... and we made it! AGAIN!!

We are thrilled to announce that Wallkill Public Library has been nominated TWO Chronogrammies! This year we've been nominated for best library in the Hudson Valley AND for best classes and workshops. Starting April 1 through May 15 you can vote for us in the "Arts & Entertainment > Library" category AND the Education & Learning > Classes/Workshops" category.

Click here to vote: chronogram.com/readerschoice 

From all of us at Wallkill Public Library, we thank you for your support and votes of encouragement!

The Wallkill Public Library is thrilled to announce that we are once again lending museum passes to the Mid-Hudson Discovery Museum (formerly the Mid-Hudson Children's Museum) in Poughkeepsie. As with other Museum passes, these are for Wallkill patrons only and go out for three days on a first come, first served basis. Call the library today to find out about availability. Information about the Mid-Hudson Discovery Museum can be found on their website here: https://mhdm.org/

Authors come and go, but the Wallkill Public Library Favorite Author's list is here to stay. We've taken the time to update the list to include some new popular authors. Feel free to check off the name of your favorite authors on the list, and any time we get in a new book by that author you'll automatically be put on the list to receive the book. If you're interested in adding or updating your favorite authors with the library, please click the link to download the form, fill it out and hand it in at the circulation desk.

Patrons of the Wallkill Public Library had a fantastic time basket weaving with Miss Donna on Saturday, March 22. The event was filled with creativity and fun, as participants proudly showcased their beautiful handmade baskets!!

Wallkill Public Library, in conjunction with the Ulster County Library Association, is happy to announce that the newspaper database U.S. Major Daily Newspapers is now available to our patrons. U.S. Major Daily Newspapers provides access to the five most respected U.S. national and regional newspapers: The New York Times, Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, Chicago Tribune, and The Wall Street Journal. With print and online editions, the titles offer researchers historic and current coverage of local, regional, and global events with journalistic balance and perspective. U.S. Major Daily Newspapers can be accessed via the library's Databases A-Z page here: https://guides.rcls.org/az.php?t=15750&a=u 

or directly here: https://www.proquest.com/publication/11561?accountid=80729

Great greeting cards from our Workshop Wednesday program.

National Coffee Cake Day Recipe Swap

Monday, April 7, 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Celebrate National Coffee Cake Day! Stop in for the recipe and a sample of the most delicious coffee cake ever (while supplies last!) and if you have a coffee cake recipe to share, bring it! All ages welcome!

The Wallkill Public Library Spring 2025 Tiny Art Show theme is "Tiptoe Through the Tulips"!

Using a provided 5"x7" canvas, draw, color, paint, or otherwise create a tulip or tulips to make our garden grow so everyone can tiptoe through the tulips here at the Wallkill Public Library for the entire month of May!

Register to reserve your canvas for pickup on April 11 or find more information by clicking or copying and pasting the following link or use the button below:

https://wallkillpubliclibrary.libcal.com/event/14060395

Pick up your BINGO card today!

Our next Book BINGO contest begins April 1 and runs through May 31. Read books and earn chances to win. Pick up a gardening book to help you plan how to spend the prize which is a $25 gift certificate compliments of Wallkill Greenhouse. The more you read, the more chances you have to win. Turn your completed BINGO cards in by Saturday, May 31. The random drawing will be held Tuesday, June 3. Good luck!

Join the Wallkill Public Library in celebrating Earth Day by participating in our Clynk bottle and can collection drive! Stop by the circulation desk to grab a Clynk bag and tag, then simply:

1. Fill the bag with aluminum cans and plastic bottles eligible for the NY bottle deposit.
2. 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!

Pickup between April 5 - April 19

If you couldn't make our seed planting workshops last month, it's not too late to sow seeds inside; stop by for a spring seed planting packet!

The packet includes 4-6 different kinds of seeds to start indoors, information on each variety, planting tips, starting cups and plant markers. You provide the soil. Available while supplies last! All ages. No registration required.

Saturday mornings at 8 AM on: 4/12, 5/17, 6/7, 7/12, 8/9, 9/3 & 10/11

Spring is on its way, and with it we'll be reviving the Wings Over Wallkill Birdwatching tour at the Shawangunk Grasslands National Wildlife Refuge located at 902 Hoagerburgh Rd, Wallkill, NY 12589. This program is open to both experienced birders and beginners. Be sure to bring your binoculars, your hiking boots, and your spirit for discovery.

Register for as many sessions as you like via the links below or the buttons:

April 12 registration link - https://wallkillpubliclibrary.libcal.com/event/14219246

May 17 registration link - https://wallkillpubliclibrary.libcal.com/event/14266110

June 7 registration link - https://wallkillpubliclibrary.libcal.com/event/14266111

July 12 registration link - https://wallkillpubliclibrary.libcal.com/event/14266112

August 9 registration link - https://wallkillpubliclibrary.libcal.com/event/14266113

September 13 registration link - https://wallkillpubliclibrary.libcal.com/event/14266114

October 11 registration link - https://wallkillpubliclibrary.libcal.com/event/14266115

Pussy Willow Sapling

Friday, April 18, 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM

In celebration of Earth Day, we are giving away pussy willow saplings. To honor National Pet Week in the first week of May, we ask that you bring in a food or toy donation for the Walden Humane Society in exchange for your sapling.

No registration required. While supplies last! 

Saturday April 26 from 10 AM until 2 PM

Town Hall Community Room & Wallkill Public Library Lawn

Come join the Friends of the Wallkill Public Library and Library staff for our joint Book Sale and Yard Sale. There will be something for everyone!

The book sale will be held in the Town Hall Community Room, and we'll have used books, CDs, and DVDs for sale. Local author, Stephanie Lock, will also be present to meet with the community and sell her children's book, If Goldfish Were Bluebirds: A Story of Self-Acceptance. 

The Library Yard Sale will take place on the library's lawn, weather permitting. We'll have used furniture and other items for sale. There will be other activities on the day, so keep your eyes on the Library's Facebook page for more information.

Saturday, May 24 from 10 AM to 12 PM

Town Hall Community Room

In this engaging workshop, you’ll uncover the secrets to successfully growing these incredible trees. We’ll explore the advantages and disadvantages of cultivating figs in pots versus planting them in the ground, delve into essential techniques like branch and root pruning, and discuss best practices for watering and caring for both potted and in-ground fig trees.

You’ll also learn how to shape your fig tree—whether you prefer it as a stately tree or a compact, productive bush—and discover effective methods for winterizing to protect your plants during colder months.

Come prepared with your questions for an open and interactive discussion! A friendly word of caution: cultivating fig trees is not just a hobby—it’s a passion that can become highly addictive. You’ve been warned!

About the Presenter: Evan Panagiotopoulos, affectionately known as The Fig Tree Guy, is a devoted fig aficionado with a deep love for cultivating a diverse array of fig trees in his garden. His passion for figs extends far beyond simple gardening; he is enthusiastic about every aspect of fig care, including growing trees both in pots and in-ground, mastering the art of rooting cuttings, and implementing effective winterization techniques. Evan’s dedication to figs is evident in his hands-on approach and his eagerness to share his knowledge with fellow enthusiasts, making him a trusted voice in the fig-growing community.

Registration Fee: $5 (everyone will leave with a rooted fig cutting of their own!)

Workshop Wednesday: Bunny Butt Box

April 9, 6:00-7:30 PM

This month: Paint, distress and assemble a cute wooden box for holiday or Spring decorating. Ages 7+. Registration required*

Kids Craft: Clothespin Carrot Craft

April 14, 1:00 PM

Hop in and create cute carrots from wooden clothespins. You can bundle them up for a cute decoration or string them and make a garland! Ages 5+. Registration required*

Start at anytime!

Join the 2025 Reading Challenge at the Wallkill Public Library! Ask for your challenge card at the Circulation Desk. Read a book for each month as outlined on our challenge card and earn one raffle ticket for every completed month. Complete three challenges, and you’ll receive a special incentive prize plus an extra ticket for the final prize drawing.

The grand prize will be announced later, and the drawing will be held on Friday, January 2, 2026. Don’t miss out on the fun and the chance to win fantastic prizes while expanding your reading horizons!

The Saturday Morning Book Club will hold their next meeting on Saturday, April 19 at 10:30 a.m. They'll be discussing The Air Raid Book Club by Annie Lyons.

London, 1938: The bookstore just doesn’t feel the same to Gertie Bingham ever since the death of her beloved husband Harry. Bingham Books was a dream they shared together, and without Harry, Gertie wonders if it’s time to take her faithful old lab, Hemingway, and retire to the seaside. But fate has other plans for Gertie.

In Germany, Hitler is on the rise, and Jewish families are making the heart-wrenching decision to send their children away from the growing turmoil. After a nudge from her dear friend Charles, Gertie decides to take in one of these refugees, a headstrong teenage girl named Hedy. Willful and fearless, Hedy reminds Gertie of herself at the same age, and shows her that she can’t give up just yet. With the terrible threat of war on the horizon, the world needs people like Gertie Bingham and her bookshop.

When the Blitz begins and bombs whistle overhead, Gertie and Hedy come up with the idea to start an air raid book club. Together with neighbors and bookstore customers, they hold lively discussions of everything from Winnie the Pooh to Wuthering Heights. After all, a good book can do wonders to bolster people’s spirits, even in the most trying times. But even the best book can only provide a temporary escape, and as the tragic reality of the war hits home, the book club faces unimaginable losses. They will need all the strength of their stories and the bonds they’ve formed to see them through to brighter days.

-- from Goodreads

Board Game Afternoons

Mondays, 3:00-5:00 PM

in the Reading Room

We meet in the Reading Room on Mondays from 3-5:00 PM to play classic games and learn contemporary board games like Dungeons & Dragons, Settlers of Catan, Risk, Mysterium, Sherriff of Nottingham, and others. For teens and adults.

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.

Bring your present project and your lunch and join us! No registration necessary.

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!

Thursdays from 2 - 4 PM

Having trouble figuring out your new phone? Need some pointers on how to send that photo to your relatives? Until further notice, the Wallkill Public Library will be conducting weekly Tech Support sessions every Thursday from 2 to 4 PM. Swing by the library Reading Room if you need a hand, and we'll do our best to get you the answers you need and give you the know how to do it yourself. 

No registration required! Walk-ins welcome.

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!

We are thrilled to roll out a new program in the Children's Room, 1000 Books Before Kindergarten!

1000 books might seem like a lot, but you have probably already made a dent and if not, it's never too late to start! 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.

Sign up in-person at the library or send Miss Michelle an email expressing your interest at mgreco@rcls.org. You can then pick up your program packet. PS: We'll have more information and resources on our website soon!

Saturday, April 5, 11:00 AM

In celebration of Earth Day, join local author and John G. Borden Middle School social studies teacher, Adam (A.J.) Schenkman, as he reads from his debut children’s book Franklin’s Trees. Storytime will be followed by a book sale and signing by the author and a conservation craft with Miss Michelle. This program will be in the Community Room at Town Hall. For children ages 12 & under. For more information and to register your child, please click the following link to our online calendar: https://wallkillpubliclibrary.libcal.com/event/14325474

Leprechaun Raffle winner

We are happy to announce the winner of our Leprechaun raffle, Mary S.! Mary's name was picked randomly out of about 45 other names. Mary S. and her brother Theodore were thrilled to open her prizes which included the book, How to Catch a Leprechaun.

Zoe the Therapy Dog

Zoe's next visit with us will be on April 15th at 10:30 AM. Zoe loves to join in on the fun - she also enjoys being read to and will take some gentle pets along the way… she might even surprise us with some tricks!

To register your child, please click on the following link to our online calendar: https://wallkillpubliclibrary.libcal.com/event/13476638

We had a blast with Zoe at her last during St. Patrick's week!

STEM Special Guest... 4-H!

In celebration of Agricultural Literacy Week, Faith Shultz, 4-H Educator from the Ulster County Cornell Cooperative Extension, hosted a special STEM storytime and activity at the library in mid-March. Miss Faith read a book, that she kindly donated to the library, called The Pie That Molly Grew by Sue Heavenrich which illustrates how just one seed can make a difference. The children then planted their own pumpkin seeds to take home so that they can see the agricultural process come to life! Miss Michelle wrapped up the day with a fun game of pumpkin BINGO.

Book Festival Fun!

Miss Michelle had the opportunity to attend the totally awesome Poughkeepsie Children's Book Festival this past weekend! She met some amazing individuals, including: Alyssa Satin Capucilli (Biscuit books), Kim Ellis (Karakesh Chronicles), Chris Grabenstein (Mr. Lemoncello’s Library series), Dan Gutman (My Weird School and subsequent series), Kayla Miller (Click graphic novels and more), Iza Trapani (Old McDonald Had a...Zoo? and other nursery rhyme remakes)...and even Elephant and Piggie!

Take & Makes

Did you know that we have weekly sign-ups for *FREE* craft kits? Register for "Miss Michelle's Take-and-Make Craft" each week by Tuesday to pick-up a take-and-make craft kit on Thursday or after! Recently we made Wiggly Snakes, to celebrate The Year of the Snake, and Pop-up Groundhogs with a little winter poem. For children ages 3 & up. Please register each child separately on our online calendar at the following link: https://wallkillpubliclibrary.libcal.com/calendar/wpl_programs_events

Ongoing children's programming

In the Children’s Room on our lower level

• Storytime is on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10:30 AM,
• Crafting Caboodles is on Tuesdays at 11:00 AM, and
• STEM is on Wednesdays at 11:00 AM.
• We also have take-and-make sign-ups again!

Please click on the button below to link to our online calendar to register for these programs.

Saturday, April 19, 9:00 AM

The Wallkill chapter of the Lions Club is hosting their annual Easter Egg Hunt on the Wallkill Public Library lawn on Saturday, April 19th at 9:00 a.m. There will be plenty of treats for the kids and opportunities to take pictures with the Bunny and the Lion. The event is free; no registration needed. For more information, call 845-913-8750 of check out the Lion's Club Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/WallkillLionsClub/

Tickets on sale from April 1--May 8

Join the community for the fourth annual Duck Derby, a fun, family-friendly event on Saturday, May 10. The Duck Derby is hosted by Vision of Wallkill and Wallkill High School’s Senior Celebration Committee. Yellow rubber ducks will be launched into the Wallkill River, each contending to cross the finish line at Popp Park to claim the coveted “Fastest Duck” award and cash prize (first prize $500, second prize $250, third prize $100).

Want to adopt a duck? Stop in at the Wallkill Public Library for tickets. One duck is $5 or get a 6 Quack Pack (6 ducks) for $25. By adopting a duck, you are supporting Wallkill High School’s Senior Class. Be sure to mark your calendar for a fun afternoon for the entire family.

• 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.
• Curbside delivery of pre-ordered items is available by request. Call the circulation desk at 845-895-3707 to make a pick-up appointment.
• 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, Motorcylcepedia, 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.