Thursday April 25, 2024 
Troy and the Draft Riots of 1863 – Local History Lecture
TROY – On Tuesday, March 16th at 6:30PM, Michael Barrett, Executive Director of the Hudson Mohawk Industrial Gateway will discuss Troy and the Draft Riots of 1863 for the Troy Public Library.
While the city of Troy was a bustling industrial center during the
Civil War period, the lives of her workers reflected the same social, financial and emotional upheaval that had torn the nation apart. Local economic and political disparity had led to the early and successful organization of labor, and related political affiliations. These factors were compounded by the enactment of the first military conscription act in American history, which included provisions that many considered to be onerously weighted against the laboring class. This turmoil led to what has been called the second most destructive draft riot in the nation, necessitating some rather unusual governmental responses. This slide-illustrated lecture is a true story about the people and events that don’t always make it into the history books.
This program will be conducted via zoom. Please register using your email address, in order to receive a link to the presentation. This program is free and open to the public. Registration is necessary. For more information and to register call the library at 274-7071 or online at www.thetroylibrary.org.
Sisters in Crime, Upper Hudson Chapter – The East Greenbush Community Library and The Albany Public Library Present Murderous March 2021
ALBANY/EAST GREENBUSH – With Guest of Honor Sujata Massey – Winner of the 2019 Simon & Schuster Mary Higgins Clark Award and Special Guest Alison Gaylin – Winner of the 2019 Edgar© for Best Paperback Original.
The Mavens of Mayhem will be joined by authors from New York City, Western New York, and New England. Free Virtual Conference – March 19th and 20th
For more information and to register: https://upperhudsonsinc.com/murderous-march-conference/
Kid’s Garden Kits at Rensselaer Public Library
RENSSELAER – A limited number of garden kits will be available to take home from the Rensselaer Public Library at the end of March. Meant for ages 6-12, these kits include seeds, soil, containers and instructions for getting your plants started. To request a kit, email us at Notices@nullrensselaerlibrary.org or call 462-1193. These kits are sponsored by Cornell Cooperative Extension and the Friends of the Rensselaer Library.
Don’t Stay Lonely or Depressed During the Pandemic
NORTH CHATHAM – Learn practical ways to help mitigate the effects of social isolation caused by the pandemic either for yourself, a family member, a friend or a neighbor in an engaging, and free Zoom session offered by the North Chatham Free Library open to all. The presenter is Michelle Kraham, Assistant Director of the Columbia County Office for the Aging.
Ms. Kraham will discuss simple, everyday ways to continue to participate in life and to help prevent loneliness from taking hold.
Many people understand that social isolation is bad for mental health. Recent research has shown it is bad for physical health as well. It puts many people at risk for issues such as heart disease, cognitive decline and high blood pressure.
There will be time after the presentation for questions and answers. Ms. Kraham said “Spring is the perfect time to focus on rebirth and change. Join this Zoom call to help keep the spring in your step!”
This session is part of the North Chatham Free Library’s ongoing series called “Wellness4Us,” a component of its adult learning program called “Enhancing Life Increasing Knowledge,” funded in part by the Fund for Columbia County of the Berkshire Taconic Foundation and the Bank of Greene County,
To attend this session and/or to get on the library mailing list to learn about future programs, participants must register with the library. A Zoom link will be sent to individuals when they register. To register email mail@nullnorthchathamlibrary.org. If you have difficulty, feel free to call the library at 518 766 3211.
East Greenbush Community Library Services & Programs
EAST GREENBUSH – Hours: Mon, 9-4 pm; Tue/Thu/Fri 11-6pm; Wed 11-7 pm; Sat 10-4pm; Building closed Sundays; Virtual library is always open! Get updates at 518-477-7476 or eglibrary.org. Masks & social distancing required. Please keep visits brief.
March 15th is the deadline to register & submit your story for the Pen to Pandemic Short Story Contest.
Register for Programs https://events.eglibrary.org (registration is required unless noted):
3/15: Monday Book Discussions: 10a or 7p; Monday Night Book Chat, 7p, our Facebook page (no registration)
3/16: Virtual Storytime, 10a
3/17: Trivia for Adults (via Zoom): Multi-Category, 7p
3/19: Virtual Animal Crossing Trivia (Gr 6-12), 4p
3/22: Crafts & Conversation, 11a; Monday Night Book Chat, 7p, our Facebook page (no registration)
3/23: Virtual Storytime, 10a
3/25: Women’s History Month Virtual Presentation: Edmonia Lewis (Sculptor) presented by EG Town Historian Bobbie Reno, 7p
3/29 Monday Night Book Chat, 7p, our Facebook page (no registration)
3/30: Virtual Storytime, 10a; Hands-On Virtual Cooking Class with Felisha Chandler of the Cornell Cooperative Extension, 11a
3/31: Cord Cutting 101: Virtual Edition, 6:30p
Visit kids blog “Check It Out with Charlie” at https://eglibrarykids.wordpress.com/. Readers Advisory Services https://eglibrary.org/adults/recommendations/ and Kids Book Bundles https://eglibrary.org/children/book-bundles/. Fill out the online form with your preferences, we’ll select books to match and put them on hold for you! You can also call 518-477-7476 for help.
Borrow Laptops and hotspots! Kids tablets, movies-on-the-go, and audiobooks from Playaway. No car stereo or DVD player required.
Free Webinars, Articles, Workshops & Resources with topics in technology (for beginners to advanced, go to https://bit.ly/egtechtalk), business, career skills, education, and more at https://eglibrary.org/popular-subjects/ee/.
Guided Meditation at The Troy Public Library
TROY – Learn a surprisingly simple yet powerful practice that can help you reduce stress, get recharged, and possibly get you “blissed-out” while seated comfortably in a chair. Led by Stress Management Coach Michael Fuselli, with over 35 years of meditation teaching and practice experience. Beginners are always welcome. Registration is required. This program will be presented using Zoom. Joining the presentation will require the installation of the Zoom client on your computer (microphone and speakers required for audio, camera for video) or the Zoom app on your mobile device. Please register by calling 518-274-7071, online at www.thetroylibrary.org or by stopping at the information desk.
This program is free and open to the public. The Troy Public Library is located at 100 Second Street, Troy, New York.
Services & Events at Castleton Public Library, 3/14-3/20
CASTLETON – CPL is located at 85 S. Main St., Castleton, NY. All events are free. Questions? Call 518-732-0879.
We are open for walk-in service with limited capacity & services. Check www.castletonpubliclibrary.org or call for current info. We also offer curbside pick-up!
Events:
Cool Science: Salt Crystals – Kit available for pick-up through 4/3 – Make salt crystals & learn about crystallization!
Take & Make Crafts: Food Fun – Kit available for pick-up through 4/3 – Make fun, food-themed crafts – just don’t try to eat them!
Teen Time: Candy Sushi – Kit available for pick-up through 4/3 – For teens in 6th-12th grades only. Create delicious candy sushi at home.
Share-a-Joke Challenge – Submit video by 3/29 to enter to win – Send a brief video of you telling a favorite joke to youthservices@nullcastletonpubliclibrary.org and you’ll be entered to win a $10 Amazon gift certificate. For all ages.
Spring Break Week Fun Pack – Available for pick-up from 3/15 through 4/10 – Looking for extra fun during the school break week? Our Fun Pack includes a science experiment, coloring & puzzle sheets, a craft, and a surprise toy! Ideal for ages 7-12; available to all ages.
Kids Cook: Mug Brownies – Video posted Tue., 3/16 – Learn to make chocolate brownies in a mug! Full Kids Cook series playlist: tinyurl.com/CPL-KidsCook
Virtual Book Club: I’ll Be Gone In the Dark – Tue., 3/16, 8:00pm – We’ll discuss I’ll Be Gone In the Dark by Michelle McNamara. Borrow the eBook or digital audiobook using hoopladigital.com! For adults. Email director@nullcastletonpubliclibrary.org for Zoom connection info.
Virtual Storytime with Miss Joelle – Wed., 3/17 – Join Miss Joelle for a story & rhymes/songs at home! New video posted every Wednesday. Full storytime series playlist: tinyurl.com/CPL-storytime
Friends of CPL Meeting – Wed, 3/17, 7:00pm – Want to help raise funds for the library? Join the Friends of CPL! Email director@nullcastletonpubliclibrary.org for Zoom connection info.
North Greenbush Public Library Update
NORTH GREENBUSH – Congratulations to Tristan B, Sydney F, and Gail M, our Winter Reading Challenge raffle winners! Keep reading- our Summer Reading challenge is right around the corner!
We’re celebrating St. Patrick’s Day with a library-themed limerick writing contest. Email your original library or literary-themed limerick to library@nullnorthgreenbushlibrary.org by March 14. All entries will be posted on our social media sites; participants will receive a small prize. Standard limerick format instructions can be found on our website, www.northgreenbushlibrary.org.
And don’t forget to request this month’s St. Patrick’s Day-themed take-home story-time kit, for ages 3 to 7; each includes a free book, a craft, and suggested reading song list, and activities. Call the library to request one and pick-up using Grab ’N’ Go.
Our next virtual book club meeting is slated for Tuesday, March 23 at 6:30 PM via Zoom. We will discuss “The Orphan Train” by Christina Baker Kline. Request a copy of the book online or call the library at 518-283-0303. To join the meeting, email library@nullnorthgreenbushlibrary.org to request the login information.
We have added additional hours to our schedule, for both in-person appointments and Grab ‘N’ Go. Monday, Wednesday, and Friday hours are now 10 AM to 3 PM; Tuesday and Thursday are 2 PM to 7 PM. Saturday remains the same, 10 AM to 2 PM. Please remember to wear a mask for both appointments and Grab ‘N’ Go.
Sand Lake Town Library Board Meeting & News
SAND LAKE – The Sand Lake Town Library Board will hold their monthly meeting virtually on Thursday, March 18 at 6:45pm on zoom.us. Agenda items include approval of amended financial policies, as well as a discussion of a new sick leave policy and a Pandemic Operations Plan. Connection information will be posted on the SLTLibrary website that day.
St. Patrick’s Day is just around the corner, so stop by and pick up a St. Patrick’s Day-themed craft to make at home. You can also check out our pre-school storytime videos on YouTube and pick up a corresponding craft for the little ones.
Sand Lake Town Library is participating in digital classes provided by our Upper Hudson Library System. On Thursday, March 25 at 7pm you can join trainer Nate Heyer for a Digital Organization Workshop. Nate will take you on a guided tour of the best apps for getting organized, making deadlines, saving time and maximizing efficiency. The session will be held online via GoToMeeting
See our website for details and the registration link for this and other classes provided to us by Upper Hudson Library System and trainer Nate Heyer.
Thank you to Beatrice Wandler, Brian Bradley & Jacqueline Tremont, Russ Gettig, Ann Fonda Winnicki, Gerald Winn, Will & Cathy Welling, and everyone who contributed to the library’s fundraising campaign.