Library eNewsletter | November 2026 | | | |
Welcome NYS Librarians!
2026 NYLA Conference Returns to Saratoga
We are thrilled to extend a warm welcome to library professionals from across the Empire State as the New York Library Association (NYLA) returns to the Saratoga Springs City Center for its 2026 Annual Conference, November 4-7.
This year’s conference theme, Libraries Because ______, invites all of us to reflect on the core purpose driving our work. Every library story begins with a reason—whether rooted in access, community, literacy, democracy, belonging, or opportunity. While our individual reasons are personal, together they build a powerful shared narrative of resilience, impact, and purpose.
As New York State librarians gather in our vibrant downtown to connect, learn, and turn their "because" into action, we welcome them back to Saratoga and SSPL, and hope they feel at home in "The Spa City."
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Connecting Through Stories
Discover Our Book Groups and
Literature Discussions for Adults
November is an exceptionally wonderful time to curl up with a good book. As the days grow shorter and the evenings turn brisk, diving into a compelling story offers a cozy comfort all its own. But the darker months also bring a deeper need for connection—a reminder that sharing our thoughts, perspectives, and company with others is one of the best ways to brighten the season.
Whether you are looking to explore fresh genres, engage in lively civic dialogue, or simply meet fellow readers who share your passions, our library offers a vibrant lineup of book and literature discussion groups for adults. There is a circle for every reader here:
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Better Off Read – Meeting monthly on the second Tuesday, this group covers a diverse mix of genres with a strong fondness for mysteries.
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Book Club is My Alibi – True crime enthusiasts are invited to join us monthly to dissect gripping cases, criminal histories, and true-crime reads.
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Books & Tea – A relaxing afternoon gathering held on the third Thursday of each month, featuring thoughtful conversation across a wide range of fiction and nonfiction. BYOT! (Bring Your Own Tea!).
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Fables & Fantasies – Our newest group dedicated entirely to the booming "Romantasy" genre, blending high-stakes fantasy worlds with sweeping romance.
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Her Story – Exploring the diverse, inspiring experiences of women across time, cultures, and global perspectives in partnership with Wellspring Saratoga.
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Poetry Café – A low-key, librarian-led online gathering held via Zoom, celebrating award-winning and acclaimed poets.
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Read Against the Machine – This group meets on the first Monday of the month to dive into non-fiction titles that critically examine contemporary social issues.
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Read with Pride – Co-sponsored by Saratoga Pride, this group meets on the first Thursday of each month to explore fiction and nonfiction works by authors from the LGBTQ+ community.
Copies of each month's selections are kept readily available in our Reading Group Collection or can be requested through the online catalog, unless otherwise noted. Registration is available online via our online Events Calendar. Come grab a book, share a cup of conversation, and beat the early winter chill with us!
👉 Click here to view our full schedule and register to secure your spot!
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Focus on Finances
Smart Spending, Real Estate,
and Planning for Your Future
Navigating personal finance—from protecting your wallet during the holiday rush to managing major life transitions and planning for long-term security—can feel overwhelming, but you don't have to figure it all out alone. This November, the library is offering three empowering programs designed to give you practical tools, expert insights, and peace of mind at any stage of your financial journey.
If you are contemplating a major life change, join Kathy Schechner of the Keller Williams Scott Varley Team for Move with Confidence: Upsizing, Downsizing, and Timing Your Transition on Friday, November 13th. This interactive seminar helps you navigate the local real estate market, evaluate home repairs, and build a personalized Move Action Plan.
Get ready for the season with Savvy Shopping for the Holidays on November 16th, a presentation co-sponsored by the New York State Division of Consumer Protection that will equip you with essential strategies to shop wisely, manage your budget, and protect against seasonal scams.
On November 30th, join financial educators and fiduciaries Tanya Lipinski and Missy Pronto for Money Talks: Retirement? What’s Your Number? This approachable, unbiased seminar breaks down how money works, helps you tackle debt while saving, and guides you through the fundamentals of planning for a comfortable retirement—no prior financial knowledge required.
All of these programs are FREE (as always), but registration is required on our online calendar!
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What's Happening at Your Library
Get Your Program Guide for November & December 2026
Our Program Guide for November & December 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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PROGRAM SPOTLIGHT
Bird Rockstars: The Wild World of Bird Courtship
Wednesday, November 4 | 7 - 8:30 p.m. | Community Room
Did you know birds can clap, backflip, tango, build 14 different nests just for a picky partner, or even use their armpits to attract a mate?
Join us for a wonderfully entertaining and fascinating evening as Dr. Samantha Carouso Peck—Head Ornithologist and Educator of the Grassland Bird Trust—presents Bird Rockstars: The Wild World of Bird Courtship.
From over-the-top ornamentation and acrobatic aerial performances to elaborate songs, complex nest construction, and high-stakes nuptial gift-giving, birds go to extraordinary (and sometimes hilarious) lengths in pursuit of love. Dr. Peck, an expert in bird communication and cognition who has tracked avian behavior across six continents, will guide us through these wild behaviors from around the globe.
Whether you're an avid birdwatcher or just love a great story from the natural world, this is a night you won't want to miss. Space is limited, so be sure to reserve your spot online today! This program is presented in partnership with the Grassland Bird Trust and the Southern Adirondack Audubon Society.
👉 Registration required: Click here to register
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PROGRAM SPOTLIGHT
Brown Bag Lunch: Veterans and
Community Housing Coalition and "Foreverly"
Thursday, November 12 | 12 - 1 p.m. | Community Room
Join us from 12-1 p.m. Thursday, November 12th for an inspiring and community-focused Brown Bag Lunch session highlighting the vital work of the Veterans and Community Housing Coalition (VCHC).
Marian Eck and Diane Nazzaro will share the mission and core programs of VCHC, demonstrating how dedicated housing and support services help local veterans achieve stability, dignity, and independence. Learn firsthand how community involvement—through partnerships, local donations, and advocacy—directly transforms the lives of the veterans who have served us.
As a special part of the afternoon, local singer-songwriter Jeff Brisbin will perform his song "Foreverly." The song shares its name with VCHC’s Foreverly House, a wonderful community resource providing safe, stable, and supportive housing for homeless female veterans, including mothers with young children.
The Brown Bag Lunch Lecture Series is presented in partnership with the Saratoga Springs Heritage Area Visitor Center.
👉 Registration required: Click here to register
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PROGRAM SPOTLIGHT
Love Yourself More with Heather Schwartz
Saturday, November 14 | 3 - 4 p.m. | Community Room
Bring the whole family for a joyful and engaging afternoon of music, laughter, and self-care!
Improviser, singer, and children’s book author Heather Schwartz presents "Love Yourself More," a silly and interactive show designed especially for kids. Through lively songs and stories, Heather introduces young audiences to practical, empowering strategies for building self-compassion—such as holding healthy boundaries, using their voice, tuning into their own moods, and giving themselves grace when they make mistakes.
👉 No registration required.
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PROGRAM SPOTLIGHT
Author Meet & Greet with Rick Cobello:
The Shady Side of Saratoga
Saturday, November 28 | 10 - 11 a.m. | Community Room
Join us for a morning of conversation, local history, and complimentary bagels as local author Rick Cobello visits the library to discuss his gripping debut novel, The Shady Side of Saratoga.
Drawing directly from his own professional background and deep familiarity with upstate New York's unique intersection of horses, tradition, and modern history, Cobello’s novel explores a fascinating and unsettling question: What happens when crime no longer looks like crime, and accountability arrives too late? The book offers a sharp look at institutional blind spots, system failures, and the sophisticated ways crimes are sometimes hidden inside trusted compliance.
Come meet the author, hear the fascinating stories behind the writing of the book, enjoy a bagel, and pick up a copy to have signed!
👉 Registration required: Click here to register
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Friends of SSPL
Stock Up and Support the Friends
at their November 2 for $1 Book Sale
Calling all book lovers! The Friends of the Saratoga Springs Public Library are bringing you two fantastic deals in one weekend, making it the perfect time to stock up on cozy winter reads, discover new authors, or get a head start on your holiday gift shopping.
Mark your calendars for Friday, November 6 and Saturday, November 7, and drop by to take advantage of these special sales:
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2 for $1.00 Book Sale in the Dutcher Room: Head into the Dutcher Community Room to browse an incredible selection of books at the unbeatable price of just two for $1.00!
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25% OFF in the Friends Book Shop: While you're at the library, stop by the Friends Book Shop to enjoy 25% off your entire purchase.
Whether you're looking to tackle your ever-growing TBR (to-be-read) pile or find hidden gems for family and friends, there is something for every reader. Best of all, every single purchase directly supports the Friends of the Saratoga Springs Public Library and their ongoing mission to fund our library programs, resources, and community services.
Don't miss out—come shop, save, and support your local library!
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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
Veterans Day - Wednesday, November 11 - LIBRARY CLOSED
Thanksgiving Eve - Wednesday, November 25 - LIBRARY OPEN 9AM - 5PM
Thanksgiving Day - Thursday, November 26 - LIBRARY CLOSED
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How to Find Out About
Programs at Your Library
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