Program turns students
into Masters of Code 
The Wallkill Public Library's upcoming Masters of Code program will give students a chance to learn an important subject they may be missing in school - computer programming basics.
Although computer science continues to be a lucrative field that's growing at lightning speed, most K-12 schools offer nothing in the way of preparing kids for any sort of college-level pursuit - or basic understanding of - the topic. 
WPL's six-week curriculum, which starts Feb. 19, will teach students ages 10 to 18 computer programming basics using Scratch, a language that makes it easy to create games and animation. Repeat-loops, conditionals, and basic algorithms will be learned. Space is limited, so those interested in signing up should register soon online
or by calling 895-3707.
Coming up at the Wallkill Public Library
Monday: The library's board of trustees will meet at 7 p.m.
Tuesday:Textile Tuesdays and the Quilters' Circle meet between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. in the community room of Town Hall. The Teen Writing Club meets at 3:30 p.m.
Wednesday: Toddler Story Time meets at 10 a.m.and again at 11:15 a.m. The Chess Club meets at 6 p.m.
Thursday: The Knit and Crochet Club meets at 6:30 p.m.
Friday: All ages are welcome to Valentine Making at 4 p.m.
Saturday: Bring Your Child to the Library Day will feature an 11 a.m. Story Time, Lego Building and a Walk-In Craft at 12:30 p.m., and, for the adults, Mexican Train Dominoes, also at 12:30 p.m.
Miss Carolyn cooks up fun at Ostrander
Wallkill Public Library children's coordinator Carolyn Thorenz is becoming a familiar face around the halls of Ostrander Elementary. Not only does she lead WPL's Magic Tree House Book Club at the school, but now she's joining Mrs. Reese in helping students hone their math proficiency and more with a cooking group!
Once a month Carolyn visits Ostrander to help fourth and fifth graders whip up creative dishes. By measuring ingredients and portions the students are growing more comfortable with fractions and other math skills. At the same time, they're gaining confidence in themselves while being introduced to a skill they may want to pursue as they get older.
The cooking sessions also promote good nutrition, and of course give families picking up their young chefs a chance to sample some free and delicious products! The program will run through April.
EnvisionWare tracks library computer use
Those who come in to use the library's Public Access Computers should be getting a letter soon (if you haven't already) describing the library's incoming software to make Internet use more efficient.
EnvisionWare  will allow for the tracking and timing of computer usage. This will mean that when the computers are full, users will have less of a wait to get on one. Printing will also be entirely self-service - no more getting up and waiting at the circulation desk to retrieve copies. Faxing will be another perk available for those who desire the privacy and efficiency that service offers (those who would still like staff members to send faxes for them will still be able to do so).
We'll keep you updated on when EnvisionWare is arriving - stay tuned!
School district vote coming up Feb. 3
The third stage of Wallkill Central School District's capital project will be voted on Feb. 3.
The phase is part of a long-range capital improvement plan that has thus far addressed health and safety needs and energy performance issues through past projects.
The current project will be geared toward enhancing district facilities, with plans to upgrade the middle and high school auditoriums as well as the district's athletic venues. A high-tech security camera system will also be installed at all schools, and a safety film will be placed over the first-floor windows and exterior doors of all buildings.
The total cost of the project is $8,209,340, which would be replacing retiring debt and therefore would have no impact on the local share.
Feb. 3's vote will take place from noon to 9 p.m., when polls will be open at Leptondale Elementary, Plattekill Elementary, and Wallkill Senior High School.
For more information, visit the Wallkill Central School District website.
Organic Hudson Valley coming soon
Those who are trying to make it a habit to go green will have a new handy resource, soon, at the library.
Organic Hudson Valley is the latest magazine coming to the library shelves.
The lifestyle magazine features local businesses, small farms, and nonprofits with a bent toward healthy, sustainable practices and products.
If you want to stay in touch with this part of the community, keep an eye out for the library's new magazine, coming soon!
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