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THE BLAST
THE LATEST NEWS AND INFORMATION FROM
WALLKILL PUBLIC LIBRARY
| | | Wings Over Wallkill Birdwatching
Walks Return! | | |
The Wings over Wallkill birdwatching tours are back for a new season at the same place, but at an all new time! Come join us once a month at the Shawangunk Grasslands National Wildlife Refuge located at 902 Hoagerburgh Rd. from 9am until 10ish as we explore the grasslands in search of our fine feathered friends. Long pants and a good pair of binoculars or camera are highly recommended.
Registration for each event is required.
| | Wings Over Wallkill, High School Edition! | | Some of the students from Wallkill Senior High School joined us for a preliminary Wings Over Wallkill Walk at the Shawangunk Grasslands Wildlife Refuge. We had a beautiful walk and saw some great birds as we learned about the importance of grassland habitats. Thank you to Miss Werlau and Mr. Ferraiolo for arranging this with the library for a second year in a row. | |
March 1 - November 1
Come by the library to pick up your I Bird NY Challenge birdwatching sheets and submission forms. The birds you spot and report help the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation track bird populations in NYS, and help with wildlife conservation efforts. 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. Participants may also earn a bonus entry into the prize giveaway by submitting a photo with their bird sighting submission forms to document their experience completing the I BIRD NY Challenge.
| | You can also find birdwatching materials and log your bird sightings online at: https://dec.ny.gov/things-to-do/birding/i-bird-ny | | See you at the Duck Derby! | | |
Wallkill Public Library is happy to say we'll be in attendance at the 5th Annual Duck Derby on Saturday May 9 from 12-3pm at Popp's Pavillion to benefit the Wallkill High School senior class. Come on by and say hello! While you’re at our table check out our library swag, the Tiny Art Show "Duck Duck Art," the Hudson Valley Renegades Raffle Basket (see below) and much more!
In the meantime, be sure to get your ducks in a row and pick up your duck tickets for the duck race, or better yet a Quack Pack, at the Wallkill Public Library between now and then. Individual tickets for the Duck race are $5. A Quack Pack is 6 ducks for $25.
More information about the Duck Derby:
https://www.visionofwallkill.com/projects-collaborations/duck-derby-on-the-wallkill-river
| | 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 held at the Duck Derby on Saturday, May 9th!
| | | Chronogram Reader's Choice Awards | | Gunky the Rock Snake Returns! | | |
Spring is here, and we welcome the return of all of the beautiful colors as the Spring buds bloom. We'd also welcome folks to celebrate the Spring thaw and blossoms by adding a bit of color to Gunky the Rock Snake. Gunky is a collaborative art project sponsored by Vision of Wallkill and the Community Rocks Project and is intended to spread joy, kindness and a sense of community through creativity.
So, paint some rocks and add them to Gunky the snake to make him grow.
Steps:
- Find rocks and soak/wash the dirt off. Landscape or river rocks work best.
- Use acrylic paints, paint brushes and Mod Podge (available at any arts and crafts store).
- Coat the rocks with a light color of acrylic paint and let them dry or use rocks as is.
- Paint a picture (anything you want) or write inspirational sayings on the rocks with acrylic paint or acrylic paint pens and let dry.
- Seal the rocks with Mod Podge or other acrylic paint sealant (Mod Podge comes in “brush on” jars or spray).
- Write "Wallkill Rocks/Post to Facebook" on the back of the rocks.
- Place your rocks at the Wallkill Public Library where you will find Gunky the snake along the hedge in the front.
Join Vision of Wallkill and Wallkill Rocks Facebook pages.
Post a picture of your rock so everyone can see Gunky grow.
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Historic Huguenot Street
Looking for something to do as the weather gets warmer? Why not check out a museum or park pass from the Wallkill Public Library?!
In this issue, we're highlighting our Historic Huguenot Street pass. The pass is good for one guided tour for two adults and two children through Historic Huguenot Street located at 81 Huguenot St, New Paltz, NY 12561. Explore the ten-acre National Historic Landmark District in New Paltz, New York, and experience over three hundred years of history across seven historic stone-house museums, a reconstructed 1717 French Church, the community’s original burying ground, and a replica Esopus Munsee wigwam. Period rooms and exhibits tell the stories of a French-speaking Protestant settlement as it evolved over time and also reveal the history of the area’s Indigenous and enslaved African peoples and Dutch settlers. Pick up the pass at the library and explore a piece of local history!
Visit Historic Huguenot Street's website to plan your visit: https://www.huguenotstreet.org/
| | Saturday DIY: Pressed Flowers Bookmarks | |
Saturday, May 2, 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Slow down and get creative at our Saturday DIY Bookmark Workshop! Design a floral, sticker-filled bookmark perfect for gifting on Mother's Day or keeping as a gentle reminder to care for yourself during Mental Health Awareness Month.
Join us for a fun, relaxing and creative Saturday craft session—supplies and inspiration provided. Recommended ages 8+.
Registration required:
https://wallkillpubliclibrary.libcal.com/event/16670498
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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: Essential Oils Room Spray | |
Saturday, June 6, 2026, 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Measure, mix and mist! Join us for a hands-on DIY workshop where you will craft your own essential oil room spray using simple ingredients and take home a personalized aroma in a reusable spray bottle.
Join us for a fun, relaxing and creative Saturday craft session – supplies and inspiration provided. Recommended for ages 8+. Registration required: https://wallkillpubliclibrary.libcal.com/event/16717480
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Get Your Ducks in a Row...
... and waddle on over to the Wallkill Public Library to enjoy “Duck Duck Art,” our Tiny Art Show running from Friday, April 17 through Saturday, May 16!
Stop in to see an adorable and creative collection of one-of-a-kind decorated ducks, all made by members of our community. Can’t make it to the library? You can also catch the ducks on display at the Duck Derby on Saturday, May 9. 🦆🎨
| | "I made it at the library..." | |
Home School Art Club
Home school kids celebrated Arbor Day with acrylic-on-canvas tree paintings.
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Celebrating International Denim Day
International Denim Day is a day of action and awareness, educating others about sexual violence and stop victim blaming. We held a denim craft event and spoke about the day with participants.
Read more about Denim Day here: https://denimday.org/
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The Adult Fiction Book Club will be meeting on Tuesday, May 19 at 3:45 PM to discuss James by Percival Everett.
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.
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Reading ahead?
April's Adult Book Club Selection
We'll be discussing The Boxcar Librarian by Brianna Labuskes on Tuesday, June 16 at 3:45 PM.
Inspired by true events, a thrilling Depression-era novel from the author of The Librarian of Burned Books about a woman’s quest to uncover a mystery surrounding a local librarian and the Boxcar Library—a converted mining train that brought books to isolated rural towns in Montana.
Inspired by the fascinating, true history of Missoula’s Boxcar Library, the novel blends the story of the strong, courageous women who survived and thrived in the rough and rowdy West with that of the power of standing together to fight for workers’ lives. And through it all shines the capacity of books to provide connection and light to those who need it most. -- from Goodreads.
| | Saturday Morning Book Club | | | | |
The Saturday Morning Book Club will hold their next meeting on Saturday, May 23 at 10:30 AM. They'll be discussing The Women by Kristin Hannah.
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.
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Reading ahead?
June's Saturday Book Club Selection is...
... The Year of Pleasures by Elizabeth Berg. We'll be discussing it on Saturday, June 27 at 10:30 AM.
In this rich and deeply satisfying novel by the beloved author of The Art of Mending, and Open House, a resilient woman embarks upon an unforgettable journey of adventure, self-discovery, and renewal.
Betta Nolan moves to a small town after the death of her husband to try to begin anew. Pursuing a dream of a different kind of life, she is determined to find pleasure in her simple daily routines. Among those who help her in both expected and unexpected ways are the ten-year-old boy next door, three wild women friends from her college days, a twenty-year-old who is struggling to find his place in the world, and a handsome man who is ready for love.
Elizabeth Berg's The Year of Pleasures is about acknowledging the solace found in ordinary things: a warm bath, good food, the beauty of nature, music, friends, and art. "Berg writes with humor and a big heart about resilience, loneliness, love, and hope. And the transcendence that redeems," said Andre Dubus about Durable Goods. And the same could be said about The Year of Pleasures.
-- from Goodreads
| | Click the titles to link to our online catalog to read descriptions, reviews, and place holds. | | New paperback mystery series added | |
Genvieve Lenard series by Estelle Ryan
The Gauguin Connection
The first book in the Genevieve Lenard series by Estelle Ryan
Murdered artists. Masterful forgeries. Art crime at its worst.
A straightforward murder investigation quickly turns into a quagmire of stolen Eurocorps weapons, a money-laundering charity, forged art and high-ranking EU officials abusing their power.
As an insurance investigator and world renowned expert in nonverbal communication, Dr Genevieve Lenard faces the daily challenge of living a successful, independent life. Particularly because she has to deal with her high functioning Autism. Nothing - not her studies, her high IQ or her astounding analytical skills - prepared her for the changes about to take place in her life.
It started as a favour to help her boss' acerbic friend look into the murder of a young artist, but soon it proves to be far more complex. Forced out of her predictable routines, safe environment and limited social interaction, Genevieve is thrown into exploring the meaning of friendship, expanding her social definitions, and for the first time in her life be part of a team in a race to stop more artists from being murdered.
| | And if you enjoy this title, we’ve got ten more that follow Genevieve Lenard’s further investigations! | | | |
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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New York Times All-Access!
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 New York Times content at the library or at home (or anywhere else!).
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Food Pantry Donations
Wallkill Public Library continues to accept unexpired, nonperishable and canned food donations, as well toiletries. All donations go to the Loaves & Fishes Food Pantry at the Wallkill Reformed Church. If you are able to give, please feel free to drop off your donations at the library during regular operating hours. If you are in need of assistance, please check out Loaves & Fishes website for information on when they are open: https://wallkillreformed.org/Loaves-Fishes-Food-Pantry
Thank you to everyone who is able to lend a hand to their neighbors during hard times.
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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 | | 1000 Books Before Kindergarten | |
Congratulations, super readers!
Congratulations to Francesa and Bryce for earning their next tokens for the 1000 Books Before Kindergarten Reading Program! Francesa finished her first 100 books and Bryce is half-way there with 500 books read. Way to go!
If interested in learning more about this program, contact Sarah Phillips (sphillips@rcls.org) or speak to a library staff member.
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STEM Explorers
In STEM programs, children designed Lego brick creations last week and safety towers this week when the "floor turned to lava" (no animals or children were injured in this activity).
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Crafting Caboodles and
Take & Make crafts for Mom
With Mother's Day on May 10th this year, the Crafting Caboodles and Take & Make activities (weekday and Saturday programs) included painting Mother's Day cards and artwork.
This past week, participants decorated recycled jars to make beautiful candle holders with battery-operated tea lights.
Happy Mother's Day to all of the mothers!
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Please note...
There will be no Children's Programs scheduled for next week, May 4-8, but the books, train table, computers, puzzles, and coloring area will still be available!
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Take and Make Crafts...
...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 registration is required, but we do ask you to sign the clipboard when you take a craft bag!
Thank you!
| | 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!
We received a fresh supply of passports from the county fair folks last week, so if you missed getting a passport for your child because we had run out, come back to pick one up.
| | | 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.
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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.
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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.
| | | Click the titles to link to our online catalog to read descriptions, reviews, and place holds. | | Young Adult Graphic Novel | | 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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