Children ages pre-kindergarten through grade four, with an adult, are invited to drop in to the Voorheesville Public Library on Saturday, Dec. 13, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., and enjoy a snack and some holiday cheer while making crafts. Join the fun by putting together our famous gingerbread houses, making some ornaments, and taking part in other holiday activities.

Cookie exchange

Yum Yum… We all want a variety of cookies and treats to put out for holiday visitors, but who has time to make so many different things?  Here comes the library foodies to the rescue. On Sunday, Dec. 14, at  2 p.m., bring three dozen of your finest treats along with a recipe card and we'll have a grand old time. Of course, we’ll have to do some taste tests, but the rest will be boxed up and sent home to share with your family and friends. The library will provide hot chocolate, tea, and coffee and the take home containers.

Holiday shopping on

Amazon

If you will be doing some of your holiday shopping online at Amazon.com, please consider using the boxed Amazon link on the library website. For every dollar spent using the library link, Amazon will donate a small portion back to the friends of the library.

Six-week writing workshop

Join local author and historian Dennis Sullivan as he guides you on a journey through your own history. This program will be held every other Tuesday evening at 6:30 p.m., from January 13 through March 24. The sessions offer the opportunity for you to share what you are writing with the group and receive a helpful critique of your work. Limited seats are available, so please register early.

Artist of the month

Please be sure to stroll through the hall gallery and admire Watercolors by Barbara McGeachen. She is a local artist who does watercolors and stained glass originals. Our display case this month is a collection of Nutcrackers, shared by Pat Galvin. If you have a collection that you would be willing to share at the library, please give us a call at 765-2598 and let us know about it.

Now accepting

Humane Society donations

This year the library is collecting donations for the Mohawk Hudson Humane Society. Through Tuesday, Dec. 31, bring in any pet related item (food, leash, treats, etc.). Place them on our donations for pets table display. For a complete list of acceptable items, go to www.mohawkhumane.org/wishlist.html

Teens in grades six and up are invited to join us at the Voorheesville Public Library on Sunday, Nov. 30, at 2 p.m., to make holiday ornaments for the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York’s Annual Holiday Hunger Appeal. We’ll also be making decorations to brighten the tables at the Daughters of Sarah Nursing Center. All supplies will be provided, just bring your creativity. Participants will earn two hours of community service credit. Please call or stop by the library to register.

Beginning beaded jewelry

On Tuesday, Dec. 2, at 7 p.m., you can learn easy beading techniques for making simple necklaces, bracelets, and earrings. Choose from our varied bead options to make something that suits your style.  Once you’ve learned the basics, you can create a holiday gift.  This program is for kids ages 14 and up, please register. There will be a small materials fee.

NYC bus trip

This is the last chance to save your seat on the bus to NYC.  Saturday Dec. 6 is the Friends of the Library’s annual NYC holiday bus trip. Here’s the itinerary: Departure from the Voorheesville Elementary School at 7 a.m.; arrive in Manhattan around 10 a.m.; leave from Bryant Park in Manhattan at 8 p.m.; arrival back in Voorheesville around 11 p.m. For the low, low price of $45 ($40 for FOL members), you can enjoy a day at one of New York's most exciting holiday destinations and support the library at the same time. Check out the fun holiday ideas box link on our website for some tips on great food, fun, and, of course, shopping. Payment in advance is required and paid reservations are only accepted at the library. Check out just a few of the fun things to do in the city at www.voorheesvillelibrary.org.

Save the date

Join local author and historian Dennis Sullivan as he guides you on a journey through your own history. The program will be held every other Tuesday evening at 6:30 p.m., from Jan. 13 through March 24. The sessions offer the opportunity for you to share what you are writing with the group and receive a helpful critique of your work.  Limited seats are available, so register early.

Artist of the month

The library is proud to welcome local artist Barbara McGeachen as our December artist of the Month. Please be sure to stroll through the hall gallery and admire her watercolors. Our display case this month will be a collection of Nutcrackers, shared by Pat Galvin. If you have a collection that you would be willing to share at the library, please give us a call at 765-2598 and let us know about it.

Humane Society donations
This year the library is collecting donations for the Mohawk Hudson Humane Society. From Sunday, Dec. 1 through Tuesday, Dec. 31, bring in any pet related item (food, leash, treats, etc.). Place them on our donations for pets table display. For a complete list of acceptable items, go to www.mohawkhumane.org/wishlist.html

Where does the time go? The holidays are right around the corner and it’s time to start getting ready. If you will be doing some of your holiday shopping online at Amazon.com, please consider using the boxed Amazon link on the Voorheesville Public Library’s website. Just click on the link and you will be directed to the Amazon webpage. For every dollar spent using the library link, Amazon will donate a small portion back to the friends of the library.

NYC bus trip

And speaking of the holidays, you are going to want to write this on your calendar.  Saturday Dec. 6 is the Friends of the Library annual NYC holiday bus trip. Here’s the itinerary: Departure from the Voorheesville Elementary School at 7 a.m.; arrive in Manhattan around 10 a.m.; leave from Bryant Park in Manhattan at 8 p.m.; arrival back in Voorheesville around 11 p.m. For the low, low price of $45 ($40 for FOL members), you can enjoy a day at one of New York's most exciting holiday destinations and support the library at the same time. Check out the fun holiday ideas box link on our website for some tips on great food, fun, and, of course, shopping. Payment in advance is required and paid reservations are only accepted at the library.

Afternoon movies

Please join us on Thursday afternoons for an old movie, some fresh popcorn, and great company. Every Thursday at 1:30 p.m., we show a classic movie on the big screen. We’ve got a great group of regulars who enjoy sharing some little known trivia and lots of laughs. Stop by the library and pick up a movie schedule or check online to see what’s playing next.

Holiday hours

The library will be closing at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 26, and will re-open at 10 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 28, in observance of Thanksgiving. If you would like to renew an item, you may do so online at www.voorheesvillelibrary.org

Holiday decorations

Teens in grades six and up are invited to join us on Sunday, Nov. 30, at 2 p.m., to make holiday ornaments for the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York’s Annual Holiday Hunger Appeal. We’ll also be making decorations to brighten the tables at the Daughters of Sarah Nursing Center. All supplies are provided; just bring your creativity. Participants will earn two-hours of community service credit. Please call or stop by the library to register.

Sign up now

Join local author and historian Dennis Sullivan as he guides you on a journey through your own history. The program will be held every other Tuesday evening at 6:30 p.m., from Jan. 13 through March 24. The sessions offer the opportunity for you to share what you are writing with the group and receive a helpful critique of your work.  Limited seats are available, so register early.

Where does the time go? The holidays are right around the corner and it’s time to start getting ready. If you will be doing some of your holiday shopping online at Amazon.com, please consider using the boxed Amazon link on the Voorheesville Public Library’s website. Just click on the link and you will be directed to the Amazon webpage. For every dollar spent using the library link, Amazon will donate a small portion back to the friends of the library.

NYC bus trip

And speaking of the holidays, you are going to want to write this on your calendar.  Saturday Dec. 6 is the Friends of the Library annual NYC holiday bus trip. Here’s the itinerary: Departure from the Voorheesville Elementary School at 7 a.m.; arrive in Manhattan around 10 a.m.; leave from Bryant Park in Manhattan at 8 p.m.; arrival back in Voorheesville around 11 p.m. For the low, low price of $45 ($40 for FOL members), you can enjoy a day at one of New York's most exciting holiday destinations and support the library at the same time. Check out the fun holiday ideas box link on our website for some tips on great food, fun, and, of course, shopping. Payment in advance is required and paid reservations are only accepted at the library.

Afternoon movies

Please join us on Thursday afternoons for an old movie, some fresh popcorn, and great company. Every Thursday at 1:30 p.m., we show a classic movie on the big screen. We’ve got a great group of regulars who enjoy sharing some little known trivia and lots of laughs. Stop by the library and pick up a movie schedule or check online to see what’s playing next.

Holiday hours

The library will be closing at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 26, and will re-open at 10 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 28, in observance of Thanksgiving. If you would like to renew an item, you may do so online at www.voorheesvillelibrary.org

Holiday decorations

Teens in grades six and up are invited to join us on Sunday, Nov. 30, at 2 p.m., to make holiday ornaments for the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York’s Annual Holiday Hunger Appeal. We’ll also be making decorations to brighten the tables at the Daughters of Sarah Nursing Center. All supplies are provided; just bring your creativity. Participants will earn two-hours of community service credit. Please call or stop by the library to register.

Sign up now

Join local author and historian Dennis Sullivan as he guides you on a journey through your own history. The program will be held every other Tuesday evening at 6:30 p.m., from Jan. 13 through March 24. The sessions offer the opportunity for you to share what you are writing with the group and receive a helpful critique of your work.  Limited seats are available, so register early.

On Sunday, Nov. 2, at 2 p.m., students from the Albany Law School Pro Bono Society are offering a free presentation and question and answer session on legal resources important to senior citizens, their family, caregivers, and elder care professionals at the Voorheesville Public Library. Topics will include Medicaid, advance directive documents, avoiding senior scams, and estate planning. Please register.

Meet the author
The library is proud to welcome former U.S. Army Captain and New York Times bestselling author Luis Carlos Montalván and Tuesday, his Golden Retriever and service dog. Captain Montalván and Tuesday will visit the library on Friday, Nov. 7, at 6:30 p.m. What a terrific way to commemorate Veteran's Day.

Luis Carlos Montalván, a 17-year Army veteran recovering from physical wounds and post-traumatic stress disorder, helps other veterans do the same. He will discuss his bestselling memoir, Until Tuesday, and share the story of how together, he and Tuesday began the healing process. The book also brings to light the challenges veterans and all people with visible and invisible disabilities find difficult to talk about. 

Copies of Until Tuesday and Tuesday Tucks Me In will be on sale for signing at the program. Appropriate for ages 11 and up. This program is sponsored by the generous support of the Friends of the Library and New Scotland Kiwanis. If this date is not convenient, Luis and Tuesday will also be at the Schenectady Public Library on Nov. 5, at 4 p.m. for Tuesday Tucks Me In: The Loyal Bond between a Soldier and his Service Dog, and on Nov. 6, at 6:30 p.m. to speak about Until Tuesday: A Wounded Warrior and the Golden Retriever Who Saved Him.

Hidden History –

The Anti-Rent Rebellion

of New York State

On Wednesday, Nov. 5 at 7 p.m., you can hear the story of the Anti-Rent Rebellion, which tells of the courage of thousands of farmers who tried to change the feudal rent system politically and by resistance for nearly 30 years. We will talk about the story, sing a couple of songs, and open the floor to discussion.

International Games Day

On Saturday, Nov. 15, the library is holding a games day for children of all ages. Beginning at 10:30 a.m. we’ll have circle games for ages four to six. At 11:30 a.m., students in kindergarten through grade five and their families can join the Family Challenge and try their hand at some silly, fast paced physical challenges inspired by the TV game show, Minute To Win It.

Then, at 1:30 p.m., we welcome all Monopoly tycoons, Pokemon card collectors, and videogamers in grades three and up to show us your best game. Try a new PS3 game courtesy of the Delmar Game Stop. Then, at 3 p.m., grades four and up are invited to learn how to make your own two-player race car video game from scratch. Space will be limited for all times, so please call ahead to register.

 

Tweens are invited for this creativity lab on Oct. 26, at 2 p.m., at the Voorheesville Public Library. Make a candy corn catapult, paint with Skittles, explode some peep ghosts, and of course, snack too.  This program is for kids in grades four to six, please register.

Soup night

Bring your favorite soup, soup-friendly side, or dessert to share on Monday, Oct. 27, at 6:30 p.m.  Include a recipe card to display. Sign up at the information desk to let us know what type of dish you’re bringing.

Thanking our Veterans

All teens are invited to join us on Saturday, Nov. 1, at 2 p.m. We'll make and package sweet treats for veterans and their families staying at the Fisher House at the Albany Stratton Veterans Administration. Participants will earn two hours of community service credit.  This program is for grades six and up, please register.

Elder Law presentation

On Sunday, Nov. 2, at 2 p.m., students from the Albany Law School Pro Bono Society are offering a free presentation and question and answer session on legal resources important to senior citizens, their family, caregivers, and elder care professionals. Topics will include Medicaid, advance directive documents, avoiding senior scams, and estate planning.  Please register.

Author visit

It’s a privilege to have former U.S. Army captain and New York Times bestselling author Luis Carlos Montalván and Tuesday, his golden retriever service dog, visit the library on Friday, Nov. 7, at 6:30 p.m. (See editorial on page 2.)

What better way to honor Veterans Day than to hear Montalván’s personal story. Everyone is welcome.

Luis Carlos Montalván, a 17-year Army veteran, uses his recovery from post-traumatic stress disorder to help other veterans do the same. He will discuss his new book, Until Tuesday, and tell the story of how Tuesday helped him get control over his life. The book brings to light the mental health issues that many veterans find so difficult to talk about. Until Tuesday and Tuesday Tucks Me In will be on sale for signing at the program.

If this date is not convenient, Luis Carlos Montalván will also be at the Schenectady Public Library on Nov. 5, at 4 p.m., to talk about Tuesday Tucks Me In and Nov. 6, at 6:30 p.m., to speak about Until Tuesday: A Wounded Warrior and the Golden Retriever Who Saved Him.

Mark your calendar

Join local author and historian Dennis Sullivan as he guides you on a journey through your own history. The program will be held every other Tuesday at 6:30 p.m., from Jan. 13 through March 24. The sessions offer the opportunity for you to share what you are writing with the group and receive a helpful critique of your work.  Limited seats available, so register early.

Find the right college at the right price. On Tuesday, Sept. 30 at 6:30 p.m., Dr. Dean Skarlis will outline the steps you need to find the right college for you at the Voorheesville Public Library. The information and handouts you will take home from this presentation will help you begin your college search.

Book party

Are you a fan of Heroes of Olympus? Join us on Sunday, Oct. 5, at 2 p.m., to celebrate the impending release of the final volume of Rick Riordan's Heroes of Olympus series, The Blood of Olympus with trivia, activities, and Olympic snacks.  Please register.

Book sale wrap up

It was another great annual fall book sale. Many thanks to the friends of the library volunteers, who sorted media, worked the sale tables, baked treats for the bake sale, and helped set up and take down multiple tents, tables and too many boxes to count. FOL president Sherry Burgoon did a fantastic job, as usual, coordinating all of the above. And a special note of thanks to our young student volunteers. Our community tweens and teens really came through this year, and it was very much appreciated. Speaking of book sales, I’ve heard rumors there may be a surprise book sale this spring. Stay tuned to this column for updates.

Tween LEGO Club

The next meeting of the library Tween LEGO Club is Monday, Oct. 13, at 2 p.m. Join other LEGO-maniacs and enjoy free-building time at the library. Bring a model from home to show off, if you'd like; we have library LEGOs to share and club-member creations will be kept separate. You can also take a turn on the Wii playing LEGO videogames. For kids in grades three to six, please register.

Beginning beaded jewelry

Ages 14 and up, on Oct. 21, at 7 p.m., you can learn easy beading techniques for making simple necklaces, bracelets, and earrings. Choose from our varied bead options to make something that suits your style. Once you’ve learned the basics, you can create a holiday gift.  Please register.  There will be a small materials fee.

Disaster preparedness

On Wednesday, Oct. 22, at 7 p.m., the American Red Cross will present a disaster preparedness program. This session will provide information on types of common disasters, ways to prepare as an individual, family and community member, and what to do when a disaster strikes. Disaster preparedness kits will be provided to participants of the program. Please register.

Halloween family

story time

Preschool children through second grade, please join Miss Amy on Saturday, Oct. 25, at 10:15 a.m., for a morning of spooktacular stories, Halloween activities and a costume parade in the library. Come dressed in costume. Please register for this special Halloween celebration.

Halloween candy craze

Tweens are invited for this creativity lab on Oct. 26, at 2 p.m. Make a candy corn catapult, paint with Skittles, explode some Peep Ghosts, and of course, snack too.  This program is for grades four to six, please register.

It’s finally here! Friday, Sept. 19 beginning at 5 p.m., is the book sale preview night for Friends of the Library only at the Voorheesville Public Library. It’s never too late to join the friends group, who sponsor some wonderful library programs, including the book sale. On Saturday, Sept. 20, book sale doors open to the public at 10 a.m. The friends will also be hosting a baked goods sale, so be sure to save some room for a cookie or two.

Sunday, Sept. 21, begins with the Canine Classic 5K Run/Walk at 11 a.m., at The Village Animal Clinic, located across the street from the library. Leashed dogs are welcome and encouraged to participate in the run. There will be water stations all along the route. All proceeds from the marathon will be donated to Guilderhaven, Inc. For more information or to request a registration form, email or stop in at The Village Animal Clinic and pick up a form at the front desk.

Back at the library, noon opens the buck-a-bag book sale day. Fill your plastic grocery bag with books for only $1. At 12:30 p.m., the fun kicks into high gear with local band Lifeline, a trio of acoustic and electric guitars playing a variety of classic rock and blues with male and female vocals. So, bring your family, stock up on your reading, listening, viewing materials, take your dog for a nice walk around the village, and then relax on the cool lawn while you listen to some local talent. You won’t want to miss this fun family day.

Tween movie night

Join us on Friday, Sept. 19, at 6 p.m., as we watch The Fault in our Stars on the extra-large screen in the community room. Piping hot pizza and popcorn will be served.

Find the right college…

At the right price. Dr. Dean Skarlis will outline the steps you need to find the right college for you. The information and handouts you will take home from this presentation will help you begin your college search.

Tween advisory meeting

Students in grades four through six are invited to join the tween advisory board to help shape the tween program development for the library. The board meets a few times a year and discusses what direction the students would like to go in. Movie nights, game nights, maybe a comic-con in Voorheesville? You decide! The next meeting is Friday, Sept. 19, at 4 p.m.

Heroes of Olympus

book party

Are you a fan of Heroes of Olympus? Join us on Sunday, Oct. 5, at 2 p.m., to celebrate the impending release of the final volume of Rick Riordan's Heroes of Olympus series, The Blood of Olympus with trivia, activities, and Olympic snacks.  Please register.

Display case

Don’t forget to stop by and enjoy the oil paintings of Susie Flansburg and, in the display case, the New York State Nurses have shared a wonderful history of nursing in New York. 

What’s happening at the corner of School Road and Prospect Street? The Voorheesville Public Library and The Village Animal Clinic have planned a fun fall weekend for the whole family.

On Friday, Sept. 19, beginning at 5 p.m., is the book sale preview night for Friends of the Library only. It’s never too late to join the friends group, who sponsor some wonderful library programs.

On Saturday, Sept. 20, book sale doors open to the public at 10 a.m. The friends will also be hosting a baked goods sale, so be sure to save some room for a cookie or two.

Sunday, Sept. 21, begins with the Canine Classic 5K Run/Walk at 11 a.m., at The Village Animal Clinic, located across the street from the library. Leashed dogs are welcome and encouraged to participate in the run. There will be water stations all along the route.

All proceeds from the marathon will be donated to Guilderhaven, Inc. For more information or to request a registration form, email or stop in at The Village Animal Clinic and pick up a form at the front desk.

Back at the library, noon opens the buck-a-bag book sale day. Fill your plastic grocery bag with books for only $1. At 12:30 p.m., the fun kicks into high gear with local band Lifeline, a trio of acoustic and electric guitars playing a variety of classic rock and blues with male and female vocals. So, bring your family, stock up on your reading, listening, viewing materials, take your dog for a nice walk around the village, and then relax on the cool lawn while you listen to some local talent. You won’t want to miss this fun family day.

Make a book mark

Beaders, crafters, and all library lovers, we want you. Drop in on Sept. 13, anytime between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., to help us make bookmarks to sell at the FOL book sale from Sept. 19 to 21. We will provide the materials and samples for inspiration. Make two bookmarks for the book sale and you can make one for yourself to keep.  

Wednesday Evening

Poesy Cafe

Join Dennis Sullivan Sept. 17, at 6:30 p.m., for an interactive presentation on Allen Ginsberg. Program includes a brief lecture and short video followed by a discussion with questions and answers. Register at the library and pick up a copy of Sullivan’s paper including selected poems by Allen Ginsberg.

Artist of the month

If you haven’t yet stopped in to admire the artistic ability of Susie Flansburg, you really need to take a few minutes to stop by the library and see why Flansberg is a local favorite. Our display case this month is decorated by the New York State Nurses Health Organization. It’s only here until the end of the month, so please don’t miss it.

Tween movie night

Join us on Friday, Sept. 19, at 6 p.m., as we watch The Fault in our Stars on the extra-large screen in the community room. Piping hot pizza and popcorn will be served. 

By Lynn Kohler

On Sunday, September 7 at 1:30 pm, everyone is welcome to attend this special free screening of 12 Years a Slave, and lecture given by historical expert Dr. Clifford Brown, Professor of Political Science at Union College. 

Based on the 19th Century slave narrative by Solomon Northup, and 2014 Academy Award Winner, 12 Years a Slave captured the hearts and minds of audiences from around the world. 

After the movie, Dr. Brown will lecture on the life of Solomon Northup, his ties to the local area, and provide details of Northup’s life after he regained his freedom.  There will also be a question and answer session. There will be a break between the movie and lecture at which time refreshments will be served. 

Wednesday Evening

Poesy Cafe

Join Dennis Sullivan Sept. 17, at 6:30 p.m., for an interactive presentation on Allen Ginsberg. Program includes a brief lecture and short video followed by a discussion with questions and answers. Register at the library and pick up a copy of Sullivan’s paper including selected poems by Allen Ginsberg.

Book sale

The library and The Village Animal Clinic have planned a fun fall weekend for the whole family. On Friday, Sept. 19, beginning at 5 p.m. is the book sale preview night for Friends of the Library only. It’s never too late to join the friends group, who sponsor some wonderful library programs.

On Saturday, Sept. 20, book sale doors open to the public at 10 a.m. The friends will also be hosting a baked goods sale, so be sure to save some room for a cookie or two.

On Sunday, Sept. 21 we begin with the Canine Classic 5K Run/Walk at 11 a.m. at The Village Animal Clinic, located across the street from the library. Leashed dogs are welcome and encouraged to participate in the run. There will be water stations all along the route. All proceeds from the marathon will be donated to Guilderhaven, Inc. For more information or to request a registration form, e-mail or stop in at The Village Animal Clinic and pick up a form at the front desk.

Back at the library, at noon opens the buck-a-bag book sale day. Fill your plastic grocery bag with books for only $1. At 12:30 p.m., the fun kicks into high gear with local band Lifeline, a high energy trio of acoustic and electric guitars playing a variety of classic rock and blues with male and female vocals.

So, bring your family, stock up on your reading, listening, viewing materials, take your dog for a nice walk around the village, and then relax on the cool lawn while you listen to some local talent. You won’t want to miss this fun family day.

Make a book mark

Beaders, crafters, and all library lovers, we want you. Drop in on Sept. 13, anytime between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., to help us make bookmarks to sell at the FOL book sale from Sept. 19 to 21. We will provide the materials and samples for inspiration. Make two bookmarks for the book sale and you can make one for yourself to keep.  

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