Guilderland Library Notes for Wednesday, January 15, 2020
Several January programs at Guilderland Public Library examine fascinating aspects of the 13-year Prohibition Era, which began in 1920.
This month, we’re looking back 100 years to 1920 and the Prohibition Era. The 18th Amendment prohibiting intoxicating liquors proved difficult to enforce, as bootlegging and speakeasies fueled the underground market.
Historically, Prohibition is fascinating — from its political and religious origins, to groups that vigorously opposed it, to its impact on social mores. We hope you’ll join us to mark this intriguing centennial with the following programs:
— The Prohibition Era: A Confusing and Misunderstood Time on Saturday, Jan. 18 at 2 p.m.:
Richard F. Hamm, a history professor who has studied Prohibition for more than 35 years and is co-editor of a forthcoming book, “Prohibition’s Greatest Myths: The Distilled Truth About America’s Anti-Alcohol Crusade,” will cover some of the common myths and misunderstandings about Prohibition, the 13-year failed “noble experiment.” Beyond debunking, he will explain how Prohibition became such an important policy goal and was added to the Constitution; and
— Wicked Albany: Lawlessness & Liquor in the Prohibition Era on Wednesday, Jan. 29, at 7 p.m.:
What was Albany like during the “Roaring 20s?” University at Albany Professor Frankie Bailey will paint a picture of stark contrasts, as Prohibition produced the exact opposite result of its intent: merely forcing alcohol-related commerce underground, and lawlessness and violence to the forefront.
Film series
The library will also host a Bootleggers and Rum Runners Film Series of three classic films depicting unruly and humorous elements of the 1920s:
— Friday, Jan. 17, at 2 p.m.: “The Roaring Twenties” (1939). Starring James Cagney and Humphrey Bogart, this film set in the Prohibition era is still widely considered the greatest gangster movie of all time. Two World War I buddies team up to become ruthless underworld kingpins;
— Friday, Jan. 24, at 2 p.m.: “The Public Enemy” (1931). Two Chicago youths (James Cagney and Eddie Woods) rise up from poverty to become petty thieves, bootleggers, and finally, cold-blooded killers. Also starring Jean Harlow; and
— Friday, Jan. 31, at 2 p.m.: “What! No Beer?” (1933). Buster Keaton and Jimmy Durante star in this comic tale of two men who naively try to cash in on the waning days of Prohibition by peddling their accidentally-diluted beer.
Saturday STEAM
Kids in grades 2 to 5 make dancing snakes, gummy bear catapults and other fun projects that demonstrate the importance and power of energy at our next Saturday STEAM, scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 18 at 2 p.m. Please register online, by phone or in person.
Shake, Rattle & Roll!
Join Miss Rebecca on a weekly themed adventure filled with songs, rhymes, dance, and more, Tuesday, Jan. 21 at 10:30 a.m. This program is for children ages 2 to 5 with a caregiver. Guilderland Library patrons may register by calling 518.456.2400, ext. 4.
Parent & T(w)een Night
Join us for our new monthly event! Kids in grades 5 to 9 and a parent/guardian — enjoy night out with dessert and a fun activity on Tuesday, Jan. 21 at 7 p.m. We’ll explore bullet journals, a creative and artistic way to combine a planner, to-do list, goal tracker, and diary. Please register online, by phone or in person.
Healthy Eating on a Budget 101
On Wednesday, Jan. 22 at 6:30 p.m., Health and Wellness Coach Rhonda Allen will cover key strategies for shopping smart, empowering us to master the grocery store, nutrition and our wallets! Please register online, by phone or in person.
Take a Break Teen Reader Boxes
If you’re in grades 8 to 12, sign up for a personalized Take a Break Teen Reader Box for February School Break! You’ll get a library book selected especially for you to check out, and an advanced reader paperback book to keep, plus some fun surprises. Return your box and sign up again for an April Break box!
New Streaming Service
Explore RBDigital, our new library streaming service! Your Guilderland or Altamont library card grants you a seven-day loan, and downloads are unlimited during January. Call 518.456.2400, extension 3 for more information, or visit https://guilderlandlibrary.org/e-library-landing-page/#watchtv to get started.
Winter Reading Challenge
Can you help us read 4,000 books during January? Log your completed books online at guilderlandlibrary.beanstack.org. We could win some great prizes from Penguin Random House. Happy Reading!