THIS EVENT IS FULL - REGISTRATION IS CLOSED.

Our popular adult craft teacher, Lorie Lotito instructs a two-part course in creating an artful bird's nest craft that can be hung anywhere in a breezeway, on a porch or kitchen.

In Part 1, you'll mount a pre-crafted bird's nest in a tripod of branches, then distress a clay bird to install within.

In Part 2, students will distress a clay pot, mount the nest tripod inside it and add some easy-care annuals.

Neonatal Intensive care nurse Christina Lugue will explain everything you need to know about car seat safety. She will provide hands-on instruction and will also answer any questions you may have. Her talk will be upstairs in the Storycraft Room. Registration is limited.

Please email mdarnobid@rcls.org to register. | Limit 9 adults| Please wear a mask

The popular storyteller of "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow" at the Old Dutch Church returns once a month with an evening of legends and tales. This vernal season, it's "Fairy Tails for Grownups. See him on our Facebook page, live at 7:30 pm on the 5th of April, or watch the recorded performance there, anytime afterward.

NY State Senator, Likjah Reichlin-Melnick invites folks from our are to visit with a representative from his office during a the afternoon (2 - 5 in our lobby. Senator for the 38th District of NY, he represents the towns of Ramapo, Clarkstown and Orangetown, and also the town of Ossining.

His responsibilities include memberships to the following State Senate committees:

Procurement & Contracts (Chairperson)
Education
Veterans, Homeland Security and Military Affairs
Consumer Protection
Investigations and Government Operations
Local Government
Transportation

If you have concerns or questions relating to an interest in any of the above --- or any other subject, you can discuss and make known your interest to the Senator through the representative.

Retired educator, Evelyn Murphy leads a spirited monthly Wednesday night discussion on a chosen literary tome -- fiction or non-fiction. The meetings are moving back into the library for the first time in two years, starting in March. Registration is a must so we can set up the table(s) safely; books are available at the beginning of each month at our front desk.

Call Evelyn at 845 480-4165 and email Program Manager, Barry to let us know you'll be there. The meeting is after hours, so he will need to let you in. Evelyn is in Florida in March and will join via Zoom.

May 18: Midnight Library - Matt Haig

The Hudson Valley's Master StoryTeller, Jonathan Kruk has truly carved out a niche for himself in the local cultural scene. With a vast knowledge of stories and myths from around the world and decades of experience telling tales in public venues, not to mention a Dickensian appearance and presentation, Jonathan has no equal. His storytimes for grownups and families can be accessed anytime from their presentation and after on the library's Facebook page, but are best watched live. And be sure to catch him at the Old Dutch Church in Tarrytown with "The Legend of Sleeeeeepy Hooooollllllow!

The Blauvelt Free Library and the Orangeburg Library collaborate presenting Phil Cross, who instructs in the gentle movements of the ancient Chinese art of Tai Chi. Using a chair for support, Phil virtually teaches for both mind and body to enhance energy, increase strength, sustain the immune system and reduce the effects of stress. Good for both beginners and experienced students.

To register for this weekly program and receive the Zoom link, go to the signup page on the Orangeburg Library website:

Register Here

The Blauvelt Free Library and the Orangeburg Library collaborate presenting Phil Cross, who instructs in the gentle movements of the ancient Chinese art of Tai Chi. Using a chair for support, Phil virtually teaches for both mind and body to enhance energy, increase strength, sustain the immune system and reduce the effects of stress. Good for both beginners and experienced.

To register for this weekly program and receive the Zoom link, go to the signup page on the Orangeburg Library website:

Register Here

The Blauvelt Free Library and the Orangeburg Library collaborate presenting Phil Cross, who instructs in the gentle movements of the ancient Chinese art of Tai Chi. Using a chair for support, Phil virtually teaches for both mind and body to enhance energy, increase strength, sustain the immune system and reduce the effects of stress. There is no beginning and ending to this class; join any time and benefit from Phil's talent for including beginners without losing the interest of experienced students.

To register for this weekly program and receive the Zoom link, go to the signup page on the Orangeburg Library website:

Register Here

The Blauvelt Free Library and the Orangeburg Library collaborate presenting Phil Cross, who instructs in the gentle movements of the ancient Chinese art of Tai Chi. Using a chair for support, Phil virtually teaches for both mind and body to enhance energy, increase strength, sustain the immune system and reduce the effects of stress. There is no beginning and ending to this class; join any time and benefit from Phil's talent for including beginners without losing the interest of experienced students.

To register for this weekly program and receive the Zoom link, go to the signup page on the Orangeburg Library website:

Register here

The Blauvelt Free Library and the Orangeburg Library collaborate presenting Phil Cross, who instructs in the gentle movements of the ancient Chinese art of Tai Chi. Using a chair for support, Phil virtually teaches for both mind and body to enhance energy, increase strength, sustain the immune system and reduce the effects of stress. There is no beginning and ending to this class; join any time and benefit from Phil's talent for including beginners without losing the interest of experienced students.

To register for this weekly program and receive the Zoom link, go to the signup page on the Orangeburg Library website:

Register Here

Let's share some videos!

Join other video lovers in a monthly virtual screening of video shorts we find on the net. Moderator, Barry Koch of the Library will present several videos each month

All you need do is email for the Zoom Link. If you are inspired, pick a free short or two from YouTube or other site that you'd like to share, and email the link to Barry for review and posting.

Your video can be happy or sad, live action or animated, old or new, and should relate to a monthly subject. In January, we'll look at videos that illustrate the transition from the December holidays to the gut check (take it any way you like!) of January, when we return to some sense of normalcy.

Get the link by emailing Barry at bkoch@rcls.org, and include a link to a short film if you have one to share.

The Blauvelt Free Library and the Orangeburg Library collaborate presenting Phil Cross, who instructs in the gentle movements of the ancient Chinese art of Tai Chi. Using a chair for support, Phil virtually teaches for both mind and body to enhance energy, increase strength, sustain the immune system and reduce the effects of stress. There is no beginning and ending to this class; join any time and benefit from Phil's talent for including beginners without losing the interest of experienced students.

To register for this virtual weekly program and receive the Zoom link, go to the signup page on the Orangeburg Library website:

Register Here

Do you struggle through the dark, cold winter months? Blauvelt Clinical Psychotherapist, Joanie Arnold offers ways to gain increased vitality through befriending the winter season. Discover Hygge, the art of coziness; learn rituals that can help you transition through winter, and open yourself to an enjoyment of the outdoors, and all the blessings the season offers.

Email Barry at bkoch@rcls.org or call 845 359-2811 with your email address to receive the Zoom link to this program on Thursday, January 20 at 7 pm.

The Blauvelt Free LIbrary is pleased to join the Orangeburg Library to bring back Phillip Cross to teach the graceful moves of tai chi, the ancient Chinese low-impact workout endorsed by doctors. Using chairs for support, Phil instructs for both mind and body to support the immune system, increase energy and reduce stress.

This is a virtual class. Registration can be done by phone by calling Barry of the Blauvelt Free Library at 845 359-2811 with your email --so we can send you the link-- or you can send your address to bkoch@rcls.org.

You may also skip the middle-person by going to https://orangeburglibrary.org/ and scrolling down the page past "Upcoming Events" and clicking on a button that reads, "View All Events", then navigating until you find the Tai Chi program listed on the calendar on (Mondays in November). Click on it and follow the registration instructions.

The Medicare Open enrollment Period runs from October 15 to December 7. A counselor from a HIICAP (Health Insurance Information, counseling and Assistance Program) from the Rockland Office for the Aging will present on pertinent updates for the coming year. It's helpful for those who are newly eligible or will soon become so, and/or are confused about Medicare. A review of available Medicare options will be discussed, along with various financial assistance programs available to Medicare recipients.

Note: time and venue may be changed if other nearby libraries agree to present together.

Meanwhile, call Barry at 845 359-2811 or email bkoch@rcls.org to register for this event, which will be held in person if possible. Otherwise, it will become a phone-in event. Watch this space for the latest info.

UPDATE: This program will present virtually via zoom. Contact Blauvelt, Orangeburg, Piermont or Tappan Libraries to register for the zoom link.

In Blauvelt, call Barry at 845 359-2811 or email bkoch@rcls.org

Join Dr. Frank Pawlowski, a long time meditator, for this deep and engaging meditation workshop (Note: program will be held in the Library, if possible, with a Zoom backup, depending on the health environment at that time). 

Dr. Pawlowski lectures regularly on the benefits of meditation and has been practicing himself for over 40 years. During this workshop he will talk about the journey of finding lasting peace, happiness and a greater sense of well-being. Dr. Pawlowski will share a simple technique of spiritual meditation (explained and practiced during the session) that can help us achieve a lasting state tranquility found through no outer experience.  For new or advanced meditators.   

Brief Bio
Frank Pawlowski Ed.D. is an Assistant Superintendent of Business and Finance now retired from a New York State Public School District. He also filled the role of an Adjunct Professor of School Administration in the Graduate School of Education at Iona College. He has been a practitioner of meditation since 1972 and since 2004 he has been giving Workshops on the Benefits of Meditation.

Call Barry at 845 359-2811 or email bkoch@rcls.org to register.

When uncertainty surrounds us, peace and stability can be sought through meditation. Join Dr. Pawlowski in and exploration of this tried and true method of reducing stress-related responses that you can use anytime, anywhere. It's a great addition to your wellness.

Email blvadultprograms@gmail.com for the link for fhe event link.

Meet with other book lovers on Zoom to discuss this month's publication chosen by retired educator, Evelyn Murphy. It's a lively discussion, and you never know where it will go!

April's book of the month is, Untamed, by Glennon Doyle. Copies are available at the library's front desk or walk-up window.

To register and receive the ZOOM link, call Evelyn at 845 480-4165, or email blvadultprograms@gmail.com

Join Alice Ryan, President of the Friends of Blauvelt Free Library and Barry Koch, Manager of Programs for a discussion about one of the most popular film versions of the Louisa May Alcott classic, "Little Women". Watch the 1994 production on your own, and meet to compare it with other versions you may have watched. You may find a copy to check out from your library, or contact Barry at 845 359-2811 to have him deliver (anywhere in Orangetown) one of several DVDs in the Friends' possession.

Get the ZOOM link for this event by emailing blvadultprograms@gmail.com

Piermont's Betsy Franco Feeney has been a creator of children's books for over 20 years, with emphasis on science related fiction. Learn the challenges and triumphs of creating engaging narratives for kids that also teach, and the importance of including footnotes to help parents answer questions with facts. Betsy will discuss her two award-winning books, Amoeba Hop, based on a song by her friend, Christine Lavin (the comedic folk writer/performer beloved of public radio fans for decades), and Jewels of the Sea, her new, scientifically vetted fiction about discovering diatoms -- jewel-like microorganisms that produce 25% of the oxygen we all breathe.

To register for this zoom program, email blvadultprogams@gmail.com for the link.

Philip Cross teaches the graceful moves of Tai Chi, the ancient Chinese low-impact workout modified for use with a chair. He directs both mind and body for increased energy, stress reduction and support of the immune system.

This program is offered in partnership with the Orangeburg, NY library

Registration is required at orangeburglibrary.org. Click on Upcoming Events.

A spirited discussion of works from various genres with retired educator, Evelyn Murphy. Books can be found at the front desk at the beginning of each month.

In December, a special virtual meeting will involve a discussion of cookbooks. Each attendee is encouraged to make a dish or treat from a favorite cookbook and discuss!

For the monthly link to the meeting, email evelynmurphy!@hotmail.com

Boxing for Wellness was created by Rock Steady Boxing coach, Tom Elliot for the Jewish Home Family of Norther NJ to support wellness and enhance mobility in Parkinson's Disease patients. In the advent of Covid-19, they have made the program available free to all, via a weekly Zoom link.

Email Barry at bkoch@rcls.org for each week's Zoom link.

Join the Friends of the Blauvelt Free Library in a virtual discussion of a traditional night at the movies. Each meeting revolves around a cartoon, a short subject and a feature, all of which can be viewed online for free. Watch them before the meeting so you can chime in with comments. Program Director, Barry Koch prepares a PowerPoint talk each month with background info and trivia on the show.

December offerings are:
Cartoon:
The Bear's Christmas (1974) 8 minutes, from the famous National Film Board of Canada.
"A down-on-his-luck bear hits bottom when he is fired from his job as starter at the local 'rat races', but still finds a spark of the Christmas Spirit in his lonely rented room."
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jlh0S4SbMpY

Short Subject:
Days Before Christmas (1958) 29 minutes, also from the National Film Board of Canada
A reality video filmed in Montreal records the hubbub surrounding the Holidays in mid-century North America.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kcXCGi_SqyE&t=1295s

Documentary Feature:
Dreaming of a Jewish Christmas (2017) 53 minutes.
A tribute to the many Jewish composers of great Christmas music includes performances set in one of their traditional Yuletide destinations: a Chinese restaurant.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q5KgSLVv3-w&t=328s

NOTE: THIS EVENT IS NOT SCHEDULED ON SITE AT THIS TIME. IT MAY BE DONE VIA ZOOM. WE WILL KNOW MORE IN COMING WEEKS HOW THINGS WILL PLAY OUT.

Veterans who have been meeting at the library for an 8-week writing seminar facilitated by David Surface, founder of the Fordham-Westchester Veterans Writing Workshop, will read their stories in front of an audience. All selections are works produced in the seminar and bound together in an anthology available for purchase at the reading.

Refreshments will be served. The Veterans Writing Workshop is a collaborative effort of Fordham-Westchester, Bridges Independent Living and the Blauvelt Free Library, with a grant from the Ramapo-Catskill Library System.  

Behringer Room | Walk-ins are welcome, but we ask you to call Barry at 845 359-2811 to register so we are sure to have enough refreshments on hand

Meet David Surface of Veterans Writing Workshop, who will give an overview of the 8-week writing class that he will present at the library, Mondays at 6:30 pm, starting February 3rd. The course will be available free of charge to all veterans and currently serving service members. The library hopes to attract 12 students for the program.

David will show several short videos (check one out here) and discuss the program so that possible attendees can decide whether to enroll. However, this Info/Q&A meeting should be of interest to anyone who might have a friend or family member who is a veteran and would like to tell Their Story.

Walk-ins are welcome, but if you'd like to phone us at 845 359-2811, or email bkoch@rcls.org we'd love to know you're coming. Refreshments will be served.

Taking Chance (NR) | 1 hr 17 min
Starring Kevin Bacon, Tom Eldredge, Nicholas Art

Based upon the experiences of Marine Lieutenant Colonel, Michael Strobl, who escorts the body of a fallen Marine to his hometown from the Iraq War.

Films introduced by Paul Kaufman with delicious homebaked treats by his wife, Linda

Big (PG) 1988 | 1 hr 44 min
Tom Hanks, Elizabeth Perkins, Robert Loggia
1 Oscar

The County Exective's Office will sponsor a discussion on shared services. Open to the public... more information to come as it is released.

Private non-profit group.

A group of seniors who asked the library for a space to bring in a writing teacher to help them craft "letters to the future". Registration is closed.

With a Song in My Heart (NR) 1952 | 1 hr 57 min
Starring Susan Hayward, Rory Calhoun, Thelma Ritter, David Wayne
1 Oscar, 3 Golden Globes

Meet Joe Black  (PG-13) 1998 | 2 hrs 50 min
Starring Brad Pitt, Anthony Hopkins, Claire Forlani

A romantic fantasy in which Death assumes the form of a young man (Brad Pitt), who asks a media mogul (Sir Anthony Hopkins) to act as a guide to teach him about life on Earth. In the process, he falls in love with his guide's daughter (Claire Forlani).

Movies are introduced by Paul Kaufman with homebaked snacks
by his wife, Linda

Representatives of the Rockland County Office for the Aging will be in the library lobby to answer questions and explain programs.

"There are more than 65,000 people in Rockland County over the age of 60. We assist older residents and their families to get information about programs available to them. We provide a variety of programs, either through our own efforts or through partners. The programs are designed to maintain maximum independence in the home and provide employment and volunteer activities. Advocacy by and for the elderly is our prime activity."

Are you considering a move? You may have questions about how to go about it. Local Blauvelt resident and licensed real estate salesperson, Sharon Burke of BHG Rand Realty will answer your questions. Get up-to-date neighborhood news on the market, discuss trends and enjoy an informal evening discussion. Refreshments.

Please register at 845 359-2811 or email bkoch@rcls.org

Private meeting. Group will meet on first Monday of the month, starting in June, in the 2nd Floor Office Suite.

(Registration closed) The greatest names in Big Band Music performed at Camp Shanks during WWII when the Manse Barn was a USO Club. The Orangetown Museum, in collaboration with the Orangeburg, Tappan and Blauvelt Libraries, invites you to celebrate their new exhibit, Shanks Legacy (opening April 13) with a concert by the Reflections Jazz & Swing Orchestra, reprising the big band tradition with hits made famous by Count Basie, Banny Goodman and Woody Herman.

At the Manse Barn | 32 Old Tappan Road, Tappan, NY | Donations suggested | Concdert length 90 minutes

Jill Rosenfeld returns with a 4-week class for players who understand the basics.

Class is limited to 12 and players must commit to all four classes | Registration is required

Please bring a 2019 Mah Jongg card purchased from https://www.nationalmahjonggleague.org which will be mailed to you the last week of March

Enjoy a Saturday lunch and stage performance of the acclaimed "Steel Magnolias," which chronicles the lives of six Louisiana ladies.

COACH BUS leaves library at 9:15_^am / LUNCH 11:30_^am / CURTAIN 1_^pm / BUS RETURNS 5:30_^pm

Tickets are $80 cash or check made payable to > Friends of Blauvelt Free Library
 

Join us on a coach tour to the New York City piers for a boat trip around the island. Then ride a double decker, open-top Gray Line bus to see the sights in Manhattan and Brooklyn Heights while the locals are away for the Labor Day weekend. The combined tour takes about five hours.

$95 cash or check payable to The Friends of the Blauvelt Free Library
Open seating, coach leaves St. Catharine's lot at 8am
Box lunch will be provided

Call Joe Onativia at 656 648-0823 to register

The Friends of the Blauvelt Free Library and St. Catharine's Parish are taking over the 100-seat Elmwood Playhouse in Nyack for a private performance of the rousing musical La Cage aux Folles. A wine and cheese intermission adds to the fun.

$45 cash or check payable to The Friends of the Blauvelt Free Library
Open seating, no transportation provided, parking maps of Nyack will be available

Call Joe Onativia at 656 648-823 (and hurry, tickets are going fast)

Due to ongoing renovation/construction, we are cancelling the movie, Fabulous Baker Boys, originally scheduled for Tuesday, February 7th.

Led by Evelyn Murphy. Varied genre. May include a Skype or conference call with the author.
Snacks every meeting relate to the story. Books are available at front desk at the beginning of each month.
Call Evelyn at 845 480-4165 to register.

February 19 | Auntie Poldi and the Sicilian Lions | Mario Giordano

A depressed retiree, who intends to drink herself to death, changes her mind after she finds the shotgun-riddled body of a 19-year-old woman on a beach and decides to investigate the murder.

Find common ground and unity in this divisive political climate. Share your thoughts and find a new understanding of what is happening in the world around us. Talk led by David and Gretchen Kane features the philosophy of G. I. Gurdjieff, who spoke about the importance of balancing the heart, mind and body.

Meets in the Community Room

Join the Friends of the Library for traditional Irish music at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center. The band is joined by fiddlers, Natalie MacMaster and Donald Leahey. Coach bus departs from the library at 1pm sharp. Bus loads at 12:45pm.

Learn the graceful movements of Tai Chi, the ancient Chinese low impact
workout endorsed for seniors by doctors to strengthen tendons and bones
and enhance balance.

Saturdays, September 29 - October 17 | 10 - 11am | 8 sessions
Community Room | Limited to 12 adults

Register with Barry at 845 359-2811 | Free

Wear sneakers and loose clothing
Bring bottled water and a towel

The Music Box (PG-13) 1989 | 1 hr 54 min
Starring Jessica Lange and Armin Mueller-Stahl

An Hungarian-American immigrant who is accused of war crime against the Jews is defended by his daughter who struggles to uncover the truth.

Movies are introduced by Paul Kaufman with homebaked snacks
by his wife, Linda