Altamont Library Notes for Wednesday, September 18, 2019
We’re so lucky here in Altamont to be surrounded by extraordinary artistic talent and collectors of interesting things, and this week we have some new exhibits that we get to show off.
First of all, in our vestibule we are featuring a small piece of a big collection of rare and vintage baseball cards belonging to friend of the library Bob Kelly. Bob’s got some super interesting cards in his collection, and just in time for the end of the playoffs, he’s letting us show them off.
You don’t have to visit Cooperstown to see Catfish Hunter, Duke Snider, or Hammerin’ Hank Aaron. You can see them all at the library!
We also get to show off a collection of beautiful watercolor paintings by Altamont-based artist Diane Wozniak. Diane is having a bit of a moment with current or upcoming exhibits at three local libraries. We just hope that she’ll remember us when she’s famous.
Many thanks to all of our local artists and enthusiasts for letting us enjoy the fruits of your creativity, talent, and hard work.
Young Readers Book Club
Do you love Raina Telgemeier? Jack Gantos? What about Kate DiCamillo or JK Rowling? Now that the school year has begun, we’re starting a book club for readers ages 9 to 12, and we’d love for your young book lovers to get involved.
We’ve picked our first title, and it is (drumroll, please) — “The Phantom Tollbooth” by Norton Juster. This classic story revolves around a bored young boy named Milo and his magical tollbooth that transports him away to fantastical lands full of strange creatures and hilarious wordplay.
We’ve got plenty of copies, so pick one up today and join us on Wednesday, Oct. 9 for a fun discussion! We have a sign-up sheet at the desk, and you can always send us an email at so that we know you’re coming.
Teen Book Giveaway
We sometimes get sent books for our collection, and sometimes even get sent extra copies and cool author swag to give away! We have a bunch of great young-adult books that we’d love to get into the hands of teen readers.
All you have to do is come in and fill out a raffle ticket with your contact info and you’ll be in the running to win some fabulous books! Good luck, and happy reading!
Mystery Book Club
Please join us for a meeting of our newest book club, which is focused exclusively on mysteries! We’ve got members interested in every subgenre from intense psychological thrillers to low-key cozy mysteries and every type of mystery in between.
If you love a good whodunit, please join us on Thursday, Sept. 19, at 7 p.m. as we try to crack the case of Star Island by Carl Hiaasen.
Upstate Potluck
As you may know, every month we hold a very popular potluck dinner where we focus on a different national or regional cuisine every month. Since the early fall is gives us such wonderful food here in the Capital District, we’ll be coming back home this month.
At 6 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 23, we’ll be sampling the foods (and drinks!) of Upstate New York! If you’ve never joined us for a potluck before but have always wanted to, this is the month to do it!
Please call the library to register in advance and bring a dish to share. If you need inspiration, check out one of our upstate-focused cookbooks.
Trivia Night
On Friday, Sept. 27, from 7 to 9 p.m,. our monthly Trivia Night is back! Make a team, study up and BYOB to this mind-twisting trivia contest! Entrance is $5 and the winning team takes half of the door. Contestants must be 21 and up, please.
Altamont Remembers
It’s almost time for Founders Day! What? You’ve never heard of Altamont Founders Day? That’s probably because this is the first time it’s being celebrated.
This October, we’re commemorating the 1890 founding of the Village of Altamont with a weekend of great events that will celebrate the history of our beautiful and unique community. On Friday, Oct. 11 at 6 p.m., we’re gathering together Altamont residents with the longest memories for a group discussion about the Altamont of the past, which we’ll record for posterity.
If you’d like to join us to reminisce about the Fair in the 40’s or Sand Street in the 70’s, please sign up at the library, and bring a friend!