Library eNewsletter | September 2025 | | | |
Our Diamond Jubilee
Saratoga Springs Public Library Celebrates 75 Years
This October, Saratoga Springs Public Library will reach a significant milestone - 75 years working to engage, entertain, educate, and empower the Saratoga Springs community. In celebration, our October 9th Brown Bag Lunch will focus on the history of the library. We will also host an evening Diamond Jubilee Celebration with help from the Friends of Saratoga Springs Public Library on Friday, October 24th. Details on this event, and other programming will be forthcoming. We look forward to celebrating with all of you!
IN THE HEADER: The image in the header of this eNewsletter is from the Saratoga Springs Public Library “Book Parade” in 1950, when local school children moved books from down Broadway from the Athenaeum to the new library (current Saratoga ARTS building). We moved into the current library building in 1995.
| | Interested in reading the articles in the New York Times? Get a 24-hour access token NY Times All Access or check out our print papers in the building. Want to learn more about our newspaper databases? Attend our Digital Newspaper Access program on Monday, September 8th. | | |
Growing Towards Sustainability
SSPL's Library of Things
The New York Times series 50 States 50 Fixes showcases inspiring environmental solutions throughout the U.S. that in most cases, can be easily replicated both at a personal or local level. On August 20, 2025, the New York Times highlighted Maine's Library of Things, and Saratoga Springs Public Library has been curating a similar collection. Have a birthday party coming up and need to make cupcakes? We have a pan for you! Lost your wedding ring in the yard? Borrow our metal detector! Car problems? Check out our automobile diagnostic tool. Libraries are more than books. We have always been about resource sharing and access to information too! Visit our collection on the Main Floor.
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PROGRAM SPOTLIGHT
Digital Legacy & The Law:
Planning for your Online Afterlife
Join us Tuesday, September 9th at 6:30 p.m. in the Community Room for an informative session on digital legacy—what happens to your online accounts, digital assets, and personal data after you pass away. John Manley, retired teacher and leader of our Apple for Everyone programs, will explore how to take control of your digital presence, including managing passwords, social media accounts, cloud storage, and more. Please register online through this link.
Following the presentation, Carl Baker, Esq., a licensed estate planning attorney will be available to answer your questions and provide clarity on how digital legacy planning fits into traditional wills, powers of attorney, and estate documents. Whether you're planning ahead or helping a loved one, this program will equip you with the knowledge to make informed decisions about your digital afterlife.
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PROGRAM SPOTLIGHT
Book Club is My Alibi Discussion Group Welcomes Author Matt Witten
Join us Wednesday, September 10th at 7 p.m. in the Community Room for a discussion of Killer Story by Matt Witten. We will be joined by the author for this event! For more information about this book and/or to register to attend this program, please visit this link. Book Club is My Alibi is a book group for true crime enthusiasts that meets on the 2nd Wednesday of each month. All are welcome!
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PROGRAM SPOTLIGHT
Brown Bag Lunch Lecture Series Returns with Oscar Kemp of the 115th NY and the Grand Army
The Civil War is one of the most studied conflicts in American history, but much of the emphasis is on battles, leaders, and soldiers during the four years of war. What happened to the survivors? What were their stories, and how did they transition back into civilian life? Many of the veterans joined fraternal organizations for support, the largest being the Grand Army of the Republic. Join Civil War veteran Oscar Kemp (portrayed by relative and Grant Cottage staff member, Ben Kemp) as he recounts his war experiences with the 115th NY and then discusses the experience of veterans after the war and the Grand Army of the Republic. Please register online to attend this September 11th program in-person or virtually. The Brown Bag Lunch Lecture Series is presented in partnership with the Saratoga Springs Heritage Area Visitor Center.
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PROGRAM SPOTLIGHT
We the People: Democracy Check-In
Skidmore Professor, Beau Breslin is back at SSPL on Constitution Day, September 17th. He'll answer topical questions about our government systems and how current events relate to the history of our constitution. Get answers to your most pressing government procedure questions, and become a more informed and engaged citizen. Please register online through this link.
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Program in Hand?
Get Your September/October Program Guide
Our Program Guide for September and October is available online and in-house. SSPL 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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Programs for Tweens & Teens
Click on the links below to check out these offerings:
Tweens & Teens
Teen Advisory Board Meeting | Monday, Sept. 8 | 7 - 8 p.m. | Grades 7 - 12
Teen World Tour: Mexico | Wednesday, Sept. 10 | 3 - 4 p.m. | Grades 7 - 12
Dungeons & Dragons | Saturdays, Sept. 13 & 27 | 1:30 - 3:30 p.m. | Grades 7 - 12
Minecraft Creative Club | Monday, Sept. 15 | 4:30 - 5:30 p.m. | Grades 4 - 8
Minecraft Survival Club | Monday, Sept. 15 | 5:30 - 6:39 p.m. | Grades 4 - 8
National Voter Registration Day | Tuesday, Sept. 16 | 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. | Ages 18+
Neurodiversity Club: Snap Circuits | Tuesday, Sept. 16 | 4:30 - 5:30 p.m. | Grades K - 12
Meet & Greet with a Barred Owl | Wednesday, Sept. 17 | 5:30 - 6 p.m. | All Ages
Bagels & Barks | Friday, September 19 | 10 - 11 a.m. | All Ages
Fall Volunteer Information Meeting | Sunday, Sept. 21 | 1 - 2:15 p.m. | Grades 7 - 12
Click here for Teen Crafternoons
For more information about the Teen Room, visit this link.
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Kids Corner
What's New in September for Kids & Their Families
Click on the links below to check out these offerings, and visit our online calendar for more:
Children & Families
Paws4Reading | Multiple Dates & Times | Reading Age
Nintendo Switch Gaming | Fridays, Sept. 5 - 19 | 4 - 5 p.m. | Grades K - 6
Homeschool Hang: Chromatography | Wednesday, Sept. 10 | 2 - 3 p.m. | Grades K - 6
Library Goes to Town: The Tang Teaching Museum | Friday, Sept. 12 | 10:30 - 11:30 a.m. | Ages 2 - 5
Minecraft Creative Club | Monday, Sept. 15 | 4:30 - 5:30 p.m. | Grades 4 - 8
Minecraft Survival Club | Monday, Sept. 15 | 5:30 - 6:39 p.m. | Grades 4 - 8
Neurodiversity Club: Snap Circuits | Tuesday, Sept. 16 | 4:30 - 5:30 p.m. | Grades K - 12
The Bookmark Bunch: Orris and Timble by Kate DiCamillo | Wednesday, Sept. 17 | 4:30 - 5:30 p.m. | Grades K - 4
Meet & Greet with a Barred Owl | Wednesday, Sept. 17 | 5:30 - 6 p.m. | All Ages
Bagels & Barks | Friday, September 19 | 10 - 11 a.m. | All Ages
Kids Build, Caregivers Connect | Monday, Sept. 22 | 4:30 - 5:30 p.m. | Preschool - Grade 4
SSPL Visits the Saratoga Farmers' Market | Wednesday, Sept. 24 | 3 - 5 p.m. | Children & Families
Please check our Events Calendar for Take-and-Make Crafts, Drop-in Crafts, and Story Times.
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CONSTRUCTION NOTICE
Library Elevator Upgrade Project
Our library elevator construction project is well underway, and the thirty-year-old elevator system is being replaced and upgraded. We anticipate that the project last until mid-November. During this period, there will be no elevator access to the library’s Lower Level or Second Floor. If you are in need of materials or services from these parts of the library, and are unable to use the stairs, library staff will be happy to assist you. We apologize for any inconvenience and appreciate your patience as we complete this necessary project. For additional information, please visit our announcement through this link.
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Friends of SSPL
Volunteer for the Saratoga Book Festival
Volunteers for the 5th Annual Saratoga Book Festival are needed to serve as event support and committee members. The Friends of SSPL are looking for volunteers to help us prepare for and work during the festival October 2nd - 5th. Volunteers serve as room hosts, greeters, book sellers, drivers, and more!
If you are interested in learning more about the Saratoga Book Festival volunteer program, complete the application found in this link. Information session times for registered volunteers will be held in September with dates to follow. If you have additional questions, contact sbfinfo@fsspl.org.
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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 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 1, 2025 - LIBRARY CLOSED
Staff Development Day - Friday, September 26 - LIBRARY CLOSED
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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