| We are partnering with the Cornell Cooperative Extension to present three children’s programs this summer. The descriptions are below. These programs are free, but registration is required and Children must be at least 5 years old to register. Please visit or call the library at 518-963-8079 to register. |
| Science Explorers Monday, July 21 at 3:00 pm Explore, investigate, and experience what it is like to work as a paleontologist or ornithologist. Youth will have the opportunity to visit two stations: one where they will dig, identify, and label fossils, and another where they will examine the world of owls through the pellets they leave behind. |
| I scream, you scream, we all scream…for ice cream! Tuesday, July 22 at 3:00 pm Learn how to create this sweet summertime treat from scratch with Ellie Hoffman, Local Food Educator from Cornell Cooperative Extension of Essex County. We’ll explore the ingredients, processes, and innovations involved in making ice cream, and mix up our own vanilla ice cream to taste! |
| What do you get when you put heavy cream in a jar and mix it? Tuesday, August 19 at 3:00 pm If you guessed butter, you’d be right…but that’s not the only answer! Find out the rest of the story at this interactive workshop led by Ellie Hoffman of CCE Essex. Come ready to shake up an appetite as we talk about all things dairy, followed by a homemade butter taste test! |
Category Archives: Program
Biking the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal Towpath with James and Rye Graves Wednesday, June 11 7:00PM
Local resident James Graves and his son Rye recently biked the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal Towpath 184 miles from Cumberland, Maryland to Washington D.C.
It was an absolutely splendid experience in so many ways, with incredible weather, aside from one severe thunderstorm that nearly landed a huge branch on their tent and littered the next 25 miles of trail with downed trees.
Join us for what will be an interesting presentation with James and Rye as they share stories and photos of their father/son adventure.
Friday Night Films June 20 7:00 PM
Friday night movies continue with classic musicals, hosted by David Tisdale.
On June 20, David will be showing Guys and Dolls and will share a bit of his extensive knowledge about the movie before the show.
The program is free and all are welcome.
Free In-Person Chronic Disease Management Program – May 6, 13, 20, 27. June 3, 10, 17
Meet Your Neighbors Series Continues with Johnny Gray and Christine Burke – September 4 at 7:00 PM
Johnny Gray and Christine Burke first met in 2018 in Austin, TX, and quickly knew they’d found something special. Eager to share their lives, they spent their first year together meeting each other’s families—one of the earliest and most memorable trips was to Essex, NY, to visit Johnny’s parents, Nick and Carol Muehller, who many of you know as beloved members of the Essex community.
It was over that Fourth of July weekend that Christine first crossed the ferry and fell in love with Essex. The flowers were in full bloom, the lake sparkled, and the small-town charm left a lasting impression. Johnny, a seasoned residential architect, has spent his career designing homes with a deep understanding of how people truly live and interact in their spaces. He’s led architectural teams and contributed to many home designs seen across the country.
Christine, meanwhile, has built a dynamic career in technology sales and consulting, holding leadership roles at IBM, CA Technologies, and Salesforce. She currently leads the Healthcare Delivery Organization for North America at Armis, a cybersecurity company.
Together, Johnny and Christine share a passion for thoughtful design and community. They recently completed the renovation and launch of Lady on the Lake, a collection of six beautifully restored short-term rental cottages right here in Essex. Summers in Essex have become a cherished tradition, full of meaningful friendships and local adventures.
During the winter months, they live in Neptune Beach, Florida, where they enjoy the warm weather and coastal lifestyle while staying connected to their work and passions. Animal lovers through and through, they share their lives with their dogs Travis and Pancho, and Christine—who grew up with horses and was a collegiate barrel racer at Southeastern Oklahoma State University continues to enjoy equestrian life. When winter rolls around, you’ll likely find them on the slopes enjoying their other shared passion: snow skiing.
Johnny and Christine are thrilled to be part of the Essex community and look forward to many more summers filled with beauty, connection, and a touch of adventure.
Light refreshments will be served following the program. There is a suggested doantion of $5.00 to help support the library.
Drop -In Lego Club for Kids Saturday, October 5 & 19 2:00 – 5:00 PM
Come in for brick-snapping fun! We’ll supply the Legos – you bring the creativity! Each session will include “free” and “themed” builds that will be announced during the program.
Kids age 6-12 can let their imaginations run wild on Saturday, October 5 and Saturday, October 19 from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm. A themed build will start at 3:30.
Duplos and/or The Lego movie will be available for children under six. Please note that adult supervision is required for children under six. All ages are welcome.
Note: Are you looking to lighten your Lego load? We can use a few new-to-us Legos, including people (“minifigs”) and parts (wheels, bases, etc.). Email us call (518) 963-8079, or stop in to arrange a time to bring them in.
Meet Libby – the Reading App Saturday, October 5 by appointment
Did You Know? Your library card is your golden ticket to thousands of ebooks, audiobooks, and now digital magazines. It’s easy to use the Libby free library reading app on a phone or tablet, access in a web browser (libbyapp.com), listen with Android Auto or Apple CarPlay, transfer to an e-reader, and more.
Learn how to get started or get a refresher on Saturday, October 5. Individual appointments will be available from 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm. Call the library at (518) 963-8079 or send us an email (beldennoblelibrary@gmail.com) for more details and to book a spot.
Friday Film Night, October 4 at 7:00 PM
| Cary Grant: Handsome, elegant gentleman, and superb actor. Comedy, romance, action, suspense—Grant handles it all with incomparable grace and a wry grin. We’re kicking off our new Friday Films series on October 4 with one of Grant’s funniest and most famous films, “His Girl Friday.” |
| The program will get underway at 7:00 pm with a short introduction by David Tisdale. Free “concession stand type” snacks will be provided. |
Finding Margaret Fuller—book talk July 31 at 7:00 PM
Allison Pataki will give a talk on her latest book, Finding Margaret Fuller. Ms. Pataki’s book delves into the remarkable friendships of Margaret Fuller and her legacy as a journalist, writer and feminist. We are fortunate to have this opportunity to chat with the author.
Meet Your Neighbors Series Returns August 8 at 7:00 PM – with Jim and Colleen Van Hoven
Colleen and Jim bought their home in Essex in1978, following years of visiting the Champlain Valley during all seasons. They met in Lake Placid during college. Jim was a counselor at Camp Dudley and Colleen a waitress at the Lake Placid Club. As they say, the rest is history.
They were both professional educators. Colleen was a learning disabilities specialist, a school psychologist and a school administrator. Jim taught history and served as a school principal and superintendent. Both worked in independent and public schools during their careers. They served schools in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Massachusetts and Wisconsin.
When circumstances permitted them to consider a second home, they gravitated to the Adirondacks, Champlain Valley, and particularly, Essex. They loved the architecture, history and small-town feel. After they retired full time in 2002, they became very active in the community, serving on many town and non-profit boards. Colleen has been active on the Board of the Belden Noble Memorial Library, which she currently serves as president, and on both Essex Initiatives and the Essex Community Fund.
Jim served on the Board of Assessment Review and the Planning Board, which he chaired for many years. During his tenure he revised the Town Zoning Law. He currently co-chairs the Church Council at the Community Church and serves on the Zoning Board of Appeals.
Colleen and Jim love to travel. Their series of three motor homes took them to 49 states, Canada and Mexico and over 200 national parks and monuments. Jim’s work in school evaluation took both of them to such places as South Africa, Japan, Morocco and Dubai. They are currently anticipating a river cruise on the Rhine and Danube rivers this fall.
The have two sons. Jim, Jr. is an artist who just retired from over 30 years of teaching in Central NY. Steve is responsible for the grounds at Arlington National Cemetery. Both have two children. Colleen and Jim recently became great-grandparents.
Each program begins at 7:00 PM. A donation of $5.00 per person is suggested. Refreshments will be served following the program.