The Hour of Code is near  
Those who enjoyed the library's Minecraft Challenge will love the Hour of Code! 

Computer science jobs are growing at twice the national average - by 2020, it's projected that there will be a million more jobs than students trained to fill them.

Given this, it's hard to figure why computer science courses remain marginalized throughout grades K-12, with 25 states not even allowing students to count these classes toward high school graduation.   

That's why last year, Code.org, a nonprofit dedicated to promoting computer science in education, introduced the nationwide campaign that called on students of all ages to join an "Hour of Code."  

Girls, don't be like Barbie - who, contrary to the title of her recently pulled book - can't be a computer engineer without a man's help. 

As a result, not only did more girls (10 million of them!) try their hands at computer science than in the past 70 years, but 15 million students worldwide learned about computer code. And the amazing thing is - this all took place in one week alone.

This year, the Wallkill Public Library wants to help top those stats by hosting our own Hour of Code. This 60-minute program will allow kids ages 10 and up to learn the basics of computer science (and have fun doing it) by creating their own code for the game Angry Birds.   

The fun and easy-to-learn program will take place from 4-5:15 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 11. Library laptops will be available for use, but space is limited, so register soon - online or by calling the library at 895-3707! 
Coming up at the Wallkill Public Library
Tuesday: The Quilters' Circle and Textile Tuesdays are held in the community room between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. Sewing machines are available for use!
Wednesday: Please note there will be no Story Times today. The library will close at 5 p.m. for the Thanksgiving holiday.
Thursday: The library is closed. Happy Thanksgiving!
Friday: Black Friday Fun takes place from 1-3 p.m. Parents and caregivers are invited to drop off their charges for a couple of hours of paper-ornament making and a viewing of Frosty the Snowman. Space is limited, so registration is required.
Saturday: The Historical Society of Shawangunk and Gardiner is holding their annual tea in the community room of Town Hall, from 2-4 p.m.
Sunday: The annual tree lighting at Shawangunk Town Hall will take place starting at 4 p.m.
 
Users can now sign up for events online
 Online registration is now available on Wallkill Public Library's website!
Simply go to the calendar located on the homepage and click the blue register button to sign up for a particular event (it will be located directly beneath that event's listing). You'll be directed to a page where you'll fill out your name and contact info (and age, if it's a kids' program), and you'll be set!
If an event doesn't require registration, no registration tab will appear below it. If the event is already full, a note will be made beneath its listing on the calendar, and there will also be no registration button.
Questions? Call the circulation desk at 895-3707.
Celebrate holidays with crafty events!
Those who missed Christine Adams' popular Felted Animals workshop (or those who already signed up and want another!) will be happy to find out that Felted Snowmen will be the subject of the next workshop Dec. 12!
Join Christine from 4-5 p.m. that day and learn how to make your own holiday decoration. Ages 8 and up are invited - register online or by calling the library at 895-3707.
And while you're signing up for that, don't forget that the library's Family Card-Making Party will take place at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 10, in the community room of Town Hall. Door prizes and refreshments will be included in this event, which drew a big crowd last year. Register online or at the library by Dec. 8!
Tree lighting is next week at Town Hall
The Town of Shawangunk will hold their annual tree lighting starting at 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 30.
The free event will include indoor kids' crafts, a visit from Santa, live music and refreshments.
Non-perishable items will also be collected for the local food pantry.
The event will take place at Town Hall. Call them at 895-2611 for more information.
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