Germantown Library

Board of Trustees General Meeting
2026-02-18 19:00 - 20:30 (America/New_York) | Germantown Library, 31 Palatine Park Rd, Germantown, NY, 12526, United States
Library Meetings
• The first Monday of the month: 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. Programming and Events – on zoom
• The third Wednesday of the month: 7 – 8:30 p.m. Board of Trustees General Meeting – in person

Library committee and board meetings are open to the public. Join us to learn more about our community, share ideas, and volunteer your time for upcoming events and goals.

Fundraising, Grant Writing, Grounds Keeping, Policy Reviewing, and other committees meet quartlerly-ish. Write or call us to learn more.

For more information, including whether we are meeting in person or over zoom (and the necessary link) email libraryboard@germantownlibrary.org or call (518) 537-5800.

Find Board Meeting Recordings and Board Meeting Minutes: germantownlibrary.org/about/board-of-trustees

#gtownLibraryBoardMeeting

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

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

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
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

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 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 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 1)
2026-01-03 10:30 - 12:00 | Germantown Library, 31 Palatine Park Rd, Germantown, NY, 12526, United States

Storytime Playgroup, 12/24 & 12/31
2025-12-31 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

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!

Toddler Story Time + Playgroup
2025-12-17 09:30 - 11:00 | 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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Candle Magic
2025-11-16 14:00 - 16:00 | Germantown Library Makerspace, 31 Palatine Park Rd, Germantown, NY, 12526, United States
Learn about the magic in candles!
This class may touch on a little bit of making your own candles but it will really focus on the discussion and practice of the magic in color, use of herbs, days of the week, etc.
Premade candles will be provided for this class. Adults preferred but all ages welcome.

Please RSVP (max 25 people)

Nov 16, 2pm in Makerspace

Seasonal Wine Tasting Seminar
2025-11-16 12:00 - 14:00 | Germantown Library, 31 Palatine Park Rd, Germantown, NY, 12526, United States
Join us for a complimentary 2-hour wine seminar and private tasting with Stu Davidson Tribbs, owner of Lawlor’s Package Store!

During this session, participants will be led through an educational seminar on the seasonal wine varieties, pairings and flavor profiles before diving into a shoppable wine tasting featuring a curated selection from Lawlor’s Package Store, led by Stu Davidson Tribbs. Participants will also have the opportunity to purchase select products after the event.
Participants must be 21+.

Hurry, RSVP space is limited. Scroll down and confirm your spot!

Event Details

Sunday, November 16
12:00 pm – 2:00 pm
In the Hover Room

For questions, email events@germantownlibrary.org.

Journaling
2025-11-02 14:00 - 16:00 | Germantown Library Makerspace, 31 Palatine Park Rd, Germantown, NY, 12526, United States
Come gather and work on a creative journal with us! We have so many different materials to chose from to help fill your pages.
Don’t have a journal, you can make one here!
Nov 2, 2-4pm in Makerspace

Crochet Bag Workshop, with Yarn Farm Kingston
2025-11-02 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 the Sophie Bag!

Don’t let its name fool you, it’s great for anyone needing to take along some small stuff for a day out. 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, November 2
11:00 am – 1:00 pm
at the Germantown Library
This is a free workshop

Author Visit & Book Launch: Mariana Graciano of 'The Air'
2025-11-01 16:00 - 18:00 | Germantown Library Hover Room, 31 Palatine Park Rd, Germantown, NY, 12526, United States
We are thrilled host local author, Mariana Graciano for the launch of her latest book, ‘The Air’ at the Germantown Library!

The author and co-translator, Daniella Gitlin, will present a bilingual reading from O ar / The Air. The session will feature excerpts in both Spanish and English, showcasing the dynamic relationship between original text and translation, followed by a public conversation on memory, migration, and Latinx culture in the U.S. with editor Sara Cordón. After the reading, the author will be avialble for signings and particpants will also enjoy food, music and dancing!
The Air, a memoir (Chatos Inhumanos, 2025) is an epistolary family album, a book of memories written as a letter to the next generation. Originally published in Spanish as O Ar (2023), Mariana Graciano’s memoir traces a genealogy of women across time and oceans, weaving together stories of migration and survival from Galicia to Argentina, and from Argentina to New York.
Part family chronicle, part meditation on memory and motherhood, The Air resurrects characters and atmospheres from the past—Spanish immigration to Río de la Plata, the Spanish Civil War, Peronism, the Argentine dictatorships—while reaching into the present struggles for breath and justice in the United States. Ultimately, it is a story of love, and of the atmosphere we all share.

Event Details

Saturday, November 1
4:00 – 6:00 pm
in the Germantown Library Hover Room

______
Estamos encantados de presentar a la autora local, Mariana Graciano, por el lanzamiento de su último libro, O Ar en la Biblioteca Germantown.
La autora y cotraductora, Daniella Gitlin, presentará una lectura bilingue de O ar. La sesión contará con extractos en español e inglés, monstrando la relación dinámica entre el texto orginal y la traducción, seguida de una conversación pública sobre la memoria, la migración y la cultura latina en los Estados Unidos con la editora, Sara Cordón.
O Ar (Chatos Inhumanos, 2023) es un álbum familiar en forma epistolar, escrito como una carta dirigida a la próxima generación. Publicado ahora en inglés como The Air, a memoir (2025), el libro de Mariana Graciano traza una genealogía de mujeres a través del tiempo y los océanos, entrelazando historias de migración y supervivencia desde Galicia hasta Argentina, y de Argentina a Nueva York.
A medio camino entre la crónica familiar y la meditación sobre la memoria y la maternidad, O Ar resucita personajes y atmósferas del pasado—la inmigración gallega al Río de la Plata, la Guerra Civil española, el peronismo, las dictaduras argentinas—y los proyecta hacia las presentes luchas por el aire y la justicia en Estados Unidos. En el fondo, es un libro sobre el amor y sobre el aire que nos atraviesa a todos.

Detalles del Evento

Sábado, 1 de noviembre
4:00 pm – 6:00 pm
en el Hover Room de la Biblioteca Germantown

For questions, email events@germantownlibrary.org.

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

Fill-A-Jar Floral Station
2025-10-26 14:00 - 15:30 | Germantown Library, 31 Palatine Park Rd, Germantown, NY, 12526, United States
Join us for another BYOJ (bring your own jar) Fill-a-Jar Floral Station at the Germantown Library!
Have guests coming to town, or just looking to brighten up your space? Bring your own jar or container, and stop by the library on Sunday, October 26 to choose from a variety of complimentary flowers and greenery from Athabold.
This is a free, self-guided experience. You’re welcome to bring a container, jar, or vase (and a friend!) and create a beautiful arrangement to kick off the start of fall!
Come early—florals will be available while supplies last!

Event Details

Sunday, October 26
2:00 pm – 3:30 pm
in the Hover Room

For questions, email events@germantownlibrary.org.

Narcan & Fentanyl Test-Strip Training
2025-10-23 17:30 - 19:00 | Germantown Library Hover Room, 31 Palatine Park Rd, Germantown, NY, 12526, United States
Join us for a complimentary community Narcan & Fentanyl test-strip training and workshop at the Germantown Library, presented by The Mental Health Association of Columbia-Greene Clubhouses!
Learn how to recognize the signs of an opioid overdose and safely administer Narcan (naloxone) to help save a life.
This training is open to all community members and will give you the knowledge and confidence to respond in an emergency.

Free testing supplies and resources are limited. RSVP to confirm your spot!

Event Details

Thursday, October 23
5:30 pm – 7:00 pm
In the Hover Room

What’s Included

Hands-on Narcan (naloxone) training

Education on fentanyl and xylazine test strips – how to use them and why they’re important

Free Narcan kit for each participant

For questions, email events@germantownlibrary.org.

Mobile Office Hours with Congressman Josh Riley
2025-10-23 13:00 - 16:00 | Germantown Library, 31 Palatine Park Rd, Germantown, NY, 12526, United States
Members of Congressman Josh Riley’s team will be at the Germantown Library, in the Hover Room, for mobile office hours!
This is your chance to get one-on-one help from Congressman Josh Riley’s Congressional staff with Medicare, Social Security, veterans’ benefits, passport delays, or any other issue involving a federal agency. No question is too small—and no appointment is needed.
If you can’t make it but still need help, give Congressman Josh Riley’s team a call at (607) 242-0200 or visit riley.house.gov to connect with them.

Learn to Paint Using Black Walnut Ink
2025-10-19 14:00 - 16:00 | Germantown Library Makerspace, 31 Palatine Park Rd, Germantown, NY, 12526, United States
Join us in Makerspace and learn to paint using locally harvested and produced Black Walnut ink!
Sunday, October 19, 2-4 PM
Makerspace is located on the lower level of the library, park in the lower lot behind the library.

Heritage Bookclub: Kiss of the Spider Woman
2025-10-14 17:00 - 18:00 | Germantown Library, 31 Palatine Park Rd, Germantown, NY, 12526, United States
Hey book lovers!
We have a date to talk about Kiss of the Spider Woman: Tuesday, October 14 at 5pm on the main floor, or via Zoom
We’d love to dive into the original novel by Manuel Puig, but if you’d like to discuss the play adaptation and/or the 1985 film, that’s welcome too. We’re also checking if we can screen the movie at the library. Side note : there’s a new film adaptation coming soon—maybe a book club field trip?

Latinx Heritage Month Celebration
2025-10-12 13:30 - 15:30 | Germantown Library, 31 Palatine Park Rd, Germantown, NY, 12526, United States
Join us for a day of celebration in honor of Latinx Heritage Month!

We’ll begin the afternoon with story time in the children’s library, offered in English, Spanish and Portuguese. Then, we’ll follow-up with music and play, featuring Día de los Muertos and Halloween songs, led by music educator, Elba Pérez Becker. Lastly, we’ll wrap up the celebration with crafts in the Makerspace where participants will make papel picado, a traditional Mexican decorative banner made by cutting elaborate designs into sheets of tissue paper.

Event Details

Sunday, October 12
1:30 pm – 3:30 pm
at the Germantown Library

Events Schedule

1:30 – 2:10pm: Bilingual story hour main floor

2:10 – 2:50pm: Music and play in the Hover Room

2:50 – 3:30pm: Crafts in the Makerspace

About Our Instructors

Maritza López Del Razo arrived in the Hudson Valley in 2017 and is originally from California’s San Joaquin Valley where she labored as the third generation of farmworkers. Books were her favorite pastime and refuge in middle school. She holds a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Ethnic Studies from the University of California at Berkeley and a Master’s in Education (M.Ed.) from the University of California at Los Angeles. In California Maritza led successful literacy based after-school programs across multiple sites in the Greater Long Beach area. Today she lives in Poughkeepsie and works as a Bilingual Spanish Consultant and Cultural Educator. Maritza consults for local schools, school districts, public libraries, Vassar College and the community-based radio station – Radio Kingston.

—

Elba Pérez Becker is originally from Mexico City (La gran Tenochtitlán) and has lived in the Hudson Valley since 2023. Trained in classical and jazz music from the INBA (Mexico), RCA, and TR (London), and mentored by Alejandro Varela, she has dedicated her life to music education and children’s emotional development. She studied Psychopedagogy (IMPO) and holds a diploma in Gestalt Psychotherapy for Children and Adolescents (UNAM). With over 16 years of experience, she has worked with infants, children, and teachers in training. She currently lives in Kingston, collaborates with Radio Kingston, offers interactive classes and concerts, and participates in community projects in the area. She speaks Portuguese as a second language and plays piano, cello, guitar, ukulele, and sings.

For questions, email events@germantownlibrary.org.

Makerspace on Vacation October 5th
2025-10-05 14:00 - 16:00 | Germantown Library, 31 Palatine Park Rd, Germantown, NY, 12526, United States
Due to the Germantown Library 5k Race on October 5th (the first Sunday), Makerspace will be on vacation that day. We’ll be back on the third Sunday, October 19th!

7th Annual Germantown Library 5k
2025-10-05 09:00 - 12:00 | Germantown Library, 31 Palatine Park Rd, Germantown, NY, 12526, United States
7th Annual Germantown Library 5k
• Sunday, October 5 @ 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Run, walk, skip and laugh with friends and neighbors as we celebrate our community! Your participation helps our library thrive!
Check in begins at 9 AM and the race begins at 10 AM.
Kids race begins at 9:30 AM
Be sure to arrive with plenty of time to check in and get ready to race!
Register here: https://germantownlibrary.org/5k/

Community Yoga with Jai Yoga
2025-09-28 10:00 - 11:00 | Jai Yoga Shala, 224 Main St, Germantown, NY, 12526
Click here to RSVP.
Event Details

Date: Sunday, September 28
Time: 10:00 – 11:00 AM
Location: Jai Yoga Studio at 224 Main St in Germantown
This is a complimentary – All Levels Welcome
Space is limited. RSVP Here

Join us for a special morning of movement, breath, and connection as Jai Yoga Shala partners with the Germantown Library to offer a complimentary community yoga class.
This all-levels practice will blend mindful movement, gentle strength-building, and breath awareness, creating space for both beginners and seasoned practitioners to feel supported and inspired. Together, we’ll stretch, strengthen, and share in the joy of practicing side-by-side with our neighbors.
This collaboration celebrates the power of coming together—two pillars of Germantown community life—joining forces to nurture health, presence, and connection. Whether you’ve been curious about yoga, are returning to the mat, or simply wish to gather in a positive, welcoming space, this class is for you.
What to bring: A yoga mat (we have mats for those without one,) comfortable clothing, and an open heart.
Let’s move, breathe, and grow—together.
