AARP volunteers George Leedom and Katie Volz make appointments to help people with their taxes at the Lake Placid Public Library. (Provided photo)

For the past two decades, the AARP volunteers have provided free assistance to individuals with their tax preparations here at the Lake Placid Public Library.

This dedicated group has been working hard to meet the community’s needs and has been particularly busy these last few weeks. The volunteers have set a deadline of March 13 for providing their services and are tirelessly working to ensure that everyone on their list receives the necessary help. If anyone is interested, please call 518-523-3200 to get on the list.

Crochet class

The crochet workshop was a success, with every participant completing a crocheted bookmark. Erin Johnson, the instructor, was extremely helpful as she assisted each person in completing their project. She noted that it was a pleasure to work with such a wonderful group of people. All participants left with positive feedback about the class.

Visiting with an author

Author Calvin Alexander Ramsey reads to a group at the Lake Placid Public Library. (Provided photo)

Last month, we had the privilege of meeting Calvin Alexander Ramsey, a renowned author and playwright. Eloise Ruttan and Taika Mzese, two young library patrons, introduced him to us. He delighted us by reading his book, “Ruth and the Green Book.” This event was made possible through a collaboration with John Brown Lives! and was generously funded by the North Elba Local Enhancement and Advancement Fund (LEAF).

Homeschool group

On Thursday, Feb. 1, the homeschool group explored biographies and autobiographies through a read-aloud, discussion and extension activities.

Emma Hubbard, a thoughtful second-grader, recently visited the Lake Placid Ecumenical Food Pantry with her homeschool group. Inspired by the visit, Emma decided to take action and help stock the pantry’s shelves. She set up a table at the library where she kindly asked patrons and friends to donate non-perishable items such as canned goods, pasta, rice and other essential items. After two weeks, Emma happily delivered many boxes of collected items to the food pantry. Her selfless act reflects her compassionate character and desire to impact her community positively.

On Thursday, March 21 at 10 a.m., the Homeschool Thursday group will meet to sculpt with paper, clay, treasure and trash. Anyone attending is encouraged to wear art-making clothes, as we are sure to make a mess. For questions regarding the Homeschool Thursday program, please call the library at 518-523-3200 or email librarian@lakeplacidlibrary.org.

LEGO Club

The Lego Club meets on the fourth Thursday of each month in the children’s room from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. During the last session, the theme was castles, with knights and princesses, and it was great fun. We are excited about the upcoming LEGO club meeting scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 29. If you are interested in joining, please call the library at 518-523-3200.

Story time

Ms. Linda shares a story, song and a fun activity with children and parents every Friday morning. Recently the children heard a story about Philbert the groundhog celebrating his birthday. Following the story, the children created a magnetic picture frame to hold the photo taken that morning. Just this past week we had a story and an activity celebrating Valentine’s Day.

Math tutoring

The library continues to offer free math tutoring for any student in grades 6 through 12. Chris Ward is available by appointment only. For more information, call the library at 518-523-3200. This program is available thanks to the Adirondack Foundation’s Lake Placid Education Foundation Fund.

Genealogy

If you have a question regarding your family history or have hit a roadblock while researching your family tree, you can schedule a free consultation with a professional genealogist, Judith Harper. She is available to assist on the second Wednesday of each month. To sign up, call us at 518-523-3200 or visit the front desk.

Art gallery

The library is now accepting applications from local artists for a rotating exhibition in the Guy Brewster Hughes Art Gallery. Artists will be allotted space for two to three pieces to be displayed for a minimum of one month and a maximum of three months. Anyone interested, email Bambi at librarian@lakeplacidlibrary.org with pictures of your art, including the size of each piece. The library will not manage sales.

Lyman Epps lecture

In celebration of our 140th year and Black History Month, the library will present Dr. Hadley Kruczek-Aaron sharing her knowledge of Lyman Epps at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 27. There is limited space available, so we are asking that you please preregister by calling 518-523-3200. We will also have a Zoom option available (call for information). Kruczek-Aaron, professor of anthropology at SUNY Potsdam, will speak on the life of Lyman Epps, a founding member of the library, his family and the search for their homestead. She has made local history and archaeology a focal point of her career and was recently featured in the film “Searching for Timbuctoo” by Paul Miller, which documented her excavation site at John Brown’s farm.

Watercolor flowers

“Keeping it Loose and Playful” is a workshop that will be led by Erin Johnson from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Monday, March 18. In this workshop, you will learn how to paint watercolor flowers. Erin will work from a bouquet, and there will be a live demonstration and step-by-step coaching. This workshop is open to adults and teenagers alike. Please note that space is limited, but the program will repeat if there is a waiting list. You can sign up at the front desk or by calling 518-523-3200.

New arrivals

Adult fiction: “Unnatural Death/A Scarpetta Novel” by Patricia Cornwell, “Five Bad Deeds” by Caz Frear, “Prophet Song” by Paul Lynch, “Sister Under the Rising Sun” by Heather Morris, “The Spy Coast” by Tess Gerristen, “The Clinic” by Cate Quinn, “Diva” by Daisy Goodwin, “Dream Town” by Lee Goldberg, “Family Family” by Laurie Frankel, “Goldenseal” by Maria Hummel, “The Heiress” by Rachel Hawkins, “Mrs. Quinn’s Rise to Fame” by Olivia Ford, “Randon in Death” by J. D. Robb, “Where You End” by Abbott Kahler, “Holmes, Marple & Poe” by James Patterson and Brian Sitts, “The Bright Spot” by Jill Shalvis, “The Missing Witness” by Allison Brennan, “Dead Man’s Hand” by Brad Taylor, “Front Sight: Three Swagger Novellas” by Stephen Hunter, “The Bad Weather Friend” by Dean Koontz, “The Friendship Club” by Robyn Carr, “Last Night” by Luanne Rice and “Missing Persons” by James Patterson and Adam Hamdy.

Adult non-fiction: “Alphie and Me, What Owls Know” by Carl Safina.

Young adult fiction: “The Getaway List” by Emma Lord and “Wander in the Dark” by Jumata Emill.

Young adult non-fiction: “Revolution in Our Time: The Black Panther Party’s” by Kekla Magoon.

Juvenile fiction: “I Survived the Sinking of the Titanic” by Georgia Ball, “I Survived the Shark Attacks of 1916” by Georgia Ball, “I Survived the Nazi Invasion” by Georgia Ball, “I Survived the Attack of the Grizzlies” by Georgia Ball, “I Survived the Attacks of September 11, 2001” by Georgia Ball, “I Survived the Great Chicago Fire” by Lauren Tarshis, “Mercy Watson is Missing” by Kate DiCamillo, ” Super Game Book” by Thomas Flintham, “Bad Kitty Makes a Movie” by Nick Bruel, “Eva For President” by Rebecca Elliot, “Henry Heckelbeck Makes Super Slime” by Wanda Coven, “Dawn of the Jaguar” by J.C. Cervantes, “A Royal Conundrum” by Lisa Yee, “Big Nate Lives it Up” by Lincoln Pierce, “Much Ado about Baseball” by Rajani LaRocca “Besties: Work it Out” by Kayla Miller, “Slugfest” by Gordon Korman, “Million Dollar Mess” by James Patterson and Martin Chatterton and “Eyes that Weave the World’s Wonders” by Joanna Ho.

Juvenile non-fiction: “The Big Book of Fortnite” by Samantha Skinner, “Fortnite” by Kenny Abdo, “Fortnite: The Unauthorized Guide” by Grant Turner, “Children of the Seventh Fire” by Lisa A. Hart, “Deadliest Animals on the Planet” by National Geographic, “Who Would Win? Blue Whale vs. Mosquito” by Jerry Pallotta and “Christopher Columbus and the Taino People” by Kate Messner.

Children’s picture books: “Grumpy Monkey Spring Fever” by Suzanne Lang, “Happy St. Patrick’s Day, From the Crayons” by Drew Daywalt, “Doggy Kisses” by Todd Parr, “Little Blue Truck Leads the Way” by Alice Schertie, “Stitchin’ and Pullin” by Patricia c. McKissack, “Is This … Easter” by Helen Yoon and “Bear Finds Eggs” by Karma Wilson.

(Madonna Barney is a library assistant at the Lake Placid Public Library.)