Happening at Elting Library in February
The History of Black Film: 
Stormy Weather (1943)
 Wednesday, February 3rd @ 7PM
An historically important showcase of some of the leading African American performers of the time, in an era when African American actors and singers when opportunities to appear in lead roles in mainstream Hollywood were rare. The film is  based upon the life of dancer Bill "Bojangles" Robinson, as character Bill Williamson, a dancer who returns home after serving in World War I to pursue a career as a performer. Along the way, he meets a beautiful singer named Selina Rogers, played by Lena Horne.  Dooley Wilson co-stars as Bill's perpetually broke friend and Emmett "Babe" Wallace co-stars as manager, Chick Bailey, vying for Lena’s hand.
Performers included Cab Calloway, Fats Waller, the Nicholas Brothers, comedian F. E. Miller, singer Ada Brown, and Katherine Dunham's dance troupe. In under 90 minutes, 20 musical numbers are performed in the film! 
You can watch the film for free on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XPAPHVAmp1U
To register for Ron's talk, go here:
https://forms.gle/vHbpoT7MpgiqvPwTA
 

Free Violin and Cello Concert
Thursday, February 11th @ 7PM
ARKAI channels the diversity of the world through genre-bending music, forging new possibilities for what a violin and cello can be. Graduates of The Juilliard School, their past engagements have included performances at The MET Breuer, Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall, The Juilliard School, and the 92nd Street Y. Their electronic debut composition, “Letters from COVID”, was recently featured at TED@PMI for a global audience of over 30,000 people from 182 countries. ARKAI also creates programs in pursuit of a world in which the arts are inseparable from community. Their newest initiative, SupportNYC, amplifies the diverse stories of small business and organizations adversely impacted by COVID-19 through fundraising performances, spreading hope and healing to communities through the power of the arts. Learn more at arkaimusic.com
To register and receive the link for this free event, click here.

Harlem's Contribution to Black History in Music and Dance

February 19 at 7 PM
 
In honor of Black History Month, Elting Memorial Library and Got2Lindy Dance Studios have partnered to bring you, Harlem's Contribution to Black History in Music & Dance. Join us for this informative online program presented by Harlem native and long-time New Paltz resident and swing dancer, Ron Fields. Harlem, one of the most famous black communities in the world, was home to spectacular bands and ballrooms and gave birth to the most authentic American dance: the Lindy Hop. Take a step in time to where it all began.
 
To participate, register at https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZIkduugrD4jH9S8AWTwUnXe-s8eG2pMoLs1

Hidden Heritage
Presented by Susan Stessin-Cohn
February 23 at 7 PM
 
Born into slavery as the illegitimate child of Jane, the bi-racial slave of David Johnston, James Murphy was condemned to a life of secrecy during an age when being of African descent meant a life of persecution and discrimination.
Join us to hear this talk about the true identity of this local early 19th-century minister.  Register online at https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZAlc-uupzoqHNDR3ltl5bomb2BCFRzaTHD2


 
There is tons of stuff for the kids to do too thanks to Miss Kim
Online Programs
 
Join Miss Kim every Friday morning at 10 am for an exciting and interactive story time.  
Please pre-register on our Calendar of Events to receive the Zoom link.  After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.  Your registration will allow you to access future Friday story times.
 
 
 
 


Baby Lapsit
Thursday, February 4 and 18 at 10 a.m.
Help your little ones develop a love of books and reading.  Enjoy rhymes, songs, bounces, and stories with Miss Kim   Recommended for ages zero to two, but older siblings are welcome.  
Please pre-register on our Calendar of Events to receive the Zoom link.  After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.  
As an added bonus, we are offering a free Sesame Beginners book to families that attend both Baby Lapsit programs this month.
 

Live Virtual Storytime with Miss Kim
Fridays @ 10AM
Weekly Storytime with Miss Kim
Join Miss Kim every Friday morning at 10 am for an exciting and interactive storytime. Please pre-register using the link below. Your registration for this week's storytime will allow you to access future Friday storytimes. Feel free to email Miss Kim at kdemetriou@eltinglibrary.org or call the library at 845-255-5030 with any additional questions.
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUqc-2opzguGNOAknRnRy_ESsrO3vZYk-4U
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.


Craft Along with Miss Kim: 
Valentine’s Craft (Suggested for ages 2 and up)   
Stop by the library between Friday, February 5 and Friday, February 12 to pick up a craft kit.  Then, join Miss Kim via Zoom on Saturday, February 13 at 11 am for instructions to complete your project.
Please pre-register on our Calendar of Events to receive the Zoom link.  After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
 


Pajama Storytime with Miss Kim
Thursdays, February 11 and 25 at 6:30 p.m.
Join Miss Kim for a night time-themed story time.  Wear your P.J.’s, and have your favorite stuffed animal or cherished blankie handy for Show-and-Tell.  You’ll be ready to drift off to dreamland when we’re done.
Please pre-register on our Calendar of Events to receive the Zoom link.  After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
 
 
 


Saturday Storytime with Miss Kim
February 27th at 10 am
The entire family is invited to share stories, songs, finger plays and more during this interactive half hour story time.
Please pre-register on our Calendar of Events to receive the Zoom link.  After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
 
 


 
Other Things To Do
Mardi Gras Mask Kits
Many cities world-wide celebrate Mardi Gras (or “Fat Tuesday”) with a grand parade or masquerade ball complete with costumes and masks.  Pick up a mask kit at the checkout window starting Monday, February 1 and design your own fancy attire for the big day (February 16).  Have a parade in your living room or a costume party with your family.  Feeling photogenic?  Miss Kim would love to see photos of your children in their masks!
 


Valentine Card Drive
 
Our holiday card drive was such a success that we’ve decided to spread even more love and cheer to the residents of our local nursing homes with Valentine’s Day cards. You can help by writing out a card or having your child fill out a Valentine or draw a picture, and dropping them off at the library before Valentine’s Day. Need inspiration? Pick up a card template at the checkout window to color and fill out.  
 

Why I Love the Library
Did you know that Americans check out more than 2 billion items each year from their public libraries? It’s true!  Over 68% of people in the United States have a public library card.  Some people love our free books; others love our free streaming services.  We want to know why your family loves the library!  Starting Monday, February 1 we will be handing out paper hearts for you to fill out with a reason you love the library.  Return your heart on your next visit (we know it’s too cold to fill it out while you are at the checkout window) and we’ll hang it up in the library windows.  You’ll also receive a free treat bag for participating.
 
 
 
 

Contest: Guess the Number of Conversation Hearts
February 8- 28

Take a look at the jar of candy conversation hearts online, between Monday, February 8 and Sunday, February 28.  Then email Miss Kim at kdemetriou@eltinglibrary.org with your guess, name, age, and phone number.  The entry (or entries) closest to the correct number will receive a bag of Valentine’s goodies.  Winner(s) will be announced the first week of March.
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Elting Memorial Library
93 Main St.
New Paltz, New York 12561-1593
845.255.5030

eltinglibrary.org