Library eNewsletter | January 2024 | | |
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Growing Towards Sustainability
Our Year in Review
The Saratoga Springs Public Library continues to work to reduce our carbon footprint, while being fiscally responsible and equitable. Take a page out of our book and see what you can accomplish in 2024 in the library, and at home! In 2023, your library...
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Installed a water bottle fill station on the 2nd Floor - we've already saved 1450 water bottles from entering the waste stream. Don't forget your refillable bottle when you come to the library.
- Replaced our Halogen bulbs to LED - reducing our energy usage and lifespan of our bulbs. Consider replacing your bulbs once your conventional bulbs wear out.
- Purchased new receipt paper that is 100% phenol free, recyclable, and responsibly sourced. For every case of paper purchased, 2 trees are planted (that are traceable and verified). The best thing to do is check your online account or get e-receipts, but if you need a physical reminder and a bookmark, that's okay too!
- Purchased organic, locally sourced, and open pollinated seeds for our 2024 Seed Library, debuting this April. If you have always wanted to try and plant something on your patio, windowsill, or even in a kiddie pool - we can help get you started.
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Held 2 Repair Cafés in partnership with Sustainable Saratoga. 63 items were repaired together with volunteer coaches. Our next Repair Café will take place at SSPL on March 3rd.
- Participated in the Sustainability Fair at Skidmore College and the Climate Kids Discovery Day at the Saratoga Children's Museum. These are annual events, so come see us in 2024!
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Staff composting has been a success, and we're keeping food waste out of the landfill! Did you know you can bring your food waste to the Saratoga Springs Farmers' Market?
Take a look at this short video from 2022 for more ideas that you can do at home and appreciate while you are in our building. Happy New Year!
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SaratogaREADS!
Announcing our Selection for 2024
In recognition of SaratogaREADS! 20th Anniversary, the Saratoga Springs community took a look into our archives and voted to revisit one our our previous titles for our 2024 Community Read. We are excited to announce that for this year's selection by popular vote, is The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot. Through our programming, we will delve into a variety of the book's themes - sexism, racism, classism, poverty, inequality, ethics, medicine, and more. Stay tuned to our social media channels and both the SSPL and SaratogaREADS! websites for our program schedule, which will run from approximately March 15 - April 15.
Our Junior Companion for 2024 will be Swim Team by Johnnie Christmas. As in years past, we are proud to partner with the Saratoga Springs City School District and Skidmore College to present two virtual discussion nights for students in grades 4-6. For more information what is involved and how to register, watch our short video here. Happy reading!
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Program in Hand?
The Hard Copy or Digital Program Guide for January & February
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.
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Senior Planet by AARP
SSPL's Tech Series for Seniors
In cooperation with AARP's Senior Planet initiative, Sarartoga Springs Public Library will continue to offer multiple opportunities for seniors to become more acquainted with technology through classes that cover everything from online shopping, to using Zoom, and LOTS more! Don’t miss out on these fantastic programs. Click this link for more information and the ability to register.
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PROGRAM SPOTLIGHT
Let's Finish What They Started
On January 18th, The League of Women Voters of Saratoga County is launching its 2024 campaign for women's equality at this program titled, "Let's Finish What They Started." Over 100 years ago, the Equal Rights Amendment was first proposed to guarantee women's rights under the U.S. Constitution, and it still has not passed. This November, voters will have the opportunity to make equality a reality for women and other disenfranchised groups in New York State. Join us to change history! Please register online.
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PROGRAM SPOTLIGHT
Create a Vision Board for 2024
Both teens and adults are invited to join us for an evening of goal setting and affirmations Thursday, January 11th, when we'll create Vision Boards to help us set the tone for the new year. Participants will establish goals for the year, and then use pictures and word cutouts from magazines to create a collage of those goals on a poster board. Everything needed will be supplied for you to create your vision board, but please feel free to bring any extra materials to enhance your board. Save your spot today! Please register online.
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PROGRAM SPOTLIGHT
Martin Luther King Day Events
Saratoga Springs Public Library is proud to continue to be a Community Partner of the MLK Saratoga Committee. As in year's past, the library will host events on the holiday, Monday, January 15th. A variety of service projects for the community to participate in will take place from 9:30 - 11:30 a.m. in the H. Dutcher Community Room, Children's Room, as well as the Glasby and Susman Meeting Rooms. At 12 p.m., join us in the Community Room for "Songs for Social Justice." These offerings are inter-generational and everyone is welcome. For detailed information about everything happening here at SSPL and around the city of Saratoga Springs, please visit www.mlksaratoga.org.
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PROGRAM SPOTLIGHT
Saratoga Springs Area Preschool Fair
The annual Saratoga Area Preschool Fair will be held in the Saratoga Springs Public Library's Children's Room from 11 a.m - 3 p.m. Saturday, January 27. The Fair will include the preschools listed below. Information about the schools and their programs will be available, as will school representatives to answer questions. Registration is not required to attend.
- Beagle School
- Church Mouse Nursery School
- Skidmore Early Childhood Center
- St. Paul's Preschool
- Waldorf School of Saratoga Springs
- YMCA Preschool
- Apple Blossom Bunch
- LifeWorks Community Action
- Saratoga Independent School
- Small Wonders
- Abilities
Co-sponsored by: The Waldorf School of Saratoga Springs and the Saratoga Springs Public Library.
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Tweens & Teens
Click on the links below to check out these offerings:
Tweens & Teens
Dungeons & Dragons | Saturdays, Jan. 6, 13, & 27 | 1 - 3 p.m. | Grades 7 - 12
Neurodiversity Club | Tuesday, January 9 | 4:30 - 5:30 p.m. | Grades K - 12
Creating Vision Boards | Thursday, January 11 | 7 - 8:30 p.m. | Adults & Teens
Teen Advisory Board Meeting | Monday, January 15 | 2:30 - 4 p.m. | Grades 7 - 12
Sophie the Golden Retriever Visits the Teen Room | Wednesday, January 17 | 3:30 - 4:30 p.m. | Grades 7 - 12
Chess Club | Wednesdays, January 17 & 21 | 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. | Grades 2 and Up
Inter-generational Drum Circle | Friday, January 19 | 4:30 - 5:30 p.m. | All Ages
Minecraft Monday | Monday, January 22 | 4:30 - 5:30 p.m. | Grades 4 - 8
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.
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Kids Corner
What's New in December for Kids & Their Families
Click on the links below to check out these offerings:
Children & Families
Paws4Reading | Multiple Dates & Times | Reading Age
Neurodiversity Club | Tuesday, January 9 | 4:30 - 5:30 p.m. | Grades K - 12
The Bookmark Bunch | Wednesday, January 10 | 4:30 - 5:30 p.m. | Grades 1 - 4
Library Goes to Town - Saratoga Automobile Museum | Friday, January 12 | 9 - 10 a.m. | Ages 2 - 5
Chess Club | Wednesdays, January 17 & 21 | 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. | Grades 2 and U
Story Time Science | Friday, January 19 | 10:30 - 11 a.m. | Ages 3 - 5
Inter-generational Drum Circle | Friday, January 19 | 4:30 - 5:30 p.m. | All Ages
Lantern Making Workshop | Saturday, January 20 | 10:30 a.m. - 12 p.m. | Grades 2 -5
Minecraft Monday | Monday, January 22 | 4:30 - 5:30 p.m. | Grades 4 - 8
Story Writing for Young Writers | Tuesdays, January 23, 30, & February 6 | 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. | Grades 2 - 6
Saratoga Area Preschool Fair | Saturday, January 27 | 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. | Parents of Preschoolers
Please check our Events Calendar for Take-and-Make Crafts, Story Times, Baby Bounce, Music & Movement, Toddler Time, and Drop-In Crafts program availability.
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The Friends Coffee Shop
Now Offers Catering!
Did you know that catering is now available for public meetings held inside the library! This service will be available Monday - Friday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. If you're interested in have a meeting catered, please contact Kristin at [email protected] to place your order. Advanced notice of 48 hours is needed.
Please feel free to reach out to our Friends with any questions at [email protected].
Not a Friend of the library yet? Join today!
Need to book a Public Meeting Room? Vist this link.
For Coffee Shop Hours, visit this link.
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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.
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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 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
Martin Luther King Day - Monday, Jan. 15 - Open 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
For a full list of services and additional updates, please visit the Library Announcements section of our homepage at www.sspl.org.
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How to Find Out About
Programs at Your Library
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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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FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA
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