Explore our programs, activities, and community events. From story times to tech workshops, there's something for everyone.

The Friends of Mamakating Library is a volunteer, non-profit organization that supports the goals and mission of Mamakating Library. Membership is open to all residents of the Mamakating Library service area at no cost. Please become an active volunteer in the Friends of Mamakating Library. E-mail: mamakatingfol@gmail.com Instagram: @mamakatingfriends Mail: PO Box 806, Wurtsboro, NY 12790

The Mamakating Library Board's Finance Committee meets to review budgets, financial reports, and related planning. Meetings are open to the public.

The Mamakating Library Board's Policy & Bylaws Committee meets to review governance policies, recommend updates, and prepare materials for full board consideration. Meetings are open to the public.

Join Bloom Performing Arts founder and SAG actress Ashley Morgan Bloom for her signature beginning basics acting class. Learn fundamentals through monologues, creative writing, improvisation, and acting for film and theatre. Bring water, a journal, and a pen or pencil, wear comfortable clothes, and get ready to move!

Artwork created by community members of all ages will fill the library for the entire month of February. Stop in anytime Feb 1–28 to see acrylic, oil, pastel, crayon, and mixed-media mini masterpieces, then join us for a dessert reception on Saturday, Feb 14 at 11:30 a.m. to celebrate the artists!

Screen award-winning Indie Lens Pop-Up documentaries with us from February through early May. Each screening includes a short discussion and is supported by the Friends of the Library. Register online or call 845-888-8004 to reserve your seat.

Celebrate an evening of music with cellist Alex Prishtina as he moves from timeless Bach suites to soulful blues and jazz favorites.

Register your child by March 15 to receive a free tree from Neighborhood Forest in time for Earth Day. Trees will be distributed around the end of April so families can plant together. This is an information campaign—stop by the library or visit neighborhoodforest.org to learn more and sign up.

Bring any device—phone, tablet, laptop—for hands-on troubleshooting with Malcolm. We'll cover practical fixes, basic maintenance tips, and answer your burning tech questions. Come ready with your device, charging cables, and a little patience while Malcolm gets everyone back up and running.

Join our Library Speakers Consortium access portal for a trio of inspiring author conversations this February—livestreamed and recorded so you can watch from anywhere.
Dates when the library will be closed.
Dates when the library will be closed.
Final day to return your completed tiny canvas for the Tiny Art Show exhibit. Drop off your artwork at the library. Artwork will be on display February 1-28th.
Pick up a tiny canvas to create your artwork for the Tiny Art Show exhibit. The library is hosting an art exhibit where patrons are the artists! From young to old, professional to amateur, any medium (acrylic, oils, pastels, crayons), any topic - art comes to life at Mamakating Library. Artwork will be on display February 1-28th.

Learn to make a simple quilted bauble ornament—no sewing skills required! Space and supplies are limited, so please register in advance.
Wrapping presents is exhausting and time consuming! Start a new self-care tradition and let us take care of the wrapping while you relax with cookies and cocoa. Stop by with your gifts, pick out wrapping paper, and our volunteers will handle the rest. Make a donation to the Friends of the Library if you wish, enjoy refreshments, browse the shelves, and take a moment to breathe during the busy season.
Need a quiet place to wrap your gifts? Bring your presents and use our space and supplies—we have wrapping paper, scissors, tape, bows, and tags (or bring your own). Drop in and get those gifts wrapped!
Kids ages 3-10 are invited to create handmade Christmas ornaments with our favorite crafter, Beth Goodman. Let your creativity shine one masterpiece at a time!
A team puzzle competition for adults and teens! Register a group of 3-4 people (solo registrants will be grouped). Each team receives a 500-piece puzzle and has two hours to complete it. First to finish—or the team with the fewest pieces remaining when time is up—wins! Prizes donated by Layla's Restaurant in Wurtsboro and the Friends of Mamakating Library.

This 45-minute class incorporates breathing and stretching to enhance flexibility, breath capacity, and relaxation, while promoting mindfulness. It includes core exercises for a full-body workout, with the final 15 minutes focused on guided breathing and meditation. Suitable for all fitness levels.

The library is closed on the following holidays.
Collection for Toys for Tots begins today!

Celebrate local talent—spoken word, poetry, music, drama, and more. No experience needed.

James Farnham, Medicare representative, will answer your questions about joining or changing plans.

Celebrate our volunteers with a special Friend of the Year presentation. Light refreshments provided.

We love fall! The warm colors, golden leaves, and soft light make every scene feel magical. Learn the basics of working with watercolors and create some beautiful autumn artwork—it's easy and fun! Roberta Rosenthal, our local artist, will lead the class. No experience necessary, all levels are welcome.

Handmade greeting cards are personalized cards created with hand-applied techniques and materials, offering unique, artistic designs with a personal touch and high sentimental value. They differ from mass-produced cards by showcasing creativity and effort, making them more heartfelt and cherished by recipients. Common techniques include stamping, die-cutting, and the use of embellishments like ribbons and stickers, resulting in one-of-a-kind cards for any occasion.

Join Ms. Patti for a monthly hands-on arts & crafts session exploring creative techniques and materials. Space is limited; please register.

Bring your friends, family, and kids—everyone is welcome! Walk at your own pace while enjoying the support of the group. LET'S GET MOVING TOGETHER!

Homework help is available at the Mamakating Library. Elizabeth is available to help with any subject and grade level. Call to register for complicated problems or stop by to ask a quick question on any of the dates below this fall. Meet Our Tutor: Elizabeth Evans Elizabeth has over 30 years of global experience working with youth as an educator, homeschool instructor, gifted and neurodivergent child advocate, and educational coach. She has worked with students from the United States and abroad, representing a diverse array of academic backgrounds and needs. With degrees in analytical chemistry, anthropology, and teaching, Elizabeth can assist with homework challenges in STEM, ELA, or the humanities.

Back by popular demand! Books & Brews will meet again this December. The book, Everything I Never Told You, is available now at the library (also available on the Libby App as an e-book or audio book). Discussion & beer tasting will be held at Two Farms Brewing Book Teaser: The Lee family's world is shattered when their favorite daughter, Lydia, is found drowned. Told through alternating perspectives, revealing secrets & misunderstandings that ultimately led to Lydia's death. The family must confront issues of race, identity, parental expectations, & emotional repression. Food & drinks available for purchase.

Do you love to read but can't seem to find the time to complete a 300 to 500 page novel? K.I.S.S. might be for you! A wealth of great literature exists in the form of the short story! A short story discussion group provides the benefits of a book club without the time commitment needed to read a full-length book. Good news: K.I.S.S. discussions are online, so you can join from anywhere you have have an internet connection. To participate, email mamprograms@rcls.org or click here to register and receive the short story and the login details.

Join Musicians James Kiernan & Becca Davies as they lead a unique children's class incorporating America folk music and encouraging children to play and write their own songs while learning traditional songs of Peace, Love, and Unity. Programs runs until November 19th, 2025. All Ages invited. Space is Limited.

Join us for the Manhattan Short Film Festival, when over 100,000 film lovers in over 500 cities across six continents gather in Cinemas, Museums, Libraries and Universities for one purpose...to view and vote on the Finalists' Films in the 27th Annual MANHATTAN SHORT Film Festival. MANHATTAN SHORT is a celebration of film that occurs simultaneously across the globe, bringing great films to great venues and allowing the audiences to select their favorites. Refreshments will be provided by the Friends of the library. A short discussion of the films will follow the Saturday screening.

All meetings begin at 6:00 pm in the Community Room. The public is welcome to attend.

Need assistance with your computer, tablet, or smartphone? Book an appointment for one-on-one tech help. You can also bring in a device that is giving you trouble and we'll try to get to the root of the problem.

Our group of local writers gathers monthly to share excerpts from our works in progress. Led by local writer & journalist, Alethea Pape, this group meet-up offers a judgement-free place to offer helpful critiques and insight to other local writers, and get help with your own work. Constructive critiques & open discussion encouraged! Light refreshments provided. This project is made possible with funds from the Sullivan County Regrants Program, a regrant program of the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Governor and the New York State Legislature and administered by Delaware Valley Arts Alliance.

Join our Non-Fiction Book Club Group. Join us to share diverse perspectives on readings from bestselling authors across business, psychology, and life experience—the most effective way to learn and retain what you read. By discussing our different interpretations and insights, we'll inspire each other while gaining deeper understanding of ourselves and others. Come meet new friends and have fun while we learn together!

Join our monthly potluck club! Each month features a new culinary theme. Bring a dish to share that fits the theme and a copy of the recipe.

Join us for a monthly book discussion group. Tea and coffee will be served. We meet every 3rd Tuesday at 2:30 p.m.

Join local scientist, Lorry Green, for a screening followed by a short discussion. Popcorn will be served.

The Read to a Dog program is an excellent way for children to increase their reading fluency & word recognition with no pressure. Mocha is a great audience!

Storytime takes place in Veteran's park next door to the library, unless weather forces us indoors! No Registration Required. Dress for the weather.

Our weekly Parents Coffee Meet Up and Playdate is being changed to Wednesdays at 11:15am. This program takes place every week. We will meet at the library, and if weather permits we'll head over the playground too. All are welcome to come, make friends, and troubleshoot parenting woes while the kids play.

Each session, Kate will give a new fun building challenge and participants will be encouraged to work together or solo to complete the challenge and build a masterpiece. Their structures will be displayed in the library until the next meet up, when possible! Last Saturday of each month.

Join us for a new project exploring different concepts of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math each month this school year. Projects are geared towards children ages 3-10 and their caregivers. This month: The Tallest Tower Challenge.

You're invited to celebrate the first permanent Story Trail installation* in Wurtsboro! Meet at the Trailhead near the Wurtsboro Fire Department Together we will walk the 1/2 mile loop, enjoying the nature, talking about canal life, and reading our inaugural story, A Full Hand by Thomas F. Yezerski. Our Story Trail is intended to provide families with combined opportunities for physical activity, literacy development, and family connection. All are invited to attend to celebrate with us. Stories will be changed seasonally, so be sure to walk the trail frequently to continue to adventure. * This installation is provided to the community with help from the Town of Mamakating, Preston Roosa and Scout Troop 92, & The Friends of Mamakating Library.

During this session Malcolm will explain everything you need to know to find and purchase the ideal tech-related holiday gifts for a friend, loved one, teenager, coworker, or just about anyone else on your list.

Each month our library offers patrons access to 2-3 virtual talks by authors and experts. These events are free and open to the public. Brought to you in partnership with the Library Speakers Consortium. Generously supported by the Friends of the Mamakating Library.