Scary titles for Halloween 
Why do we like being scared?
Stephen King, the expert on the matter, once explained it this way: "We make up horrors to help us cope with the real ones."
And that makes sense. Everything's relative, and the bully at the lunch table becomes something less of a threat when compared to - say - a town infested with vampires. Work deadlines can seem less intimidating, too, when held up to a zombie apocalypse.
Whatever the reason, suffice it to say many people enjoy a good (make believe) fright. If you're in search of one to see you through the upcoming dark, windy nights of the Halloween season, here are a few materials worth checking out:

The Abominable, By Dan Simmons: As if climbing Mount Everest isn't terrifying enough, Simmons' latest delves into what happens to a group of hikers struggling through the climb while being pursued at night by someone...or something. Due out Oct. 22.

Dr. Sleep, by Stephen King: Danny Torrance revisits the not-so-fond memories from his days at the Overlook Hotel as he does battle with some present-day "empty devils" in this sequel to The Shining.

Bellman and Black: A Ghost Story, by Diane Setterfield: From the author of The Thirteenth Tale, a story of the consequences that haunt a husband and father and the lengths to which he goes to protect what's precious to him. Due out Nov. 5.

World War Z: The movie version is 28 Days Later-ish, but still a frightening film.

The Conjuring: You'll have to leave the lights on after watching this one, based on an allegedly true story of a haunted house whose terrified owners seek the help of paranormal investigators Lorraine and Ed Warren (in their pre-Amityville days). Due out Oct. 22.

The Purge: Anything goes when all crime is legalized for a 12-hour period, during which one family has the misfortune of being held hostage by a murderous syndicate in this Ethan Hawke vehicle.
Due out Oct. 8.

All of these books and films are available (or will be at the time of their release) at the Wallkill Public Library.
 
Coming up at the Wallkill Public Library
Just a reminder - the $27 for the round-trip bus fare to the Lion Brand stores and Garment District is due Oct. 9. Those who have signed up (or plan on signing up) for the Oct. 27 trip must have their money in by then. 
The first American Girl Club meets Tuesday to learn about embroidery. Supplies are limited, so unfortunately walk-ins will not be able to participate, but there are two spots left for the program!

Monday: The Library Board of Trustees meet at 7 p.m. at the library. Meetings are open to the public.
Tuesday: Textile Tuesdays are held in the community room of Town Hall between 10 a.m.and 5 p.m. Book Buddies meet at 10:30 a.m. The American Girl Club meets at 4:30 p.m. to learn embroidery. The Adult Nonfiction Club will discuss S.C. Gwynne's Empire of the Summer Moon.
Wednesday: Mommy and Me meets at 10 a.m., followed by Toddler Story Time at 11 a.m. Afternoon Story Time is offered at 1 p.m., followed by Kinder Art Club at 2 p.m. Homework Lab is available from 2:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Thursday: The Knit and Crochet Club meets at 6:30 p.m.
Friday: Two-Part Art Club meets at 4 p.m. to work on the first part of their Styro Sculpture project.
 
Friends of the Library meeting coming up
The Friends of the Wallkill Public Library will be meeting Monday, Oct. 14, at the Friends' Used Book Shop. Agenda items include a recap of the Harvest Faire and plans for next year's event.
The Friends are always looking for new members, so if you're interested in helping a dynamic group of community innovators enhance both the library and the hamlet, drop by the meeting or give the library a call at 895-3707 for more information!
 
Celebrate October with library (and Rob's)!
We all know the special days October is famous for....Columbus Day and Halloween being the most popular. But a lot of people may not know that October is jam-packed full of noteworthy occasions, and you can celebrate them at and with the library! They include:
National Book Month: Drop in and pick up a selection by your favorite author, anytime.
Children's Magazine Month: You can take your pick of these downstairs, including American Girl, National Geographic Kids, Kids Discover, and more!
Computer Learning Month: The library offers free adult computer classes as well as a slew of online resources for students of all ages!
National Arts and Humanities Month: Our creative offerings include regular meetings like the Quilters' Circle and the Knit/Crochet Club, as well as children's programs like Kinder Art and adult workshops such as Felting and Card-Making.
National Go on a Field Trip Month: Classes are always welcome to visit us for educational, themed, and fun field trips! Talk to you teacher today!
It's also National Pizza Month, which means patrons who show their library cards at Rob's Pizzeria can get a slice of cheese pie free when they buy one!
Happy October to all!
Special day for knitters, crocheters
I Love Yarn Day will take place Saturday, Oct. 12, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
A yarn swap and potluck snack table will be among the attractions that day in the community room of Town Hall. Visitors are invited to come and go as they please, or bring a lunch and stay for the day.
If you have a passion for knitting or crocheting or are just thinking about taking up these popular hobbies, be sure to drop by and meet some of the local talent!
 
Homework help available now!
Students can visit the library every Wednesday from 2:30-5:30 p.m. and get the help they need to succeed with the new Common Core standards!
During these Homework Labs, the computers downstairs will be available for children up to age 13, providing free and easy access to online research tools like tutor.com and BrainPop. Printing is available at a cost of 10 cents per black and white copy and 35 cents per color page.
The children's room is a quiet space for all ages to work on their assignments, do research, complete projects, and more. And soon one-on-one tutoring will also be available! Requests for this service can be made now by calling Paulette at 895-3707 or emailing her at [email protected].
 
Cookbook, Shawangunk Hearths on sale
Readers can now buy both Shawangunk Hearths as well as Wallkill Public Library's own cookbook, Favorites from Our Table, for just $10!
The cookbook was compiled in 2009 and includes a brief history of the library along with a collection of recipes from Wallkill Public Library patrons. It comes with a special stand that props it up on the counter for easy reference when cooking.
Shawangunk Hearths, by Frank B. Mentz, is a compilation of stories originally published in the Citizen Herald in Walden between 1965 and 1970. The book features anecdotes about area landmarks and houses dating back to the 1700s, as well as stories about the people who lived in them.
Each book can also be purchased separately for $5.
Stop by the library and pick up your copies today!

 

Obamacare made easy - or understandable
Still stumped about the Affordable Health Care Act? You can visit the online guides compiled by Middletown Thrall Library for a better understanding of what's stirring up so much controversy in Congress.
There you'll find federal and state sites as well as consumer information that explain health care reform, so that you and your family can make educated decisions about what's best for you.
These online guides can be accessed through the homepage of the new Wallkill Public Library website.
 
Spoiler alert! Jones fans in for big surprise 
Some readers of Helen Fielding are said to be outraged over the plot twist in the upcoming latest Bridget Jones novel. Some of us are outraged we found out about it (accidentally) while browsing through the Web.
So we won't spoil your surprise, here, but be warned! If you spy Renee Zellweger's picture anywhere online between now and Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy's Oct. 15 release, avert your eyes! And if you're the type that doesn't mind spoilers, click here to see what all the hubbub's about.
 
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