February's Artist of the Month
During the month of February, we'll be showing the artwork of the Art Gallery's namesake, Jo Ann C. Smith.
Please join us for a reception and memorial gathering on Wednesday, February 4th between 5pm and 7pm.
Thanks to the generous donations from family and friends, the Art Gallery at the Pleasant Valley Library was named in loving memory of Jo Ann C. Smith in the summer of 2024. Jo Ann was not just an artist, but also a library patron, volunteer, wife, and mother. February's art exhibit is curated by Jo Ann's biggest fan, her husband Bruce.
We are always looking for new artists who want to display their work in the Library! Please email programs@pvlibrary.org for more information.
| | | |
"Wicked: For Good" Movie Party
Friday, February 6th @ 6pm
| | |
Join us for this special screening of "Wicked: For Good," the sequel to "Wicked," the beloved musical! Set in the Land of Oz before and during the events of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, the film follows Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo) and Glinda (Ariana Grande) in their new identities as the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good.

We'll have "Wicked" themed refreshments, and we encourage you to dress in costume and even sing along to the iconic songs!
Registration is required. Open to ages 8 and up.
*For children ages 10 and under, parents must remain in the building for the duration of the program.
| |
Take Your Child to the Library Day!
Saturday, February 7th
| | |
Come explore all that the Children's Room has to offer! Find books for children of every age, a train table to play with, stuffies to cuddle with, and little corners to read in!
We'll have a special goodie bag for kids who stop by with their families and a coupon for a FREE BOOK from our Friend's Book Sale! Stop by any time between 10am and 2pm!
| | |
Crafterday!: Quilling Valentines
w/ Grace Burns
Saturday, February 7th @ 10am
| | |
Join us to welcome back local card maker Grace Burns, as she teaches the art of Quilling Valentines. Paper quilling, also known as filigree, is an art form that has been practiced since the early 15th century. It features curled and shaped paper strips assembled to create beautiful designs and artwork.
In this beginner-friendly workshop, Grace will guide you in the quilling equipment and techniques to create a quilled Valentine card. All supplies will be provided.
Grace Burns is a creative card maker and facilitator dedicated to sharing in the knowledge of Beginning Quilling and helping others create unique handmade cards.
Registration is required - space is limited. This program is for adults, ages 18+.
**PLEASE NOTE: Due to increased popularity, registration for Pleasant Valley residents will be prioritized for the first week for programs expected to fill up quickly. A library card may be required in order to sign up for these events.
| | |
The Well-Read Kitchen
w/ Annette Tomei and Pam Abrams
Saturday, February 7th @ 12pm
| | |
Local foodies - come join us for "The Well-Read Kitchen: Reading, Exploring, and - Yes - Cooking From Your Cookbook Collection," presented by culinary connoisseurs Annette Tomei and Pam Abrams. They'll give their philosophy on making the most of your cookbooks, will share their favorites (both new and old) and will encourage participants to talk about their best-loved cookbooks.
Annette Tomei is a classically-trained chef and culinary educator at the Culinary Institute of America. Pam Abrams is a culinary event producer for Saratoga Performing Arts Center. Together, they create live and virtual cookbook events, speak, and write about their shared passion for all things cookbooks.
Registration is required.
| | |
Beating the Winter Blues
w/ Lorraine Cucci
Monday, February 9th @ 6pm
| |
We welcome back Lorraine Cucci, RN, for this presentation about a very common scenario that occurs to many of us during the winter months: the Winter Blues, also known as SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder). She'll discuss the reality of SAD, the causes and symptoms of this condition, and will give some simple and easy tips to counteract it. She'll also show how you can embrace the Winter - it will be gone soon!

Lorraine E. Cucci, the owner of Healing Path to Health, has been an RN for over 4 decades and an Energy and Transformational Specialist for nearly 20 years. She has several certifications in various energy healing modalities – Reiki Master/Teacher, Reflexologist, Integrative Healthcare, Medical Intuitive, Past Life Regression, Hypnosis.

Registration is required.
| | Valentine's Crafts for Kids! | | |
Come spread the love at the Library! Miss Julie will have an assortment of Valentine's Day themed crafts available for children to choose from.
No registration required!
| | |
for children in grades K through 5th
Wednesday, February 11th
3:30pm to 5pm
| | | |
for children ages 3 to 6 years
Thursday, February 12th
1pm to 2pm
| | |
Family Game and Puzzle Day!
Tuesday, February 17th - 1pm to 3pm
| | |
No school? No problem!
Kids ages 4 and up and their families are welcome to stop by the Library on Tuesday, February 17th between 1pm and 3pm to play a variety of board games and puzzles! We have something for everyone like Hi Ho Cherry-O for the littles and LEGO Heroica for tweens. Explore STEAM games like Mouse Trap or a fun, family competition in Hungry Hungry Hippos or Bluey Candy Land! We also have special floor puzzles that can be assembled and played with!
No need to sign up - just stop in and play!
| | |
"No Greater Love"
The Life & Legacy of Charles R. Johnson
Tuesday, February 17th @ 6pm
| | |
Come learn about the young Arlington graduate who crossed racial barriers with character, selfless service, and brotherly love. This program aims to celebrate Medal of Honor Recipient Private First Class Charles R. Johnson for his life and career.
Registration is required.

This program is sponsored in collaboration with the Pleasant Valley American Legion Post 1234, the Pleasant Valley Lions Club, and the Town of Stanford.
| |
Don't miss out on the rest of the newsletter!
If this email seems to end abruptly or cut off in a weird spot, look for this note at the bottom:

[Message clipped] View entire message

Click the link to open the full email so you don't miss out on information about all of our great programs and events!
| |
Warming Winter Soups
w/ Holly Shelowitz
a special virtual presentation
Thursday, February 19th @ 6pm
| | |
*PLEASE NOTE: This program is meant to be viewed from home; should you choose to watch the stream at the Library, there is a chance that the audio will not be very loud and technical difficulties may arise.
Get cozy this winter with delicious soups focused on nutritious ingredients & maximum flavor. Throughout the class, you will receive lots of helpful information, time-saving tips & knife skills to make it easier for you to get dinner on the table and lunch in your bowl.
Sponsored by Dutchess County Library Association, this special virtual program will be screened at the Pleasant Valley Library on Thursday, February 19th at 6pm. If you would like to watch the presentation here at the Library, please register here.
If you would rather watch this presentation from home, please click here to sign up to receive the Zoom link by email.
| | |
LEGO Create & Display
Friday, February 27th - 1pm to 2:30pm
| | |
Come to the library on Friday, February 27th at 1pm to make a themed LEGO creation! This program is open to children ages 6 to 12. After the Lego creations are complete, they will be put on display in the Children's Room!
Registration is required. Space is limited.
| | |
Fandom Friday: Outlander
Friday, February 27th @ 6pm
| | |
Outlander will be back in March for its 8th and final season! Join us to celebrate the iconic Scottish time-travel romance series! We'll talk about our favorite characters and storylines, compare and contrast author Diana Gabaldon's books vs. the television series, share predictions of how the show may end; enjoy Scottish snacks and tea; watch video clips and cast interviews; and play a trivia challenge to win Outlander-themed prize! Dress up as your favorite Outlander character for an extra chance to win an Outlander prize!

Registration is required.
| | |
Destination Dutchess Certified Tourism Ambassador Program
Tuesday, March 10th - 12pm to 4:30pm
| | |
Expand your Dutchess County knowledge, learn how to exceed visitors’ expectations, and join a network of 650+ local leaders and community members all while gaining an industry-recognized professional certification!
Program Curriculum: The Power of Tourism - Discovering Dutchess - Knowing, Finding & Using Key Resources - Exceeding Customer Expectations - Interactive Exercises - History Trivia - Group Discussion - Multiple-Choice Open-Book Exam

To register: visit https://www.ctanetwork.com/Become-A-CTA/Sign-Up-Enroll by February 24th - $25 registration fee

Once you have made an account, follow these steps:
- Click "Become a CTA" --> "Sign Up / Enroll"
- Follow the prompts on the screen, selecting the NY Dutchess County option and then the March 10th Pleasant Valley Library class
- Continue to follow the prompts, verifying your account information
-
You must pay the $25 to enroll - you will receive a receipt and a confirmation email once complete
| | |
Reading
Fur-iend Brianna!
Mondays, February 9th & 23rd - 3:30pm to 5pm
Brianna the Therapy Dog will be at the library to help children that are not comfortable reading out-loud in front of others (or being around dogs) feel more relaxed. She loves when kids who love animals come to read to her, even if they are already comfortable readers.
No registration required!
| |
Baby Meets Baby
Thursday, February 19th @ 11am
Friday, February 20th @ 12:30pm
Baby Meets Baby is for 7 to 17 month olds and their caregivers to interact - with themselves, with each other, and with the Library! This playtime will encourage hands-on exploration of the senses, spatial reasoning, hand-eye coordination, socialization, and more!
This program is for babies 7 to 17 months. Children MUST be able to sit on their own, unassisted and without support.
No registration required - just stop by.
| |
After-School ArtVenture
Wednesday, February 25th - 4pm to 5pm
Stop by for our after-school crafting program! Miss Julie will have an array of craft projects for children ages 5 to 11 years to choose from.
No registration is required - just stop by any time between 4pm and 5pm!
| | |
Take & Make Adult Craft
available beginning February 2nd, while supplies last.
This month we are making a Multi-Media Collage Valentine Trinket Box! Each bag contains all the supplies you will need and step by step instructions. *Colors and patterns may differ from picture.
**available on a first come, first served basis while supplies last, for adults 18+ only, limit one per household
| |
Senior Movie Morning Wednesday, February 11th @ 11:30am
Seniors (ages 50+) are invited to attend this special seniors-only movie matinee. Light refreshments will be provided, but feel free to bring your own snack or lunch to enjoy!
Our movie for January is the 2012 historical biopic "Lincoln" (PG-13), starring Daniel Day-Lewis and directed by Stephen Spielberg.

With the nation embroiled in still another year with the high death count of Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln brings the full measure of his passion, humanity and political skill to what would become his defining legacy: to end the war and permanently abolish slavery through the 13th Amendment. Having great courage, acumen and moral fortitude, Lincoln pushes forward to compel the nation, and those in government who oppose him, to aim toward a greater good for all mankind.
Registration required - please click here.
| | | |
*This program requires registration.
| | |
Are you a passionate supporter of libraries and looking for a way to give back?
Being a Library Board Member is a great way to do just that!
If you are interested in potentially being a future Board Member for the Pleasant Valley Library, please email our Director Daniela at director@pvlibrary.org .
| | | | |
