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view flyer → Middletown Thrall Library's Youth Services Dept.
invites you to get your free
solar viewing glasses for the 2024...

Total Solar Eclipse



What is a Total Solar Eclipse? A Total Solar Eclipse happens when the moon fully obscures the sun as it passes in front of the sun, temporarily blocking the sun. During a solar eclipse, the moon casts its shadow on part of the earth. The next total eclipse will take place on April 8, 2024. With the proper solar glasses, you can watch that happen at home or wherever you are that day during the eclipse!

Thanks to the generous donation of solar-viewing glasses from Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation and the Space Science Institute, our library is a distribution hub for FREE Solar-Viewing Glasses!

Starting on Monday, March 25, 2024, during library hours, members of our community can come in for their free solar-viewing glasses!

Glasses will be distributed at the our first floor adult Reference Desk and in our 2nd floor Children's Department for parents and children.

Questions? Solar-viewing glasses are available while supplies last.

Please note: you must read all user instructions that come with the solar-viewing glasses before attempting to use them.

Learn more about eclipses and viewing safety at NASA's website: science.nasa.gov/eclipses


Summer 2024 Youth Employment Program



Applications are now available for the 2024 Summer Youth Employment Program!

Youth Application for Orange County, NY, and the Frequently Asked Questions are included using this link to the website where the youth application for the 2024 season may be found.

Youths between 14 and 20 years old receiving Public Assistance, Food Stamps, Medicaid, HEAP, and/or SSI/D are encouraged to apply.

If you are interested in paper Summer Youth application you can pick up an application up at the Middletown Thrall Library Reference Desk during library hours.


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How to Care for a Cat or a Dog

March 27, 2024, 11 am - 12 noon

in our 2nd floor Community Room

Middletown Humane Society will share their Do's and Dont's on how to care for your pet. Learn how to adopt a cat or dog, and learn how you can get involved! Best of all come meet a four-legged friend!

This event is free and for all ages!

Registration required. You can register in-person in our Children's Dept. or call 1-845-341-5470.

To learn more about Middletown Human Society, please visit www.middletownhumanesociety.com.


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Peeps!

March 26, 2024, 1:30 pm - 3:00 pm

in our 2nd floor Community Room

Fiber Artist Christine Adams will host a free PEEPS Needle Felt Workshop!

What is Needle Felting?

Needle Felting is an art form using needles and wool fibers to create 3D objects.

For ages 10 through 14.

Registration is required.

You can register in-person or call (845) 341-5470.


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Meet & Read to Addy!
a Certified Therapy Dog

* Starting, Monday, Feb. 12, 2024, 2 - 4 PM

in our 2nd floor Story Time Room

* Dates: We invite you to meet and read to Addy, a five-year-old certified therapy dog who loves stories!

Kids have to practice to become good readers, and this is a great way to sharpen your child's reading skills by letting them read to Addy!

Registration is required and begins on Monday, February 12th.

Questions? Please call Youth Services at 1-845-341-5470.


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Homework Help!

2023-2024 Program at Middletown Thrall Library

Homework Help will be available on... Tuesdays & Thursdays, 4 pm - 7 pm for students in grades 1 through 6 starting Tuesday, Sept. 19, 2023.

This program operates on a first-come-first-serve basis. Each student is entitled to a one-hour session.

There will be NO Homework Help when either the Middletown School District or the Pine Bush School District is CLOSED, or when after-school activities are canceled.

Homework Help will conclude on June 6, 2024.


Parents, here's what you need to know:
  1. Homework help is available on Tuesdays and Thursdays for grades 1 through 6 starting on Tuesday, September 19, 2023.
  2. Each homework help session will be one hour long.
  3. The program will operate on a first-come first-serve basis.
  4. Homework Help sessions will be conducted in the Story Time Room with up to three students per table.
  5. At the start of each session, students will be directed to a Homework Help instructor.
  6. Students must have their own paper, pencils, and any other supplies needed to complete their homework assignment. Due to a limited amount of time, we ask that students be able to identify what assignment they need help with.
  7. There is NO Homework Help; when either the Middletown School District or Pine Bush School District is CLOSED or when after-school activities are canceled.
  8. Homework Help will conclude on June 6, 2024.
  9. Parents must stay in the building during your child's homework help session.
  10. Masks are not required, but they are recommended.
Questions? Please call 1-845-341-5470.






Past Events & Posts





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Meet "Bubbles" the Blue Elephant

for a very special story time!

Tuesday, February 20, 2024

10:30 am in our 2nd floor Community Room

Middletown Thrall Library invites you to Happyville to meet our special story guest "Bubbles" the Blue Elephant!

Please join us as we share humorous stories focusing on Print Awareness, Phonological Awareness, and Letter Knowledge.

Here's what you need to know...
For more about The Learning Experience, Academy of Early Education please visit www.thelearningexperience.com

Questions? Please call Youth Services at 1-845-341-5470.


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African American History Month
Trivia and Wall of Art

How much do you know about African American History?

!!!PRIZES!!! Youth Services will raffle off Special Prizes on

February 20th for weeks 1 & 2
and on March 5th for weeks 3 & 4

Weeks #1 and #2

"African American Olympic Gold Medalists"
Complete an Olympic Gold Medalist Trivia sheet from February 7th through February 18th and be entered in a special raffle to win a prize. Drawing will be held on Tuesday February 20th.

Weeks #3 and #4

"African American Inventors"
Complete an African American Inventors Trivia sheet from February 21st through March 4th and be entered in a special raffle to win a prize.

Drawing will be held on Tuesday March 5th.


Here's what you need to know...

1. All submissions must include your name, telephone number and email address. All winners will be notified via telephone or email.
2. Answers must be legible. Open to ages 8 through 17 (grades 3-12).
3. This is a research activity for your child to utilize the library’s print and non-print resources.
4. Children ages 5 and up can draw or color a picture of people, places, or situations that represent positive and uplifting aspects of African American culture. Submissions should be no larger than 8.5 x 11 inches.

The Children's Room will also have coloring sheets and crayons available.

All art work will be placed on our African American History Month Wall of Art in the Children’s Department.

For Questions and Registration Please Call (845) 341-5470


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Valentine Bumble Bee Bear


Nothing says "love" more than a plush Valentine Bumble Bee Teddy Bear!
Celebrate Valentine's Day with a Take-N-Make! Each Valentine Bumble Bee Teddy Bear comes unstuffed with its own kit, which includes a stuffing packet, a "wish star" to insert into the bear, as well as a birth certificate and a buddy bag!
Pick-up Dates (during library hours): About this Craft: Questions? Please call Youth Services at 1-845-341-5470.


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A Special Story Time with

Four Local Authors!

Sept. 16, 2023, 10:30 - 11:30 am

in our Story Time Room at Thrall

Four local children's authors will read from their books to you!

Please join us for a meet and greet with… Authors will have copies of their books available for purchase.

Here's what you need to know...
  1. Registration is required.
  2. This is a family event. Parent(s) accompany children 12 or younger.
  3. There will be light refreshment for participants.
Questions? Please call 1-845-341-5470.


Homework Help Update


Homework Help for January 9, 2024, has been cancelled due to weather.


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Pirate School: Sea Dreams!

Presented by Performer and Entertainer David Engel

Wednesday, July 26, 2023, 4 PM

in our 2nd floor Community Room


Join the briny buccaneers of yore! Led by the bumbling pirate professor, Billy Bones. Pirate School: Sea Dreams! is fast paced, interactive and engaging! This is a show you don't want to miss!

Door Open at: 3:50 pm. Show Time: 4:00 pm (45 to 60 minutes)

This is a family event! Registration starts on Monday, July 10th.

About the Performer: "David respects the instincts of his audiences and intuitively connects with kids in fundamental ways. Because children crave to be part of the action, all of Mr. Engel's shows harken back to outdoor play (remember that?) and feature immersive full-audience active participation. Parents and educators especially appreciate the wholesome, inclusive, nonviolent content and pro-social messaging subtly woven throughout his shows. Mr. Engel is an actor with years of stage and screen experience, which brings an added depth to his clown work. He has performed major Shakespearean roles (Hamlet, Macbeth, Titus Andronicus, etc.) and has appeared in commercials, film and television. For thirteen years David worked as a clown doctor bringing stress-reducing humor to pediatric hospitals with the Big Apple Circus' world-renowned in-hospital Clown Care Program. David continues to offer outreach at pediatric hospitals and sensory sensitive shows. Also noteworthy is his work as a Human Statue, performing at corporate & private events and international festivals. His work has won various professional awards and been featured in New York Magazine's BEST OF NY: KIDS." Website: www.DavidEngelShows.com

Questions? Please call 1-845-341-5470.
Questions?
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Build a Light-Up Windmill

Presented by Kathy Ceceri

July 18, 2023, 4 - 5 PM

in the 2nd floor Community Room

Learn how renewable energy works by building a real light-up wind turbine from everyday materials!

Try out your own design ideas to see if you can get your windmill to produce more electricity!

Registration required. For more information and to register, please call 1-845-341-5470.

About the Presenter: Kathy Ceceri is an award-winning writer, educator, and Maker, with a focus on science, technology, history, and art. The author of over a dozen books for kids featuring hands-on STEAM activities, Kathy Ceceri has taught enrichment workshops at schools, museums, libraries, and afterschool programs for more than 15 years, both in person and online. She frequently works with educators and parents looking for ways to make learning more engaging and fun.

Questions? Please call 1-845-341-5470.
Questions?
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All Together Now

Teen Summer Reading Program

Youth Services will offer teens free cooking classes, and AIM (Adult Identity Mentoring) workshops.

AIM teaches life-planning skills, such as looking ahead to the future!

We'll have special guest speakers and more!

Open to teens (13 to 18 years old).

AIM sessions will be held on Mondays and Wednesdays starting Wednesday, July 5, 2023.

A few more details... Questions? Please call 1-845-341-5470.



Project AIM Workshops @ Thrall

There are 12, 50 minutes sessions each week.

Participants will meet twice a week starting on
Wednesday, July 5, 2023, 6 pm - 6:50 pm This program is provided by MiSN, CAPP Youth Services and is FREE and available to students entering grades 7 through 12.

Sessions will be held at Middletown Thrall Library.

Students are strongly encouraged to attend ALL sessions. Participants who attend all sessions will graduate and be invited to attend the graduation ceremony.

AIM Office: (845) 561-3575 x 110
1-800-453-4666
333 Broadway
Newburgh, NY 12550



Teen Thursdays @ Thrall

Ages 13 - 18 Questions? Please call 1-845-341-5470.
Questions?
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Beat the Summer Slide!

Our 2023 Children's Summer Reading Program

Do you know what the Summer Slide is? No, it's not the newest dance craze.

The Summer Slide is when children, tweens, and teens are not actively engaged in reading and math activities during the summer.

Studies have shown students can lose significant knowledge in that time!

Join the 2023 "All Together Now" Summer Reading Program @ Middletown Thrall Library, and let's beat the Summer Slide!

The Summer Reading Program @ Middletown Thrall Library is a place where your child can become engaged in reading books of interest, be a part of creative learning activities, and have fun at the library!

We are offering two Summer Reading programs:
  1. Children/Tween Programs (ages 1 through 12 years old)
  2. Teen Program (ages 13 through 17 years old)
Summer Reading Registration begins Tuesday, June 20, 2023.

Our Summer Reading Program begins Wednesday, July 5, 2023 and concludes Friday, August 4, 2023.

Completion Party (Ice Cream Sundae Party!) Friday, August 11, 2023

Questions? Please call 1-845-341-5470.
Questions?
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Celebrate Father's Day

with a Take & Make Craft!

For all the special dads, granddads, or that special person in your life: make them a gift they will remember!

Registration required.

Registration starts Monday, June 5, 2023.

Pick up dates are... ...all during library hours.

Take & Make crafts are available while supplies last.

Questions? Please call 1-845-341-5470.
Questions?
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Celebrate Mother's Day

(dates below)

in the Story Time Room at Thrall

Celebrate Mother's Day with a unique "Take and Make" craft for that special person in your life!

For ages 3 – 12. Registration required.

These will be age-appropriate crafts.


Craft pick-up dates (during library hours): Registration begins April 24, 2023.

Questions? Please call 1-845-341-5470.
Questions?
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Craft Extravaganza!

April 3, 2023, 11 am - 1 pm

in the Story Time Room at Thrall

Crafts Galore! Enjoy paper crafts, jewelry making, and much more!

Who's invited? Ages 3 through 12.

No registration required.

Questions? Call 1-845-341-5470.
Questions?
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Puss in Boots: The Last Wish

Join us for popcorn and a FREE movie!

April 5, 2023, 1 PM

in our 2nd Floor Community Room

"Puss in Boots: The Last Wish takes place after Shrek Forever After, when the character Puss in Boots (voiced by Antonio Banderas) is accidentally killed by a bell and discovers he is down to his ninth, and final, life."

This is a FAMILY EVENT open to all parents/guardians and children!

Movie time: 100 min. Registration REQUIRED.

Questions? Call 1-845-341-5470.
Questions?
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Owl Craft

April 4, 2023, 1 pm sharp - 2:30 pm

in our 2nd floor Community Room

WHO? YOU! Tweens + Teens: Join us and design your own Needle Felted Owl!

What's needle felting?

It's a cool creative process of transforming wool into 3D objects with a barbed needle!

Here's what you need to know...
  1. This is for ages 12 through 17
  2. Registration required.
  3. You'll need a Thrall Library card.
Questions? Please call 1-845-341-5470.
Questions?
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Easter Egg

~Wet Felting Craft~

April 4, 2023, 10 am sharp - 11:30 am

in our 2nd floor Community Room Kids + Tweens: Join us and design your very own Wet Felted Easter Egg!

What's wet felting, you ask?

It's when you rub wool fibers together with mild soap and warm water. We'll use this fun creative technique to create our Easter Eggs!

Here's what you need to know...
  1. This event is for ages 6 through 11
  2. Registration is required
  3. You must have a Thrall Library card.
Questions? Please call 1-845-341-5470.
Questions?
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Springtime Story Time Adventures

Wednesdays, 10:30 am - 11 am

in our 2nd floor Story Time Room

Spring Story Time Adventures focus on literacy: phonological awareness, letter knowledge, print awareness, and the skills needed to help your child become a successful reader!


Event Dates (Wednesdays): Questions? Please call 1-845-341-5470.
Questions?
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Celebrate St.Patrick's Day

with Stories + Crafts

March 17, 2023, 10:30 am

in our 2nd floor Children's Dept. Celebrate St.Patrick's Day with stories, and create your own magical Shamrock Wand!

Stories will focus on the skills needed to help your child become a successful reader-and to have fun!

For ages 2.5 years - 6 years old

Registration required.

Register in person or call us at 1-845-341-5470.

Registration begins on Monday, March 6th.

Questions? Please visit our Children's Dept., or call us at 1-845-341-5470.
Questions?
view flyer → Middletown Thrall Library's Youth Services Department honors and celebrates

African American History & Culture
Book Challenge



Our Youth Services Department is turning the spotlight on the 2023 African American History & Culture Book Challenge. Here's what you need to know:
  1. We encourage you to borrow books and magazines from Middletown Thrall Library or if you have books at home or school about African Americans, African American history or culture you can use what you have. The goal of this activity is to challenge yourself to learn about the African American Experience and win the challenge!
  2. You must log what you read with the following: Name of the book, author, and brief summary of what you read and what YOU learned from reading this book and/or magazine article(s). Handwritten reading logs must be legible. Each book or magazine entry must be numbered Reading logs can also be typewritten (Google docs, Word, etc.). Include your name, and school.
  3. This event is for ages 6 through 18. No registration is required.
  4. ALL reading logs must be submitted by Wednesday March 1, 2023. Winner will be announced on Friday March 3.
  5. Winner will receive bragging rights and a $20.00 Barnes and Noble gift card.
Questions? Please visit our Children's Dept., or call us at 1-845-341-5470.
Questions?
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A Groundhog Day Raffle


I see a little Groundhog, furry and brown
He's popping up to look around,
If he sees his shadow, down he'll go.
Six more weeks of winter - oh, no!

Complete a raffle ticket to win a furry cuddly, plush, Do-It-Yourself Groundhog!

Each Groundhog comes with its own carrying bag, stuffing to fill the Groundhog, a star heart, and a birth certificate!

Here is what you need to know: Questions? Please visit our Children's Dept., or call us at 1-845-341-5470.
Questions?
view flyer → Middletown Thrall Library's Children's Department invites you to our 2023 Valentine's Day

Celebration of Love
& Laughter for Kids

Tuesday, February 14, 2023, 10:30 am - 11 am

in our 2nd floor Story Time Room

Come be a part of a very special day with stories of love and laughter!

Registered participants will make a craft for someone special!

For ages 3 through 5.

Registration is required and begins on Monday, January 30th.

Please call 1-845-341-5470 to register.
Questions?
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Operation Warm UPDATE

January 2023

On Saturday, November 19, 2022, IATSE (International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees) partnered with Middletown Thrall Library Youth Services Department for OPERATION WARM.

OPERATION WARM was a huge success!

Many families received NEW coats, NEW hats, and a gift certificate for the Middletown Thrall library Used Bookstore for their children, ALL FOR FREE!

If you were not able to register for OPERATION WARM on November 19, 2022, now is the time to get a FREE coat for your child/children.

Here is what you need to know: The NEW coats and Gift certificates are provided through the generosity of IATSE (International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees).

Thanks to the community of knitters & crocheters who worked hard to knit and crochet hats for registered participants.
Questions?



















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