Adult Programs
On Display in the Library:
Collages and Photographs by Charles Baum
November 6 through December 31
On Display in ‘The Little Gallery’
Sketches by Hannah Letterman Mandel
November 1 through 30
Film Screening: The Extraordinary Caterpillar
Saturday, November 14 | 2:00 – 3:30 p.m.
Discover the overlooked role that caterpillars play in biodiversity, ecological food webs, and the survival of local wildlife with a film screening of ‘The Extraordinary Caterpillar’ at the Roe Jan Library on Saturday, November 14, at 2:00 p.m.
In every backyard and field lives an army of tiny superheroes more incredible than fiction. These master shape-shifters can perfectly mimic bird droppings, transform into miniature dragons, or disguise themselves as delicate leaves and branches. Through breathtaking macro videography, The Extraordinary Caterpillar reveals the astonishing abilities and hidden lives of these creatures, showing a world of wonder that has been right outside our doors all along. But these essential creatures face serious threats. Since 1970, insect populations have declined by 45% globally, and North America has lost three billion birds. A key culprit is the loss of native plants, replaced by lawns and non-native ornamentals that cannot support local food webs. From blooming meadows to bustling city parks and lush backyard gardens, ‘The Extraordinary Caterpillar’ takes viewers on a journey that celebrates the magic of nature while showing families practical ways to make a difference. Whether removing invasive plants or creating habitat with native species, the film demonstrates how every household can be part of the conservation solution. This inspiring documentary brings communities together and empowers families everywhere to become guardians of the natural world – proving that when we work together, even the smallest actions can create extraordinary change. For more information on the film and to watch a trailer, visit https://homegrownnationalpark.
This free film screening is sponsored by the Hillsdale Conservation Advisory Council and the Hillsdale Climate Smart Communities & Clean Energy Communities Task Force. We look forward to seeing all of you gardeners, nature-lovers, families, and neighbors at the library on Saturday, November 14, to celebrate this tiny superhero!
*VIRTUAL*
Webinar: FDR and Veterans Day
Monday, November 16 | 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Franklin Roosevelt took his role as Commander-in-Chief very seriously and believed this nation owed a great debt of thanks to the young men and women who protect our democratic way of life. This virtual session highlights some of the ways FDR honored our nation’s service members.
Presented by Jeffrey Urbin, Education Specialist at the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Museum and Library.
Email columbiacountylibraries@gmail.
Art Club
Wednesday, November 18 | 4:00 – 6:00 p.m.
A monthly art club for all ages and all levels. Join us this month to make fabric collages. Materials will be provided.
‘Read On’ – Fiction Book Club
Wednesday, November 18 | 6:00 p.m.
Join our fiction book club, Read On, led by Outreach Librarian Fran. We meet on the 3rd Wednesday of every month. This month, we’re reading Whistler by Ann Patchett. All are welcome! Copies are available through the Mid-Hudson Library System and Libby.
For more information, email outreach@roejanlibrary.org
‘Book Marks!’ – NonFiction Book Club
Thursday, November 19 | 1:00 p.m.
Join our nonfiction book club, Book Marks!, led by Circulation Librarian Robin. We meet on the 3rd Thursday of every month. This month, we’re reading The Garden Against Time by Olivia Laing. Copies are available through the Mid-Hudson Library System and Libby.
For more information email circulation@roejanlibrary.org
‘Chapters & Chatter’ – Thriller Book Club
Thursday, November 19 | 6:00 p.m.
Join our thriller book club, Chapters & Chatter, led by Chelsea. This month, we’re reading That’s Not My Name by Megan Lally. Copies are available through the Mid-Hudson Library System and Libby.
For more information email programs@roejanlibrary.org
Tea Time at the Library Presents
Papier-mâché Magic Mushrooms: Holiday Crafting with Kimberly Keough
Thursday, December 3 | 2:30 – 3:30 p.m.
Join us at the library each month to discuss fun and informative topics – each gathering will have a different theme: listen, discuss, and enjoy a cup of tea or coffee and some fresh baked goodies!
This month, we welcome local artist Kimberly Keough who will show us how to create papier-mâché red-spotted mushrooms at home – a great gift for friends or family and a beautiful DIY holiday decor idea. Kimberly uses reclaimed and discarded materials to create small landscapes and upcycled mushroom gardens. Inspired by her love of gardening and her fascination with fairy gardens, she builds tiny, enchanted worlds – bright-capped mushrooms rising from simple, found materials – each piece a small celebration of the woods, the garden, and the imagination.
RAT CLUB
Wednesday, December 9 | 4:00 – 6:00 p.m.
You’ve heard of Art Club, now get ready for RAT CLUB! This month we take a quick break from our regularly scheduled programming to bring you something a little bit silly.
Join us on Wednesday, December 9, between 4 and 6 p.m. for a special edition of Art Club. You’ll choose your rat, and then customize them with bits and bobs, odds and ends. Rats and miscellaneous decor will be provided, but if you have any personal accessories you’d like to adorn your rat with, please feel free to bring them!
Wolcom a cappella Holiday Concert
Sunday, December 13 | 4:00 p.m.
Wolcum (Middle English for “welcome”) is an a cappella group of 9 women who live locally, with a vast amount of experience in singing. It was a love of singing that brought them together, in 2024, to explore a wide variety of music–classical, traditional, popular, jazz, old and new. They have been performing in local venues for the past two years.
The group’s name is actually taken from the featured work they will be performing at the Roe Jan Library, Benjamin Britten’s beloved Ceremony of Carols (with harp), based on texts from the 14th-16th centuries. “Wolcum Yole” is the title of Ceremony’s first movement, welcoming the yuletide season. The rest of the program will include a festive mix of carols and other seasonal music, both sacred and secular, from the Renaissance to the 21st century.
*VIRTUAL*
Webinar: Christmas with the Roosevelts
Monday, December 14 | 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.
For Roosevelt’s Christmas time was truly the most wonderful time of the year. This session presents the customs and traditions followed by the Roosevelt family as they celebrated Christmas, one of their favorite holidays of the year.
Presented by Jeffrey Urbin, Education Specialist at the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Museum and Library.
Email columbiacountylibraries@gmail.
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!
1:1 Tech Help Appointments
Every Wednesday
2:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Need help with your phone or email? Want to learn how to use Libby or Hoopla?
Call the library at 518-325-4101 or email programs@roejanlibrary.org to make an appointment.
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.
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.