H. Dutcher Community Room, Saratoga Springs Public Library
There's more than one important election in 2012: "meet" the candidates for the next round of the Saratoga Reads community-wide book discussion! The evening will include a brief introduction to each of the finalists, and include some special tricks and treats for book groups, in celebration of National Reading Group Month. There will be refreshments, giveaways and door prizes, including a chance for your book club to win a
Reading Group Skype Date with Nancy Pearl,
NPR book reviewer & author of the BookLust series!
November 2012
Winning Book Announcement for 2012-13 Community Read
Corner of Daniels Road & Bloomfield Road, Saratoga Springs
Each year the sale of holiday greens helps Saratoga Reads! offer a variety of free community-wide programming. If you celebrate Christmas, Saratoga Reads! invites you to support the community reading initiative by purchasing your Christmas tree (Fraser Fir), wreaths and swags from us! It's really easy and festive! Here's how it works.
PICK UP YOUR ORDER on Saturday, December 1st, 11 am - 1 pm at 186 Daniels Road, Saratoga Springs (corner of Bloomfield & Daniels) Picking up your holiday greens is made fun with festive atmosphere of refreshments, music, and animals to pat which will get you in the holiday spirit!
MAKE PAYMENT AT PICK-UP Cash, Credit, or Check
January 2013
Circus Cafe Book Club Discussion of Winning Book: Twelve Years a Slave
01/07/2013 - 01/07/2013
Circus Cafe, 392 Broadway
Join the Circus Cafe Book Club for a discussion of this year's winning book.
Movie Matinee: Unchained Memories followed by facilitated discussion
01/13/2013 - 01/13/2013
Empire State College, 113 West Avenue
Empire State College will host an "Introduction to the Saratoga Reads Winning Book" event on Sunday, January 13th from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. at the Center for Distance Learning, 113 West Ave. The event will feature a viewing of the HBO documentary, "Unchained Memories: Readings from the Slave Narratives." Opening remarks and a discussion following the film will be facilitated by interdisciplinary faculty from the Center for Distance Learning at SUNY, Empire State College. Light refreshments will be provided.
The material used for this beautifully made HBO documentary dates back to the 1930s, when journalists conducted thousands of interviews with former slaves who'd been emancipated at the end of the Civil War. A selection of these faithfully transcribed "slave narratives" are vividly read (acted, really) here by a host of distinguished performers, ranging from Samuel L. Jackson to Oprah Winfrey, from Don Cheadle to Angela Bassett, with narration by Whoopi Goldberg. Since there's obviously no film available from the slave period, the producers use artfully edited photos, file footage, some atmospheric new film, and shots of the performers in action to bring the material to life. Add all of that to the DVD bonus features (text bios of individual slaves and a couple of lengthy audio segments), and you have a moving record of bitter, weary, yet resilient and quietly proud people living with memories that never would, or could, fade. --Sam Graham
SR JUNIOR DISCUSSION SERIES Part I: Stolen Into Slavery
01/31/2013
Saratoga Springs Public Library, 49 Henry Street, 6:30-8 PM
Students in grades 5-7 are invited to join Saratoga Springs High School students and Skidmore students in a two-part discussion series focusing on the book Stolen into Slavery: The True Story of Solomon Northup, Free Black Man by Judith and Dennis Fradin. This biography of Northup closely parallels the story told in this year’s adult selection, Twelve Years a Slave.
Higher Grounds Caffe, Saratoga Spr. Public Library, 6:30 PM
Join Saratoga Reads for a book discussion of Twelve Years a Slave. The discussion will be lead by Greg Pfitzer, professor of American Studies at Skidmore College.
SR JUNIOR DISCUSSION SERIES: Stolen Into Slavery Part II
02/07/2013
Saratoga Springs Public Library, 49 Henry Street, 6:30-8 PM
Students in grades 5-7 are invited to join Saratoga Springs High School students and Skidmore students in a two-part discussion series focusing on the book Stolen into Slavery: The True Story of Solomon Northup, Free Black Man by Judith and Dennis Fradin. This biography of Northup closely parallels the story told in this year’s adult selection, Twelve Years a Slave.
LEGO Contest: Create an original Lego model inspired by your favorite book!
02/19/2013
Division Street Elementary School, 220 Division St, Saratoga Spr.
Join Saratoga Reads! for this book-inspired LEGO contest. Prizes will be awarded at each grade level. Send entry form and $10 fee by February 5th. REGISTRATION DEADLINE EXTENDED TO FEBRUARY 11!
Tang Teaching Museum & Art Gallery, Skidmore College
We will talk about the junior selection Henry’s Freedom Box by Ellen Levine, illustrated by Kadir Nelson, the true story of Henry Brown, a slave who had himself shipped to freedom in a box. Then each participant will design and make a Freedom Quilt of one or more felt quilt squares to celebrate the courage and bravery of all who traveled the Underground Railroad and the legacy of quilt-making in African American history.
We hope you will read the book before you come!
This program is suitable for children age 6 and up, and is free and open to the public.
Space is limited so please call the Tang Museum for reservations, 580-8080.
Black History Month Celebration
02/24/2013 - 02/24/2013
National Museum of Dance, 99 South Broadway
The second annual event will celebrate the influence and impact of African Americans on American contemporary dance and recognize the different dance styles they helped to develop throughout American History. Featuring: Stephen Tyson, Francelise Dawkins, Tina Baird, Yonka Perkins, John Beckham, & others. Admission to this event is free, donations are greatly appreciated.
Land of Blacks: African Americans in New Amsterdam
02/24/2013
Visitor Center, Saratoga Battlefield National Historical Park 648
FREE. 2-3:30 PM. Singer/Writer/Actor/Teacher, Donald A. Hyman reveals Dutch New York, when African slaves petitioned for their freedom and were given land grants for settlement in today's Canal Street in Manhattan. The mood for this fascinating story will be set with gospel a capella group One Accord, from Albany, and Liturgical Danceuse Sister Lucille Taylor. (Snow date: Sunday, March 3)
*This is a local program related to themes of Twelve Years a Slave.
March 2013
Books & Brunch
03/03/2013 - 03/03/2013
Sperry's Restaurant, 30 1/2 Caroline Street
Join Saratoga Reads! for its Third Annual Books and Brunch at Sperry's on March 3rd, from 11 am to 2 pm. Enjoy Sperry's delicious brunch menu while supporting Saratoga Reads! 15% of sales will be donated to Saratoga Reads! to provide free programing and events for the community. A perfect event for the whole family, including a children's menu. Reservations appreciated. Please call 584.9618.
Join the Office of Student Diversity Programs, Ujima and Saratoga Reads for a FREE screening of the acclaimed 2012 film "Lincoln." Seating will be available on a "first-come, first-served" basis. 7 PM. Doors open at 6:30 PM.
Stephen Spielberg's "Lincoln" is a revealing drama that focuses on the 16th President's tumultuous final months in office. In a nation divided by war and the strong winds of change, Lincoln pursues a course of action designed to end the war, unite the country and abolish slavery. With the moral courage and fierce determination to succeed, his choices during this critical moment will change the fate of generations to come.
April 2013
Twelve Years a Slave -- A Performance
04/07/2013 - 04/07/2013
H. Dutcher Community Room, Saratoga Springs Public Library
2 PM
Saratoga Springs Public Library and Living Library Productions present a staged reading, with period music, of Solomon Northup’s Twelve Years a Slave. Performers will include vocalist and actor Garland Nelson, violinist Tim Wechgelaer, and additional vocalists and performers.
You’ve read the book, now see this incredible local history story brought to life. This program was inspired by Saratoga Reads! and is made possible, in part, by the generous support of the Friends of the Library.
The performance is free, but you MUST PICK UP TICKETS IN ADVANCE at the SSPL Info Desk. Tickets need to be picked up in person (maximum of four tickets per person).
Saratoga Reads at the Old Fort House Museum
04/13/2013 - 04/13/2013
Old Fort House Museum, 29 Broadway, Fort Edward
See where Solomon Northup was married and lived. The event will feature a presentation of "Twelve Years a Slave" with a tour of the Old Fort House and other rooms on the campus (weather permitting). The Old Fort House is part of the Fort Edward Historical Association.
The event starts at 10 a.m. and will last for 1 1/2-2 hours. Fee is $5 for adults; no charge for children under 18. Register by emailing info@saratogareads.org.
May 2013
Walking Tour of Union Cemetery
05/26/2013 - 05/26/2013
Old Fort House Museum, Upper Broadway, Fort Edward
Walking Tour of Union Cemetery with emphasis on Solomon Northup connection. $5 admission.
July 2013
Founder's Day
07/13/2013 - 07/13/2013
Old Fort House Museum, Upper Broadway, Fort Edward
11 a.m. - "Twelve Years a Slave" program, 12 p.m. Luncheon, 1 p.m. Visit with Solomon Northup (Cliff Oliver, re-enactor). Reception to follow celebrating 60th anniversary of opening of Old Fort House Museum. $15, RSVP required. Call 747-9600 for reservations.
Solomon Northup's Neighborhood
07/14/2013 - 07/14/2013
Old Fort House Museum, Upper Broadway, Fort Edward
Good will donation.
Solomon Northup Day and the Celebration of Freedom event
