With continued cuts in funding as well as the growing popularity of devices such as the Nook and Kindle, many continue to speculate about the dreary fate of the public library.

Reports such as the American Library Association's 2011 State of America's Libraries, however, prove what those of us who work at these institutions see everyday - the library is alive and well.

The very recession that's cut into library funding has also made libraries invaluable resources for both jobseekers and those who need to use online government resources. Eighty-eight percent of US public libraries (including Wallkill!) provide free access to job databases and other services, and 67 percent actively assist patrons with online applications and other tasks, according to the ALA report.

With more and more school librarian positions being cut, your public library is also the place to go for help from professionals who are trained researchers, who can show students the quickest way to get the answers they're looking for, whether that be via the Internet or from a specific book or elsewhere.

While the library is the obvious place to turn for business and/or educational needs, it's also your one-stop (free!) shop for entertainment resources - DVDs, books and magazines, programming for children and adults, and much more!

The poll the ALA took indicates that Americans are using their libraries at steady or increasing rates, and with all libraries like Wallkill have to offer, it's no wonder!   

Fall programming is in full swing here at the Wallkill Public Library.

 For little ones unused to the structured rigors of classroom activity, our programs offer a creative outlet in which our younger patrons can flex their artistic muscles, and have fun in the process! Children and teens of all ages can experience "outside the box" activities and express themselves in one of our many art and reading programs offered throughout the month of October: