Altamont Library Notes for Wednesday, June 24, 2015

Last week, I had the fantastic opportunity to visit with all of the students at the Altamont Elementary School to talk about the Altamont Free Library’s Summer Reading Program. This year’s theme is Every Hero Has A Story and we spent a long time talking about all the different kinds of heroes we can encounter and all of the different superpowers we can have.

Laser vision, super strength, and the power of flight are super powers for sure, but so are creativity, responsibility, helpfulness, and empathy. This year’s summer reading program will shine a spotlight on heroes of every kind: Superheroes, book heroes, historical heroes, animal heroes, and especially on the heroes that we interact with every day — the police officers, firefighters, veterans, EMT’s, and community volunteers.

When we broaden our definition of what it means to be a hero, we can start to recognize heroism everywhere and potential heroism in everyone.

I hope that if you’ve got little heroes in your life you will join us on Wednesday, July 8, at 4 p.m., in Orsini Park for the official kickoff party for the summer reading program.

If your young folks come and sign up for the summer reading program, and they bring an old T-shirt they don’t mind getting some paint on, they can make their very own super hero costume, have a snack and join the Altamont Super Literacy League. It’s going to be a great time.

In the nearer term, here are a few cool things going on this week.

The Dojo

On Friday, June 26, at 6 p.m., our old friend Ryan Black will be back to lead our teen gaming program, The Dojo. From board games to card games to video games, we’ll have something for every high schooler (or near high schooler) to get into.

Egypt

This month’s ever-popular Eat Around the World Potluck will focus on the food and drinks of Egypt. Last month’s Australia potluck was the largest group anyone can remember us having at a potluck, and if you’ve never attended before, this would be a great month to start.

Please join us at 6 p.m., on Monday, June 29, for this always fun event and please bring a dish to share. If you don’t have any Egyptian recipes in your recipe box, we’ve got a bunch of cookbooks that you can check out.

Running the River Concert

The always-popular free Summer Concert Series starts up at 7 p.m., on Tuesday, June 30. Join us in Orsini Park for Running the River a dynamic band whose unique blend of classic country, rock, folk, Irish, blues and fiddle tunes provides entertainment for all.

We’ve had Running the River in the past and they’ve always been well received. In the very (hopefully) unlikely event of rain, this and all of our other concerts will be relocated to the pavilion at Bozenkill Park. Next up, on July 7, we’ve got The Back 40 Band, performing both classic and contemporary country music. Come on down and bring your dancing shoes.

Tai Chi Lessons

After a bout of illness last week, Tai Chi classes are back on track. Tai Chi chuan (often simply called Tai Chi) is a form of Chinese Martial Arts used not for fighting but to encourage mental and physical relaxation. Please join us on Wednesday mornings at 10 a.m., for the next four weeks for a series of free Tai Chi classes with Kyoshi Joe Mansfield.

Prior experience is not necessary and all ability levels are welcome. Please stop by or call the library at 861-7239 to register in advance. In the event of rain, the class will be held at village hall.