— Photo by Phil Berardi

Taking in the sweet smell of lilacs, Claire was captured by her father, Phil Berardi, head of Access Services and Circulation for the Guilderland Public Library. The library has been featuring spring photos submitted by patrons and staff on its Facebook and Instagram pages.

Voting on our annual budget and Board of Trustees candidates is being conducted solely by mail-in absentee ballot this year, per Executive Order. Guilderland Central School District mailed absentee ballots with a prepaid return envelope to all qualified voters on May 28. Completed ballots must be received by the school district by Tuesday, June 9 at 5 p.m. Please see www.guilderlandschools.org for questions regarding this year’s voting process.  

Guilderland Public Library has five candidates for three open Board of Trustees positions — three incumbents and two first-time candidates. They are, in ballot order:  Marcia Alazraki, Herbert Hennings, Mark Keeling, Philip Metzger, and Richard Rubin. More information on these candidates, and our proposed budget, which remains under the tax cap with modest adjustments, may be found by clicking on the last two links at the bottom of this web page:  www.guilderlandlibrary.org/get-to-know-us/people/board-of-trustees/.

Reopening Plans

We are diligently preparing to begin offering contactless curbside service for checking out and returning materials. We anticipate these services beginning in mid-June as the initial phase of our gradual reopening. At this juncture, only staff in staggered teams will be allowed into our building.  Appointments will be made in advance to check out materials at our parking lot, and materials returned will be quarantined for 72 hours, then sanitized. Please note — we are not yet ready to take such appointments at this time. More details will be communicated next week through various outlets, including local media, our website, Facebook and Instagram, and our electronic sign.  

Thank you for your patience as we navigate through unchartered territory, striving to serve you with utmost safety above all else.  Meanwhile, please continue to stay healthy and safe, and stay connected with us at:  

— Website:  www.guilderlandlibrary.org, Facebook page, and Instagram account;

     — The monthly newsletter (click “our newsletter” on www.guilderlandlibrary.org);  

     — The weekly e-news blasts (subscribe on our newsletter page); and 

— Call 518-285-0050 or .

Also, don’t forget to check out our GPL Kids and Families Facebook page for all kinds of fun and engaging activities! We’re taking our usual storytime summer break, but you’ll find archived storytimes, craft activities, and other education and entertaining content there.  

Summer Reading 

Children, teens and adults – literally everyone – is invited to join our literary journey to Imagine Your Story — our 2020 Summer Reading Program theme. It’s a great way to keep our minds active over the summer months. Participants can log their reading activities in Beanstack and earn chances to win prizes! Sign up at: guilderlandlibrary.beanstack.org and preregister for Imagine Your Story – Summer Reading Program 2020 now, then log your reading and activities starting Monday, June 22.  

In addition, teens are invited to Read it Forward again this summer with two books to enjoy and then "Read it Forward" to a friend: Croak, by Gina Damico, and Nimona, by Noelle Stevenson.  These titles may be downloaded as an eBook or audiobook from Libby or Hoopla. Copies will also be available once libraries reopen, with no due dates and no late fees on these titles.

Speaking of summer reading, our Little Free Library has gained quite a following! Come check out the assortment in front of our building. The idea is take a book and/or share a book. 

 If you have several books to donate, please use the green bin in our auxiliary parking lot. And as always, feel free to access our Wi-Fi from the main parking lot.

Night Owls Book Discussion Online

This month, we're reading “The Mountains Sing” by Nguyen Phan Que Mai, which is available for download as an eBook or audiobook on Hoopla. To participate in our video meeting on Monday, June 8 at 7:30 p.m., please register through the Events tab on our website, and include your email address. Another option is to join the GPL Night Owls Book Club on goodreads.com.

Employment Resources

Libraries are your natural go-to in a more robust climate, but become even more important during times of economic crisis. One of our areas of expertise is helping people find a job. As such, we’ve compiled a convenient Guide to Job Information Resources, posted here:  www.guilderlandlibrary.org/wp-content/uploads/Job-Information-Page-PDF.pdf.  You’ll find a slew of employment websites, links to essential businesses hiring now, downloadable books for career development and job hunting, and more.  

We are edging closer to our eventual phased reopening, diligently finalizing plans internally and in conjunction with the 28 other Upper Hudson libraries.  We miss you and we hope to see you in person soon!

However, we must do so with utmost care. Your patience is greatly appreciated as we strive to address several key considerations, in full compliance with New York State directives. As always, the health and safety of our staff and patrons remains our top priority. For further updates on our reopening plans, please see our:

— Website here https://guilderlandlibrary.org/gpl-reopening-plan/;

— Facebook page;

— Instagram account;

— Monthly newsletter (click “our newsletter” on www.guilderlandlibrary.org); and

— Weekly e-news blasts (subscribe on our newsletter page).

Meanwhile, let’s stay the course and continue to follow recommended protocols so that we can continue to make progress toward a healthy future!

Elections

Voting on our annual budget and board of trustees candidates will be conducted solely by mail-in absentee ballot this year, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Guilderland Central School District will automatically mail absentee ballots with a prepaid return envelope to all qualified voters.

Completed ballots must be received to the school district by 5 p.m. on Tuesday, June 9. Please see www.guilderlandschools.org for further details, including information on voter registration and eligibility.

The Guilderland Public Library has five candidates for three open board of trustees positions — three incumbents and two first-time candidates. They are, in ballot order: Marcia Alazraki, Herbert Hennings, Mark Keeling, Philip Metzger, and Richard Rubin.

More information on these candidates, and our proposed budget, may be found by clicking on the last two links at the bottom of this web page:  https://guilderlandlibrary.org/get-to-know-us/people/board-of-trustees/.

Summer Reading Program

Everyone loves a good story, and everyone has a story — what’s yours? All ages are invited to join our literary journey to Imagine Your Story — our 2020 Summer Reading Program theme.

It’s a great incentive to stay connected and keep our minds active over the summer months. Once again, children, teens and adults can log their reading activities in Beanstack and earn chances to win prizes.  Sign up begins Mon. June 1st at:  https://guilderlandlibrary.beanstack.org/reader365.

In addition, teens are invited to Read it Forward again this summer with two books to enjoy and then “Read it Forward” to a friend: “Croak,” by Gina Damico, and “Nimona,” by Noelle Stevenson. These titles may be downloaded as an e-book or audiobook from Libby or Hoopla. Copies will also be available once libraries reopen, with no due dates and no late fees on these titles.

Employment resources

Historically, libraries become even more important during times of economic crisis, helping people secure jobs while providing free educational and entertaining materials. With unemployment currently at 14.7 percent, we’re striving to consolidate employment resources in one convenient spot.

Our new “Guide to Job Information Resources” may be viewed by clicking on the button on our home page and here: https://guilderlandlibrary.org/wp-content/uploads/Job-Information-Page-PDF.pdf.

You’ll find a slew of employment websites, links to essential businesses hiring now, and downloadable books for career development and job hunting.

Keep in touch

While our doors remain closed, the Guilderland Public Library remains your trusted source for online education and entertainment! While we strategize our eventual reopening, we’re constantly adding virtual programs and content for your enjoyment. We encourage you to:

— Check guilderlandlibrary.org frequently — especially the Healthy at Home page;

— Read our newsletter, linked on our home page;

— Like our Facebook page;

— Join the GPL Kids and Families Facebook group;

— Follow us on Instagram;

— Subscribe to eNews on top of our home page;

— Contact us at 518-285-0050 or ask.librarian@guilderlandlibrary.org;

— heck out the Little Free Library in front of our building; and

— Access our wifi 24/7.

— Photo by Tim Wiles

Arush Bibave read a book in the peaceful Literary Garden at Guilderland Public Library last year — a reminder that summer reading is right around the corner, though the program will look different this year.

While libraries throughout New York State await further guidance from Governor Andrew Cuomo on which of the four phases we fall under for our eventual reopening, we are diligently finalizing plans for this gradual transition, in conjunction with the 28 other Upper Hudson Library System locations.

We appreciate your patience as we work through several key considerations in full compliance with executive orders, ever mindful that the health and safety of our staff and patrons remains our highest priority.

Budget and board vote

Voting on our annual budget and board of trustees candidates will be conducted solely by mail-in absentee ballot this year, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Guilderland Central School District will automatically mail absentee ballots with a prepaid return envelope to all qualified voters.

Completed ballots must be received to the school district by 5 p.m. on Tuesday, June 9. Please see guilderlandschools.org for further details, including information on voter registration.

The Guilderland Public Library has five candidates for three open board of trustees positions — three incumbents and two first-time candidates. They are, in ballot order: Marcia Alazraki, Herb Hennings, Mark Keeling, Philip Metzger, and Richard Rubin.

More information on these candidates, and our proposed budget, may be found by clicking on the last two links at the bottom of this web page:  https://guilderlandlibrary.org/get-to-know-us/people/board-of-trustees/.

Trivia Tuesdays

The third and final installment of our popular Trivia Tuesday night for teens and adults is Tuesday, May 26, at 7 p.m. If you can’t decide which you prefer, mouse ears or lightsabers, we’ve got you covered with a tantalizing mix of Disney / Star Wars questions to get you pondering galaxies far, far away — while musing that it’s a small world, after all.  Participants can play individually, as an in-house team, or with a virtual team. 

Team captains should be 16 or older and will be responsible for communicating with the hosts on GoToMeeting. Anyone needing login information, including team captains, please register on the Events tab on our website.

Food drive

The Teachers’ Association at Lynnwood Elementary School will hold a food drive in our parking lot on Thursday, May 21, from 4 to 6 p.m. All non-perishables collected will be donated to the Regional Food Bank. Thank you for supporting our community!

Trustees meet

On Thursday, May 21, at 6 p.m., the Guilderland Public Library Board of Trustees will hold a virtual business meeting, streamed live on the GPL Facebook page and archived there for future viewing.  Questions and commentary may be directed to: .

Summer Reading Club

Imagine Your Story is our 2020 Summer Reading theme. Though it will look a little a bit different this year, Summer Reading Club is a great way to stay connected — so we encourage all ages to get involved and keep reading!

As in the past, children, teens, and adults can log their reading activities in Beanstack and earn chances to win prizes. Mark your calendar to sign up beginning Monday, June 1, at:  https://guilderlandlibrary.beanstack.org/reader365

Read it Forward returns this summer, just for teens!  Libraries in the Upper Hudson and Mohawk Valley Library Systems will offer two books for teens to enjoy and then “Read it Forward” to a friend:  “Croak,” by Gina Damico, and “Nimona,” by Noelle Stevenson.

These titles may be downloaded as an eBook or audiobook from Libby or Hoopla. Copies will also be available once libraries reopen on a first-come, first-served basis, with no due dates and no late fees.

Keep in touch

While our doors remain closed, the Guilderland Public Library remains your trusted source for online education and entertainment! While we strategize our eventual reopening, we’re constantly adding virtual programs and content for your enjoyment. We encourage you to:

— Check guilderlandlibrary.org frequently — especially the Healthy at Home page;

— Read our newsletter, linked on our home page;

— Like our Facebook page;

— Join the GPL Kids and Families Facebook group;

— Follow us on Instagram;

— Subscribe to eNews on top of our home page; and

— Contact us at 518-285-0050 or ask.librarian@guilderlandlibrary.org.

— Photo from Luanne Nicholson

Tulips adorn the walkway in front of Guilderland Public Library for an extra pop of color alongside the daffodils.

While our doors remain closed, the Guilderland Public Library remains your trusted source for online education and entertainment! While we strategize our eventual reopening, we’re constantly adding virtual programs and content for your enjoyment. We encourage you to:

— Check guilderlandlibrary.org frequently — especially the Healthy at Home page;

— Read our newsletter, linked on our home page;

— Like our Facebook page;

— Join the GPL Kids and Families Facebook group;

— Follow us on Instagram;

— Subscribe to eNews on top of our home page; and

— Contact us at 518-285-0050 or .  

Writing contest wrap-up

Last call for our “Write at Home” writing contest! Grades 4 through adult: Submit your best work to us by Friday, May 15, at noon. Winners receive a $30 prize of their choice from The Book House, and all works submitted will be posted on our website with permission. All forms of poetry and prose are eligible. See guilderlandlibrary.org/wfh for full details.  

Trivia Tuesdays

Trivia buffs missing their live weekly sessions can participate in the next-best thing: GPL’s Trivia Tuesdays! Our popular trivia nights have been retooled so teens and adults can play along at home.

On Tuesday, May 19, at 7 p.m., get ready for a totally rad evening of ’80s and ’90s Trivia! Movie mavens, we hope the force is with you on Tuesday, May 26, at 7 p.m. as you don your Mickey-eared thinking caps for a combined arsenal of Disney / Star Wars questions.

Participants can play individually, as an in-house team, or with a virtual team. Team captains should be at least 16 years old and will be responsible for communicating with the hosts on GoToMeeting. Anyone needing login information, including team captains, please register on the Events tab on our website.  

Cookbook Club at Home

Our popular Cookbook Club goes virtual! Using GoToMeeting, we’re holding bimonthly sessions for a small group of patrons. The theme for Wednesday, May 20, at 7 p.m. is “Substitutions: This for That.” 

We’ll share ideas about suitable substitutes for specific recipes. To register, visit the Events calendar on our website and provide an email with your registration. You’ll receive an email the day before the event.

Clutter Bootcamp

Conquer the clutter! Professional organizer Jes Marcy coaches participants through five self-paced half-hour video tutorials designed to free up space and create a more welcoming home environment. 

While our Clutter Bootcamp virtual Q&A session with Jes on June 1 is full, we can still share her motivating videos with anyone who registers by Monday, May 18. Go to our Events calendar online and register with an email and library barcode; we’ll send you all five video links on May 18.

Also, if there are any cancellations, we’ll move people off the waiting list and onto the June 1 virtual session in the order they registered.

Trustees meet

On Thursday, May 21, at 6 p.m., the Guilderland Public Library Board of Trustees will hold a virtual business meeting, streamed live on the GPL Facebook page. Public commentary before and during the meeting may be directed to: .

Elections

Voting on our annual budget and board of trustees is traditionally the third Tuesday in May.  By executive order on May 1, Governor Andrew Cuomo postponed this year’s election until Tuesday, June 9. This election will be conducted solely by mail-in absentee ballot, due to the COVID-19 public health crisis. 

Absentee ballots with a prepaid return envelope will be distributed to all qualified voters (United States citizens 18 years or older who have lived in the district for at least 30 days prior to the vote, and have not been disqualified by any reason set forth in New York State Election Law §5-106) in conjunction with the timeline specified in the executive order.

Guilderland Public Library has five candidates for three open board of trustees positions — three incumbents and two first-time candidates — plus our annual budget on the ballot. We will continue to share updates regarding the election process as this information becomes available. Links to the proposed budget and 2020 board candidates may be found by accessing this page:  https://guilderlandlibrary.org/get-to-know-us/people/board-of-trustees/ and scrolling to the bottom. 

Food drive

The Teachers Association at Lynnwood Elementary School will hold a food drive in our parking lot on Thursday, May 21, from 4 to 6 p.m. All non-perishables collected will be donated to the Regional Food Bank. Thank you for supporting our community!

Professional Organizer Jes Marcy is offering a customized virtual “Clutter Bootcamp” through the Guilderland Public Library starting Monday, May 18. To sign up, go to guilderlandlibrary.org and click on Events.

When can the library reopen? We do not yet know the answer to that question.

We are in the midst of extensive planning with the other 28 Upper Hudson Library System locations to prepare for a coordinated, phased reopening of our facilities. There are many aspects to consider, as the health and safety of staff and patrons remains our primary concern. We will continue to relay information as we move closer toward our eventual reopening.

While we are apart, we’re striving to devise creative ways to connect with you, our beloved community, from our home bases. We hope you’ll explore these virtual programs and digital resources, designed to keep you and your family engaged and entertained.

Free Ancestry.com and genealogy help

Our resident professional genealogist, Lisa Dougherty, is available for free 
family history consultations every Wednesday during May. Get one-on-one help starting the process or making progress by visiting the Upstate NY Genealogy by Lisa Dougherty Facebook page. 

For further information, Lisa’s website is: www.upstatenygenealogy.com. Right now, you can also access ancestry.com for free at https://www.uhls.org/databases.asp.

GPL Trivia Tuesdays

GPL Trivia returns — to your living room! Adults and teens are invited to put their heads together for three themed Trivia Tuesday nights in May at 7 p.m. The themes are:  Harry Potter Trivia – May 12; ’80s and ’90s Trivia – May 19; and Disney/Star Wars Trivia – May 26.

Participants can play individually, as an in-house team, or with a virtual team to vie for bragging rights as a GPL Trivia Champion. Team captains should be 16 or older and will be responsible for communicating with the hosts on GoToMeeting. Anyone needing login information, including team captains, should register on the Events tab on our website.

Writing contest

The deadline is fast approaching for our “Write at Home” writing contest. Students in fourth grade through adults are encouraged to submit their best work to us by Friday, May 15, at noon.

Winners receive a $30 prize of their choice from The Book House, and all works submitted will be posted on our website with the author’s permission. All forms of poetry and prose are eligible.  Participants must reside within the Guilderland School District or possess a Guilderland Public Library Card. See https://guilderlandlibrary.org/wfh for full details.  

Clutter Bootcamp

Here’s a terrific starting point for conquering clutter. Professional organizer Jes Marcy will coach participants through five self-paced half-hour video tutorials beginning Monday, May 18, culminating in a live Q&A session via GoToMeeting on Monday, June 1 at 
6 p.m.

Jes Marcy has presented several programs throughout the Capital Region on organizing and learning to live with less, focusing on a simple, judgment-free approach that is both refreshing and practical. Visit the Events Calendar on guilderlandlibrary.org to register and provide an email address. Registration is limited to 15 people.

Cookbook Club: At-Home Edition


Our popular Cookbook Club goes virtual! Using GoToMeeting, we’re holding bimonthly sessions for a small group of patrons.

The theme for Wednesday, May 20, at 7 p.m. is “Substitutions: This for That.” We'll share ideas about suitable substitutes for ingredients you might not have on hand for a specific recipe.

To register, visit the Events calendar on our website and provide an email with your registration.  Meeting coordinators will email you an invitation the day before the event.

Trustees meet


On Thursday, May 21, at 6 p.m., the Guilderland Public Library Board of Trustees will hold a virtual business meeting, streamed live on the GPL Facebook page. Public commentary before and during the meeting may be directed to: pio@guilderlandpubliclibrary.org.

Staying connected

Make sure to check back often to find out what’s new:

— Log onto guilderlandlibrary.org, and refer to the “Healthy at Home” page to view all of our online resources in one convenient place: e-books; e-magazines; audiobooks; The New York Times; The Great Courses, Qello concerts, IndieFlix films and Acorn TV shows through RBDigital; databases such as ancestry.com and Consumer Reports; library cards; Hoopla (750,000+ audiobooks, movies, music, comics, eBooks, TV shows and more); videos to help you get started with our digital resources; and much more;

— Join our new GPL Kids and Families Facebook group, featuring Virtual Storytimes, fun and educational content, and creative activities;

— Sign up for eNews at the top of our home page; and

— Access wifi 24/7 from our parking lot.

We miss you!  We hope you are doing well, and we look forward to the eventual day we can reopen our building.

People often think libraries are all about books, and they are — right. But we are also all about people.  Libraries are vibrant, exciting hubs where you can find knowledge, entertainment, and community connections. You can still find a host of educational and entertainment options on our website:  www.guilderlandlibrary.org.

Regarding the community connection, find us on Facebook and Instagram; call us at 518-285-0050; and email us at . We hope to be back serving you in person soon.

Little Free Library

Meanwhile, in addition to our ever-expanding online resources, we’ve installed a Little Free Library in front of our building, which is already gaining popularity. The idea is to “Take a Book, Share a Book.” 

We’ve stocked it with a variety of titles for all ages to start us off. Bring a book or two that you’d like to share, and/or take one that you’d like to read. (If you have several books to donate, please use our green Better World Books bin located in our side parking lot.)

We’ll periodically replenish these offerings as needed. We hope you’ll find — and leave — some reading treasures for others to enjoy.

Staying connected

Check back often to find out what’s new, as we’re constantly adding and refreshing:

— Log onto guilderlandlibrary.org, and refer to the “Healthy at Home” page to view all of our online resources in one convenient place — e-books; e-magazines; audiobooks; The New York Times; The Great Courses, Qello concerts, IndieFlix films and Acorn TV shows through RBDigital; databases such as ancestry.com and Consumer Reports; library cards; Hoopla (750,000-plus audiobooks, movies, music, comics, e-books, TV shows and more); videos to help you get started with our digital resources; and much more;

— Join our new GPL Kids and Families Facebook group, featuring Virtual Story Times, fun and educational content, and creative things to do;

— Sign up for e-news at the top of our home page; and

— Access wifi 24/7 from our parking lot.

Cookbook Club: At-Home Edition

Our ever-popular Cookbook Club is going virtual! We’ll be holding bimonthly sessions of Cookbook Club for up to 15 patrons.

We’ll have a special guest at our debut event on Wednesday, May 6, at 7 p.m.; then on May 20, we’ll be sharing ideas about suitable substitutes for ingredients for specific recipes. We encourage you to bring your own ideas and suggestions to these online meetups.

To register, visit the Events Calendar on our website, and be sure to provide an email with your registration. You’ll receive an email invitation the day before the event.

Write at Home Contest

Grades 4 through adult: Submit your best poem and/or prose to us by Friday, May 15, at noon — you might just win a prize! All forms of poetry and prose are eligible. Requirements include:

— Poetry: two pages or 500 words maximum;

— Prose: five pages or 1250 words maximum; and

— Participants must reside within the Guilderland School District or possess a Guilderland Public Library card.

Submissions must be an original previously unpublished work, and all characters must be original or be in the public domain. School assignments are acceptable. Only one entry per category. All entries must be typed and double-spaced (where appropriate), and in word doc, google doc, or pdf format. We cannot accept image-based works like picture books or graphic novels.

Email questions and entries as an attachment or share as a google doc to: with your name, address, age group, and writing category in email; do not include any identifying information on the actual submission.

All submissions will be posted on the GPL website (with permission), including special recognition for one winner per age group and category. Winners may choose one item from The Book House of Stuyvesant Plaza with a maximum value of $30.

Wilder Reads Book Club

Our Healthy at Home webpage also features the Wilder Reads Book Club. This Goodreads discussion group is moderated by GPL librarians Dustin and Josalyn Wilder. Everyone age 18 and older is encouraged to join this vibrant literary community.

Staff Bookshelf Picks

Check out our online recommendations for your next good read, updated weekly. Our staff scoured their own shelves at home to put together a great list of books — both fiction and non-fiction — to inspire your reading pursuits.

You’ll find links to our lists on the Healthy at Home page. Every title listed is available in Overdrive, either as an e-book or audiobook, sometimes both.

— Photo from Luanne Nicholson

Daffodils are in full bloom at Guilderland Public Library as the library marks the 50th anniversary of Earth Day and National Library Week, which was first celebrated in 1958.

We remain steadfast in our dedication to serve you remotely to the best of our ability while our building remains closed. We’re constantly adding online content for your edification and enjoyment. Here’s what’s new:

— Hoopla, a new digital platform offering over 750,000 audiobooks, movies, music, comics, e-books, TV shows, and more, has been acquired by Upper Hudson Library System for all 29 member libraries (including us!) to utilize.

This means that, in addition to Overdrive / Libby and RB Digital, you now have a fresh new collection of online materials to choose from. Normally, patrons may borrow five titles per month, but Hoopla is offering extra “Bonus Borrows.” Simply go to hoopladigital.com to start accessing these materials instantly;

— Wilder Reads Book Club, added to our Healthy at Home web page (see link on our main page). This Goodreads book group is moderated by GPL Librarians Dustin and Josalyn Wilder, the dynamic husband-and-wife duo who launched their He Read / She Read adult book club recently and have now brought it online. 

Everyone ages 18 and older is encouraged to join at guilderlandlibrary.org under “read, view and listen,” or by going to goodreads.com and searching for “Wilder Reads Book Club”; and

— Staff Bookshelf Picks: Looking for book recommendations beyond the popular and familiar?  These selections culled from our own home bookshelves are available in Overdrive as an e-book, audiobook, or both. Visit our “Healthy at Home” page at guilderlandlibrary.org each week for new suggestions, and go to uhls.overdrive.org to download one of these titles to your device.

Blood drive on May 5

Blood and power red donations are greatly needed right now, perhaps more than ever. The American Red Cross will host a blood drive at the library on Tuesday, May 5, from 1 to 6 p.m. Please note:

— Donors must pre-register in advance on redcross.org; no walk-ins;

— Additional protocols will be followed by the Red Cross to ensure the safety of everyone involved, including: temperature screening for donors, staff, and volunteers; systematic disinfecting; social distancing; and using fresh gloves for each donor; and

— The library remains closed to the general public; only donors, staff, and volunteers will be permitted entrance.

To schedule your donation appointment, go to rcblood.org/appt, enter the library zip code (12084) and search for Guilderland Public Library, May 5.

Staying connected

We encourage you to keep in touch and check back often to find out what’s new:

— Log onto guilderlandlibrary.org, and refer to the “Healthy at Home” page to view all of our online resources in one convenient place — e-books; e-magazines; audiobooks; The New York Times; The Great Courses, Qello concerts, IndieFlix films, and Acorn TV shows through RBDigital; databases such as ancestry.com and Consumer Reports; library cards; Hoopla; videos to help you get started with our digital resources; and much more;

— Like our Facebook page for updates and resources, “Neighbor Notes” community happenings, National Poetry Month videos, mini-Cookbook Clubs, and more;

— Follow us on Instagram and Twitter for additional content and updates;

— Join our new GPL Kids and Families Facebook group, featuring Virtual Storytimes, fun and educational content, and creative things to do;

— Call us at 518-285-0050;

— Email us at ask.librarian@guilderlandlibrary.org;

— Sign up for eNews at the top of our home page; or

— Access wifi 24/7 from our parking lot.

Write at Home Contest

Grades 4 through adult: Submit your best poem and/or prose to us by Friday, May 15, at noon — you might just win a prize! All forms of poetry and prose are eligible. Requirements include:

— Poetry: two pages or 500 words maximum;

— Prose: five pages or 1250 words maximum; and

— Participants must reside within the Guilderland School District or possess a Guilderland Public Library card.

Submissions must be an original previously unpublished work, and all characters must be original or be in the public domain. School assignments are acceptable. Only one entry per category. All entries must be typed and double-spaced (where appropriate), and in word doc, google doc, or pdf format. We cannot accept image-based works like picture books or graphic novels.

Email questions and entries as an attachment or share as a google doc to: with your name, address, age group, and writing category in email; do not include any identifying information on the actual submission.

All submissions will be posted on the GPL website (with permission), including special recognition for one winner per age group and category. Winners may choose one item from The Book House of Stuyvesant Plaza with a maximum value of $30.

One of the many free resources you can take advantage of right now is ancestry.com.  Go to https://guilderlandlibrary.org/healthy-at-home/ - Resources for Adults - and scroll down to Research.  You’ll need a library card to access this database, which you can easily obtain through the link on the Guilderland Public Library’s “Healthy at Home” webpage.

In trying times like these, it is edifying to know that we are part of a vibrant community that truly cares. 

Whether it’s coordinating thousands of brown-bag lunches for school children in need; providing grocery shopping, home-delivered meals and telephone assurance for seniors; encouraging patronage of local restaurants and businesses; or so many other neighborly endeavors — we’re grateful to all who are pitching in to help.

Not to mention the tireless service of so many health professionals on the front lines battling this pandemic, and those keeping us safe, informed, and supplied in various ways — we sincerely thank you.

We’re here for you

While our building is closed, we encourage you to stay connected with us and check back often to find out what’s new:

— Log onto guilderlandlibrary.org, and refer to the “Healthy at Home” page to view all of our downloaded resources in one convenient place — e-books; e-magazines; audiobooks; The New York Times; The Great Courses, Qello concerts, IndieFlix films and Acorn TV shows through RBDigital; databases such as ancestry.com and Consumer Reports; get a library card, and much more;

— Like our Facebook page for updates and resources, fun and informative “Fireside Chat” videos to help you get started with our digital resources, “Neighbor Notes” community happenings, poems celebrating National Poetry Month, mini-Cookbook Clubs, and more;

— Follow us on Instagram and Twitter for additional content and updates;

— Request to join our new GPL Kids and Families Facebook group, featuring Virtual Story Times with your favorite Youth Services librarians, Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10 a.m., plus helpful content for parents. Submit your suggestions to rename our male cow situated in the lobby too;

— Call us at 518-285-0035 – staffed weekdays from 10 a.m. to noon and 2 to 4 p.m., or leave us a message for a callback;

— Email us at ask.librarian@guilderlandlibrary.org;

— Sign up for e-news at the top of our home page; or

— Access wifi 24/7 from our parking lot.

Voting update

Based on an executive order from Governor Andrew Cuomo, the library board and budget election originally scheduled for May 19 has been delayed until at least June 1.

The executive order did not contain any mention of whether the number of signatures required of candidates to qualify for the election will remain the same, or possibly decrease. We are awaiting further clarification, and will communicate more information as soon as it is received.

Write at Home

This is a perfect time for introspection and honing new skills. Budding and seasoned wordsmiths alike — grade four and up, and adults — are encouraged to submit their writing to us by May 1 at noon. You might just win a prize! All forms of poetry and prose are eligible.

Submissions must meet the following criteria:

— Must be an original work;

— All characters must be original or be in the public domain;

— Work must be previously unpublished;

— School assignments are acceptable;

— Only one entry per category will be accepted;

— All entries must be typed and double-spaced (where appropriate);

— All entries must be in a word doc, google doc, or pdf format;

— We cannot accept image-based works like picture books or graphic novels;

— Poetry: two pages or 500 words maximum;

— Prose: five pages or 1250 words maximum;

— Participants must reside within the Guilderland School District or possess a Guilderland Public Library Card.

All entries are due Friday, May 1, by noon, emailed as an attachment or shared as a google doc to . Make sure to include your name, address, age group, and writing category only in the submission email. Do not include your name or other identifying information on the actual submission. Failure to comply with these rules can result in elimination from the contest.

All works will be shared on the GPL website (with permission of the author), with special recognition for one winner per age group and category. Winners may also choose one item to be shipped from the Book House of Stuyvesant Plaza with a maximum value of $25. Please email any questions to:  . Good luck!

Beanstack Spring

into Reading Challenge

To follow up on our Winter Reading Challenge — we were named one of 29 top-reading libraries in the United States, thanks to your participation! — we’re continuing with Beanstack’s Spring into Reading Challenge.

Participants can earn badges by logging the minutes read, or the number of books read — your choice!  Sign up today: https://guilderlandlibrary.beanstack.org/reader365.

— Photo from Luanne Nicholson

Pot of gold: The Guilderland Public Library is participating in the 518 Rainbow Challenge and encourages everyone to take advantage of its digital offerings online.

While our building is closed, we’re still busy serving you remotely to the best of our ability. In fact, we are consistently adding new offerings. We encourage you to stay connected and check back often to discover what’s new:

— Log onto guilderlandlibrary.org, and refer to the “Healthy at Home” page to view all of our downloaded resources in one convenient place — e-books; e-magazines; audiobooks; The New York Times; The Great Courses, Qello concerts, IndieFlix films and Acorn TV shows through RBDigital; databases such as ancestry.com and Consumer Reports; get a library card, and much more;

— Like our Facebook page for updates and resources, fun and informative “Fireside Chat” videos to help you get started with our digital resources, “Neighbor Notes” community happenings, poems celebrating National Poetry Month, mini-Cookbook Clubs, and more;

— Follow us on Instagram and Twitter for additional content and updates;

— Request to join our new GPL Kids and Families Facebook group, featuring Virtual Story Times with your favorite Youth Services librarians, Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10 a.m., plus helpful content for parents. Submit your suggestions to rename our male cow situated in the lobby too;

— Call us at 518-285-0035 – staffed weekdays from 10 a.m. to noon and 2 to 4 p.m., or leave us a message for a callback;

— Email us at ask.librarian@guilderlandlibrary.org;

— Sign up for e-news at the top of our home page; or

— Access wifi 24/7 from our parking lot.

Board meets virtually on April 9

The Guilderland Public Library Board of Trustees will hold its next regular business meeting virtually on Thursday, April 9, at 6 p.m. Please see our Facebook page for the livestream. Public comments are welcome and may be emailed to pio@guilpl.org.

Write at home

Has our current stay-at-home situation inspired your wordsmith tendencies? We’re launching a writing contest to get those creative juices flowing for both kids and adults.

The age group categories are: grades 4 to 5; grades 6 to 8; grades 9 to 12; and adult. All forms of poetry (free verse, haiku, sonnet, song lyrics, concrete poetry, acrostic, etc.) and prose (short story, journalism, research article, play, screenplay, etc.) are eligible.  

Submissions must meet the following criteria:

— Must be an original work;

— All characters must be original or be in the public domain;

— Work must be previously unpublished;

— School assignments are acceptable;

— Only one entry per category will be accepted;

— All entries must be typed and double-spaced (where appropriate);

— All entries must be in a word doc, google doc, or pdf format;

— We cannot accept image-based works like picture books or graphic novels;

— Poetry: two pages or 500 words maximum;

— Prose: five pages or 1250 words maximum;

— Participants must reside within the Guilderland School District or possess a Guilderland Public Library Card.

All entries are due Friday, May 1, by noon, emailed as an attachment or shared as a google doc to . Make sure to include your name, address, age group, and writing category only in the submission email. Do not include your name or other identifying information on the actual submission. Failure to comply with these rules can result in elimination from the contest.

All works will be shared on the GPL website (with permission of the author), with special recognition for one winner per age group and category. Winners may also choose one item to be shipped from the Book House of Stuyvesant Plaza with a maximum value of $25. Please email any questions to:  . Good luck!

Beanstack Spring into Reading Challenge

We did so well with our Winter Reading Challenge — we were named one of 29 top-reading libraries in the country, thanks to your participation! — that we are continuing with Beanstack’s Spring into Reading Challenge.

Now is the perfect time to log reading and activities from the comfort of home. Participants can earn badges by logging the minutes read, or the number of books read.  Find out more and sign up at https://guilderlandlibrary.beanstack.org/reader365.

Fines waived

No fines are being assessed while we’re closed, dating back to March 1. Since our building is closed, our books drops must be closed also. Patrons are asked to hold onto all materials borrowed until we reopen. Any holds will be extended through May 1 (or later if necessary), and expired library cards are automatically being renewed.Donations may be deposited in the green bin in our auxiliary parking lot.  No textbooks, worn paperbacks or outdated materials — thank you. Stay well, hope to see you soon!

— Photo from Luanne Nicholson

The Guilderland Public Library is looking for name suggestions for its beloved lobby mascot, Greufus the Cow. Submissions may be made through the library’s new Facebook Group, GPL Kids and Families, which also features virtual story times and resources.  

We greatly appreciate our community’s patience and understanding as we work through the many issues related to our building closure, due to the novel coronavirus pandemic. It is unknown at this point when we will be able to reopen. We are closed until further notice. Meanwhile, we are doing everything possible to serve you remotely during the shutdown.

Fines waived

Rest assured that no fines are being assessed during this closure, dating back to March 1. Since our building is closed, our books drops must be closed also.

Patrons are asked to hold onto all materials borrowed until we reopen. Any holds will be extended through May 1 (or later if necessary), and expired library cards are automatically being renewed.

Phone and email

Our new Google Voice line, at 518-285-0050, is staffed weekdays from 10 a.m. noon and from 2 to 4 p.m.  Feel free to message us anytime, and we’ll get back to you.

You can also email us at . Free wifi is available 24/7 from our parking lot. You can even use this internet connection to complete your census questionnaire online in just a few minutes.

24/7 Library

We have many free online offerings, including e-books; e-magazines; audiobooks; The New York Times; The Great Courses, Qello concerts, IndieFlix films and Acorn TV shows through RBDigital; databases like ancestry.com and Consumer Reports, and much more. See www.guilderlandlibrary.org to get started.

These digital resources, which are continually refreshed and augmented, become even more important at a time like this. Many people are just discovering them, or rediscovering them — a silver lining during our current predicament. Library cards are instantly available through our website, making it easy to get started.

With so much available at your fingertips, we hope you’ll tell your socially-distanced friends and neighbors about your favorite finds. Most of these resources are also available to residents of the Guilderland Central School District who hold Altamont Free Library cards.

Website

We are constantly updating our website, and have launched a “Healthy at Home” page to consolidate information on all our digital resources, GPL status updates, and trusted news sources reporting on the pandemic.

You can also sign up for e-news at the top of our homepage to receive GPL e-blasts, another way to stay in touch with us.

Social media

We’ve posted short “Fireside Chat” videos on our Facebook page with directions on how to easily tap into our digital resources from your smartphone, tablet, or computer. If you’re not already familiar with these resources, you’ll be pleasantly surprised at how easy it is to use them.

We’ve also launched a new Facebook group called GPL Kids and Families, which will feature virtual story times and resources for families. We’re looking for name suggestions for our lobby’s mascot, Greufus the Cow -— something easier pronounce and spell — so please weigh in on the Facebook group with your vote. You can find us on Instagram and Twitter as well.

E-books and e-magazines

Lengthy waiting lists are often the case for e-books, especially new releases. We’re striving to shorten those wait times by purchasing extra copies of popular e-books, as are our partner libraries in the Upper Hudson Library System.

We’ve also just added a dozen new publications on our Flipster application, including Rolling Stone, the Atlantic, Paleo, Car and Driver, Harvard Health Letter, Pioneer Woman Magazine, Better Nutrition and others.

Donations

Please do not donate used books to us at this time. We can’t get into the building to process them, so they would stack up outside the building and either be ruined by rain or become a fire hazard.

Instead, offer to share books you no longer want with your neighbors. You can also drop them into the green bin located in our auxiliary parking lot. This bin is managed by Better World Books, which sells these donations online and gives GPL a portion of the proceeds. Please, no textbooks, worn paperbacks or outdated material; only books in saleable condition.

There is a lot to absorb and adjust to right now, requiring flexibility and patience. We appreciate your understanding as we strive to maintain operations remotely from various corners of the Capital District.  We miss serving you in person, and hope to do so again very soon. For now, please stay healthy and safe, stay connected, and take advantage of all we offer from the comfort of home.

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