The case for video games 
Studies show playing in moderation has its benefits 
Minecraft fans are held spellbound by the game, which is used in some classrooms as a means of developing problem-solving skills, among other things.
If you've been wondering why many libraries are now including video gaming among their repertoire of activities these days, it's not because we've given up.
Included in Wallkill's SRP this year were such programs as the Minecraft Challenge and the 3DS StreetPass Club, and though these were popular offerings, some parents may have been wondering what gives.
And while the library will always endorse a good book over just about any other leisure activity out there (peril of the job), gone are the days when video gaming is frowned upon as an IQ-robbing, social skills-stealing, eyesight-damaging danger to society.
In fact, there are now many studies that cite gaming benefits that include enhanced task performance and learning capabilities, improved motor skills, sharpened problem-solving abilities, and even improved eyesight.
This doesn't mean that your 10-year-old should pass up his math homework for a marathon session of The Evil Within, but it does seem to indicate that gaming - in moderation - might not be the downfall of the next generation, after all.
So game up! But be sure to take exercise and study breaks. And keep a lookout for more PS4 and 3DS programs this fall at the library!
Coming up at the Wallkill Public Library
Tuesday: Textile Tuesdays are held for Quilters' Circle members and other crafters between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. in the community room of Town Hall.
Wednesday: The Quilters' Circle holds their monthly meeting at 6:30 p.m. in the community room of Town Hall.
Thursday: The Knit and Crochet Club meets at 6:30 p.m.
Sunday: Plein Air Painting is offered by the Wallkill River School at Popp's Pavilion between 9 a.m.and 2 p.m. Artist Steve Blumenthal will demonstrate how to create realistic water reflections.
Two mystery quilt blocks revealed 
The Quilters' Circle will hold their monthly meeting Wednesday at 6:30 p.m., at which point they'll release not one, but two mystery quilt blocks!
The mystery quilt block is an ongoing program wherein a 12X12 square is revealed each month. Every time a new block is introduced, participants receive tutorials on how to replicate it.
The material required for the August square is eight pieces of 4.5-inch squares for a background and five pieces of 4.5-inch squares, with thread to match.
September's square requires:
  • Color 1: one 3.5X 7-inch strip and one 2X4-inch strip
  • Colors 2-4: same measurements as Color 1 strips
  • Color 5 (the background): one 3.5X28-inch strip in a light, solid color (that goes with the other colors). Thread to match
  • Note: This can still be done if you're only using three or four colors in your mystery quilt - you'll just get a different look
Sewing machines will be needed for both of this month's projects. If you want to attend Wednesday's meeting and need a machine, contact Carolyn at the library (895-3707) and she'll make sure one is set up in the Town Hall community room, where the meeting is held.
OverDrive offers newest digital releases
Don't waste money buying eBooks for your tablet or reader - download them for free from OverDrive!
The library's supplier of digital material offers summer blockbusters like Dietland, In the Unlikely Event, Seveneves, and more, all at no cost to the user!
What's more, Wallkill Public Library participates in the Advantage program, which allows us to add additional copies of popular titles exclusively for our patrons. That means when you log in to your OverDrive account, you'll have access to extra titles purchased especially for you!
OverDrive also offers thousands of free public domain titles that never expire and don't count against your checkout limit.
To find out more, check out OverDrive's collection today!
Check out new zines by our own teens! 
This summer's Zines for Teens program, headed up by Emma Caster-Dudzick, spawned some great material, now available for checkout!
Zines (pronounced "zeens," as in "magazines") are self-published booklets or magazines, typically produced by one person or a few individuals. It was Emma's idea to build a program around creating some, exploring collage, writing, design, and editing in the process. The results are now available in the Young Adult section of the fiction room! Pick a few copies up and enjoy them, and then try your hand at creating your own. Check out sites like this one for some more inspiration!
Trustee petitions available next week
The library's board of trustees has two five-year terms up for election Sept. 29.
If you're a Shawangunk resident who lives within the Wallkill Central School District, you can pick up a petition to run starting Monday. The petition needs to be signed by 50 qualified voters and handed back in to the library by 5 p.m. Sept. 16.
The library's budget vote and trustee election will take place from noon to 8 p.m. Sept. 29 at the library.
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