(Also visit our Friends of Library page for more events and news)
 

Downloadable Digital Video
We are now able to offer downloadable digital video.  Through the Upper Hudson Library System there are over three hundred titles available.  These range from educational shorts to cartoons as well as feature films.  Patrons are able to either download videos to their computer and/or transfer these files to a portable device (MP3, iPod, etc.).  These downloadable titles are checked out for three weeks and automatically returned to the Library.  www.digitalcollection.uhls.org

UHLS Mini-Grant
The Library applied for and received a mini-grant through the Upper Hudson Library System.  Our community partner in this endeavor is the Senior Citizens Center.  With this grant we have purchased a wide-screen, wall-mount TV, Nintendo Wii gaming system, and a digital video camera.  The purpose of this grant is to teach Senior Citizens how to use the Wii system for exercise which will take advantage of the low impact nature of the games.  In addition, the Library would like to host gaming competitions and put the video on WVLT.   Seniors are invited to the Library on Wednesday mornings, 11 a.m., to explore the world of Wii.  No registration required.

Albany County Legislative Funding
At our second annual I Love My Library dinner, Bob Beston, Albany County Legislator (District 16), presented the Board of Directors with a check for $5,000.  This money is earmarked to buy new public access computers to replace our aging, well-used towers.  The new computers will have USB ports so patrons may use their MP3 players as well as flash memory drives at the Library.  In addition, a color laser printer will be purchased for patron use.  Thanks to the Albany County Legislature and Bob Beston for being such good friends of our Library!

Second Annual "I Love My Library" Dinner
Thanks to all who braved our Northeast winter weather on Friday, February 1, 2008 to show their support for our Library.  Our second annual I Love My Library dinner was well attended.  Our guest chef Bob Farley returned with a delicious meal of chicken cordon Bleu and wild rice, we had over 20 beautiful raffle baskets that attracted lots of interest and this year we were also able to hand out over 40 door prizes!  This event is really a celebration of the Library and the community it serves.  The funds raised go right into goods and services so our residents can have their latest books and DVDs, computer availability, wifi access, and programs as well as many other resources.  Bob Beston, our Albany County Legislator, began this event last year and his help and support is immeasurable and greatly appreciated.  Photos of event.
 

Watervliet Public Library Book Discussion Group 2008
The group meets in the Library at 3:00 p.m. on the first Wednesday of each month.  This is a very active group led by Margaret Foley, a former librarian.  Margaret's choices are diverse, timely, and a lively discussion is the norm.  If you would like to share your joy of reading with fellow book lovers, please consider joining this interesting group.
Readings for 2008:

Learn to Knit and/or Crochet
The volunteers at the Library want to share their love of knitting and crocheting with you!  Starting on Friday, January 11th from 2:30-3:30, they will be at the Library eager to teach.  Whether you are a novice or have some experience, come join them for a cozy, winter Friday afternoon.  No supplies are needed... they will provide everything! 

Congratulations!
Congratulations to Sarah Shelde, one of our loyal volunteers.  Sarah's essay, "What Truthiness Taught me About Being (un) Cool" was recently published in the book, Red:  the Next Generation of American Writers.  This book has received rave reviews and Sarah's essay is particularly timely.  Sarah is a student at the Watervliet High School.

Hannah Montana Raffle to Benefit Library & Senior Center
The winner of the raffle for 2 tickets to the Hannah Montana show is Karen Bauer from East Schodack.  Thank you Bob Beston!

Cerri Historical Lecture Series
The Friends of the Library hosted Part 2 of a slide presentation on Oct. 26 featuring slides of historical Watervliet collected by Dr. Lawrence Cerri for his History of Watervliet.  

An Evening of International Wines
The Members of the Board of Trustees for the Watervliet Public Library hosted An Evening of International Wines on Friday, September 14, 2007.  They would like to thank all those who attended this fall fundraiser.  Over 100 loyal supporters of the Library turned out to enjoy wines and foods from around the world.  We are very grateful to Jeff & Donna Asadorian, owners of Latham Center Wines & Spirits, 231 Wade Road Ext., for donating all of the wine.  A special "thank you" goes out to Tracy Wheatley and Tina Buonauito for the incredible job they did on the decorations and food.  Many people commented on the beautiful set-up and delicious and varied appetizers that were available. 

Summer Reading Program 2007
This year's theme was Get a Clue @ Your Library. Thanks to a generous donation from Stewart's Holiday Match we were able to offer several top-notch programs to celebrate summer reading.
Sylvia & the Magic Trunk   Pictures of Event
Friday, July 13, 2007.  Professional ventriloquist Sylvia Markson will delighted the children with her comical cast of wise-cracking characters.

Dean Davis and his Amazing Animals
Friday, July 20, 2007.  Area zoologist Dean Davis visited us with his collection of amphibians, reptiles and spiders.

Fruit & Veggies Sculpture  Pictures of Event
Friday, August 3, 2007.  Using a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, kids created their own edible sculpture.   Sponsored by the Honest Weight Food Co-op

Hip Dips  Pictures of Event
Friday, August 10, 2007.  Children created yummy snacks with fresh fruit and veggie dips and took  home recipes to share with their families.  Sponsored by the Honest Weight Food Co-op

Tang Museum Presentation  Pictures of Event
Friday, August 17, 2007.  Children created a secret message in Morris Code using colorful beads and pipe-cleaners. 

Thank You!
The Watervliet Public Library would like to thank the Watervliet Charitable Foundation for their contribution of $500. to the Library.  This money will be used to purchase children's books and magazines for our very active childrens room.  The Charitable Foundation is a group of community leaders that fund-raise and distribute needed dollars to eleven agencies within the city of Watervliet.  If you would like to donate, please send check to:
Watervliet Charitable Foundation
P.O. Box 393
Watervliet, NY  12189

Childrens' Room Update
The renovation of the childrens' area has been completed.  Thanks to generous memorial Donations in his name, the Dr. Edward C. Diamond Childrens' Room has a new look.  In addition to carpeting, new bookcases and kid friendly art-work, there are puzzles, games and a television/DVD/VCR combo for use by our young library patrons.  As a teacher and former Superintendent of Watervliet City Schools, Dr. Diamond devoted his life to education and the young people of our community.  We sincerely appreciate the generosity of the Diamond family.

The Watervliet Historical Society, a new standing committee of the Friends.

Books for Senior Housing
The Upper Hudson Library Association has awarded the Watervliet Public Library $1,200. for an outreach grant for 2007.  This money will be used to purchase Large Print Books and Audio Books that will be placed in the Senior Housing complexes in Watervliet and Green Island.  These books and talking books will be rotated every three months so residents will have fresh materials to chose from.  Be on the lookout for these collections!

Watervliet Public Library Book Discussion Group 2007
The group meets in the Library at 3:00 p.m. on the first Wednesday of each month.  This is a very active group led by Margaret Foley, a former librarian.  Margaret's choices are diverse, timely, and a lively discussion is the norm.  If you would like to share your joy of reading with fellow book lovers, please consider joining this interesting group.
Readings for 2007:

Toddler Pajama Storytime
Date and time to be announced.
Come join us for a toddler pajama storytime.  Wear your "jammies", grab a bedtime buddy, and come to the Library for songs, stories and fun.  No sign-up required. 
 

Teddy Bear Picnic
Held on Saturday, May 19, 2007.  Stories, face painting, cookie decorating and refreshments were enjoyed.  Click on the bear to see photos. Sponsored by Friends of the Library.
The next Teddy Bear Picnic will be on Saturday, October 13 at 2:00. 

A Chicken Marsala Dinner was held on Friday, February 2, 2007 at the Watervliet Elks.
We would like to thank everyone who joined us for good food, good friends and a good time. 
Click here to see photos of the event.

Mitten Tree 2007
The volunteer staff of the Library decorated a "mitten tree" for the holidays.  Scarves, hats & mittens were accepted during the month of December, 2006.  The Watervliet  Housing Authority agreed to distribute the cold weather attire to the youngsters of Watervliet.

Volunteers & Staff enjoy a Christmas party at Valente's Restaurant hosted by the Library's Board of Trustees on December 12, 2006.  The volunteers contribute over 50 hours per week to staff the Library so that the community will have access to the Library's resources.  The Library is lucky to have these dedicated, caring volunteers.

The Friends of the Watervliet Library raffled off a "Tigger" (from Winnie the Pooh) afghan on September 28, 2006.  The winner was Fran Cerri. 

Ruby the Reading Dog visited the Library on August 16, 2006. Ruby is a Therapy Dog who loves children and loves being read to. Photos

Rowdy, the Albany River Rats Mascot, kicked off the 2006 Summer Reading Program at the Watervliet Public Library on Tuesday, June 27th.  Photos

Maplewood School spruces up the Library Photos

2006 Library News:  The Watervliet Charitable Foundation has given the Library another generous gift of $500.00.  The last monies given by the WCF were used to create the reading and reference area by the door as you come into the Library.  This Foundation was started by a former resident, John Razzano, who wanted to give back to the community where he grew up.  Every dollar that is contributed is put right back into Watervliet non-profit organizations.  The Senior Center, the Civic Center and the Library are some of your local organizations that have benefited from this organization.  If you would like to contribute, the address is:  Watervliet Charitable Organization, PO Box 393, Watervliet, NY  12189.

Watervliet Head Start students enjoy a "Spring" 2006 story hour at the library, and planting sunflower seeds.