Guilderland Library Notes for Wednesday, October 16, 2019

Stories, songs, and rhymes in both Arabic and English will be presented on Saturday, Oct. 19, at 10:30 a.m. Children will also make a craft to take home. This family program is geared for children up to age 6, plus their caregivers.  

Dungeons & Dragons

As a follow-up to our recent introductory session, players in grades 8 to 12 are invited back to seek justice on Saturday, Oct. 19, from 1 to 3:30 p.m. Experienced players are also welcome. Please register for the five-part Saturday campaign series online, by phone, or in person.  

Chocolate!

On Saturday, Oct. 19, at 2 p.m., culinary historian Peter G. Rose will provide a fascinating overview of our favorite confection: chocolate!

She will describe 17th-Century trade by the Hudson Valley’s Dutch settlers; chocolate manufacturing developments throughout the 18th and 19th centuries; and interesting tidbits about the current chocolate market.

Recipes and chocolate samples will be shared! Ms. Rose has lectured widely and has authored nine books on the Dutch influence in America and Hudson Valley food. She will have copies available for sale and signing. Please register online, by phone, or in person.  

Toddler development

We meet every Monday in October at 1:30 p.m. for this beneficial class, designed to help strengthen toddler movement through props, hands-on techniques, and play activities.

Socialization, cognitive thinking, and language acquisition skills are also enhanced. Come join the fun! Please register online, by phone, or in person.

Census recruitment

In just a few short months, the process of tallying our nationwide population — the 2020 Census — will officially commence.

Census results help determine representation in Congress, as well as funding for schools, hospitals, roads, and more. This is a huge and important undertaking, one that requires considerable human resources nationwide.

Representatives from the Census Bureau will be here on Wednesday, Oct. 23, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., recruiting United States citizens age 18 and older who are interested in earning extra income while helping ensure that everyone in their community is counted. Please see https://2020census.gov/en/jobs.html for further information.          

Halloween Happenings

If you’re looking for fiendishly fun (and free) Halloween-themed activities, look no further than your friendly local library! We’ve planned several events to get into the spirit, so to speak, and there’s something for everyone:

— Friday, Oct. 25: Teens and adults must work together to solve puzzles and find clues before time runs out as they strive to Escape the House on the Hill. Please register for either the 4 p.m. or 6 p.m. session;

— Tuesday, Oct. 29: People of all ages are welcome to experience our Halloween Craft Graveyard from 6:30 to 8 p.m., featuring a variety of seasonal craft supplies. This casual and creative gathering is for families, groups of friends — anyone! — with snacks and Halloween music enhancing the seasonal mood.  Replicate one of our projects, or devise something totally unique! Please register online, by phone, or in person;

— Wednesday, Oct. 30: Tweens and teens are invited to a Halloween Party just for them! Come at 6 p.m. dressed in your best costume and ready to usher in Halloween with creepy snacks and terrifying activities for a scary good time. Please register online, by phone, or in person; and

— Thursday, Oct. 31: Children ages 19 months and up and their caregivers are invited to a Not-So-Spooky Costume Party and Storytime at 10:30 a.m., complete with lively songs, stories, and dancing. We’ll conclude our party with a rousing costume parade through the library. Then at 6 p.m., we’ll screen Stanley Kubrick’s classic fright-fest, “The Shining,” starring Jack Nicholson and Shelley Duvall. We dare you to hold onto your popcorn! Rated R.

Bus trip to NYC

We’re teaming up once again with the Guilderland Chamber of Commerce for a festive excursion to midtown Manhattan on Saturday, Dec. 7. We’ll depart from Farnsworth Middle School promptly at 7 a.m., make one stop along the way, and arrive near Bryant Park at approximately 10 a.m.

Experience the dazzling sights and sounds of the city and fill the day with holiday shopping, world-class theater, exceptional dining — whatever you like. We’ll leave at precisely 7 p.m. for the return trip home, concluding at approximately 10 p.m.

The cost is $50 per person, and we expect to sell out. Please see: www.guilderlandlibrary.org/nyc to reserve your spot.