Kingston, NY - Kenneth Ronk, Chairman of the Ulster County Legislature met with representatives of Ulster County Libraries to proclaim April 10-16, 2016 National Library Week here in Ulster County and encourage all residents to take advantage of the wonderful and varied resources they provide.

“Ulster County communities are blessed to have these outstanding resources at their fingertips free of charge.” Ronk said. “If you haven’t been to your library lately, I promise you are missing a great opportunity.”

Chairman Ronk met with Margie Mendard from the Kingston Library, Kara Lustiber from the West Hurley Public Library and Julie Dempsey from the Highland Public Library this week to deliver the proclamation and discuss a variety of programs available at various libraries throughout Ulster County.   In addition to lending books, music and movies, today’s modern libraries have everything from computers for job searches to fishing rods.   Members can take on line courses at home, download e-books, and through the InfoPortal (http://uclib.org/) kids can look at picture books, adults can learn crafts, and students can take tutorials in the comfort of their living rooms.

“Our libraries preserve our history,  provide emergency services, tutor students of all ages, encourage social gatherings, offer recreational opportunities – in short they are the heart and soul of our communities,” Ronk said. “Your library card is your passport to over 2 million items. The best deal in town and it’s all free.”

This is just a sample of some of the programs and events happening at Ulster County Libraries.  Look up your local library for a full calendar of events!

Town of Ulster Public Library, 860 Ulster Avenue, Kingston -845-338-7881

http://townofulsterlibrary.org/calendar/

• Pre-School Story Hour - Monday, April 11 - 10:30 am – 11:30 am

Preschool Story Hour taps into the boundless energy of three to five-year-olds to get your child involved in this interactive story time. This program will engage your children with stories, finger plays and songs and encourage them to learn sounds, letter recognition, and new words as they grow into pre-readers. Each program is followed by a hands-on craft and snacks.

• Spring Afterschool Program -  Monday, April 11 - 4:00 pm -  5:00 pm  

Geologist: Make your own crystals - Learn about the different professions in science through stem-based learning in a continuation of our winter after school program's theme! Program is open to any child between the ages of 5-12 and will be held on Mondays starting at 4:00pm

• Family Movie Night -Monday, April 11 – 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm

Join us for popcorn and a movie! We will be showing Disney’s Inside Out! This program is free and open to families of all ages!

•  Baby & Me - Wednesday - April 13, 2016  - 10:30 am – 11:30 am 

Caregiver and child program for ages 0-3 - Baby & Me time focuses on developing your baby’s and toddler's pre-literacy skills. This lap-time story hour will introduce a love for books by using song, movement, rhythm and rhyme. The program will help improve motor, sensory, and social skills during play time. The program runs for an hour and snacks are provided.

Highland Public Library, 30 Church Street, Highland  

http://highlandlibrary.org/events

• Creepy Crawly Spoons - Tuesday, April 12 – 6:30 pm Crafts for Tweens and Teens –Pre-register on line to create creepy crawlies out of spoons  

Kingston Public Library, 55 Franklin Street, Kingston

http://kingston.evanced.info/signup/eventcalendar.aspx

• Stress Reduction through Mediation – Tuesday, April 12 – 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm - A great way to find inner balance and deep relaxation. This program is free and all are welcome. Contact: Ann 845-339-8567

• New York State of Health Marketplace Enrollment Assistance with Hudson Health Plan - Friday, April 15 – 3 pm to 5 pm 

Need Health Insurance? You Can Enroll Now! Hudson Health Plan, an MVP Healthcare company, will offer free assistance to guide you through the New York State of Health Marketplace enrollment process. They will be providing the services of their Marketplace Facilitated Enrollers in our library to assist the public with their applications and answer your questions. Please call 1-800-339-4557 to schedule an appointment. Walk-in appointments will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis. 

Elting Memorial Library, 93 Main Street, New Paltz - 845-255-5030

http://www.eltinglibrary.org/

• Chess for Kids – Monday April 11 – 6:30 

• Paris Vagabond - Thursday, April 14, 2016 Starts at: 7:00 pm - read by the suspense and mystery translator from NYC

West Hurley Public Library, 42 Clover Street, West Hurley  -845-679-2144

http://evanced.info/westhurley/evanced/eventcalendar.asp

• Book Discussion Group - Monday, April 11 6:30 – 7:30 - The selection will be "At the Water's Edge" by Sara Gruen. Please contact the library to sign up and get a copy of the book.

Phoenicia Library, 48 Main Street, Phoenicia 845-883-7286

http://phoenicialibrary.org/

• Lego Club – Friday, April 15 – 5:30 - Join our friendly group of kids and parents to create whatever catches your fancy.

• The John Burroughs Memorial Locust and Wild Honey Mountain Orchestra – Friday, April 15, 2016 7:00 pm

• Catskills Fever Fishing Forum – Saturday, April 16 – 12:30 – 3:30 - A series of lively discussions about the history of fishing in  the Catskills, in celebration of our 20th anniversary. On April 16, we'll  be talking about author, fly tyer and conservationist Art Flick.

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