Bethlehem Library Notes for Wednesday, January 7, 2015

During the month of January, the Bethlehem Public Library will be hosting a Rape Aggression Defense self-defense course presented by the Office of the Albany County District Attorney and the Albany County Sheriff’s Department.

The program, which takes place on Fridays, Jan. 9 through 30, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., is a comprehensive, women-only course in rape aggression defense. The aim is to promote awareness, prevention and risk avoidance strategies through basic, hands-on defense training. It is not a martial arts program; the goal is escape and survival.

The R.A.D. program is open to adults and teens 16 and older. This is an active participation class. Parental consent forms for minors and health release forms for 
all participants are required and will be completed at the first session.  Snow dates are Feb. 6 and 13.

Snowy and Warm

It may be cold outside, but your preschooler is in no mood to hibernate. What’s a parent to do? At the Snowy and Warm program at 10 a.m., on Monday, Jan. 12, kids age two and up can play with some “unmeltable” snow at the library without freezing their fingers.

Do the Snowy Pokey

On Tuesday, Jan. 13, kids can kick it into high gear and get their bodies moving to winterized versions of their favorite songs and dances while they do the Snowy Pokey. The fun starts at 1:30 p.m., and is open to children six and under and families.

Listen up

Join fellow jazz enthusiasts at the library’s monthly Listening Parties to hear the best in jazz, explore jazz history and share stories. This month, the featured artist is Tal Farlow, the bebop guitarist who helped define modern jazz guitar. In Doug Ramsey’s collection of essays called “Jazz Matters,” he wrote that “part of the fascination with Farlow’s playing is that he plays close to the edge of time.”

Drop in on Thursday, Jan. 15, at 7 p.m. to hear more. Everyone is welcome.

A reminder

There will be no story times held during the month of January, but there is still plenty to do. Check out our calendar online at bplkids.org. Story times will resume in February.

Storm warning

Please remember that in the event of inclement weather, the library’s telephone system will provide information on a closing or delayed opening. Call ahead.

Board meets

On Monday, Jan. 12, at 6 p.m., the library’s board will meet. This meeting is open to the public.

More upcoming events

Daybooks meets on Monday, Jan. 12, at 1:30 p.m. to discuss Book of Ages by Jill LePore. New members are welcome. Copies of the book are available at the information desk.

Afterdinner Books meets on Wednesday, Jan. 14, at 7 p.m. to talk about Orbit by John Nance. New members are welcome. Copies available at the information desk.