Library eNewsletter | September 2023

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.

Growing Towards Sustainability

National Preparedness Month

September is National Preparedness Month and the library would like to remind you to build your emergency kit before winter sets in. 

Don’t forget to include:

• Non-perishable food and water that can last several days.
• Flashlights, radios, and extra batteries or battery packs for your electronic devices.
• First Aid Kit
• Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person.

Check out www.ready.gov/kit and think about attending our program Citizen Preparedness: Natural or Man-Made Disasters on Tuesday September 19^th from 10 am to 11 am. Space is limited, so please register online.

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 be available when registration opens on September 15th, 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. 

PROGRAM SPOTLIGHT

What is a Solar Eclipse

People around the globe will soon take in two solar eclipses, with an annular eclipse set for October and a total eclipse expected in April. But what causes this out-of-this world phenomenon? Join University at Albany Associate Physics Professor Matthew Szydagis, 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, September 6, as he explains what causes this celestial event that captivates so many. Please register online.

PROGRAM SPOTLIGHT

Gratefulness Gathering

Approved Gratefulness Gathering host, Susan Meyer will give participants the opportunity to explore themes and practices of grateful living within a supportive group. Gatherings will incorporate inspirational readings and videos, poetry, thought-provoking questions, guided meditation, and personal reflections - all designed to nurture a deeper understanding of gratefulness. Be sure to have a journal and something to write with. This program will be delivered virtually via Zoom at 7 p.m. Monday, September 11. Please register online.

PROGRAM SPOTLIGHT

Healthy Life, Happy Life

Well-being is a three legged stool: (1) Health/Wellness, (2) Meaningful Engagement, and (3) Pleasure. Barry Loffreddo DDS will touch on all three, but concentrate on staying healthy. Join us for this presentation Tuesday, September 12 at 6 p.m., seasoned with humor and philosophy, that will conclude with a list of tips for successful aging. Please register online.

PROGRAM SPOTLIGHT

Grandparents Day Celebration

All grandparents and grandkids are invited to celebrate National Grandparent's Day at 10 a.m. Wednesday, September 13. Enjoy story books, craft activities, and a snack with your favorite grandparent or grandchild. (Parents welcome too!) Please register all people in the group who will be attending online.

Kids & Teens Corner

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

Click on the links below to check out these offerings:

Tweens & Teens

Teen Crafternoon: Back to School Magnets | Monday, Sept. 11 - Friday, Sept. 15 | 3 - 4 p.m. | Grades 7 - 12

Minecraft Monday | Monday, Sept. 11 | 4:30 - 5:30 p.m. | Grades 4 - 8

Teen Advisory Board Meeting | Monday, Sept. 11 | 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. | Grades 7 - 12

Create Your Own Boba Tea | Wednesday, Sept. 13 | 3:30 - 4:30 p.m. | Grades 7 - 12

Minecraft Coding Challenge | Monday, Sept. 18 | 4:30 - 5:30 p.m. | Grades 4 - 8

Teen Crafternoon: Perler Bead Cacti | Wednesday, Sept. 20 | 3:30 - 5 p.m. | Grades 7 - 12

Teen Take & Make: DIY Stress Ball | Monday, Sept. 25 - Saturday, Sept. 30 | Grades 7 - 12

Neurodiversity Club | Monday, Sept. 25 | 4:30 - 5:30 p.m. | Grades K-12

Sophie the Golden Retriever Visits the Teen Room | Tuesday, Sept. 26 | 3:30 - 4:30 p.m. | Grades 7 - 12

Teen Crafternoon: Mandala Suncatchers | Wednesday, Sept. 27 | 3 - 5 p.m. | Grades 7 - 12

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

Children & Families

Grandparents Day Celebration | Wednesday, Sept. 13 | 10 - 11 a.m. | Grandparents & Grandkids

Paws4Reading with Stella | Thursdays, Sept. 14, 21, & 28 | 4:30 - 5:30 p.m. | Reading Age

Paws4Reading with Allie | Saturdays, Sept. 16, 23, & 30| 11 a.m. - 12 p.m. | Reading Age

Intro to Embroidery: Autumn Leaf | Saturday, Sept. 16 | 2:30 - 4 p.m. | Grades 3 - 8

Family STEAM Night | Tuesday, Sept. 19 | 7 - 8 p.m. | Grades K - 6 & Their Families

Chess Club | Wednesday, Sept. 20 | 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. | Grades 2 and Up

Peace Week Storyteller: Jeannine Laverty | Saturday, Sept. 23 | 11 a.m. - 12 p.m. | Ages 5 - 10

Neurodiversity Club | Monday, Sept. 25 | 4:30 - 5:30 p.m. | Grades K-12

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

What is the 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

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

Labor Day - Monday, September 4 - LIBRARY CLOSED

Staff Development Day - Friday, September 22 - LIBRARY CLOSED



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

Twitter: @SaratogaLibrary

TikTok: @SaratogaLibrary