WPL gets worldwide recognition through PPS!  
Last year's Weekend of Wallkill offered a series of events that included an art show, plein-air painting, the Harvest Fair, and more.
Despite plunging support and funding, public libraries remain a focal point of most communities, serving as gathering spaces for seniors, kids and teens, new moms and their little ones, and many others. They're homework help centers, resume and job-hunting headquarters, early education facilities, crafting workshops, and a whole lot more, thanks to the resourcefulness of their directors and staff who make the most of sometimes shoestring budgets.
Last year, the Wallkill Public Library, along with the Vision of Wallkill community improvement group, demonstrated what some of that "whole lot more" could encompass, and their efforts paid off.
The Project for Public Places, a placemaking nonprofit known throughout the world, recently featured the library and VOW as examples of what can happen when event organizers incorporate the Lighter, Quicker, Cheaper method of placemaking.
PPS' newsletter described the Weekend of Wallkill that resulted from the VOW workshops, and the partnership between the library and community improvement group that yielded such positive results.
Wallkill was just one of only two libraries from around the world recognized by PPS as making a difference in the community. With the Summer Reading Program as well as VOW concerts and events right around the corner, it's hoped this will be another fruitful year of making the hamlet a better place to live, work, and visit!
Coming up at the Wallkill Public Library
Now available at the circulation desk: voter registration forms! Those who need to register, or would like to change their political party, name, or address, can pick one up at their convenience!

Tuesday: Textile Tuesdays and the Quilters' Circle meet between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. in the community room of Town Hall. Sewing machines are available for those who need them. The Teen Creative Writing and Book Club will meet at 3:30 p.m. to discuss Anya's Ghost, by Vera Brosgol.
Wednesday: Toddler Story Time is offered at 10 a.m. and again at 11:15 a.m. The Vision of Wallkill community improvement group will meet at 6:30 p.m. in the community room of Town Hall.
Thursday: The Knit and Crochet Club meets at 6:30 p.m.
Saturday: Textile Saturday takes place in the community room of Town Hall - see below for details.

- Please note that the library will be closed on Memorial Day. Please stop in and check out our display in honor of the holiday throughout the month of May.
Textile event features something for all
Attention, handcrafters!  Wallkill Public Library's Textile Saturday is your chance to learn more about your favorite hobby, try some new techniques, and mingle with fellow textile enthusiasts!
Quilters, knitters, jewelry makers, scrapbookers, and every type of artisan in between are invited to the May 16 event in the community room of Town Hall. From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., participants will enjoy yarn, fabric, and paper demonstrations throughout the day; try their hand at paper-pieced quilting; gain some insight with a Show and Tell; and learn all about the Mystery Quilt Block Challenge!
Attendees can come and go as they please. Bring your favorite project and glean some tips from those who share your love of handmade arts.
If you enjoy sewing or quilting, or would like to learn how to do either or both, you might be interested in participating in the Mystery Quilt Block Challenge that will kick off during Saturday's event. Each month, a new block will be revealed and participants will receive instructions and a tutorial on how to replicate it. Once all the blocks are complete, a 36-inch square sampler will be created. The first mystery block will be revealed Saturday.
If you can't make Saturday's event but are interested in joining up with a textile group on a regular basis, the Knit and Crochet Club meets at 6:30 p.m. every Thursday at the library, and the Quilters' Circle's next meeting is at 6:30 p.m. May 20 in the community room.
Contact Carolyn Thorenz to participate in Textile Saturday or with other questions - cthorenz@rcls.org or 895-3707.
Patron evades fines with poem
In honor of National Poetry Month, patrons were able to get their library fines waived between April 27 and May 2 by composing poems of their own.
One standout among the crowd of impromptu poets was Sean Butler, 16, who not only rid himself of a hefty fine, but authored a lovely composition now on display on our Poetry Wall:

An Ode to Unpaid Fines
It happened on a sunny day,
when, wandering down a dusty street
a library passed afore my away,
and through its doors I sought retreat.

And at its tables, read my fill
of Emerson and Hemingway
of mockingbirds that one might kill,
and magic words where faeries play.

It was, in truth, a bright escape
when sunlight burned and shadows creeped,
and I learned more inside that place
than school could ever yearn to teach.

And thus I thank thee, unpaid fines
for making me describe this scene,
and helping me remember why
a book is better than a screen

 Our thanks to Sean and all of the week's writers for their literary contributions!
High school to hold health fair
The Wallkill Senior High School will be holding their annual Health Fair from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. May 12 in the school gym.
Free information and pamphlets will be on hand, exploring topics such as women's health, pregnancy prevention, texting and seat belt safety, and more.
Students in grades 9-12 will be attending and actively participating in the fair. There will also be a "Battle of the Belts" contest for students and staff, coordinated by the Mid-Hudson Health and Safety Institute. Prizes will be awarded.
For more information, call 895-7155/7156 or 895-7153.
Library volunteer makes valedictorian!
Congratulations to Nicholas Piaquadio, Wallkill Public Library's longtime volunteer and Chess Club organizer, for his latest academic achievement!
Nicholas, a senior at Wallkill Senior High School, will be graduating as valedictorian!
Thanks to Nicholas for all his hard work at the library and our best wishes for his future endeavors!
Ambulance corps looking for drivers
Wallkill Volunteer Ambulance Corps is looking for more residents to volunteer for their organization, particularly during daytime hours. The corps' biggest need is drivers, though EMTs are always welcome, as well. Even if you can only offer one day a week or four hours out of a day, your help would be appreciated.
If the corps continues to suffer staffing shortages, they might have to contract out with a paid service, which could result in bills of $1,600 or more for those who need an ambulance.
For more information or to get an application, contact the corps at 895-2601.
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