“I am grateful for what I am and what I have. My Thanksgiving is perpetual.” – Henry David Thoreau
This month at the William B. Ogden Free Library we invite you to join us in celebrating the season of thankfulness by participating in our diverse offerings of events and programs. Whether you’re interested in music, education, or family activities, we have something for everyone.
For families, Reel Fun After Hours movie night is Saturday, Nov. 9 from 7 to 9 p.m., where we’ll screen “Inside Out 2.” Popcorn and candy will be provided. Bring your blankets for a cozy evening. Saturday, Nov. 23 at 11 a.m., don’t miss the holiday sing-along featuring a select group of fifth grader students from Townsend Elementary School. It’s the perfect way to share some holiday cheer through music, laughter, and community spirit.
For kids, we’re introducing Dexter’s Coding Lab on Thursdays starting Nov. 7 at 5 p.m. and for the first three Thursdays in November and December. Participants will be taught basic coding skills using Scratch, a block-based programming platform, and is designed to make coding accessible and fun. Limited computers will be available, so participants are encouraged to bring their laptops. Sign up is required and students will need an email account to access the platform.
We also have some special educational presentations lined up. On Saturday, Nov. 9 at 11 a.m., historian Diane Galusha will present Enslaved: People as Property in Delaware County, 1790-1830, shedding light on a lesser-known chapter of local history. Wednesday, Nov. 20 at 6:15 p.m., Lithuanian exchange student Ema Venckute will share her experiences and insights into Lithuanian culture and traditions in a fascinating visual presentation.
As we move through November, visit the library and take advantage of the many opportunities to learn, connect, and enjoy this season of gratitude.
Library Events
Knit & Crochet Group: Tuesdays, 3 p.m. on the main floor of the library - yarn crafts. Bring the project you are working on and enjoy friendly conversation as you knit and crochet.
Dungeon’s and Dragons: first and third Wednesdays, 5-7 p.m., designed for those age 12 and up with Dungeon Master Amanda Mills. Materials and pre-made characters included.
Mahjong: Thursdays, 5:30-7:30 p.m. for everyone who loves to play or wants to learn how. All skill levels are welcome (main floor).
Storytime: Fridays, 10:30 a.m. on the lower level for songs, rhymes, stories, and crafts to entertain your littles.
Dexter’s Coding Lab: Thursdays, Nov. 7, 14, 21 and Dec. 5, 12 and 19 from 5-6 p.m. for kids. Curious about coding? Dexter’s Coding Lab teaches using Scratch (a basic coding website) to introduce block-based programming including basic functions such as using/ keeping track of variables, using clones, moving sprites, and more. A limited number of computers will be available so participants are encouraged to bring their own laptops if possible. Sign up is required and students will need an email account to access the platform.
Silent Book Club: Thursday, Nov. 7, 6:30-8 p.m. Come for a tranquil literary escape at a silent book club. Held on the first Thursday of each month from 6:30 to 8 p.m., immerse yourself in an evening of peaceful reading and companionship. Indulge in complimentary snacks and drinks or bring a treat to share on the library’s lower level. Expect light conversation about recent reads during the first 30 minutes, then relish an uninterrupted hour of quiet reading. Open to adults and teens ages 16+; discover the joy of silent immersion in the world of books.
Enslaved: People as Property in Delaware County, 1790-1830: Saturday, Nov. 9, 11 a.m.-12 p.m. This presentation by historian Diane Galusha will examine what the institution of slavery looked like in Delaware County as farms, towns, and industry developed following the Revolutionary War. The talk will identify specific slaveholders, several of them in Walton. To the extent possible, it will also describe the individuals they owned and the work they did. Citing personal documents, official records, memoirs, newspaper accounts and other period sources, Galusha will bring this disturbing, little-known aspect of local history out of the shadows. Diane is the author of several books on local and regional history and is president of the Historical Society of the Town of Middletown, Delaware County.
Reel Fun After Hours: Saturday, Nov. 9, 7-9 p.m. Enjoy a magical movie night experience on the library’s big screen in the comfort of the library after it closes. Bring family and friends for an exclusive evening of cinematic adventure and fun. Bring a blanket to make yourself comfortable - free popcorn and candy provided. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to experience the library in a whole new way - after hours. The movie we will be “Inside Out 2” rated PG.
Lego Club: Friday, Nov. 15, 3 – 4:30 p.m. Young architects-in-training can embark on a journey to construct iconic landmarks like Big Ben, and the Empire State Building with kits ranging in complexity. For elementary and up.
Lithuania Presentation: Wednesday, Nov. 20, 6:15 – 6:45 p.m. Ema Venckute is a foreign exchange student from Lithuania through the FLEX (Future Leaders Exchange) program attending high school in Walton this year. The FLEX program, which started in 1993, is funded by the U.S. Department of State and brings several hundred students from 22 countries in Europe and Eurasia to study in the United States each year. Ema will share a short, visual presentation about Lithuania, including its history, their traditions, culture, and values.
Book Club: Wednesday, Nov. 20, 7 – 8 p.m., meets on the lower level of the library. This month the club is reading “Radium Girls” by Kate Moore ©2017. The Curies’ newly discovered element of radium makes gleaming headlines across the nation as the fresh face of beauty and wonder drug of the medical community. From body lotion to tonic water, the popular new element shines bright in the otherwise dark years of the First World War. Meanwhile, hundreds of girls toil amidst the glowing dust of the radium-dial factories. The glittering chemical covers their bodies from head to toe; they light up the night like industrious fireflies. With such coveted jobs these “shining girls” are the luckiest alive — until they begin to fall mysteriously ill, but the factories that once offered golden opportunities are ignoring claims of the gruesome side effects and the women’s cries of corruption. As the fatal poison of the radium takes hold, the brave shining girls find themselves embroiled in one of the biggest scandals of America’s early 20th century, and in a groundbreaking battle for worker’s rights that will echo for centuries to come. Written with a sparkling voice and breakneck pace, The Radium Girls fully illuminates the young women exposed to the “wonder” substance of radium, and their awe-inspiring strength in the face of almost impossible circumstances. Their courage and tenacity led to life-changing regulations, research into nuclear bombing, and ultimately saved hundreds of thousands of lives. Copies can be reserved by calling the library at 607-865-5929, or visit www.4cls.org
Needle Felting Workshop: Thursday, Nov. 21, 6:30 – 8 p.m. Adults and teens ages 16+, attend the needle felting ornament workshop at the library led by Christina Mitchell and her daughter, Mary. Learn to needle felt designs onto a wool ball, perfect for holiday tree ornaments, gift embellishments, or as part of a festive tabletop display. All materials are provided at no cost, though donations are welcome to support future programs. Space is limited so call 607-865-5929 to register.
Holiday Sing-Along: Saturday, Nov. 23, 11 – 11:30 a.m. A heartwarming holiday singalong featuring a special selection of students from Townsend Elementary School’s Fifth Grade Chamber Chorus. They will perform a delightful range of holiday songs, from fun and whimsical tunes like “I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas” to timeless favorites that bring a feeling of peace and warmth to the season. Whether you’re dreaming of enchanted snowmen or looking to share the joy of holiday music, this event promises to fill you with festive cheer. Gather your family and friends and attend for a wonderful time of singing, laughter, and community spirit.
Board of Trustees Meeting: Tuesday, Nov. 26, 7-8 p.m. on the lower floor of the library; open to the public.
Thanksgiving Break: Wednesday through Friday, Nov. 27-29.
