Guilderland Library Notes for Friday, June 17, 2016

Everett Rau, whose family still lives and farms on the land where he was born in 1919, will talk about his just-published book, “Stand Tall: Against the Odds,” at the Guilderland Public Library on Saturday, June 18, at 2 p.m. This is another in the library’s “Read Local” series.

“Stand Tall” is Ev’s personal American saga of farming — and living — in the 20th Century. It’s also proof that it’s never too late to become a first-time author.

In his memoir, he reminisces about his life in Altamont, along with stories of farming, working for General Electric during World War II, rising and failing in his own business, and finding his passion for the preservation of Dutch barns.

He learned how to farm "in the good old way" from his Civil War veteran grandfather and has spent many years sharing his knowledge with local historical societies. Ev was nearly 90 when he designed and supervised the construction of a German threshing barn that was built by neighbors and volunteers with old tools and techniques on his Altamont farm.

Come to this event, and hear the story of nearly a century of progress, from the man who’s living it.

Ev’s co-author, Laura Shore, who has won many awards in her communications and marketing career, will also speak about the book. In 2012, she founded Farm Share Studio to promote local food, local farms, and agricultural land conservation.

For nearly two years, she worked with Ev to record his stories and bring forth detailed descriptions of life and farming. She donates 10 percent of her proceeds to the American Farmland Trust No Farms No Food campaign.

Copies of “Stand Tall” will be available for sale at Ev’s talk.

Children’s program

The Schenectady Theater for Children presents “The Bremen Town Musicians,” a show which children of all ages are sure to enjoy at GPL on Friday, June 24, at 7 p.m.

Based on the German folktale by the Brothers Grimm, this show is packed with action, music, and talking animals. It is the story of four animal friends that set out on a journey together and end up forming a band. In their search for fame and fortune, they learn about consequences as they outwit a band of thieves and kidnappers. Every action has a consequence and it's always a good idea to think before you act.

No registration required. Just come on in and enjoy.

Summer reading program

Mark your calendars to attend GPL’s “Super Summer Reading Olympics” reading-club kick-off on Thursday, June 30, at 6 p.m., in the library’s Normanskill Room. Children, tweens, and teens can sign-up to be a summer reader, collect program information, and ask our staff any questions you might have.

While you’re here, enter a drawing for a chance to win your own summer reading club t-shirt. And at 7 p.m., be sure to grab an ice cream sundae.

To get details on all the fun events coming up in the Super Summer Reading Olympics, please visit www.guilpl.org/src.

Library tour

Perhaps you wouldn’t think that you could borrow a GoPro from GPL, or take out tables, or find fishing rods, but you can. These are just some of the novel aspects of your library, and there’s no better way to learn about everything that’s available to you than taking a tour of GPL.

So take a tour. The next is scheduled for Monday, June 20, at 11 a.m. Tour-guide Kelly will show you about, and answer your every question.  Please register for the tour by calling 456-2400, ext.  2, or online at bit.ly/June20Tour.