Cornwall Public Library Newsletter - August 2023
From the Director's Desk...
In the last few years, it became apparent that the Cornwall Public Library's HVAC system was failing. In the past two winters, CPL had to close numerous times due to a lack of heat. This past year the Board of Trustees hired Blake Engineering to design an HVAC system for CPL's building size that would be more efficient than the current system. Broderick Knoell of Blake Engineering worked with us to write a Library Construction Aid Grant, which is funded through the NYS Dormitory Authority. CPL was awarded that grant, which will partially cover the costs of the new HVAC, along with updated ADA-compliant public restrooms, and also new ceilings. The updated staff restroom will be paid for with a separate Lo-Cap Grant courtesy of Senator Skoufis.

This work is set to begin on August 21, 2023. We are told that it should take 6-8 weeks to complete. We cannot remain in the building while this type of construction takes place. Therefore, beginning on August 17, CPL will be closed to the public. We need two business days to pack up all our computer equipment and two more to move it up the hill to the small back room of Munger Cottage. Town Supervisor Josh Wojehowski generously offered CPL the use of this room during our building’s closure. From Munger Cottage, we will only be able to have patrons return loaned items and pick up items they have placed on hold from other libraries. We will still do limited programming, however, it will be in different locations. The Village Mayor, James Gagliano, as well as Town Supervisor Wojehowski, have offered us alternative places for these programs.

We are working hard to make sure that you don’t miss out on much more than our building while we make it more efficient and accessible to all. Thank you for your continued support of CPL.
Sincerely,
The Board of Trustees &
Charlotte A. Dunaief, Library Director
Library Board of Trustees
Wednesday, August 9
7:00pm

All meetings are open to the public. The current agenda and meeting packet can be found here.
Community Outreach
Make a plan to visit the Friends of Cornwall Library table at the next ART WALK - Friday, August 11 from 5-8pm. They will be showcasing their collection of works by local artist Nita Klein. All proceeds go to support great library programs for all to enjoy.
Library Construction
Beginning AUGUST 17, the library building and parking lot will be CLOSED for construction. This will include both the building and parking lot bookdrops.

From AUGUST 17—AUGUST 22, service from the CPL will be completely unavailable as we transition to our temporary location. Beginning AUGUST 23, we will be at our temporary location in Munger Cottage (183 Main St) where patrons can drop off books and pick up holds. Our hours at Munger Cottage will be:

  • Monday - Wednesday: 9am—8pm
  • Thursday: 9am—5pm
  • Friday: 9am—6pm
  • Saturday: 9am—4pm
  • Sunday: 1pm—4pm

We anticipate project completion at the beginning of October. Please continue to visit our website or social media feeds for any additional updates.
Programs For Adults
Member's Choice
Book Group
Wednesday, August 2 @4:00pm
Master Slave Husband Wife
by Ilyon Woo

New members are always welcome. This is a hybrid group. If you would like a Zoom link, please register via the library website.
Community Blood Drive
Tuesday, August 8
11:00am - 5:00pm

Working in partnership with the New York Blood Center, the library is pleased to offer community members this opportunity to assist with emergency blood shortages.
Appointments are preferred and can be made by clicking on this link. Walk-ins are welcome if space permits.
Diabetes: Knowledge is Power
Wednesday, August 9
9:00am - 10:00am

We are happy to partner with Montefiore St. Luke’s Cornwall to host a free seminar on diabetes education. Join Certified Diabetes Educator, Dorothea Lever, RN, PhD, as she provides information on diabetes prevention, symptoms, diagnosis, education, and treatment. Registration is requested and can be accessed through the library website.
Creative Writers
Monday, August 7 & 14
11:30am-1:30pm

Always open to new members. For planning purposes, we request that participants register via the library website prior to attending. A virtual option can be made available if needed.
Mystery Book Group
August 10 @2:00pm
The Lincoln Lawyer
by Michael Connelly

New members are always welcome. Please call 845-534-8282 if you need a virtual option.
Out & About
Book Group
August 16 @7:00pm
The Rose Code
by Kate Quinn

Join us in August at Mama Theresa's for some food, drinks & lively discussion. New people are always welcome! To help coordinate with the restaurant, we are asking anyone planning to attend to register via the library website.
The Summer Reading Program Is Here!
"All Together Now"

The last day for stickers & prizes is August 9.
Make sure to stop in before then to collect yours!

The Summer Reading Program is generously supported by the Friends of Cornwall Library.
Programs for Kids & Teens
Family Story Time
Tuesday, August 1
9:30am OR 10:30am

Enjoy a story time with the whole family. Registration is required and opens via the library website one week prior to the class.

Adults only need to register their
child(ren) - not themselves.
Farmers' Market Story Time
Wednesday, August 2
2:30pm

Enjoy stories, puppets, songs, fun & giggles on the Town Hall Lawn (weather permitting).

A drop-in event.
ChatterBooks
Wednesday, August 2
4:30pm
K-2nd Grades
If I Built a Car
by Chris Van Dusen

Register in person when you pick up a copy of the book at the library.
PJ Story Time
Wednesday, August 2
6:30pm
All Ages Welcome

Wear your PJs, bring a favorite cuddly, and enjoy stories & songs at the library.

Outside, library portico, drop-in event.
All Together Fun & Games Finale
Thursday, August 3
6:30pm

Celebrate the end of a successful Summer Reading Program with this night of fun for the whole family. We’ll have lots of different games and activities outside on the library portico for everyone to enjoy.

A drop-in event for all ages.
Teddy Bear Picnic w/ Barnaby Benjamin Bear
Friday, August 4
@10:30 am

Bring a blanket, snack & your favorite teddy bear (or snuggle friend) and enjoy a live reading by author Loretta Gould. Popular local artist Paul Gould will sketch along for everyone to see while she reads – and you can sketch along on your own too!

A drop-in event for all ages.
Teen Photo Contest
Submission Deadline: Friday, August 4
6-12 Grades

The theme this year is "All Together Now." One winner will be chosen on August 9th. The prize? A $25 Amazon gift card.

For complete contest rules and submission form, please go to the library website.
Teen Book Group
August 10 @6:30pm
9-12th Grades
Almost American Girl
by Robin Ha

Register in person when you pick up a copy of the book at the library.
Dog Tales
Monday, August 14
6:00-7:00pm
Grades K-12

Come read independently to a furry friend from Hudson Valley Paws for a Cause.

Please register via the library website for a
15-minute time slot of your choosing. Registration opens one week prior to each program.
Fall Market Story Time
Wednesday, August 30
11:30am

Enjoy stories, puppets, songs, fun & giggles on the Town Hall Lawn (weather permitting).

A family drop-in event.