News

February 17, 2016

Fun Winter Break Activities for Kids at Albany Public Library

Beat the winter break blues with some fun and educational activities at Albany Public Library (APL). The library’s branches are hosting more than two dozen programs to keep kids and teen entertained during school vacation February 15 to 20. All activities are free and open to the public.

The featured event is a free ice skating party on Friday, February 19, from 1 to 3 p.m. at Swinburne Skating Rink (at Clinton Ave. and Manning Blvd.). This family fun event includes free skate rental and free ice time for kids ages 17 and younger who show their APL library card. The ice skating party is co-hosted by the library and city of Albany Recreation Department. All ages are welcome.

Here is a sampling of the free programs planned for kids and teens at APL libraries February 15 to 20. For a complete listing, visit the library’s online calendar.

Monday, February 15

  • Movie: “Minions” at 2 – 4 p.m. – Pine Hills Branch – Fun movie and popcorn for kids and teens.
  • Presidents’ Day Craft at 3 – 5:30 p.m. – North Albany Branch – Kids make Washington and Lincoln masks while they learn a bit about these important presidents.

 

Thursday, February 16

  • Youth Podcasting 2-Day Workshop at 10 am-1 p.m. (continues Wednesday at same time) — Washington Ave. Branch —Youth FX and WCAA-FM lead this two-day podcasting workshop for teens. Participants develop story ideas, conduct interviews, write scripts, then record and edit their audio into a radio story that will go on the air. Please register by calling 427-4310.
  • River Life Workshop at 2-3:30 p.m. – Bach Branch – Kids in grades 3-8 examine a muskrat pelt, eagle talon replica, fish scales, and look at a Hudson River map to learn about tide charts.
  • Electrifying Science at 3-5 p.m. — Washington Ave. Branch — CNSE CMOST helps kids investigate static, experiment with a Van de Graaf generator, and explore magnets.

 

Wednesday, February 17

  • Button Making at 2-3 p.m. – North Albany Branch – Kids and teens use magazines and other materials to create their own unique buttons.
  • Rubik’s Cube 2-Day Workshop at 4 – 5:30 p.m. (continues Thursday) – Bach Branch – People ages 9 and older can learn to master the Rubik’s Cube with hands-on lessons from a champion. Please register at 518.482.2154.

 

Thursday, February 18

  • Pottery Workshop at 2-4 p.m. – Delaware Branch – Kids and young teens learn the art of wheel throwing and hand building with clay in this workshop taught by the Arts Center of the Capital Region. Please register by calling 518.463.0254.
  • Shadow Movement Theatre at 3-4:30 p.m. – Washington Ave. Branch – Elementary-age kids explore the magical effects of light, color, and shadow through games and movement.

 

Friday, February 19

  • Ice Skating Party at 1-3 p.m. – Swinburne Skating Rink – Kids and teens age 17 and younger can skate for free, and get free ice skate rentals, by showing their APL library cards. For more information, please call 518.427.4310.
  • Collages that Look Back at Us at 3 – 4 p.m. – Washington Ave. Branch – Kids ages 6-11 work with the Tang Teaching Museum to make collages inspired by Ken Tisa’s “Looking at the Sun.”

 

Saturday, February 20

  • Discover the Past with Our American Girl Dolls at 2 – 4 p.m. – Delaware Branch – Kids and teens learn about the Native American heritage of American Girl Doll Kaya, along with crafts, games, and snacks inspired by that culture. Participants are encouraged to bring their own American Girl Dolls. The program is funded by the Junior League of Albany.
  • Wonderful Water Experiments at 2 – 3:30 p.m. – Bach Branch – Kids in grades K-6 conduct a variety of hands-on water experiments.