Altamont Library Notes for Wednesday, February 11, 2015

— Photo by Joe Burke

Fun for all ages: Christine Carpenter leads a yoga class for kids and adults at the Altamont Free Library on Take Your Child to the Library Day, Saturday, Feb. 7.

Another amazing “I Love My Library! Gala” is in the books and a wonderful time was had by all. I’d like to wholeheartedly thank everyone who came out last Saturday evening to support their library.

Special thanks are due to Amy Martin and Erika McFarlane, the principal organizers of the gala, our honorees for the evening; Pat Spohr and Tony Kossmann, our trustees; and all of the volunteers who helped out keeping the show running smoothly. We were honored by the presence of Congressman Paul Tonko, State Senator George Amedore, Albany County Legislator Travis Stevens, and Altamont Mayor James Gaughan, among many other Altamont luminaries.

I have said it and I’ll say it again: I have never, anywhere, seen a library so warmly embraced by its community as the Altamont Free Library is. It is the community’s support that makes the Altamont Free Library the special place that it is and allows us to continue hosting all of the story times, potlucks, book clubs, craft nights, and summer reading programs we all enjoy so much. Thank you.

After all of last week’s excitement, we have yet another busy and exciting week to look forward to. The young folks will be out of school, so please bring them on down to the library to keep them learning and growing over the break.

Valentine’s crafting

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner. This year, instead of the usual Hallmark card, make a card by hand at the library! It’ll mean so much more to your loved ones.

This Friday, Feb. 13, at 4 p.m., we’ll be holding a card-crafting session for people of all ages. We’d love it if you’d join us.

Oscar Movie Sunday

There are only two Sundays left until the Oscars! This Sunday, Feb. 15, at 3 p.m., we will be showing the Oscar-nominated How to Train Your Dragon 2.

Best Animated Feature nominee is a family-friendly tale of heroism, bravery, and, above all, dragons! We’ll make the popcorn.

Second-Grade Book Club

If you are in (or around) second grade, you’re probably not reading this. But if you know someone who is, and who would like to join our young folks book discussion group led by Erika Peterson, please send them our way.

This month, the group will be meeting on Sunday, Feb. 15, from 2 to 3 p.m. to discuss The Magic Tree House #2: Knights at Dawn. Should be a great time.

Book Club madness!

We have two different book clubs discussing two different books this coming Monday, Feb. 16.

First up at noon will be our snow-delayed discussion of Geraldine Brooks’s Year of Wonders: A Novel of the Plague. This widely hailed 2001 historical fiction novel is set amid an outbreak of the plague in 17th-Century England.

Next up, at 7 p.m., is our discussion of Nineteen Minutes by Jodi Picoult.  This novel examines the causes and consequences of a school shooting and should provoke a fascinating conversation. Please join us.

Bird walk

Break out your long underwear and dust off your binoculars (we’ll bring extras), because it’s time for winter bird watching. Led by our resident birder Dan Capuano, this much-beloved event is sure to make you chirp with joy.

On Thursday, Feb. 19, the group will leave from the library at 9 a.m. for a one-hour trek around the village to see what birds there are to be seen. The kids will be home from school, so, if there are any junior members of the Audubon Society out there, bring them along. First-timers are welcome.

Teen Trivia

Are you in grade 6 or older? Don’t let your brain cells get weak over winter break.

Come strain your brain at Teen Trivia, hosted by our very own Mary Beth Mulligan, on Thursday, Feb. 19, at 2 p.m. We’ll provide the snacks and the questions; you bring your friends.