Library eNewsletter | August 2026 | | | |
Summer Scares
Hell, Hysteria, and Horror!
The Saratoga Springs Public Library (SSPL) invites horror enthusiasts and community members to an afternoon of literary chills with Summer Scares Saratoga: Hell, Hysteria, and Horror! on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, from 3:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at Bailey's Saratoga (37 Phila St.). As with all library programs, the event is completely free and open to the public.
The event will feature an adult panel of touring horror authors gathering to discuss their work and celebrate new book releases. Guests can enjoy a dark afternoon of dread and drinks, followed by a book signing where attendees can purchase featured titles from the Friends of the Saratoga Springs Public Library, who will be on hand throughout the event.
The discussion will be moderated by SSPL's own Head of Access and Outreach—and resident horror enthusiast—Trevor Oakley. "As someone who is passionate about reading horror all year, not just in October, I'm thankful for the Horror Writers Association's Summer Scare's program, its sponsors, and the participating authors who are taking time away from their keyboards to share their craft with us." said Oakley.
The featured author lineup includes C.J. Leede (Maeve Fly, Headlights), Kyle Kouri (The Problem Drinker), Michael J. Seidlinger (Brokeula, Anybody Home), and Christoph Paul (The Last House on Earth, Death Walks South Boston).
This special event is co-sponsored by Bailey’s Saratoga and the Friends of the Saratoga Springs Public Library's Saratoga Book Festival. It is presented as part of the Horror Writers Association’s (HWA) Summer Scares program—a nationwide library reading initiative in partnership with Book Riot, Booklist, NoveList, and iREAD designed to highlight horror fiction for readers across the country.
While admission is free, attendees are asked to register online in advance. For more information or to register for the event, visit the library's Events Calendar at www.sspl.org.
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Unearth A Story
Summer Reading Success and Celebration
There's still PLENTY of time to participate in Summer Reading! So far, Saratoga readers are on fire! This year, 905 kids and teens have registered, beating last year’s total of 830. These registrants have read 498,000 minutes and completed 133 teen missions! To date, 697 books, 144 beach towels, and 737 treasures have been claimed as rewards. If your child would like to participate, please sign up here.
Save the date for our End of Summer Reading Party! Tuesday, August 25th from 2:30 - 4 p.m. at High Rock Park. The Utica Zoo is bringing their ZooMobile to say hello (2:30 - 3:30 p.m.), Jani Poppins is bringing her bubble truck (2:30 - 3:30 p.m.), and Ben and Jerry's will be scooping some ice cream! Librarians and teen volunteers will be on hand with additional activities.
👉 Registration required: Click here to register
*Some activities may have limited availability.
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READ TO RECOVERY
Common Roots Foundation renews Commitment to Collection
We are so grateful to our friends at the Common Roots Foundation for their continued support of our Read to Recovery collection through the Friends of the Saratoga Springs Public Library.
This marks the second year the Common Roots Foundation board has chosen to support Read to Recovery, bringing their total support to $3,200. This year’s $700 grant was made even more impactful thanks to a dollar-for-dollar match from an anonymous donor to the Friends of SSPL! We extend our deepest gratitude to the Common Roots Foundation and our community donors for believing in this mission and supporting our neighbors on their journey toward healing.
Seeking support during recovery can be daunting, but access to information shouldn't be. Read to Recovery bridges the critical gap between seeking help and finding answers by placing life-changing literature directly into the hands of those who need it most. Through a curated, no-questions-asked collection, this free library collection removes barriers to vital information, fosters self-empowerment, and serves as a judgment-free anchor for individuals and families navigating recovery.
"The Common Roots Foundation's recent grant allows Read to Recovery to continue our mission using all the insight, connections, awareness, alliances, goodwill, and potential we have mastered in two years."
— Mary Ratzer, SSPL Librarian and Read to Recovery Co-Creator
👉 Explore the Collection: Learn more about available books and digital resources by visiting our Read to Recovery Guide.
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LIBRARY MOBILE OUTREACH
On the Road with SSPL
We’re taking the library to YOU! Check out and return items, sign up for a library card, learn how to download e-books, enjoy family activities, and more! Look for us at the West Side and South Side Recreations Centers, Greenfield and Saratoga Farmers' Markets, and Loudon Oaks & Pyramid Pines Communities. We will also do some crafting at the Greenfield Senior Center on August 13th, and hanging out at Caboose Day in Greenfield Center on August 8th.
Click here for specific information, dates, times and locations.
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PROGRAM SPOTLIGHT
SSPL Welcomes Luzerne Music Center's
Faculty String Quartet
Tuesday, August 4 | 6:30 - 8:00 p.m.
H. Dutcher Community Room
Experience an evening of live chamber music right here at the library! Members of the Luzerne Music Center faculty present an engaging performance featuring a variety of classical repertoire, followed by an interactive Q&A session. Ask the musicians about their instruments, their craft, and life as professional performers. All ages are welcome!
👉 No registration required
| | This program was inspired by our 2026 Summer Reading theme, "Unearth a Story." | | |
PROGRAM SPOTLIGHT
Digging into the Past:
The Story of Victorian Clothing
Thursday, August 6 | 12:00 - 1:00 p.m.
Susman Room
What can a stitch, seam, or stain tell us about history? Join us as Librarian Caitlin shares her personal collection of original Victorian-era garments. Discover how examining linings, tears, and craftsmanship reveals fascinating stories about the makers and the people who wore them. Come get up close to history!
👉 Registration required: Click here to register
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PROGRAM SPOTLIGHT
First Aid/CPR/AED Course for Teens
Tuesday, August 11 | 10 a.m - 3:30 p.m.
H. Dutcher Community Room
Help your teen build essential, life-saving skills this summer! Teens can earn a 2-year American Red Cross certification in Adult and Pediatric First Aid, CPR, and AED skills right here at the library! Led by Teen Librarian AnnaRae, this hands-on course prepares students to recognize and respond to first aid, breathing, and cardiac emergencies. Participants must bring a bag lunch and drink.
👉 Registration required* Click here to register
*Open to Saratoga Springs City School District residents only.
| | This program was inspired by our 2026 Summer Reading theme, "Unearth a Story." | | |
PROGRAM SPOTLIGHT
Spectacular Stratum: The Art of Layering
with The Tang Teaching Museum
Wednesday, August 19 | 10:00 - 11:00 a.m.
H. Dutcher Community Room
Bring art and nature together! Educators from the Tang Teaching Museum at Skidmore College will join us for a special hands-on workshop inspired by mixed-media painter Joan Snyder and landscape painter Paul Lewing.
Young artists will explore the art of layering by creating either a sand art landscape in a glass jar or a mixed-media clay collage using beans, seeds, and beads. Space is limited!
👉 Registration required: Click here to register
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PROGRAM SPOTLIGHT
Unearth Aquatic Invasive Species:
What Lurks in our Waterways?
Monday, August 24 | 6:00 - 7:30 p.m.
H. Dutcher Community Room
Our freshwater ecosystems face growing challenges from non-native plants and organisms. Learn how to protect our local lakes and streams. Representatives from the Capital Region Partnership for Invasive Species Management (CR-PRISM) will share insights into common aquatic invaders in Saratoga, how to identify emerging species threats, and effective management strategies for keeping our regional waterways healthy.
👉 No registration required
| | This program was inspired by our 2026 Summer Reading theme, "Unearth a Story." | | |
What's Happening at Your Library
Get Your Program Guide for July & August 2026
Our Program Guide for May and June is available online and in-house. Saratoga Springs Public Library prints limited quantities of the 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.
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Diving into Digital Services
Read or Listen Online
Did you know that your Saratoga Springs Public Library Card gives you free access to a plethora of downloadable books, audiobooks, magazines, and even comics? If you haven't already, visit this link to get started with SALON, Libby, Hoopla, or Comics Plus.
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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 AM - 9 PM
Friday: 9 AM - 6 PM
Saturday: 9 AM - 5 PM
Sunday: Noon - 5 PM
UPCOMING HOLIDAY HOURS
Labor Day - Monday, September 7 - LIBRARY CLOSED
Staff Development Day - Friday, September 25 - LIBRARY CLOSED
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How to Find Out About
Programs at Your Library
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