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Featured Events

Please scroll down this page to explore our featured events for the public.

For our complete list of crafts programs and upcoming events, please visit our online calendar.
Questions?


event flyer →

Strange Tale in Stone

Presented by Steve Gale

October 25, 2023, 6 PM

in our 2nd floor Community Room

Some of our most beloved Gothic tales are grounded in stone ruins. Though the love we have for the likes of Dracula and Frankenstein's monster does not cloud the reality that they're fictional, many of these stories have a foundation of real world people and places.

Vlad the Impaler's connection to Dracula is fairly common knowledge, but did you know there is an actual Castle Frankenstein? That Robert Lewis Stevenson's Dr. Jekyll was based on a real person? That a disfigured man really lived beneath the Paris Opera House? That Quasimodo may have been inspired by a 19th century deformed stone cutter?

Free and open to the public. No registration required.

About the Presenter: Steve Gale is a traveler and artist who has been collecting accounts of Europe's ghostly past for over a decade.

Questions? Please call 1-845-341-5490.

About the Presenter: Steve Gale is a traveler and artist who has been collecting accounts of Europe's ghostly past for over a decade.
Questions?


event flyer →

Haunted Castles & Creepy Crypts

Presented by Steven Gale

October 18, 2023, 6 PM

in our 2nd floor Community Room

Europe's extensive past, delving back into a time that embraced supernatural explanations, has produced many macabre stories and more bodies that the ground can contain!

The crumbling walls and courts of ruined castles once set the stage for eerie tales of wandering spirits and paranormal phenomena while crypts and catacombs present bizarre displays of skeletal remains….

This event is free and open to the public.

No registration required!

Questions? Please call 1-845-341-5490.

About the Presenter: Steve Gale is a traveler and artist who has been collecting accounts of Europe's ghostly past for over a decade.
Questions?


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Winterize Your Garden
to Benefit Birds & Pollinators

Presented by Pam Golben of Orange County Audubon Society

November 1, 2023, 6 PM

in our 2nd floor Community Room

As fall approaches, many of us start thinking about cleaning up our yards and gardens.

Following five simple steps can help turn your garden into a winter haven for birds and pollinators!

Please join us as we learn about each step and how birds and pollinators utilize our gardens throughout fall and winter!

This program is free and open to the public.

No registration required.

Questions? Please call 1-845-341-5490.
Questions?


event flyer →

Bird Photography

Presented by Alethea Pape
of Orange County Audubon Society

October 14, 2023, 2 PM

in our 2nd floor Community Room

This program is for new nature photographers who want to learn to take better photos.

Please join us as look at many beautiful photos and discuss composition, lighting, background, and preparation.

If you enjoy nature and like taking photographs, this is the program for you!

This program is free and open to the public.

No registration required.

Questions? Please call 1-845-341-5490.
Questions?


event flyer →

The Birds of Autumn

Presented by Orange County Audubon Society

October 4, 2023, 6 PM

in our 2nd floor Community Room

The changing of the season means many types of birds will leave for the south—but others will arrive from the north!

Please join us as we explore the migration of songbirds, raptors, and waterfowl. We will also introduce you to the basics of bird identification and highlight some local birding spots around the county!

This program is free and open to the public.

No registration required.

About the Presenter: Jim Van Gelder is the President of the Orange County Audubon Society.

Questions? Please call 1-845-341-5490.
Questions?


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en-THRALL-ed in Art
Yarn Painting

September 2023

Explore the craft of Huichol yarn painting!

Event dates:

11 AM to 1 PM in the 2nd floor Community Room at Thrall on:
Questions?


event flyer → The Friends of Middletown Thrall Library, Inc. Present

Repair Café 2023

Clothes, furniture, electrical / mechanical, toys, sharpening, etc.

Event dates:

10 AM to 1 PM in the 2nd floor Community Room at Middletown Thrall Library on:

What do you do with
Toss it away? No way!

Repair Café is
Costs? A voluntary contribution.
Questions?


September Movies Series


Please join us and watch a movie for FREE!
Before attending, please be sure to check above for each movie's rating.
Questions?


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Books on Tap

Sept. 28, 2023, 5 pm

at Scotchtown Craft

Please join us as we discuss...

The Storied Life of A. J. Fikry by Gabrielle Zevin Publisher's Description: "A.J. Fikry's life is not at all what he expected it to be. He lives alone, his bookstore is experiencing the worst sales in its history, and now his prized possession, a rare collection of Poe poems, has been stolen. But when a mysterious package appears at the bookstore, its unexpected arrival gives Fikry the chance to make his life over-and see everything anew."

Books as well as eBooks are available for borrowing through our library.

This event is FREE and open to adults only (ages 21+).

REGISTRATION REQUIRED.


Scotchtown Craft is located at
741 NY-211 E
Middletown, NY 10941

Questions? Please call 1-845-341-5461 and ask for Theresa, or send e-mail to t.zacek@rcls.org.
Questions?
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Blood Drive

with New York Blood Center

September 14, 2023

12 - 6 PM in the 2nd floor Community Room

Sign up through this link or call 1-800-933-2566.

Appointments are preferred however walk-ins will be welcomed if space permits.

Please remember to eat, drink, and bring your donor ID card or ID with name and photo.

Masks are required for donors who are not fully vaccinated.

For full list of COVID-19 safety protocols, please visit nybc.org/coronavirus.
Questions?


event flyer → Middletown Thrall Library invites you to our next

Remarkable Reads Book Discussion

Wednesday, August 30, 2023 at 3 PM

in our 2nd floor Community Room at Thrall

Hosted by Matt Pfisterer

About the Book

Carrie Soto Is Back by Taylor Jenkins Reid: Available copies of this book can be borrowed from or reserved at Middletown Thrall Library.

About the Presenter: Matt Pfisterer is the Director of Thrall Library. Matt earned a Master's Degree in Library Science from the State University of New York at Albany. He is the moderator of the Remarkable Reads book discussion group at Thrall Library, and he has moderated numerous book discussions covering both fiction and nonfiction titles from popular authors.

Masks recommended but not required.
Questions?


event flyer → en-THRALL-ed in Crafts introduces:

The Stitch Inn

*Every Friday, 2 to 4 PM

in our 2nd floor Community Room

Please note: there will be no session on 4/14/23


Whatever your stitching passion, all stitchers are welcomed.

Bring your hooks and needles and learn how to crochet or knit. Or, just come and sit and stitch.

If you have a sewing machine you cannot operate, bring it in to the Stitch Inn and learn.
Questions?
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A Game of Chess

Saturdays at 1 PM with Wesley Crick

PLAY, LEARN, and ENJOY!

We will meet near our first floor Adult Reference Department and then find a quiet place to play within the library.
Questions?






Earlier Events




"End of Summer" Movies Series


Please join us and watch a movie for FREE!
Before attending, please be sure to check above for each movie's rating.
Questions?


event flyer →
Get Read for

An Hour of Flowers



Create beautiful lanters to relax next to while reading your favorite book held in place with your very own bookmark using dried flowers and leaves!

Drop-in Friday, July 28th, at 2:00 - 3:00 PM in the Middletown Thrall Library.
Questions?
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Thrall Rocks

Join us for this fun "Take and Make" project.

Pick up your rock and paint from the adult reference desk beginning on August 1, 2023.

When you have finished painting your rock, take a picture of it and post it on Thrall Library social media pages, then hide your rock somewhere in Thrall for someone to find and post.

Let's see how many posts each rock can get.

Supplies are limited.
Questions?


event flyer →

Blood Drive

with New York Blood Center

July 5, 2023

in the 2nd floor Community Room

Sign up at nybc.org or call 1-800-933-2566.

Bring ID, or NYBC donor card!

Appointments are preferred however walk-ins will be welcomed if space permits.

Please remember to eat, drink and bring your donor ID card or ID with name and photo.

Masks are optional for all donors and staff. For full list of COVID-19 safety protocols, please visit nybc.org/coronavirus.
Questions?


event flyer →

Books on Tap Returns!

July 20, 2023, 5 pm

That's right! We're back! We'll be talking about...

The Bandit Queens by Parini Shroff

Books as well as eBooks are available for borrowing through our library.

From the publisher: "In the five years since her husband's disappearance, Geeta has become accustomed to a solitary life; you'd be surprised how difficult it is to make friends when your entire village believes you're a witch who murdered your husband. And since she can't convince anyone that she didn't murder him, she figures she might as well use her fearsome reputation to protect herself as a woman on her own. But when other women in the village decide that they, too, want to be 'self-made' widows and rid themselves of their abusive husbands, Geeta's reputation becomes a double-edged sword--the very thing that's meant to keep her safe is now threatening everything she's built as she unwittingly becomes the go-to consultant for village husband-disposal."

This event is FREE and open to adults (ages 21+).

REGISTRATION REQUIRED.


Clemson Brother's Brewery is located at
22 Cottage Street Middletown, NY 10940
We'll meet in the Beer Garden, weather permitting. Indoors if not.

Questions? Please call 1-845-341-5461 and ask for Theresa, or send e-mail to t.zacek@rcls.org.
Questions?
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Iona Island Walk

CANCELLED: July 8, 2023, 11 am - 1 pm
due to weather forecast

Local historian Doc Bayne will be leading a walk on the notable Iona Island.

Please wear appropriate footwear for walking.

Registration is required - registration is limited to 20 participants.

Please call 1-845-341-5461 and ask for Theresa, or send e-mail to t.zacek@rcls.org.
Questions?


event flyer → Middletown Thrall Library invites you to our next

Remarkable Reads Book Discussion

Thursday, June 22, 2023 at 3 PM

in our 2nd floor Community Room at Thrall

Hosted by Matt Pfisterer

About the Book

Unmasked: My Life Solving America's Cold Cases by Paul Holes: Available copies of this book can be borrowed from or reserved at Middletown Thrall Library.

About the Presenter: Matt Pfisterer is the Director of Thrall Library. Matt earned a Master's Degree in Library Science from the State University of New York at Albany. He is the moderator of the Remarkable Reads book discussion group at Thrall Library, and he has moderated numerous book discussions covering both fiction and nonfiction titles from popular authors.

Masks recommended but not required.
Questions?


LGBTQIA+ Film Series


Please join us and watch a movie for FREE!
Before attending, please be sure to check above for each movie's rating.
Questions?


event flyer →

Middletown Community
Paper Shredding Day

May 13, 2023, 11 AM to 1 PM

outside, near the front entrance of our library

Bring whatever papers you can carry and want shredded.

This is a free service!
Questions?


event flyer →

Adventures in Bookbinding

with en-THRALL-ed in Crafts

Starting May 10, 2023

in our 2nd Floor Community Room

Our next adventure will take us into exploring the ancient art of bookbinding.

We will explore several different bookbinding techniques.

This workshop will run each Wednesday from May 10, until June 14.

So, join us in the community room at Thrall Library from 11:00 until 1:00.

Space is limited, so call 845-341-5461 to register.
Questions?


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Cinco De Mayo

May 6, 2023
Two sessions: 11 am and 1 pm

in our 2nd Floor Community Room

Please join us as we celebrate Cinco De Mayo (on May 6th) with a very special story time and craft!

Feel free to drop in! No registration required!

This program is part of the City of Middletown Business Improvement District's Cinco de Mayo celebration.


In Spanish...

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Cinco De Mayo

sábado, 6 de mayo de 2023
Dos sesiones: 11 am y 1 pm

en la sala comunitaria del segundo piso en Thrall

Por favor únete a nosotros mientras celebramos el Cinco de Mayo (el 6 de mayo) ?con una hora de cuentos y manualidades muy especial!

?Siéntete libre de entrar! ?No es necesario registrarse!

Este programa es parte de la Ciudad de Middletown Celebración del Cinco de Mayo del Distrito de Mejoramiento Comercial.
Questions?


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Tools for Relaxation
& Mindfulness Meditation

Thursdays, 11 am, April 6
to June 29, 2023

NO SESSION on Wednesday, April 26, 2023

Learn easy and gentle practices for deep relaxation that you can incorporate into your daily life.

Chinese self-massage, Qigong, breathing and listening to peaceful meditative music effortlessly lead you to be calmer and quieter.

All of these simple tools are forms of mindfulness meditation.

This program will be held online via Zoom.

For the Zoom meeting link, please contact Theresa Zacek at t.zacek@rcls.org

About the performer: Carole Brill, our instructor, has been practicing meditation for more than 50 years.
Questions?


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Reading the Woods

with Donald "Doc" Bayne

May 27, 2023, 1 PM

in our 2nd Floor Community Room

What is living in the woods? How do you know what is there or what is not there? You just need to know what to look for!

Come and learn the tell-tale signs of the forest so that next time you hike, you will know what lurks in the woods you are walking in.

No registration required.

About the Presenter: Donald "Doc" Bayne is a former Environmental Educator at Sterling Forest and leads many educational hikes in the Hudson Valley.

Questions?


Magnificent Movies

in our 2nd floor Community Room

Please join us, and be entertained by a great movie - for FREE!

Questions?


event flyer →

en-THRALL-ed in Crafts Mending Workshop

Starting April 6, 11:30 am

in our 2nd floor Community Room at Thrall



Spring has sprung, and en-THRALLED-e in crafts is hosting our long-awaited mending workshop led by Raheli Harper the maven of mending.

So, bring embroidery floss an embroidery needles, and learn step-by-step methods of decorative/functional medning which by the end of the workshop you wil be able to apply to a well-loved garment in need of mending.

Join us in the Thrall Library Community Room April 6, 13, 20, and 27, from 11:30 to 1:30.
Questions?


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Fabric Collage

Thursdays in March 2023, 11:30 AM - 1 PM

in the 2nd floor Community Room at Middletown Thrall Library

Join us each Thursday, in March, 2023, from 11:30 to 1:30 in the Community Room, as we continue our exploration into en-THRALLing crafts. This month we will explore the art of FABRIC COLLAGE.

We will use fabric to create works of art and then learn basic embroidery stitches to enhance our collage. So, bring a picture of your choosing that you can use as a guide to create your collage. We have some fabric, but feel free to bring your own fat quarters or even old clothing that you may want to use for your collage.
Questions?


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ESL


A partir del 6 de Febrero, la biblioteca de Thrall ofrecerá classes de ESL, lunes de 11 a.m.- 1 p.m. en la sala comunitaria del Segundo piso. Solo para adultos (18 años y mayors). Para obtener más información, llame la sección de referencia para adultos en la biblioteca Thrall (845) 341 5461.
Questions?


event flyer → Middletown Thrall Library invites you to our next

Remarkable Reads Book Discussion

Thursday, April 13, 2023 at 3 PM

in our 2nd floor Community Room at Thrall

Hosted by Matt Pfisterer

About the Book

The Four Winds by Kristin Hannah: Available copies of this book can be borrowed from or reserved at Middletown Thrall Library.

About the Presenter: Matt Pfisterer is the Director of Thrall Library. Matt earned a Master's Degree in Library Science from the State University of New York at Albany. He is the moderator of the Remarkable Reads book discussion group at Thrall Library, and he has moderated numerous book discussions covering both fiction and nonfiction titles from popular authors.

Masks recommended but not required.
Questions?


event flyer →

Brooklyn Baroque

April 16, 2023, 2 PM

in the 2nd floor Community Room at Middletown Thrall Library

Brooklyn Baroque returns by popular demand!

David Bakamjian and Rebecca Pechefsky will be joined by flutist Melanie Williams and violinist Theresa Salomon for a most memorable music performance of Baroque masterpieces.

This event is free and open to the public.
Questions?


event flyer →

THE GREAT CHAIN

The Chain That Saved the Colonies
presented by Donald "Doc" Bayne

April 15, 2023, 1 pm

in our 2nd Floor Community Room

To stop the British invasion of the New England colonies during the American Revolution, Peter Townsend manufactured a great chain for the Continental Army at Sterling Forest. It was placed across the Hudson River at West Point.

Doc Bayne will tell us how he discovered the forge that made the Great Chain in the Sterling Forest, and he will share the history of the iron industry that started in 1736 at Sterling Forest and how the Sterling Forge was used to create the great chain.

NO REGISTRATION REQUIRED.

About the Presenter: Donald "Doc" Bayne is a former Environmental Educator at Sterling Forest and leads many educational hikes in the Hudson Valley.
Questions?


event flyer →

UPDATE: Black History Month Film Festival

Thrall Library, Community Room, 2 pm to 4 pm

Due to circumstances beyond our control, we were not able to show all of the films we had planned for the Black History Month Film Festival.

As a result, we have decided to extend our film festival into March, so we can complete our planned schedule.

Thank you for understanding. All movies are free and open to the public.
Questions?


event flyer →

Meet Frederick Douglass

Abolitionist / Author / Activist

A live performance by G. Oliver King

Rescheduled:
March 18, 2023, 2 PM

in 2nd floor Community Room

This event is free and open to the public.
Questions?


"All Abilities" Zumba Classes

January 17, 2023 - March 7, 2023,
Tuesdays, 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM

in our 2nd floor Community Room

FREE.

Come dance, sweat, meet people in your community, and have fun!

Questions?


"Zumba Gold" Classes

Starting January 19, 2023 - March 2, 2023,
Thursdays, 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM

in our 2nd floor Community Room

Every level. FREE.

Come dance, have fun, and meet people in your community!

Questions?
event flyer →

Meet Martin Luther King, Jr.

Civil Rights Leader / Minister

A live performance by G. Oliver King

February 18, 2023, 2 PM

in 2nd floor Community Room

This event is free and open to the public.
Questions?
event flyer →

Historic Hillside Cemetery

March 1, 2023, 3 PM

in the 2nd floor Community Room

Dr. Isseks and Andy Mills will present through PowerPoint the creation and design of this cemetery which was created by renown landscape artists Downing, Vaux, and Olmstead.

Various notable persons buried in Hillside will be discussed as well, including a Civil War General, a Civil War Hero and medal of honor recipient. Various, politicians, philanthropists, artists, and writers will also be discussed.

About the Presenters: Dr. Isseks has been an English, Journalism and Media teacher at Middletown High School for 40 years. He earned his PH.D. in media Journalism. Andy Mills has a Masters Degree in Psychology and an RN and have been working at a Middletown Community mental health center as a therapist and nurse for 40 yrs. They are both on the Board of Historic Hillside Cemetery and spend every Wednesday hiking, biking, kayaking, snowshoeing, or cross country skiing the Mid-Hudson area. They both live with their wives in Middletown and have been living here most of their lives.
Questions?
event flyer →

Hoop Quilting

February 2, 9, 16, 23, 2023
11 am to 1 pm

Call: 845-341-5461 to register.

Have you been curious about learning how to quilt, but the idea of making an entire quilt seemed too overwhelming? Well join us as we learn basics of quilt construction in a manageable size.

We will learn English paper piecing technique of quilt construction, which does not require a sewing machine.
Questions?
event flyer → Middletown Thrall Library invites you to our next

Remarkable Reads Book Discussion

Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2023 at 3 PM

in our 2nd floor Community Room at Thrall

Hosted by Matt Pfisterer

About the Book

Black Buck by Mateo Askaripour: Available copies of this book can be borrowed from or reserved at Middletown Thrall Library.

About the Presenter: Matt Pfisterer is the Director of Thrall Library. Matt earned a Master's Degree in Library Science from the State University of New York at Albany. He is the moderator of the Remarkable Reads book discussion group at Thrall Library, and he has moderated numerous book discussions covering both fiction and nonfiction titles from popular authors.

Masks recommended but not required.
Questions?
event flyer →

African Dance & Drumming
A Live Performance + Workshop

Tuesday, Feb. 7, 10:30-11:30 AM (event)
12-1 PM (drumming workshop)

in our 2nd floor Community Room

Please join us for African dancing and drumming activities and a jembe drumming workshop in celebration of Black History Month!

Chiku Awali African Dance, Arts, and Culture will perform African dancing to live drumming!

Enjoy audience participation and an optional jembe drumming workshop for up to ten participants!
Questions?

Black History Month Film Festival


Each Tuesday in the Month of February, we will show a movie about a famous Black American in the 2nd floor Community Room from 2 to 4 PM on these dates:
Also in February:
Questions?
event flyer →

en-THRALL-ed in Crafts Open House

January 14, 2023

12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Join us for an afternoon of fun exploring crafts which will be offered this coming year at Thrall. You will have an opportunity to see samples of crafts we have done, and what adventure lies ahead. There will be demonstrations throughout the afternoon. Join us in the community room as we continue our en-THRALL-ing exploration into crafts in 2023. You will have an opportunity to sign up early for classes.

To register, please call: 845-341-5461
Questions?
event flyer →

en-THRALL-ing craft


January's en-THRALL-ing craft is punch needle embroidery.

WHEN: Thursdays beginning January 12, 2023 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in the Community Room, Second Floor

To register, please call: 845-341-5461
Questions?

2023 Open Knit & Crochet Sessions

January 9th, January 23rd,
February 6th, & February 27th

Time: 2:00 pm - 4:30 pm

Where: Second Floor, Community Room

Participants will be able to work on their own projects, have fun and make new friends.

Please Note: This is not a learn how to knit or crochet class.

Registration is required

Questions? Please call 1-845-341-5470 or visit our Children's Department.
Questions?



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