One less thing to worry about...
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As of this writing, schools statewide are scheduled to be closed until May 15. Using that as a guideline, in combination with the current shutdown of all non-essential businesses and the fluidity of the situation, the library has not set an official date to reopen, as of yet.
For those who borrowed items before we closed, rest assured that you can return them when we open without accruing any fines. We are waiving all current fines and will continue to do so for the first three months after we reopen.
We wish we had more definitive information to offer you regarding our reopening, but at this point everything is still up in the air. Together with our library system we’re regularly evaluating the possibility of setting reopening dates in addition to precautions that will be taken once we do open to ensure the health and safety of both our users and staff.
We miss you all more than you know and look forward to seeing you again! In the meantime, lay low and stay well!
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Let our online resources help you!
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Those affected by the economic downturn sparked by COVID-19 have help at their fingertips - right on the Wallkill Public Library’s website!
JobNow
not only allows users to search its extensive database for job openings across the country, the site also offers resume help, interview tips, career coaching, and more! The site’s Adult Learning Center provides assistance with high school equivalency preparation, writing skills, Microsoft Office, and other essential proficiencies that will come in handy while you look for new work, as well as once you get it.
Access to
JobNow
is available on Wallkill Public Library’s homepage.
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For our younger users busy homeschooling,
Explora
is a valuable resource found on the library’s
Reference and Research
page. Scroll down to the "Educational tools" section and click on the links. Tons of information on topics such as current events, arts and literature, history, social science, and more can be accessed by students looking to write papers, create presentations, or just enhance their own knowledge. Teachers, too, can access valuable websites and information via the
For Educators
link.
So remember – just because you can’t borrow a print book at the moment, your library card can still be your key to knowledge!
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Catch up with some of the library staff as we shelter at home and keep the library running remotely...
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I've been spending my time doing teleconferencing meetings (
that's me on the bottom right with the WPL board) and school work, when I'm not doing "work" work. I truly miss our staff, our users, and everyone else I usually see on a daily basis. That's what I look forward to the most – seeing people in person again! And also buying toilet paper.
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Miss Tara can’t wait to get back to the library, where bubbles and picture books are appreciated much more than at home.
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Christine Adams
Christine is keeping busy with felting (when not planning the potential SRP).
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Julie Moussot
Julie misses seeing everyone at the circulation desk and is always pleased to see patrons on the rail trail (at a safe distance, of course!)
This week's big library project: the Blast!
Next week's project: sewing masks for staff!
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Your stay-at-home source for eBooks and more
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Just because you would normally take out a print book instead of a digital one, don’t let that stop you from enjoying the huge selection of eBooks, audiobooks, magazines and even videos available for free with your library card!
Using OverDrive is much easier than you think – don’t be intimidated! Simply visit the library’s homepage and click the “Download eBooks, Audiobooks, & Music” button on the right. You’ll need your library card number and PIN (which is usually the last four digits of your phone number) to sign in to OverDrive, or you can apply via OverDrive’s site for an instant digital card that will give you access to the online collections.
OverDrive material can be downloaded on Androids, Apple devices, laptops, desktops, Kindles and other eReaders, and more. If you’re unsure of what to do, there are step-by-step directions available through OverDrive’s Help page. You can also download the Libby app, which is another super easy way of accessing the OverDrive collections.
Now more than ever, we can all use some escapism, and on OverDrive you’ll find thousands of titles to transport you out of your house and into a magical place where toilet paper is abundant and people are able to socialize without going to the food store. Enjoy!
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J.K. Rowling and our friends at Audible, Bloomsbury, OverDrive, Pottermore Publishing, and Scholastic are delighted to introduce
Harry Potter At Home
to help children, parents, caregivers, and teachers add a touch of Harry Potter magic to our new daily lives.
At
WizardingWorld.com
, creators have built a dedicated space for Harry Potter fans that will be updated frequently. This special Harry
Potter At Home
hub is where you’ll find all the latest things to keep you occupied – from special activity kits to nifty magical craft videos, fun articles, quizzes, puzzles and more.
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Looking for more Harry Potter fun? Try this FREE virtual
Harry Potter Escape Room
created by Sydney Krawiec, a youth services librarian at Peters Township Public Library in Pennsylvania.
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Miss Tara’s Little Explorers STEM and Sensory group might recall this book (and the corresponding activities) from last spring.
I Face the Wind
by Vicki Cobb asks young readers to think like scientists, and leads them through experiments and observations about wind. These activities are perfect for children of all ages and only require a few household items. Click on the link to view and listen to the book.
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Looking for more stories to get through those windy afternoons? Check out some of Miss Tara’s picks for this week:
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A Shark in the Park
–
read aloud by the author,
Nick Sharratt
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Save your paper towel/ toilet paper tubes and make your own (pretend) telescope. Here’s how:
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Kite Day
–
read by the author and illustrator, Will Hillenbrand
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After listening to these stories, watch this tutorial to make your own paper bag kite. *Any paper bag will do, it does not have to be a lunch bag.
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Stuck
–
read by the author,
Oliver Jeffers
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Jelly Bean STEM
Scoop up those leftover jellybeans and start building! This simple engineering activity is perfect for all ages and requires very little prep work.
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Click the button below to access free COVID-19 outbreak resources. These resources are updated regularly so check back often.
Resources for children, teens, and adults are included. Take time to explore the many links to entertainment, education, fitness, technology, and creative sites.
The Free Digital Resources guide now has a mental health and coping tab. These are difficult times. Please reach out for help if you need it.
Please remember that this guide
does not include every available resource, as that would be an overwhelming amount of information.
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The Thrall Library in Middletown has done an AMAZING job pulling together Coronavirus Resources. Please be sure to scroll down section on
Critical Thinking, Scam Awareness, & Fact-Checking
– just because you read something on Facebook doesn't mean it is true!
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Virtual online tours of the week
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Visit the aquarium without leaving home. Watch live feeds of sharks, penguins, jellyfish and more!
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The Smithsonian:
National Museum of Natural History
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The Smithsonian virtual experiences are self-guided, room-by-room tours of permanent, current, and past exhibits. Make sure to visit the second floor Bone Hall, and check out all different kinds of skeletons.
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Some Good News with John Krasinski
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John Krasinski's recently launched YouTube show is inspiring people to send in uplifting true stories during the coronavirus pandemic using #SomeGoodNews.
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Read Together, Be Together
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Parents Magazine' s literacy initiative,
Read Together, Be Together
, presents daily virtual with bestselling and award-winning authors and illustrators, and celebrity readers.
Penguin Kids
– Live picture book reading and kid challenge, Weekdays, 11:00 am
where: @PenguinKids on Instagram
Read Together, Be Together
– Favorite authors & celebrities doing live picture book readings, Weekdays, 3:00 pm, check out the schedule weekly for readers
Brightly Storytime
– Live picture book readings, daily at 2:00 pm, where: Brightly Storytime on YouTube
#SaveWithStories
– Live picture book readings from celebrities, including Jennifer Garner, daily, where: @SaveWithStories on Instagram
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For all those missing the weekly mahjongg games at the library, there are online resources available, (and not just the match-the-tiles variety). There are lots of options but
MyJongg.net was recommended by a regular player. It's just the thing to occupy your time in this era of social distancing and restaurant closings. You can play for 8 games a day for free. Or you can subscribe and pay $39.99 for a year of unlimited play.
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Just because you have to stay home, doesn’t mean you can’t experience the world. KAYAK has created virtual city guides and travel content to celebrate the international cities we love. Spend a day in these incredible destinations without leaving the house. Visit Amsterdam, London, Mexico City, Paris, Rio de Janeiro, and Sydney all from the comfort of your couch!
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Take the 2020 Census online
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Ten minutes for the next ten years
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The census provides critical data that lawmakers, business owners, teachers, and many others use to provide daily services, products, and support for you and your community. Every year, billions of dollars in federal funding go to hospitals, fire departments, schools, roads, and other resources
based on census data.
The results of the census also determine the number of seats each state will have in the U.S. House of Representatives, and they are used to draw congressional and state legislative districts.
The short amount of time that it takes to fill out your 2020 US Census now will determine how resources that benefit your area are allocated in the next decade.
Be counted!
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Are you curious about how many people in your community are responding to the 2020 Census? Stay up to date with a map of self-response rates from across the United States.
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HISTORY This Week (presented by A&E)
This week, something momentous happened. Whether or not it made the textbooks, it most certainly made history. Join
HISTORY This Week
as we turn back the clock to meet the people, visit the places and witness the moments that led us to where we are today.
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In every episode, host LeVar Burton (
Roots, Reading Rainbow, Star Trek
) invites you to take a break from your daily life, and dive into a great story.
This week LeVar is reading
The Foster Portfolio
by Kurt Vonnegut
http://www.levarburtonpodcast.com/
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Use Novelist to find your next great read
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Use
Novelist to look up plot summaries, find "read-alikes", other titles by the same author, and check the library's digital catalog to check out or put an ebook on hold for yourself!
Novelist is always available on the library website home page. Have your library card and PIN handy to sign in to find your next great read!
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