Kingston Library Offers Year-Round Programming for All Ages

The Kingston Library at 55 Franklin Street has evolved far beyond books, offering an extensive calendar of programming that serves residents of all ages. From early literacy initiatives to college-level humanities courses, the library functions as a vital community hub connecting residents with education, culture, and each other.

Big Read Hudson Valley

The library participates in Big Read Hudson Valley: Spanning the Hudson River with Words, a community-wide reading program offering reading groups, performances, workshops, and events. This year's featured reads include The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros, The Beautiful Things That Heaven Bears by Dinaw Mengestu, and Dreamers by Yuyi Morales. Events span Kingston, Red Hook, and Rhinebeck with author talks, writing workshops, and cultural programming.

Free College Credit Courses

Bard College offers free college credit humanities courses at the Kingston Library through the Clemente Program. Classes meet Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6pm from September through May, with all tuition, books, and childcare expenses covered. The program removes barriers to higher education for community members who might otherwise lack access.

Programming for Every Age

Children's programming includes weekly story hours, Tiny Tunes music sessions building STEM and literacy skills, LEGO Club, and summer reading events. Teens access Teen ArtLab after-school art programs, board game Mondays, and anime club meetings at World's End Comics. Adults enjoy book clubs meeting multiple times weekly, knitting clubs, coin collecting, qigong classes, and Lunch & Learn reading series.

Crafting and Hobby Groups

The library hosts regular crafting groups including Hobby Haven on Tuesday mornings, Sit n' Stitch knitting group, and Just Crafting Around on Thursday afternoons. Chess players meet Tuesday afternoons, puzzle enthusiasts gather Friday mornings, and the Uke Meetup brings musicians together Saturday afternoons for all-ages jam sessions.

Health and Wellness

Free health programming includes Bone Builders strength training for seniors, gentle yoga classes, indoor aerobics, walking clubs, and open meditation sessions. The library also hosts Dementia Friendly Interactive Music Sessions and Backpack Wellness programs supporting community health.

For the full calendar, visit kingstonlibrary.org/calendar or call (845) 331-0507.

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