Bethlehem Library Notes for Wednesday, September 4, 2019

What’s in an Adirondack name?

Author and outdoor enthusiast Erik Schlimmer has spent a lot of time in the Adirondacks — from Good Luck Lake to Whiteface Mountain — and he’s gotten to know some of the places and their names pretty well. So well, in fact, that he’s written two books dedicated to Adirondack place-name history: “History Inside the Blue Line” and “Among the Cloud Splitters.” What he’s found is that “behind every name is a story, and that story’s usually pretty good.”

On Friday, Sept. 6, Erik will kick off the 2019 Coffee and Conversation series at the Bethlehem Public Library by sharing some of these stories and talking about the research that went into decoding the history behind hundreds of Adirondack names. The program — “Adirondack Place Names: Why is That Thing Over There Called That?” — starts at 1 p.m. and will be followed by a coffee break. Coffee and Conversation is co-sponsored by Bethlehem Senior Projects Inc.

Erik first visited the library this spring to discuss his book “Cradle of the Union: Albany History Uncovered,” where he took a closer look at the street names of Albany. He has written for a number of outdoor publications and is also the author of “Thru Hiker’s Guide to America,” “Blue Line to Blue Line” and “My Adirondacks.”

Expedition Anniversary Party

It’s been one year since hundreds of library enthusiasts visited all 36 Upper Hudson Library System libraries. Everyone (whether you completed the expedition or not!) is invited to celebrate the anniversary of the Library Expedition on Tuesday, Sept. 10, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Crossings in Colonie.

There will be cider and doughnuts, as well as fun activities. Enjoy a lovely fall day with fellow expeditioners from across the Upper Hudson Library System. Sign up online at www.bethlehempubliclibrary.org or call.

Make a mandala

Intricate mandalas are a popular subject of adult coloring books, but where did they come from and what do they mean?

On Wednesday, Sept. 11, at 7 p.m., the library will host a Mandala Workshop, where you will be given a brief introduction on the history and significance of mandalas, then learn how to draw your own mandala and color it in.

Yoga at the library

This fall, you are invited to find your center at the library at one or more hatha yoga sessions led by a local instructor. The first session is scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 12, at 7 p.m.

Mats will be provided, but bring your own if you have one. Beginners are welcome. Register online at www.bethlehempubliclibrary.org.