Development Committee meeting

Playtime Wednesday

Parents and caretakers are invited to enjoy the children’s room Wednesday mornings for a weekly playtime! Read stories, play with toys, make a craft, and spend time with other local families.

Digital Navigator Office Hours

If you can’t connect to the internet easily, it can be hard to find a job, housing, pay your bills, schedule appointments, and more. Library staff member, Kate, a certified Digital Navigator of the Hudson Valley, holds open office hours for general tech help and digita......More

If you can’t connect to the internet easily, it can be hard to find a job, housing, pay your bills, schedule appointments, and more. Library staff member, Kate, a certified Digital Navigator of the Hudson Valley, holds open office hours for general tech help and digital guidance every week at the library. Walk-ins welcome, appointments appreciated. Email [email protected] or call the Library at 518-325-4101 to reserve a time with Kate.

Lego Club

Build, create, and explore with LEGOs! Open to kids in Kindergarten through 5th grade, Bricks provided—just bring your imagination!

Author Talk: Nancy Kricorian, The Burning Heart of the World

Join local author Nancy Kricorian, in conversation with Patricia Ononiwu Kaishian, for a reading and discussion of her latest novel, The Burning Heart of the World. Published to coincide with the 50th anniversary of the start of the Lebanese Civil War and the 110th ann......More

Join local author Nancy Kricorian, in conversation with Patricia Ononiwu Kaishian, for a reading and discussion of her latest novel, The Burning Heart of the World. Published to coincide with the 50th anniversary of the start of the Lebanese Civil War and the 110th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, Nancy Kricorian, whose grandparents were genocide survivors, delivers The Burning Heart of the World (Red Hen Press; April 1, 2025),a vivid, poetic, heartbreaking novel filled with rich historical knowledge and cultural insights that inform her characters making them jump off the page and into our hearts and minds .Literary as well as fast-moving, oscillating between intimate moments and loud flashes of the chaos of war, with glints of humor shining through like silver linings, this story of a Beirut Armenian family before, during, and after the war is imbuedwith the timelessness of a folktale. Returning to the fabular tone of Zabelle, her popular first novel, Kricorian conjures up the lostworlds and intergenerational traumas that haunt a family in permanent exile. The Burning Heart of the World is a sweeping saga that takes readers on an epic journey from the mountains of Cilicia to contemporary New York City.    Nancy Kricorian, who was born and raised in the Armenian community of Watertown, Massachusetts, is the author of four novels about postgenocide Armenian diaspora experience, including Zabelle, which was translated into seven languages, was adapted as a play, and has been continuously in print since 1998. Her essays and poems have appeared in The Los Angeles Review of Books Quarterly, Guernica, Parnassus, Minnesota Review, The Mississippi Review, and other journals. She has taught at Barnard, Columbia, Yale, and New York University, as well as for Teacher & Writers Collaborative in the New York City Public Schools and for the Palestine Writing Workshop in Birzeit. She has been the recipient of a New York Foundation for the Arts Fellowship, a Gold Medal from the Writers Union of Armenia, and the Anahid Literary Award. Patricia Ononiwu Kaishian is the curator of mycology at the New York State Museum, as well as faculty with the Bard Prison Initiative. Kaishian earned her PhD from SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry. Her book Forest Euphoria: On the Abounding Queerness of Nature will be published on May 27, 2025. She lives in the Hudson Valley.

Qigong and Tai Chi at the Library

Qigong and Tai Chi are approaches to movement that have been practiced for hundreds of years and are particularly helpful for dealing with stress, limited ability to move, those wishing to developing better balance and flexibility and can be practiced by nearly everyone......More

Qigong and Tai Chi are approaches to movement that have been practiced for hundreds of years and are particularly helpful for dealing with stress, limited ability to move, those wishing to developing better balance and flexibility and can be practiced by nearly everyone young and old. Although Tai Chi is generally practiced standing, Qigong can be modified to allow participants to be seated.This weekly drop-in class, open to all, will be taught by David Haines, who has been a practitioner of Qigong, Tai Chi, and mindful movement for 50 years, a teacher for 40 years, and a certified Trager Movement practitioner for 35 years. Since moving into the area in 2006 he has taught at Omega Institute, Simon's Rock college, Columbia-Greene Community College, as well as various libraries, senior centers, and school district community education classes. Classes will be in the Roe Jan Library Community Room or outdoors, weather permitting. Wear comfortable clothes.This project has been supported by a grant from the Fund for Columbia County of the Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation.

Friends meeting

Hogwarts Study Hall

Step into a world of magic and focus at Hogwarts Study Hall, a weekly study night designed just for teens! Every Thursday evening, teens ages 12+ are invited to the Library’s teen section to hit the books in an enchanting atmosphere. Listen to the magical sounds of Hog......More

Step into a world of magic and focus at Hogwarts Study Hall, a weekly study night designed just for teens! Every Thursday evening, teens ages 12+ are invited to the Library’s teen section to hit the books in an enchanting atmosphere. Listen to the magical sounds of Hogwarts, enjoy free snacks, and study alongside fellow Grade A WIZARDS. Whether you're working on a tough essay, prepping for a big test, or just catching up on reading, the Library is here to help! Homework assistance, snacks, and a spellbinding study soundtrack provided. No registration required—just bring your schoolwork and your wizarding spirit!

Art workshop: Pictures of America

In this 3-session workshop series, taught by local artist Tia Maggio, students will look at three images or themes in American history: (1) the Brooklyn Bridge, (2) the Great Migration, and (3) quilts. In each session, participants will learn about the subject and its p......More

In this 3-session workshop series, taught by local artist Tia Maggio, students will look at three images or themes in American history: (1) the Brooklyn Bridge, (2) the Great Migration, and (3) quilts. In each session, participants will learn about the subject and its place in our history and learn about the artists who portrayed these topics and then do our own interpretations. In each session , after learning about the subject matter and its place in history, students will learn about and gain an understanding of the elements of art: color, line, value, texture, shape, and form. Tia Maggio is a native New Yorker with a diverse backgroundin the arts and education. She was formally trained in graphic design andadvertising at Pratt Institute before continuing her studies in fine art andart history at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. With over 30 years ofexperience, Tia has worked as both a children’s librarian and an art teacher,fostering creativity and a love of learning in students of all ages. Inaddition to her work with children, she has also taught adult learners,blending her artistic expertise with her passion for education. Registration required. Limit to 15 participants. Email [email protected] to register.

Saturday Storytime

Join us for our brand-new Saturday Storytime starting on January 18th at 10:30 AM! Led by our new Children’s Library Associate, Xondra, this is the perfect opportunity to meet other parents, enjoy engaging stories, and spend a cozy morning in the children’s section. Sto......More

Join us for our brand-new Saturday Storytime starting on January 18th at 10:30 AM! Led by our new Children’s Library Associate, Xondra, this is the perfect opportunity to meet other parents, enjoy engaging stories, and spend a cozy morning in the children’s section. Stop by to say hello and help us welcome Xondra to the library! All ages are welcome.

Playtime Wednesday

Parents and caretakers are invited to enjoy the children’s room Wednesday mornings for a weekly playtime! Read stories, play with toys, make a craft, and spend time with other local families.

Digital Navigator Office Hours

If you can’t connect to the internet easily, it can be hard to find a job, housing, pay your bills, schedule appointments, and more. Library staff member, Kate, a certified Digital Navigator of the Hudson Valley, holds open office hours for general tech help and digita......More

If you can’t connect to the internet easily, it can be hard to find a job, housing, pay your bills, schedule appointments, and more. Library staff member, Kate, a certified Digital Navigator of the Hudson Valley, holds open office hours for general tech help and digital guidance every week at the library. Walk-ins welcome, appointments appreciated. Email [email protected] or call the Library at 518-325-4101 to reserve a time with Kate.

Lego Club

Build, create, and explore with LEGOs! Open to kids in Kindergarten through 5th grade, Bricks provided—just bring your imagination!

Qigong and Tai Chi at the Library

Qigong and Tai Chi are approaches to movement that have been practiced for hundreds of years and are particularly helpful for dealing with stress, limited ability to move, those wishing to developing better balance and flexibility and can be practiced by nearly everyone......More

Qigong and Tai Chi are approaches to movement that have been practiced for hundreds of years and are particularly helpful for dealing with stress, limited ability to move, those wishing to developing better balance and flexibility and can be practiced by nearly everyone young and old. Although Tai Chi is generally practiced standing, Qigong can be modified to allow participants to be seated.This weekly drop-in class, open to all, will be taught by David Haines, who has been a practitioner of Qigong, Tai Chi, and mindful movement for 50 years, a teacher for 40 years, and a certified Trager Movement practitioner for 35 years. Since moving into the area in 2006 he has taught at Omega Institute, Simon's Rock college, Columbia-Greene Community College, as well as various libraries, senior centers, and school district community education classes. Classes will be in the Roe Jan Library Community Room or outdoors, weather permitting. Wear comfortable clothes.This project has been supported by a grant from the Fund for Columbia County of the Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation.

Book Marks! Non-Fiction Book Club

Join our nonfiction book club, Book Mark, led by Circulation Librarian Robin Gottlieb. Meets the 3rd Thursday of every month. 

Hogwarts Study Hall

Step into a world of magic and focus at Hogwarts Study Hall, a weekly study night designed just for teens! Every Thursday evening, teens ages 12+ are invited to the Library’s teen section to hit the books in an enchanting atmosphere. Listen to the magical sounds of Hog......More

Step into a world of magic and focus at Hogwarts Study Hall, a weekly study night designed just for teens! Every Thursday evening, teens ages 12+ are invited to the Library’s teen section to hit the books in an enchanting atmosphere. Listen to the magical sounds of Hogwarts, enjoy free snacks, and study alongside fellow Grade A WIZARDS. Whether you're working on a tough essay, prepping for a big test, or just catching up on reading, the Library is here to help! Homework assistance, snacks, and a spellbinding study soundtrack provided. No registration required—just bring your schoolwork and your wizarding spirit!

Art workshop: Pictures of America

In this 3-session workshop series, taught by local artist Tia Maggio, students will look at three images or themes in American history: (1) the Brooklyn Bridge, (2) the Great Migration, and (3) quilts. In each session, participants will learn about the subject and its p......More

In this 3-session workshop series, taught by local artist Tia Maggio, students will look at three images or themes in American history: (1) the Brooklyn Bridge, (2) the Great Migration, and (3) quilts. In each session, participants will learn about the subject and its place in our history and learn about the artists who portrayed these topics and then do our own interpretations. In each session , after learning about the subject matter and its place in history, students will learn about and gain an understanding of the elements of art: color, line, value, texture, shape, and form. Tia Maggio is a native New Yorker with a diverse backgroundin the arts and education. She was formally trained in graphic design andadvertising at Pratt Institute before continuing her studies in fine art andart history at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. With over 30 years ofexperience, Tia has worked as both a children’s librarian and an art teacher,fostering creativity and a love of learning in students of all ages. Inaddition to her work with children, she has also taught adult learners,blending her artistic expertise with her passion for education. Registration required. Limit to 15 participants. Email [email protected] to register.

Literacy Voyage: Exploring the Ocean

This interactive series encourages young readers to explore literacy through engaging stories and hands-on STEAM activities. The upcoming session, scheduled for May 16, 2025, at 1:00 PM, will focus on the ocean! Children will read Way Down Deep in the Deep Blue Sea by J......More

This interactive series encourages young readers to explore literacy through engaging stories and hands-on STEAM activities. The upcoming session, scheduled for May 16, 2025, at 1:00 PM, will focus on the ocean! Children will read Way Down Deep in the Deep Blue Sea by Jan Peck, a lively story that introduces rhyming words and sequencing. Following the reading, participants will take part in a STEAM activity where they will create their own ocean in a bottle using water, oil, food coloring, and small sea creature toys. Led by Linda Andrews.