Germantown Library

Song Circle Sessions
2029-06-26 10:30 - 12:00 (America/New_York) | Germantown Library, 31 Palatine Park Rd, Germantown, NY, 12526, United States

Makerspace: 3rd Sunday
2029-06-17 14:00 - 16:00 | 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, cardboard cutters, 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!

Basic Breath and Body Movement
2027-12-18 09:00 - 10:15 | Germantown Library Hover Room, 31 Palatine Park Rd, Germantown, NY, 12526, United States
Basic Breath and Body Movement with Regina
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

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.

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

Sashiko Stitching Workshop
2026-09-27 10:00 - 12:00 | Germantown Library Makerspace, 31 Palatine Park Rd, Germantown, NY, 12526, United States
Japanese sashiko embroidery is beautiful and fun! The foundation of sashiko is the rhythm of stitching, using a special plate thimble made of metal. In this class
Jocelyn Songco of Yarn Farm Kingston will share how to use this thimble and an overview of sashiko as taught by Atsushi Futatsuya, a third-generation master sashiko artist.
You will get a materials kit with everything you need including a sashiko thimble and needles.
Recommended for adults
Space is limited, RSVP required
Our THANKS to the CREATE Council on the Arts team for their continued support of the Germantown Library fiber arts!

Visible Mending Workshop
2026-09-20 10:00 - 12:00 | Germantown Library Makerspace, 31 Palatine Park Rd, Germantown, NY, 12526, United States
Use sewing techniques to mend, beautify and sustain your garments and textile treasures!
This beginner-friendly class will step through these techniques: running stitch/darning patching (raw or with a neat edge), applique, and
embroidery. You’ll receive a materials kit with everything you need!
Bring some garments to mend and we’ll sew together!
Led by Jocelyn Songco of Yarn Farm Kingston
Recommended for teens & adults
Sunday, September 20th, 10am-Noon in the library Makerspace
Space is limited, RSVP required
Our THANKS to the CREATE Council on the Arts team for their continued support of the Germantown Library fiber arts!

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

Crochet Basket Workshop
2026-08-30 10:00 - 12:00 | Germantown Library Makerspace, 31 Palatine Park Rd, Germantown, NY, 12526, United States
Time for another popular basket-making workshop! Join us as we learn how to crochet a cotton cord basket from Jocelyn Songco of Yarn Farm Kingston! All supplies will be provided.
Basic crochet knowledge is required but beginners are welcome. Recommended for older teens and adults.
Sunday, August 30th, 10am-Noon in the Makerspace
Space is limited, RSVP required.

Defensive Driving Point Reduction
2026-07-11 11:00 - 17:00 | Germantown Library, 31 Palatine Park Rd, Germantown, NY, 12526, United States
This 6 hour class can save you 10% on your vehicle liability, collision and personal injury (PIP)
insurance premiums for
THREE YEARS and may reduce up to FOUR POINTS on your driving record.
Only $40.00
Please RSVP and bring your checkbook to the class.

Sponsored by American Safety Inc. #028
Delivery Agency – DigitalDefensiveDriving.com #189

Town History Talk - German Camp: Revolution Along the Hudson
2026-07-02 19:00 - 20:30 | Germantown Library Hover Room, 31 Palatine Park Rd, Germantown, NY, 12526, United States
Join us for another fascinating history talk with Germantown Town Historian, Tom Shannon!
German Camp: Revolution Along the Hudson will cover a multitude of story threads: the significance of the German Camp District created in 1775, clues about the political inclinations of various Palatine descendants, life in German Camp while Clermont burned next door, the perplexing presence of an Anglican Rector in German Camp during the war, a Loyalist raid, a public auction @hoverfarms that drew some famous names, and more!
Thursday, July 2, at 7 PM
Hybrid event: In-person or virtual via Zoom
Select RSVP to attend virtually (Zoom link will be sent in confirmation email) or select Ticket (free) to attend in-person

The Hudson River Schools of Art and Their Ice Age Origins
2026-06-30 19:00 - 20:30 | Germantown Library Makerspace, 31 Palatine Park Rd, Germantown, NY, 12526, United States
The Hudson River Schools of Art and Their Ice Age Origins
Presented by Robert and Johanna Titus
During the 19th century there was something of a cultural Renaissance right here in the Hudson Valley region. America’s first worldclass literature appeared. We also saw the birth of American landscape architecture. Most importantly, led by Thomas Cole, we saw the appearance of the Hudson River School of Art. In short, our region became the center of a truly important cultural movement. None of this, we argue, would ever have happened if the Hudson Valley and Catskills had not been so heavily glaciated. We take our audience to see how the glaciers created the landscapes that so inspired the great artists of those times.
Recommended for general audiences
Space is limited, RSVP required

Proddy Confetti Rug Making
2026-06-28 14:00 - 16:00 | Germantown Library Makerspace, 31 Palatine Park Rd, Germantown, NY, 12526, United States
Proddy or prodded rugs are traditional floor coverings found in Northern Ireland and the north counties of England.
After hand woven clothing had no other use, it was cut into strips, usually by children in the evenings, and hand pulled
through rough hessian, or burlap for use through their cottages.
This class will cover the traditional technique and explore more modern approaches for students to explore.

All material will be provided as well as a handout of proddy maker websites and tools sources.
Recommended for teens and adults.
Space is limited, please RSVP.
If you find you cannot make it, please let us know so we can offer your space to someone else.

8th Annual Fiber Arts Display Kickoff
2026-06-28 10:00 - 12:00 | Germantown Library, 31 Palatine Park Rd, Germantown, NY, 12526, United States
Do you enjoy seeing the annual fiber arts displays at the library and wonder who the artists are behind it? Stop in to see the 2026 Fine Art of Fiber Arts display, meet the creatives behind it, and learn more about the SEVEN upcoming fiber arts workshops!
Sunday, June 28, 10am-Noon in the main library
Our THANKS to the CREATE Council on the Arts team for their continued support of the Germantown Library Fiber Arts!

Quick Pet Portraits
2026-06-27 11:00 - 13:30 | Germantown Library, 31 Palatine Park Rd, Germantown, NY, 12526, United States
Artist in Residence Cathleen Halloran will make a sketch of your pet.
She will be setting up outside in front of the library and will bring portable fencing to give your favorite creature room to move around.
Cost is $25 dollars, limit one pet per person.
Two Saturdays: June 27 and July 25, 2026
All proceeds go to the Columbia Greene Humane Society. Please RSVP

Special Board of Trustees Meeting
2026-06-24 19:00 - 20:00 | Germantown Library, 31 Palatine Park Rd, Germantown, NY, 12526, United States
The Germantown Library Board of Trustees will hold a meeting on June 24 at 7 pm.
The purpose of this meeting is to discuss a 414 petition to meet anticipated increases in our 2027 operating budget due to increased costs, determine next steps and any other business that may come before the board.

Felted Gnome Workshop
2026-06-20 13:00 - 17:00 | Germantown Library Makerspace, 31 Palatine Park Rd, Germantown, NY, 12526, United States
Carlise Azmitia from the Hudson Valley Atelier returns to the Makerspace to teach another popular felting workshop!
Learn to use basic wet & needle felting techniques with wool roving to create your own whimsical gnome!
Saturday, June 20, 1-5 pm
Recommended for teens & adults
Space is limited, RSVP required
If you RSVP and later determine you cannot attend, please let the library know so we can make your seat available to others

Juneteenth - Library Closed
2026-06-19 | Germantown Library, 31 Palatine Park Rd, Germantown, NY, 12526, United States
The Germantown Library will be closed on Friday, June 19th in observance of Juneteenth.
Online e-resources are always available, including many on history that shed light on this holiday and the events leading up to it.

Miss Lindys Dance Hall
2026-05-30 14:00 - 15:30 | Germantown Library Hover Room, 31 Palatine Park Rd, Germantown, NY, 12526, United States
Come for an introductory lesson and then join the dancing!
No partner or experience needed.
Please RSVP
Saturday, May 30
2:00- 3:30pm in the Hover Room

EKPHRASIS: Writing from Images (Week 5)
2026-05-30 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 4)
2026-05-23 10:30 - 12:00 | Mendes Wood DM Gallery, 10 Maple Ave, Germantown, 12526, United States

EKPHRASIS: Writing from Images (Week 3)
2026-05-16 10:30 - 12:00 | Mendes Wood DM Gallery, 10 Maple Ave, Germantown, 12526, United States

Community Screening - The Librarians
2026-05-14 19:00 - 21:00 | Germantown Library Hover Room, 31 Palatine Park Rd, Germantown, NY, 12526, United States
Join us for a free community screening of The Librarians on Thursday, May 14 at 7:00 PM in the Hover Room at the Germantown Library.
“A different type of superhero movie.” — The Hollywood Reporter
From Academy Award nominee and Peabody winner Kim A. Snyder, The Librarians is a powerful new documentary about the fight for the freedom to read. As book bans sweep across the U.S., librarians become first responders in the defense of democracy, free expression, and First Amendment rights.
Following the screening, there will be a Q&A with special guest Rebekkah Smith Aldrich, Executive Director of the Mid-Hudson Library System, nationally recognized library leader, author, and advocate.
Free and open to the public. Please note: this film contains mature themes and is recommended for ages 16+. Please RSVP as space is limited.

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

EKPHRASIS: Writing from Images (week 1)
2026-05-02 10:30 - 12:00 | Mendes Wood DM Gallery, 10 Maple Ave, Germantown, 12526, United States

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

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

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.

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
