We are open by appointment for in-person services including computer use and printing, browsing of the collection, copying and faxing, and materials pickup (entrance hallway and curbside). We also offer a variety of virtual programs for all ages and access to digital resources. Continue reading
Local History Talk: The Mohicans’ Incorporation into the Iroquois League, 1671-1675
The Mohican Chief Etow Oh Koam, referred to as one of the Four Mohawk Kings, in a state visit to Queen Anne in 1710. By John Simon, c. 1750.
Program Description: Dr. Evan Haefeli, historian of colonial North America and the Atlantic world at Texas A&M University, will discuss the history of the Iroquois Confederacy’s relations with its Indigenous neighbors to the east and south, especially the people of the Hudson Valley.
Date/Time: Thursday, June 24, 6-7:30pm
Registration: For Zoom registration link click here or contact Brenda Shufelt at 518-828-1792 x106 or brenda.shufelt@hudsonarealibrary.org.
This event is offered in collaboration with The Jacob Leisler Institute for the Study of Early New York History.
Drag Queen Story Time at the Hudson Waterfront Park
Program Description: In collaboration with OutHudson, we are proud to present a special evening story hour and picnic. Drag Queen Story Time is a family-friendly and inclusive event, striving to celebrate differences and break down barriers. There will be a drag treasure chest with costumes for kids and complimentary cookies from Trixie’s Oven. Families are welcome to bring a blanket and food while they enjoy stories and a show from local drag artist, Katarina Mirage.
Date/Time: Friday, June 25, 5:30-7pm
Story time at 6pm
Book and Activity Bags for Kids (ages 0-5) – June 2021
This June, we are distributing special giveaway bags for kids ages birth to 5 and their parents. Every bag includes books, crafts, and activities to help encourage early literacy skills development in fun and meaningful ways. They also include raffle tickets for participating families, which provide an opportunity to win gift certificates to local businesses. We have a limited supply of bags! To reserve a bag and schedule a pickup date/time, email youth@hudsonarealibrary.org or call 518-828-1792 x100. This month’s bag features books, crafts, and activities celebrating all of the colors of the rainbow!
This project is supported by a mini-grant from Talk Read Sing Columbia, spreading the message that Talking is Teaching so every young child in Columbia County has the opportunity to thrive.
Nonfiction Book Group June and July Meetings
Program Description: The Hudson Area Library Nonfiction Book Group will read Caste: The Origins of Our Dicontents (2020) by Isabel Wilkerson, for both the June and July meetings and discussions. All are welcome. To participate in the group discussion, email programs@hudsonarealibrary.org or call 518-828-1792 x100. The book is available to borrow in print, audiobook or as an eBook.
Date/Time:
Monday, June 28, 6-7:30pm
Monday, July 26, 6-7:30pm
Register: Email Mark Orton, Library Board President and facilitator of the book group, at morton@hudsonarealibrary.org or call 518-828-1792 x101 for Zoom link.
The Non-Fiction Book Group meets each month Mondays, 6-7:30pm on Zoom. The group is facilitated by library Board President, Mark Orton. For more information on the Non-Fiction Book Group, and to see previous book selections, visit their page
Wild Harvest: Foraging at Oakdale Lake
Program Description: Join herbalist and author, Dina Falconi, on a walk to explore the plants of Oakdale Lake. Learn to identify these plants using basic sensory skills and discover how they are used for food, medicine and pleasure. This walk will include practical information on harvest and preparation. Please bring a notepad, camera, and water bottle. Signed copies of Dina Falconi’s Foraging & Feasting: A Field Guide and Wild Food Cookbook will also be available for purchase, for anyone who is interested (please bring cash or check). Masks and social distancing will be required.
Date/Time: Tuesday, June 29, 6-8pm
Meet at Oakdale Beach, Hudson
To register for this program, email programs@hudsonarealibrary.org or call 518-828-1792 x100. Space is limited.
This program is a Library of Local event.
Summer Reading 2021: July 6 – August 13
We are excited to announce this year’s Summer Reading program, which will include all of the following, for ages birth to 18:
Free Backpacks, created in collaboration with Columbia Land Conservancy, packed full of free activities, crafts, and books. These bags will be available for pick-up at the library beginning on July 6. While supplies last!
Raffle Prizes for participants in our reading incentives program. For every five books read, a raffle ticket may be submitted to the library for a chance to win a $50 gift certificate to a local business of your choice! Visit the library to pick up reading logs and tickets.
In-Person Programs including weekly story times with Mrs. Badila and Ms. Christa, weekly craft times with Ms. Kathy, and a special pollinator exploration and seed planting event with Columbia Land Conservancy.
Virtual Programs including Virtual Movement & Music with Abby Lappen and weekly special events on Zoom:
Friday, July 9, 10am-11am: Zoom In! Sing-a-Long with Mike Pagnani
Friday, July 16, 10am-11am: Zoom In! Mush with Karen Land and Noggin
Friday, July 23, 10am-11am: Zoom In! Celebrate Zookeeper Week with Trevor Zoo
Friday, July 30, 10am-11am: Zoom In! Sing and Dance with Will Parker
Craft-to-Go Kits will also be available for pick-up Monday through Thursday of each week leading up to our Zoom In! programs. Each week’s kit will include a craft that corresponds with that week’s special event.
To register for all of this and more, email youth@hudsonarealibrary.org or call 518-828-1792 x101. You may also use this form to sign up for any or all of our special Zoom In! programs.
The Zoom In! programs are offered in collaboration with Claverack Free Library, Philmont Public Library, and Roeliff Jansen Community Library.
Hudson River Fishing Advisory: Fishin’ with Fran
Program Description: Join educator, Fran Martino, and the Hudson River Fish Advisory for health advice about eating fish from New York State waters by visiting one of these outdoor, drop-in events. Learn where you can safely fish for dinner with the family, learn how to identify fish species, take a selfie at the Big Fish photo frame, and pick-up free activity books, fishing maps of local waters, and other special rewards for kids.
Date/Time: Wednesday, June 23, 5-8pm and
Saturday, July 3, 11am-3pm
Core Strength & Balance
Program Description: Dr. Paul Spector is certified as a trainer with the American Academy of Sports Medicine. In this class, he shares exercises that improve postural stability, core strength, spatial body awareness, sensory integration, agility, and coordination. The class has become an important space for community through its focus on healthy connection, breathing, and its encouraging atmosphere.
To register for these virtual classes, click here.
Date/Time: Saturdays, 1:30 -2:30pm