If last week's feature on NaNoWriMo's November writing project inspired you to pursue your dreams of finishing a novel, here's an extra incentive:

Bestselling novelist Jennifer Probst will be at the library at 6:30 p.m. Nov. 11 to host an hour-long nonstop write-in.

This would be geared toward those not only participating in NaNoWriMo, but anyone interested in writing.

Jennifer Probst's popular books include the bestselling Marriage to a Billionaire series, Holiday Hoax, and Dante's Fire.

NaNoWriMo challenges writers to complete a 50,000-page novel during the month of November. Teens 17 and under are invited to take part in the Young Writers Program, which permits participants to set their own word-count goals (given that they're reasonable and challenging).

Whether you've signed up for NaNoWriMo or prefer to write on your own, Jen's visit is sure to inspire. Join her Nov. 11 and see how the pros do it! Registration is a must - call the library at 895-3707. Teens and adults are welcome.

Wallkill Public Library's Teen Creative Writing Club met this week for a special Steampunk Edition and Victorian Tea Party. Twelve members shared their writing, enjoyed English Breakfast tea with treats, and learned more about this popular genre of fiction.
Steampunk combines elements of the Victorian era and advanced technology. Usually it involves gears, clocks, hot air balloons, secret societies, and journeys into space/earth/oceans.

Steampunk divas Lori Mullooly, left, and Carolyn Thorenz toast themselves.

Most times, there is a mad scientist who is basically sick of humanity and has an ax to grind.
Although the term "steampunk" was coined in 1987, the themes have been used for years; think Queen Victoria's Bomb, The Time Machine, and almost anything by Jules Verne. It has enjoyed a resurgence in recent years with movies like Howl's Moving Castle, Hugo, Sherlock Holmes, and The Prestige. There have also been several excellent YA books such as The Boneshaker, Leviathan and the Infernal Devices series.

Our teen writers sipped tea while we discussed all things steampunk. The teens were able to identify these elements and themes in movies, video games, literature, and television shows. They then broke up into small groups and wrote their own steampunk stories and poetry, which they shared.

Here is one sample of what our teen writers came up with:

 

Steampunk Gala at Midnight 

Twisting and turning around the floor
Everyone in their finest dress
A banquet to the left
A gala would be what you would guess

The full moon is our spotlight
We dance under the fall moon's beam
To everyone's spite the clock struck midnight
And there were no dancers left to be seen

The next day I went back to work
Working with gears and steam
and I'm very sorry to say
It was not at all, but all a dream

 

- by Olivia Lukach and Karinne App, 7th graders, John G. Borden Middle School

 

It was an educational and creative afternoon. The Teen Creative Writing Club is open to all and is a great way to share in a fun and nurturing environment. Out next meeting is Tuesday, December 23, from 3:30-4:30 p.m. Just bring a writing sample to share (any genre is fine for our next meeting). Call Carolyn or Lori at the library for more information - 895-3707. 

 - Lori Mullooly 

Library Technician 

 

Monday: The Library Board of Trustees meets at 7 p.m. at the library. Meetings are open to the public.
Tuesday: The Teen Open House takes place from 3-4 p.m. Little book lovers can Read to Sadie, the library's therapy dog, at 4 p.m.
Wednesday: The Chess Club meets at 6 p.m.
Thursday: Family Story Time with Miss Carolyn will be offered at 4:30 p.m. The adult Knit and Crochet Club will meet at 6:30 p.m.
Friday: The DS/LEGO Club will meet from 4-5 p.m.

 

As of 2013, only nine out of 100 taxpayers prepared their returns using paper forms, according to the IRS.

Because of this, the IRS is taking one more step toward going paperless this year, cutting way back on the number of products offered to the library. Instead, taxpayers are being encouraged to file electronically using IRS Free File. Doing so results in more accurate returns and faster refunds, according to the IRS.

Those who still  need forms and instructions can visit the IRS website (or New York's, for state forms) and print them out themselves. While the library will continue to print out forms for patrons in need this season, the instructional booklets - which sometimes run more than 100 pages - must be referred to online.  

The library's annual Food for Fines program kicks off Nov. 1 and runs through the 15th.
Those with overdue fees can use this opportunity to clear their accounts by bringing in donations for the local food pantry. One item per fine is required. Acceptable donations include canned goods, juice, cookies and other packaged items, stuffing, instant potatoes, and more. 
Food items will be brought to the Loaves and Fishes Food Pantry in back of the Wallkill Reformed Church.

Business owners and homeowners alike are invited to enter this year's town-wide holiday decorating contest.
The free competition, sponsored by the Vision of Wallkill community improvement group, is open to all businesses and residences within the Town of Shawangunk. Shine Wallkill is the house-decorating contest; Sparkle Wallkill is geared toward area businesses.
All participants need to do is decorate! Decorations must be visible from a navigable street. Winners will be notified between Dec. 26 and Jan. 3. Homeowners will receive a decorative yard sign displaying their award.
Businesses interested in participating should fill out a registration form - sign-ups aren't required for residences.
Voting will be open from Dec. 8 through Dec. 23. Voting boxes will be located in the Town Hall, Wallkill Public Library, and Wallkill Valley Federal Savings and Loan. Good luck to everyone!