Little Free Libraries to Visit in Glens Falls

Little libraries, big readers! We've noticed even more Little Free Libraries popping up around the city recently, and we love to see it! If you're up for a new summer read, here are a few Little Free Libraries to visit in Glens Falls…

But first, if you’re not familiar with Little Free Libraries, a quick overview. With no library cards and no due dates, they run on the honor system. Anyone may take a book or leave a book. While you don’t have to leave a book to take a book, you’re encouraged to leave one in the future (or bring back the one you took!). The main goal is to remove barriers and provide access to books to as many people as possible.

Happy reading!

GF Little Library

Location: 31 Lincoln Avenue, Glens Falls, at the corner of Lincoln and Crandall Street

Stewards: Dale, Molly, Rex, and Rocco Mattison

You’ll Find: Adult and children’s books

Of Note: Dale built the little library, which matches their home, as a gift for Molly. Molly noted, “It’s been such a great way to connect with our neighbors, and hundreds of books have been shared and donated within our first couple of months!”

Editors Note: Follow them on Instagram for the latest selection @gflittlelibrary. 

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Lily’s Little Library

Location: Coolidge Ave at Crandall Street, Glens Falls

Steward: Lily Murphy

You’ll Find: Books for all ages

Of Note: At just 9 years old, Lily Murphy was inspired to start a little library for her neighborhood, and with a little help from her uncle in the form of a beautiful purple book box, the library was born! Lily and her mom, Amanda, agreed, “It’s been used way more than we ever thought. We must see 10 - 20 people stop per day!”.

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The NY Book Nook

Location: 7 Marion Ave, Glens Falls

Steward: Ashleigh

You’ll Find: Adult and children’s books

Of Note: Ashleigh shared, “I have a love of reading, especially mystery/thriller and romance. I host a book club each month and have always wanted a little library. Now that I have one I hope to connect with neighbors and new friends in the area.”

Editors Note: Ashleigh is currently hosting a spring reading challenge encouraging folks to visit little free libraries in Glens Falls! Check out her Instagram post here for the details.

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Maxine’s Little Pink Library

Location: 13 Smith Street, Glens Falls

You’ll Find: Children’s books for ages 9 months - 12 years old

Of Note: “Maxine wanted to build a free library during quarantine, because the library was closed,” said her mom, Alison. “She wanted to make sure kids could still get books.”

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Feeder Bend Library

Location: Corner of Feeder Bend and E Beacon Street, Glens Falls

Steward: Sean Palladino

You’ll Find: A variety of books

Of Note: Sean’s library is modeled after a London phone booth, which combines his love of British culture and books.

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Debbie’s Little Library

Location: 18 Morton Street, Glens Falls

Steward: Debbie Sliva

You’ll Find: Books for all ages, but especially school age children. 

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Little Library Charter #129602

Location: 28 5th Street, Glens Falls

You’ll Find: Children’s books

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Location: 39 Lincoln Ave

Steward: Martha Shepard

You’ll Find: Adult and children’s books

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Know of another library that you didn’t see on this list? Email us at hello@glensfallsliving.com or comment below!

Six Halloween Books Your Kids Will Love

Spooky season is upon us! And our kids will not let us forget it - as they’ve been asking us if it’s “trick or treating day” for a week, trying their costumes on every night, and reading their fair share of Halloween books. I love switching out the books on our little bookshelves with every new season or holiday, and Halloween is no exception! Check out some of our family favorites below – hoping these titles will tide our kiddos over until it’s actually “trick or treating day.”

You're My Little Pumpkin Pie

This sweet little board book is a rhyming story geared more toward babies and younger kiddos – but my almost 4 year old enjoys it, too! 

There's a Monster in Your Book

This interactive story is so much fun to read! Kids will tilt, spin, and shake the book to try to get the cute little monster out – until they discover they’re better off keeping him in :)

Stumpkin

We love this adorable story about Stumpkin! He is the perfect pumpkin – except he has no stem and no one seems to want a stemless pumpkin for a jack-o-lantern.

The Little Kitten

This story about Ollie, who must return a lost kitten to her home, is one of our favorites for fall.

Gilbert the Ghost

The sweet story of Gilbert, a ghost who is a bit different and doesn’t want to scare.

Pick a Pumpkin

Hands down – this is our favorite book on the list. The illustrations are beautiful and the rhyming text brings all of the excitement of the season to life!

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Editors note: If you buy something through our links, we may earn a small commission at no cost to you, which helps to support GFL. Thank you!

Hometown Family: September 2021

I guess it is about time to stop commenting on how fast each month, season, and year is flying by, and doesn’t look to be slowing down anytime soon. May as well make the most of each moment!

As summer closes, I am shifting gears a little bit with our monthly calendar. Instead of an event for almost each day of the month, I will focus on homeschool trip options for a couple of weekdays, and try to find at least one family friendly activity for each weekend. 

As always, please reach out if you have a family friendly event you’d like to share with the community!

Photo: Bri Lyons

September 10: Storytime on the Farm at Pitney Meadows in Saratoga. How cute does this place look?! We’ve never been, so would love to hear your experience if you go. More details here.

September 11: .5K (.3 miles) Fun Run! Located at Pitney Meadows Community Farm, this race is sure to be fun for the whole family. All are welcome, and there will be family activities on the farm as well. More info here.

September 11: Grandparents Day Event at The Children’s Museum at Saratoga!  The event starts at 10:30am and includes story time and a card project to honor the grandparents. Check out their calendar here for more info on this and other weekly events.

September 13: Slime Lab at World Awareness Children’s Museum in Glens Falls! We have done this before and highly recommend! More info here.

September 16: This year, Up Yonda Farm in Bolton will be hosting their very first homeschool programs each month! The first theme is Ecosystems and Living Things. There is a session for 3-6 year olds, as well as a session for elementary aged students. More info here.

September 16: Stories and Art for Elementary Age Kids (grades K-3) at Crandall Library. Kids will enjoy a variety of stories and a creative art project. Details here.

September 18: Museum Day at World Awareness Children’s Museum means that from 10am - 3pm, admission is free! Search other participating museums and get your ticket here.

September 20: The Children’s Museum at Saratoga is hosting a Homeschool Open House information session and outdoor science session at the Lincoln Baths with a schedule of homeschool programs for the year provided. Details here.

September 22: Kids Book Club at Crandall Library (grades 4-6). This month's selection is The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate. Sign up and get more details here.

September 23-26: The Adirondack Balloon Festival may look a bit different this year, but I’m sure it will still be magical for the kiddos to watch the balloons inflate (and hopefully launch!). Stay up to date here.

Dakota Ridge Llama Trek: This is something that has been on my bucket list for my daughter for as long as I can remember (sometimes I think “her” bucket list is actually just an excuse for mine to come true, though). For $35 (for those 10 and older) you can lead your own llama through the forest (but all ages are welcome to join!). What better time to do that than this fall! More info here.

Jungle Experience Zoo: Find everything you need to know on their Facebook Page.

Crandall Library: Drop-in (or, “out” since it’s outside), for preschool story time in the park every Tuesday at 10am, and Wednesday at 10a for infants/toddlers. No sign up necessary.

The Children’s Museum at Saratoga: Offering weekly Art Adventures, Outdoor Story Time, and Outdoor Science Explorers, CMAS’ events calendar is sure to have something for you to enjoy! 

*For more family friendly options to enjoy any day of the week, check out our Hometown Family Activities page here*

To add your event to our calendar, email Haley at hgerarde@aol.com.

Hometown Family: August 2021

Summer seems to have flown by every year of my life, but now that I have kids it seems to go even quicker (and it may be just the opposite for those of you with school aged children!). July definitely came and went in the blink of an eye for our family.

Hopefully you enjoyed some of the recommendations from last month’s article - feel free to tag @glensfallsliving on Instagram so we can see what activities you’re up to!

I may have gone a little overboard for August, but I am going to miss all of these options when it starts to cool down again! In addition to the events on specific dates in the calendar below, don’t forget to check out the options available any day at the bottom!

Crandall Library • Photo: Bri Lyons

August 3: For a small fee of absolutely nothing (unless you’d like a snack from local food trucks that will be on site) you can head over to the Crandall Park Bandshell for Glens Falls Community Theatre’s presentation of Charlotte’s Web (every Tuesday in August!) at 6:30pm. Details here.

August 3: Story Time in the Park in City Park outside of Crandall Library for children 3-5 years from 10-10:30am (every Tuesday) - includes stories, songs, and puppets. Details here.

August 4: Story Time in the Park in City Park outside of Crandall Library for children infant-3 years from 10-10:20am (every Wednesday) - includes simple stories, movement, and songs. Details here.

August 5: Honeybee Workshop at Little Feet Little Farm in Ballston Spa for those ages 4 and up. Learn more and check out other events hosted by them here.

August 6: Mickey & Minnie String Art at Wicks from the Sticks from 6p-8p. Kits can be purchased to do at home if you can not attend the event. Details here.

August 7: Warren County Youth Fair will be held at the Warren County Fairgrounds from 9am until 1pm. A day filled with talent shows, a pie eating contest, a craft room, and more! 

August 7: The Children’s Museum at Saratoga’s Big Truck Day located at Maple Avenue Middle School in Saratoga Springs looks like a day full of fun! Get your tickets (only $5!) here.

August 8: Berkshire Bank Family Sundays at Saratoga Race Course - details here!

August 10: Make a bird feeder and learn about birds in City Park from 2-3pm. For children entering Kindergarten - 3rd grade. Register for this event and more here.

August 10: Charlotte’s Web (and food trucks!) at the Crandall Park Bandshell 6:30pm. Details here.

August 11: For those of you with kiddos between the ages 6-11, Up Yonda Farm in Bolton will be hosting Hug A Tree: Survival Skills for Kids When Lost in the Woods presented by LASAR at 1pm. Children will have the opportunity to meet a real search dog! 

August 11: The Pember in Granville will be offering a “Birds and Bees Pollination” event with a mason bee house craft. The program is geared for 1st grade and up, and registration is required by calling 512-642-1515. See more events and information here.

August 12: Kids Crafts at the Beach at Moreau Lake State Park - more info here.

August 12: Balloons, popcorn, ice pops, hair cuts (yep, you heard right! And - they’re free - for school kiddos), sports equipment and book exchange, all at Crandall Park’s Schoolapalooza from 5p-8p. More information here.

August 14: Lake George Land Conservancy Annual Block Party! Located at Up Yonda Farm in Bolton Landing from 11a-2p, you’ll find SayCheez518 food truck and live music. Children all ages can explore the butterfly garden, catch frogs in the pond, and get a scenic view of Lake George on a guided hike at 1pm. Find out more here.

August 15: Berkshire Bank Family Sundays at Saratoga Race Course - details here!

August 16: Five Rivers Environmental Education Center’s Meet the Animals gives children in grades K-5 the chance to meet some Adirondack wildlife, learn about their adaptations and how to protect them. The drive to Delmar is about an hour from Glens Falls, and registration is required. They also have other “Funday Mondays” throughout the month, so be sure to check out the full calendar here.

August 16: Children entering grades K-5 are invited to City Park for American Sign Language: Animals from 11a-12p. Registration is required and can be found here.

August 16 - 20: Wicks From the Sticks Kids Week - for all school aged children! They will be offering a craft each day from 10:30 - 11:30am (drop off or stay to watch) for $12, or $50 for all 5 days. In order from Monday - Friday, they will have neon slime, jewelry making, candle making, string art, and lego building. See pictures of each of these crafts and learn more here.

August 17: Charlotte’s Web (and food trucks!) at the Crandall Park Bandshell 6:30pm. Details here.

August 19: Crandall Library’s Annual Teddy Bear Picnic. This is a drop in, social distanced event with teddy bear stories at 10:30, and a teddy bear parade around the park at 11:15. A kit of activities and projects to do with your bear will be provided. Details here.

August 20, 21, 22: The Annual Firemen’s and Family Summer Festival and Craft Show in Shepard Park will have music, food, children’s activities, and more. Get the details here.

August 21: Lake George Music Festival - Children’s Concert in Shepards Park is FREE to attend. More information on this event and others for the Lake George Music Festival can be found here.

August 22: Berkshire Bank Family Sundays at Saratoga Race Course - details here!

August 24: Nature Arts Hour at Wilton Wildlife Preserve and Park gives kiddos the chance to get creative with, and in nature. Find more information and save a spot here.

August 24: Charlotte’s Web (and food trucks!) at the Crandall Park Bandshell 6:30pm - details here.

August 27 - 29:  Book Sale at Bolton Free Library. Visit their website for more information.

August 27 - 29: Saratoga Balloon and BBQ Festival. Balloons and BBQ...what more needs to be said?! Find more info here.

August 29: Summer Scented Slime at Wicks from the Sticks (this is a walk in event so students can come at any time between 11a - 3p). Details here.

August 29: Berkshire Bank Family Sundays at Saratoga Race Course - details here!

Dinosaurs in Motion: Where Art Meets Science: Every single day this month (except for Wednesdays), Universal Presentation Hall in Saratoga Springs will be hosting a show at 12pm that blends science, art, and innovation with their life-size metal sculptures. It sounds like a perfect “STEM” activity to engage the kiddos while also feeding their brains. Find more information and grab tickets here.

Hudson Pointe Nature Preserve: We’re talkin’ trails, benches, interpretive signage, bridges, “beaches” and a whole field to romp around in at this preserve. We love it here because there are several different paths you can take depending on the length of walk you’re feeling for the day, and each trail is wonderfully marked, and even open to mountain bikers! See the trail map here.

Hovey Pond Park: Have you ever struggled trying to choose between a nature walk or a playground? Fear not! Hovey’s got you covered! With their loop around a beautiful pond (and back into the marsh), you can get your steps in, and then hit the playground afterwards! Oh, and did I mention the plethora of turtles you will see while you’re there? Learn more about Hovey and more parks here.

Lake George Steamboat Company: The one-hour tour of the southern end of Lake George on the Minne Ha Ha is the perfect addition to an afternoon north of Glens Falls. The Minne Ha Ha has departure times throughout the entire day, and the Steamboat Company has other cruise options as well (Lac du Saint Sacrement Lunch Cruise, tour of the Narrows, etc).

June Farms: Located in West Sand Lake (so a little bit of a drive, I know!), this farm offers a “horse play” playground, wood fired pizza, farm animals, walking tours, and so much more. This used to be a popular place for date nights, goat yoga, and more, but just recently started allowing children of all ages at any time! Find all you need to know here, and note that they are closed Mondays! 

Floating Classroom: Lake George Association’s Floating Classroom is an excellent resource, and fun too! Geared towards ages 8 and up (but all ages welcome!), they offer public programming on Wednesdays at 10am and 1pm until August 25th. Details and sign up here!

LOCAL CHALLENGES 

The Chapman Challenge: For all you history buffs, or anyone just wanting to learn more about our beloved Glens Falls, this challenge is for you! Filled with spots to touch on local history, and some just for fun, you will round out your challenge at the Chapman Museum, where you will receive a pin of completion and have your name added to their website. Get all the details here.

Round the Lake Challenge: What better way to learn and gain an appreciation for the nature that surrounds us than hands on experiences? The Lake George Land Conservancy’s Round the Lake Challenge offers educational stops, hiking trails, and so much more. After 20 missions have been completed, you will be rewarded with a certificate of completion and a RTL patch. Print your checklist and find more info here.

*For more family friendly options to enjoy any day of the week, check out our Hometown Family Activities page here*

To add your event to our calendar, Email Haley at hgerarde@aol.com.

Hometown Family: July 2021

July sure did come in hot in every way! I am so excited to add something new to Glens Falls Living. Being someone who can’t sit still, and a mom of two little ones, we are constantly looking for new activities, and one place to find them all. We’re hoping that “Hometown Family” can be exactly that - a monthly round up you can look to for ideas on how to spend a random weekday off, or a weekend activity with the fam. We will curate the list to appeal to most age groups, with a range of activities for the family as well as things you can send your children to while you run errands (or just grab a coffee and a book and enjoy all things local). So to start it all off, let’s talk July. Here’s what we’ve got:

July 5: World Awareness Children’s Museum Messy Art Camp begins for children 3rd grade and older. Details here.

July 9: Meet a police pup at Crandall Library! More info here.

July 12: World Awareness Children’s Museum Under the Sea Camp for Pre-K and Kindergarten age kiddos begins. Details here.

July 16: The Park Theater will be presenting a weekly summer concert series at the Crandall Park Bandshell each Friday evening in July from 7-8:30pm. Details here!

July 16: Friday night movies in City Park are back, and this week they’re showing Monsters, Inc. at dusk - bring the kiddos and a picnic blanket! Details here!

July 17: If you have not been to Liberty Ridge Farm in Schaghticoke with your kiddos, get ready to spend the entire day, because this place is (in my opinion) incredible. There is so much to do here - from all of their little farm animals, to a giant “pillow” to bounce on, life sized bird houses, and so, so much more. We were here for their Strawberry Festival last month, and loved playing cornhole with live music in the background, and watching the kids run around & dance. This month, on July 17, they’re having their Blueberry Festival and I can’t imagine that it would be any less impressive. Actually, if anything it will be even more fun, because they will be offering U-Pick! Find the details here.

July 19: World Awareness Children’s Museum Around The World Camp for 1st - 3rd graders begins. Details here.

July 19: Kids in Motion at The Hyde Collection - kids are invited to join a four-day-long program to move their bodies through a series of creative movements, craft making, and outdoor exploration. Details here!

July 20: Kids Superhero Comic Con at Crandall Library. Get the scoop here!

July 20: The Glens Falls Community Theater is presenting a free family theatre series on Tuesdays in July at the Crandall Park Bandshell. Food trucks, too! Get the scoop here.

July 22, 23, 24: Drop by City Park at noon for The Adirondack Theatre Festival’s show, “PB&J Cafe: Cinderella Goes Disco” right outside the library. Don’t forget a blanket/chairs & picnic lunch! Learn more about it here.

July 23: The Park Theater will be presenting a weekly summer concert series at the Crandall Park Bandshell each Friday evening in July from 7-8:30pm. Details here!

July 23: Friday night movies in City Park are back, and this week they’re showing Sonic the Hedgehog at dusk - bring the kiddos and a picnic blanket! Details here!

July 26: World Awareness Children’s Museum Super Secret Spy Camp for 3rd grade and up begins. Details here.

July 26: Meet a llama at Crandall Library! Sign up here.

July 27: The Glens Falls Community Theater is presenting a free family theatre series on Tuesdays in July at the Crandall Park Bandshell. Food trucks, too! Get the scoop here.

July 29, 30: Drop by City Park at noon for The Adirondack Theatre Festival’s show, “PB&J Cafe: Cinderella Goes Disco” right outside the library. Don’t forget a blanket/chairs & picnic lunch! Learn more about it here.

July 30: The Park Theater will be presenting a weekly summer concert series at the Crandall Park Bandshell each Friday evening in July from 7-8:30pm. Details here!

July 30: Friday night movies in City Park are back, and this week they’re showing Wreck it Ralph at dusk - bring the kiddos and a picnic blanket! Details here!

ALWAYS AN OPTION

Crandall Park • Glens Falls: This heat, my golly. Crandall is great for the shaded playground, but now that they’ve added a splash pad (!!), it’s the perfect place to cool down. Follow along for updates here.

Take a Bite • Downtown Glens Falls: A GF favorite through the summer, restaurants offer small plates and you can stroll through downtown enjoying live entertainment and music on Wednesdays from 5-7pm. Details here!

Crandall Library • Glens Falls: Ongoing this summer, Crandall Library hosts Infant/Toddler Storytime in City Park on Wednesdays 10-10:20am and Preschool Storytime in City Park on Tuesdays 10:00-10:30am. Bring a blanket to sit on and keep an eye on Facebook for weather-related changes. No sign up required! Details here.

The Shirt Factory • Glens Falls: The Thursday Food Truck Corral is perfect for all ages. Between the live music and tasty vendors, it’s a perfect scene for the parents, but last week they added bounce houses for the kiddos, and have their pony rides too. What a night! Every Thursday through the summer from 4:30-8pm. Find out more here.

Creative Chameleon • Glens Falls: Such a hidden gem! If you are looking for craft (or game!) ideas to do at home, check out Creative Chameleon inside The Shirt Factory to buy some to bring back, or contact them via Facebook to set up a time to go in and do some ceramic painting (it doesn’t have to be during business hours - she is so flexible).

Queensbury Parks and Rec • Queensbury: Alright, to be honest, they’ve pretty much got it all covered. From rock climbing for all different age levels, to their safe boating or safe babysitting courses, to clay programs, you’re sure to find something for each of your little ones. Check out their whole Summer Guide here.

Gurney Lane • Queensbury: First of all, the pool. No brainer. Open 1pm-7pm weekdays, and 12pm-7pm on the weekends. But besides that (and their playgrounds, and their walking trails, and their mountain biking trails...I digress), Queensbury Parks and Rec has so much to offer right under the Gurney Lane Pavilions. Details here.

World Awareness Children’s Museum • Glens Falls: GO! is finally back open for general admission on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from 9:00 am - 12:00 pm to explore the Museum. There has been a lot going on over there in terms of new exhibits, so it will be a new sight for everyone! 

Thanks for reading! Want to be sure you never miss a story? Sign up for our weekly newsletter for a recap of the latest from GFL here!

10 Valentine's Day Books Your Kids Will Love

As a mama of two and a teacher, it probably goes without saying that I love a good book. The chilly temps have meant a lot of time spent indoors reading all of our favorites. Luckily the season of love is upon us, which means our Valentine’s Day books have made their way into our little book nook! I’m sharing all of our favorites below - here’s hoping you and your family find a new book to love!

L is for Love: A Heartfelt Alphabet - A sweet and simple alphabet of love.

Hug Machine – Because everyone deserves a good hug!

Love Monster – The story of how love can find you (even if you’re not cute and fluffy) when you least expect it!

Love Is – A heartwarming story about what it means to care for others.

The Love Letter – One little love letter starts a chain reaction of kindness.

Somebody Loves You, Mr. Hatch – I read this classic to my 2nd graders on Valentine’s Day every year.

Love is a Truck – For the little lover of cars, trucks, and all things that go!

A Book of Love – This charming little story shares all the big and small ways that we can show our love.

Love is my Favorite Thing – Much like a lot of the dogs I know, the pup in this story can’t hide her enthusiasm for love!

Mirabel's Missing Valentines – This shy little mouse works up the courage to celebrate Valentine’s Day after all!

Editors note: In the spirit of supporting local booksellers, we’re linking to Bookshop.org where available, a bookseller that donates a portion of profits to local independent bookstores. GFL is an affiliate of Bookshop.org and will earn a small commission at no cost to you if you click through and make a purchase, helping to support GFL, too!