Mah Jongg!

The Old Forge Library welcomes little ones and their families to six Fall Story Time sessions, on Fridays from October 2 through November 6, from 10:15 -11 am. These fun-filled sessions are created especially for children ages 3 to 6, and each 45-minute Story Time includes stories, games, crafts, creative play, songs, and activities that spark imagination and encourage learning. Younger children are welcome, too, though toddlers need to have an adult with them. Story Time has been a beloved tradition at the Old Forge Library for many decades. It's a special part of early childhood for many in the community and continues to bring families together through a love of reading and play. To help with planning, registration is encouraged. The library usually prepares for a few extra participants and will always find a way to welcome walk-ins. To register, call 315-369-6008 or email oldforge@midyork.org.

All are invited to "Walk and Talk" with friends and neighbors each Tuesday starting September 8th at 1:30 pm. The group will meet in the joint Old Forge Library and Niccolls Church parking lot at 220 Crosby Blvd. Niccolls Nurses conceived the idea to provide socialization and movement to those interested, and the library wanted in on the action. Controlling blood pressure, lowering risk of chronic disease, maintaining healthy weight, fighting cancer, improving heart health, enhancing mental health, boosting mood, reducing stress, strengthening bones and being happier because you are socializing with fun people are some of the many health benefits. Walk and Talk Tuesdays will continue through October 27. There will be a group leader on hand and distance and pace will be adjusted to be comfortable for each walker.

The Old Forge Library, located at 220 Crosby Blvd., is bringing back its Wednesday Night Crafts and this season, the goal is about much more than making something cute to take home. These free craft get-togethers are all about having fun, making things, and enjoying the company along the way. There’s no pressure for every project to come out looking exactly the same, and nobody has to be a professional crafter. Some people may follow the idea exactly, others may put their own spin on it, and plenty of creative problem-solving (and helping each other!) is encouraged. Think of it as a social night at the library with a craft happening in the middle. Friends, families, neighbors, seniors, and crafters of all experience levels are invited to pull up a chair, try something new, chat, laugh, lend a hand, and maybe discover a hidden crafting talent. Each evening begins at 5 p.m. and offers a relaxed, welcoming chance to get together and enjoy a little seasonal creativity. This season’s projects celebrate autumn, Thanksgiving, and the winter holidays. October October 14: Felt Leaf Wreath October 21: Mini Pumpkin Decorating October 28: Community Pumpkin Carving November November 4: Autumn Quilling November 18: Thanksgiving Place Settings and Centerpiece Decorating December December 2: Holiday Card Making December 9: Mini Wreath Craft December 17: Cork Reindeer December 23: Felt Mistletoe Everyone is welcome, and the craft nights are both family- and senior-friendly. Children under age 10 must be accompanied by an adult. All supplies are provided free of charge, although quantities are limited, so advance registration is encouraged. To reserve a spot for one or more craft nights, call the Old Forge Library at 315-369-6008 or email oldforge@midyork.org.

For decades, Linking Lives Through Reading has brought kids and caring adults together at the Old Forge Library for something simple and powerful: reading together. Made possible through the generous support of the Leola Tobin Memorial Fund, this multigenerational program pairs first-, second-, and third-grade students with adult volunteers, or “book buddies,” for an hour of reading, conversation, activities, snacks, and plenty of encouragement. The goal isn’t just to get through a book. It’s about helping kids feel comfortable with reading, build confidence, connect with another member of the community, and have fun along the way. Each session includes shared reading, learning activities, coloring, snacks, and reading rewards. This fall, Linking Lives Through Reading will meet for six Thursdays, October 1 through November 5, from 2:15 to 3:15 pm. Six additional sessions will be offered in the spring. The walk is part of it! The Town of Webb Schools does not provide transportation to the library for this program. Instead, library volunteers and community members are welcome to join the walk from school to the library. Anyone who would like to help walk the participating students from school to the library is invited to join the group. It’s a simple way to be part of the program and another opportunity for kids and community members to connect. Parents and caregivers should plan to pick up their children at the library at 3:15 pm. Become a book buddy. Linking Lives Through Reading is always looking for more adult volunteers. No teaching experience is needed. Book buddies simply need to be willing to spend an hour reading, listening, encouraging, talking, and sharing a little time with a child. A favorite book, a good conversation, and an hour of attention can make a real difference. To register a child, become an adult book buddy, or join the walk from school to the library, call the Old Forge Library at 315-369-6008 or email oldforge@midyork.org.