Upcoming Events
Click on each event below to learn more and register.
Thursday, April 30th, 6:30pm
Journalist Joe Dolce joins us for a discussion of his new book, Modern Psychedelics, a judgment-free handbook that compiles contemporary research and ancient knowledge to guide adult readers who are interested in the mindful exploration of these misunderstood, extraordinary, and powerful substances.
Saturday, May 2nd, 10:30am-1pm
Do you struggle over political differences with a loved one? Learn strategies for preserving family bonds while staying true to your values and political beliefs. In this workshop, participantswill learn about the family dynamics of political differences, apply them to their own families, and learn and practice effective communication skills with difficult family members. Although the focus is on family relationships, you can use these strategies with any loved one. You’ll have some fun in this workshop – it won’t be all serious. After all, we all come from quirky families. Click here to register.
Tuesdays, May 5th & 26th, 10:30-11:30am at the Town Rec Courts
Developed into its present form in Italy, bocce is closely related to English bowls and French pétanque. Now that we have our very own courts in Thompson Mazzarella Park, it’s time to learn how the game is played! Participants will meet at the bocce courts, located across from the town pool near the community garden. Starr Library also has two bocce sets available for check out and use exclusively on the new Town Rec courts. This session will cover rules and strategies for game play. The group will meet at the bocce courts for this workshop.
Thursdays beginning May 7th, 10-11am
Steven Michael Pague is back for another season of qigong! Outdoors on Thursday mornings at the library through September, indoors in the Community Room in the event of inclement weather. $10 suggested donation.
Saturday, May 9th, 11am-1pm
Explore the unique structure of an accordion book and its creative possibilities for storytelling, collage, and other artistic expressions. Using a single piece of cardstock, participants will create multiple panels/pages by folding the strip into an accordion or zigzag shape, allowing for continuous, flowing compositions. Suitable for all skill levels. Participants are welcome to bring their own cut images, papers and ephemera. Cardstock and assorted printed papers, glue and scissors will be supplied.
Monday, May 11th, 1pm
Join us for a discussion about The Killing Stones by Ann Cleeves.
Thursday, May 14th, 6:15-8pm
Join us for the launch of our Parenting Book Club, co-sponsored by At Play Community Play Space and Starr Library, a gathering for parents and caregivers to share the challenges and delights of raising kids in the 21st century. Our first discussion will center around, but not be limited to, Outdoor Kids in an Inside World, by Steven Rinella.
Saturday, May 16th, 11am-12:30pm
Join Rebecca Echevarria, a local food preserver, for a presentation on the foundations of fermentation. We will focus on three popular agents of fermentation. We will also learn about diverse applications of these fermentation practices from around the world as well as historical methods of fermentation in the Hudson Valley. Participants will be able to explore a range of curated texts, see a small fermentation library, take home a bespoke recipe card, and watch a fermentation demonstration.
Wednesday, May 27, 3-4pm
Artist and instructor Christine Livesey will host an open studio in the community room twice monthly. We will set up a still life and work on it together. Instruction and feedback offered by request. No artistic abilities required!
Saturday, May 30th, 8:30-10:30am
Meet us at the trailhead down by the community pool for a guided tour of the Frost Trail system with lifelong birder, retired veterinarian, and wildlife educator, Alan Peterson! Hosted by the Waterman Bird Club.
Alan Peterson is education chairman for the Ralph T Waterman Bird Club of Dutchess County, A retired veterinarian, he also holds a Master’s degree in zoology. He is a 19 year veteran of the New Jersey World Series of Birding, and a lifelong birder.
Tuesday, June 9th, 5-6:30pm
Join us this month as we celebrate FRUIT🍓🫐🍋 and all its many sweet and savory possibilities. So grab your favorite fresh, dried, preserved or pickled fruit and whip up something tasty to share….Campari-pickled-strawberry spritzer? Blueberry crumble? Chicken Marbella? Couscous salad with preserved lemon? Whatever fruit-based recipe you choose, you can count on a fun bunch of foodies to sit around the table with. Please bring whatever serving utensils your dish requires and the library will supply everything else! Hope to see you there….cheers!
Tuesday, June 16th, 6:30-8pm
If you struggle with maintaining multiple calendars, to-do lists of every kind, and all the flotsam floating around in your brain, YOU ARE NOT ALONE! If you wonder to yourself, “Do I maybe have ADHD?” or you just know that you need a better way to remember things and improve your organizational habits, come learn about a simple and flexible system that just might change your life. Bullet journaling brings everything into one place and helps you make meaning of it. Baby steps encouraged. Our director, Jaclyn, started bullet journaling almost a year ago and is excited to share what a huge difference it has made for her. We’ll have journals available for purchase, or bring your own.
Recurring Programs
Every 2nd Wednesday, 4-5pm
NEW DAY: Now Every 2nd Wednesday of the month. Health Insurance Information, Counseling and Assistance Program (HIICAP) volunteers are your free local source for impartial, unbiased information about Medicare, supplemental policies, Medicare Advantage Programs and Prescription Coverage. Navigating Medicare will provide you with an overview of Medicare’s options. Individual appointments can be arranged by calling 845-486-2566.
Ping Pong Pop-Up: A Table Tennis Social Club
Tuesdays at 3:30pm
Now ongoing at a new time! Join a group of table tennis enthusiasts of all ages for pick-up games and practice. Two tables available during open play.
First Sunday of the month at 2pm
Join us for a peer-to-peer insight meditation session. Members of this group have practiced meditation for many years and are delighted to share their experience with others. These sessions are always free and open to everyone, but donations to support the library are encouraged. Tea and cookies will be served.
Memoir Writing Workshop
Third Tuesday of the month at 6:30pm*
Join us for our ongoing memoir writing workshop series. Bring a notebook and a pen and be prepared to dig into writing exercises, share your work, and receive feedback. Space is limited, please RSVP.
*Usually.
Third Thursday of the Month at 10:30am
Join Anna Kaselis for a monthly Sound Meditation. Sound meditation uses bowls, gongs and other instruments to help shift the brain into a deeply relaxed state. Clear your mind with us at the library every third Thursday of the month.
Twice Monthly on Wednesdays at 7pm
Nerds at Nite is an adult (17+) gaming group that meets twice a month to play board games of all types, including Chronology, Tsuro, Point City, Splendor, and many other tabletop games (that can be played in under 2 hours). Attendees are welcome to bring games to share, but it’s not required. Every meeting involves lots of fun, friendly competition, and a dedicated community of fellow nerds!
Monthly on Thursdays at 5pm
This group is for anyone interested in learning more or sharing wisdom about investing. Everyone has something to contribute and can suggest some areas they want to explore. We are not experts, nor teachers, but will freely share our experiences. We will start with a questionnaire and choose a topic for each week going forward based on group consensus.
Chair Yoga
Fridays at 10:15am
Join yoga teacher Barbara Eichin for this gentle and relaxing program designed for seniors and those who are recovering from injury or have restricted movement. Suggested donation : $12.00.
Scrabble Club
NEW TIME: Wednesdays at 11:30am
Join Starr Library’s Scrabble club for classic word game fun every Wednesday!
Suggest a New Program
If you’d like to suggest a new program for the library geared toward adults, feel free to fill out the form linked below.