Redesign just part of what we want to offer our users 
Our new fiction room, in the process of being torn apart.
Those who have stopped in to the library following last week's reorganization have gotten a first-hand glance at what staff members were up to during the two days the library was closed.
Among the changes to the main floor are new computer carrels that (hopefully) provide more comfort and privacy to users; a more open, brighter location for the large print section; and a rearranging of the fiction, DVDs, and audiobooks that will provide more space for us to expand our collections.
Our fiction room....after.

We're now in the process of weeding out some of the moldy oldies that have been withering away in our nonfiction section. As we move forward with that, we'll be updating our collection in an effort to provide users with the latest, most relevant resources available.
You can help us determine future nonfiction purchases by sharing your opinion on what most appeals to you. What would you like to see more of at the library? Fitness books and DVDs? Self-improvement books? History?
As always, your advice is what matters most to us. Share your thoughts by replying to this newsletter or emailing lpalmer@rcls.org, so we can custom design our new(er) collection to best suit your needs!
Coming up at the Wallkill Public Library
Tomorrow: Salute to Seeger Story Time takes place at 11 a.m. Vision of Wallkill is sponsoring a Skating Party at Popp's Pavilion. Come skate around and sip some hot chocolate by the bonfire.
Tuesday: Textile Tuesdays take place between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. in the community room of Town Hall. Book Buddies is offered at 10:30 a.m.  Creative Writing for ages 13 and up is offered at 3:30 p.m.
Wednesday: Mommy and Me takes place at 10 a.m., followed by Toddler Story Time at 11 a.m. The Teen Anime Club meets at 3 p.m. Elementary Art takes place at 4 p.m. The Card Makers Club meets at 6:30 p.m.
Thursday: The Knit and Crochet Club meets at 6:30 p.m.
Friday: 2PartArt Club meets at 4 p.m.
Special Story Time offered tomorrow
The works of Pete Seeger will be celebrated during tomorrow's special 11 a.m. Story Time.
Abiyoyo, The Deaf Musicians, and One Grain of Sand will be the books featured during the Story Time, which will also include a showing of the animated film, The Foolish Frog. Attendees will then take part in Some Friends to Feed, Seeger's version of Stone Soup. Music and a Grain of Sand art project will round out the tribute.
Teach your children the joy of charity by bringing along a canned good for the local food pantry.
Skating party set for Popp's Pavilion
Make the most of the (still frigid) weather and drop by for tomorrow's ice skating party at Popp's Pavilion.
Strap on some skates or slide around on your boots, then warm up by the bonfire with some hot chocolate. Connect with your community during this Vision of Wallkill-sponsored event.
The next meeting of the Vision of Wallkill will take place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, March 22. For anyone who has yet to attend one of these placemaking sessions, it's not too late - new members are always welcome to become a part of this community improvement effort. For more information, call Mary Lou at 895-3707, or email her at mlcarolan@rcls.org.
 
Library director's webinar a huge hit
Library director Mary Lou Carolan, far right, is pictured with Friends of the Library members Zoraida Lugo-St. Paul and Adrienne Perine.
More than 400 people tuned in to watch Wallkill Public Library Director Mary Lou Carolan's webinar on turning the library into a vibrant community center.
The Feb. 11 Online Computer Library Center webinar, Strike While the Iron is Hot, examined marketing strategies and other methods to not only keep libraries viable, but expand their roles as inspirational centers of creativity and enthusiasm.
OCLC is a worldwide library cooperative that works to improve access to information and reduce costs for libraries everywhere.
Congratulations to Mary Lou, whose placemaking skills are coming in handy!

Is the Common Core the right answer?
What began as an initiative to unify educational standards throughout the country has turned into a divisive issue for many.
While some groups praise the Common Core's emphasis on analytical thinking and extrapolation of facts, others say the standards are too rigorous, another way to "teach to the test," frustrating for both students and teachers alike.
Two events are coming up that will provide specific viewpoints on the matter and offer attendees the opportunity to voice their own opinions.
 Assemblywoman Claudia Tenney will be at the Pine Bush High School cafeteria Thursday, March 13, from 5:30 to 8 p.m. to hear comments, questions, and concerns regarding the Common Core from her constituents.
On March 24, Dr. Peg Luksik, founder of the website Founded on Truth, will offer reasons behind her strong opposition to the Common Core and share her thoughts regarding what she believes to be the origin and impetus behind its implementation. That presentation will take place at 6:30 p.m. in the community room of Town Hall.
Books Alive! presentation this month 
Mark your calendars - you'll want to keep March 29 open.
That's the day Books Alive! performers will be taking their act to the stage at John G. Borden Middle School for their production of Magic & Mayhem.
The two performances scheduled for that day are at 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. Ticket information will be available soon.
The library's children's theater company has been hard at work since January rehearsing for the show - it promises to be a good time for theater-goers of all ages!
Help is available for high heating bills
For those who cringe when they see the oil delivery truck pulling up to their house again, there may be a way to cut those costly bills.
The Shawangunk Environmental Council will be offering a presentation on the latest, most efficient heating systems and hot water heaters at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 11, in the community room of Town Hall.
Learn how to keep your home comfortable without breaking the bank. Many are sure to be surprised at what a difference a few small changes can make.

 
Quick Links