Altamont Library Notes for Wednesday, June 26, 2019

School’s out; the pools are open; and, despite all the rain, the days are as long as they can be. At long last, summer is officially here!

Here at the library, that means that it’s time to get going with the Summer Reading Program. The Summer Reading Program is a super fun series of programs and events that encourage kids to keep reading through the summer vacation and to use their creativity and imaginations and to explore topics they may not have read about before.

This year, the Summer Reading Program theme is “A Universe of Stories!” and our programs are all centered around outer space. We’ll be launching the Summer Reading Program this Friday, June 28, at 5 p.m. in Orsini Park.

We’ll have stories, games, snacks, and crafts, and you can register for the program and get your Summer Reading Bingo card. It’s going to be a great summer here at the library, so please join us to blast off into an awesome adventure!  

Al Santoro & Friends

It’s nearly time once again for the Altamont Free Library Summer Concert Series in Orsini Park. We think you’re really going to enjoy what we’ve got in store this year.

We’ll kick the series off next Tuesday, July 2, with Al Santoro & Friends! Al Santoro is a peerless entertainer. Whether it’s from behind the drums or out in front of his band, his energy and unique jazz and standards stylings help make him one of the most sought-after acts in the Northeast.

We’ll have a concert every Tuesday evening through Aug. 14. All concerts begin at 7 p.m. and will be moved to Bozenkill Park pavilion in the event of rain. Join us in the park for a beautiful night of great neighbors and great music.

Juice & Jammies​ Story Time

On Friday, June 28, at 7 p.m., put on your pj’s and join Ms. Erika for a pre-bedtime story, snack, stretch and craft! This easygoing story time will be just the thing to prepare your kiddos to count sheep.

Please register ahead of time. Please note: This will be the final Juice & Jammies until September. 

Book talk

Please join us the First Monday Book Club for a discussion of Susan Orlean’s “The Library Book” on Monday, July 1, at noon.

This acclaimed non-fiction book investigates the burning of the Los Angeles Public Library in 1986, and the history of public libraries in America. If you love libraries like I do, I think you’ll love this book. 

Empire Passes

With summer here, it’s time for an adventure. Why not hop in your car and head out to one of our beautiful New York State parks or beaches? With nearly 150 to choose from, including Niagara Falls, the Adirondacks, Jones Beach, and the Catskills, there are wonders to be found everywhere.

To get you started on your adventure, check out an Empire Pass that can grant you free admission to the parks and beaches, which you can check out just like a museum pass! Keep it for three days and return it when you’re done.

You can even use it at Thacher Park if you like. (Just leave it on your dashboard and you won’t have to pay for parking!) Summer adventures are just a checkout away!

Mary-Ann Brock cards

Back in 2009, while the library renovation was still ongoing, the library held a bicycle race as a fundraiser, and esteemed local artist Mary-Ann Brock created a beautiful, and colorful painting of it!

Ten years later, we’re pleased to be able to offer note cards featuring a reproduction of that painting, made up for us Jim Gardner of Enterprise Printing and Photo and donated by the Honorable James Gaughan. These cards, which we’re selling for four for $5, will brighten anyone’s day, while benefiting your favorite library. It’s a win-win! 

BBQ thanks

Finally, thanks to everyone who came out for our annual chicken BBQ last week. It was a slightly chilly day made warm by the friends and neighbors we were able to share the evening with.

Thanks especially to Squeeze Play for providing the music, and to Wagon Train BBQ in Schenectady for doing all the cooking, so that we could concentrate on hanging out with all of you.