Recurring Programs
Book Groups
Morbid History Book Group
Date & Time: Monday, October 6 at 7:00 PM
Location: Activity Room
This Month’s Book: Over My Dead Body: Unearthing the Hidden History of America’s Cemeteries by Greg Melville
A lively and wide-ranging history of cemeteries, exploring how they’ve shaped landscape architecture, influenced poetry and literature, and acted as political and cultural symbols throughout American history.
Contact: programs@stoneridgelibrary.org
Tea Time Book Group
Date & Time: Wednesday, October 8, 1:00–2:00 PM
Location: Activity Room
This Month’s Book: Foster by Claire Keegan
During a hot summer in rural Ireland, a child is sent to live with relatives on a farm. In their care, she finds warmth and affection, yet something unspoken lingers in the household.
Contact: programs@stoneridgelibrary.org
Clio’s Muse History Book Group
Date & Time: Wednesday, October 8 at 7:15 PM
Location: Online
This Month’s Book: The Missing Thread: A Women’s History of the Ancient World by Daisy Dunn
A reinterpretation of the ancient world that emphasizes women’s roles, from Cleopatra to Boudica, showing how women were central to history yet often overlooked.
Contact: programs@stoneridgelibrary.org
Mystery Book Group
Date & Time: Wednesday, October 15 at 11:00 AM
Location: Activity Room
This Month’s Book: The River We Remember by William Kent Krueger
Language Groups
French Conversation with Claudine Brenner
Date & Time: Tuesday, October 21 | 1:00–2:00 PM
Location: Activity Room
Brush up or improve your French in a friendly conversation hour. Claudine, a native French speaker from Paris, loves discussing culture, medicine, travel, and culinary topics. This program meets on the third Tuesday of each month.
No registration required.
Contact: programs@stoneridgelibrary.org
Spanish Conversation
Date & Time: Tuesday, October 28 | 1:00–2:00 PM
Location: Zoom
Practice your Spanish in a relaxed, friendly environment. All levels welcome! The class meets on the fourth Tuesday of each month.
About the Instructors:
- Francisco Rivera: Native Spanish speaker from Spanish Harlem, NYC; sculptor and former instructor at NYC schools; also speaks Greek and some Italian.
- Varcia Venetzanos: Native New Yorker; BA & MA in Spanish language and education, MA in Counseling; former bilingual counselor and Spanish/ESL teacher; also fluent in Greek.
Contact: programs@stoneridgelibrary.org to receive the Zoom link.
German Conversation Group
Date & Time: Friday, October 17 | 4:00–5:00 PM
Location: Activity Room
Improve and brush up your German skills in this conversation-focused group. Participants should have some background in German. Led by Suse Volk, a native German speaker, who will discuss a variety of topics including culture, travel, and food.
Meets on the third Friday of each month.
Contact: programs@stoneridgelibrary.org
Fitness & Wellness
Yoga with Laura Brown
Dates & Time: Wednesdays, October 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29 | 5:30–6:45 PM
Location: Rondout Municipal Center Gym
Join us for After Work Yoga with Laura. Bring your yoga mat, grab your blocks and straps and join us! This year we are adding chair yoga for those who would like to try yoga but struggle with getting up and down from the floor. As Laura always reminds us, Your Body, Your Practice! Hope to see you there. Registration is required and on our calendar.
Let’s Move with the Library
Dates & Time: Thursdays, October 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30 | 12:00–1:00 PM
Location: Various Rail Trails (see schedule below)
Join the Stone Ridge Library Saunterers for weekly walks along different rail trails. All walks are weather permitting; cancellations due to inclement weather will be posted on our Instagram and Facebook accounts and on our website.
All are welcome—no registration necessary! Just bring your walking shoes, enjoy conversation, get your steps in, and connect with neighbors.
Please consult your doctor before starting this or any exercise program.
Weekly Trail Schedule:
- Thursday, October 2: O&W Rail Trail, Rest Plaus Trailhead parking lot
- Thursday, October 9: Wallkill Valley Rail Trail, parking lot at the Women’s Studio Workshop
- Thursday, October 16: O&W Rail Trail, Leggett Road Trailhead parking lot
- Thursday, October 23 & 30: Locations TBD; check social media/website for updates
Contact: programs@stoneridgelibrary.org
Zumba Gold with Donna
Dates & Time: Saturdays October 11-November 15 | 9:00–10:00 AM
Location: Rondout Municipal Center Gym
We’re back to get our bodies moving with Donna in this 6 week session! Join us Saturday mornings as we learn new routines and get in our steps. Zumba Gold is a low-impact workout perfect for seniors or anyone with mobility issues. All you need are your workout clothes and good shoes. Registration required.
Crafts & Creativity
Writers Groups with Cathy Arra
Writers Group 1: Mondays, October 20 | 4:00–6:30 PM
Writers Group 2: Mondays October 6 & 27 | 4:00–6:30 PM
Location: Activity Room
Two separate writers’ groups meet on alternate Mondays at the library, with a maximum of 10 participants in each group. This program is designed for those who are actively writing and publishing work and who want to participate in a structured critical feedback process. Cathy Arra, a poet, writer and former teacher of English and Writing in the Rondout Valley School District, facilitates the groups. This is not a drop in group. If you are interested in participation please contact Cathy Arra