Library eNewsletter | October 2023

LET FREEDOM READ!

It's Banned Books Week at Your Library

Banned Books Week (October 1-7, 2023) is an annual event celebrating the freedom to read. Typically held during the last week of September, it spotlights current and historical attempts to censor books in libraries and schools. It brings together the entire book community — librarians, booksellers, publishers, journalists, teachers, and readers of all types — in shared support of the freedom to seek and to express ideas, even those some consider unorthodox or unpopular. For more information visit www.bannedbooksweek.org.

Saratoga Springs Public Library is proud to be participating in Banned Books Week with the following two events:

Caffè Lena Presents 60 Years of Banned Books

Thursday, October 5 | 6 - 8 p.m.

Banned Books Giveaway

Saturday, October 7 | 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Celebrating 20 Years

SaratogaREADS! Voting is Open

SaratogaREADS! is celebrating its 20th Anniversary! This time around, we've decided to dive into our archives, and revisit one of our past selections. Which former Community Read would you like to re-explore in 2024? Voting is open October 1-31, and we invite you to cast your ballot at the library or vote online through this link. For more information about this community initiative, please visit www.saratogareads.org.

Employment Opportunities Abound

Visit our Mini Job Fair!

Meet representatives from several local businesses from 2 - 4 p.m. Thursday, October 5th, who are seeking to grow their work force. Apply for jobs on the spot. Use the library computing and printing area if you need to print your resume. All are welcome! Applicants should be prepared with resumes for impromptu interviews or to schedule future interviews. Saratoga Springs Public Library is grateful to the New York State Department of Labor, Warren County Career Center, Local Veterans’ Employment Representatives, and Saratoga County Employment and Training for partnering with us. For a full list of employers and job vacancies, visit this link.

Don't miss out! Visit the 2023 Saratoga Book Festival!

• Keynote Author Presentations Featuring Best-Selling Authors
• Book Chats Highlighting the Latest in Literature
• Panel Discussions on Hot Topics
• Book Signings
• Literary Marketplace
• And so much more… Visit www.saratogabookfestival.org

Growing Towards Sustainability

The Great Giveback

The mission of The Great Give Back is to provide a day of opportunities for the patrons of the Public Libraries of New York State to participate in meaningful, service-oriented experiences.  

One component of sustainability is to get the community to support each other. Saratoga Springs Public Library is offering an opportunity to come together and help a local organization. This year's Great Give Back project is to collect donation items for Operation Adopt a Soldier (OAAS), which is run by local volunteers. Their main goal is to provide a sense of home to soldiers, and make them feel as comfortable as possible through care packages, gifts, letters, phone card, and more.

Bring in your donations to the Children's Room located on the library's lower level. Items will be accepted from October 9 through October 21. A full list of needed items can be found online here.

Fear the Library

A Celebration of All Things Scary

Fear the Library is a horror themed reading program for kids, teens, and adults. Register online through ReadSquared or pick up your tracking card at the information desk and start reading! Cards will are available at the library, and you will have until October 31st to read 3 scary books and/or short stories and attend 2 library programs. We have some fantastic programming on the calendar that supports the theme. Just visit our Events Calendar!

What should I read?

Any horror novel or scary story! Check out our LibGuide of Titles for inspiration!

What are the prizes?

If you can complete 3 books and/or short stories and attend 2 spooky themed library programs, teens and adults get a special horror t-shirt and children who complete the challenge will receive a plushie of their choosing! All while supplies last. 

Kids & Teens Corner

What's New in October for Kids, Teens, Tweens, & Their Families

Click on the links below to check out these offerings:

Tweens & Teens

Teen Crafternoon: Perler Bead Bookmarks | Wednesday, October 4 | 3:30 - 5 p.m. | Grades 7 - 12

Banned Books Giveaway | Thursday, October 5 | 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. | All Ages

Fall Volunteer Information Meeting | Saturday, October 7 | 2:30 - 3:30 p.m. | Grades 7 - 12

Indian Music & Culture | Monday, October 9 | 2 - 3 p.m. | All Age

Teen Halloween Buttons | Monday, October 9 - Friday, October 13 | 3 - 4 p.m. | Grades 7 - 12

Teen Crafternoon: Glow-in-the-Dark Slime | Wednesday, October 11 | 3:30 - 4:30 p.m. | Grades 7 - 12

Bigfoot: Myth or Species? | Wednesday, October 11 | 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. | Teens & Adults

Teen Take and Make: Halloween Stuffies | Monday, October 16 - Friday, Oct. 21 | 3 - 4 p.m. | Grades 7 - 12

Minecraft Monday | Monday, October 16 | 4:30 - 5:30 p.m. | Grades 4 - 8

Threatening Theater Thursday: Interactive Hocus Pocus | Thursday, October 19 | 4 - 6 p.m. | All Ages

Threatening Theater Thursday: Dracula | Thursday, October 19 | 7:30 - 9 p.m. | Teens

Neurodiversity Club | Monday, October 23 | 4:30 - 5:30 p.m. | Grades K-12

Sophie the Golden Retriever Visits the Teen Room | Wednesday, October 25 | 3:30 - 4:30 p.m. | Grades 7 - 12

Teen Pumpkin Painting | Thursday, October 26 | 5 - 6 p.m. | Grades 7 - 12

Minecraft Coding Challenge | Monday, October 30 | 4:30 - 5:30 p.m. | Grades 4 - 8

Teen Halloween Party | Monday, October 30 | 6:30 - 8 p.m. | Grades 7 - 12

For more information about the Teen Room and Fall Hours, visit this link.

Children & Families

Paws4Reading | Multiple Dates & Times | Reading Age

Chess Club | Wednesdays, October 4 & 18 | 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. | Grades 2 and Up

Family Movie Friday: Elemental | Friday, Oct. 6 | 3:30 - 5:30 p.m. | Children & Families

Banned Books Giveaway | Thursday, October 5 | 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. | All Ages

Leaf Scavenger Hunt with Wilton Wildlife | Monday, October 9 | 11 a.m. - 12 p.m. | Grades K - 5

Indian Music & Culture | Monday, October 9 | 2 - 3 p.m. | All Ages

Minecraft Monday | Monday, October 16 | 4:30 - 5:30 p.m. | Grades 4 - 8

Pinecone Owl Craft | Tuesday, October 17 | 7 - 8 p.m. | Grades K - 6

Threatening Theater Thursday: Interactive Hocus Pocus | Thursday, October 19 | 4 - 6 p.m. | All Ages

Owl Prowls at Wilton Wildlife Preserve | Thursday, October 19 & Friday, October 20 | 7 - 8:15 p.m. | Children & Families

The Witching (Story) Hour | Saturday, October 21 | 12:30 - 1 p.m. | Ages 5 and Up

Family Composting | Sunday, October 22 | 3 - 4 p.m. | Children & Families

Neurodiversity Club | Monday, October 23 | 4:30 - 5:30 p.m. | Grades K-12

SSPL Visits the Saratoga Farmers' Market | Wednesday, October 25 | 3 - 6 p.m. | Children & Families

Library Goes to Town: SPAC School of the Arts | Thursday, October 26 | 11 - 11:30 a.m. | Ages 2 - 5 with Caregiver

Minecraft Coding Challenge | Monday, October 30 | 4:30 - 5:30 p.m. | Grades 4 - 8

Halloween Trick or Treat | Tuesday, October 31 | 11 - 11:45 a.m. | Children's Room

Please check our Events Calendar for Story Times, Baby Bounce, Music & Movement, Toddler Time, and Bookworms program availability.

Program in Hand?

The Hard Copy or Digital Program Guide for September & October

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 where you will find these, other programming, details, and have the ability to register.

Visit the Friends Coffee Shop!

Have you visited the new Friends of Saratoga Springs Public Library Coffee Shop yet? Located on the first floor of the library near the Community Room, the shop offers coffee, tea, and hot chocolate. Looking for something cool? A number of cold beverages are also available. A variety of snacks and baked goods, provided by The Bread Basket, are also available. Hours are Monday – Friday 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. (subject to change). All profits and tips help the Friends fulfill their mission to support the library.

Please feel free to reach out to our Friends with any questions at [email protected].

Not a Friend of the library yet? Join today!

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.

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

Indigenous Peoples Day - Monday, October 9 - Library 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.

How to Find Out About

Programs at Your Library

Are you participating in programs at your library? View our Events Calendar at www.sspl.org or follow us on your favorite social media platform to stay in the loop!

Facebook: @SaratogaLibrary

Instagram: @SaratogaSpringsLibrary

X (Formerly Twitter): @SaratogaLibrary

TikTok: @SaratogaLibrary