Your input is always important to us, so please don’t hesitate to reach out to me at director@pattersonlibrary.org or to my staff if the library can assist you with anything. We hope to see you soon at the library!

September is National Library Card Sign-Up Month. If you don’t have a library card yet, this is the month to get one. We will also be waiving the fee to replace lost or damaged cards this month. As Linus says, having a library card gives you citizenship in the land of knowledge. In addition to books, CDs, and DVDs, your library card provides access to technology, multimedia content, and programming that transforms lives and strengthens communities.

As a bonus, every adult visiting the library this month will be entered into a raffle for our Dining Around Town basket with gift cards to local restaurants.

September 26 to October 2 is Banned Book Week. This year's theme is: Books Unite Us. Censorship Divides Us. More than 273 titles were challenged or banned in 2020, with increasing demands to remove books that address racism and racial justice or those that shared the stories of Black, Indigenous, or people of color. As with previous years, LGBTQ+ content also dominated the list.

Banned books include: George by Alex Gino, Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You by Ibram X. Kendi and Jason Reynolds, All American Boys by Jason Reynolds and Brendan Kiely, Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson, To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck, The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison, and The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas.

Beginners and experienced players are welcome to join the Mahjong program every Friday at 10:30 AM. For now, will meet outdoors, while the weather permits.

Join us in our Library Park as Lynne Bernstein, a Master Gardener Volunteer from the Cornell Cooperative Extension, in collaboration with the Friends of the Great Swamp, discusses pollination. Lynne will discuss who the pollinators are, why they are essential, and what gardeners can do in their yards to encourage the pollinators and become part of the pollinator pathway.

Library Director Stephanie Harrison's monthly Book Club is back in person! Her selection for September is “Piranesi” by Susanna Clarke. Ms. Clarke introduces an astonishing new world, an infinite labyrinth, full of startling images and surreal beauty, haunted by tides and the clouds described by one critic as a gripping mystery and a brilliant new fantasy world. If you are interested in joining the discussion, pick up the book at the Patterson Library and register on our website. This book club is open to new participants.

This month’s virtual Crowdcast lecture by Dr. Kaushik of the Ayurvedic and Naturopathic Clinic in Cross River is "Addictions: Recovering with Ayurveda." This discussion is part of a series of virtual lectures with Dr. Kaushik hosted by Patterson Library and other Putnam County libraries.

Our monthly movie matinees are back! We're kicking it off with a screening of "The Biggest Little Farm," a wonderful documentary about the eight years of daunting work it took to develop a sustainable farm on 200 acres outside of Los Angeles. Stay after the movie to discuss it if you like, and join us next week on 9/22 for a conversation on sustainable farming.

Are you an artist or an art lover? This event is for both! Artists (age 16+) in all mediums should register to participate. Art enthusiasts are welcome to stop by and peek over their shoulders as they create original works in our Library Park. Works created on this site will be eligible for submission to the FrOGS' "Celebration of the Great Swamp" exhibit on October 23-24. See frogs-ny.org for details regarding submissions to this juried show.

Join us as we welcome Trixie Wessel of Glynwood Center for Regional Food & Farming in Cold Spring for a fascinating discussion on regenerative farming in the Hudson Valley. This program is in conjunction with our movie showing of "The Biggest Little Farm." It is not necessary to have seen the film to participate.

Are you running out of ideas for healthy snacks and meals for your family? Nutritionist Allison Stowell will discuss healthy nutrition for children in this presentation. She will share tips for encouraging healthy eating habits and give you great ideas for easy and tasty snacks and family-friendly meals.

Storytime will be extended for children registered for the Playdough program so moms can attend. This program is also open to those who do not have children in the storytime, although childcare will only be provided for children registered for the storytime.

Is Medicare looming in your future but you don't know where to start or what would be best for you? Already in a plan but uncertain if it is the right fit? Maggie Flynn of Advocate Health Advisors will help you decipher Medicare eligibility and the many options involved in enrolling and choosing a plan. 

Creamsickle had a blast traveling around Patterson this summer! Since they've come home to Patterson Library, Creamsickle has buckled down and started studying for school with their brand new library card! Come visit us and read with Creamsickle!

Drop Everything & Read Book Club

Drop everything and read! We'll read great books, play games, and win prizes in this monthly book club! For Grades 5 & 6.

Bored of making art with only paper and pencils? Not anymore! Join us as we discover more magical ways of making art. We will make our own paint, create "invisible" art, and even paint with tape! For children in grades K - 2.

Games with foam swords, fantasy and capture the flag are all part of the fun in this live-action role playing experience your kids will never forget! For children ages 8 - 13.

In this class, you can play with your food! Join author Margaret E. Westin as she shows your child how to make fun, tasty and delicious food art. For children ages 3 - 5.

Make sure you fill out the questionnaire two days before the event to ensure your registration.

Try and find a Halloween surprise! You'll be searching over the library grounds for tons of spooky prizes! Costume contest will follow the hunt, so make sure you dress your best! This program is subject to weather conditions.

Teen Leadership Council is a program for teens run by teens. Earn community service hours, plan programs for your peers and mentor younger kids in children’s programs. You will go out into the community and volunteer with your adult advisor helping you along the way. Let your voice be heard, join today! Breakfast will be served at all meetings. *Contact Miss Jenn for more details. For grades 7 and up.