On Display at the Library:

“Color Fields” by Nancy Rutter

Now through June 30

Reception: May 16 | 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.

Stop by the Library and check our latest exhibition by local artist and library volunteer, Nancy Rutter, entitled “Color Fields,” on display at the Roe Jan Library now through June 30th. Make sure to join us on Saturday, May 16th for a reception from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. to celebrate Nancy’s beautiful work!

If you were to synthesize Nancy Rutter’s art in a short catch phrase, it might be best described as by what one critic labeled, “the structure of color.”

Fascinated with the tonal interplay of color and form, Nancy takes her inspiration from nature, specifically Columbia County – a spot of varying beauty and vistas where she is always challenged by the atmosphere and patchwork of light and shadows that dance across the views.

New Parent Meet Up
Every Tuesday
10:30 – 12:00 p.m.

Join our weekly meetup for parents with babies under 1 to connect, share experiences, and get out with your little ones!

Community Still Life
Every Tuesday
2:00 – 4:00 p.m.

Community Still Life offers a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere where people come together to draw and observe. Enjoy the quiet energy of creating alongside others, slow down, and let simple objects spark inspiration. All levels welcome—just come to draw… or paint.

Some supplies are available or bring your own. There will be a different still life every week for inspiration. Led by Tia!

Digital Navigator Office Hours
Every Wednesday
1:00 – 4:00 p.m.

Struggling to get online? Finding it hard to job hunt, find housing, pay bills, or schedule appointments without internet access? The Digital Navigators of the Hudson Valley are here to help! Join Kate, our Communications Manager and Digital Navigator of the Hudson Valley, for free tech assistance. She can help you with:

• Setting up and using email

• Navigating websites for job applications

• Accessing online government services

• Scheduling online appointments

• Basic troubleshooting for personal devices

• And much more!

Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments are appreciated! Email communications@roejanlibrary.org or call 518-325-4101 to reserve your spot with Kate.

Drop In Fly Tying
Bimonthly on 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the Month
4:00 – 6:00 p.m.

Come join fellow fly fishing enthusiasts to socialize while tying flies during the bimonthly drop-in program. Come for part of the time, or the entire 2.5 hours. Newcomers to the sport also welcome to learn from more experienced tyers.

Qigong & Tai Chi at the Library
Every Thursday
10:30 – 11:30 a.m.

Qigong and Tai Chi are approaches to movement that have been practiced for hundreds of years and are particularly helpful for dealing with stress, limited ability to move, those wishing to developing better balance and flexibility and can be practiced by nearly everyone young and old. Although Tai Chi is generally practiced standing, Qigong can be modified to allow participants to be seated.

This weekly drop-in class, open to all, is taught by David Haines, who has been a practitioner of Qigong, Tai Chi, and mindful movement for 50 years, a teacher for 40 years, and a certified Trager Movement practitioner for 35 years. Since moving into the area in 2006 he has taught at Omega Institute, Simon’s Rock college, Columbia-Greene Community College, as well as various libraries, senior centers, and school district community education classes.

Classes are held in the Roe Jan Library Community Room or outdoors, weather permitting. Wear comfortable clothes.

This project has been supported by a grant from the Fund for Columbia County of the Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation.

Memoir Writing Workshop
Wednesday, May 13 & May 27 | 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.

Do you have a story to tell?

Everyone has a story to tell, but most of us don’t feel confident in our ability to tell it. In this two-session workshop series, our instructor will help students develop their stories with the theme and facts clearly presented. Class will cover all elements of memoir writing, from process to publication. Sharing and getting feedback on will strengthen students’ ability to communicate the stories they want to tell, and prepare their stories to be shared with family and friends.

These workshops are presented by Phyllis Carito, MFA. A local poet, writer, and teacher, Carito was introduced to the world of writing in public libraries, which opened the doors to her world of reading and writing. Her work experiences have included public and private libraries, media print production, and teaching creative writing. The opportunity to earn an MFA with a writing focus through Manhattanville College cemented her desire to become a poet and writer. Her book of poems barely a whisper was released through Finishing Line Press. Other published poems and prose appeared in Passager, Stone Highway Review, Inkwell Review, Vermont Literary Review, Voices in Italian Americana, and Returning Woman. Poems and short stories were her main focus until her novel, Worn Masks. Recently (2023 and 2025) she published two novellas, More Than Making Ends Meet and a sequel, More Than a Feeling. Currently, she is working on the precision of flash fiction and putting together a collection of short stories.

Participation is limited to 15 students and registration is required. Register by emailing director@roejanlibrary.org.

Page Turners YA Book Club
Thursday, May 14 | 12:00 p.m.

Join us for the May meeting of Roe Jan’s Page Turners YA Book Club. This month, we are reading We Were Liars by E. Lockhart. The book is available to borrow through the Mid-Hudson Library System and Libby. This book club is for teens and adults! Please note our new meeting time has changed from 6:00 p.m. to 12:00 p.m.

For more information, email communications@roejanlibrary.org.

Read On! Book Club
Wednesday, May 20 | 6:00 p.m.

Join us for the May meeting of Roe Jan’s Read On! Book Club. This month, we are reading Stone Yard Devotional by Charlotte Wood. The book is available to borrow through the Mid-Hudson Library System and Libby. Led by Fran & Kate, this fiction book club meets on the 3rd Wednesday of every month. All are welcome!

For more information, email communications@roejanlibrary.org.

Book Marks! Non-Fiction Book Club
Thursday, May 21 | 1:00 p.m.

Join our nonfiction book club, Book Marks!, led by Circulation Librarian Robin Gottlieb. Meets on the 3rd Thursday of every month. For our May meeting, we are reading The Place of Tides by James Rebanks. Copies are available through the Mid-Hudson Library System and Libby.

Email circulation@roejanlibrary.org for more information.

Concert: Luke Franco Trio
Sunday, May 24 | 4:00 p.m.

Join us in our community room for a free concert with the Luke Franco Trio. Franco is the owner of Tiny Hearts Farm in Copake, NY, and the Tiny Hearts flower shop in Hillsdale. He studied jazz guitar at the Frost School of Music at the University of Miami, and plays extensively throughout the Berkshires and the Capital Region of New York.

Tea Time at the Library with Nancy Rutter | Thursday, May 28 | 2:30 p.m.

Plan to visit the library on the fourth Thursday of each month at 2:30 p.m. to discuss fun and informative topics. Each month’s gathering will have a different theme: listen, discuss, and enjoy a cup of tea (or coffee if that’s your preference!), and sometimes a fun activity. There will also be plenty of time to chat, get to know your neighbors, and wind down.

In May, join local artist Nancy Rutter for a discussion on the artistic process!

Come join the discussion and enjoy a cup of Harney’s Tea (or coffee) and some fresh baked goods on the house.

Job Search and Resume Help

Job search coaching, with an emphasis on resume writing and using online resources to find jobs, is offered by volunteer Career Coach, Beth Gordon. Beth provides help with finding career opportunities, resume and cover letter writing, interviewing preparation and reviewing job resources.

Career Coaching and Job Search Help sessions cover résumé and letter writing, skills assessments, career planning and Internet job search. These one-on-one sessions are designed to help people of all ages seeking career coaching, goal setting, or help updating and improving their professional profiles.

Job Help sessions are by appointment only and are typically conducted via Zoom. You can make an appointment by calling or emailing the library or contacting Beth Gordon directly at bagordon323@gmail.com. In person help at the library can be provided with prior arrangements as well.

Senior Balance and Strength Class with Dr. Paul Spector on Zoom
Tuesdays | 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.

ZOOM LOGIN INFORMATION:

https://zoom.us/j/759916157

Meeting ID: 759 916 157

Passcode: 592902

To watch past recordings of Dr. Spector’s class, visit our YouTube channel playlist.

Hatha Yoga with Roberta Roll
Mondays, at the Library | 8:30 – 10:00 a.m.

a moderately challenging hatha yoga class for all levels.

Thursdays, on Zoom | 9:00 – 10: 30 a.m.

a gentle hatha yoga class for all levels with lots of time for breath work and meditation

For all Thursday classes, go to

https://zoom.us/j/826782227?pwd=QW9ERm9KbkdHMEFvdCtzYUdKcERLdz09

Meeting ID# 826-782-227 | Passcode: 370455