- Family Storytime
Thursday, Feb. 20, from 10-11 a.m.
Family Storytime is a fun, participatory storytime for the whole family that includes songs, fingerplays, stories and movement activities. Early literacy activities are emphasized. No registration is required.
- Lunchtime Books: ‘Lake Success’
Thursday, Feb. 20, from 12-1 p.m.
The novel is “Lake Success” by Gary Shteyngart. Hedge-fund manager Barry Cohen oversees $2.4 billion in assets. Deeply stressed by an SEC investigation and by his three-year-old son’s diagnosis of autism, he hops on a Greyhound bus and runs away in search of a simpler, more romantic life with his old college sweetheart. Meanwhile, his wife, Seema, has her own demons to face. How these two flawed characters navigate the chaos of their own making is at the heart of this book — a tale of family longing and an ode to what really makes America great. Books are available at the library and new members are always welcome. No registration required.
- Break Week Art Club
Thursday, Feb. 20, from 2-3 p.m.
The library will supply materials and ideas for kids to unwind and get creative. For February Break Week, participants will try out a project using crayon wax and watercolor paint. Registration is required at rcscommunitylibrary.org.
- Romp and Read
Friday, Feb. 21, from 10-11 a.m.
Romp and Read will help get the wiggles out on Tuesdays and Fridays at 10 a.m. with interactive themes, stories and action songs with props. No need to register.
- Mouse Town
Friday, Feb. 21, from 2-3 p.m.
It’s the sweetest little town around — Mouse Town! Using recycled items, participants will make some adorable crafts and positively mouse-sized decorations. Registration at rcscommunitylibrary.org is appreciated but not required. For ages 5-12.
- The Underground Railroad Revisited
Saturday, Feb. 22, from 2-3 p.m.
The Underground Railroad, often remembered as tunnels, dark-of-night escapes, coded language and hidey-holes, was far more extensive and complex than these ideas have led us to believe. In the midst of significant pro-slavery sentiment, New York state was home to many abolitionists working to abolish the institution of enslavement in the state and nation, and it was visited by many who had escaped enslavement and sought a life of freedom. Join Paul and Mary Liz Stewart, independent researchers and co-founders of Underground Railroad Education Center, as they share a new interpretation of a very old story and explain the various initiatives in which Underground Railroad Education Center is engaged as it works to connect the public with this empowering local history and its relevance for us today. No registration is required. For all ages.
- Free Tax Preparation
Monday, Feb. 24, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The CA$H Coalition offers free federal and New York state tax preparation in the Greater Capital Region for families and individuals with an income of approximately $67,000 or less. No tax preparation fees, no hidden fees. Do you qualify for the IRS’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program? Here are the requirements: income for 2023, either single or married filing joints, should be $67,000 or less; must not have rental income; must not have declared bankruptcy in 2023; must not have self-employment income involving inventory (ride-sharing employees generally qualify); must be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident or resident alien, or married to one. If you do not quality based on the above rules, they cannot prepare your tax return. If you’re not sure if you qualify, please get in touch with Andrew Kochian, VITA program coordinator, at andrew@unitedwaygcr.org or call 518-456-2200. Appointments are required at rcscommunitylibrary.og.
- Friends of the RC S Community Library Monthly Meeting
Monday, Feb. 24, from 6:30-7:30 p.m.
The Friends of the RCS Community Library meets monthly to discuss ways to advocate and support the library and its services. New members are always welcome. Please note that this is an exception to the meeting schedule. Meetings are typically held at the library on the third Monday of the month. For adults and teens.
- Romp and Read
Tuesday, Feb. 25, from 10-11 a.m.
Romp and Read will help get the wiggles out on Tuesdays and Fridays at 10 a.m. with interactive themes, stories and action songs with props. No need to register.
- Last Tuesday Book Group: ‘Book of Night’
Tuesday, Feb. 25, from 6:30-7:30 p.m.
The novel is “Book of Night” by Holly Black. New York Times bestselling author Holly Black makes her stunning adult debut with “Book of Night,” a modern dark fantasy of betrayals, secret societies, and a dissolute thief of shadows, in the vein of Neil Gaiman and Erin Morgenstern. This program is for adults. Books are available at the library and new members are always welcome. No registration is required.
- Write Together at the Library
Tuesday, Feb. 25, from 6:30-7:45 p.m.
Are you a beginning writer, or maybe working on the Great American Novel? Maybe you’re the short story type? Prose fiction writers of all types and levels are invited to bring your notebooks, laptops or other writing implements and join in for an evening of writing together. The library will offer writing prompts, sprints and quiet time for you to get ahead on your writing project, no matter where you are in the process. Registration is required at rcscommunitylibrary.org.
- Chair Yoga
Wednesday, Feb. 26, from 10:30-11:15 a.m.
This winter the library is changing things up a little. Join in at the RCS Community Library for this series of gentle chair yoga classes. Registration is required at rcscommunitylibrary.org. For adults ages 50 and up.
- Read with Rocket!
Wednesday, Feb. 26, from 4-4:45 p.m.
Come read to Rocket, a certified therapy dog who loves to cuddle and listen to children reading! Trained by Therapy Dogs International, Rocket is a great companion for kids while they practice their reading. Kids are encouraged to come to the library, grab a book (or bring their own) and get comfy while they practice reading aloud. This is a drop-in program; no registration is required. For ages 5-12.
- Family Storytime
Thursday, Feb. 27, from 10-11 a.m.
Family Storytime is a fun, participatory storytime for the whole family that includes songs, fingerplays, stories and movement activities. Early literacy activities are emphasized. No registration is required.
NEW FICTION
“The Queens of Crime” by Marie Benedict
“Battle Mountain” by C.J. Box
“Bonded in Death” by J.D. Robb
“Grace of the Empire State” by Gemma Tizzard
“Midnight Black” By Mark Greaney
