Stephentown Library News – SML Closed For Veterans Day

The Stephentown Memorial Library will be closed on Friday, November 11, in observance of Veterans Day. Please use our book drop, located near the handicapped ramp on the front of the building, when we are closed. We will be open Saturday, November 12, as usual to meet your needs.
• Poetry Reading by local poet and publisher Trina Porte – Saturday, November 12, at 2 pm. A reading in honor of the new anthology, lifeblood, which features work by poets who are members of the Woodstock Poetry Society and takes readers on a journey through the emotional landscape of writers ranging from college students to nationally published authors. Join us and enjoy hearing these fine poems. Books will be available for purchase and donations to the Library are always welcome. This event is free and most appropriate for mature audiences.
• Introduction to Microsoft Excel – Tuesday, November 15, at 7 pm. This 90 minute class will explore the basic features of Excel. Participants will learn how to create a worksheet and perform simple calculations and manipulations with data. Students should be familiar with the Windows environment, the keyboard and be able to use a mouse. Course will be taught by Nathan Hans.
• Longfellow, Friends and Rivals – Thursday, November 17, at 7 pm. Hawthorne, Emerson, Whitman, Dickens, Thackeray, Tennyson, Irving, Bryant, Lowell, Thoreau, Holmes and Wilde, the list goes on and on. Perhaps no period in human history produced more famous authors and literature than the period spanning Longfellow’s life. Using his life and poems as the timeline, this presentation introduces Longfellow’s contemporaries, his interaction with them and samples of his and their writing. Local resident, Bruce Southard, recites in the rich oral tradition ensconced in 19th through mid-20th century education. (The audience need not worry; there will be no homework assignments!) Behind the scenes stories help illustrate each poem, and there may be a surprising work or two known to all who attend. Join us to once again feel the power and history of the poetry so uniquely captured by these famous authors. Reservations are requested to ensure seating.
• Youth Book Discussion – Friday, November 18, at 4 pm. This book discussion group is for students in grades six through nine and meets monthly. We want your input on which books you’d like to read and discuss! Stop by the Library anytime and add your suggested titles to the box on the front desk. This month we will read and discuss My Side of the Mountain by Jean Craighead George. A young boy relates his adventures during the year he spends living alone in the Catskill Mountains including his struggle for survival, his dependence on nature, his animal friends and his ultimate realization that he needs human companionship. Copies of the book are available now at the Library.
• Family Movie Night – Enjoy a showing of the recently released family film, Cars 2, on Friday, November 18, at 7 pm. This fun sequel follows racing legend Lightning McQueen and his trusty sidekick, Mater, as they secure their passports and take part in the biggest race on the planet. As the first ever World Grand Prix approaches, cars from every continent prepare for the ultimate competition. But who will have what it takes to become the fastest car on the planet? This movie is rated G. Popcorn and drinks will be served. This event is free and all are welcome!
• Expansion of the Family Court Act – a workshop on Tuesday, November 22 at 1:30 pm. Do you think you’re in need of an Order of Protection? Do you have custody and visitation concerns and just don’t know what to do? Are you confused about your rights and what services are out there to help you? Come find the answers to these questions and more at this legal workshop. An attorney will be on hand to provide information and confidential individual consultations regarding family court matters. The workshop is free and open to the public. For more information, call the Unity House Law Project at 272-5917.
• Book Your Next Vacation Using the Internet – Tuesday, November 29 at 7 pm. This 90 minute class will explore using the internet to book your next vacation. Learn how to book flights, hotels, cruises and look for deals. The course will be taught by Nathan Hans.
For more information on any of these programs or to register for programs, call the Library at 733-5750 or stop by during our Library Hours. Also check our website, www.stephentownlibrary.org for regular updates.