Newmarket Public Library in Ontario has launched a monthly Minecraft Club for children and teens to build coding and digital literacy skills. The club was promoted in a January 5, 2025 social media post on the library’s Facebook page and sessions are scheduled monthly; they have historically been held on the last Sunday of each month from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at 438 Park Avenue.
The drop-in sessions are free and open to ages 8 and up. Participants learn to create custom game worlds, characters and objects using Minecraft Education, MakeCode Arcade tutorials and MCreator under guidance from Code Ninjas East Gwillimbury instructors.
Attendance is limited to 12 participants on a first-come, first-served basis, so families are encouraged to check in early at the second-floor reference desk (Children’s Information Desk). Library laptops are provided to ensure everyone runs the same software, though some advanced sessions may require a personal Mojang/Microsoft account. The program is drop-in and free of charge; however, during periods of high demand the library may open a waitlist or require registration through the Xplor Recreation system.
The partnership with Code Ninjas East Gwillimbury aligns with the library’s 2022–2025 Strategic Plan to expand beyond books and offer hands-on STEM learning, complementing services such as the Maker Hub’s 3D printers. Parents and schools can call the Children’s Desk at 905-953-5110 ext. 4690 for details on future sessions and technical requirements.
