6:30 PM: The World of Tolkien- A panel discussion on the works of Tolkien and the films made (and to be made) from them. There will be insight into the roots of Tolkien's mythology and the languages both real and imaginary associated with Tolkien and his works. We expect the audience will bring additional insights into the works of JRR Tolkien. The panel will consist of K. A. Laity, The College of Saint Rose; Kelli O'Connor-Salomon, Sage College; and jan howard finder, long-time fan.

4:00 PM: Writing, Teaching and Humor- Jack Rightmyer (Bethlehem CSD) and Dan Hayes (Troy CSD) will present experiences and techniques used in their own classrooms to engage students through the use of humor. Both men are published authors who will be discussing their writing methods and pedagogical practices. Sponsored by the Capital District English Educators Association.

7:00 PM: Children With Autism and Their Allies In Action Author Talk – Suman Joshi, who worked as Director of Curriculum and Programming at the Wildwood Programs in Albany for over 25 years, will be talking about the "teamwork" approach in dealing with children with autism. Her talk, followed by discussion, is titled Community Awareness: Autism Spectrum and Its Challenges. Among the challenges she will cover: the myths of autism; communication in different social settings; and the emotions of everyone involved (family, friends, and community) with an autistic child. Ms. Joshi is currently a consultant in both the United States and India for groups dealing with autistic spectrum disorder and is the author of Children With Autism and Their Allies In Action.

9:00 AM: Public Planning and Discussion for a Recovery Community Organization in NYS- Friends of Recovery New York, a non-profit organization involved in chemical dependency prevention, treatment, and recovery and members of the public concerned with recovery will come together to discuss a statewide recovery advocacy effort.

1:30 PM: Northeastern New York Orchid Society

7:00 PM: Hudson Mohawk Bird Club Annual Literary Night- Join us for a fun evening of reading (and listening to) nature poetry and essays. If you have a favorite poem or essay with a theme from nature, either published or original, please bring it to share. If you enjoy listening to nature literature, you are welcome to join us.

7:00 PM: The Ends of Fiction Book Discussion Group- Discussion of In the Labyrinth by Alain Robbe-Grillet. Register in advance at the Information Desk (810-0314). (Youth Services Activity Room)

7:00 PM: The Latest from Kenya and Tanzania- Alan Wechsler, a reporter for the Times Union, traveled to Kenya and Tanzania for a month in October, 2007. During his travels he went on a seven-day animal safari and visited the island of Zanzibar, the Unsambara Mountains of Tanzania, and climbed Mount Kenya, the second-highest peak on the continent. Wechsler, who has previously shown pictures at the library from his travels to Tibet, Nepal and Cambodia, will show slides of his African trip discuss his travels —including the recent violence in Kenya that occurred not long after he left— on Tuesday night April 8th at 7:00 PM. Wechsler, 40, who enjoys outdoor sports, photography and exotic travel, has been to Asia, Europe, South America, Africa and much of the United States. If you attended Alan's previous presentations at the library, you know this will be a most interesting evening.

12:15 PM: "Big Read" Noon Book Review- April is the nationwide "Big Read" month across America and Capital District libraries have chosen Edith Wharton's masterpiece The Age of Innocence for discussions and other events centered on Wharton and the book. On Thursday, April 10th we will have a special "Big Read" Noon Book Review of The Age of Innocence. Winner of the 1921 Pulitzer Prize and considered by the New York Times as one of the best novels of the 20th century, The Age of Innocence is the story of a love triangle in the fashionable, aristocratic, and highly stratified New York City society of the 1870s. Newland Archer, his fiancé May Welland, and Countess Ellen Olenska's lives become intertwined not only with each other and with the social conventions, manners, and mores of the time, but with their hearts' real desires, too. The book The Novel 100: A Ranking of the Greatest Novels of All Time says of this Wharton work: "[It] endures in popularity because it is an appealing 19th century romantic story with interesting characters. But Wharton's novel of manners remains stylistically relevant and thematically and historically significant because of her precise, polished, and elliptical language. [Her] use of language allows us to understand and dissect the complicated rules of behavior imposed upon [the characters] as they express and repress their desires in an age that Wharton shows us was not quite so innocent after all." Our reviewer returns from last year's Big Read Noon Review: Brenda Twiggs, former Director of the HVCC library and now retired. She reviewed Their Eyes Were Watching God, last year's Big Read book.

7:00 PM: Audubon Society of the Capital Region: New York's Plant Explorers- Botanists from the New York Natural Heritage Program have been exploring every region of the state in their quest to provide the most accurate information about our state's rare and endangered plants. Join Steve Young, Chief Botanist of the NY Natural Heritage Program, on a vicarious foray into the natural areas of New York in search of our state's botanical rarities, from tiny ferns no bigger than your thumbnail to majestic oaks hidden away among the concrete and asphalt of metropolitan New York City.

10:30 AM: Reasons for Estate Planning - Regardless of your circumstances or how much wealth you have, every person must give serious thought to their estate plan. Providing for your loved ones, appointing a guardian for minor children, and ensuring that your healthcare wishes are followed are just several reasons to put your affairs in order. Discussion will center on these and other reasons to have an estate plan. The purposes and contents of several estate planning documents will also be explained. Presentation by Lucy Kats, Esq., an attorney at Whiteman Osterman & Hanna, LLP. Reservations are required; call the Information Desk at 810-0314.

1:30 PM: Steamship Historical Society of America—Hudson Valley Chapter

1:00 PM: AARP of Colonie—Chapter 2873- Guest speaker Maryellen Casey Usis, from the Capital District Transportation Authority, discusses the ADA Paratransit and other CDTA programs.

7:00 PM: The Lincoln Assassination: Talk and Photographs- On the 143rd anniversary of the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln, Matthew D. Sissman will examine – with pictures – both the events leading up to the assassination and the pursuit, trial, and fate of all of the conspirators who were involved (four were hanged). Photographs of the conspirators, the locations where the events took place ("then and now" photographs), the execution, and the final resting place of those involved will be shared. Mr. Sissman's primary source of reference is the 2006 book Manhunt: The 12-Day Chase for Lincoln's Killer by James L. Swanson. It is not necessary to have read the book ahead of time, but those attending can read it if they wish. The roles of all of the conspirators, but especially those of Dr. Samuel A. Mudd and Mrs. Mary Surratt will be discussed. Particular emphasis will be given to the 12-day period of the book's title: April 14th, 1865 (the day of the assassination) to April 26th, 1865 (they day John Wilkes Booth was killed and David Herold captured). The trial of all of the conspirators and execution of four on July 7th, 1865 will be covered. The four who were hanged: Mary Surratt, Lewis Powell (aka Payne), David Herold and George Atzerodt. Photographs documenting the hanging of the four will be included in the presentation. The fate of the others, Dr. Samuel A. Mudd, Edman "Ned" Spangler, Samuel Arnold, and Michael O'Laughlen varied enormously. Finally, there will be a brief discussion of the local connection to the story: Albany residents Clara Harris and her fiancé Henry Rathbone were President Lincoln's guests at the theatre the night of April 14th and thus, eyewitnesses to the assassination.

6:00 PM: Informational Seminar on Adoption- Participants will learn about the paperwork that is involved in the adoption process, time factors, and requirements for international adoption in countries including China, Guatemala, Ethiopia, Columbia, Vietnam, and the Ukraine. Also discussed will be the "pros and cons" of international vs. domestic adoption. Presented by the Gladney Center for Adoption. Reservations are required; call the Information Desk at 810-0314.

7:00 PM: Colonie Tuesday Night Live Poets' Corner- Local poets and writers of all ages are invited to present six to ten minutes of their original work at this open reading forum. The public is encouraged to stop in and listen. Hosted by William Robert Foltin (785-1252). (Training/Conference Room)

7:00 PM: Peer Writing Groups- The Hudson Valley Writers Guild presents a panel discussion of various aspects of peer writing groups including getting started, format, focus, ground rules and leadership.

10:00 AM-Noon: Adoption Today- Family Focus Adoption Services presents an informational program about adoption in 2008. The who's, what's, where's and how's of adoption will be covered. Reservations are required; call the Information Desk at 810-0314.

1:00 PM: Reverse Mortgages- Information for seniors regarding the Federal government program called home and equity conversion (reverse mortgages). Presented by Robert Wilkinson of Best Interest Mortgage Corporation in Clifton Park. Reservations are required; call the Information Desk at 810-0314.

12:00 Noon: Opera Over Easy: Faust- A special presentation, in conjunction with our Big Read programming, of the opera that plays a role in The Age of Innocence. Reservations are required; call the Information Desk at 810-0314.

6:30 PM: Sierra Club—Hudson Mohawk Group

1:30-3:00 PM: Transitions- The Town of Colonie Senior Resources Department is pleased to provide this support group for those seniors who are coping with a recent loss, death or significant life change. For additional information contact Christine Cary at the Senior Resources Department at 459-5051. (Training/Conference Room)

7:00 PM: Edith Wharton/Big Read Discussion Series- Discussion of The Age of Innocence. Reservations are required; call the Information Desk at 810-0314.
(click here for additional series information)

12:15 PM: Noon Book Review: Girls Gone Mild- For April's Noon Book Review on the 24th we'll be hearing about Girls Gone Mild: Young Women Reclaim Self Respect And Find It's Not Bad To Be Good, Wendy Shalit's follow-up to her 1999 book A Return to Modesty. Our reviewer will be Lisa Witkowski, former newspaper reporter, PR specialist, and currently President of the Capital Region Chapter of MOMS Club International. Dr. Patricia Dalton, a clinical psychologist in Washington, DC, in writing of the two books says: "In [A Return to Modesty, Shalit] addressed the downside of the changes the sexual revolution has brought to our culture and to college life, and argued that modesty can be a choice based on a solid sense of self rather than a retro and tired female custom. Now her first book also appears prescient; in 1999, she knew which way the cultural winds were blowing. Since that time, the sleaze factor in our culture has worsened in ways about which numbers of people now express dismay. In Girls Gone Mild, Shalit sees clearly through the junk culture and just where it is leading young girls and women. This book carries a disquieting message about the messages that television, movies, magazines, schools, and even parents sometimes give to girls. But mothers and fathers ignore or discount these concerns at their peril – most of all at the peril of their daughters. Wendy Shalit draws on common sense and hers is clearly a voice to be reckoned with. But she has also documented voices of real girls who are raising important questions about the culture around them. Many of these individual girls are taking action to counter this prevailing culture – putting a new slant on counter-cultural! Girls Gone Mild profiles [over 100] girls and young women who think for themselves. They are proud of who and what they are, and are making the choices that will allow them to continue to feel this way."

7:00 PM: Riverway Storytelling Festival: Our Favorite Stories- A free family concert featuring Bill Cliff, Leeny Del Seamonds, Norah Dooley, Kate Dudding, Baba Jamal Koram, John Porcino and Gayle Ross. While this is a free concert, the seating is limited and tickets are required. Free tickets will be available, in-person only, in the Youth Services Department beginning Sunday, March 30. Please call Youth Services at 810-0315 for more information.

10:00 AM-4:00 PM: Capital District Genealogical Society- The Society's annual computer day will feature look-ups, computer help and advice, as well as demonstrations.

2:00 PM: Tinnitus Association of the New York Capital Region: "Tinnitus Coping Strategies"- Guest speaker: Dr. Christine Raffo, Au.D., from the Madison Hearing Center in Albany and Saratoga Hearing Center.

PROGRAM CANCELLED: 7:00 PM: No-Kill Programs for Animals- An open forum for all lovers of animals who would like to see no-kill programming in the Capital District, saving animal lives. Presented by HOPE (Humane Options Promoting Education).

7:00 PM: Fiction Book Discussion Group- This month the group discusses One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel García Márquez. (Youth Service Activity Room)

7:00 PM: Special Education Workshop- Special education workshop for parents of students with disabilities and teachers, and other staff. The workshop is designed to bring all parties together, communicating effectively and developing individualized education plans (IEP's) as a team. Students with disabilities are especially welcome.

Teen Coffee House
Friday, April 4, 7-10:30 pm
The Coffeehouse and Open Mic is a program for teens in grades 9-12. Past coffeehouse events have included group and solo music acts, poetry readings, comedy, and dance. Participants are invited to perform, or just enjoy the show from the audience. Refreshments will be available.

Anime Club
Friday, April 25, 7-9 pm
Teens interested in Anime and Manga are invited to join our Anime Club which meets monthly. Members watch anime, participate in drawing contests, play DDR and play video games. Call Maureen DeLaughter at 458-9274 for more information.

Trip to Norman Rockwell Museum
On Saturday, April 26th the library will host a trip for teens to the Norman Rockwell Museum in Stockbridge, Massachusetts. Participants will view the exhibit LitGraphic: The World of the Graphic Novel and other exhibits. For more information about the trip, please call Maureen DeLaughter.

Battle of the Bands – save the date!
On Saturday evening, June 14, the library will host its 3rd annual Battle of the Bands. The event is open to teens in grades 9-12 only, and participants must register for the event. Complete information will be available in mid-May.

Introduction to Computers: Gateway to the World Wide Web
Date: April 17@ 2:00 PM
Are you a computer novice? This hands-on computer course is designed for individuals with little or no previous experience. The course will focus on developing skills in the following areas: 1) Basic understanding of the Windows environment. 2) Ability to use the computer mouse. 3) Ability to use the computer keyboard. 4) Ability to access computer programs and files. This 2-1/2 hour class is limited to 8 participants.

Introduction to the Internet
Date: April 24 @ 7:00 PM
This class is designed for library patrons who have little or no experience with the Internet and the World Wide Web, but who are basically competent with the computer mouse, keyboard and the Windows environment. Learn Internet terminology and how to access the Internet from home, work, and at the library. Emphasis will be on browsing and searching the World Wide Web using a Web browser's toolbars, menus, and hypertext links. Patrons will have the use of their own individual computer workstation in the library's training room. The class lasts approximately two hours and is limited to 8 participants.

Intermediate Internet: Using Search Engines
Date: April 17 @ 6:30 PM
This class is designed for library patrons who have experience using the World Wide Web, and are very familiar with using the computer mouse, keyboard and the Windows environment. Learn the best methods of searching the Internet. We will explore the many search engines and directories available to aid you in your informational quest. WARNING: This is not an Introduction to the Internet. We ask that you have already spent time online and have a modest understanding of the World Wide Web and the Internet. Each patron will work at their own individual computer workstation in the library training room while learning about the best search tools on the World Wide Web and how to use them. Each class lasts approximately two hours and is limited to 8 participants.

Basic Word Processing and File Management
Date: April 22 @ 2:00 PM
This class explores the basic features of the Microsoft Word Screen from top to bottom. Students navigate the menus and icons along with the instructor. The purpose of this class is to encourage students to perform basic editing functions on a prepared document, to create a folder in Windows Explorer, and to save the document to the folder. Students should have dexterity with the mouse, keyboard experience, familiarity with the Windows environment, and a sense of humor. The class runs for two hours and is limited to six students.

7:00 PM: Student Travel Exchange Program- An informational session for host families and potential host families for exchange students from Spain, France, Germany, Thailand, Brazil, Belgium, India, South Korea and more for the summer program or for the school-year 2008/09 academic program.

9:15 AM-12:15 PM: People to People Student Ambassadors

1:30 PM: Northeastern New York Orchid Society

1:00 PM: Celebrate Romance!- Capital Region Romance Writers of America, Inc. invites you to meet local published authors as they discuss writing romance fiction, where they get their inspiration, what are e-books, the different genres, and how they became published authors. This interactive program is for fans of romantic fiction as well as aspiring writers. Featured authors include Roberta DeCaprio (paranormal, historical, fantasy), Jackie Kessler (paranormal, urban fantasy), Jean Gordon (contemporary, historical), Patricia Otto (erotic, paranormal), Coleen Reilly (erotic), and Frankie Bailey (mystery).

7:00 PM: Hudson Mohawk Bird Club: A Virtual Tour of the Amazing Bird Life of the Albany Pine Bush Preserve- Tucked amongst the hustle and bustle of New York's capital city, the Albany Pine Bush supports the best remaining worldwide example of an inland pitch pine scrub oak barrens. While insects have been studied exhaustively here for more than a century, until recently we knew surprisingly little about the Pine Bush bird community. Recent research has revealed a diverse assemblage of breeding season and migratory birds, and that the Pine Bush is especially important for several declining shrubland species. Presenter Neil Gifford is the Conservation Director for the Albany Pine Bush Preserve Commission.

12:15 PM: Noon Book Review- Jay Rogoff, one of our best speakers over the past few years (he's been here four times, speaking on a variety of subjects from Shakespeare to Balanchine to baseball parks) returns in May to talk about his own work. Jay will talk about poetry, his poems, and read from his latest book of over 40 poems The Long Fault. This is Jay's third collection and the subjects of his poems range from a meditation on the cover illustration by John Currin ("Three Women") to Jane Austen ("Chawton" and "Jane Austen, Inventor of Baseball") to ancient and modern wars ("The Shield of Aeneas," "Memorial Chapel," and "Folding the Flag") to martyrs bones ("The Golden Chamber") to a man playing the trumpet while driving ("The Guy Who Passed Me Doing 90 MPH and Playing the Trumpet"). All Jay's poems, ultimately however, dwell or meditate – whether humorously or seriously – on "the long fault into which we will all tumble." As the publisher says of these poems: "They simultaneously enlist the power of all forms of art as an ally in confronting disaster and helping us proceed….The Long Fault resists the encroaching dark with the imaginative sympathy, strong lyricism, and strange humor that powerful poetry can provide." Please join us, and bring your lunch too.

7:00 PM: Summer Job Seeking Skills for Youth- The Town of Colonie Youth Bureau – Youth Employment Service presents a workshop on job seeking skills and resources to assist youth with their job search. The program is open to high school and college students ages 14-21. Reservations are required and limited to 40 participants. Call the Information Desk at 810-0314 to reserve your spot.

11:30 AM: Hidden Dangers of Lead- Can you guess what children's clothing snaps, osteoporosis, and the funny pages all have in common? Come join us as we hear from Michelle Schottenham, Lead Coordinator for Rensselaer County Department of Health, about all the places lead is hiding in our environment. Presented by Community Cradle Maternal Infant Network.

4:00-6:00 PM: South Colonie Schools Student Art Exhibit Reception- Parents, students, and friends are invited to view the art work of students in all grade levels. The exhibit runs from May 1-30.

7:00 PM: Audubon Society of the Capital Region: Saving Special Places- In the past 15 years, the Mohawk Hudson Land Conservancy has worked with local landowners and municipalities to help protect 1700 acres of open space, special places that showcase the natural and working landscapes which define our region. Join Jill Knapp for an overview of MHLC, highlights of past projects such as Wolf Creek Falls Preserve, and a peak at exciting initiatives currently on the front burner such as the long-awaited Rails-To-Trails project. Jill Knapp is the Executive Director of the Mohawk Hudson Land Conservancy.

1:00 PM: AARP of Colonie–Chapter 2873- Paul Iannon from HIPPO'S discusses how to choose an HDTV, the change-over to digital TV in February 2009 and decisive decisions about digital converters.

6:00 PM: Film: CALCUTTA MAIL; Hosted by Dr. Said Shah- The plot of the film revolves around the search by the central character for a person in Kolkata(Calcutta). In the course of the search the film highlights the criminalisation of politics and its impact on human relationships. The director has caught the spirit and hum of contemporary Kolkata. With good cinematography and sensitive acting, the film leaves one with a sharply etched portrait of Kolkata's urban life style. (2003, 140min.) Reservations are required; call the Information desk at 810-0314.

10:00 AM: Infant Massage and Sign Language- The program includes a half-hour presentation on each topic. Part One: "The Art of Infant Massage"- It is never too late to begin massage. Whether your baby is newborn or several years old, massage can bring immediate and lasting results. Massage has been shown to help parents relax and listen to their baby, giving them a better understanding about their infant's cues of responsiveness. It also helps to strengthen and regulate the baby's respiratory, circulatory, nervous and gastrointestinal systems. Additionally, massage reduces gas and colic and allows the baby to sleep better. Participants will learn hands-on techniques in the introduction. Part Two: "Sign with Your Baby"- parents and caregivers can learn to use stories, music, and daily life to introduce signs to your child. Research has shown using sign language with your child improves communication and vocabulary, reduces frustration and temper tantrums, increases IQ and raises self-esteem. Presented by Kathleen Gates, LMT and Kim Taylor-DiLeva of Kim's Signing Solutions. Reservations are required; call the Information desk at 810-0314.

7:00 PM: Improving Your Bird's Life (and Yours!) through Behavior Modification- Commmunication is the key! All species of pet birds, and their people, will benefit by easy to apply techniques aimed at building a meaningful relationship. Mutual understanding and problem solving can be accomplished by incorporating scientific learning principles into simple routines. Whatever the species of pet bird, you can enjoy a more rewarding pet bird experience. The Capital District Caged Bird Club presents professional animal trainer Catherine J. Crawmer with tips for anyone who has a pet bird, is thinking about getting one, or is just fascinated by these beautiful and intelligent creatures (including parakeets, cockatiels, amazons, congo greys, macaws and more).

7:00 PM: The Ends of Fiction Book Discussion Group- Discussion of The Trial by Franz Kafka. Register in advance at the Information Desk (810-0314). (Youth Services Activity Room)

2:00 PM: OASAS Credentialing Workshop- An informational workshop for persons interested in becoming a NYS Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor.

6:00 PM: Film: CHINGARI; Hosted by Dr. Said Shah- The story develops as a 'slice of life' about a group of sex workers who are subjected to oppression by a priest in the name of religion. Good acting and sensitive direction provide a powerful film about women's empowerment The portrayal of the postman is a center piece of the film and serves to underscore the contrast between bigotry and compassion. (2005, 153min.) Reservations are required; call the Information desk at 810-0314.

12:15 PM: Noon Book Review- Our second May Noon Review will be on the recent universally praised book on modern music (and one of the New York Times' Top Ten Books of 2007) The Rest is Noise: Listening To The Twentieth Century. Alex Ross, music critic for The New Yorker magazine, combines history and culture to show how music "has pervaded every corner of twentieth-century life….The end result is not so much a history of twentieth-century music as a history of the twentieth century through its music." Starting with Strauss and Mahler and ending with Bop, Rock, and the Minimalists, The Rest is Noise, says one critic, is the "best book on what music is about – really about – that you or I will ever own." Our reviewer, Lanfranco Marcelletti, a pianist and conductor from Brazil, studied on a full scholarship at the Yale School of Music and is currently the Conductor and Director of Orchestra Activities at UMASS Amherst Campus and the Principal Conductor of the Franciscan Chamber Orchestra in Albany.

7:00 PM: "They All Sang on the Corner:" The Roots of ‘Doo-Wop' Rock ‘n' Roll"- Robert L. Cohen, producer of over 100 radio shows and consultant to musicians and radio hosts, will present his program "They All Sang on the Corner: "The Roots of ‘Doo-Wop' Rock ‘n' Roll" on Thursday evening May 15, at 7:00 PM. Says Mr. Cohen: "We'll consider the nonsense syllables, high-tenor leads, and other components of the style of street-corner vocal group harmony singing that became known as ‘doo-wop' – ‘the forgotten third of rock ‘n' roll'; explore its musical, social, cultural and religious roots; and listen to examples from black, white and integrated groups and from all five boroughs of New York City. And, we'll hear how this music, in its innocence and its quest for harmony, so beautifully conveyed the poetry of inner-city life." This program is sponsored by the New York Council for the Humanities.

2:00 PM: Peking Man: An Adventure in Cooperative Science- The U.S.-China Peoples Friendship Association presents a talk by Peter L. Huston, Professor of East Asian Studies at Cornell University.

7:00 PM: The Story Circle of the Capital District- The Story Circle was established to provide members an opportunity to tell before a live audience; to hear stories told; to give the community a roster of active tellers; and to encourage beginning storytellers. Anyone desiring more information should call 786-1271.

7:00 PM: Colonie Tuesday Night Live Poets' Corner- Local poets and writers of all ages are invited to present six to ten minutes of their original work at this open reading forum. The public is encouraged to stop in and listen. Hosted by William Robert Foltin (785-1252). (Training/Conference Room)

6:30 PM: Signing with Your Child- This program is designed to help parents learn to use American Sign Language with their newly adopted children to help decrease frustration with the inability to understand a new language. Wide Horizons for Children presents Kim Taylor-DiLeva of Kim's Signing Solutions.

7:00 PM: Tinnitus Association of the New York Capital Region- Program to be announced.

7:00 PM: Tracing Italian American Immigrant History to the Italian American Present- One of our most popular speakers over the last five years returns for his third visit: Sal Primeggia will present a new talk "Tracing Italian American Immigrant History to the Italian American Present." Of this presentation, Mr. Primeggia writes: "They came. They worked. They built. What pushed Italians to leave their country between 1880 and 1924? What pulled them to our country? How did Old World attachments shape their responses to New World challenges? These questions will be addressed as we examine the issues, past and present. From those who established Little Italy ‘villages' within our cities, to the fourth-generation upholders of ethnic neighborhoods, businesses, and traditions, the Italian immigrant legacy is a cultural imprint that continues to enrich the physical and social landscapes of our nation." Mr. Primeggia is Professor of Sociology at Adelphi University, was a contributor and participant in PBS' The Italian Americans, and is the author and co-author of several books on the Italian American experience. This program is sponsored by the New York Council for the Humanities.

7:00 PM: Sierra Club—Hudson Mohawk Group

7:00 PM: Fiction Book Discussion Group- This month the group discusses Howard's End by E. M. Forster. (Youth Services Activity Room)

1:30-3:00 PM: Transitions- The Town of Colonie Senior Resources Department is pleased to provide this support group for those seniors who are coping with a recent loss, death or significant life change. For additional information contact Christine Cary at the Senior Resources Department at 459-5051. (Training/Conference Room)

6:00 PM: International Women's Writing Guild Regional Meeting- Members and potential members of IWWG are invited to write, share, and network. Meet sister writers and watch a video about the 30 years of IWWG "Remember the Magic" summer conferences at Skidmore in Saratoga. Marily Zembo Day, Regional Contact, hosts the session. Register at wmnwords@nycap.rr.com or 518-869-1706. Walk-ins are welcome.

7:00 PM: Edith Wharton/Big Read Discussion Series- Discussion of The Reef. Reservations are required; call the Information desk at 810-0314.

9:30-12:30 PM: People to People Student Ambassadors

Introduction to Computers: Gateway to the World Wide Web
Date: May 22 @ 2:00 PM
Are you a computer novice? This hands-on computer course is designed for individuals with little or no previous experience. The course will focus on developing skills in the following areas: 1) Basic understanding of the Windows environment. 2) Ability to use the computer mouse. 3) Ability to use the computer keyboard. 4) Ability to access computer programs and files. This 2-1/2 hour class is limited to 8 participants.

Introduction to the Internet
Date: May 21 @ 2:00 PM
This class is designed for library patrons who have little or no experience with the Internet and the World Wide Web, but who are basically competent with the computer mouse, keyboard and the Windows environment. Learn Internet terminology and how to access the Internet from home, work, and at the library. Emphasis will be on browsing and searching the World Wide Web using a Web browser's toolbars, menus, and hypertext links. Patrons will have the use of their own individual computer workstation in the library's training room. The class lasts approximately two hours and is limited to 8 participants.

Intermediate Internet: Using Search Engines
Date: May 22 @ 10:00 AM
This class is designed for library patrons who have experience using the World Wide Web, and are very familiar with using the computer mouse, keyboard and the Windows environment. Learn the best methods of searching the Internet. We will explore the many search engines and directories available to aid you in your informational quest. WARNING: This is not an Introduction to the Internet. We ask that you have already spent time online and have a modest understanding of the World Wide Web and the Internet. Each patron will work at their own individual computer workstation in the library training room while learning about the best search tools on the World Wide Web and how to use them. Each class lasts approximately two hours and is limited to 8 participants.

Basic Word Processing and File Management
Date: May 20 @ 2:00 PM
This class explores the basic features of the Microsoft Word Screen from top to bottom. Students navigate the menus and icons along with the instructor. The purpose of this class is to encourage students to perform basic editing functions on a prepared document, to create a folder in Windows Explorer, and to save the document to the folder. Students should have dexterity with the mouse, keyboard experience, familiarity with the Windows environment, and a sense of humor. The class runs for two hours and is limited to six students.

Battle of the Bands
High school students interested in participating in our third annual Battle of the Bands are invited to register for the event by calling Maureen DeLaughter at 458-9274. Last year 10 bands participated and over 180 high school students attended the event. The Battle will be held on the evening of Saturday, June 14th. Band members must be registered to participate.

URL: http://www.colonie.org/library/calendar.html
Last updated April 17, 2008