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!

May/June Reading Challenges

1. Read a book that takes place in Asia

May is Asian Heritage Month! In celebration, read a book set in an Asian country. There are many wonderful stories that offer a look into diverse cultures, traditions, and viewpoints. Enjoy the journey of discovery and connection through literature!

Reading List:  Read around Asia

2. Read a book by an indigenous author

For millennia, storytelling has been an important part of the cultures of different indigenous peoples. These traditions continue today through authors of indigenous ancestry. June is Indigenous Heritage Month, what a great time to read a book written by an indigenous author!

Reading List: Books by Indigenous Authors

3. Read a book that has a TV show or Movie based on it

A lot of television shows and movies are based on books. What are some of your favourite tv shows or movies? Read a book that is based on something you enjoyed watching and see how the two compare!

Reading List: Books made into movies and/or TV shows

4. Read a book about an invention

Can you imagine a world without computers, telephones, or cars? These are just a sample of the many innovations gifted to humans by great minds! May is Inventor’s month, celebrating these great ideas. Take time to appreciate an invention that has improved our quality of life by reading about it!

Reading List: All about inventions for kids

Beyond Books Challenges

1. Try a new hobby

When all your homework is done and you need time to relax or play, what is the first thing you think to do? Some people make crafts, read books, play instruments, sing, or dance! But sometimes doing the same hobby over and over again can get too familiar. Shake things up by trying a new hobby this spring/summer! Try baking and cycling in May, or gardening in June—to name a few! Who knows, maybe you’ll discover something new about yourself!

Reading List: Try a New Hobby!

2. Borrow something from the library that is not a book

Explore nature! Go hiking, biking or swimming!  Go to a Markham trail or park! Stay home and enjoy your own backyard! When the weather is beautiful go outside and do something you love! May is Get Caught Reading Month and June is Great Outdoors Month, so combine the two and take your book outside on a beautiful day.

Reading List: Borrow Beyond the Book!

3. Celebrate the Great Outdoors

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!

Reading List: Celebrate the great outdoors!

Featured Markham Public Library Online Resource: NoveList K-8 Plus

This online database is great for helping you find what book to read next. For example:

• Are you in the mood for a specific genre but you don’t know which book to choose? NoveList provides excellent recommendations on lots of different genres and different appeals (which means story elements, like character or storyline). 
• Are you a fan of a certain author and you’ve read all of their books? Find similar authors by using your favourite author’s name in your search – on the right side of your search results page you’ll see a list of similar authors. You can also do the same with the title of a book you liked!
• Looking for books by grade level or reading level? Look for the “Age level” on the left column of the main page or in the Advanced search try “Grade Level”, or other filters. 
• Trying to find new reads to keep you busy all summer? Try the curated lists for "Seasonal Reads", "Trending Now", "Must Reads" or "For Fans of..." for some great suggested titles.

This database has many tools to help you discover your next great read. Start exploring today!

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

Upcoming: MPL's Summer Camps

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.