Congratulations!

Congratulations to Mandy Sweikata, who is the winner of the 2025 Annual Reading Challenge. She is the recipient of a $50 gift card to Nu Cavu! We appreciate her, and everyone else's, participation in our challenge. We hope everyone enjoyed themselves, and we look forward to folks engaging with us and our books in the new year.

Salt and Pepper Shaker Library Display

Even though we're all being inundated with salt these days to keep our walkways and roads free of ice and snow, the Wallkill Public Library has decided to lean into it. Do you have fun, attractive, or unique salt and pepper shaker you'd like to share with the community? The library is asking our community members to lend us salt and pepper shakers that we can display in our front case during the winter months from January through March. Let's shake things up and have some fun. To participate, please bring in the salt and pepper shakers that you'd like to include in the display to the front desk of the library. Let's see how many we can gather and display.  

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.

REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. To register visit: https://pspapps.dhses.ny.gov/CitizenPreparednessCorps/views/registrant/add.xhtml?lang=en&eventId=511

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. 

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.

Friday, January 16 -- English Thyme

This month, registrants will receive an English Thyme seed packet in their kit on January 19.  Register here or click the button below: https://wallkillpubliclibrary.libcal.com/event/14830797

Reading ahead?

February's Adult Book Club Selection

The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife by Anna Johnston. We'll be discussing it on Tuesday, February 17 at 3:45 AM.

For readers of Remarkably Bright Creatures and A Man Called Ove, 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.

-- from Goodreads

The Saturday Morning Book Club will hold their next meeting on Saturday, January 31 at 10:30 a.m. They'll be discussing The Carpool Detectives: A True Story of Four Moms, Two Bodies, and one Mysterious Cold by Chuck Hogan.

The incredible true story of a group of moms who, united by their love of true crime, attempt to solve a fifteen-year-old cold case

A lot of us like to think we could solve a murder mystery. Could these stay-at-home moms actually do it?

In 2020, four women found themselves at a crossroad. Each of them had transitioned from full-time jobs to full-time parenting, and each was pushing against the new boundaries of her life as the pandemic looms. At a bowling night fundraiser for their kids’ school, they discover they all share a passion for true crime that crystalizes around a mysterious double homicide that took place a decade earlier. A married couple in their 60s vanished overnight from their home. A few days later, the family business was shuttered, and the bank financing it sued the missing couple for one million dollars. They were rumored to have absconded with the money until their bodies were discovered inside their car at the bottom of a steep ravine. And then the case went cold.

But what if, the moms think, they could solve it?

The women have no prior connection to the case and no law-enforcement background, but each brings a special set of skills to the Marissa’s background as a former forensic accountant; Jeannie’s passion for journalism; Samira’s ambition and drive; and Nicole’s nose for research. With the world now on pause due to the pandemic, the moms have unique access to witnesses and crime experts who are stuck at home. They make connections, draw conclusions, and experience breakthroughs in the case wilder than anything they could have imagined. When an awe-struck Assistant District Attorney reopens the case, enlisting the four women in the official investigation, they not only get further than anyone ever expected, but end up in real danger themselves.

Marissa, Jeannie, Samira, and Nicole’s story is the ultimate wish fulfillment for any true crime fanatic. An emotional and often terrifying odyssey through a DIY criminal investigation, The Carpool Detectives Club is an absolutely thrilling read for armchair sleuths and mystery fans alike.

-- from Goodreads

Reading ahead?

February's Saturday Book Club Selection is...

... The People We Keep by Allison Larkin. We'll be discussing it on Saturday, February 28 at 10:30 AM.

The People We Keep is about a young songwriter longing to find a home in the world.

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

What's in your bag?

The Friends of the Wallkill Public Library are selling beautiful, sturdy canvas bags printed with our logo to continue our fundraising efforts. While supplies last, purchase a canvas bag for $15 (or two bags for $25) and find a bonus gift card in your bag! Bags are available at the library circulation desk. Thank you for helping us do more for our library.

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.

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.

Expanded Tech Support

10:00-4:00 PM weekdays

Technology doesn't just give you headaches on Thursdays. So, the Wallkill Public Library will be offering Tech Support from 10-4 on weekdays from now on, rather than just on Thursdays from 2pm until 4pm. 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.

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!

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!

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.

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!

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!

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.

During Infant/Toddler Sensory Time (above), participants put their problem-solving skills to the test with puzzles, built structures with blocks, and practiced the art of sharing. It’s incredible to see how these activities help develop fine motor skills, social interaction, and imagination—all while having fun!

During our recent Family Story Time, Isabella and Harrison sang along to The Itsy Bitsy Spider and acted out the fun motions! 

STEM on Wednesdays

Today’s participants explored the science behind why leaves change colors in the fall. After learning about how pigments like chlorophyll, carotenoids, and anthocyanins are affected by several factors, they rolled up their sleeves for an exciting experiment that allowed the colors in the dried leaves to separate.  

Zoe the Therapy Dog

Zoey the Therapy Dog made Family Storytime extra special by creating a calm and joyful atmosphere. Violet enjoyed holding her leash. 

Zoey and Ms. Ethie's next visit is scheduled for Tuesday, January 20 at 10:30 AM.

Click the link to register for the 1/20 session: https://wallkillpubliclibrary.libcal.com/event/15010439

Wallkill Public Library is proud to participate in the 
1000 Books before Kindergarten program.

This program is a national initiative which promotes bonding through reading between infants and young children and their caregivers/parents using a simple and fun approach to establish strong early brain development and literacy skills. There are also incentive prizes along the way! Any child from birth to kindergarten-age can participate. 

This is a multi-step program that takes approximately 1 to 3 years for each participant to complete. Caregivers and parents who are interested in participating in this with their infants and young children should speak with Miss Sarah, or any of the library staff members at the desk if you're interested in participating or registering a reading milestone! 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 meetings are:

Saturday, January 10 from 10:00 - 10:30 AM

Click the link to register:

https://wallkillpubliclibrary.libcal.com/event/15949664

Saturday, January 24 from 10:00 - 10:30 AM

Click the link to register: https://wallkillpubliclibrary.libcal.com/event/15949678

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, January 10 from 10:30 - 11:00 AM

Click the link to register: https://wallkillpubliclibrary.libcal.com/event/15949675

10:45 AM Lego 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:

January 24 from 10:45 AM - 11:30 AM

Click the link to register: https://wallkillpubliclibrary.libcal.com/event/15949722

• Our doors are open for library services including browsing for library materials, making copies, sending faxes, and using the public access computers.
• 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.
• Fine-free returns on everything, except museum/park passes.
• Inter-library loans are available between all RCLS libraries.
• In-person programming for all ages!
• 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.
• We are not accepting any donations of books or DVDs at this time.