The warm, long days of summer allow us to take advantage of the wonderful outdoor activities in our area. Yet, even though the cold, darker winter days are returning, the Gardiner Library has lots of plans to keep you from getting the winter blues. Art shows, themed series, one time events, and ongoing programs should make the library a very busy place this winter.
The library’s travel series will provide opportunities for the whole family to learn about the cultures, animals and natural environments of places around the world. Presentations include Bill Fiero’s travels to Taiwan and Kenya, Susan Sprachman’s photo exhibit of her time living in Iran, with a talk on how Iranian women use style and flair to bend restrictions on showing their hair and bodies, and Lanz and Kristen von Hörsten’s slide show of their photography of the scenery and animals of South Africa, Namibia and Botswana shot while on expeditions, which they organize.
The fourth annual winter concert series will open with four time All-Ireland Fiddle Champion Dylan Foley. Musicians consistently comment on how much they enjoy playing in our community room and love our audiences. (After the concerts, walk over to Gardiner Liquid Mercantile with your concert ticket and receive $5 off a meal or beverage.)
Local history buffs will enjoy Gardiner Town Historian A.J. Schenkman’s talk about Big Bad Bill, Gardiner’s own Desperado. Frances Dunwell, author of The Hudson: America’s River, will also give a book talk on the history of the Hudson River and its influence on trade, politics, art and architecture in the region, as well as conservation efforts it inspired. In 2017 photographer Michael Gold, with Fred Mayo, will present a lively talk on their new book American Table Manners: Good & Bad which includes over one hundred of Michael’s pictures.
Other new series in the works include a wellness series by local herbalists and nutritionists, and a history series on medieval crafts with live demonstrations and future art shows include photographs by Trina Greene and Susan Sprachman, paintings by Amy Cote and Stacie Flint, and drawings by Howard Miller. Many of these shows will appeal to children as well as adults and because the shows are relatively small they provide a great opportunity to expose kids to artwork without them feeling overwhelmed. Most importantly these exhibits allow the public to see some fun, exciting and original work by artists living in our community.
Of course, the library’s ongoing events will continue including our Repair Cafes, slow jams, open mics, drive-in movie afternoons for young children, Italian conversational classes, singing groups and more. Part of the mission of the Gardiner Library is to “provide materials and services to meet the educational, cultural, and social needs of our growing community.”
The staff at the Gardiner Library works hard to develop programming that reflects this mission but we are always open to feedback and suggestions. If you ever have the time please stop by, write or call, your input is very important to us.