Let’s hear it for our friends, the fabulous Train Station Quilters. Earlier this week, the Quilters made a donation of 21 handmade quilts to the Center for Donation and Transplant to support its Comfort Blanket project. These quilts will be shared with terminally ill children slated to give the gift of life through organ, tissue, and eye donation.
The quilters have worked so hard, unselfishly donating their, time, energy, talent, and creativity, and they deserve a big round of applause for their efforts. To learn more about how you can also support the important work of the Center for Transplant and Donation, please check out their local chapter’s website at CDTNY.org.
Book sale and donations
This coming Saturday, May 5, it’s Altamont Free Library’s always eagerly anticipated annual book sale! Come find you next favorite book, CD, or DVD at unbeatable prices.
If you have items you’re not using anymore, we will be very grateful to accept book, CD, and DVD donations, which will either be added to the library’s collection or sold to raise money for library programs and we will be happy to make up a receipt for you for tax purposes if you like. (We will not be running a garage sale this year, so household goods cannot be accepted.)
We could still use some help with moving and sorting all of the donations, so if you have a few hours to spare on Friday, May 4, and/or Saturday, May 5, please email me at or call 518-861-7239. Also, if you have a folding table or a tarp you can spare for a few days, those would be greatly appreciated too. Thanks!
Book talk
On Monday, May 7, the First Monday Book Club will meet at noon to discuss “In the Heart of the Sea: The Tragedy of the Whaleship Essex,” by Nathaniel Philbrick.
The book describes an extraordinary incident in 1820 in which a sperm whale caved in the side of a whaling ship, sinking it in the remotest part of the Pacific Ocean, and forcing the crew to attempt to survive for over three months in open boats at sea.
This is sure to be a fascinating discussion, so please join us. If you want to get a head start on next month, we’ll be discussing the acclaimed novel, “Exit West,” by Moshin Hamid
Mother’s Day flower pot craft
Mother’s Day is quickly approaching (Sunday, May 13!) and if you don’t have a gift for the special moms in your life yet, we’ve got you covered. On Wednesday, May 9, please join us from 6 to 7 p.m. to decorate mini terracotta flower pots to put your plants in.YA Reading Contest
We’ll have all the supplies you’ll need to create a handmade, one-of-a-kind planter that your mom or grandma will absolutely love. To register in advance, please call the library at 518-861-7239 or email me at .
YA Reading Contest
Attention teen, readers!
Are you interested in winning some teen books or book swag? If so, check out our new Teen Reading Contest. Here is it how it works: come check out a book from our young adult section that you have never read before, read it, then come back and fill out a short review of the book.
You will then be entered into our raffle to win some bookish prizes. For any questions, please email us at or come in and see us. Happy reading and good luck.
We need your help! The library’s annual book sale is coming up quickly and we need you to help pull it off.
Every year, we are the happy recipients of thousands and thousands of donated books, CDs, and DVDs, which we sell to raise money for the library. (Sorry, but we will not be running a garage sale this year, so household goods will not be accepted.)
We’ll need a few folks to help out with moving and sorting all of the donations, so if you have a few hours to spare any day between Thursday, May 3, and Saturday, May 5, please email me at or call 518-861-7239
Also, if you have a folding table or a tarp you can spare for a few days, those would be greatly appreciated too. Thanks!
Art Night for Teens
Do you need to unwind from the stresses of middle school or high school? Or maybe you just love to color!
If so, join us for our first-ever Teen Art Night on Saturday, April 28, from 7 to 9 p.m. We’ll supply the pictures to color, the tools to draw with, and the snacks and drinks to enjoy while you color.
All you have to bring is your creativity and maybe a friend. Register in advance by calling 518-861-7239.
Japan Potluck
It’s almost time again for another of our ever popular Eat Around the World Potluck dinners! Come broaden your culinary horizons and share a meal a bunch of friendly people.
This month, we’re taking a trip to Japan! Please join us at 6 p.m. on Monday, April 30, to join in the festivities and bring a dish to share. If you don’t already have a favorite recipe from that part of the world, come on in and grab a cookbook. Domo arigatou!
In the Heart of the Sea
On Monday, May 7, the First Monday Book Club will meet at noon to discuss “In the Heart of the Sea: The Tragedy of the Whaleship Essex” by Nathaniel Philbrick.
The book describes an extraordinary incident in 1820 in which a sperm whale caved in the side of a whaling ship, sinking it in the remotest part of the Pacific Ocean, and forcing the crew to attempt to survive for over three months in open boats at sea.
This is sure to be a fascinating discussion, so please join us. If you want to get a headstart on next month, we’ll be discussing the acclaimed novel “Exit West” by Moshin Hamid
YA Reading Contest
Attention, teen readers! Are you interested in winning some teen books or book swag? If so, check out our new Teen Reading Contest,
Here is it how it works: Come check out a book from our Young Adult section that you have never read before, read it, then come back and fill out a short review of the book. You will then be entered into our raffle to win some bookish prizes.
For any questions, please email us at or come in and see us. Happy reading and good luck.
Book Sale and donations
As I just mentioned, on Saturday, May 5, the Altamont Free Library will hold our annual book sale in conjunction with the PTA’s village-wide garage sale. From noon on Wednesday, May 2, until Friday, May 4, we will be very grateful to accept book, CD, and DVD donations, which will either be added to the library’s collection or sold to raise money for library programs and we will be happy to make up a receipt for you for tax purposes if you like.
Again, we will not be running a garage sale this year, so household goods cannot be accepted. Please don’t forget to visit us during the sale to find your next favorite book, movie, or album.
— Photo from Joe Burke
Irena Frinta, holds her book, “The Lives and Loves of Three Women.” The Altamont Free Library will hold a book release party for her on Thursday, April 19, at 7 p.m.
We are surrounded here in Altamont by extraordinary individuals, and we are always lucky when some of them share their talent with us. At 95 years old, longtime Altamont resident Irena Frinta has just published her first novel, “The Lives and Loves of Three Women.”
On Thursday, April 19, at 7 p.m., Irena will be reading from her novel and discussing her life and work. Join us to celebrate her achievement; buy a copy and have it signed. Light refreshments will be served.
Juice & Jammies & Yoga
It’s been a little while since we’ve done one of these: On Friday, April 20, at 7 p.m., put on your pj’s and join Ms. Erika for a pre-bedtime story, snack, and craft!
This low-key story time will be just the thing to prepare your young folks to count some sheep. This month, we’ll be adding some stretching and bedtime yoga into the mix.
Earth Day craft
Celebrate Earth Day and the spring season with us at the library on Sunday, April 22, from 2 to 4 p.m. We’ll be making cool sculptures out of recycled and repurposed everyday materials.
Please register in advance by calling the library at 518-861-7239.
Art Night for Teens
Do you need to unwind from the stresses of middle school or high school? Or maybe you just love to color!
If so, join us for our first ever Teen Art Night on Saturday, April 28, from 7 to 9 p.m. We’ll supply the pictures to color, the tools to draw with, and the snacks and drinks to enjoy while you color.
All you have to bring is your creativity and maybe a friend. Register in advance by calling 518-861-7239.
Young Adult Reading Contest
Attention teen readers!
Are you interested in winning some teen books or book swag? If so, check out our new Teen Reading Contest.
Here is it how it works: Come check out a book from our young-adult section that you have never read before, read it, then come back and fill out a short review of the book. You will then be entered into our raffle to win some bookish prizes.
To get answers to any questions, please email us at or come in and see us. Happy reading and good luck!
Book sale and donations
On Saturday, May 5, Altamont Free Library will hold our annual book sale in conjunction with the PTA’s village-wide garage sale.
From noon on Wednesday, May 2, until Friday, May 4, we will be very grateful to accept book, CD, and DVD donations, which will either be added to the library’s collection or sold to raise money for library programs and we will be happy to make up a receipt for you for tax purposes if you like. (Sorry, but we will not be running a garage sale this year, so household goods will not be accepted.) Please don’t forget to visit us during the sale to find your next favorite book.
Every two years, Altamont Free Library participates in a wonderful international event known as the Global Art Project for Peace, where we create a work of art depicting our hope for a more peaceful world, which we then display here at the library.
After we’ve displayed it here, we’ll pack it up and send our art off to another group in another country. In years’ past, we’ve exchanged art with groups from Australia and Morocco, and this year, we’ll be swapping art with a group from Xinyu, China.
We’re very excited to learn more about our friends in Xinyu. Please come visit our contribution to the exchange as it hangs in the Community Room for the next two weeks. While you’re here, please consider writing a note to our partners in China, expressing your wish for friendship and peace between us, which we can include in our package to Xinyu.
Many thanks are due to Ellen Howie, Ruth Dickinson, and Erika Peterson for coordinating our project, as well as to everyone who contributed to our artwork!
Irena Frinta Book-Release Party
At 95 years old, longtime Altamont resident Irena Frinta has just published her first novel, “The Lives and Loves of Three Women.”
On Thursday, April 19, at 7 p.m., Irena will be reading from her novel and discussing her life and work. Join us to celebrate her achievement, buy a copy, and have it signed. Light refreshments will be served.
Juice & Jammies & Yoga
It’s been a little while since we’ve done one of these: On Friday, April 20, at 7 p.m., put on your pj’s and join Ms. Erika for a pre-bedtime story, snack, and craft.
This low-key storytime will be just the thing to prepare your young folks to count some sheep. This month, we’ll be adding some stretching and bedtime yoga into the mix.
Earth Day craft
Celebrate Earth Day and the spring season with us at the library on Sunday, April 22 from 2 to 4 p.m. We’ll be making cool sculptures out of recycled and repurposed everyday materials. Please register in advance by calling the library at 518-861-7239.
Art Night for Teens
Do you need to unwind from the stresses of middle school or high school? Or maybe you just love to color!
If so, join us for our first ever Teen Art Night on Saturday, April 28, from 7 to 9 p.m. We’ll supply the pictures to color, the tools to draw with, and the snacks and drinks to enjoy while you color.
All you have to bring is your creativity and maybe a friend, Register in advance by calling 518-861-7239.
YA Reading Contest
Attention, teen readers!
Are you interested in winning some teen books or book swag? If so, check out our new Teen Reading Contest.
Here is it how it works: Come check out a book from our YA section that you have never read before, read it, then come back and fill out a short review of the book. You will then be entered into our raffle to win some bookish prizes.
For answers to any questions, please email us at or come in and see us. Happy reading and good luck!
Book sale And donations
On Saturday, May 5, the Altamont Free Library will hold our annual book sale in conjunction with the PTA’s village-wide garage sale.
From noon on Wednesday, May 2 until Friday, May 4 we will be very grateful to accept book, CD and DVD donations, which will either be added to the library’s collection or sold to raise money for library programs and we will be happy to make up a receipt for you for tax purposes if you like.
Sorry, but we will not be running a garage sale this year, so household goods will not be accepted. Please don’t forget to visit us during the sale to find your next favorite book.
It’s been a rough few weeks here in Altamont, as several prominent members of our community have passed away. Judy Newcomb, Everett Rau, Lee Capuano, and Barbara Harris each contributed to the Altamont Free Library in their own ways and will all be missed tremendously.
In learning about Everett’s death, I thought about a story he told me once about the first time he entered our building, which was then still serving as the Altamont train station. This was back in the mid-1920s, and he was traveling with his beloved grandfather from Altamont to Albany on the train.
He told me about how his grandfather had picked him up so that he could see into the telegraph station. Ev had never seen a telegraph before.
They got on the train and took it into Albany, got out at another train station that isn’t a train station anymore, and walked up State Street to the New York State Capitol. In the capitol, Ev and his grandfather looked through a collection of historical flags belonging to various New York State regiments from the War of 1812 through the recently concluded First World War.
Ev told me that when they found a particular flag they’d been looking for, his grandfather started crying, because his grandfather had fought under that flag some 60 years earlier in the American Civil War.
What an astonishing thing, to be able to hear that story while sitting in the same spot where 90 years earlier, the teller had once been held aloft by a veteran of a war that ended 150 years ago. Everett was a living repository of history, and we should all be grateful to Laura Shore for doing the work of collecting and editing Everett’s stories into a wonderful book that she published a few years ago called “Stand Tall Against the Odds.”
Of course, Lee Capuano and Barbara Harris and Judy Newcomb were also living connections to an earlier time, each with their own stories and perspectives on the events they witnessed and the communities they inhabited. We all are.
Perhaps you might consider seeking out those stories that live inside your friends, neighbors, and relatives, and writing them down or recording them so that you can always have them. Here at the library, we’re honoring the memory of another Altamont luminary by trying to capture as many stories as we can for the Marijo Dougherty Oral History Collection.
We may have to say a sad goodbye to our friends, but that doesn’t mean that we have to say goodbye to their stories.
Whispering Tree Concert
Please join on Friday, April 6, at 7 p.m. for the next installment of the SongTeller Sessions concert series. Our performer this month will be The Whispering Tree.
Based in Beacon, New York, the Whispering Tree duo has traveled the world, honing its contemporary folk sound. This show is certain to be one that you don’t want to miss. These concerts are free and all-ages appropriate, so bring your whole crew.
Book discussion
On Monday, April 9, the First Monday Book Club will meet at noon to discuss “Homegoing” by debut Ghanaian-American novelist Yaa Gyasi. (Yes, I know that the ninth is the second Monday of the month, but we’re meeting a little later than usual in April.)
This highly praised and much-awarded novel follows the lives of the descendants of an Asante woman, across decades and continents. This is sure to be a fascinating discussion, so please join us.
Irena Frinta book-release party
At 95 years old, longtime Altamont resident Irena Frinta has just published her first novel, “The Lives and Loves of Three Women.”
On Thursday, April 19 at 7 p.m., Irena will be reading from her novel and discussing her life and work. Join us to celebrate her achievement; buy a copy and have it signed. Light refreshments will be served.
Teen Reading Contest
Attention, teen readers! Are you interested in winning some Teen books and/or book swag?
If so, check out our new Teen Reading Contest. Here is it how it works: Come check out a book from our young-adult section that you have never read before, read it, then come back and fill out a short review of the book.
You will then be entered into our raffle to win some bookish prizes. For any questions please email us at or come in and see us. Happy reading and good luck.
Book sale and donations
On Saturday, May 5, Altamont Free Library will hold our annual book sale in conjunction with the Parent-Teachers’ village-wide garage sale.
From noon on Wednesday, May 2, until Friday, May 4, we will be very grateful to accept book, CD and DVD donations, which will either be added to the library’s collection or sold to raise money for library programs and we will be happy to make up a receipt for you for tax purposes if you like. (Sorry, but we will not be running a garage sale this year, so household goods will not be accepted.)
Please don’t forget to visit us during the sale to find your next favorite book.
— Photo from Joe Burke
World artists: Amelia, Zade, and Elliot Saam display their contributions to the biannual Global Art Project for Peace, which they made on Saturday, March 10. Their artwork will be on display at Altamont Free Library until it is exchanged with art from a group in another country.
Throughout the year, we’re frequently asked if we accept book donations, and normally, we have to say that we don’t have enough room for donations. But there is one time a year when we can accept donations, and it’s coming up fast!
On Saturday, May 5, the Altamont Free Library will hold its annual book sale in conjunction with the Altamont Elementary School PTA’s village-wide garage sale. From noon on Wednesday, May 2, until Friday, May 4, we will be very grateful to accept book, CD, or DVD donations, which will either be added to the library’s collection or sold to raise money for library programs and we will be happy to make up a receipt for you for tax purposes if you like.
Sorry, but we will not be running a garage sale this year, so household goods will not be accepted. Please don’t forget to visit us during the sale to find your next favorite book!
Egg decoration
Easter is just around the corner, and what better way to get into the spirit than by dying Easter eggs? Please join us this Friday, March 30, from 10 a.m. to noon for some colorful Easter fun.
We’ll boil the eggs and provide all the supplies, so all you have to bring is your creativity! Please give us a call at 518-861-7239 to register in advance.
Whispering Tree Concert
Please join on Friday, April 6, at 7 p.m. for the next installment of the SongTeller Sessions concert series. Our performer this month will be The Whispering Tree.
Based in Beacon, New York, the Whispering Tree duo has traveled the world, honing their contemporary folk sound. This show is certain to be one that you don’t want to miss! These concerts are free and all-ages appropriate, so bring your whole crew!
“Homegoing”
On Monday, April 9, the First Monday Book Club will meet at noon to discuss “Homegoing” by debut Ghanaian-American novelist Yaa Gyasi. (Yes, I know that April 9 is the second Monday of the month, but we’re meeting a little later than usual in April.)
This highly-praised and much-awarded novel follows the lives of the descendants of an Asante woman, across decades and continents. This is sure to be a fascinating discussion, so please join us.
Young Adult Reading Contest
Attention teen readers! Are you interested in winning some Teen books or book swag?
If so, check out our new Teen Reading Contest. Here is it how it works: come check out a book from our young-adult section that you have never read before, read it, then come back and fill out a short review of the book.
You will then be entered into our raffle to win some bookish prizes! For any questions please email us at or come in and see us! Happy reading and good luck!
I am a Righteous Babe. More specifically, I’ve recently been named an honorary member of one of the most active book clubs in the area, the Most Righteous of the Righteous Babes Book Club.
You’ll forgive my bragging, but librarians are rarely honored, and this honor is one of the highest that the citizens of Altamont can present, so I think a little bragging is in order. I honestly couldn’t have been more touched by their kind gesture, and it turned an average work day into my best work day in months.
The reason I’m telling you this is to remind you how much small gestures of gratitude can really turn someone’s day or week or month around. We’re all surrounded by people who go about their lives and work every day who, just by being who they are or doing their jobs, make our lives a little more pleasant.
It’s easy to take those folks for granted, but we shouldn’t. Going a little bit further to show your gratitude to those around us can make this often dark world a little brighter for someone. Thank you, Babes!
Trivia Night!
On Thursday, March 22 at 7 p.m. make a team, study up, and BYOB to our monthly mind-twisting trivia contest! Entrance is $5 and the winners take half the door. Contestants must be 21 and up, please.
New Zealand Potluck
It’s almost time again for another of our ever popular Eat Around the World Potluck dinners. Come broaden your culinary horizons and share a meal a bunch of friendly people.
This month we’re taking a trip to New Zealand. Please join us at 6 p.m. on Monday, March 26 to join in the festivities and bring a dish to share. If you don’t already have a favorite recipe from that part of the world, come on in and grab a cookbook! See you kiwis there!
Whispering Tree Concert
Please join us this Friday, March 2, at 7 p.m. for the next installment of the SongTeller Sessions concert series. Our performer this month will be The Whispering Tree.
Based in Beacon, New York, the duo has traveled the world honing its contemporary folk sound. This show is certain to be one that you don’t want to miss. These concerts are free and all-ages appropriate, so bring your whole crew!
Book talk
On Monday, March 5, the First Monday Book Club will meet at noon to discuss “Homegoing” by debut Ghanaian-American novelist Yaa Gyasi. This highly praised and much awarded novel follows the lives of the descendants of an Asante woman, across decades and continents. This is sure to be a fascinating discussion, so please join us.
YA Reading Contest
Attention, teen readers!
Are you interested in winning some Teen books and/or book swag? If so, check out our new Teen Reading Contest! Here is it how it works: come check out a book from our young-adult section that you have never read before, read it, then come back and fill out a short review of the book.
You will then be entered into our raffle to win some bookish prizes! For any questions please email us at or come in and see us. Happy reading and good luck!
The Altamont Free Library has recently added a new museum pass to our growing collection: The Hyde Museum in Glens Falls is an often-overlooked gem in the Capital District. This incredible museum includes works by Picasso, Raphael, Rembrandt, van Gogh, Whistler, and Cezanne, just to name a few.
The Hyde Collection has generously donated two passes that you may check out for up to one week, and which grant free admission to up to two adults each (as well as whatever kiddos you’re bringing along).
The Hyde made its donation in honor of Marijo Dougherty, Altamont’s beloved former curator of the Village of Altamont Archives and Museum, who earlier in her career served as interim director of the Hyde Collection. Thank you, Hyde Collection, for your generous gift!
Juice and Jammies Story Time
On Friday, March 16 at 7 p.m. put on your pj’s and join Ms. Erika for a pre-bedtime story, snack and craft! This low-key storytime will be just the thing to prepare your young folks to count some sheep. Please note that this event worked so well on a Friday last month, that we’re trying it again this month.
Global Art Project for Peace
Every two years, people all around the world participate in a wonderful event known as the Global Art Project for Peace. Please join us this Saturday, March 17 from 10:30 a.m. to noon to help craft our contribution. Once we’ve made our art, we will display it here at the library and then pack it up and ship it off to children in another country, and we will receive their artwork for us to display here.
This year, we’ll be working making peace flags. People of all ages can participate in this extraordinary cultural exchange, so if you’d like to participate, please sign up at the library or give us a call at (518) 861-7239.
Trivia Night!
On Thursday, March 22 at 7 p.m. make a team, study up, and BYOB to our monthly mind-twisting trivia contest! Entrance is $5 and the winners take half the door. Contestants must be 21 and up, please.
YA Reading Contest
Attention teen readers! Are you interested in winning some Teen books and/or book swag? If so, check out our new Teen Reading Contest!
Here is it how it works: come check out a book from our young-adult section that you have never read before, read it, then come back and fill out a short review of the book. You will then be entered into our raffle to win some bookish prizes! For any questions please email us at or come in and see us! Happy reading and good luck!
The Marijo Dougherty Fund
A few weeks ago, I was pleased to announce the formation of the Marijo Dougherty Fund, named after the beloved curator of the Village of Altamont Archive and Museum. In the weeks since we began this fund, Marijo has sadly passed away, but our work in her memory will continue. The purpose of this fund is to work on projects which preserve the history of our community for future generations.
Our first project is the establishment of an oral history collection, which will be known as the Marijo Dougherty Oral History Collection, and which will seek to record and preserve the stories and memories of our community members through recorded interviews. Our first interview has already been completed and, appropriately enough, the subject is Marijo herself.
I look forward to sharing that fantastic interview, conducted by Laura Shore, with you soon. For anyone interested in contributing to this fund, we have received a pledge from an anonymous donor to match your contribution dollar for dollar. Please get in touch with me by email at or by phone at (518) 861-7239 for more details about the fund.
Folk singer and songwriter Deb Cavanaugh will play at the Altamont Free Library on Friday, March 9, at 7 p.m.
Attention teen readers! Are you interested in winning some teen books or book swag? If so, check out our new Teen Reading Contest.
Here is it how it works: Come check out a book from our young-adult section that you have never read before, read it, then come back and fill out a short review of the book.You will then be entered into our raffle to win some bookish prizes.
For any questions, please email us at or come in and see us. Happy reading and good luck.
Cavanaugh Concert
Please join us this Friday, March 9 at 7 p.m. for the next installment of the SongTeller Sessions concert series. Our performer this month will be Deb Cavanaugh. Artist/educator, singer/songwriter Deb Cavanaugh has been performing in the Capital District of New York State since 1982.
Nowadays, playing a variety of acoustic instruments (guitar, mandolin, mountain dulcimer and banjo), her show includes elements of pop, folk, jazz and blues. Deb is perhaps best known for teaching Music Together, an early-education research-based program for families with young children.
These concerts are free and all-ages appropriate, so bring your whole crew!
Juice and Jammies Story Time
On Friday, March 16 at 7 p.m., put on your pj’s and join Ms. Erika for a pre-bedtime story, snack, and craft! This low-key storytime will be just the thing to prepare your young folks to count some sheep.
Please note that this event worked so well on a Friday last month, that we’re trying it again this month.
Global Art Project for Peace
Every two years, people all around the world participate in a wonderful event known as the Global Art Project for Peace. Please join us on Saturday, March 17 from 10:30 a.m. to noon to help craft our contribution.
Once we’ve made our art, we will display it here at the library and then pack it up and ship it off to children in another country, and we will receive their artwork for us to display here. This year we’ll be working making peace flags.
People of all ages can participate in this extraordinary cultural exchange, so if you’d like to participate, please sign up at the library or give us a call at 518-861-7239.
Trivia Night!
On Wednesday, Thursday, March 22 at 7 p.m., make a team, study up, and BYOB to our monthly mind-twisting trivia contest!
Entrance is $5 and the winners take half the door. Contestants must be 21 and up, please.
The Marijo Dougherty Fund
A few weeks ago, I was pleased to announce the formation of the Marijo Dougherty Fund, named after the beloved curator of the Village of Altamont Archive and Museum. In the weeks since we began this fund, Marijo has sadly passed away, but our work in her memory will continue.
The purpose of this fund is to work on projects that preserve the history of our community for future generations. Our first project is the establishment of an oral history collection, which will be known as the Marijo Dougherty Oral History Collection, and which will seek to record and preserve the stories and memories of our community members through recorded interviews.
Our first interview has already been completed and, appropriately enough, the subject is Marijo herself. I look forward to sharing that fantastic interview, conducted by Laura Shore, with you soon. For anyone interested in contributing to this fund, we have received a pledge from an anonymous donor to match your contribution dollar for dollar. Please get in touch with me by email at or by phone at 518-861-7239 for more details about the fund.
This week we mourn the loss of Marijo Dougherty. Many of us in the Altamont community were lucky to call Marijo a neighbor, or a colleague, or a friend.
We here at the library were happy to be able to honor Marijo’s work at the 2018 I Love My Library Gala. Marijo was a lifelong curator, working as the director of the University at Albany Art Museum and later becoming interim director of the Hyde Collection in Glens Falls.
When she moved to Altamont, she used her gifts to create the Village of Altamont Archives and Museum. In her role there, she put on dozens of exhibitions, contributed tremendously to Keith Lee’s book. “Images of America: Altamont,” and served as the chairwoman of the organizing committee for the Museum in the Streets project that was unveiled last summer.
The history that she has preserved and brought to light will never be forgotten, nor will she.
One of the great projects that we’re working on here at the library is what we’re calling the Marijo Dougherty Oral History Collection, in which we record and transcribe interviews with community members to preserve their personal stories, and our first interview, conducted by Laura Shore, was with Marijo herself.
It’s a wonderful interview, and in it she touches on one of the many things she loves about Altamont: Orsini Park.
“How many places can you sit in a chair and look out at a bunch of kids running barefoot in the grass? You’d be hysterical! They’re going to step on razor blades or needles or god-knows-what. But not here in Altamont. They can run in the grass and just be a child again, and reinforce their freedom.
“It’s just, it’s a wonderful thing to see happen … They can easily cross the street. They go to the Home Front for ice cream and they go all over the village. How many places can you do that? … Those are memories those kids will carry forever, and hopefully continue here in Altamont.”
To all of Marijo’s many friends and family members, we offer our sincere condolences.
We’ve got a bunch of neat things coming up here at the library.
“Power of Habit”
On Monday, March 5, the First Monday Book Club will meet at noon to discuss “The Power of Habit” by New York Times journalist Charles Duhig. This bestseller is a fascinating study of why people do what we do and what modern science tells us about how we can change our habits, and cultivate new, healthier ones. This is sure to be a fascinating discussion, so please join us.
Concert
Please join us on Friday, March 9, at 7 p.m. for the next installment of the SongTeller Sessions concert series. Our performer this month will be Deb Cavanaugh.
Artist/educator, singer/songwriter Deb Cavanaugh has been performing in the Capital District of New York State since 1982. Nowadays, playing a variety of acoustic instruments (guitar, mandolin, mountain dulcimer and banjo), her show includes elements of pop, folk, jazz, and blues. Deb is perhaps best known for teaching Music Together, an early-education research-based program for families with young children.
These concerts are free and all-ages appropriate, so bring your whole crew!