Adult Programs
On Display at the Library:
Paintings by Sue Arnholter
September 2nd through October 31st
Come check out the library’s newest exhibit featuring works by local artist Sue Arnholter. Sue’s paintings will be on exhibit at the library from September 2nd through the end of October.
“As a young teenager I dabbled a little with drawing and oil painting, not really knowing what I was doing. It wasn’t until I reached my 70’s that I picked up a paintbrush and a pan of watercolors in an attempt to improve my knowledge of color theory for making quilts. I still make quilts but most of my time is spent painting now because I enjoy it so much.”
On Display in ‘The Little Gallery’
Rail Trail: The Power of Place, Visual Meditations on the Harlem Valley Rail Trail by Peter N. Fritsch
October 1 through October 28
COMING SOON to ‘The Little Gallery’
Sketches by Hannah Letterman Mandel
November 1 through 30
Stronger Bones, Stronger You:
A Four-Week Yoga Therapy Workshop Series for Osteoporosis
Weekly on Thursdays | October 8 – October 29
4:00 – 5:00 p.m.
This workshop series is for anyone living with osteoporosis, osteopenia, or those looking to protect their bone health.
Classes are beginner friendly and supportive for all levels. Led by Stephanie, of Roots Holistic Wellness.
You’ll learn:
- Bone strengthening yoga postures
- Breathing techniques to support energy & vitality
- Simple strategies for balance & fall prevention
- Mindful practices to carry into daily routines
Registration is required and is for all four sessions. Please call 518-325-4101 or email programs@roejanlibrary.org to register.
October Film Series: Frankenweenie (2012)
Sunday, October 25 | 1:00 p.m – 2:30 p.m.
Join us on Sunday afternoons in October for three different takes on Frankenstein’s monster. Refreshments will be provided.
October 4th – The Bride of Frankenstein (1935)
October 11th – Young Frankenstein (1974)
October 25th – Frankenweenie (2012)
Ancram Resilient Gardens & Farms present “Creating and Managing Sustainable Gardens & Farms in the 21st Century” with Jamie Purinton and Dr. Kim Tripp
Saturday, October 31 | 2:00 – 3:30 p.m.
Dr. Kim Tripp, DO, Phd, and past director of the New York Botanical Gardens, and Jamie Purinton, landscape architect and former chair/founder of the Ancram Conservation Advisory Council, will share their insights and expertise with a dual talk and power point presentation: “Creating and Managing Sustainable Gardens and Farms in the 21st Century: Regional Resources, Tools and Tips for Ancram Local Farms and Gardens.”
Part 1 Description of Local Resources
Dr. Kim Tripp will present the resources available to area gardeners and farmers to help them create and manage sustainable local farms and landscapes. She will share the Ancram Natural Resources Conservation Plan (NRCP) and The Ancram Significant Habitats Map, compiled and published over the last decade by the Ancram Conservation Advisory Council and Gretchen Stevens of Hudsonia. The maps and plans will be of interest to all area residents who are working with Natural Resource Conservation Plans or who are considering one for their own town.
Part 2 – Examples of Implementing Recommendations
Jamie Purinton will continue the program by presenting local examples that implement recommendations outlined in the Ancram Natural Resource Conservation Plan. These will be applicable to any landowner who is interested in enhancing the biodiversity and ecological health of their property. Examples will include ways to: reduce lawn, conserve and manage storm and groundwater, and manage land for the sake of our precious local flora and fauna.
Writers on Writing
Saturday, November 7 | 1:30 – 3:00 p.m.
Join us at the library on Saturday, November 7, at 1:30 pm to hear from local writers about their unique experiences bringing their books to life, from inspiration to publication.
This session will be moderated by local author Emily Rubin and followed by an audience Q&A. Panel members include John Wiswell (author of Someone You Can Build a Nest In, The Dragon Has Some Complaints, and Wearing the Lion) and Sonia Pilcer (author of The Last Hotel, The Holocaust Kid, and I-Land). Refreshments will be provided.
About Emily: Emily Rubin’s debut novel, Stalina (2011 HMH/Mariner Books), was a selection in the Amazon Debut Novel Award Contest. She has a BA from Bard College and MFA in creative writing from the Writer’s Foundry of St. Joseph’s University. Rubin runs the Write Treatment Workshops, creative writing and journaling workshops for adults affected by cancer for Mount Sinai Hospitals and upstate New York cancer centers through the NY Oncology and Hematology Foundation. She has lectured and taught fiction at Bard College, Columbia University’s Narrative Medicine Program, and the MA in Public Health Program at Washington University, St. Louis. She lives and writes from her home in the Hudson Valley with her husband and their dog, Lucinda.
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!
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
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.