Library services at risk 
Governor Andrew Cuomo's newly released 2014-2015 budget revealed that state aid to libraries has been slashed, the $4 million that was added by the legislature last year excluded from this year's package.
To library systems like Wallkill's RCLS, these cuts are devastating.
Among the many other resources RCLS provides its member libraries is the inter-library loan service, which transports more than 2 million books, DVDs, and other items to 47 different libraries in four counties five days a week. This means that instead of being limited to the selections found in one particular library, patrons are able to pick from almost 50 libraries' worth of materials, and have whatever items they choose delivered to their hometown library.
 Though this service is now free, that could change if lawmakers refuse to at least match the state aid libraries received last year.
New York is among America's most expensive states to live in. The free resources library systems like RCLS offer provide much-needed help to job hunters, students, educators, and everyone in between. Don't let these services be taken away!
 Join supporters taking the bus trip to Albany Feb. 26 for NYLA's Library Advocacy Day, or contact Governor Cuomo and/or your legislators and tell them how valuable the library is to you.
 
Coming up at the Wallkill Public Library
Tomorrow: Join wildlife expert Bill Robinson for Birds of Prey and Reptiles at 11 a.m. in the community room of Town Hall.
Monday: An 11 a.m. Special Scholastic Story Time will feature Chicka Chicka Boom Boom.
Tuesday: Textile Tuesdays take place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the community room of Town Hall. Book Buddies meet at 10:30 a.m. Homemade Marshmallow and Hot Chocolate Making will be offered at 4:30 p.m.
Wednesday: Mommy and Me meets at 10 a.m., followed by Toddler Story Time at 11 a.m. Kinder Art is offered at 2:15 p.m. The Teen Anime Club will meet at 3:30 p.m.
Thursday: The Knit and Crochet Club meets at 6:30 p.m.
Friday: A Heart Art Workshop will be offered at 4 p.m.
 
Wildlife presentation offered tomorrow
Bill Robinson is back with his Birds of Prey and Reptiles.
The wildlife expert will be offering a presentation at 11 a.m. tomorrow in the community room of Town Hall.
Bill's lecture will focus on the importance of reptiles in nature and the unique survival methods of birds, including man's efforts to restore endangered species like the peregrine falcon. As usual, Bill will come accompanied with plenty of friends from the animal kingdom, which the audience will be able to see up close.
For questions or to register, call the library at 895-3707.
 
Feb. 1 for library lovers of all ages
Saturday, Feb. 1, is Take Your Child to the Library Day, but that doesn't mean adults will be left out in the cold.
The library will be offering a 1 p.m. demonstration on recycling holiday cards that day. So don't throw your season's greetings out just yet - bring them in for the workshop, and learn how to create gift tags, boxes, ornaments, and more out of them.
Children are invited to an 11 a.m. Chinese New Year celebration with Miss Carolyn that day, as well. A story, craft, and Year of the Horse project will be offered.
Kids are welcome to stick around for the LEGO Build-a-Thon, which starts at 12:30 p.m. Bring a bin of blocks and a building buddy and see what you can create by the time the library closes at 2 p.m.!

Library seeks part-time circ desk clerk
Are you a relatively tech-savvy people-person who has a few afternoon hours and Saturdays free? The library is looking for a part-time circulation clerk to work 13 hours a week. The shifts that are needed are 3-6 p.m. Mondays, 3-6 p.m. Fridays, and 10 a.m.- 2 p.m. Saturdays. Pay is $10 per hour.
This is the perfect job for a college student looking to earn some extra cash or just anyone whose schedule allows them to fill those hours.
Join our happy (albeit mildly dysfunctional) library family! Call us at 895-3707, stop in at the circ desk, or email your resume to Mary Lou at [email protected].
Tangle of Knots a recipe for a good read
A Tangle of Knots by Lisa Graff is a feast for the senses. If you would like to curl up with a mystery and a good cookbook, this juvenile fiction story is a winner on both accounts. A Booklist Editors' Choice Nominee for 2013, this story is a child's journey through six degrees of separation.
Eleven-year-old Cady is an orphan who has a "talent" for baking cakes that suit a person's taste buds as well as their personality. Cady is in search of a home of her own. She ends up at the town's Lost Luggage Emporium, where she meets a series of interesting characters and the key to her past and future.
In this tangle of true identity, a blue suitcase, a search for talents and peanut butter, readers will be looking for the next clue.
This book also contains complete recipes that complement the characters in the book. Will's S'more Cake, Marigold's Lime Pound Cake, Mrs. Asher's Honey Cake, and The Owner's Peanut Butter Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting are just a few of the mouth-watering selections. Mmmmm. Good!!

- Carolyn Thorenz
Children's Room Coordinator
 
Story Book Farm offers spring class info
Story Book Farm Art School's spring class information is now available on their website and Facebook page.
Classes offered include Developing Creative Skills (for grades K-3), Drawing, and Pastel Painting. An Art Camp for ages 7-14 and an Adult Art Workshop are also available this summer.
You can find more information, as well as an application, online.
 
Dinner to benefit Wallkill Public Library
A chicken dinner fundraiser will be held Sunday, March 2, from 5-7 p.m. at the Wallkill/Shawangunk Clubhouse, located at 200 Birch Road in Wallkill.
This is part of the Troop 76 Eagle Scouts' efforts to benefit the Wallkill Public Library.
Tickets are $15 each and are available at the library, or by calling Donna at 742-8461, or John at 742-0723.
 
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