The library gods must have been pleased when the Tuxedo Park Library appointed Diane Loomis as its new director. Whenever found behind the checkout desk, Loomis nearly always has a smile or encouraging word for patrons. As former head of Tuxedo Park adult programs and reference, as well as library webmaster, Loomis brings a quiet veteran competency and enthusiasm to the job that should serve her well as library leader. She replaces former director Claudia Depkin, who has filled that same position at Haverstraw King’s Daughters Public Library.

“The library is a wonderful environment to work in,” said Loomis, who has worked at Tuxedo Park for 12 years. “I’m very excited about this new position. Our past director left and the position opened up and I interviewed for it and was lucky enough to be awarded the job.”

Of course, Loomis couldn’t help but smile at her good fortune. “It’s very exciting,” she said. “I can’t wait to see what happens.”

Loomis’ tone of community engagement is evident in the library’s colorful newsletter, which is filled with photos of the library’s recent events, such as the Memorial Day Picnic and Tuxedo Idol, and celebrates Tuxedo Park as a thriving center of community activity.

“We try to have a very welcoming environment for our patrons,” Loomis said.

What follows is the summer programming schedule for Tuxedo Park Library which, Loomis said, the library has made extra effort to be inclusive and dynamic. And it is. From kids to adults, the Tuxedo Park Library summer schedule has something interesting to offer. Take a look and sign up early.

“All the adult programs are open to the public,” Loomis said. “You don’t have to be a Tuxedo resident — you can be a Sloatsburg resident, though there is a limit on some of the children’s programs, which may be Tuxedo only. If you’re not sure, call the library.”

For Adults

• Thursday, June 28th at 7 p.m. — How to Take Awesome Vacation and Summer Photos, presented by Diane Bollen of Dragonfly Studio. Call to register.

Are you always unhappy with your vacation photos?  Do you have family, grandkids, old friends visiting for the summer.  Want to capture all those special moments?  In this class we will go over how to get the most out of your camera, and take awesome photos!  This class is appropriate for beginners, but will offer great tips and tricks for the more advanced as well.

• Thursday, July 19th at 1 p.m. — The Salad Days of Summer, presented by Nancy food geek Kaufer. Registration begins June 25th

Step away from the grill and into your local Farmer’s Market for your summer salad fixins! Join self-proclaimed Food Geek Nancy Kaufer as she helps you prepare Apple-Jicama Slaw on Simple Greens, Fresh Crudités with Roasted Red Pepper Vinaigrette, Garbanzo-Corn Salad with Cilantro-Lime-Yogurt Dressing, and Curried Millet Salad… all healthy, easy to prepare salads. Perfect for those lazy days of summer!

• Wednesday, July 25th at 7 p.m. — Book Discussion: The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald, led by Gaspare Perrello. Pick up a copy of the book and register at the Circulation Desk.

•  Saturday, July 28th  from 10a.m. – 2:30 p.m. — iPhone App Development, presented by local resident Shaun Neal. Call the Library to register.

Introduction to iPhone App development – using the XCode development platform on Mac computers.  Participants will learn the basics of creating a mobile app for iPad or iPhone.  Topics covered include interface design, programming and communicating with a server.  Students will learn by example, using sample apps as a springboard to develop their own mobile apps.  A cold lunch will be provided by the Library.

For Teens

• Wednesday July 11th at 7 p.m. — Starry Night Jewelry, presented by Nancy Lenore. Registration begins June 25th.

Do you love beaded jewelry and wish you knew how to make it yourself?  This class will teach you how to make a glow in the dark necklace and a pair of earrings to light up your nights!  You’ll learn to string your project, and how to properly use basic tools to create your own Starry Night jewelry pieces.  All materials will be provided for your work in class.

• Wednesday July 18th at 7 p.m. — We Own the Night-Van Gogh Style. Instructor: Danielle Lafayette. Registration begins June 25th.

Students will learn about artist, Vincent VanGogh and his paintings of night scenes in Paris. We will focus on the two paintings of Starry Night and the Night Café. Students will learn what the artist was communicating through his use of color and brushstroke. Students will then have the opportunity to create their own night scene in Van Gogh style using paint on canvas boards.

• Friday, July 20th at 3:30 p.m. — Twists of the Summer Season, presented by local resident Carla Arcuni. Registration begins July 2nd.

Hair Stylist Karla Arcuni will teach a variety of hair braiding techniques for that hot summer look.

• Tuesday, July 31st at 3:30 p.m. — Teen Book Discussion: The Fault in Our Stars. Pick up your free copy of the book provided by the library and register for the discussion starting on June 18th.

Hazel, 16, has been battling thyroid cancer since age 13, and only through the use of an experimental drug is she still alive. She carries an oxygen tank with her everywhere, and hasn’t attended traditional school since her diagnosis. Depressed and lonely, she tries a support group, where she meets the handsome — and deceptively sick — Augustus Waters, a 17-year-old dreamboat who quickly proceeds to turn her life into an adventure.

 For Kids

• Thursday, July 5th at 7:30 p.m. — Chalk Walk Contest. Registration begins June18th.

For kids entering grades pre-k to grade 5 (adult must attend with children). Come and show off your creativity and decorate the library sidewalk. Win fun prizes.

•  Monday, July 9th at 7:30 p.m. — Library Night Owls, Registration begins June 18th.

For children entering grades 2-5. Come and Hang out at the library for an evening lock-in. Bring your sleeping bag and pillow, get comfy and watch a flick on the big screen.  Snacks will be provided.  The movie shown will be Journey 2.

• Wednesday, July 25th at 4 p.m. — Dream Big Collage, presented by Artist Danielle Lafayette. Registration begins July 9th.

For kids entering grades 1 to grade 3. Kids will explore their hopes and dreams through making a mixed media collage.  Using the image of hot air balloons, students will utilize a variety of art materials such as paint, markers, yarn, text and glitter to design a collage that represents their dreams for the future.

•  Crafty Afternoons. Join local crafter Lisa Cody and she will help you create something special.
• Thursday, July 5 at 4 p.m. — For children entering Pre-kindergarten – grade 2. Registration begins June 18th.
• Wednesday July 11th at 4 p.m. — For children entering Grades 3 to 5. Registration begins June 25th.
• Wednesday, July 18th at 4 p.m. — For pre-k kids to grade 5. Registration begins July 2nd

For additional information on Tuxedo Park Library programming, please contact the library at 845-351-2207. Click here to check out the Tuxedo Park Library newsletter.