Library does business in different meeting format
CLAVERACK—The regularly scheduled meeting of the Claverack Library Board of Trustees takes place Tuesday, April 21 at 5 p.m.
In accordance with New York on Pause social distancing recommendations, the meeting will be conducted via the videoconferencing platform Zoom. The public is welcome to join; email director@claveracklibrary.org for sign-in details.
In addition to reports from standing committees, the trustees and staff will present updates on outreach and communications efforts during the COVID-19 crisis.
Although the library’s building has been closed since March 18, the library’s staff and volunteers have been calling patrons to check on them and alert them to the many free digital materials and services the library provides online. Remote tech support and free internet connection are also available in the library’s parking lot on Route 23B just west of Route 9H.
The library thanks its neighbors and patrons for their loyalty as everyone navigates these unprecedented challenges. Feedback is welcome at director@claveracklibrary.org.
Roe Jan trustees zoom together Tuesday
COPAKE—The next meeting of the Roeliff Jansen Community Library Board of Trustees will be held virtually on Tuesday, April 21 at 4 p.m. via Zoom, a free video service that can be accessed online or downloaded as a phone app.
The Roe Jan Community Library Board of Trustees normally meets on the third Tuesday of each month. All meetings are open the public. To attend this meeting, email Tamara Gaskell at director@roejanlibrary.org to receive the login information.
National Library Week shows library flexibilities
GHENT—National Library Week is April 19 through 25, underscoring all of the free benefits a library offers to its community, in the safety and comfort of home.
If borrowing physical books is temporarily out of the question, you can still read (or hear, via audiobooks) the text straight from a phone or tablet with apps like Libby that are free and connect directly to a library card.
Paying for too many streaming services? See if your local library is partnered with platforms like Hoopla and Kanopy, which offer access to a variety of television shows, movies, music, audiobooks and more.
For students of all ages, see if your library is partnered with platforms like LearningExpress Library. For teachers and students alike, there are also free platforms like Shmoop to help with teaching guides and study resources.
Want to learn a new language? Look to see if your library is connected to resources like Mango, Rosetta Stone or Little Pim (for kids) that can help you learn a language online.
Libraries bring people and communities together through books, learning and events, but while in-person interaction is off the table, see if your library offers virtual workshops. Whether it’s a story time for kids, tai chi, guided meditation, guitar lessons or anything else, these events are free and may require only a library card.
Don’t have a library card? See if your library is offering applications for e-library cards during this time. That way, you can easily score these benefits and make your time at home more enjoyable.
Chatham sets virtual book clubs for May
CHATHAM—The Chatham Public Library has announced its virtual book clubs for May.
The monthly Monday Book Group meets online May 4 at 7 p.m. to discuss “The Mysterious Affair at Styles,” Agatha Christie’s debut novel.
This novel was the first of Ms. Christie’s to feature Hercule Poirot, her eccentric Belgian detective. A refugee of the Great War, M. Poirot is settling in England near Styles Court, the country estate of his wealthy benefactress, the elderly Emily Inglethorp. When Ms. Inglethorp is poisoned and the authorities are baffled, M. Poirot puts his sleuthing skills to work.
This book is available online through Overdrive to be read on a computer or tablet, for purchase on Amazon, or listened to as an audio rendition by Phoebe Judge.
To join the meeting, click this link: https://zoom.us/j/647708841?pwd=Sk9kNWZSSVJJM1NmY2FiVGV6U3Q5Zz09
Audre Lorde: Your Silence Will Not Protect You, a reading and discussion series led by Karen Schoemer, meets monthly, online, at 6:30 p.m. The introductory meeting is Monday May 18. The series continues on June 15, July 20, August 17 and September 21.
Ms. Lorde’s powerful voice, documented in her poems, essays, speeches, biomythography and Cancer Journals, remains vital and instructive. It is worth reading for its own sake, and also provides insight into the differences that strengthen American society. This series offers participants an opportunity to discuss Ms. Lorde’s writings as they explore issues of race, class, gender and sexuality.
Books will be provided on loan; arrangements will be made for scheduled delivery or pick-up, after registration. To register or for more information email chathampubliclibrary@chathamk12.ny.us.
In New Leb, library building closed, but library open
NEW LEBANON—The New Lebanon Library building is closed to the public, but the library is open, stepping up its online services.
Library outreach continues via the “digital branch” with postings on social media and collaborations with local institutions on community resources.
Some of the efforts include online library card registrations. Patrons with e-cards can access services like Overdrive—an e-book collection or Universal Class—a source of thousands of classes for everyone from small business owners to continuing education credit courses. Several program types are now offered online, including story time and yoga; other services are being added.
To learn more and participate, visit newlebanonlibrary.org or follow the library’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/newlebanonlibrary/ for up-to-date information. To speak with a staff member, leave a voicemail message at 518 794-8844 and someone will get back to you as soon as possible.