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Library eNewsletter | May 2024

Program in Hand?

The Hard Copy or Digital Program Guide for May & June


SSPL prints limited quantities of our Program Guide, which covers two months of programming at a time. This option is for those who wish to have a physical document highlighting our offerings. If you are comfortable with an online format, we encourage you to help us conserve resources by choosing that option, and visiting our online link to the guide or our Events Calendar at www.sspl.org. There, you will find additional programming details, and if required, have the ability to register.

Visit our Local History Fair!

Whether your interest is in genealogical research, historical interpretation, preservation, or learning about our local history, visit the library's H. Dutcher Community Room between 12 and 4 p.m. Thursday, May 2nd. Attendees will have the opportunity to visit with representatives from organizations in the Greater Capital District area who are engaged in preserving, researching, and teaching history. More than a dozen local museums, historic sites, historical societies, and archives will be on hand to answer questions and engage with the public. No registration required.


Participating organizations include: Chapman Museum, Fulton County Historical Society, Grant Cottage State Historic Site, Hart Cluett Museum, Heritage Hunters of Saratoga County, National Bottle Museum, New York State Archives, New York State Military Museum, Saratoga250, Saratoga County History Center at Brookside Museum, Saratoga Heritage Area Visitor Center, Saratoga Room at the Saratoga Springs Public Library, Saratoga Springs History Museum, Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation, Schenectady County Historical Society, Schoharie Crossing State Historic Site, Shaker Heritage Society, State Parks of the Saratoga and Capital Region, and Warren County Historical Society

Growing Towards Sustainability

Cut Your Carbon Footprint and

Celebrate National Bike Month


Transportation is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, which have been linked to climate change. For instance, the average car emitting carbon dioxide (CO2) while traveling 11,500 miles per year at 22 miles per gallon generates approximately 4.6 metric tons of CO2 annually. To visualize this, imagine a cube roughly as tall and wide as a telephone pole. This represents one metric ton of CO2. Now, picture 4.5 of these cubes to grasp the emissions produced in a year by the average car.


So, what can we do? We might not be able to ditch the car altogether. However, we can make better choices. Consider an electric vehicle (EV). Make the effort to carpool, walk, or use public transit once a week.


Sometimes, two wheels are better than four! National Ride A Bike Day is Sunday, May 5th. Bike to Work Week runs May 13th - 19th. Like many of us here at Saratoga Springs Public Library, you can also participate in Bike to Work Day on May 17th, and don’t make it a one-time thing. Keep up the good work – for your own health and the health of the planet.

PROGRAM SPOTLIGHT

An Introduction to Sound Therapy


May is the perfect month to try new ways to improve your mental health. Have you heard about the ancient practice of Sound Therapy and wonder if it could be for you? Find out on May 3rd and join Claudia Bibow from Yoga Mandali for a sound therapy demo, informational session, and Q&A. Wear comfortable clothing and bring a yoga mat and whatever props you want to be comfortable (pillow, blanket, etc). If you can not be on the floor, a chair will be provided for you. Please register online.


PROGRAM SPOTLIGHT

Canines & Kiddos


Are you thinking about adding a furry friend to the family? Perhaps you want your children to better understand the relationship dynamics with a dog who is already in your home. Partnering with local therapy dogs through North Country Paws for Obedience, our May 4th Canines & Kiddos program brings education to the entire family. Experts will be here to provide support to families on proper interactions, care, greeting, and body language for kids and their canine companions. Please register online.

PROGRAM SPOTLIGHT

Neurodivergent in College Online Series


Neurodivergent high school students, their families, and supporters are invited to join us beginning May 7th for the 4-part interactive webinar series, Neurodivergent in College: Navigating the Transition from High School. Please register here. Session topics include:


  • Thinking About College? Overview of the High School to College Transition
  • Advocacy, Accommodations, and Supports in College
  • Academic Success
  • Health and Social Emotional Well-being


This series will be led by Dr. Lauren Lestremau Allen and Dr. Noor Syed from the Empire State University Center for Autism Advocacy: Research, Education, & Supports (CAARES) with sessions featuring self-advocates and other higher education professionals. There will be opportunities to ask questions at the end of each session. Sessions will be recorded. You may register to receive links once they are posted. The series is co-hosted by CAARES and the Saratoga Springs Public Library. Learn more about CAARES.

PROGRAM SPOTLIGHT

Citizen Preparedness


With severe weather events becoming more frequent and increasingly extreme, it is more important than ever that New Yorkers are prepared for anything. The New York Citizen Preparedness Training Program teaches residents to have the tools and resources to prepare for any type of disaster, respond accordingly, and recover as quickly as possible. This May 11th training course will provide an introduction to responding to a natural or man-made disaster. Participants will be advised on how to properly prepare by developing a family emergency plan, and stocking up on emergency supplies. Please register online.

Tweens & Teens


Click on the links below to check out these offerings:


Tweens & Teens

Teen Advisory Board | Monday, May 6 | 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. | Grades 7 - 12

Neurodivergent in College | Tuesdays, May 7 & 21 | 7 - 8 p.m. | Teens & Parents

Teen Late Night Library Lock-In | Friday, May 10 | 5:30 - 9 p.m. | Grades 7 - 12

Dungeons & Dragons | Saturdays, May 10 | 1 - 3 p.m. | Grades 7 - 12

Neurodiversity Club | Tuesday, May 14 | 4:30 - 5:30 p.m. | Grades K - 12

Sophie the Golden Retriever Visits the Teen Room | Wednesday, May 15 | 3:30 - 4:30 p.m. | Grades 7 - 12

Minecraft Sunday | Sunday, May 19 | 1:30 - 2:30 p.m. | Grades 4 - 8

Teen Neurodiversity Club | Tuesday, May 28 | 4:30 - 5:30 p.m. | Grades 7 - 12

Teen Take-and-Make Crafts | Multiple Dates | Grades 7 - 12

Teen Crafternoons | Multiple Dates & Times | Grades 7 - 12


For more information about the Teen Room and Fall Hours, visit this link.

Kids Corner

What's New in May for Children & Their Families


Click on the links below to check out these offerings:


Children & Families

Paws4Reading | Multiple Dates & Times | Reading Age

Make a Get Well Card for Allie, our Paws4Reading Pal | Saturday, May 4 | 1 - 3 p.m. | Children

Hallway Art: Bring May Flowers | Sunday, May 5 | 2 - 3 p.m. | Children

SSPL Visits the Creekside Classroom at Saratoga Spa State Park | Wednesday, May 8 | 10:30 - 11:15 p.m. | Ages 2 - 5

Homeschool Hang: Make a Board Game | Wednesday, May 8 | 2 - 3 p.m. | Grades K - 6

Library Goes to Town: Ndakinna Education Center | Friday, May 10 | 10 - 11 a.m. | Ages 2 - 5

Pinkalicious Story Time Tea Party | Saturday, May 11 | 10:30 - 11:30 a.m. | Ages 3 - 9

Llamas in the Library | Sunday, May 12 | 2 - 3:45 p.m. (15 minute slots) | Children & Families

Neurodiversity Club | Tuesday, May 14 | 4:30 - 5:30 p.m. | Grades K - 12

The Bookmark Bunch: Kids Magazines Edition | Wednesday, May 15 | 4:30 - 5:30 p.m. | Grades K - 4

Mindcraft Sandbox | Friday, May 17 | 3:45 - 5:45 p.m. | Grades 1 - 3

SSPL at YMCA Healthy Kids Day (West Avenue) | Saturday, May 18 | 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. | Children & Families

Family STEAM Day: Circuits | Saturday, May 18 | 3 - 5 p.m. | Grades K - 6

Minecraft Sunday | Sunday, May 19 | 1:30 - 2:30 p.m. | Grades 4 - 8

Family Movie Friday: The Lego Movie | Friday, May 24 | 10 - 11:30 a.m. | Children & Families

Intro to Embroidery: Lavender & Bees | Friday, May 24 | 2:30 - 4 p.m. | Grades 3 - 8

SSPL Visits the Saratoga Farmers' Market | Wednesday, May 29 | 3 - 6 p.m. | Children


Please check our Events Calendar for Take-and-Make Crafts, Parachute Play, Story Times, Baby Bounce, Music & Movement, Toddler Time, and Drop-In Crafts program availability.

Download the Libby App Today!

Access Digital eBooks, Audiobooks, and Magazines


Have you started using the Libby app yet? If you're new to accessing digital eBooks, Audiobooks, and Magazines online with your library card, we invite you to download the Libby app. For more information on how to do this, please watch the video below or click this link. Please note: The Overdrive app was discontinued in the spring.

Watch the video to learn how to download and begin using the Libby app.

Current Library Hours & Services


The library is open seven days a week and indoor seating is available. Current hours of operation are Monday - Thursday: 9 a.m. - 9 p.m. | Friday: 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. | Saturday: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. | Sunday: Noon - 5 p.m.


UPCOMING HOLIDAY HOURS

Spring Staff Development Day - Friday, May 17 - Library Open 1-6 p.m.

Memorial Day - Monday, May 27 - Library Closed



For a full list of services and additional updates, please visit the Library Announcements section of our homepage at www.sspl.org.

How to Find Out About

Programs at Your Library

Are you participating in programs at your library? View our Events Calendar at www.sspl.org or follow us on your favorite social media platform to stay in the loop!


Facebook: @SaratogaLibrary

Instagram: @SaratogaSpringsLibrary

X (Formerly Twitter): @SaratogaLibrary

TikTok: @SaratogaLibrary

Watch Us on YouTube!

Over the last few years, our librarians and presenters from a great many Saratoga Springs community organizations have been diligently working to produce online content for our YouTube channel. We're showcasing everything from children's story times, crafts, community conversations with local non-profits, book talks, gardening, travel, local history, art, tech tutorials, and so much more! As we continue with online programming, additional videos are added all the time, so please check out what's currently available and/or subscribe through the link below.


SSPL YouTube Channel


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