Altamont Library Notes for Friday, March 28, 2014

There’s nearly a roomful of adventuresome food fanciers already signed up for the Altamont Free Library’s upcoming stop in Japan. Things get underway at 6 p.m., on Monday, March 31.

As always, we’ve gathered together a collection of appropriate cookbooks for those who need ideas or instruction.  If you’d like to join in, sign up at the circulation desk.

Music and more

Looking for something Friday night-ish? The library will host its second Open Mic Night of the season on Friday evening, March 28, beginning at 7:30 p.m. Performers should be here by 7 p.m.

A couple of quirks should be noted. The night is free — for performers and audience members. The event is also unplugged. Our size and acoustics make sound amplification unnecessary. And we hope it makes for a pleasant change of pace.  If you have questions call us at 861-7239.

Our first show back in February was a mix of acoustic guitar-accompanied singers and stand-up comedians. We expect more of the same. We also expect the unexpected.

Peace, brothers and sisters

Anyone who feels the need for a small jolt of optimism should visit the library and spend some time with the peace flag display. A mixed group of people — patrons, children, staff, and library board members created Tibetan prayer flags based on the theme of world peace.

Eventually these prayers will be exchanged with people of similar hopes and aspirations. Who knows what may become of their efforts?  Who truly knows?

Personal display

This month’s entryway display is the creation of Guilderland High School student David Lennard. It is truly unique.

He explains that he has long been interested in armor as well as theatrical props and costuming. That interest led him to a perfect-fit website, one devoted to sharing “pepakura work”. 

He feeds card stock into his computer and then downloads printed plans for cutting, folding, gluing, and hardening the paper into a desired shape — primarily intricately designed helmets and other body armor.  One of his helmets called for 20 separate sheets of card stock.

His first piece took him two months. Presently, he finished one in less than two weeks. His personal description of what he does is a perfect definition of a hobby: “It’s time-consuming...” he says, “but it’s fun.”

When asked what becomes of his completed work he says, “They sort of sit around in the basement. My dad likes to show them to people,” he continues, chuckling.