Newmarket Public Library

NEWMARKET, Ontario, February 1, 2012 — Newmarket Public Library would like to invite Newmarket residents to attend two focus group sessions designed to generate feedback that will aid the library in shaping its future. The sessions are open to library members and non-members. The goal is to involve as many people as possible in a candid discussion about the library, its services, and its role in the community.

“Our goal is to get a snapshot of how residents currently view the library,” said Todd Kyle, the library’s CEO, “We hope to involve as many people as possible in dialogue that will help us develop new strategic objectives to serve and support the community.”

Focus group sessions will take place at:

Newmarket Community Centre & Lions Hall,
Hall 3
200 Doug Duncan Drive
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
2:00 – 3:15 p.m.
or
7:00 – 8:15 p.m.
Refreshments will be served

Anyone can register by phoning 905-953-5110 or emailing npl@newmarketpl.ca

NEWMARKET, Ontario, August 24, 2011 –

The accessible computer workstation featues oversize keyboard, touchscreen, adjustable desk and more.

Newmarket Public Library is now providing Library members who have a visual, physical or intellectual impairment an opportunity to book time on its new accessible computer workstation.

“The new workstation features the latest in technology,” said Todd Kyle, CEO of Newmarket Public Library. “People who have difficulty using regular computers will find it more user-friendly. We are pleased to provide them with this opportunity for a more enjoyable computing experience.”

The new workstation is equipped with the latest in assistive hardware and software, including:
Touchscreen. Users simply touch the screen with a finger, hand or the computer workstation’s stylus to move around a page.

Large Print Keyboard. EzSee™ keyboard features oversized high contrast black on yellow letters, numbers, and symbols.

Oversize mouse. Almost four times the size of a regular mouse, the Infogrip® mous

e is designed for people who need to use their entire hand for control. With blue oversized left and right buttons that help avoid unwanted mouse clicks.

Adjustable Desk. Built-in electric motor allows individuals using the desk to simply press a button to adjust the height of the desk to suit them – no manual hand cranking required.

Screen Magnifier. ZoomText 9.1 screen magnification software allows you to increase the size of the screen to make text more readable.

System Access Screen Reader. Utilizes a speech synthesizer to identify and read aloud text on a computer screen.

Kurzweil 3000. An educational software for individuals with learning difficulties, including those who are struggling with reading comprehension, individuals learning English as a second language, and persons with impaired vision or physical disabilities.

The new workstation is located on the main level of the Library. Anyone with a valid Library card can book time to use the workstation at the Circulation Desk on the main floor. For more information call 905-953-5110 Ext. 4700.

For further information please contact:
Jennifer Leveridge, Community Services Librarian
Tel: (905) 953-5110 Ext. 4710, jleveridge@newmarketpl.ca

Lorne Chase, Marketing & Communications Coordinator
Tel: (905) 953-5110 Ext. 4870, lchase@newmarketpl.ca

NEWMARKET, Ontario, January 14, 2011 – Newmarket Public Library, Aurora Public Library, and Whitchurch-Stouffville Public Library today announced they have joined askON, an online research help and information service  operated by staff members from Ontario libraries, colleges and universities.

“askON was created to help anyone who has ever been frustrated in their search for accurate, dependable information on the Internet,” says Todd Kyle, CEO of Newmarket Public Library. “Instead of spending hours surfing they can simply talk with a professional research librarian who will direct them to the information they need.”

Carolyn Nordheimer James, CEO of Whitchurch-Stouffville concurs. “The key is the reliability of the online
information that trained staff can direct people to, whether it’s facts for students doing school projects, statistics
for researchers, or data for parents on books for children.”

To take advantage of askON people need only visit their local libray’s website where they can click on the askON logo, and then type in a question. Their question will be reviewed by an Ontario research expert who will respond to them either immediately or as soon as possible to assist them in locating information.

Louise Proctor Maio, CEO of Aurora Public Library, points out another advantage of askON. “For people who may find it difficult to visit the library due to an illness or disability, the service allows them to easily get informed and reliable information  without having to leave their home.”

Begun in 2008, askON demonstrates the power of collaboration. There are currently 42 public libraries, 14 colleges and 7 universities that provide the service, which is available 45 hours per week. Newmarket Public Library, Aurora Public Library, Whitchurch-Stoufville Public Library and Georgina Public Libraries join a growing list of communities throughout Ontario that include Barrie, Belleville, Brampton, Sudbury, Hamilton, Kitchener, London, North Bay, Ottawa, Thunder Bay, Vaughan, Waterloo, Windsor, and  many others. A list of all the participating members can be found at www.askon.ca.

Operational, administrative and technical costs of running askON are provided by Knowledge Ontario, a non-profit collaborative of organizations that includes public libraries, colleges, universities, museums, and more.

For further information please contact:
Todd Kyle, CEO
Newmarket Public Library
905-953-5110 Ext. 4670

Louise Procter Maio, CEO
Aurora Public Library
905-727-9494 Ext. 221

Carolyn Nordheimer James, CEO
Whitchurch-Stouffville Public Library
905-642-7323 Ext. 223

York Info new name for York North Community Information & Volunteer Database   

NEWMARKET, Ontario, Friday, November 19, 2010 – Partners in the York North Community Information & Volunteer Database – East Gwillimbury Public Library, Georgina Public Libraries, Newmarket Public Library, and Whitchurch- Stouffville Library – today announced the database they maintain is changing its name from York North to York Info. 

York Info better represents the expanding reach of the database, which provides information and services for a growing number of people and non-profit organizations throughout York Region. It also reflects the role York Info plays as a data partner for 211Ontario.ca, a website run by the Ontario government that provides information on social services and programs throughout the province. York Info is also the recognized data partner for 211 Central.

 “York Info is an example of the collaborative spirit that exists among the four partner libraries,” said Carolyn Nordheimer James, CEO of Whitchurch-Stouffville Public Library. “Helping people find the information they need, including services that assist with personal and family crises, is an example of what libraries do best.”

 York Info will continue to provide the same high level of service to people and non-profit organizations in the region, providing a wide range of brochures and other sources of information on local organizations and services, which can be accessed online, in person, or by phone.

For further information please contact:
Lorne Chase, Marketing & Communications Coordinator                                 
Tel: (905) 953-5110 Ext. 4870, lchase@newmarketpl.ca

Jennifer Leveridge, Community Services Librarian
Tel: (905) 953-5110 Ext. 4710