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!

Nov/Dec Reading Challenges

1. Read a book from our “Let’s Celebrate” collection

This time of year brings many celebrations from across the world and from many different cultures! Share your joy, love and the coming together of your loved ones for Diwali, Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa and so much more with a book from our “Let’s Celebrate” section at the library!

Reading List: Winter Celebrations, opens a new window

2. Read a book that is brand new

Celebrate new book month this December by reading a book that was published within the last year!  Reading a brand new book is always a fun experience, starting with making the discovery by spotting its shiny cover. Opening up a new book is like embarking on an adventure -- you might just find your new favourite story within those pages. Have fun discovering new characters and a new world, all in a brand new book!

Reading list: New kids books from 2024, opens a new window

3. Read a book that inspires you

Reading a book you don’t like can be really boring, right? Instead, why not choose a book that inspires you! November is Gratitude Month, find a book that brings out the good feelings in you! Whether it be a fun fantasy story about dragons, an exciting adventure about courageous heroes, or inspiring true stories about real people, pick a book that energises you!

Reading list: Inspiring books for kids, opens a new window

4. Read a book by your favourite author (again or for the first time)

Reading your favourite author or book again can feel like a welcome hug as you enter into familiar worlds and learn new things along the way! From our favourite authors and books we develop a deeper understanding of the work and build our reading tastes so we can make great suggestions to our friends and loved ones!

Reading List: Favourite authors, opens a new window

Beyond Books Challenges

1. Have a family member tell you a story about your ancestors

Family comes in different forms and sizes! November is Family Story Month, to celebrate get to know more about your own history! Pick a family member that is close to you, or the most interesting, and have them tell you a story about their past, about your ancestors, or about the world and how it was back when they were your age. Choose to dive into the past and have fun with the new things you might learn!

Reading List: Family history for kids, opens a new window

2. Do something nice to thank someone

November is Gratitude month. Do you have someone in your life who you like to spend time with? Someone who treats you well just because they care? Do something nice for them to thank them for being wonderful!

Reading List: Being thankful, opens a new window

3. Do a kind thing for another person

Do you like making people smile? Do you like making their day or becoming a highlight of their time? November 13th is World Kindness Day, and we want you to do a kind thing for another person! Whether it be a gesture, a funny joke, opening the door for a stranger, or simply smiling at them when they pass you—be kind!

Reading List: Kindness, opens a new window

Featured Markham Public Library Online Resource: Overdrive/Libby, opens a new window

Have you tried Libby yet? It’s an amazing app that lets you borrow eBooks, audiobooks, and magazines from the comfort of your home! It’s like having a whole library right in your pocket! Whether you’re into magical kingdoms, space adventures, or learning cool facts, Libby has something for everyone. Just grab your library card, download the app, and start exploring today. Happy reading!

Reading List: Great eBooks and eAudiobooks, opens a new window

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

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.