By Kate Hill
Staff Writer
On Oct. 1, the New Woodstock Free Library launched Tuesday Night Out — a new adult program series held each Tuesday at 7 p.m.
Each week, the library will present a different free activity designed to encourage community members to relax, have fun and meet new people.
According to Heather Elia, the series organizer and facilitator, the weekly programs will continue indefinitely as long as there is sufficient interest.
Elia is a New Woodstock resident and a master’s student in library and information science at Syracuse University’s School of Information Studies.
“I approached [Library Manager] Renee Beardsley about hosting this series of events because I thought there might be a community need for people to get out of the house once a week to interact with others, make new friends, and engage in some enjoyable, stress-reducing activities,” Elia said. “I’ve been inspired by my coursework and exposure to what other public libraries are doing in their communities . . . I [wanted] to introduce these sorts of free, fun activities to my own community, and the library is the perfect place because it’s free and open to everyone.”
Elia designed the first five programs based on ideas gathered from other public libraries and her own interests.
Preference was given to activities that were easy and inexpensive to organize and that — with the exception of the book group — did not require special preparation or extended commitment.
According to Elia, suggestions for future Tuesday activities are strongly encouraged.
“It’s really about what community members are interested in,” she said. “That’s how the series will be guided going forward.”
The program series kicked off with a coloring session in the library’s main room.
Adult coloring books have become a nationwide trend, due in large part to research suggesting that coloring has the potential to reduce anxiety, create focus and bring about increased mindfulness.
During the session, participants had the opportunity to get creative, relax and enjoy each other’s company.
The library will host four additional programs this month.
Sign-up is not required, unless otherwise noted.
Oct. 8 Game Night
During the second program, participants will choose from the library’s diverse collection of board and card games.
Oct. 15 Book Group
The first monthly meeting will focus on the novel “The Other Einstein” (2016) by Marie Benedict.
Told through letters, the story follows Albert Einstein’s first wife, Mileva “Mitza” Marić — a brilliant physicist in her own right, whose accomplishments were obscured by her husband’s shadow.
Library Manager Renee Beardsley will lead the session.
Call 315-662-3134 or email [email protected] to reserve a copy of the book.
Oct. 22 Tea Party
Community members are invited to bring along their favorite cups or mugs from home and relax over a hot cup of tea and lively conversation.
A selection of caffeinated and decaffeinated teas will be provided.
Oct. 29 Book Buzz
Unlike a traditional book club, this event will offer participants the chance to discuss anything and everything they have been reading, as well as books they are looking forward to.
Community members are also invited to volunteer to lead future sessions.
Located at 2106 Main St., the New Woodstock Free Library is open Monday 1 to 9 p.m.; Tuesday 1to 5 p.m.; Wednesday 1to 5 p.m. and 7to 9 p.m.; Thursday 1to 5 p.m.; Friday 1to 5 p.m.; and Saturday 10 a.m.to 1 p.m.
For more information on the Tuesday Night Out program series, contact Library Manager Renee Beardsley at 315-662-3134 or email Heather Elia at [email protected].
