

4. Read a book with pictures in it

When you think of books, words and sentences are the first things to come to mind! But what if pictures are what come to your mind? 

Either way, April is a month that celebrates Picture Book Day (on the 2nd)  and World Art Day (on the 15th)—emphasizing how important it is for art to be added in books! Read a book with pictures and illustrations that catch your eye the most!

Reading List: Art Infused Pages

Beyond Books Challenges

1. Do an activity that celebrates Spring and is good for the environment

Happy spring! For this challenge, we observe Earth Hour (March 22), Earth Day (April 22), and the start of spring (starts March 20) by doing an activity that is good for the environment. Put the earth first by planting a tree, picking up litter, or enjoying a nature walk. Let’s honour our home planet by taking care of it!

Reading List: Celebrating Earth During Springtime!

2. Do a science experiment

There are many favourite subjects to choose from: art, english, gym… But what about science and math?! Whether you cringed at the idea of science and math being your favourite topic or jumped with joy, the confusion and mystery both can bring are important. Think of a question that you want answered, any question! And let’s satisfy our curiosity with a science experiment! See if you get answers!

Reading List: Fun Science Experiments

3. Play a board game

Invite your family and friends to play a board game. Board games can be a fun way to spend time together while getting your minds engaged!

Featured Markham Public Library Online Resource: TVO Learn

From algebra to alphabets, physical health to mental health—our partnership with TVO Learn gives kids access to extracurricular resources that help children with all subjects officially a part of the Ontario school curriculum.

Programs

Markham Public Library Programming

MPL’s variety of “Books and Reading” Programs, opens a new window

MPL's events for families and children, opens a new window

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.