School may be closed on Columbus Day, but at the library we’ll be traveling the world through tales, tunes and drama with award-winning minstrel storyteller Mary Jo Maichack. Join us for this all-ages extravaganza at 2 p.m. Monday, Oct. 9. Listen to a French variation of the “The Three Little Pigs” and an Australian tale called “Why the Moon Gets Smaller,” among others. There will be plenty of chances for audience participation.
This program is part of the Ann Seegal Memorial Storytelling Series, established by Ann’s family in her memory.
Costume swap
Got an outgrown costume? Swap it for one that fits
The library’s annual costume swap is here! Get a jump start on Halloween when you drop off your gently used costume(s) through Thursday, Oct. 19, and receive a ticket to pick out one that’s new to you on the day of the swap, which takes place Friday, Oct. 20, from 5 to 7 p.m. Why buy when you can recycle? Repurpose those outgrown get-ups and save some money while you’re at it. We are accepting costumes in all sizes – from infant to adult. You can drop off a costume even if you’re not interested in choosing a new one. Costumes leftover after the swap will be donated to charity.
Off beaten path
Author and outdoorsman Alan Via has been a familiar face at the library in recent years, entertaining audiences with stories and snapshots from his many outdoor adventures. He returns Wednesday, Oct. 11, at 7 p.m. for a brand-new slide show titled “The Lostkills: Off the Beaten Path in the Catskills.”
Alan will take guests on a virtual tour of the more obscure mountains and wild areas of the Catskills. The spectacular photography will be accompanied by his stories and observations.
This is Alan’s sixth presentation at the library. Past programs have included last year’s “Above It All” and “The Mountains are Beautiful —Everywhere” in 2015.
Alan is a Slingerlands resident, winter 46er and author of the hiking guide
“The Catskill 67: A Hiker’s Guide to the Catskill 100 Highest Peaks Under 3,000 Feet.” He has hiked extensively throughout the United States and Canada. This program is free and open to the public.
Shaker history discussion
Next up in our Coffee and Conversation series is “Shakers in America” on Friday Oct. 6, at 1 p.m. Author Ann C. Sayers shines a light on the peak years of Shaker history, from the 1820s to the 1850s. Copies of her book will be available for sale after the program. The talk takes place from 1 to 2 p.m. with a 2 to 3 p.m. coffee hour. The Coffee and Conversation series is co-sponsored by Bethlehem Senior Projects, Inc.
— Kristen Roberts