VFL’s Mock Caldecott
Be a judge. Click here to vote for the book or books in a list of 8 chosen by VFL’s Program Coordinator. Which one or ones would you choose or would you nominate and choose a different book published in 2020? The actual Caldecott winner will be announced on Monday, January 25th. Will it be one of the 8 on the VFL list, the one you chose from the list or the one you nominated and selected?
Background Facts: The Randolph Caldecott Medal, established in 1937, annually recognizes the preceding year’s “most distinguished American picture book for children.” It is awarded to the illustrator of the book by the Association for Library Service to Children, a division of the American Library Association.
Ceremony date: January 25, 2021, 4:00 PM EST
Announcement from Chuck, VFL Program Coordinator

Thank You
Thank you to all who donated food, toiletries and money to the Valatie Free Library Christmas Food Drive for the Valatie Food Pantry. It was much appreciated.
Photo and Art Show –
Stay tuned for details about viewing the photos sent to the Library in December 2020 for our artistic recap of a most unique year in history. See how the photographers revealed hope and optimism in the face of so much that was overwhelmingly frustrating and sad.
Path to the “Trail” Completed

A New Crafting Video: You Provide the Leaves; We Provide the Clay.

Thank You, Doug Bartels, Master Magician
On Wednesday, July 5, 2020, Master Magician Doug Bartels presented his special brand of magic for Valatie Free Library at 6:30 p.m. on Facebook Live. If you missed the show, check our Facebook page. You can watch it there anytime for the rest of the summer. It was great!
Doug is a master magician who is a member of the world’s most prestigious Magic Society, The Magic Circle. He is one of 147 U.S. magicians to be a member of this premier organization. He has performed for several years at the Valatie Free Library to enthusiastic and amazed audiences of kids and adults. Wednesday’s virtual audience was as amazed as our past in-library audiences. Thank you, Doug Bartels!
Try These Art Projects
On Thursday, July 23 and Friday July, 24, Mr. Chuck will present two fascinating and fun art projects.
Today (Thursday) at 1:30 p.m., join him for a Cartooning Workshop on GotoMeeting. Even if you have not already registered, you can still join the group if you email valatiefreelibrary@gmail.com so that he can send you the link. Do you like comics and/or drawing? Then this workshop is for you. Learn the basics of designing characters and drawing comic panels.
Tomorrow (Friday) at 10:30 a.m. is String Painting. Check our Facebook Page to see some of Mr. Chuck’s string paintings. They are cool! Email or call the Library if you would like to be part of this workshop, also on GotoMeeting. The link will be sent to you, and art supplies will be available at the Library. Stop by and pick them up. Have a smock ready!
Summer Programs: July 19 – 25
Thursday, July 23 – 1:30 – Cartooning Workshop with Mr. Chuck. Whether you like Peanuts, Spiderman or graphic novels, this class is for everyone who loves comics and/or drawing. We will have fun with the basics of designing characters and drawing comic panels. Gotomeeting.
Friday, July 24 – 1:30 p.m. Gotomeeting. Craft Workshop with Mr. Chuck. Pick up your free art supplies at the Library.