— Photo from Debbie Scott
Laura Tenney stands with the barn quilt she donated to the Town of Westerlo Public Library. “I’ve named the pattern, ‘The Tree of Knowledge’ in honor of the library,” she said.
Laura Tenney, who has served as the president of the Westerlo Library Board of Trustees for the past 10 years, donated a barn quilt to the Town of Westerlo Public Library.
“I’ve named the pattern, ‘The Tree of Knowledge’ in honor of the library,” she said. It is a stunning tree pattern of yellow, white, and greens.
The timing of the donation was made extra special because it also marked the reopening of the library.
A barn quilt is a large piece of painted wood that looks like a single quilt block and often is attached to the side of a barn. The library’s barn quilt is located along the front of the building near the patio. The library’s board of trustees gratefully accepted Laura’s gift and hopes the community enjoys it for many years to come.
Welcome back!
The library is now offering you the opportunity to make appointments to come in to browse and check out materials. We will also accept walk-in visitors but please understand that patrons with appointments will have priority as we are limiting our number of patrons to four at a time.
We are still offering pickup on the porch for our patrons who prefer that and also for those who may have a medical or personal issue with wearing a face mask. Please check our website https://www.westerlolibrary.org/ or call 518-797-3415 for an appointment or porch pick up.
Summer Reading Program
Have you picked up an origami leaping frog, a Cartesian diver craft, or Knut the gnome? Watch our Facebook page for new crafts that will be available as Take-and-Makes this week.
I hear a Big Bad Wolf is coming to town and he’s ready to tell his side of the story!
You are invited to the library!
Schedule an appointment by visiting our website and reviewing our new safety procedures for visiting the library. Would you rather talk to one of our friendly staff? Then simply call 518-797-3415 during our regular library hours to make a half-hour time slot appointment.
Properly worn face masks are required by all people entering the library for the safety of our staff. If you have a reason that you can’t wear a face mask, no worries, we still offer curbside pick-up for your convenience! We look forward to serving you either way. Stay healthy and keep reading.
Summer Reading
Summer heat got you down! Then stop by the library for some fun take-and-make activities to get your imagination going! All you have to do is call us to let us know that you want one and we will set it outside on the porch for you to pick up. How awesome is that!
Just call 518-797-3415 and ask for a fun craft or science kit. They’re all ready for you to take home and let the adventures begin! New kits will be available each week! Check out our Facebook page and website to see videos and story times that will go along with each week’s kits.
Trustees meet
A special meeting of the library’s board of trustees will be held on Monday, July 20, from 7 to 9:30 p.m. Please join the meeting from your computer, tablet, or smartphone at https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/326963133.
You may also dial in using your phone: +1 (224) 501-3412, Access Code: 326-963-133.
Congratulations to the class of 2020! The Town of Westerlo Public Library recognizes this special achievement in your life especially during these unusual circumstances.
Happy Father’s Day! Wishing all of the dads a very special Father’s Day this weekend!
Porch pickup coming soon
Some good news from our library! We will soon be offering you the opportunity to start picking up requested materials safely from the porch of the library.
The start date will be announced on our Facebook page and our Website.
Here’s how it will work:
1. Place holds online through the catalog or by calling 518-797-3415. You will need your library card available to do this online. We can look you up if you call us.
Items requested from Westerlo Library may be the quickest to get to you since all items from other libraries need to be quarantined before coming to our library. We ask your patience as we are putting patrons’ safety first.
2. Items will be collected by library staff, who will be wearing face masks and following CDC handwashing guidelines, and then you will be called to schedule a pickup time: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday or Friday 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.; Wednesday or Saturday 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
3. Your materials will be checked out to you, labeled with your name and placed on the porch at your scheduled pickup time. Items not picked up by the end of the shift will be placed inside and you will be called to set up another pick up time.
4. Please wait for staff or other patrons to leave the porch area before getting your items.
5. All returns must be placed in the book drop outside.
All materials are being quarantined when they are returned.
Please keep watching our Facebook page for the most up to date information on library activities and changes to new services provided. It can be found at www.facebook.com/westerlolibrary. Our website can be found by just typing westerlopubliclibrary.org into your browser address window, hit enter, and now you can explore our website.
Hoopla and Overdrive are still available for your reading and viewing pleasure! Please take full advantage of them with your library card. They are free for you to use. Information on how to use them is available on our website.
For more information, visit westerlolibrary.org or find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/westerlolibrary.
On Monday, June 8, the Westerlo Public Library will have a board of trustees meeting at 7 p.m. Please join the meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone at https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/969234637
You can also dial in using your phone: +1 (571) 317-3112 with the access code of 969-234-637.
Please keep watching our Facebook page for the most up-to-date information on library activities and changes to new services provided. It can be found at www.facebook.com/westerlolibrary. Our website can be found by just typing westerlopubliclibrary.org into your browser address window, hit enter, and now you can explore our website.
The board of trustees, staff and I will prepare for the library’s shift toward a gradual and safe reopening while continuing to offer virtual programming, and prepare for the summer reading program. After the board of trustees meeting on June 8, I will update the library’s website and Facebook page with information about new services that the library will be offering. The safety of the community and staff are our first concern as we move forward.
Hoopla and Overdrive are available for your reading and viewing pleasure! Please take full advantage of them with your library card. They are free for you to use. Information on how to use them is available on our website.
Thank you for your cooperation and understanding. Contact the library via email at for help accessing digital services or for account questions.
For more information, visit westerlolibrary.org or find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/westerlolibrary.
The Westerlo Library’s Facebook page has informative and fun activities for you to check out. It can be found at www.facebook.com/westerlolibrary. Our website can be found by just typing westerlopubliclibrary.org into your browser address window, hit enter, and now you can explore our website.
The staff and I worked very hard to prepare for the library’s reopening, summer reading program, and virtual programs as well as ways to get information out to you like our newsletter. At the time of this writing, I do not have a timeline of when the library will be reopening in any further capacity than what it is at this time. Please check the library’s website and Facebook page for up-to-date information.
Hoopla and Overdrive are available for your reading and viewing pleasure! Please take full advantage of them with your library card. They are free for you to use. Information on how to use them is available on our website.
Thank you for your cooperation and understanding. Contact the library via email at for help accessing digital services or for account questions.
For more information, visit westerlolibrary.org or find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/westerlolibrary.
On Monday, May 25, the Westerlo Public Library will have a special board of trustees Meeting at 7 p.m. Please join this meeting from your computer, tablet, or smartphone at https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/428149957.
You can also dial in using your phone — United States: +1 (571) 317-3116, access code: 428-149-957.
I want to take this opportunity to thank the staff for its support and continued efforts during the closure of the library building. There has been a lot going on behind the scenes to keep the virtual library running and to prepare for a new way of doing library work when we reopen the building.
Since our “closing” we have begun to offer Hoopla, added an Instagram account, added a newsletter, have given out over 100 activity packets for kids, and donated books to people through the meal-delivery service run by the Hilltowns Community Resource Center.
You have seen some of the videos that Lee and I have posted, which have included virtual egg hunts, kitchen science, and story times. We will continue to have these types of virtual programs and will be adding more.
We have spent a lot of time planning for the Summer Reading Program. We had to think outside of the box for some of our activities while keeping social distancing in mind. We’ve got some fun, new activities planned for the Summer Reading Program this year.
As we prepare to slowly and safely offer more services to the public, the staff and your safety is always my first concern. The staff and I continue to add safe ways to serve you during the closure due to COVID-19.
This week, we will have Technology Call-In Wednesday from 10 a.m. to noon. Amy will be available for you to call in to the library with any technology questions including how to use Hoopla and OverDrive and how to download digital materials.
The library’s phone number is 518-797-3415. On Tuesday, May 26, I will be available from 10 to 11:30 a.m. to take your reference questions at the library’s phone number: 518-797-3415.
Thank you again for your cooperation and understanding. We will get through this together.
For more information, visit westerlolibrary.org or find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/westerlolibrary.
The staff and I continue to add safe ways to serve you during the closure due to COVID-19. This week, we will have Technology Call-In Wednesday from 10 a.m. to noon. Amy will be available for you to call in to the library with any technology questions including how to use Hoopla or OverDrive and how to download digital materials. The library’s phone number is 518-797-3415.
Newsletter
Many of you may have received the library’s first Connections and Collections newsletter through email. This is a new way for the library to reach out and communicate with you. If you did not receive the newsletter and would like to be included in next month’s mailing, please send me your email address at .
Online
Our Facebook page continues to have informative and fun activities for you to check out. It can be found at www.facebook.com/westerlolibrary. Lee has made some videos for Kitchen Chemistry and story times for our Facebook for you to enjoy. Our website can be found by just typing westerlopubliclibrary.org into your browser address window, hit enter, and now you can explore our website.
Be patient
The staff and I are working hard to prepare for the library’s reopening, summer reading program, and virtual programs as well as ways to get information out to you like our newsletter. I know it is difficult not having the library open during this time of social distancing. The staff and I miss you all and look forward to when we can see you again. Right now, we need to be patient and do what is best for all our health and safety.
Thank you for your cooperation and understanding. Contact us via email at for help accessing digital services or for account questions. Staff members will be available to answer your emails.
More information
Visit westerlolibrary.org or find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/westerlolibrary.
What a fabulous week we’ve had celebrating fun days and amazing people! We’ve celebrated May the 4th Be With You, Cinco de Mayo, National Teacher’s Day on May 5, National Nurses Week on May 6 to 12, Child Care Provider Day on May 8, Military Spouses Day on May 8, and No Socks Day on May 8!
This upcoming week join us in celebrating Mother’s Day which also happens to be Clean Your Room Day on May 10, Limerick Day on May 12 {Can you write a fun limerick about social distancing?), Dance Like a Chicken Day on May 14 (Did you know the origins of the Chicken Dance? Do you Raise Chickens? Please share some photos of your chickens), and Chocolate Chip Day on May 15 (Share your favorite creative recipes that include chocolate chips on our Facebook page so we can all try them). Be sure to check out our Facebook page to celebrate with us!
Our Facebook page has many informative and fun activities for you to check out. It can be found at www.facebook.com/westerlolibrary. Have you watched the fun videos of Kitchen Chemistry with Miss Lee on our Facebook page? Our website can be found by just typing westerlopubliclibrary.org into your browser address window, hit enter, and now you can explore our website.
I know it is difficult not having the library open during this time of social distancing. The staff and I miss you all and look forward to when we can see you again. Right now we need to be patient and do what is best for all our health and safety.
Thank you for your cooperation and understanding. Contact us via email at for help accessing digital services or for account questions. Staff members will be available to answer your emails.
The digital library is open 24/7.
Please remember that there is free wifi available in the library’s parking lot 24/7.
Libby is a free reading app for borrowing digital books and audiobooks from the library’s digital OverDrive collection. Get the app today! Or, use it in your web browser at libbyapp.com
What’s all the hoopla about?
Hoopla allows you to borrow movies, music, audiobooks, e-books, comics, and TV shows instantly. With no waiting, titles can be streamed immediately, or downloaded to phones or tablets for offline enjoyment later.
There are hundreds of thousands of titles to choose from, with more being added daily. Hoopla is like having your public library at your fingertips. Anytime. Anywhere. You’ll need your library card, select Westerlo Public Library as your library and set up a username and password. Check it out at https://www.hoopladigital.com/
Census 2020
Census 2020 is important to you and our community!
As of this writing, Westerlo has a 52.7 percent Self-Response Rate. Please talk to your friends and family and remind them to submit their Census 2020 responses.
It is so important to make sure that every one of us is counted. Each one of us is responsible to make sure that Westerlo receives the resources it will need over the next 10 years
Let’s make sure everyone in Westerlo is counted.
Trustees meet
On Monday, May 11, at 7 p.m., the Westerlo Library Board of Trustees will be having an online meeting that is open to the public. Check our website for more details.
More Information
Visit westerlolibrary.org or find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/westerlolibrary.
The Westerlo Library building is closed until further notice. Please be sure to check our website and Facebook page for the most up-to-date information. For our website, just type westerlopubliclibrary.org into your browser address window, hit enter, and you’re there. Our Facebook page has many informative and fun activities for you and can be found at www.facebook.com/westerlolibrary.
Even though the book-drop is open, you may keep your library materials until the library reopens. Due dates for all materials have been extended. Libraries in the Upper Hudson Library System will not be charging fines during this closing.
Thank you for your cooperation and understanding. Contact us via email at for help accessing digital services or for account questions. Staff members will be available to answer your emails.
Services
The library continues to serve you.
Free wifi is available in the library’s parking lot 24/7.
Please reach out to us with our new email address: with questions, concerns or suggestions.
The digital library is open 24/7.
Libby is a free reading app for borrowing digital books and audiobooks from the library’s digital OverDrive collection. Get the app today! Or, use it in your web browser at libbyapp.com.
Hoopla is here!
Hoopla is a new digital media service offered by the Westerlo Public Library. Hoopla allows you to borrow movies, music, audiobooks, e-books, comics, and TV shows instantly. With no waiting, titles can be streamed immediately, or downloaded to phones or tablets for offline enjoyment later. There are hundreds of thousands of titles to choose from, with more being added daily.
Hoopla is like having your public library at your fingertips. Anytime. Anywhere. Check it out at https://www.hoopladigital.com/.
You’ll need your library card; select Westerlo Public Library as your library and set up a username and password.
Census 2020
Census 2020 is important to you and our community!
Your response helps make sure that more than $675 billion in federal funds is directed each year to the right places to support education, health care, firefighting services, and more. Many decisions about where to send this money are based on census data.
A complete and accurate count is also critical for determining how many representatives each state will have in Congress.
Let’s make sure everyone in Westerlo is counted.
For more information, visit westerlolibrary.org or find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/westerlolibrary.
I hope everyone is safe and healthy as we find ourselves in this very unusual time. As the weather gets warmer, we can spend more time outside enjoying nature.
I know the library staff and I miss all of our patrons. Let us know if there is anything you would like us to share about on Facebook. How can we better help you during this time?
It would be nice if we could use our Facebook page to keep in touch. Please share, on our Facebook page, photos of you and/or the books you are reading. It would be fun to see what everyone is reading! Maybe even take a photo of your pet “reading” a book.
Have you made a cool Lego creation you’d like to share? I have started an Instagram account for the library. Be sure to check it out! #westerlopubliclibrary.
The library continues to serve you.
Free wifi is available in the library’s parking lot 24/7.
Please reach out to us with our new email address: with questions, concerns or suggestions.
The digital library is open 24/7. Libby is a free reading app for borrowing digital books and audiobooks from the library’s digital OverDrive collection. Watch our Facebook page and the library’s website for upcoming information about Hoopla coming soon!
Census 2020
Census 2020 is important to you and your community!
Census 2020 results will help determine how money is allocated for the Head Start program and for grants that support teachers and special education. We all appreciate teachers more than ever now!
The results will show where communities need new schools, new clinics, new roads, and more services for families, older adults, and children.
Let’s make sure everyone in Westerlo is counted.
Trustees meet
Monday, April 13, at 7 p.m., the Westerlo Library Board of Trustees will be having an online meeting that is open to the public. Check our Facebook and our website for more details.
More info
Visit westerlolibrary.org or find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/westerlolibrary.