Hello dear Patrons of Lambertville,
After a quiet two years, our vibrant community is gathering again with vigor. This pulse of life has poured out into our Adult Programs, and grows by the day. Here is a review of some of this past years outpouring of community:
Library Literati – Lambertville bibliophiles joined the ranks of our new Lambertville Library Literati Book Club. It started out as Book Split and progressed into its more mysterious name. Growing from 3 to over 10 from its beginnings in January 2022. We meet every first Tuesday of the month, unless it coincides with a holiday. Join us, if you dare. . .
Textile Group – From a Sit & Knit, Crochet Crew, to a medley of textile projects, our tactile creatives met and pushed their boundaries in a variety of mediums. Embroidery bookmarks, loom creation and weaving, braided wreaths, and macramé. They also began this year with wool needle felting. This group meets every 4th Tuesday of the month with a different textile theme. You are welcome to bring any work you want, but you are also invited to try your hand at the pick of the month. Supplies provided for advertised projects.
Writer’s Group – From readers to writers, our Literati asked to form a separate group to share and refine their budding works of literature, prose, and memoir. Starting from 4 founding members, the group has grown into two different meeting times on the 3rd Tuesday of each month. The first group from 3:30pm-5:30pm. The second from 5:30pm-7:30pm.
Drum Circle – Our local Drum Circle shared their unique experience on the library lawn. Regulars to the circle’s meeting came and patrons gathered. Even some of our youngest joined the cacophony of us beginners. Fran Bardusco read the story of “Abiyoyo”, tying into the African rhythms that were simply demonstrated for us to replicate as a group. Thanks to Anthony, Fran Bardusco, and the Lambertville Drum Circle for sharing a refreshing rhythmic experience!
Summer Reading – From our Beanstack app tracker, we had 22 readers and 28,303 minutes read during our Oceans of Possibilities Adult Reading Program! To celebrate the end of the Summer and dedication to reading, there was also an End of Summer Reading Raffle Party, where reading prizes were distributed and games were played.
Mid-Autumn Moon Festival – In celebration of other cultural holidays, we had an ensemble of two Chinese Instrumentalists, Carrie Chin (Sheng Player), and Inna Lu (Erhu Player) come and play a mini-concert on the day of the Mid-Autumn Moon Festival. This holiday is celebrated across the world and in many different forms in many different Asian communities. Mooncakes and other Asian goodies were shared, as well as the opportunity to make paper lanterns and knotted talismans, which are supposed to ward off evil spirits.
Florian Shantz Jazz Combo – In September, we had the delight of hearing this, mainly family based, educational jazz ensemble. The Florian Schantz Jazz Combo was formed in 2012 by, then, 9-year old Florian Schantz. Since then, the band has delighted audiences in hundreds of venues in the greater NYC Area and in Germany. The group specializes in thematic historical musical programs of many musical genres such as traditional/ hot jazz (Dixieland), Broadway and Hollywood music, and many kinds of holiday and international music. Our selection was the Broadway and Hollywood music program. We hope to have the pleasure to welcome them again.
Appearing from left to right: Margaret Schantz (Flügelhorn, trumpet), Lowell Schantz (Guitar), Florian Schantz (trumpet, cornet, Flügelhorn), Rup Chattopadhyay (tuba, trombone, flute)
Genealogy Workshop – In October, we dug into family genealogy. Step by step instructions were given on use of Heritage Quest, which is accessible through our website from the State Library, and we went over free access tools and methods available through varying sources. Another Workshop is to come this year.
Adult Crafternoon – We had our first Adult Crafternoon & Chat last year. Many of our events take place in the evenings or weekends. It was suggested we try an earlier time in the day for those who are available, especially those in the retiree realm. We hope to continue this program in the coming months. Thank you to Sarah B. for her help in this program.
Author Meet & Greets – Last year gave us two new, local, historical books. One was about a lesser known impressionist, Fern Coppedge, and the other on the beginnings of the Washington Crossing area and reenactment: “Fern Isabel Coppedge, 1883-1951; One Woman’s Struggle for Equality in the Art World” by Les & Sue Fox, and Images of America’s: “Washington Crossing” by Robert W. Sands Jr. and Patricia Miller.
There is more to come. . .
