Schoharie Library Notes for Wednesday, April 28, 2021

The Schoharie Free Library has recently expanded its Saturday hours from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m.; we’re now open to visitors a total of 35 hours a week: Monday, Tuesday, and Friday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Thursday, from noon to 7 p.m.; and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 .pm.  

Items no

longer quarantined

On May 1, based on guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Mohawk Valley Library System, the Schoharie Free Library will no longer be quarantining returned library items before checking them in and returning them to the shelves. For patrons, this means two important things:

— Beginning May 1, you will be allowed to return items inside the library though the outdoor book return box will remain open for your convenience; and

— While the quarantine was in effect, patrons were given additional “fine-free days:” beyond the due date to accommodate the quarantine period. Starting May 1, this grace period will be discontinued. Late fees will begin to accrue the day after an item is due, just like before the pandemic. 

Our other COVID safety measures (including mask-wearing and social distancing) will remain in place for the time being, but this is an important and exciting step in our cautious, gradual return to “normal” operations. 

The library continues to seek volunteers to help with specific projects. Volunteers aged 12 and above are invited to visit our online sign-up form at bit.ly/LibraryVolunteerList to answer a few questions about their interests. Possible volunteer opportunities include helping with clerical duties, reshelving books, collaborating on seasonal decorations and displays, working on the building and grounds, and assisting with programs. 

 Programs online

All our regularly scheduled programs are currently meeting online via Zoom. Here’s what we have scheduled for the coming week: 

— At 10 a.m. on Friday, April 30, Miss Heather’s Online Storytime will have a sing-along theme featuring children’s books with songs, and lots of encouragement for kids to sing, dance, and interact; 

— Our very active Writing Club will meet online on Friday, April 30 at 6:30 p.m. and again at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, May 3;  

— We’ll have a special online presentation at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, May 5. Local bluebird expert and retired SUNY Cobleskill professor Kevin Berner will host a program focused on changes in bluebird populations over time and how people can help to increase their population. Professor Berner will discuss his bluebird research and give suggestions on what you can do to increase the chance of attracting bluebirds to your nest boxes and help them nest successfully; and 

— The UFO (Unfinished Object) Club will meet again at 10 a.m. on Thursday, May 6 for conversation and work on craft projects.  

For more information or to sign up for any of the library’s upcoming programs, contact or visit our Facebook events page.