Book club starts anew 
Magic Tree House Book Club participants get their passports ready for Tonight on the Titanic.
The first session of the Magic Tree House Book Club came to an end Nov. 5, but a new one has already begun this week at Ostrander Elementary!
Carolyn Thorenz, Wallkill Public Library's children's coordinator, facilitates the program each week at the school. Using books from the popular Mary Pope Osborne series, the goal of the sessions is to improve literacy by encouraging a love of reading.
Each week Carolyn, children's programming assistant Christine Adams, and teen volunteers meet with those enrolled in the program to read the Magic Tree House books and engage in interactive games and activities that help bring the books to life. They also read nonfiction books that complement and expand on the subject matter being covered in the series.
Carolyn has taken pains to select books with historical and other educational themes, providing more enrichment for her readers. The first session of the book club featured Tonight on the Titanic and Hurry Up, Houdini! The new session will explore Monday with a Mad Genius (wherein the book's characters travel back to the Renaissance and meet Leonardo da Vinci) and Midnight on the Moon (which delves into space travel).
In keeping with last session's Houdini subject matter, magician Stephen Christopher (above) visited Ostrander Nov. 7 for a performance that helped cap off the first installment of this program, which was made possible by a grant from Target.
Coming up at the Wallkill Public Library
Library handyman Joe Germana has created a beautiful corner setting for the library's new copier/printer/fax machine, due to arrive next week. Thanks, Joe!
Tuesday: The Teen Library Club meets at 3:30 p.m. The Adult Fiction Book Club discusses Andres Dubus' The House of Sand and Fog at 6:30 p.m.
Wednesday: Toddler Story Time meets at 10 a.m. and again at 11:15 a.m. The Teen Anime Club convenes at 3 p.m.
Thursday: The Minecraft Building Challenge will be held from 3:30-5:30 p.m. The adult Knit and Crochet Club meets at 6:30 p.m.
Friday: Ages 8 and up are invited to make Felted Animals from 4-5 p.m. Registration and a $2 fee is required.

Minecraft mania sweeps children's room
The Iron Golems after their win Thursday.
Team Iron Golems built their virtual villagers suites in order to win the Minecraft Challenge that took place Thursday afternoon in the children's room.
Team captain Logan Adams led his band of Minecraft warriors to take the lead in the competition against the Ender Dragons.
Much thanks to Sue Scott at the Ramapo Catskill Library System for her help in setting up this hugely successful program! Another Minecraft Challenge is set for next week. Though registration's filled, those interested in playing are welcome to put their names on the waiting list.
Kids are invited to special Black Friday
If the day after Thanksgiving has you hankering for some alone time to finish cleaning up, do some shopping, or just chillax, we've got the program for you!
Black Friday Fun will take place from 1-3 p.m. Nov. 28 and will include paper ornament making and a viewing of Frosty the Snowman. Parents are invited to drop their kids off for the program and pick them up at its conclusion.
Registration is required and space restrictions apply, so sign up soon!
Volunteers needed for tax preparation
Each year the Hudson Valley CASH coalition provides free and reliable tax preparation services to low-income families and seniors throughout the region.
Certified volunteers work in partnership with AARP Tax Aide to ensure that residents receive all the tax credits and refunds to which they're entitled.
In preparation for the coming tax season, Hudson Valley CASH is now looking for people interested in volunteering as tax preparers, as well as tax site greeters, technology supporters, and marketing and public relations specialists. If you're interested in participating, visit hv-cash.org.
Headphones for computer use on sale
Beginning Nov. 19, the library will be selling individual sets of headphones for $3 apiece. The current headphones now loaned out to computer users will no longer be available.
The goal of this transition is to provide a more hygienic option to those who need the headphones. Once the $3 is paid, the headphones are the patron's to keep.
 
YALSA teens' top books now available! 
The library recently purchased some of the hottest titles from YALSA's Teens' Top Ten list.
Keep a lookout for these selections, on display in the library's teen section: 
  • Eleanor & Park, by Rainbow Rowell
  • Splintered, by A.G. Howard
  • The Rithmatist, by Brandon Sanderson
  • The 5th Wave, by Rick Yancey 
  • Monument 14: Sky on Fire, by Emmy Laybourne
  • Earth Girl, by Janet Edwards
  • Steelheart, by Brandon Sanderson
  • The Eye of Minds, by James Dashner
Mini Maker Faire takes place tomorrow
You can help celebrate what the mid-Hudson Valley is inventing, making, and creating at tomorrow's Mini Maker Faire in Poughkeepsie.
The 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. event will feature crafters, farmers, inventors, scientists, artists and other creative "makers" for a day of learning, play, spectacle, and inspiration.
Presented by the Poughkeepsie Day School, tickets to the Maker Faire can be purchased in advance or at the door.
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