Autumn Programs for Tweens & Teens
For those entering 5th grade in September, unless otherwise noted. All programs require registration. For questions or for help registering, please contact Maureen McGrath, Young Adult Program Coordinator, at teen@pawlinglibrary.
Special Events
Saturday, September 7
10:00 AM
The Battle of the Books team representing the Pawling Library will meet with the other teams from the Mid-Hudson Libraries for the Middle School Regional Battle to be held at Dutchess Community College in Poughkeepsie. The participants have read six books throughout the spring and summer and will compete in a trivia battle based on the novels. First, Second, and Third Place winners will be recognized. This program is open to students entering 5th through 8 grade.
![]College Planning Newsletter](https://www.pawlingfreelibrary.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/College-Planning-Newsletter-300x300.png "]College Planning Newsletter")
Monday, September 30
6:30 PM - 7:30 PM
In this College Planning 101 seminar presented by Stephanie Goldberg-Mauro, attendees can expect to learn: The differences between the SAT & ACT; how the SAT or ACT scores can help make college affordable; how to evaluate a college; what to ask on a campus tour; how colleges evaluate students; what financial aid really means to a family and how need is determined; the federal and private loan programs; and two case studies showing how college planning makes a difference. A Q&A session will follow the presentation.
Stephanie Goldberg-Mauro is the owner and founder of College Planning 101. Stephanie’s free seminars have helped thousands of students and their families understand the challenges of managing the college application and financial aid processes. She has professionally guided over a thousand families through the complete college planning process.
This program is for high school students and their families.
September 15 - October 16
The Pawling Library is celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month with a special art project for all members of the community. We will be selecting paintings by significant Latino artists such as Diego Rivera or Frida Kahlo. These paintings will be divided into sections. Participants will be given a specific section of the painting and a blank canvas board to interpret that particular section as they choose. We ask that the completed canvases are returned by October 7th. We will reassemble the sections into a community-inspired version of the original painting to be displayed at the Library. Beginning Monday, September 16, patrons can pick up a canvas board and their section of the painting. Advance registration is requested.
Friday, October 4
5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Teens can battle their friends at this after-hours Nerf Nite at the Library. Run between the stacks as you dodge the flying darts!
The Library has a limited number of Nerf weapons for use and participants are welcome to bring their own.
Friday, November 8
5:30 PM - 7:00 PM
It’s a race around the world! Visit the seven country stations and do the themed activity. Will you be the first to finish all the tasks and return “home”? Learn about the countries and compete with your friends.
Weekly and Monthly Programs
Mondays, Beginning September 23
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Participants will create their own video games during this weekly series featuring the Bloxels Education app. We'll plan, design and upload our unique games to our virtual classroom.
Tuesday, September 10
5:00 PM -6:00 PM
This book and game club is to introduce teens to Sherlock Holmes and the work of Arthur Conan Doyle.
Each month, we will read a short story by Arthur Conan Doyle or a novel based on his work, and meet to talk about the tale. For the September meeting we will read The Sussex Vampire, by Arthur Conan Doyle. Registrants will receive a copy of the book when they register. Participants will choose the next story during the meeting. Please red the story before the meeting.
Support for this program is provided by the Jan Stauber Grant Program of the Beacon Society.
Friday, October 18
6:30 PM - 8:00 PM
Support for this program is provided by the Jan Stauber Grant Program of the Beacon Society.
Thursdays, 9/19, 10/17, & 11/14
2:30 PM - 3:30 PM
Homeschool families are invited to this monthly meet-up specifically for middle school-age students. Each month, we will do different activities, details to be announced. For September, we will work on a special art project to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15 - October 15).
Families are welcome to arrive early to spend time with the younger children who meet earlier in the afternoon.
Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteens is a year-round volunteer opportunity for ages 11 & up. The group meets twice a month to plan or work on service projects to benefit the Library and the Pawling community. Since the group started, they have had a litter collection in the Village, learned about and helped to remove invasive plant species at Lake Side Park, wrapped all the books given as gifts during our annual visit with Santa & Mrs. Claus as well as helped at the party, assisted at a local ESL class, and created a Giving Tree to benefit the Dutchess SPCA. The group will have new projects in the new year and new members are always welcome.
Meeting dates: The first and third Wednesday of each month at 5 pm to 6:30 pm. There may be additional dates depending on the project. Our first meeting for the new school year is Wed. 9/18 at 6 pm. New and returning members are asked to register.
The Pawling Library is now a Volunteer Certification Organization through the Points of Light Organization. Volunteers who meet the required annual hours for their age group will be recognized with a letter from the President of the United States and possibly other awards. For more information about the Presidential Volunteer Award, please visit our volunteer page: https://www.pawlingfreelibrary.org/community-service/