Germantown Library

Makerspace: 1st Sunday
2027-12-05 14:00 - 16:00 (America/New_York) | Germantown Library Makerspace, 31 Palatine Park Rd, Germantown, NY, 12526, United States
Makerspace Open House — come make with us!
We meet the 1st and 3rd Sunday of the month from 2 – 4 pm.
Follow our theme or explore our materials to make something on your own! Using our tools and your imagination, create or reuse anything you can think of into something new!
Here’s what you’ll find at the Makerspace:

Tech: Our computers, Raspberry Pi, and Arduino selection enable anyone to pursue their passion for building circuits and writing code. You can even bring in old electronics, take them apart and build something new!
Media: Want to try your hand at photo or video editing? How about writing your own script and making costumes and props to perform with? The sky is the limit with your creativity!
Art: Explore, discover & create with a variety of materials from the basics like paper, duck tape and scissors to experimenting with tools like our Ellison die-cut machine, Crayola Air Marker Sprayers, light box tracing, and sewing machines.
Skill Development: Become part of our maker community, sharing ideas and skills with other “makers”. Whether attending one of our programs or coming in during unstructured open hours to tinker, you never know when an idea will spark or when you might provide the inspiration for other makers!

Toddler Storytime & Playgroup
2026-12-30 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.

Basic Breath and Body Movement
2026-12-26 09:00 - 10:15 | Germantown Library, 31 Palatine Park Rd, Germantown, NY, 12526, United States
Basic Breath and Body Movement with Regina
• Saturdays: 9:00 – 10:15 a.m. in the Hover Room
• $10 a class (or donation of any amount)
• First class is complimentary
• All levels welcome
This class is suitable for all levels and can be supported by chair, if necessary. In addition to gentle movement, the instructor will also emphasize breath and body movement.
Just one in-person session with Regina will boost your energy level + brighten your mood. Take time to focus on your balance, breath, and strength.
Some mats are available and bringing a cushion to sit up on is encouraged, but participants are welcome to bring their own yoga mat, towel, and $10 to give directly to the instructor.

Germantown Garden Club
2026-11-14 10:30 - 12:00 | Germantown Library Hover Room, 31 Palatine Park Rd, Germantown, NY, 12526, United States
The Germantown Garden Club is a community organization started in 1928 and is credited with starting the library in our town. The club currently has over 40 members and is affiliated with National Garden Clubs, Inc. and the Federated Garden Clubs of NY State.

8th Annual Germantown Library 5k
2026-10-04 09:00 - 12:00 | Germantown Library, 31 Palatine Park Rd, Germantown, NY, 12526, United States
8th Annual Germantown Library 5k
• Sunday, October 4 @ 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
Be sure to arrive with plenty of time to check in and get ready to race!
Registration will open Spring 2026

Board of Trustees General Meeting
2026-09-16 19:00 - 20:30 | 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

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

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

Friends of Clermont Winter Series: Painting on Tea Bags with Ruby Silvious
2026-02-28 14:00 - 16:00 | 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!
Create miniature paintings on empty used tea bags, led by Ruby Silvious, who is internationally recognized for her innovative approach to art
Saturday, February 28, 2-4 PM in the Library Makerspace (entrance & parking around back of the library)
Tickets available through the Friend of Clermont website: https://www.friendsofclermont.org/event-details/winter-series25-teabags

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
Meet the artist and enjoy the exhibit one more time
Tuesday, February 24, 6-8 PM, in the main library

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
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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

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

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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
