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THE BLAST
THE LATEST NEWS AND INFORMATION FROM
WALLKILL PUBLIC LIBRARY
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Emergency Preparedness Workshop on March 4 at 6 PM
The Wallkill Public Library is happy to host and emergency preparedness information session in conjunction with the New York State Homeland Security and Emergency Services Citizens Preparedness Corp, and the New York National Guard.
With severe weather events becoming more frequent and more extreme, it is more important than ever that New Yorkers are prepared for disasters. The NY Citizen Preparedness Training Program teaches residents to have the tools and resources to prepare for any type of disaster, respond accordingly and recover as quickly as possible to normal conditions. This training course will provide an introduction to responding to a natural or manmade disaster. Participants will be advised on how to properly prepare for any disaster, including developing a family emergency plan and stocking up on emergency supplies. Each family that attends will receive one preparedness kit.
The session will be held in the Town Hall Community Room at 14 Central Ave., Wallkill, NY on March 4th at 6pm.
| | | February is American Heart Month | | |
Blood Pressure Monitor kits available at the library!
The Wallkill Public Library is celebrating American Heart Month by introducing at home blood pressure monitors that patrons can borrow to help be better informed about their blood pressure. Each kit comes with instructions and information about how to use the monitors and interpret the results. We also have a blood pressure monitor set up in the library where patrons can swing by and test themselves while at the library. We encourage everyone to come on by to use them.
| | | HomeBoost Energy Assessment Kits | |
Scan & Save
Wallkill Public Library and the Ramapo Catskill Library System have partnered with Central Hudson to make HomeBoost Energy Assessment Kits available to our patrons. The kits include a specialized camera that can be attached to your smartphone to check your home for drafts. It also can scan appliances to check their relative energy efficiency. Along with the cameras, we'll be handing out 25 Weatherization Kits to give to the first 25 people who check out the HomeBoost Cameras. These Weatherization kits include 2 door-sweeps, 2 cans of insulation foam, 1 tube of caulk, and a packet of outlet insulation inserts. Your energy bills aren't getting any lower, so take advantage of these kits to help bring those bills down.
| | | Saturday DIY: Teacup to Birdfeeder | | | |
Saturday, March 7
Join us on Saturday, March 7 at 11am and turn teacups and saucers into charming birdfeeders and decorate them with Sharpie art! Join us for a fun, creative Saturday craft session—supplies and inspiration provided. Recommended ages 8+. Registration required.
https://wallkillpubliclibrary.libcal.com/event/16302866
| | Great Backyard Bird Count | |
February 13–16, 2026
Spend time in your favorite places watching birds—then tell us about them! In as little as 15 minutes notice the birds around you. Identify them, count them, and submit your counts to help scientists better understand and protect birds around the world. If you already use eBird or Merlin, your submissions over the 4 days count toward GBBC.
Find out more: https://www.birdcount.org/
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Saturday, March 28, 10am - 3pm
The Friends of the Wallkill Public Library have organized a Local Author Book Fair in the Hamlet on Saturday, March 28th from 10am until 3pm at the Wallkill Volunteer Fire Department community room located at 112 Bona Ventura Ave. Wallkill, NY 12589.
We'll be featuring authors of children's, YA, and adult fiction and non-fiction. In addition to hosting these local authors, the Women's Club will be having an ice cream social at the event. Coffee will be sold by the folks at Farm Fuel. We'll also have other activities like a photo booth! Come join the Friends as we celebrate books, local authors and the library!
| | Wallkill Library Is Accepting Book Donations | | | | |
In anticipation of our annual book sale the Wallkill Public Library is presently accepting book donations of your gently used books. All donations will be put up for sale during our fundraising book sale which will be held on Saturday, April 25 from 9am until 3pm in the Town Hall Community Room.
Please drop any donated books off at the library during normal business hours, and do not place donated items in our library book drop. We will not be accepting DVDs, CDs, textbooks, or materials that are damaged or in poor condition. Thanks for thinking of us!
| | | Black History Month Scavenger Hunt | | Celebrate Black History Month with a fun scavenger hunt at the library all month long. Explore, learn, and earn a prize when you submit your completed answer sheet! | | The Wallkill Library staff would like to share our favorites with you. Come check out our staff picks for Books and DVDs! We've made a display of our favorite books and DVDs for teens and adults. We'd love to hear what you think of our picks and discuss our favorite books and movies with you. | | "I made it at the library..." | | |
Crafting with the Seniors
It was a sweet treat making lollipop Valentines with the seniors!
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Workshop Wednesday
Workshop Wednesday had participants use clear silicone stamps to create one of a kind Valentines for family and friends.
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Woodburning
We had 2 sessions of the wood-burned winter scene workshop and the results were wonderful!
| | | Bookend Design & Build Contest | |
February 1 through February 28
Register online by February 1 to reserve your set of bookends and information packet on our Bookends Design & Build Contest. Following the guidelines, design, build and return your set of bookends by February 28 to be entered in our Library Lovers' month contest.
There will be a build session on Wed. Feb 18th you can participate in as well. All ages welcome to participate! Registration is required. Click here to register: https://wallkillpubliclibrary.libcal.com/event/16112166
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Grow Your Own Herbal Tea
Sign up today for our take and make herbal tea growing kit!
Each month register for a new herbal tea kit to grow at home. Kits will include basic instructions and information, a starter pot, starter soil and seeds.
Registration is required. Any take and make kits not picked up within one week of the pick-up date will be offered to the public.
| | Saturday DIY: T‑Shirt to Tote | |
Saturday, February 7 at 11 AM
Give an old T‑shirt a new life! Learn how to turn a T‑shirt into a reusable tote bag using simple cutting and tying—no sewing required. Bring your own shirt or use one provided, and leave with a one‑of‑a‑kind bag that’s perfect for books, groceries, or everyday use.
(If providing your own t-shirt, please ensure that it is made of a heavy durable fabric) Recommended ages 8+. Registration required:
https://wallkillpubliclibrary.libcal.com/event/16263090
| | | If you would like to attend virtually, contact Kim O'Sullivan at kosullivan@rcls.org | | |
The Adult Fiction Book Club will be meeting on Tuesday, February 17 at 3:45 PM to discuss The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife by Anna Johnston.
A warm, life-affirming debut about a zany case of mistaken identity that allows a lonely old man one last chance to be part of a family.
‘Would you mind terribly, old boy, if I borrowed the rest of your life? I promise I’ll take excellent care of it.'
Frederick Fife was born with an extra helping of kindness in his heart. If he borrowed your car, he’d return it washed with a full tank of gas. The problem is there’s nobody left in Fred’s life to borrow from. At eighty-two, he’s desperately lonely, broke, and on the brink of homelessness. But Fred’s luck changes when, in a bizarre case of mistaken identity, he takes the place of grumpy Bernard Greer at the local nursing home. Now he has warm meals in his belly and a roof over his head—as long as his poker face is in better shape than his prostate and that his look-alike never turns up.
Denise Simms is stuck breathing the same disappointing air again and again. A middle-aged mom and caregiver at Bernard's facility, her crumbling marriage and daughter's health concerns are suffocating her joy for life. Wounded by her two-faced husband, she vows never to let a man deceive her again.
As Fred walks in Bernard’s shoes, he leaves a trail of kindness behind him, fueling Denise's suspicions about his true identity. When unexpected truths are revealed, Fred and Denise rediscover their sense of purpose and learn how to return a broken life to mint condition.
Bittersweet and remarkably perceptive, The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife is a hilarious, feel-good, clever novel about grief, forgiveness, redemption, and finding family.
-- from Goodreads.
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Reading ahead?
March's Adult Book Club Selection
We'll be discussing None of This Is True by Lisa Jewell on Tuesday, March 17 at 3:45 PM.
Celebrating her forty-fifth birthday at her local pub, popular podcaster Alix Summers crosses paths with an unassuming woman called Josie Fair. Josie, it turns out, is also celebrating her forty-fifth birthday. They are, in fact, birthday twins.
A few days later, Alix and Josie bump into each other again, this time outside Alix’s children’s school. Josie has been listening to Alix’s podcasts and thinks she might be an interesting subject for her series. She is, she tells Alix, on the cusp of great changes in her life.
Josie’s life appears to be strange and complicated, and although Alix finds her unsettling, she can’t quite resist the temptation to keep making the podcast. Slowly she starts to realise that Josie has been hiding some very dark secrets, and before she knows it, Josie has inveigled her way into Alix’s life—and into her home.
But, as quickly as she arrived, Josie disappears. Only then does Alix discover that Josie has left a terrible and terrifying legacy in her wake, and that Alix has become the subject of her own true crime podcast, with her life and her family’s lives under mortal threat.
Who is Josie Fair? And what has she done?
-- from Goodreads.
| | Saturday Morning Book Club | | | | |
The Saturday Morning Book Club will hold their next meeting on Saturday, February 28 at 10:30 AM. They'll be discussing The People We Keep by Allison Larkin.
The People We Keep is about a young songwriter longing to find a home in the world.
Little River, New York, 1994: April Sawicki is living in a motorless motorhome that her father won in a poker game. Failing out of school, picking up shifts at Margo’s diner, she’s left fending for herself in a town where she’s never quite felt at home. When she “borrows” her neighbor’s car to perform at an open mic night, she realizes her life could be much bigger than where she came from. After a fight with her dad, April packs her stuff and leaves for good, setting off on a journey to find a life that’s all hers.
As April moves through the world, meeting people who feel like home, she chronicles her life in the songs she writes and discovers that where she came from doesn’t dictate who she has to be.
This lyrical, unflinching tale is for anyone who has ever yearned for the fierce power of found family or to grasp the profound beauty of choosing to belong.
-- from Goodreads
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Reading ahead?
March's Saturday Book Club Selection is...
... The Boxcar Librarian by Brianna Labuskes. We'll be discussing it on Saturday, March 28 at 10:30 AM.
Inspired by true events, a thrilling Depression-era novel from the author of The Librarian of Burned Books about a woman’s quest to uncover a mystery surrounding a local librarian and the Boxcar Library—a converted mining train that brought books to isolated rural towns in Montana.
Inspired by the fascinating, true history of Missoula’s Boxcar Library, the novel blends the story of the strong, courageous women who survived and thrived in the rough and rowdy West with that of the power of standing together to fight for workers’ lives. And through it all shines the capacity of books to provide connection and light to those who need it most.
-- from Goodreads
| | | Click the titles to link to our online catalog to read descriptions, reviews, and place holds. | | | |
Jigsaw Puzzle Exchange
Looking for a cozy winter activity? Stop by the library and pick up or drop off a jigsaw puzzle as part of our winter puzzle exchange!
We have over 50 puzzles ranging from 150 to 1,008 pieces—perfect for solo puzzlers or the whole family. There’s something for everyone, so come find your next challenge today!
Donating a puzzle? Please count the pieces and place them in a zippered plastic bag before putting the puzzle in the original box. We do our best to ensure every puzzle is complete, but if you discover missing pieces, kindly report it and return the puzzle to the circulation desk.
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Food Pantry Donations
The Wallkill Public Library is continuing our efforts to help support the Loaves & Fishes Food pantry do the good work that they do within our community. We invite patrons to drop off unopened, unexpired, non-perishable food items at the library. Let's help our neighbors in need. Donations will be accepted during normal library operating hours. Please do not leave donations by the library entrances or book drop.
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Tech Support
10:00-4:00 PM weekdays
The Wallkill Public Library offers Tech Support from 10-4 on weekdays. So, if you're having issues with your cellphone, tablet, or other technology please stop by the front desk of the library. We'll be happy to lend a hand if we can.
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Textile Tuesdays
The Wallkill Quilter's Circle is sponsored by the Wallkill Public Library. The Circle meets for Textile Tuesdays in the Community Room at the Shawangunk Town Hall on Tuesdays from 10 AM to 2 PM for a come-as-you-please work session.
Bring your present project and your lunch and join us! No registration necessary. New members always welcome!
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Mahjong Meet-ups
Every Wednesday at 1 PM and Thursday at 6 PM the library hosts our Mahjong Clubs in the Reading Room. If you’re a player or just interested in learning, join us! We supply the games and (a limited number of) mahjong cards. Just drop in, no registration required
Forgot your card? Check one out at the circulation desk to use during the game!
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Pinochle
Thursdays, 1-3 PM
in the Library Reading Room
Come and join the new Pinochle gathering in the library Reading Room on Thursdays between 1-3pm. If you're a novice player, we'll have some more experienced players to teach you the rules and how to play 4-handed pinochle. Please sign up and identify whether you are already a player or want to learn how to play.
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Battery Recycling Made Easy
Wondering what's the best way to get rid of those used batteries rolling around in your junk drawer?
The Library accepts used batteries and cell phones to be recycled! You will find the WeRecycle Battery Box located on our window seat. Please use a plastic baggie (found on the side of the box) to place your batteries or cell phones in before placing them in the battery recycle box. Quick, easy, convenient, and environmentally friendly!
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Clynk Bottle & Can Collection
Stop by the circulation desk to grab a Clynk bag and tag, then simply:
- Fill the bag with aluminum cans and plastic bottles eligible for the NY bottle deposit.
- Donate your filled Clynk bag by dropping it off at the Clynk collection area located at the entrance of your local Hannaford grocery store. Follow the instructions on or next to the Clynk door.
Together, we can all make a positive impact on the environment and help the library at the same time!
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Lend-A-Pole Program
Thanks to the Federated Sportsmen’s Clubs of Ulster County (FSCUC), patrons are able to borrow fishing poles from the library!
The FSCUC donated a Lend-A-Pole cabinet filled with poles, tackle boxes, and informational pamphlets to the library. Patrons can check fishing poles out just as they would a museum pass or book. Borrowers also get to take out – and keep! - a tackle box, as the FSCUC will replenish the supply when it gets low.
Ask at the circulation desk for assistance.
| | New DVDs coming in February | | Children's Program Highlights | | Saturday's Lego and Building Club | | |
Kids (and even some of the adults) enjoyed building with many different materials on Saturday, January 24. By the end of the program, the participants were having car races using WPL's cool racing ramp, designing tracks for motorized bugs, and building marble runs.
The Lego Bricks and Building Club is scheduled to meet on Wednesday, February 25 at 11:00AM and Saturday, February 28 at 10:45-11:30AM. If interested in attending, please register at www.wallkillpubliclibrary.org.
| | | Storytime and Crafting Caboodles | | |
In last week's Family Storytime, we read books about groundhogs and then made a pop-up groundhog during Crafting Caboodles.
During this week's Storytime, we read about Valentine's Day in addition to singing and moving to music. We then created a heart with watercolor paints and made Valentines for friends and family while the paintings dried.
Join Ms. Sarah this upcoming week for storytime on Tuesday, February 10 (10:30-11:00), Thursday, February 12 (10:30-11:00AM) or Saturday February 14th, 2026. One of the books that we will read is Pete the Cat: Valentine's Day is Cool (written by Kimberly and James Dean), and then we will make a Pete the Cat craft during Crafting Caboodles.
If you aren't able to attend, but your child wants to make the craft, please register at https://wallkillpubliclibrary.libcal.com/event/16221212 by Tuesday for a "Take and Make Craft" to do at home.
| | Winter Reading Bingo for Kids | |
Through February 28th
If you would like a chance to win one of the prize baskets displayed in the Children's Area, pick up a Bingo Board from the front shelves at the bottom of the stairs (near the coloring sheets and calendars). Each book read - or - 20 minutes of reading a chapter book can earn one square. Each bingo will earn a chance to win one of the prizes - a "blackout bingo" will earn more chances.
Completed Bingo boards are due on or before February 28th, 2026.
| | | Ongoing Children's Programming | | | |
1,000 Books Before Kindergarten
If you are interested in learning more about the 1000 Books Before Kindergarten Program, reach out to Ms. Sarah sphillips@rcls.org or speak with someone at the circulation desk.
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TUESDAYS
10:30 AM Family Storytime
Children of all ages are welcome. The books and activities will be centered around children ages 4-10 years of age. Registration is required.
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11:00 AM Crafting Caboodles
Join Miss Sarah for crafts in the Children's Room. We will celebrate a different theme every week by making fun creations! Ages 3+ (younger children may attend, but this may require more assistance from the parent). Registration is required.
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11:30 AM Take & Make Craft Sign-up deadline
If you aren't able to attend Crafting Caboodles, register for a Take and Make Craft. The craft will be ready on Thursday morning through the following week. Registration is required.
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WEDNESDAYS
11:00 AM STEM Explorers
Ages 4+. A wide variety of topics and activities pertaining to science, technology, and math will be covered. (Younger children may attend, but this activity may require more assistance from the parent.) Registration is required.
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THURSDAYS
10:30 AM Infant and Toddler Storytime
The books and activities will be centered around children ages 0 to 2-3 years of age. Music, finger play, and sensory activities for infants/toddlers may also be included. Registration is required.
Take & Make Craft Pick-up available anytime after 10AM for the next week.
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Some SATURDAYS
Check Wallkill Public Library events calendar for dates
10:00 AM Family Storytime
Children of all ages are welcome. The books and activities will be centered around children ages 4-10. This will be a "repeat" of the previous Tuesday's story time. Registration is required.
Our next meeting is:
Saturday, February 14 from 10:00 - 10:30 AM
Click the link to register:
https://wallkillpubliclibrary.libcal.com/event/16221243
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10:30 AM Crafting Caboodles
Join Ms. Sarah for Saturday crafts in the library Children's Room (for children age 3 & up). This will be a "repeat" of the previous Tuesday's craft.
Our next meeting is:
Saturday, February 14 from 10:30 - 11:00 AM
Click the link to register: https://wallkillpubliclibrary.libcal.com/event/16221282
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10:45 AM Lego Bricks and Building Club
This program is for children ages 3-11 who enjoy building with Lego bricks. During sessions, participants will be able to test the creativity and ability by engaging in Lego building challenges, along with building just for enjoyment.
Our next meeting is:
February 28 from 10:45 AM - 11:30 AM
Click the link to register: https://wallkillpubliclibrary.libcal.com/event/16221352
| | | Click the titles to link to our online catalog to read descriptions, reviews, and place holds. | | American Red Cross Blood Drive | |
Give the gift of life... blood.
The Wallkill Reformed Church is sponsoring an American Red Cross Blood Drive on Thursday, February 19, from 1:00 to 6:00 PM in our Fellowship Hall, 45 Bridge Street, Wallkill, NY 12589.
To schedule your appointment or find the answers to your questions about blood donation, please visit www.RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS.
| | | Local Vaccination Clinics | | Business services available at the library | |
Copy & Print
Copying and self-service printing is available from our public access computers.
- Letter size B&W $.10
- Legal size B&W $.20
- Letter size Color $.30
- Legal size Color $.40
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Fax
Faxes can be sent and received at a charge of $1.00 per page.
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Scan
Scan documents to your portable USB drive. There is no charge for this service!
| | Library services at a glance | |
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Our doors are open for library services including browsing for library materials, making copies, sending faxes, and using the public access computers.
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Our bookdrop is open for contact-free and after-hours returns of library materials. Be sure to secure DVD and BCD cases with rubber bands.
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Fine-free returns on everything, except museum/park passes.
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Inter-library loans are available between all RCLS libraries.
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In-person programming for all ages!
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Museum passes are available to Wallkill Public Library patrons for the Empire Pass, Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library & Museum, Historic Huguenot Street Tour Pass, Mohonk Preserve, Museum Village, and Storm King Art Center. Plus, more print-at-home museum passes available through the Ulster County InfoPortal on the library’s website.
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We are not accepting any donations of books or DVDs at this time.
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