Altamont Library Notes for Friday, April 3, 2015

Happy April! I hope that, with the coming of the new month, we can begin to put this long cold winter behind us and enjoy the springtime. This week, we’ve got a ton of neat stuff coming up at the Altamont Free Library.

Please note that the library will be closed for Easter on Sunday April 5.

Easter baskets

Speaking of Easter, we’ll be holding a kids crafting event at 3 p.m. this Friday, April 3. Please join us to make your very own Easter basket out of recycled materials. Call the library at 861-7239 to register in advance so that we can be sure we have enough materials.

Book discussion

The first Monday book discussion group will be meeting on Monday, April 6, at noon to discuss “Billy Lynn’s Long Halftime Walk” by Ben Fountain. This fantastic novel revolves around a young veteran of the Iraq war coming to terms with his sudden fame and the meaning and consequences of modern war. There will be much to talk about, so please pick up a copy of this acclaimed novel at the library and join us.

Million Pillowcase Project

Here’s a wonderful way to spend a Tuesday during school break: Come down to village hall on April 7, and help the Train Station Quilters achieve their goal of making pillowcases for children in foster care as part of a nationwide effort called the Million Pillowcase Project. If you need fabric, there’ll be plenty of extra fabric available at the event. No prior experience in quilting or sewing is necessary. Please call the library at 861-7239 to register in advance.

Bird walk

We tried to do this in February, but you know what? It’s cold in February. Way too cold to get up early and walk around outside for an hour. But now it’s spring and time to go bird watching.  Break out your binoculars (we’ll have extras if you need them), and join us at the library at 9 a.m., on Thursday, April 9, for a one-hour walk around Altamont to see what birds there are to see.

Our expedition will be led by Dan Capuano. Since school’s out that week, please feel free to bring any junior ornithologists you might know. First timers are very much welcome.

Editing workshop

Lights! Camera! Action! Local filmmakers Frank and Zach Appio will be conducting a video editing class at the library on Saturday, April 18, from 1 to 4 p.m., for aspiring photographers and filmmakers ages seven to 14. This free event will demonstrate the technique of stop motion animation using Legos, smartphone cameras and the Lego Movie Maker app. All necessary materials will be provided. Seats in the workshop are limited, so to register, please e-mail the Appios at youthanimationworkshop@gmail.com to register.