Germantown Library

November Pet Supply Drive
2025-11-01 - 2025-11-29 | Germantown Library, 31 Palatine Park Rd, Germantown, NY, 12526, United States
All November long, the Germantown Library is partnering with the Columbia-Greene County Humane Society to collect supplies for adoptable cats and dogs. For donations during regular hours, place your items in the bins at the front desk. For donations after hours, please neatly leave bagged donations at the front door.
Help us support the Columbia-Greene County Humane Society and provide much needed supplies to the cats and dogs in need of homes and comfort, ahead of the holidays!

The CGHS & SPCA is in need of the following items
(no donation is ever too small!)

Blankets & Towels
Cat & Dog Canned Food
Cat & Dog Toys
Cat & Dog Treats
Dry Cat & Dog Food
Kongs & Nylabones
Cat Litter
Laundry Detergent
Bleach
Dish Soap
Sponges & Disposable Medical Gloves
Office Paper

Toddler Story Time + Playgroup
2025-11-19 09:30 - 11:00 (America/New_York) | Germantown Library Makerspace, 31 Palatine Park Rd, Germantown, NY, 12526, United States
Toddler Story Time + Playgroup
• Every Wednesday morning: 9:30 – 11 am
• Makerspace (enter through the lower parking lot)
Our weekly playgroup combines play, socialization, and stories in our material-rich Makerspace. We offer a new theme each week that matches stories with an activity, plus a chance to check out materials and sign-up for a library card for any adult or child in your household.
During our 90 minute story time we encourage children to engage in social activities, crafts, and play in our Makerspace and Hoover Room. We mix in a few stories throughout the hour.

Crochet Basket Workshop, with Yarn Farm Kingston
2025-12-07 11:00 - 13:00 | Germantown Library, 31 Palatine Park Rd, Germantown, NY, 12526, United States
Crochet curious? This free class, sponsored by the Germantown Library, will take you through the stitches to make a basket!

You’ll learn to crochet this project that uses 100% cotton cord. You’ll be able to choose a color from a variety of options. Cotton cord and crochet hook will be provided. Prior crochet knowledge is helpful though this project is beginner-friendly and we’ll help you step by step along the way!

Event Details

Sunday, December 7
11:00 am – 1:00 pm
at the Germantown Library
This is a free workshop

Finch Robot & TurtleArt Snowflakes!
2025-12-07 14:00 - 15:30 | Germantown Library Makerspace, 31 Palatine Park Rd, Germantown, NY, 12526, United States
Learn how to code while drawing colorful winter wonderlands with your friends using the Finch robot and TurtleArt!
This hands on and team building activity is for children in grades 3-5. Space is limited! Please RSVP to reserve a spot.

Winter Cupcake Decorating Workshop - Cancelled
2025-12-13 11:00 - 13:00 | Germantown Library, 31 Palatine Park Rd, Germantown, NY, 12526, United States
DUE TO A STAFFING ISSUE, THIS EVENT HAS BEEN CANCELLED.

Cirkus Workshop with the Bindlestiff Family Cirkus
2025-12-14 13:00 - 14:00 | Germantown Library Hover Room, 31 Palatine Park Rd, Germantown, NY, 12526, United States
Join us for an afternoon of fun as we host the Bindlestiff Family Cirkus for a complimentary workshop for all ages!
Participants will experience a hands-on introduction to circus props and skills, including juggling with balls, rings, and scarves, diabolo, flower sticks, wobble boards (balance skill, great for ages 4-6) hand-held stilts and bucket stilts, low tight-wire, rhythmic ribbons, lassos and more!
The 1-hour session includes an ice-breaker, a gentle warm-up, and guided exploration of the equipment.
Ages 4 and up are most able to comfortably use the equipment. Under age 8 should have family member, 12 or older, to accompany them. Anyone under 4 is welcome, with a parent or family member. Folks with mobility differences are welcome, as many of the skills can be performed seated.

Event Details

Sunday, December 14
1:00 – 2:00 pm
at the Germantown Library, in the Hover Room
This is a free workshop

This workshop is provided courtesy of the Columbia County Board of Supervisors and the Columbia County Youth Bureau.
For more information about the Bindlestiff Family Cirkus, please visit www.bindlestiff.org or follow at facebook.com/Bindlestiff.Cirkus and @bindlestifffamilycirkus on Instagram.

Celebrate the Solstice - Make Art With Us
2025-12-21 14:00 - 16:00 | Germantown Library, 31 Palatine Park Rd, Germantown, NY, 12526, United States
Join us in Makerspace as we celebrate the winter solstice with art!
Sunday, December 21, 2-4 PM
All ages welcome!

Storytime Playgroup, 12/24 & 12/31
2025-12-24 09:30 - 11:00 | Germantown Library Makerspace, 31 Palatine Park Rd, Germantown, NY, 12526, United States
Come one, come all! The holidays won’t slow us down!
The Germantown Library Storytime Playgroup will be meeting downstairs in the Makerspace on Wednesday, 12/24 & 12/31, 9:30-11am

Writing with the Body: A Bilingual Writing Workshop (part 1)
2026-01-03 10:30 - 12:00 | Germantown Library, 31 Palatine Park Rd, Germantown, NY, 12526, United States
An immersive writing workshop that brings the five senses back to the page. Through guided prompts, handwriting, and readings by Latin American writers and artists, we will explore writing as a tactile, sensory experience. Each session focuses on one sense—smell, sight, hearing, taste, or touch—inviting participants to deepen perception and presence in their practice.
Participants can choose to attend all five sessions or as many as they like. Each session will be different and not sequential.
Open to all levels; write in English, Spanish, or both. Materials provided.
Dates: Saturdays, January 3, 10, 17, 24 & 31 • 10:30 am–12 pm (Hover Room)
Workshop coordinator/facilitator: Mariana Graciano
This event is funded in part by Poets & Writers with public funds from the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature
____
ESCRIBIR CON EL CUERPO – Taller bilingüe de escritura
Un taller de escritura que invita a volver a los cinco sentidos en la página. A través de ejercicios guiados, escritura a mano y lecturas de escritoras y artistas latinoamericanas, exploraremos la escritura como una experiencia táctil y sensorial. Cada encuentro se centra en un sentido—olfato, vista, oído, gusto o tacto—para despertar la percepción y la presencia en el acto de escribir. Abierto a todos los niveles; se puede escribir en inglés, español o mezclarlos. Se proveen materiales.

Fechas: Sábados 3, 10, 17, 24 y 31 de enero • 10:30 am–12 pm (Hover Room)
Coordinadora/facilitadora del taller: Mariana Graciano

Este evento está financiado en parte por Poets & Writers con fondos públicos del Consejo de las Artes del Estado de Nueva York, con el apoyo de la Oficina del Gobernador y la Legislatura del Estado de Nueva York

Lego Make It & Take It
2026-01-04 14:00 - 16:00 | Germantown Library Makerspace, 31 Palatine Park Rd, Germantown, NY, 12526, United States
Join us in the Makerspace for a LEGO Make it & Take it event!
All ages are welcome to make and build a LEGO masterpiece and bring it home with them.
Sunday, January 4th, 2-4pm in the Makerspace

Toddler Storytime & Playgroup
2026-01-07 09:30 - 11:00 | Germantown Library Makerspace, 31 Palatine Park Rd, Germantown, NY, 12526, United States

Writing with the Body: A Bilingual Writing Workshop (part 2)
2026-01-10 10:30 - 12:00 | Germantown Library, 31 Palatine Park Rd, Germantown, NY, 12526, United States

Writing with the Body: A Bilingual Writing Workshop (part 3)
2026-01-17 10:30 - 12:00 | Germantown Library, 31 Palatine Park Rd, Germantown, NY, 12526, United States

Writing with the Body: A Bilingual Writing Workshop (part 4)
2026-01-24 10:30 - 12:00 | Germantown Library, 31 Palatine Park Rd, Germantown, NY, 12526, United States

Writing with the Body: A Bilingual Writing Workshop (part 5)
2026-01-31 10:30 - 12:00 | Germantown Library, 31 Palatine Park Rd, Germantown, NY, 12526, United States

Embroidery Workshop with Mara Baldwin
2026-02-10 18:30 - 20:00 | Germantown Library Makerspace, 31 Palatine Park Rd, Germantown, NY, 12526, United States
Meet resident artist Mara Baldwin and learn how to embroider initials on a handkerchief
Tuesday, February 20, 6:30-8PM in the Library Makerspace
Handkerchiefs will be provided, or you are welcome to bring your own
Space is limited, RSVP required

Raffia Basket Making
2026-02-15 14:00 - 16:00 | Germantown Library Makerspace, 31 Palatine Park Rd, Germantown, NY, 12526, United States
Want to learn how to make a raffia basket together using a DIY kit?
Lots of us rely on DIY kits and online videos to learn new skills, and we’re going to try this method in a group setting in the Library Makerspace. There may be lots of laughs along the way, but with each others help, we will make some great baskets!
Adults preferred for this learning activity
Space is limited & RSVP’s are required
Because space is so limited, if you RSVP and later determine you can’t make it, please let the library know asap so we can open your seat up to someone else

Closing Reception ~ Exhibiting Artist Mara Baldwin
2026-02-24 18:00 - 20:00 | Germantown Library, 31 Palatine Park Rd, Germantown, NY, 12526, United States
Join us for the Closing Reception for exhibiting artist Mara Baldwin
Come meet the artist and enjoy this captivating exhibit with us one more time
Tuesday, February 24, 6-8 PM, in the main library

Basic Breath & Body Movement
2026-03-10 10:00 - 11:15 | Germantown Library, 31 Palatine Park Rd, Germantown, NY, 12526, United States
Basic Breath and Body Movement with Regina
Tuesdays: 10:00 AM
Saturdays 9:00 AM
In the Hover Room, around back of the Library
Suggested $10 donation, cash or Venmo to the instructor
All levels welcome
…deep breath, deep practice…
…long breath, long spine…
Begin again with Kriya (breathing patterns) and gentle movement to increase circulation and
facilitate spinal health.
Mats and chairs are available
For additional information, call Regina Simmons
518-527-0872

Sewing Machine Basics
2026-03-12 19:00 - 20:30 | Germantown Library Makerspace, 31 Palatine Park Rd, Germantown, NY, 12526, United States
Sewing Machine Basics – Have a sewing machine that you just never use? Would you like to learn the the first steps of making your own creations? Join Mary as she takes you step by step through Sewing Machine Basics. Bring your own machine or follow along with Mary’s machine.
Bonus: We’ll start a basic neck pillow if time allows.

March Mobile Office Hours - NYS Senator Michelle Hinchey
2026-03-19 13:00 - 16:00 | Germantown Library Hover Room, 31 Palatine Park Rd, Germantown, NY, 12526, United States
March Mobile Office Hours with New York State Senator Michelle Hinchey, in partnership with Congressman Josh Riley’s office
Thursday, March 19, 1-4 PM in the Library Hover Room (entrance & parking in back of library)
Senator Michelle Hinchey’s Office is holding Mobile Office Hours throughout March to help residents one-on-one with state services and programs. The Senator’s team will be happy to assist you with any state-related question or issue, including unemployment resources; utility bill problems; home heating repair issues; STAR applications; connections to food, healthcare, and housing; and other state services.
Including direct access to additional state and federal support with Congressman Josh Riley’s Office – Help with Social Security, Medicaid, veterans’ benefits, and other federal services.
https://www.nysenate.gov/calendar/events/michelle-hinchey/march-03-2026/march-mobile-office-hours

Friends of Clermont Winter Series: Author Talk & Book Signing with Mary Mistler
2026-03-21 14:00 - 15:00 | Germantown Library Hover Room, 31 Palatine Park Rd, Germantown, NY, 12526, United States
The Germantown Library is partnering with Friends of Clermont to host their Winter Series events!
Author talk & book signing with Mary Mistler, author of Ladies of the Valley, a book that tells the story of the women who lived on and ran the estates that line the eastern shore of the Hudson River
Saturday, March 21, 2-3 PM in the Hover Room (entrance & parking around back of the library)
The event is free but space is limited. please RSVP through the Friend of Clermont website: https://www.friendsofclermont.org/event-details/winter-series25-ladies-of-the-valley

Pine Needle Baskets
2026-03-22 14:00 - 16:00 | Germantown Library Makerspace, 31 Palatine Park Rd, Germantown, NY, 12526, United States
Want to learn how to make a Longleaf Pine needle basket together?
Lots of us rely on online videos to learn new skills, and we’re going to use this method in a group setting in the Library Makerspace to make pine needle baskets. There may be lots of laughs along the way, but with each others help, we will make some great baskets!
Adults preferred for this learning activity
Space is limited & RSVP’s are required
Because space is so limited, if you RSVP and later determine you can’t make it, please let the library know asap so we can open your seat up to someone else

Visible Mending
2026-04-09 19:00 - 20:30 | Germantown Library Makerspace, 31 Palatine Park Rd, Germantown, NY, 12526, United States
Visible Mending
Have a pair of jeans that need attention? Something you wear has a tear? Come learn about Visible Mending. Using a variety of techniques we will turn that sartorial snag into an exhilarating expression of you! Using applique, embroidery and weaving we will renew your wardrobe with wearable art. If time allows, we will also explore felting and darning for your hand knit items.

The Anxious Generation: A Community Discussion on Taking the Wait Until 8th Pledge
2026-04-11 10:30 - 12:00 | Germantown Library Hover Room, 31 Palatine Park Rd, Germantown, NY, 12526, United States
Join us at the Germantown Library on Saturday, April 11at 10:30am for a community conversation inspired by the bestselling book The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt.
We’ll begin by watching a 40-minute, informative video in which Haidt explains the research behind the rising rates of anxiety, depression, and social challenges among young people — and outlines four practical “escape routes” for families and communities:

Delay smartphones until high school
Delay social media until age 16
Advocate for phone-free schools
Encourage more independence and real-world play

Haidt wrote The Anxious Generation with a firm belief that the challenges confronting our children are solvable. But solving them requires understanding the traps we’ve fallen into — and working together to create change.
After the video, we’ll discuss the Wait Until 8th movement, which empowers parents to delay giving children a smartphone until at least the end of 8th grade. When families commit together, it reduces peer pressure and strengthens community support.
The book is also available in various formats via MHLS

Coiled Basket Making
2026-04-12 14:00 - 17:00 | Germantown Library Makerspace, 31 Palatine Park Rd, Germantown, NY, 12526, United States
We’ve woven baskets of raffia & pine needles in the Makerspace, next up is coiled baskets!
Coiled basket weaving is one of the oldest and most commonly used basketry techniques, used globally to make sturdy, functional baskets. In this class we will use cotton rope for the foundation material, wrapped, spiraled and stitched together to form baskets.
A beginner-friendly class, recommended for teens & adults.
Space is limited, RSVP to reserve your seat.
Please notify the library if you have RSVP’d but your plans change, so we can open the seat up to others.

Friends of Clermont Winter Series: Author Talk & Book Signing with Kiersten Marcil
2026-04-25 14:00 - 15:00 | Germantown Library, 31 Palatine Park Rd, Germantown, NY, 12526, United States
The Germantown Library is partnering with Friends of Clermont to host their Winter Series events!
Author talk & book signing with Kiersten Marcil, author of Witness to the Revolution, a historical fantasy saga
Saturday, April 25, 2-3 PM in the Hover Room (entrance & parking around back of the library)
The event is free but space is limited. please RSVP through the Friend of Clermont website: https://www.friendsofclermont.org/event-details/winter-seres25-witness-the-revolution

History of Theodore Robinson - Robinson Forest Honoree
2026-04-26 12:00 - 13:00 | Germantown Library Hover Room, 31 Palatine Park Rd, Germantown, NY, 12526, United States
Germantown Town Historian, Tom Shannon, presents a history of Theodore Robinson, honoree of the new Robinson Forest near the Parsonage
This event is part of the Earth Day Robinson Forest Dedication activities in the Town of Germantown
Sunday, April 26, 1-2pm in the Hover Room (entrance and parking in back of the library)
Space is limited, please RSVP to reserve a seat

EKPHRASIS: Writing from Images (week 1)
2026-05-02 10:30 - 12:00 | Mendes Wood DM Gallery, 10 Maple Ave, Germantown, 12526, United States
EKPHRASIS: Writing from Images — a bilingual generative writing workshop with Mariana Graciano. Explore ekphrasis: write in response to photographs, paintings, sculptures, collages, and personal objects. Inspired by Frida Kahlo, Emma Reyes, María Luisa Puga.
Saturdays in May — May 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, 10:30 AM–12 PM.
Mendes Wood DM: 10 Church Ave, Germantown, NY.
Free • Write in English, Spanish, or both.
Bring an image — leave with a story. Participants will receive an anthology of texts and images by Latin American women authors.
Sponsored by Poets & Writers and the Germantown Library. Hosted at Mendes Wood DM.
#Ekphrasis #WritingWorkshop #LatinxArtists #BilingualWorkshop

ÉCFRASIS: Escribir desde la imagen — taller bilingüe de escritura generativa con Mariana Graciano. Explora la escritura a partir de fotos, pinturas, esculturas, collages y objetos personales.
Inspirado en Frida Kahlo, Emma Reyes y María Luisa Puga.
Sábados de mayo — 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 de mayo, 10:30 AM–12 PM.
Mendes Wood DM: 10 Church Ave, Germantown, NY.
Gratis • Escribe en español, inglés o ambos. Trae una imagen — vete con una historia.
Patrocinado por Poets & Writers y Germantown Library. Taller presencial en Mendes Wood DM. #Ekfrasis #TallerDeEscritura #ArtistasLatinx #TallerBilingüe

EKPHRASIS: Writing from Images (Week 2)
2026-05-09 10:30 - 12:00 | Mendes Wood DM Gallery, 10 Maple Ave, Germantown, 12526, United States
