The Homegrown String Band, aka The Jackofsy family, from left, Georgianne and Rick with daughters Erica and Annalee. The library was humming with activity as The Friends of the Library began fall with a series of varied events.

The festivities began on Monday, September 12 with “Monday’s Marvelous Movie Matinés” celebrated its fourth birthday. In lieu of the traditional birthday cake, cookies and punch were served to the audience by co-chairpersons Tom Richmond and Sal Catania.

On Thursday, September 15th, despite a torrential downpour outside, residents who managed to attend were treated to a multi-media presentation of a cultural journey through 10 countries, “From Africa to Asia” Travel photographers Conny Brunner and Doug Going presented an enchanting photo montage set to music which captured the people, culture, cuisine, art and history of life in faraway lands.

Judi Culbertson, left, gave Barbara Minerd, program coordinator for The Friends of the Library, hints on how to get rid of unwanted clutter. On Thursday, September 22nd, a capacity audience heard Judi Culbertson, a member of The National Association of Professional Organizers, delivered an amusing and enlightening lecture called ‘Got Clutter? How to Get Control Over Stuff.” Ms. Culbertson, author of “Scaling Down: Living Large with Less Stuff” struck many a delightful nerve with her advice on how to get rid of accumulated personal memorabilia.

Travel photographers Conny Brunner and Doug Going took Garden City residents on a photo journey “From Africa To Asia.” On Saturday, Young Adult Librarian Marge Kelly hosted a “Yak and Snack” discussion. A fantasy by Anne McCaffrey, “Dragonsong,” was the topic of the day.

Adults also participated in a book discussion on Wednesday, September 21st. Trustee Gloria Weinrich talked about “Nobody’s Fool” by Richard Russo. As an added lagniappe, the film version of the book starring Paul Newman was shown on Thursday, September 29th.

The first session of a two-part Babysitting Workshop was held on Tuesday, September 27th. Det. Richard Pedone of the Garden City Police Department and Ed Fronckwicz of the Village’s Recreation Department discussed safety issues involved with this task.

A country music concert featuring The Homegrown String Band brought the month’s program to a toe-tapping humming conclusion.

October promises to be equally active and instructive and entertaining. Consult the circulars in the carousels at the circulation desk for additional details.

Funding for all these programs was provided by The Friends of the Library.