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Membership Campaign celebrates 110th year of library

VOLUNTEERS PREPARING MEMBERSHIP MAILING — Standing from left are, Donna Fulkerson, Judy Rush, Rosalie Fontana, Maureen Sayles (Committee Chair), Marcia Gilbert, Margaret Worden (Membership Committee). Seated from left are Anne Boutilier, Phyllis Magnus, Joy Harvey and Shirley Morgan. Pictured are the morning volunteers who helped to assemble the May Membership Appeal. Afternoon volunteers were Kay Best, Ellen Beideck, Margot Gold (Membership Committee), Susan Mitchell, Susan Moody, Donna Walsh and Brian O'Connor. The board thanks these volunteers, committee members Diane Peterson and Audrey Schwartzberg, and everyone who has contributed so far to the annual Membership Campaign, which began May 1. (Photo provided)

“A library outranks any other thing a community can do for the benefit of its people.” This quote by Andrew Carnegie opens the 2017 Membership Letter. Brian C. O’Connor, President of the Board of Trustees, continues in the letter, “In 1907, philanthropist Andrew Carnegie gave $10,000 for the SLFL’s original building at this location. In the 110 years since, our library has grown to encompass a 125,000-volume collection, creating a remarkable asset that strengthens us as a community and enables patrons of all ages and backgrounds to enjoy, explore and exercise their minds.

“Your charitable contribution recognizes the value of all that the library has to offer and provides significant support to the circulation of nearly 60,000 books, e-books, audio and DVD items last year. Our campaign goal is $45,000.” O’Connor concludes, “Please join me in keeping the spirit of Andrew Carnegie alive.”

Who is a member?

If you have a library card, you are a patron which entitles you to all library services. You become a member when you fill out a membership form and make a contribution to the annual Membership Campaign. A member perk is admission to Members Night of “Come to the Fair” on Monday, August 7, for those who contribute at the $40 level or higher. To receive a membership envelope call the library at 518- 891-4190 or ask at the circulation desk.

Have you seen?

Diane Peterson and Margaret Worden have set up a display in the front case with items from the Adirondack Room celebrating the 110th year of the SLFL. Included are early Adirondack books, china with pictures of the original library, and photographs of the 1910 library, the Ladies Auxiliary 1910 Reception, and people who were active through the years, including Board Members Janet Decker and Tom Cantwell, and former director Joyce Meagher.

Local Home School students are displaying art works in the Community Room through May 24.

Volunteer Cleanup Morning

The SLFL is having a Volunteer Cleanup Morning on Tuesday, May 23, from 9 a.m. until noon to help get the library in shipshape for spring.

Volunteers are asked to come to the library that morning bringing buckets, rags and rubber gloves, if possible. The library will provide cleaning supplies. Volunteers are invited to stop by for an hour or more.

Please indicate you will participate by emailing patSLFL@roadrunner.com, calling the library or stopping at the circulation desk.

Library Lunch Programs

The Library Board deeply appreciates Rosalie Fontana coordinating the outstanding series of programs. The informative, thought-provoking programs were enjoyed by more than 50 people at each program.

At the final program Rosalie Fontana said that the Library Luncheon Programs wouldn’t be possible without the support of many who work behind the scenes.  “Thanks to the Library Board, to Library Director Peter Benson and to Peggy Orman for technology assistance.”

She continued, “We are especially grateful to the Hospitality Committee, chaired by Joy Harvey, and including Anne Boutilier, Shirley Morgan and Siobhan Crary, along with other bakers, who supplied delicious cookies and beverages for each of our 14 programs. Thanks also to Margaret Worden who took care of correspondence.  

“We’re indebted to our speakers who generously donated their time and expertise,” Fontana said, “and, of course, to our loyal and enthusiastic audience.”

Women’s Suffrage Study Group

This group will meet at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, June 6, to discuss “Votes for Women: the Struggle Revisited” by Jean H. Baker.

Science Book Group

On Tuesday, May 16, at 2 p.m. the Science Book Group will discuss “The Hidden Life of Trees” by Peter Wohlleben.

Race: The Power of Illusion

The study group for those interested in exploring racism in America will meet at 2 p.m. on Monday, May 15, to discuss “Strangers in Their Own Lane” by Arlie Hochschild.

Adult coloring

Join the Adult Coloring Group on Monday, May 22, at 2 p.m.

Great Films

“The Maltese Falcon,” with Humphrey Bogart, a movie that set the standard for film noir, will be shown on Tuesday, May 23, at 2 p.m. in the Community Room.

Story Time Programs

Preschool Story Time is offered at 10:30 a.m. each Thursday. Thank you to recent readers Jackie Beattie and Pat McGuane.

Holiday

The library will be closed Monday, May 29, for Memorial Day.

Acquisition highlights

Fiction: “Devil’s Triangle” (Coulter), “Days Without End” (Barry), “Vicious Circle” (Box), “The Tea Girl of Hummingbird Lane” (See)

Nonfiction: “The American Spirit” (McCullough), “Leo Durocher” (Dickson), “The Songs of Trees” (Haskell)

Large print: “Golden Prey” (Sandford), “Prince Charles” (Smith), “The Inheritance” ((Kapsambelis)

CDs: “The Orphan’s Tale” (Jenoff), “In the Name of the Family” (Dunant)

DVDs: “Anywhere But Here,” “Toy Story 3” and “A Beautiful Mind.”

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