Not your typical video game  
Minecraft mania is still sweeping video gamers young and old(er), and the good news for parents is your little player may actually be learning something in the process!
 The game features a three-dimensional world in which players create and break apart blocks. Think virtual LEGOs.
It can be played in either Survival mode, where players have to find their own supplies and food, or Creative mode, wherein supplies are provided and food isn't needed.
The process of the 3-d construction is one way in which gamers are building their intellectual vitae. Teachers have even used the game to study such subjects as ancient Rome, as reported by The Washington Post.
A  virtual learning blog  also cited the versatility of Minecraft as a learning tool, since its three-dimensional building features allow for exploration even in fields like science, where players can create their own cell structure and compare it to the real deal.
Since Wallkill Public Library respects all that's not only educational but fun, the Minecraft Building Challenge will be offered from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Nov. 13 and 20th, in two independent sessions. Participants ages 8 and  up will game, build as a team, and compete against others on the library's Xbox 360.
Space is limited and registration's required. Contact Lori to sign up - 895-3707 or lmullooly@rcls.org.
Coming up at the Wallkill Public Library
Christine Adams' Papel Amate Painting program was a big success last Friday!
Tuesday: The Teen Library Club will meet at 3:30 p.m. to make Sugar Skulls as part of their Day of the Dead celebration.
Wednesday: Toddler Story Time takes place at 10 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. The Teen Anime Club meets at 3 p.m.
Thursday: The adult Knit and Crochet Club meets at 6:30 p.m.
Friday: The Goonies will be featured during Classic Movie Afternoon at 4 p.m. Those planning to attend should sign up by Wednesday, Oct. 22.

As always, registration is required for most programs. Please call the library at 895-3707 for more information.
Weekly book club promotes literacy 
Book club participants learn about what makes objects float.
Children in grades 1-3 at Ostrander Elementary are having a great time at the Wednesday Magic Tree House Book Club.
Offered by the Wallkill Public Library through a grant sponsored by Target, the weekly program uses the popular books from the Mary Pope Osbourne series to promote literacy and get kids excited about reading. Wallkill Public Library children's coordinator Carolyn Thorenz is working hard at facilitating the program, with help from children's programming assistant Christine Adams and teen volunteers.
Book club members show off their finished porthole projects.
During the current session, which will run through Nov. 5, participants have already increased their vocabularies with the help of the games and activities Carolyn's designed. They've also learned some valuable lessons about history (one of this session's Magic Tree House books was Tonight on the Titanic), science (what floats and what doesn't?), and more.
Our thanks to Wallkill schools superintendent Kevin Castle and Ostrander Elementary principal Maureen Dart for helping us make this happen!
 
Friends celebrate week with free books
Friend of the Library Marla Landsman, pictured with daughters Jillian, left, and Emily, sells mums at this year's Friends-sponsored Harvest Faire.
 National Friends of Libraries Week runs from Oct. 19-25, and the Friends of the  Wallkill Public Library want to celebrate!
In honor of the event, seniors who visit the Friends' Used Book Shop next Thursday, Friday, or Saturday (Oct. 23-25) will receive one free book.
Wallkill Public Library's Friends group is always looking for new volunteers to help advocate for and support the library. If you're interested in working with a dynamic group of people who help serve as a link between the library and the community, contact the library at 895-3707.
Job fair to be held at Newburgh Mall 
Have you been scanning the online job search engines to no avail? Next Wednesday you might want to take a break from the computer and visit the mall!
The Orange Works Job Fair will be held at the Newburgh Mall Oct. 22, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. No registration is necessary - just show up.
If you're an employer who would like to participate in the event, call 346-1102 or 346-1103.
The program is sponsored by the Orange County Employment and Training Administration.
 
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