Altamont Library Notes for Friday, January 22, 2016

With the beginning of the new year, it is time for the Altamont Free Library to say goodbye and thank you to a few members of our board of trustees, the group of dedicated volunteers who are in charge of managing the library. Sally Dague, Christine Lennard, Christine Capuano, and Megan Connelly have each dedicated their time, energy, and expertise to the library and we are all better off for their commitment. Thank you all. 

In their absence, the board of trustees is looking for a few new members. Anyone in Altamont, Knox, Guilderland Center, or the surrounding area who is high school age or older is eligible. You just have to have community spirit, a few spare hours per month, and the willingness to roll up your sleeves.

For more information, please contact the library at 861-7239 or e-mail us at before Feb. 1.  

Thailand potluck

On Monday Jan. 25, at 6 p.m., we’ll hold our first Eat Around the World potluck of the year. This is always a fun opportunity to try a new cuisine, make a new friend and connect with the community.

This month, we’ll be sampling the hot and spicy food of Thailand. If you don’t have a favorite Thai recipe on hand, feel free to check out a few of the many cookbooks we’ve got here at the library. Bring a friend and a dish to share and join us, won’t you?

Energy efficiency

If you own or manage a business or non-profit, you know how important it is to increase your energy efficiency. On Jan. 26, at 6:30 p.m., we’ll be holding a workshop on making your business more energy efficient.

This program will be led by Mark DeChiro, a technical expert from L&S Energy Services who has been doing great work with our library. He will discuss the improvements you can make to your workplace to save energy and save money. 

Book signing

On Thursday, Jan. 28, at 6:30 p.m., we will be hosting a very special event with authors Everett Rau and Laura Shore discussing and signing copies of their new book, "Stand Tall Against the Odds."

Everett was born in Altamont in 1919 and has seen many changes here in his 96 years here. He was nearly 90 when he designed and supervised construction of a Dutch barn on his farm using antique tools and old techniques and has much to teach us about the important farming heritage that made this area what it is.

Co-author Laura Shore worked with Everett for two years to preserve his stories and memories and this book is the result of their efforts. Please join us for this unique and exciting event.

Take Your Child to the Library Day

This is going to be fun! Saturday, Feb. 6, is Take Your Child to the Library Day here at AFL.

This is a great opportunity to bring your young folks to the library and let us introduce them (or reintroduce them) to all the library has to offer. Festivities kick off at 10 a.m. as we stretch our muscles and our minds with adult kid yoga led by the fabulous Christine Carpenter.

We’ll also have crafts and storytimes throughout the day. It’ll be a hoot and a great way to start off a library-filled day.

The I Love My Library! Gala

Our biggest fund-raiser of the year is coming up, also on Saturday Feb. 6. It sells out every year, so get your tickets at the library while there are still some left.

The I Love My Library! Gala take place at the Altamont Community Room at village hall from 5 to 9:30 p.m., and will feature a fantastic dinner and dessert, entertainment, neighborly camaraderie, and live and silent auctions.

This year, we’ll be honoring Jim and Wanda Gardner, longtime publishers of The Altamont Enterprise and owners of the Enterprise Printing and Photo shop.

Our community's involvement is what makes AFL unique among libraries, so please come on down to support your library. See you there.