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. Sept/Oct winners will be contacted in November). 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!

September/October Reading Challenges

1. Read a book with “Light” or “Moon” in the title

Let’s read books with Light or Moon in the title and discover stories perfect for Diwali the Festival of Lights and the Autumn Moon Festival! Follow glowing lanterns, big bright moons and magical nights as families and friends celebrate. Let’s read together and light up our imaginations.

READING LISTS: Books with the word “moon” in the title

Books with the word “light” in the title

2. Read a classic or a retold classic

The Boy Who Cried Wolf, Rumpelstiltskin, Snow White and the Seven Dwarves… What do all of these titles have in common? They’re all classic fairy tales that have existed for centuries and are part of a great history of literature. Relive a classic fairy tale and be transported to another time! 

READING LIST: Read a Classic this Fall!

3. Read a book with a character that is a robot

Let’s read amazing stories with robot characters, friends, helpers, and even heroes made of metal and circuits! While we’re celebrating National Coding Week and Programmer’s Day, discover how robots think, solve problems, and team up with humans in imaginative adventures. 

READING LIST: Robots!

4. Read a book that takes place in a library

Libraries are so much more than a place to get books. Libraries provide digital media, makerspaces and educational programs! Check out a book that is set in a library to celebrate Canadian Library Month this October.

READING LIST: In the Library

Beyond Books Challenges

1. Visit a library location you have never been to (or haven't been to in a long time)

Did you know Markham has 8 awesome library branches? Each one is special in its own way. Try visiting a new library and discover what makes it different from your usual location. Who knows what fun surprises you'll find.

See where all the Markham Public Library locations are online to plan your trip.

2. Attend a Markham event or cultural celebration

Markham is one of the most diverse communities in Canada. This fall, the City of Markham is hosting many public festivals, such as the Milliken Mills Children's festival, the Markham Fair, Apple Fest etc... Take time out of your busy schedule to visit a celebration and enjoy what makes this city such a beautiful place to live in. 

See upcoming events by the City of Markham here.

3. Make a family tree

Have you ever wanted to learn more about your family? Do you know much about your great or great great-grandparents? Learn more about your family and make a family tree. October is the perfect month to do this as it is Family History Month.

READING LIST: Family Tree Fun

Featured Markham Public Library Online Resource: TumbleBooks

Use this resource to find animated story books where the sounds, music, and narration help make the book come to life! All in one place, you can try read-alongs, e-books, games, and videos, plus there are multiple languages to choose from. TumbleBooks makes reading even more fun! 

TumbleBooks is also available in French as Tumble Biblio Enfants and Tumble AudioBookCloud (which has audiobooks for everyone, not just children)

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.