What's New At the Albany Public Library

Don't Forget the Library Vote

2007-02-02T09:10:00.000-08:00

February 6th from 12 - 9pm.

Check out www.albanypubliclibrary.org for polling locations or call the Albany School District at 475-6010 for more information.

North Albany Branch Launches: Our Neighborhood in Posters

2006-05-02T05:54:00.000-07:00

This new young adult program gives kids (ages 12-14) the chance to promote their neighborhood using photography and computer software. Teens will learn how to design and layout posters using Microsoft Publisher. The Neighborhood Posters will be on exhibit at the North Albany Branch for the month of July.

Enrollment is limited, so call or e-mail the Branch Librarian Scott Jarzombek at 463.7236 or jarzombs@uhls.lib.ny.us to reserve your slot.

The program runs for three Mondays in June at 6pm, 6/15, 6/22 and 6/29.

North Albany Branch
Albany Public Library
616 N. Pearl Street

Record Crowd for Gregory Maguire at APL

2006-04-26T10:30:00.000-07:00

Wow . . . what an evening - standing room only! Gregory Maguire spoke eloquently and with great humor of his remembrances of Albany Libraries of the past and the kind librarians who sparked his wicked imagination. He reminded us of the power of information!

You're invited to meet the Author of Wicked

2006-04-19T12:11:00.000-07:00

You're invited to a special Staff Reception with Gregory Maguire next Tuesday, April 25th, 3-4pm at the Pine Hills Library. This is an opportunity to meet and talk with the local-boy who made it big with Wicked.

And don't forget to join us at 7pm at Main for his lecture/reading.

Is Medicare Part D driving you or someone you know crazy?

2006-04-17T07:25:00.000-07:00

Free Medicare Part D Clinics: Are you confused about the new Medicare benefit that will help pay for prescription drugs? Meet with a counselor at the Main Library and get your Medicare Part D questions answered; make sure you have the coverage right for you. Counselors are from Albany County Department for Aging's HIICAP (Health Insurance Information and Counseling Assistance).

Half-hour individual sessions are available (appointments are required):

April 28 - 11am to 2pm
May1, May 5, and May 8 - 10am to 1pm.

Please bring a list of your prescriptions with you.
To make your appointment or for more information, call the Reference Department at 427-4303.

There's not much tastier than ice cream and good books

2006-04-11T08:00:00.000-07:00

Book Tasting

Get your spoon ready for a combination as good as chocolate chips and cookie dough … a great read and a scoop of Vermont’s finest.

Book Tasting selection:
Good Grief by Lolly Winston

When Sophie Stanton is widowed at thirty-six, instead of cycling through the typical five stages of grief, she careens through fifteen, including Denial, Oreos, Lust, Waitressing, and Acceptance. http://www.lollywinston.com/

When: Wednesday, April 19th, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Where: Ben and Jerry’s, 250 Lark Street, Albany

R.S.V.P. to Sarah or Amy at 427-4313

This month’s program sponsored by:

Rumor has it extra cheescake for APL Staff

2006-03-22T10:43:00.000-08:00

Book Tastings at Main tonight, 6:30 - 7:30pm

Sample a variety of coffees from Albany's very own The Daily Grind http://www.dailygrind.com/cart/ and desserts from Cheesecake Machismo.

The suggested book selection is Coffee and Kung Fu, by Karen Brichoux.

And don't forget to save some cheesecake for me!!!!

"Everything You Need to Know about Graphic Novels" (but were afraid to ask?)

2006-03-21T09:30:00.000-08:00

From Panels to Panel: A Workshop on Graphic Novels
May 19, 2006, 12:45 to 5:00 pm.
At the Albany Public Library (Main), Albany, NY

Graphic novels? If you are scratching your head about them, then you need to come find out what all the fuss is about. Graphic novels are one of the hottest topics in libraries today, and not just in the YA room. Professionals, library school students, and support staff who are interested in learning more about graphic novels are invited to join us for this exciting program sponsored by Albany Public Library.

The panel discussion "Everything You Need to Know about Graphic Novels" will feature:

Todd DeZago, writer of Sensational Spider-Man, X-Factor, and Wolverine for Marvel Comics; and Impulse and JLA: World Without Grown-ups for DC Comics, and others;

Jennifer Feigelman, Teen Services Librarian at the Goshen Public Library and Historical Society and member of the new YALSA Great Graphic Novels for Teens Committee;

Daniel Gray, a librarian who specializes in graphic novels and popular culture materials and has taught comic and graphic novel related art classes;

Amy Maurer, Head of Readers' Services at Albany Public Library's Main Library and the developer of the library's first graphic novel collection for adults.

Scott Jarzombek, Branch Librarian, Albany Public Library, specializes in youth services and crossover graphic novels.

Breakout sessions led by our panelists will follow the discussion. Topics include publishing and selling graphic novels; reviewing, evaluating, and selecting graphic novels for your library; and Japanese culture, anime, and manga.

Workshop Registration Fees: Professionals, $15, Students (with proof of enrollment), FREE

Registration forms and agendas are available at http://www.albanypubliclibrary.org/ or contact Amy Maurer, Head of Readers' Services at maurera@uhls.lib.ny.us or 518-427-4349. Registration forms must be received by Friday, May 12, 2006.

A Far Cry from Freedom: Gradual Abolition (1799-1827) New York State's Crime Against Humanity

2006-03-17T09:35:00.000-08:00

Local Author L. Lloyd Stewart discusses his new book on Sunday, March 19th, 3pm at Main.

Although historians have described NYS's brand of African enslavement as benevolent and mild in comparison to the barbarism that existed in the southern states, L. Lloyd Stewart's research on a little know period in NYS history called Gradual Abolition, explores the impact of the brutal enslavement in NYS.

L. Lloyd Stewart is a third generation native of Albany and an eighth generation native of NYS. As principal of his lobbying and consulting firm, Stewart Associates, Stewart became the first registered independent African-American lobbyist in NYS.

This event is produced by the New World African Film & Art Forum.

Check out Times Union Article

Have you read Wicked? Son of a Witch?

2006-03-08T06:57:00.000-08:00

I just finished Gregory Maguire's Wicked after listening to the Broadway Musical CD in the car with my 9 year old. It's a really terrific soundtrack the first 99 times . . .

"Loathing . . . Unadulterated loathing . . . "
"Popular . . . "

So, what do you think? Book vs. Broadway Musical? Both for different reasons?

I liked the depth of the friendship between Elphaba and Glinda in the musical. Curious about the unresolved search for forgiveness in the book.

Remember:
Author Gregory Maguire
Tuesday, April 25th, 7pm
Albany Public Library, Main
FREE

Free Tutoring at APL

2006-03-06T09:30:00.000-08:00

Free tutoring for elementary and middle school students at Main and New Scotland offered by Albany College of Pharmacy students through America Reads/Counts, a federal work-study program. Tutors are carefully screened and receive extensive training before participating in the program.

Parents interested in registering their children should call:

Main Library Children's Room at 427-4310

or

New Scotland Branch at 482-6661.

What’s happening at New Scotland Branch you ask?

2006-03-03T05:58:00.000-08:00

Thanks to Melissa at New Scotland for sending along today's blog updates!!!

Friday March 10th 10:15-11:45am
Introduction to Computers I for Seniors
Please Sign-up in advance for this program
Learn about the computer, mouse, keyboard, & Microsoft Windows

Every Monday 6-7:30pm
Monday Night Scrabble Club
All ages are welcome to drop in, watch and play!
(Boards, dictionaries, rules and word lists on hand)

Every Wednesday at 10:30am
Wednesday Morning Toddler Storytime
Drop in for stories, songs, and fun with crayons!

Every Wednesday at 5pm
Wednesday Night Knitting Circle
All ages are welcome to drop in!
(Extra needles, yarn, and project ideas on hand)

Every Friday at 3:45pm
Friday Afternoon Craft
Elementary schoolers & their parents are welcome to drop in!
Weekly and ongoing craft projects with Mrs. Melissa

Questions? Ask a librarian!

For more information about New Scotland activities, contact:

Melissa Wasilewski
Branch Librarian
Albany Public Library New Scotland Branch
369 New Scotland Ave.
Albany, NY, 12208
(518) 482-6661

What's that line about death & taxes?

2006-03-02T09:35:00.000-08:00

Did you know that there's Income Tax Assistance at the Albany Public Library?
The IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program provides free income tax assistance for low-income taxpayers at three locations until April 15th.

Main - Walk-ins welcome, Saturdays, 9:30-2:00
Howe - Appointment only, Saturdays 1:30-4:30. Call 427-4125 for reservations.
Pine Hills - Appointment only, Saturdays 9:30-1:00. Call 482-7911 for reservations.

for additional information contact the Reference Department at 427-4303.

Tuesday at the Libraries

2006-02-27T12:52:00.000-08:00

Noon Book Review - 2/28 12:15pm, Main - Speak, So You Can Speak Again: The Life of Zora Neale Hurston by Lucy Hurston (Zora's niece) - reviewed by retired Albany teacher, Paula Rollins. Check out the review on Amazon.

Making Ends Meet: Money management, A Consumer Workshop - 2/28 7:00pm, Main - Workshop presented by Terri Fishman, Cornell Cooperative Extension. Will explore ideas on setting financial goals, developing a savings plan, ways to reduce your utility bills. Call 765-3557 to register.

Nubian Ski Club - 2/28 7:00pm, Howe - New members welcome. http://www.nubianempireski.org/

There's still room for Book Tastings at Clayton's Caribbean & Spanish Cuisine

2006-02-22T08:40:00.000-08:00

Come warm your bones tonight, 6:30, with a taste of the Caribbean spiced with tropical reading suggestions. Free but space limited so R.S.V.P. to readers services at 427-4313.

Check out the review - http://www.albany2go.com/livinghere/restaurants/onerestaurant.asp?restaurantID=989

Wanna have a say in new libraries in Albany?

2006-02-21T12:19:00.000-08:00

Come to the Citizen's Library Advisory Committee - that's CLAC for short - meeting on Wednesday, February 22nd, 6pm at Main. Agenda to include update on site assessments and recommendations on library components.

Author of "Wicked" and native Albanian, Gregory Maguire

2006-02-21T07:24:00.000-08:00

April 25th, 7pm, Main Library - Book signing too! - E

Oops - No Movies at Delaware

2006-02-16T07:57:00.000-08:00

Sarah called to say that the movies at Delaware are kaput! So you'll have to lead your gaggle of little ones to the Spectrum and lay out some moula to see a movie on Saturday. Not even sure they have kiddo movies - but the Madison definitely does.

(Does anyone remember when it a was a grand one screen movie theater? I remember being one of only two people in there. Loved the light fixtures.)

Check out all that is APL this weekend!

2006-02-16T07:26:00.000-08:00

Friday, February 17th, 4:30 - Pine Hills - Connection With America: Discussion Group for recent immigrants. Discuss life in America and further your understanding of American culture.

Saturday, February 18th, 2:00 - Delaware - Family Afternoon at the Movies: The Dark Crystal. Enjoy free movies at the library with popcorn courtesy of the Spectrum 8 Theaters.

And looking toward next week (that's vacation week for the kiddies) -

Tuesday, February 21st, 1:30 - Main - Follow the Drinking Gourd. Children will learn how to find the famous Drinking gourd in the night sky and create a constellation card to celebrate Black History Month. Presented by Carol Ann Margolis, Education Coordinator at the Albany Heritage Area Visitors Center & Henry Hudson Planetarium.

And, let me know if there are other APL happenings you'd like folks to know about.

In Celebration of Black History Month:I Am Her

2006-02-15T14:32:00.001-08:00

Community Arts United and APL presents a one-woman performance created by Lawanda Horton on Thursday, February 16th, 7pm, at the Main Library, Albany. This program, which looks at the struggles and strengths that come with growing up black and female in America, is supported in part by the Arts Center of the Capital Region and the NYS Council on the Arts.

I Am Her

2006-02-15T14:32:00.000-08:00

Valentine Dogs - Woofing it at Delaware!

2006-02-13T11:51:00.000-08:00

It's a Dog's Life - An educational program for kids at the Delaware Branch, Tuesday, February 14th at 5:00pm. Join library user Miss Rose and her certified therapy dogs, friendly and well behaved Australian Shepherds as she teaches responsible dog guardianship, animal safety and librarian Sarah teaches doggie literacy and research. WOOF you be my Valentine?

The APE to visit APL on Sunday

2006-02-10T06:56:00.000-08:00

Sunday Cinema at APL Main to show the classic King Kong on Sunday, February 12th at 2:00.

Independent Film Forum: FEBRUARY ONE

2006-02-09T11:36:00.000-08:00

Pass the word - Great film at Main tonight - The Independent Film Forum presents February One, a documentary film that tells the story of the 1960 Greensboro, N.C. lunch counter sit-ins that revitalized the civil rights movement. 7pm.

http://www.pbs.org/independentlens/februaryone/