“October had tremendous possibility. The summer’s oppressive heat was a distant memory, and the golden leaves promised a world full of beautiful adventures.”
– Sarah Guillory, Reclaimed
October brings a blend of creativity, mystery, and adventure to The William B. Ogden Free Library. This month’s programs invite patrons to celebrate the season with activities for all ages, from crafting to paranormal exploration. Whether looking to join the Halloween fun or dive into a supernatural discussion, there’s something for everyone this month.
For the little ones, Saturday, Oct. 26, will be the day to make Gingerbread Haunted Houses—a sweet, spooky session where kids can build haunted houses from candy and share ghostly stories.
Teens can unleash their creativity at costume-making workshops Tuesday afternoons to prepare for Halloween. Showoff the creations at the Halloween Glow Party Wednesday, Oct. 30.
Adults interested in the unknown - don’t miss A Look into the Paranormal Wednesday, Oct. 2. Dr. Gary Truce will explore intriguing topics like ESP, ghost phenomena, and the potential of life after death.
There are two multi-generational events this month. The Cemetery Scavenger Hunt Saturday, Oct. 19, will take families and participants on an adventure at Walton Cemetery to search for hidden treasures; and for an after-hours treat, join us Saturday, Oct. 12 for Reel Fun After Hours — a movie night where we’ll screen the original Ghostbusters on our big screen. Bring blankets and chairs to enjoy this cinematic classic with free popcorn and candy.
Children’s Programs
Storytime: Fridays, 10:30 a.m. on the lower level; songs, rhymes, stories, and crafts to entertain your littles.
Jeremiah Pottery Kids: Fridays, Oct. 11 and 25, 3-4:30 p.m. Children who have previously attended this six-week course - meet at Jeremiah Pottery Studio to continue their instruction and creative activities.
Lego Club: Friday, Oct. 18, 3 – 4:30 p.m. This year 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 age and up.
Gingerbread Haunted Houses: Saturday, Oct. 26, 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. A spook-tacular Halloween craft event. Build your own haunted house out of sweets. Once your haunted house is ready, share the spine-chilling tale of its ghostly inhabitants. Scary or silly—the story is up to you. There will be hot drinks to keep you toasty while you create and tell your spooky tales. Sign up required: call 607.865.5929; limit 12 participants.
Tween & Teen Programs
Costume Making for Teens: Tuesdays, 3:15-4:45 p.m. Calling all teen makers! Unleash your creativity in preparation for Halloween. Make your own spooky mask and costume using recycled materials, and glow in the dark paint, then show off your creation and enter the costume contest at the Halloween glow party Oct. 30.
Dungeons and Dragons: Wednesdays, 5-7 p.m. for teens 12 and up with Dungeon Master Amanda Mills. Materials and pre-made characters included.
Halloween Glow Party for Teens: Wednesday, Oct. 30, 6-7:30 p.m. Come celebrate the spookiest holiday with a costume contest. Prizes, games, music and snacks. Theme: Creatures of the Night. It will be a ghoulishly good time.
General Interest Programs
Great Give Back: Heart of the Catskills Feline Adoption Event: Saturday, Oct. 5, 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Need a furry purry friend? The annual Great Give Back event is in collaboration with the Heart of the Catskills Humane Society of Delhi. Meet, pet and play with feline friends looking for loving humans to call their own. Sally will be here to tell us about cat care and answer questions. Can’t commit? You can still help. Wish list items will be collected for the humane society all month in exchange for books.
SFCU Scholarship Seminar: Wednesday, Oct. 9, 6:30–7:30 p.m. High School juniors and seniors, and their parents are invited to the library to learn about college scholarships. A representative from the Sidney Federal Credit Union will be here to discuss what a scholarship is and its importance to college bound students. They will share about scholarship opportunities open to students and answer questions.
Reel Fun After Hours: Saturday, Oct. 12, 7 - 9 p.m. “Reel Fun After Hours” at the library. A magical movie night experience on our big screen in the library after it closes to watch “Ghostbusters.” Bring family and friends for an evening of cinematic adventure and fun. Bring a blanket, sleeping bag, or camp chair to make yourself comfortable. Free popcorn and candy. Don’t miss this opportunity to experience the library after hours. The classic movie, rated PG, is about a group of eccentric New York City parapsychologists who investigate and eliminate ghosts, paranormal manifestations, demigods, and demons.
Cemetery Scavenger Hunt: Saturday, Oct. 19, 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Meet library staff at the Walton Cemetery Civil War monument on Memorial Drive for the annual cemetery scavenger hunt. This is a multi-generational event. An hour later, meet back with the group to discuss your findings. Children must be accompanied by an adult. In case of rain, bring an umbrella.
Adult Programs
Knit & Crochet Group: Tuesdays, 3 p.m. Gather on the main floor. Bring the project you are working on and enjoy friendly conversation as you knit and crochet.
Mahjong: Thursdays, 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. This is for everyone who loves to play or wants to learn. Bring a friend or come alone; all skill levels welcome. Main floor.
A Look into the Paranormal: Wednesday, Oct. 2, 6:30 - 8 p.m. This presentation will focus on certain paranormal studies. Topics addressed: ESP, mental telepathy, dowsing, levitation, spirit or ghost phenomena, and the potential of life after death. Body energies, parallel dimensions, and a consciousness that is out of the realm of our accepted reality will be discussed. Presenter Dr. Gary Truce is a retired professor from the health and wellness studies program which is a part of the Decker College of Nursing and Health Sciences at Binghamton University. He has been a professor, researcher, consultant and therapist in the areas of psychophysiology, health, human behavior, and paranormal occurrences. The emphasis of his work is in the psychology of human behavior and functional capacities.
Silent Book Club: Thursday, Oct. 3, 6:30 - 8 p.m. A tranquil literary escape held the first Thursday of the month from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Immerse yourself in an evening of peaceful reading and companionship. Complimentary snacks and drinks or bring a treat to share to the library’s lower level. Engage in 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.
Crafterwork: Thursday, Oct. 10, 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.
This month, we will make painted barn quilts. Barn quilt paintings have become popular to add rustic elegance to both interior and exterior spaces. In this session, we will create a 12”x12” version, perfect for adding a touch of cozy charm to your home. Open to adults and teens 16 and older. Free, but space is limited, so sign-up is required. To reserve your spot, call the library at 607-865-5929. Don’t miss this opportunity to explore the art of barn quilts and create your own unique piece.
Defensive Drivers Course: Thursdays, Oct. 17 and 24, 5 - 8 p.m. Linda Karpovich, certified instructor, will present a six-hour defensive driving course on the lower level of the library. This takes place over two days with three hours in each session. Upon completion, participants will receive a certificate to submit to their insurance company for a 10% savings off their basic liability and collision insurance for three years. The cost to participate is $35. Space is limited to ten. Register at the library with payment to secure a spot.
Book Club: Wednesday, Oct. 23, 7 – 8 p.m., meets on the lower level. This month we are reading “They Called Us Enemy” by George Takei ©2019. Reserve a copy by calling the library - 607-865-5929 - or by visiting www.4cls.org
Medicare Information Session: Thursday, Oct. 24, 2 - 3 p.m. Robin Williams will join us in person at the library to answer questions concerning Medicare. Bring your questions about “the donut-hole,” HMO vs PPO, EPIC, money savings programs and more. Williams is a local, licensed insurance agent and coverage educator.
