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THE BLAST
THE LATEST NEWS AND INFORMATION FROM
WALLKILL PUBLIC LIBRARY
| | | National Heart Health Month coming in February | | |
Blood Pressure Monitor kits available at the library!
Wallkill Public Library and the American Heart Association are happy to team up for a heart healthy initiative in honor of National Heart Health Month in February. Starting in February, and continuing afterward, the Wallkill Public Library will have Blood Pressure monitors available for check out for patrons. We'll also have a self-service Blood Pressure monitoring station ready for folks who want to stop in to check their blood pressure while they're at the library. Knowledge is power, and we encourage our patrons to check out these blood pressure monitors to keep you in the know about your heart health. Included with the monitors we'll also be providing information on how to use the monitors, heart health and information about local healthcare providers with whom you can consult about your results.
| | 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.
| | Navigating Eligibility Programs | |
Saturday, January 24 at 1 PM
Come to the Shawangunk Town Hall to hear from two social services for accurate, up-to-date information on how to navigate social service eligibility programs—SNAP, HEAP and Emergency Assistance, and where to go if someone you know needs help. Light refreshments will be served.
This is a non-partisan event sponsored by the TOSD Neighbor to Neighbor program. For questions or more information, email mchasek@gmail.com.
The Shawangunk Town Hall, located at 14 Central Avenue, Wallkill, NY 12589, is wheelchair accessible.
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Salt and Pepper Shaker 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.
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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. | | "I made it at the library..." | | |
Home School Art
The home school kids were spot on taking Q-tips and paint to paper, creating cool dot art.
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Felted Soap
Snow didn't wash out our wet-felted soap program this time! Everyone enjoyed the day off school and left the library with a bright, colorful bar of wool-wrapped soap. They are perfectly usable – the wool acts as a gentle exfoliant -- and they make great gifts, too!
| | 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, 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
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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
| | | Friends of the Wallkill Public Library Fundraiser | | |
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.
| | | 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 January | | Children's Program Highlights | | In addition to reading books during last week's storytime, children had the chance to play drums and shake maracas. | | |
STEM on Wednesdays
In the STEM program last week, participants used their engineering skills to build bridges using unconventional materials like toothpicks, marshmallows, and Styrofoam. This week, children will be using Lego bricks to design and make marble runs.
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Zoe the Therapy Dog
This week, WPL had a visit from Zoe the Therapy Dog and Ethie (Zoe's owner/handler).
Based on the number of tail wags, Zoe appeared to enjoy the stories, singing, and extra attention from the kids.
Zoey and Ms. Ethie's next visit is scheduled for Tuesday, February 17 at 10:30 AM.
Click the link to register for the 2/17 session: https://wallkillpubliclibrary.libcal.com/event/16216175
| | 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten | | Congratulations to Bryce S. for reading 300 books and earning another token! Great job! | | Congratulations to Peyton for reading 700 books and earning her next tag! Way to go! | | | | 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. | | Winter Reading Bingo for Kids | |
Through February 28th
With the weather getting colder, it is a great time to curl up in a blanket, read a good book, and mark it on the Winter Reading Bingo. For every "Bingo", kids will earn a raffle ticket to enter the raffle drawing for prizes. Once all spaces have been crossed off - a blackout Bingo - kids can complete the information on the back of the Bingo board, turn it in at the main desk, and grab another Bingo board if interested.
The Winter Reading Bingo ends February 28th, 2026.
| | | Ongoing Children's Programming | |
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 meetings are:
Saturday, January 24 from 10:00 - 10:30 AM
Click the link to register: https://wallkillpubliclibrary.libcal.com/event/15949678
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
| | | Click the titles to link to our online catalog to read descriptions, reviews, and place holds. | | 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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