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THE BLAST
THE LATEST NEWS AND INFORMATION FROM
WALLKILL PUBLIC LIBRARY
| | | Save Energy, Save Dollars Workshop | |
TOMORROW!!
April 4 from 1-2 PM in the Town Hall Community Room
The Wallkill Public Library is happy to present the Save Energy, Save Dollars workshop in conjunction with the Cornell Cooperative Extension of Ulster County. Join us in the Town Hall Community Room for a FREE informational presentation led by the Mid-Hudson Regional Clean Energy Hub's Lead Energy Advisor and Ulster County Energy Advisor, Mike Murphy from Cornell Cooperative Extension.
Mike will lead a Save Energy, Save Dollars discussion focusing on energy efficiency and building science in our homes.
There will be a DIY demonstration, and each attendee will receive a FREE Energy Savings Kit (DIY weatherization and energy efficiency materials - an $80 retail value). Registration is required: https://wallkillpubliclibrary.libcal.com/event/16435021
Home Boost energy assessment kits are available for loan at the library. See information below in our "Ongoing Programs" section on reserving a Home Boost kit.
| | New York Times All Access is available to you! | |
Newsflash! This just in…
Get the New York Times online access (yes, including Games!) as a Wallkill Public Library patron. News, recipes, podcasts, the Wordle archive — it’s all yours. Unlock your access by clicking the link for instructions on how to explore NYTimes content at the library or at home (or anywhere else!).
| | The Author Fair was a great success! | | |
We had a great turn-out for the first ever Local Author's Fair this past Saturday! There are a lot of "thank yous" owed for making this a big success.
- Thanks to all of the authors who showed up. We will be sure to highlight all of the wonderful books you donated to the library!
- Thanks to all of you who showed up to support local authors.
- Thank you to our participating vendors and local partners: Farm Fuel Coffee, Wallkill Woman's Club, and Everett Terwilliger our popcorn vendor.
- And thanks especially to the Friends of the Wallkill Public Library for their amazing effort to put together such a terrific and successful Author's Fair! You did an amazing job!
| | | | | Everett T. the Popcorn Guy | | | |
And the lucky winner was...
Mary G. who won the door prize from the Local Authors Books Fair. Her prize was a Friends of the Wallkill Public Library canvas tote bag full of books generously donated by our local authors. Congratulations and happy reading!
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March 1 - November 1
Spring has sprung, and the staff at the Wallkill Public Library are ready for it! With the return of warmer weather, we're also starting to see more of our fine feathered friends as they migrate back to the area from their Winter retreat. In May we will be starting our Wings Over Wallkill birdwatching tours again, so keep an eye out for those on our calendar. In the meantime, the Wallkill Public Library has decided to take part in the 2026 I BIRD NY Challenge sponsored by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.
The challenge is open from March 1 through November 1, open to participants of all ages and abilities, and available in Spanish, Arabic, Bengali, Chinese, Dari, Pashto, French, and Urdu. Participants may also earn a bonus entry into the prize giveaway by submitting a photo documenting their experience completing the I BIRD NY Challenge.
Challenge Rules:
- Challenge open to all ages.
- One entry per individual.
- Challenge open March 1 through November 1.
- All entries must be received by November 18, 2026.
For your participation, you'll receive a competition certificate, a commemorative patch, and be entered to win great birding prizes including birding accessories such as spotting scopes and binoculars.
You can find birdwatching materials and log your bird sightings online at: https://dec.ny.gov/things-to-do/birding/i-bird-ny Or, you can swing by the library to pick up copies of those materials and log your sightings with us. Let's go bird watching together!
| | Heritage Financial Credit Union/ Renegades Raffle Basket | | |
The Friends of the Wallkill Public Library and library are happy to offer a grand slam of a raffle basket again! Once again, we've teamed up with Heritage Financial Credit Union and the Hudson Valley Renegades to put together a great prize. The raffle basket is chock full of Heritage Financial and Renegades swag, including team jerseys, baseball trading cards, a tote, and a Renegades Family 4 Pack good for 4 tickets, 4 hats & 4 meal vouchers!!! To have a chance to win all this, buy your raffle tickets at the Wallkill Public Library for $5 per ticket, or five tickets for $20. The Drawing will be at the Duck Derby on Saturday, May 9th!
| | | NAMI Mid-Hudson "Ending the Silence" | |
Tuesday, April 28 from 6:30-8:00 PM
Wallkill Public Library is happy to host NAMI Mid-Hudson, who in partnership with the Ulster County Department of Mental Health and the Ulster County Executive’s Office, invites you to a free presentation of Ending the Silence a program focused on mental health awareness. Participants will learn to recognize the early warning signs of mental health conditions and suicide, how to seek help, and how to support others. The program includes positive coping strategies, resource information, and a young adult sharing their recovery story, offering a message of hope. Ending the Silence encourages open conversation and reinforces: “It’s OK to not be OK” and “There is No Health Without Mental Health.”
Come join us on Tuesday, April 28, 2026 from 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm in the Town Hall Community Room, which is located at 14 Central Avenue Wallkill, NY 12589. Pizza will be provided!
Registration is required: https://wallkillpubliclibrary.libcal.com/event/16528191
| | Get ready for an exciting reading adventure with Winter to Spring 2026 Adult Book BINGO—running February 15 through April 30—where every book you enjoy brings you closer to great prizes! Complete BINGO squares for your chance to win a $50 My Money Card from Stewart’s and make your reading season even sweeter! | | |
Saturday, May 9
The excitement is building as Vision of Wallkill and the Wallkill Senior Celebration Committee gear up for the 5th Annual Duck Derby on the Wallkill River! Mark your calendars for Saturday, May 9 — festivities kick off at noon, Birds of Prey show at 1 PM and the big race splashes off at 3 PM.
Picture this: thousands of bright yellow rubber ducks bursting into the water at Popp Memorial Park, all racing, bobbing, and bumping their way toward the finish line for the title of “Fastest Duck” and a cash prize. It’s quirky, it’s cheerful, and it’s one of Wallkill’s most beloved traditions. Your support will help ensure the Wallkill Senior Celebration is one to remember.
Calling All Kayakers!
Want a front‑row seat to the action? Volunteer kayakers help guide the ducks down the river — and experienced paddlers are especially needed. If you’re ready to join the fun, email visionofwallkill12589@yahoo.com.
Adopt Your Ducks!
Get in on the race by adopting your own duck contenders. Pick up Duck Derby tickets at the Wallkill Public Library and at Beck’s Hardware during regular business hours. One duck = $5.00, a Six Quack (6 ducks) = $25.00.
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Thank you to everyone who participated and voted in our bookends contest!
All the entries were top-notch, garnering over 50 combined votes with comments on how interesting and creative they are.
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Dogs and Cats Want to Relax by Lou D.
Perfectly detailed and tells the story of a love for a pet and a pet's love for us.
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Giraffes in the Jungle by Antonia D.
Beautiful, handmade and well made!
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Bilbo's Adventure by the Kurpick family
A favorite fantasy genre book, nice,
hand-crafted family effort
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Taco Truck by Everett T.
So unique, and everyone loves tacos!
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F.R.O.G.s by Catherine T.
A favorite peaceful animal that puts you in the mood to read!
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Pigeon by Benny and Holly R.
A top children's book pick, always making us laugh, kids especially happy he got his way, lol
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You Rang? by Luke G.
This one, created with a vintage phone and LEGO, rang a bell with employees of the phone company and LEGO lovers alike!
| | Home School Art kids learned about papel amate, paper making in Mexico with special native plants. Using recycled brown paper they recreated images similar to the papel amate. | | Workshop Wednesday hopped into the holiday with the cutest bunny butt cards! | | Crafting with the Seniors | | Our monthly seniors craft was mini flower arrangements with seed packs. | |
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.
| | Tiny Art Show Duck Pickup | | | | |
Don’t be a sitting duck—waddle on over get your duck for the Spring Tiny Art Show, where your creativity can really quackle the crowd!
There are still extra ducks, so if you did not register, drop by and pick up a plain duck to decorate and/or dress it up and let your imagination take flight! Please return your duck art to the library before Wednesday, April 15.
The Spring Tiny Art Show will be on display at the Wallkill Public Library from Friday, April 17 through Saturday, May 16, 2026.
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Save the Date: April 18 from 9 AM- 3 PM
Wallkill Public Library and the Friends of the Wallkill Public Library are once again hosting our Annual Book Sale on Saturday, April 18 from 9am until 3pm in the Town Hall Community Room.
We'll have loads of books for sale across all genres and age groups at very reasonable prices. In fact, you'll be able to fill a bag for $10! We'll also be selling some movies, CDs, books on CD, snacks, and baked goods! All proceeds go to raising funds for our great library programming and to build our collection. Come check it out!
| | | 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, April 21 at 3:45 PM to discuss The Girls by Emma Cline.
Northern California, during the violent end of the 1960s. At the start of summer, a lonely and thoughtful teenager, Evie Boyd, sees a group of girls in the park, and is immediately caught by their freedom, their careless dress, their dangerous aura of abandon. Soon, Evie is in thrall to Suzanne, a mesmerizing older girl, and is drawn into the circle of a soon-to-be infamous cult and the man who is its charismatic leader. Hidden in the hills, their sprawling ranch is eerie and run down, but to Evie, it is exotic, thrilling, charged—a place where she feels desperate to be accepted. As she spends more time away from her mother and the rhythms of her daily life, and as her obsession with Suzanne intensifies, Evie does not realize she is coming closer and closer to unthinkable violence, and to that moment in a girl’s life when everything can go horribly wrong.
-- from Goodreads.
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Reading ahead?
April's Adult Book Club Selection
We'll be discussing James by Percival Everett on Tuesday, May 19 at 3:45 PM.
A brilliant reimagining of Adventures of Huckleberry Finn—both harrowing and satirical—told from the enslaved Jim's point of view
When Jim overhears that he is about to be sold to a man in New Orleans, separated from his wife and daughter forever, he runs away until he can formulate a plan. Meanwhile, Huck has faked his own death to escape his violent father. As all readers of American literature know, thus begins the dangerous and transcendent journey by raft down the Mississippi River toward the elusive and unreliable promise of the Free States and beyond.
Brimming with nuanced humor and lacerating observations that have made Everett a literary icon, this brilliant and tender novel radically illuminates Jim's agency, intelligence, and compassion as never before. James is destined to be a major publishing event and a cornerstone of twenty-first-century American literature. -- from Goodreads.
| | Saturday Morning Book Club | | | | |
The Saturday Morning Book Club will hold their next meeting on Saturday, April 25 at 10:30 AM. They'll be discussing The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion.
An international sensation, this hilarious, feel-good novel is narrated by an oddly charming and socially challenged genetics professor on an unusual quest: to find out if he is capable of true love.
Don Tillman, professor of genetics, has never been on a second date. He is a man who can count all his friends on the fingers of one hand, whose lifelong difficulty with social rituals has convinced him that he is simply not wired for romance. So when an acquaintance informs him that he would make a “wonderful” husband, his first reaction is shock. Yet he must concede to the statistical probability that there is someone for everyone, and he embarks upon The Wife Project. In the orderly, evidence-based manner with which he approaches all things, Don sets out to find the perfect partner. She will be punctual and logical—most definitely not a barmaid, a smoker, a drinker, or a late-arriver.
Yet Rosie Jarman is all these things. She is also beguiling, fiery, intelligent—and on a quest of her own. She is looking for her biological father, a search that a certain DNA expert might be able to help her with. Don's Wife Project takes a back burner to the Father Project and an unlikely relationship blooms, forcing the scientifically minded geneticist to confront the spontaneous whirlwind that is Rosie—and the realization that love is not always what looks good on paper.
The Rosie Project is a moving and hilarious novel for anyone who has ever tenaciously gone after life or love in the face of overwhelming challenges.
-- from Goodreads
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Reading ahead?
May's Saturday Book Club Selection is...
... The Women by Kristin Hannah. We'll be discussing it on Saturday, May 23 at 10:30 AM.
An intimate portrait of coming of age in a dangerous time and an epic tale of a nation divided.
The Women is the story of one woman gone to war, but it shines a light on all women who put themselves in harm’s way and whose sacrifice and commitment to their country has too often been forgotten. A novel about deep friendships and bold patriotism, The Women is a richly drawn story with a memorable heroine whose idealism and courage under fire will come to define an era.
-- from Goodreads
| | | Click the titles to link to our online catalog to read descriptions, reviews, and place holds. | | | |
HomeBoost Energy Assessment Kits
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. Your energy bills aren't getting any lower, so take advantage of these kits to help bring those bills down.
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Blood Pressure Monitor kits available at the library!
Patrons can now borrow blood pressure monitor kits to help be better informed about their heart health. Each kit comes with instructions and information about how to use the monitors and interpret the results. Kits can be checked out for a period of three weeks.
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 by to use them.
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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.
| | Children's Program Highlights | | |
In the Children's Area, kids of all ages have been displaying their creativity during Crafting Caboodles and Saturday's Lego Bricks & Building Club.
If you aren't able to attend a program, check out the weekly Take and Make Craft (located in the Children's Area near the stairs and computers, see below).
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Now Available
Check out the Take and Make Crafts that are located in the Take and Make bin at the bottom of the stairs in the Children's Area. Each week there will be a new craft to do at home.
No per-registration is required, but we do ask you to sign the clipboard when you take a craft bag! Thank you!
| | 1000 Books Before Kindergarten | | Congratulations to the following children for earning another book tag in the 1000 Books Before Kindergarten Program: | | Ulster County Fair READ and WIN Program | | |
The Ulster County Fair is partnering with Wallkill Public Library to encourage children to discover the joy of reading.
By completing the Read and Win Program requirements by June 12, 2026, children (4-18 years of age) will earn free admission (for child and/or parent) to the Ulster County Fair, along with other rewards.
Visit Wallkill Public Library to check out a book, pick up your passport, and begin reading!
| | | 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
If you aren't able to attend Crafting Caboodles, grab a Take and Make Craft in the bin. Sign on the clipboard for each Take and Make kit you take. While supplies last.
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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.
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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, April 11 from 10:15 - 10:45 AM
Click the link to register:
https://wallkillpubliclibrary.libcal.com/event/16555078
Saturday, April 25 from 10:15 - 10:45 AM
Click the link to register:
https://wallkillpubliclibrary.libcal.com/event/16555102
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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, April 11 from 10:45 - 11:15 AM
Click the link to register:
https://wallkillpubliclibrary.libcal.com/event/16555092
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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:
April 25 from 11:00 AM - 11:45 AM
Click the link to register: https://wallkillpubliclibrary.libcal.com/event/16555116
| | | 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!
| | Stop in for free support for all your tech needs. Digital Navigators are available at the library to help you with all your digital and tech needs. Stop in or call to make an appointment. | | 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, Mid-Hudson Discovery Museum, Mohonk Preserve, 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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