Fend off the summer slide 
Study after study has shown that about two months' worth of learning - or 22 percent of the school year - can be lost by kids who don't read throughout the summer.
The good news is that preventing the summer slide is relatively easy - research shows it takes just six books per summer (ones that are the right level for your child) to stave off learning loss.
The Wallkill Public Library makes it even easier to meet whatever reading goal your child sets for himself. This year's Summer Reading Program will once more set up a reward system for reading accomplishments, including a prize case and Paw Prints that can be used during the school year to purchase items at Leptondale's and Ostrander's school stores.
Even if your children aren't quite school age, you can kick-start a love of books with the many story times scheduled each week throughout the Summer Reading Program. Offerings will include the traditional Mommy and Me, Toddler Story Time, and Book Buddies, as well as Musical Story Time (which will incorporate a Musik Garten curriculum), Toddler Musical Story Time, Getting Ready for Kindergarten, and School Crew (for those entering first grade).
Let the library help you keep your kids sharp and ready for the fall! Registration for the Summer Reading Program is offered June 16 through June 20.
Coming up at the Wallkill Public Library
Young crafters get creative during the library's recent Paper Revolution.
Monday: The Library Board of Trustees will meet at 7 p.m. at the library. The Friends of the Library will also meet at 7, but at the Friends' Used Book Shop.
Tuesday: Textile Tuesdays are offered between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. in the community room of Town Hall. Bring along a project and enjoy the company of like-minded hobbyists while you work on it.
Thursday: There will be a 6:30 p.m. meeting for those interested in volunteering to help with the Summer Reading Program. The Knit and Crochet Club will meet upstairs at 6:30 p.m.
Children's book offers valuable lesson
I fell in love with a book this weekend. The Abominables, the final novel of Eva Ibbotson, brought me into a world I became happily lost in. The Abominables follows a family of yetis who have been forced out of their Himalayan home by tourism. With the help of siblings Con and Ellen, as well as a kindly trucker, the yetis are transported across Europe in search of a safe haven.
A mountain rescue in the Alps and a bullfight in Spain are the tip of the iceberg for these gentle giants in search of a safe haven. The adventure turns to epic proportions as they come face to face with ferocious hunters!
Vivid characters filled with life and personality make this book hard to put down. Ms. Ibbotson, author of Journey to the River Sea and The Secret of Platform 13, has left this final gem to add to her legacy. This book is a great read-aloud and sends a strong message in regard to animal cruelty and our environment.
Check it out today!
Carolyn Thorenz
Children's Coordinator
LEGO Camp registration going on now
Those interested in Wallkill Public Library's LEGO Engineering Summer Camp can enroll in the July 14-18 program now.
Once again, specially trained instructors from Play-Well TEKnologies will be on hand to guide participants as they build elaborate projects using concepts of engineering and physics.
Grades K-2 are welcome to sign up for the Pre-Engineering with LEGO workshops that take place from 9 a.m. to noon that week. Engineering FUNdamentals with LEGO will be offered to grades 3-5 from 1-4 p.m.
Visit Play-Well TEKnologies' website to register today!
 
Library bus trip will visit fabric stores
Those who love to sew and do other handcrafts won't want to miss the July 19 bus trip to popular upstate fabric centers!
The bus will leave the library that Saturday at 8 a.m. and travel to The Patchwork Co. in Windham and then on to Log Cabin Fabrics in Selkirk. Attendees will be able to break for a meal in one of Windham's eateries, so there's no need to pack a lunch.
The cost of the trip will be $34, including tip. For more information or to reserve a seat, contact Carolyn Thorenz at 895-3707 or cthorenz@rcls.org.
 
Visit historic areas of Wallkill River Valley
The Wallkill Valley Land Trust is offering a tour of the houses and farms in the Wallkill River Valley tomorrow from 11 a.m.to 4:30 p.m.
The Changing Face of Agriculture in Gardiner and Shawangunk will feature the rich farming region of the area as well as historic homes, including an 18th-century Dutch stone house and barn, several 18th-20th century Federal homes, a Greek-revival clapboard, early industrial sites, and more. Seven of the properties included on the tour are on the National Register.
For more information, or to purchase tickets, visit the Wallkill Valley Land Trust website.
Quick Links