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January 2026 Newsletter

12/28/2025

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News from Castleton Public Library - January 2026
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Notes from Our Director: 

Happy New Year! The start of a new year is a great time for a fresh start and to explore new opportunities. Want to spend more time tapping into your creativity, learn how best to tell your story, or explore self-improvement? See this month's program calendar below for information about our offerings this January, including some fun new monthly events like Paws to Read and Cook With Me!

Winter makes for great reading weather, and we're excited to begin our Winter Reading Challenge! The reading challenge begins Friday, January 2. To participate, stop in at the library any time during the challenge to register. You'll get a bingo card with reading/learning activities to complete. The more you read, the more chances you earn to win some great prizes! Hand in your bingo card any time through Sunday, February 22. All ages can participate!

A new year could also be a great time to join the team at CPL! We're currently seeking a part-time Library Aide. Click this link for the job description and how to apply. Please be sure to apply by Thursday, January 8.

We look forward to serving you in 2026! 

Best,

Melissa Tacke, Library Director
Download our January calendar as a PDF
Our Take-Home Kits
Take & Make Craft Kit: Pipe Cleaner Snowflakes

Pick up anytime from Sunday, January 4 through Saturday, January 31.
Use our supplies to create a snowflake that won't melt when the weather warms up!
Weekly Events
Learn & Play Storytime

Thursdays at 10:30 a.m. - January 8, 15, 22, 29.

Children from birth to age 5 are invited to enjoy stories, rhymes, music, and movement!

Our Other Events
Winter Reading Challenge
 
Friday, January 2, through Sunday, February 22

Get a kickstart on your 2026 reading goals with our Winter Reading Challenge! All ages are welcome to participate. Stop in to the library anytime during the challenge to pick up your Bingo sheet. The more Bingos you complete, the more raffle tickets and chances to win you earn!
Hot Chocolate Tasting

Friday, January 2, 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Warm up with a cozy hot chocolate tasting featuring a variety of flavorful blends and delicious toppings for the ultimate winter indulgence.
Build with Keva Planks
 
Saturday, January 3, 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Want to build something cool? Drop in and make a tower or other exciting structure out of Keva Planks!
High-Protein Chocolate Mousse
 
Sunday, January 4, 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

The start of the new year is typically a time to redirect our attention toward healthy eating habits. Come learn how to make a high-protein, low-calorie dessert with a surprising ingredient.
Job Seeker Help with Rensselaer County Career Center

Monday, January 5, 1:00 - 3:00 p.m.

Looking for a new job or fresh career path? Rensselaer County Career Center is here to help! Professional career services include resume development, interview preparation, job search assistance, and career assessment.
After Dinner Book Club

Monday, January 5, 7:00 p.m.

Join us the first Monday of each month for a book discussion! This month's selection is The Bookshop: A History of the American Bookstore by Evan Friss. Books are available at the front desk.

Perler Bead Snowflakes
 
Tuesday, January 6, 12:00 - 8:00 p.m.

Celebrate winter with a snowy design made from perler beads!
Make Your Own Bath Fizzies

Saturday, January 10, 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Kids and teens are invited to make a bath fizzy to take home! Recommended for ages 5 and up. 
Fiber Arts Workshop
 
Monday, January 12, 5:00 - 7:30 p.m.

For adults and teens 16+. Join us for our monthly Fiber Arts Workshop! Whether you're new to knitting and crochet or a seasoned fiber artist, this is the perfect place to share and create in a friendly environment. All skill levels welcome! Yarn and hooks/needles are available to beginners.
Open Mic Night
 
Wednesday, January 14, 6:00 p.m.

Musicians & poets - come share your talents! All ages welcome to perform and to watch.
Tweens and Teens Beginner Sewing Class: Totebag

Sunday, January 18, 1:00 p.m.

Kids and teens ages 10-18 are invited to join us for a hands-on sewing class! Participants will learn the basics of using a sewing machine and create their very own fabric totebag to take home. No experience needed—just bring your creativity! All materials provided.
CPL Board of Trustees Meeting
 
Tuesday, January 20, 7:00 p.m.

Monthly meeting of the library's Board of Trustees. Members of the public are welcome to attend. 
Afternoon Book Club
 
Wednesday, January 21, 1:00 p.m.

Join us the third Wednesday of each month for a book discussion! This month's selection is Hope for Cynics: The Surprising Science of Human Goodness by Jamil Zaki. Books are available at the front desk.
Paws to Read
 
Wednesday, January 21, 4:00 - 5:00 p.m.

Join us for some reading practice with a certified therapy dog! Our friendly pup creates a calm, happy space for young readers. Practice reading aloud and enjoy furry encouragement! Registration is encouraged but walk-ins will be accepted if time permits. Registration opens on January 2nd at https://tinyurl.com/PawstoReadCPL
Teen Scene: Mantra Rocks
 
Thursday, January 22, 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. 

For teens in grade 6 and up. Kick off 2026 with good vibes—create your own personal mantra and design a custom inspo rock you can keep on your desk, in your locker, or anywhere you need a boost all year long!
Saturday Stories
 
Saturday, January 24, 11:30 a.m.

Stop by for a weekend storytime and activity geared toward families with young children (ages birth-8) featuring crafts, music and movement, books, and fun!
Step-by-Step Studio: Snowman
 
Saturday, January 24, 1:00 p.m.

For ages 8 and up. Join our step-by-step painting class where kids and teens can dive into a world of color, follow fun and easy instructions, and create their very own dazzling masterpieces to take home!
Adult Sewing Class Series: Sew a T-shirt Quilt (1 of 4)
 
Monday, January 26, 5:00 - 7:30 p.m.

Turn your favorite shirts into a cozy, one-of-a-kind quilt! Join us for a four-part adult sewing series where you’ll learn how to prepare, cut, arrange, and stitch together a memory-filled T-shirt quilt. Whether you’re a seasoned sewist or a complete beginner, this hands-on class will guide you through each step—from stabilizing fabric to assembling your finished quilt top. All materials provided; bring your own beloved T-shirts to transform.
Trivia Night for Adults: Disney
 
Tuesday, January 27, 6:00 p.m.

Ages 18+. Come for the trivia, stay for the friends and snacks! Disney fans, show off your knowledge in a team or solo.
Cook With Me: No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies
 
Wednesday, January 28, 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Begins on the hour: 1:00, 2:00, 3:00, 4:00. Join us for a guided child-and-caregiver cooking class! This month, our recipe is No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies.
Write Your Life: Memoir Writing for Adults

Wednesday, January 28, 6:30 p.m.

In this monthly workshop-style class, we will complete writing exercises that spark creativity and share our own pieces with the group in an effort to hone the craft of storytelling.
Build with Big Blue Blocks
 
Saturday, January 31 - Sunday, February 1, 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

These large foam blocks are just right for creative construction and pretend play for any age. Drop in any time this weekend to build!
Digital Library Resources
Check Out Our Digital Collections!

The Upper Hudson Library System hosts a great collection of ebooks, digital audiobooks, digital magazines, and streaming video, resources for research, and more! Click here to visit our page about digital resources. 
Borrow a WiFi Hotspot

Did you know that we loan WiFi hotspots? They can be borrowed for 14 days -- all you need is your library card! Hotspots are available on a first-come, first-served basis and can only be checked out and returned at CPL. Call 518-732-0879 or email [email protected] for more information. 
WiFi Inside & Outside Our Building

Our WiFi is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can access the public WiFi on the front lawn, or alongside the building on Stimpson Avenue (the signal is strongest near the front of the building). Just look for the network called "Castleton Public Library." There's no password to connect! 
Copyright © 2025 Castleton Public Library, All rights reserved.

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Now Hiring: Library Aide (Part-Time)

12/22/2025

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The Castleton Public Library is seeking a part-time Library Aide. Weekly schedule generally includes four four-hour shifts on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.  

Routine Duties: 
Helping customers at the front desk, shelving library materials, operating the copier and fax machine, performing routine clerical tasks, assisting with program preparation, and answering the telephone. Full civil service position description is below. 

Qualifications:
The ideal candidate has strong customer service skills, is detail-oriented, and can efficiently use a computer for work tasks. A high school diploma or equivalent is required. Prior library experience is preferred, but not required.

Pay Rate: 
$18.75 per hour. 

Schedule: 
The hours for the position are generally as follows: 
Mondays, 12:00-4:00 p.m.
Tuesdays, 12:00-4:00 p.m.
Wednesdays, 4:00-8:00 p.m.
Fridays, 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.


How to Apply: 
Send a letter of interest, along with a Rensselaer County employment application (available here), by email to [email protected], or by mail to Castleton Public Library, 85 S. Main Street, Castleton, NY 12033, Attn: Melissa Tacke. Applications must be received by Thursday, January 8. 

Rensselaer County Civil Service Commission Official Job Specifications:
Library Aide
Distinguishing Features of the Class: This position involves performing the duties of charging and discharging materials and related circulation duties at the circulation desk. Additionally, incumbents sort and reshelve library materials as necessary. Performance of related routine clerical tasks may be required. This work requires no prior knowledge of library work as employees are trained on the job. Work is performed under the general supervision of the Library Director, Librarian, or higher-level library employee. Does related work as required.
Examples of Work:
Charges and discharges library materials;
Sorts and reshelves books and library materials; 
Logs in and processes all periodicals and prepares current magazines for shelving, maintains back number stacks and routing; 
Maintains files of vertical file material and publisher's catalogs; 
Maintains use and acquisition statistics; 
Responds to routine questions regarding library rules, hours of operation and location of materials; 
Responds to requests from library patrons to assist with research, interlibrary requests and the use of computers and audio-visual equipment; 
Typing, filing, and data searches as requested by higher level Library Employee; 
Assists in periodic inventory of library materials and AV equipment; 
Maintains inventory of supplies and suggests items for acquisition; 
Assists in preparation of lists of missing books and books to be discarded;
Oversees the general condition and appeal of the library and its displays;
Performs related routine clerical tasks, including changing books, filing cards, writing and forwarding of over-due notices.
Full Performance Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Personal Characteristics: Ability to acquire a working knowledge of library rules and procedures; ability to understand and carry out written and oral directions; ability to deal in a personable and friendly manner with library patrons; accuracy; tact and courtesy; physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position.
Minimum Qualifications: Graduation from high school or possession of high school equivalency diploma.
ADOPTED: March 25, 1992. CSC MTG. REVISED: March 18, 2004. CSC MTG.
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