— Photo by Luanne Nicholson
Iain Gorospe proudly poses in front of his artwork with his mother, Minda, during the well-attended Guilderland Central School District Elementary Art Exhibit, held at Guilderland Public Library on Tuesday, April 18.
It’s road trip season — visit as many of the 36 libraries as you can through July 31 as part of the 2023 Upper Hudson Library Expedition! Each destination features unique features and offerings, and there are prizes along the way toward becoming a Library 36er!
Go to https://www.uhls.org/expedition/Expedition_home.pdf for full details, including maps, suggested routes, places to eat, notable spots, swag, and more! A special final prize awaits those who complete the entire tour, and there’s an extra-special prize for 36ers from 2018 who do it again this year!
Sunday Concert:
Quintocracy
Quintocracy is a dynamic woodwind quintet who firmly believe that music should be accessible and diverse. They'll perform a repertoire for us they call "Spring Seasonings," featuring music of the "four seasons" with works by Antonio Vivaldi, Samuel Barber, Jennifer Higdon, and Astor Piazzolla. All ages are encouraged to come hear Quintocracy on Sunday, April 30 at 2 p.m. as they break the classical ensemble mold with superb artistry!
More on Libby
All cardholders in the Upper Hudson Library System (UHLS), including Guilderland Public Library patrons, now have greater access to digital books and audiobooks, due to a reciprocal lending agreement between UHLS and the Mid-Hudson, Southern Adirondack, and Mohawk Valley Library Systems. These additional collections may be accessed using the Libby app. As a reminder, the Overdrive app will be discontinued on Monday, May 1, so all eBook, eMagazine and audiobook app users will access these digital materials through Libby.
Author visit:
“Ladies’ Day”
Join us for a special author presentation on Wednesday, May 3 at 6 p.m. (rescheduled), as Author Lauren Kozakiewicz discusses her work, “Ladies’ Day at the Capitol.” This book integrates — for the first time — the history of New York's women lawmakers with the larger story of New York State politics. Through extensive research and interviews, the author documents New York women's actions as elected officials between 1919 and 1992, and explores how gendered ideas affected their careers and ability to represent women's voices in government. A Q & A session will follow the presentation.
Computer coach
Volunteer Computer Coach Robin knows Apple products! Maximize use of your Apple device with a customized hour-long appointment with Robin, which can cover: Apple computers (Macbook, Macbook air, etc.), Apple TV, Apple Watch, iPad, and iPhone.
Register on our Events Calendar at guilderlandlibrary.org for a Friday morning session with Robin at 10 or 11 a.m. on Friday, May 5 or May 19.
Open Mic Café
In celebration of National Poetry Month, we're offering an Open Mic Café on Friday, May 5 at 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Everyone ages tween through adult is welcome to read their own work, or something they enjoy from the library's collection.
This is the final event for the “Reads & Roasts Book Challenge” — so snag that last bingo card badge and join us! Please note: we’re allowing 5-10 minutes per reader, and you do not need to be registered for the Book Challenge to participate.
Night Owls
Book Club
We’re pouring over some of the most talked-about fiction and nonfiction titles, and you’re invited! For our next meetup on Monday, May 8 at 7:30 p.m., we’re reading "The Personal Librarian," by Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray. Please obtain a copy at the Information Desk, then register for the hybrid book discussion (choice of online or in-person).
Three options
for story time
There are three storytime options available each week. Choose from Toddler Storytime (18-36 months) on Tuesdays, Family Storytime (birth-age 5) on Wednesdays, or Preschool Storytime (ages 3-5) on Thursdays, all beginning at 10:30 a.m. No registration is needed.
General Info
Contact us at 518-456-2400 or ask.librarian@guilderlandlibrary.org. To set up a passport appointment, press option 2.
Overdue fines were eliminated; patrons will be billed for the replacement cost of lost items.
The Enterprise — Michael Koff
Timothy Wiles, director of the Guilderland Public Library, speaking at the April 5 event, stressed the importance of proper disposal of medication and noted the library regularly partners with the Guilderland Police to dispose of unused medications, no questions asked. The next disposal event is set for Saturday, April 22, at the library, which is located at 2228 Western Ave.
The Enterprise — Michael Koff
Narcan, explains Elizabeth Whalen, Albany County’s health commissioner, is “a medication that counteracts the effect of opioid medication and therefore can stop a fatal reaction … Just one sniff into the nose can make the difference between life and death.” Whalen spoke at the Guilderland Public Library on Wednesday, April 5, regarding the availability of Narcan doses in the library’s lobby. This initiative, in conjunction with Catholic Charities, makes tools to combat the growing opioid epidemic more accessible. Other Narcan units have been installed at Albany Public Library's Washington Avenue branch, the Berne Public Library, the Capital City Rescue Mission and the University at Albany.
Kerry Ann Mendez, an award-winning garden educator, author, design consultant, and proprietor of Perennially Yours (https://pyours.com), will open our eyes via Zoom to dazzling native specimens that attract accolades as well as pollinators.
The result: beautiful gardens that are beneficial for the planet! This special presentation on Saturday, April 15, at 10 a.m. includes mail-order sources for natives (in addition to local garden centers). Please register on the Events Calendar at guilderlandlibrary.org.
Prom boutique
Teens: go no-cost and sustainable for your prom wear this year! The National Honor Society of Guilderland High School will be hosting a Pop-Up Prom Boutique at the Library on Sat. April 15 from 1 to 5 p.m. with an array of dresses, shoes, and jewelry collected from the community. Come find your perfect prom outfit!
Sunday Concert:
Old Time Dance Band
It's Jazz Appreciation Month! To celebrate, we’re featuring a lively performance from the Old Time Dance Band on Sunday, April 16 at 2 p.m. Relive the nostalgic Big Band era, or discover this mood-inducing music afresh as this eclectic ensemble performs Dixieland, Hot Jazz, and Early Swing-style classics. Bring the whole family!
Candidate Packet
For our annual election on Tuesday, May 16, we have two open positions on our
eleven-member Board of Trustees, with an application deadline of Monday, April 17. GPL Board members serve a five-year term, requiring a significant time investment. Please request an information packet at the Circulation desk, or email Library Director Tim Wiles at
for more information.
Family STEAM
Night Finale
As colleges prepare to wrap up the spring semester, our Family STEAM Night series is concluding for now, too. Join us for the grand finale for grades 3 to 5 and their families on Thursday, April 20 at 6:30 p.m. We’re welcoming back many of the schools who visited us during the series, including RPI, Siena College, and Union College. We’ve saved the best for last – make sure to register on the Events Calendar to reserve your spot!
Trustees meet
The Guilderland Public Library Board of Trustees will conduct their next monthly business meeting on Thursday, April 20 at 6 p.m. This meeting will be streamed live on the library’s YouTube channel, and archived there for later viewing. Public commentary may be submitted to: .
Reads & Roasts
Book Challenge
Our April “Reads & Roasts Beanstack Book Challenge” for teens and adults continues! Make sure to register at guilderlandlibrary.beanstack.org for bingo fun and coffee-themed events, where you can earn badges to be eligible for prizes. The next event is “Coffee + Color” on Friday, April 21 at 10:30 a.m. Join us in the Westbrook Room for some morning joe, coffee-themed coloring, and relaxed vibes! Please register in advance.
Earth Day
documentary
Start Earth Day off with an inspiring screening of the award-winning 2022 documentary film, “The Seeds of Vandana Shiva,” on Saturday, April 22 at 10 a.m., presented jointly by Guilderland Public Library and Altamont Free Library. This film tells the remarkable life story of Gandhian eco-activist Dr. Vandana Shiva—how she stood up to industrial agriculture, rose to prominence in the ecological food movement, and is inspiring an international crusade for positive change.
While all ages are welcome, we especially encourage teens and young adults to attend. As a bonus, we're giving away a copy of Dr. Shiva's brand-new memoir, “Terra Viva: My Life in a Biodiversity of Movements,” to the first ten attendees!
Drug Take-Back Day
On Saturday, April 22 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., GPL and the Guilderland Police Department are teaming up once again for the semi-annual nationwide Drug Take-Back Day for safe, anonymous disposal of prescribed and non-prescribed substances.
This drive-through event is held in the library's side parking lot (take MercyCare lane, then an immediate right). Controlled, non-controlled, and over the counter substances, plus pet medications, can be accepted. No questions will be asked, and no identification is required. Please see our website for further details.
General info
Contact us at 518-456-2400 or . To set up a passport appointment, press option 2.
Overdue fines were eliminated; patrons will be billed for the replacement cost of lost items.
— Photo from Luanne Nicholson
The Upper Hudson Library System’s 2023 “Library Expedition” encourages patrons to visit all 36 Upper Hudson Library Systems locations — including the Guilderland Public Library pictured here — from April 3 through July 31. Participants can earn prizes by visiting 6, 12, 24, and all 36 locations. A special prize awaits “36ers” from the 2018 Expedition who complete this 2023 challenge as well. More information may be found at: https://uhls.org/expedition/Expedition_home.pdf.
Make GPL your April break headquarters! We’ve got a full slate of activities to keep kids and teens engaged, including:
— Drop-in STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, math) Play — Monday, April 10, from 2 to 3 p.m. Elementary-aged kids can stop by with their families to play with Code-a-Pillars, marble runs, and other cool building toys. No registration is needed;
— Great Guilderland and Altamont Spell-Off — Tuesday, April 11, from 6 to 8 p.m. Ages 10 through adults are invited to compete in a classic spelling bee in teams of two (we’ll attempt to pair solo contestants with another participant.) One person on your team must be at least 18. This event is part of a larger Upper Hudson Library System program, “The Great Spell-Off.” The ultimate goal is to qualify for the final Spell-Off on Sunday, April 30, at 2:30 p.m. at the William K. Sanford Library in Colonie. Good luck! Please register on the Events tab of guilderlandlibrary.org;
— Paint & Dip for Teens — Wednesday, April 12, at 2 p.m. Get creative! Follow along
to recreate our instructor’s painting, or just let your own inspiration guide you. All skill levels are welcome, and all supplies will be provided. Please register online to reserve your spot;
— Project Picture Book: Save Jars — Thursday, April 13, at 3:30 p.m. Kids in kindergarten through second grade are invited to listen to a story and complete a related activity. This month, SEFCU bank will teach us about money management, and we’ll create our own “save jars” to take home. Please register in advance online; and
— The Puppet People Present: The Three Little Pigs — Friday, April 14, at 2 p.m. This family show for all ages uses beautifully-designed puppets, colorful sets, humor, and lots of audience participation for a classic retelling of the Big Bad Wolf’s attempts to huff, puff and blow the houses down! This event is sure to fill up fast — don’t delay, sign up on the Events tab of our website.
Reads & Roasts
Book Challenge
The April “Reads & Roasts Beanstack Book Challenge” for teens and adults is on! Get in on the action by registering at guilderlandlibrary.beanstack.org. Look for our coffee-themed events throughout the month, where you can earn badges to win prizes.
First up: “Cereal & Cartoons & Coffee,” for all ages, on Saturday, April 8 at 10 a.m. to noon. Remember when…we had to wait a whole week to get our cartoon fix on Saturday mornings - and then we binge-watched? In that spirit, the GPL presents a nostalgic tribute to the morning cartoons of yesteryear, complete with favorite sugary cereals, and of course—coffee! Please register on the Events Calendar of guilderlandlibrary.org.
Easter closure
Please note: the Library will be closed for Easter on Sunday, April 9. Digital resources, parking lot WiFi, car charging stations, the Little Free Library, and book donation bins in the side parking lot are always available.
Night Owls
Book Club
Let’s dig into some of the most talked-about fiction and nonfiction titles! For our next meetup on Monday, April 10 at 7:30 p.m., we’re reading “Catherine the Great: Portrait of a Woman,” by Pulitzer Prize-winning author Robert K. Massie. Copies of this book are available at the Information desk. Please register for the hybrid book discussion (choice of online or in-person).
Planet-Friendly
Gardens
This virtual presentation entitled “Remarkable Natives for Planet-Friendly Gardens,” on Saturday, April 15 at 10 a.m., will help dispel the false notion that native plants are not as showy as non-native plants in the flower garden.
Kerry Mendez, an award-winning garden educator, author, design consultant and proprietor of Perennially Yours, will open our eyes to dazzling specimens that attract accolades, as well as pollinators. The result: beautiful gardens that are beneficial for the planet! This Zoom presentation includes mail-order sources for natives (in addition to local garden centers). Please register in advance on our website.
Candidate packet
For our annual election on Tuesday, May 16, we have two open positions on our
eleven-member Board of Trustees, with an application deadline of Monday, April 17. GPL Board members serve a five-year term, requiring a significant time investment. Please request an information packet at the Circulation desk, or email Library Director Tim Wiles at
for more information.
General info
Contact us at 518-456-2400 or . To set up a passport appointment, press option 2.
Overdue fines were eliminated; patrons will be billed for the replacement cost of lost items.
— Photo from Luanne Nicholson
Café Con Mel, a popular Cohoes coffee shop operated by Joy Mercado Anderson, left, and Melanie Diaz, is in the process of moving to Guilderland Public Library, with an opening date to be determined later this spring. The café’s offerings will include Puerto Rican and Filipino specialties.
Peruse our oversized books around an oversized coffee table! Join us in the Tawasentha Room the weekend of April 1 and 2 for cozy weekend vibes, and to learn about the April “Reads & Roasts Beanstack Book Challenge.” We’re planning a series of coffee-themed events throughout the month, where you can earn badges to win prizes. More details will be shared at this relaxed drop-in event.
One of the Reads & Roasts events planned for all ages: “Cereal & Cartoons & Coffee,” on Saturday, April 8, from 10 a.m. to noon. Once upon a time, we had to wait a whole week to get our cartoon fix on Saturday mornings — and when we got it, we tended to binge! In that spirit, the GPL presents a nostalgic tribute to the morning cartoons of yore, complete with choices of delicious sugary cereals, and of course — coffee! Please register on the Events Calendar ofguilderlandlibrary.org.
Family Literacy
WMHT Family Literacy Educator Barbara Lukas returns to GPL with another fun family program Saturday, April 1 at 10:30 a.m., featuring activities based on the book “The Day Jimmy's Boa Ate the Wash.” Each child will receive a free copy of the book to add to their personal bookshelf. Please register on the Events Calendar online.
Junior TACO
Kids in sixth through eighth grades are encouraged to attend our next Junior Teen Advisory Community Outreach (TACO) Meeting on Wednesday, April 5 at 6:30 p.m. Earn volunteer credit by providing input on books, programs, and more to help make GPL your favorite hangout spot! Please register in advance online.
Hunter education
Just in time for spring turkey season, this course teaches firearms safety, responsibility, and wildlife conservation. All students must pre-register, plus bring completed homework, to this instructor-led course on Saturday, April 8, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Please see our Events Calendar for full details, and to register.
Easter closure
Please note: the Library will be closed for Easter on Sunday, April 9. Digital resources, parking lot WiFi, car charging stations, the Little Free Library, and book donation bins in the side parking lot are always available.
Drop-In
STEAM play
Elementary-aged kids (and their families) can drop-in anytime on Monday, April 10, 2to 3 p.m. for STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, math) fun: Code-a-Pillars, marble runs, and other cool building toys!
Night Owls
Book Club
Let’s dig into some of the most talked-about fiction and nonfiction titles! For our next meetup on Monday, April 10 at 7:30 p.m., we’re reading “Catherine the Great: Portrait of a Woman,” by Robert K. Massie. Copies are available at the Information desk. Please register for the hybrid book discussion (choice of online or in-person).
Great Guilderland
and Altamont Spell-Off!
Do you have to S-P-E-L-L it out for us?! Y-E-S! We're holding a Spell-Off for Guilderland and Altamont Free Library patrons on Tuesday, April 11 at 6 to 8 p.m. to test your spelling prowess. Teams of two, please register on the Events Calendar. Going solo? We'll pair you with another contestant, if possible. Participants can be ages 10+, but at least one person on your team should be ages 18+. Your goal is to qualify for the final Spell-Off on Sunday, April 30 at 2:30 p.m. at William K. Sanford Library in Colonie.
Boater Safety
This two-day, eight-hour course, on Wednesday, April 12 and 13 from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m., covers the basic principles of safe and responsible boating. Students successfully completing this course will earn a safe-boating certificate. Under Brianna's Law, all motor boat operators will need a boating safety certificate beginning in 2025. Beat the rush – get certified now! Go to our Events calendar for complete details, and to register.
Board candidates
For our annual election on Tuesday, May 16, we have two open positions on our
eleven-member Board of Trustees, with an application deadline of Monday, April 17. GPL Board members serve a five-year term, requiring a significant time investment. Please request an information packet at the Circulation desk, or email Library Director Tim Wiles at
for more information.
General info
Contact us at 518-456-2400 or . To set up a passport appointment, press option 2.
Overdue fines were eliminated; patrons will be billed for the replacement cost of lost items.
Masks are encouraged.
— Photo from Luanne Nicholson
Accomplished musician Christine Spero, along with her husband, Elliot, will perform favorite tunes from multiple award-winning composer Burt Bacharach’s extensive songbook on Sunday, March 26, at 2 p.m. at Guilderland Public Library.
Embark on a sentimental musical journey with us on Sunday, March 26, at 2 p.m. with veteran musicians Christine and Elliot Spero through composer Burt Bacharach'’ greatest songs! You’ll be happily tapping your feet and humming along to this song-filled stroll down memory lane.
Women’s
History Month
Our celebration of Women’s History Month continues with these upcoming events:
— Tuesday, March 28, at 1 p.m.: Art Pioneers: Women of Abstract Expressionism,” led by Joyce Raimondo via Zoom. Discover the women who pioneered abstract art — Lee Krasner, Elaine DeKooning, and Helen Frankenthaler, among others. We’ll learn about their lives as well as their groundbreaking creativity, then virtually tour the home and studio shared by Lee Krasner and her husband, Jackson Pollock. Please register on the Events calendar of guilderlandlibrary.org to receive the Zoom link; and
— Wednesday, March 29, at 6 p.m.: “Ladies Day at the Capitol” with Author Lauren Kozakiewicz, examining the contributions of New York’s women politicians from 1919 to 1992 as a distinct group, followed by a question-and-answer session. No registration is required for this special event.
Memoirs
in the Morning
This month, we’re reading bestseller “Lost & Found: A Memoir,” by Pulitzer Prize-winner Kathryn Schulz, a New York Times Editors’ Choice. This book is available in print and digitally on Overdrive (ebook and audiobook). We’ll meet via Zoom on Wednesday, March 29 at 10:30 a.m. – please register online for the Zoom link to join us.
Intro to Value Line
Our new financial learning tool, Value Line, is a proven forecaster of stock price performance over the next six to 12 months; a source of interpretative analysis of approximately 1,700 individual stocks and 100 industries; and a source of historical information that helps investors spot trends. Join us virtually on Tuesday, March 28 at 6 p.m. for an overview, presented by a Value Line Library Specialist; please register.
Reads & Roasts
Book Challenge
Peruse our oversized books around an oversized coffee table! Join us in the Tawasentha Room the weekend of April 1-2 for some cozy vibes, and to learn about the “Reads & Roasts Beanstack Book Challenge,” happening throughout April. We’re planning a series of coffee-themed events throughout the month, where you can earn badges to win prizes. More details will be shared at this relaxed drop-in event.
Hunter education
Just in time for spring turkey season, this course teaches firearms safety, responsibility, and wildlife conservation. All students must pre-register, plus bring completed homework, to this instructor-led course on Saturday, April 8, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Please see our Events Calendar for full details, and to register.
Great Guilderland
and Altamont Spell-Off!
Have you heard the buzz? We're holding a Spell-Off for Guilderland and Altamont Free Library patrons on Tuesday, April 11 from 6 to 8 p.m. to test your spelling abilities!
Teams of two are invited to sign up on our Events Calendar. Going solo? We'll pair you with another contestant, if possible. Participants can be ages 10+, but at least one person on your team should be ages 18+. Your goal is to qualify for a final Spell-Off, to be held Sunday April 30 at 2:30 p.m. at William K. Sanford Library in Colonie. Good luck!
Boater-safety course
This two-day, eight-hour course, on Wed. April 12-13 from 5:30-9:30 p.m., is a solid introduction to the basic principles of safe and responsible boating. Students successfully completing this course will earn a safe-boating certificate. Under Brianna's Law, all motor boat operators, regardless of age, will need a boating safety certificate beginning in 2025. Beat the rush – get certified now! Go to our Events calendar for complete details, and to register.
Candidate packet
For our annual election on Tuesday, May 16, we have two open positions on our eleven-member Board of Trustees, with an application deadline of Monday, April 17. GPL Board members serve a five-year term, requiring a significant time investment. Please request an information packet at the Circulation desk, or email Library Director Tim Wiles at for more information.
General info
Contact us at 518-456-2400 or . To set up a passport appointment, press option 2.
Overdue fines were eliminated; patrons will be billed for the replacement cost of lost items.
Masks are encouraged.
— Photo from Luanne Nicholson
Lego Free Play is one of the many fun events offered for families at the Guilderland Public Library.
March is Women’s History Month! We’re celebrating with these upcoming events:
— Monday, March 20, at 6 p.m. — Movie Night: “The Woman King” (2022), starring Viola Davis, based on the remarkable true story of the Agojie, the all-female unit of warriors who protected the African Kingdom of Dahomey for nearly 300 years, between the 18th and early 20th centuries. This film is rated PG-13; no registration is required;
— Tuesday, March 28 at 1 p.m. — “Art Pioneers: Women of Abstract Expressionism,” led by Joyce Raimondo via Zoom. Discover the women who pioneered abstract art — Lee Krasner, Elaine DeKooning, and Helen Frankenthaler, among others. We’ll learn about their lives as well as their groundbreaking creativity, then experience a bonus virtual tour of the home and studio shared by Lee Krasner and her husband, Jackson Pollock. Our leader for this program, Joyce Raimondo, is the author of seven children's art books, a widely-published illustrator, and a leading expert in museum education who formerly served as family programs coordinator at The Museum of Modern Art. Please register on the Events calendar of our website to receive the link; and
— Wednesday, March 29, at 6 p.m. — “Ladies’ Day at the Capitol” with author Lauren Kozakiewicz, examining the contributions of New York’s women politicians from 1919 to 1992 as a distinct group, followed by a question-and-answer session. No registration is required for this special event.
New afternoon
preschool program
You asked for an afternoon program for preschoolers - here it is! Children ages 2-5 and their caregivers are invited to “Music, Movement and Mindfulness,” every Tuesday at 1:15 p.m. throughout March. We’ll build literacy skills through singing and rhyming, get our wiggles out with active songs, explore various rhythm instruments, and relax with child-friendly meditation sequences. Space is still available for the March 21 and 28 sessions. Please register for each session individually on our Events calendar.
Hearing assistance
technology meeting
The Hearing Loss Association of America-Albany Chapter invites the public to showcase GPL’s new state of the art hearing assistance technologies on Thursday, March 23 at 6:30 p.m. in our Helderberg Room. Tips will be provided for those who require hearing assistance in the community. HLAA-Albany has been serving the local community for 40 years. All are welcome!
Sunday Concert:
The Music of Burt Bacharach
Embark on a sentimental musical journey with us on Sunday, March 26 at 2 p.m. with veteran musicians Christine and Elliot Spero through composer Burt Bacharach's greatest songs! Bacharach created hundreds of pop songs from the late 1950s through the 1980s, mostly in collaboration with lyricist Hal David.
A six-time Grammy Award winner and three-time Academy Award winner, Bacharach's songs have been recorded by more than 1,000 different artists, including “Raindrops Keep Fallin' on My Head,” “(They Long to Be) Close to You,” “That's What Friends are For,” and “Alfie,” to name just a few.
Memoirs in the Morning
Every other month, you’re invited to read a select memoir with us, then meet via Zoom to talk about it. This month, we’re reading the bestseller “Lost & Found: A Memoir,” by Pulitzer Prize winner Kathryn Schulz, a New York Times Editors’ Choice.
This book is described as a profound and beautiful account of joy and sorrow, from one of the great writers of our time. This title is available in print and digitally on Overdrive (ebook & audiobook). We’ll meet via Zoom on Wednesday, March 29 at 10:30 a.m. to discuss it – please register on our Events Calendar.
Board candidates
For our annual election on Tuesday, May 16, we have two open positions on our 11-member Board of Trustees, with an application deadline of Monday, April 17. GPL Board members serve a five-year term, meeting monthly and serving on various committees.
Board service is vital to the operation of the library, and requires a significant time investment. Please request an information packet at the Circulation desk, or email Library Director Tim Wiles at for more information.
New Event
Calendar Software
Our new event calendar software upgrade, Library Calendar, provides a more intuitive interface for searching and registering for programs. It also allows patrons to make meeting or study room reservations online, in accordance with our policies. Please see our Events Calendar by clicking on the Events tab at guilderlandlibrary.org, or by clicking on “See All” under the “Upcoming Events” column. You’ll see “Reserve a Room” at the top right.
General info
Contact us at 518-456-2400 or . To set up a passport appointment, press option 2. Overdue fines were eliminated; patrons will be billed for the replacement cost of lost items. Masks are encouraged.
— Photo from Luanne Nicholson
“Hovering Over Life’s Nectar,” by Barbara Quackenbush, is one of a variety of colorful mixed-media quilts from Capital Region Textile Artists on display at the Guilderland Public Library during March.
We’re excited to announce that our new event-calendar software, Library Calendar, is fully operational! This new system provides a more intuitive interface for searching and registering for programs. It also allows patrons to make meeting or study-room reservations online, in accordance with our policies.
We think you’ll be pleased with this user-friendly upgrade! Please see our Events Calendar by clicking on the Events tab at guilderlandlibrary.org, or by clicking on “See All” under the “Upcoming Events” column.
New afternoon
preschool program
You asked for an afternoon program for preschoolers — here it is! Children ages 2 to 5 and their caregivers are invited to “Music, Movement and Mindfulness,” every Tuesday at 1:15 p.m. throughout March. We’ll build literacy skills through singing and rhyming, get our wiggles out with active songs, explore various rhythm instruments, and relax with child-friendly meditation sequences. Sign up for each session individually online.
Drop-in tech help
National Honor Society students from Guilderland Central School District offer tech help to patrons every Thursday, 4 to 6 p.m. (except days Guilderland High School is closed or has early dismissal). The teens can help with smartphone applications, downloading books to devices, email set-up, internet searches on computers and personal devices, and more. No appointment is required.
Genealogy assistance
Professional Genealogist Lisa Dougherty offers 1:1 family history consultations on the 2nd Wednesday of the month at the library, happening next on Wednesday, March 8 from 6 to 8 p.m. This is a drop-in session; no appointment needed. For more general information, visit Lisa's website: http://www.upstatenygenealogy.com.
Teen advisory
TACO meeting
Grades 6-8: join the TACOs! Earn volunteer credit by participating in our new Teen Advisory Community Outreach (TACO) group. Give us your input — help us make GPL your favorite place to hang out! Sign up on the Events calendar at guilderlandlibrary.org for our next meeting on Wednesday, March 8 at 6:30 p.m.
Project
Picturebook
For our next Project Picturebook on Thursday, March 9 at 3 p.m., the subject is talking chickens! Grades PreK-Grade 2 are invited to join us for a fun read-aloud and related hands-on project incorporating STEAM elements. Please register online.
Family
STEAM Night
Children in grades 3-5 and their families are encouraged to come explore fun hands-on STEAM topics with our local schools and colleges! STEAM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math. This month, we welcome Hudson Valley Community College's Biology Club on Thursday, March 9 at 6:30 p.m. Please register online for a fun and educational evening!
Capital District
Knitting Guild
Looking for new ideas for your next knitting or crochet project? Stumped by a difficult pattern or technique? Or perhaps you want to take up a new hobby? Experienced folks from the Capital District Knitting Guild are here to help! Their next monthly gathering at GPL is Monday, March 13 from 6 to 8 p.m., where they’ll offer individual assistance, plus a different teaching topic. Stop in and get "hooked!”
Night Owls
Book Club
For our next meetup on Monday, March 13 at 7:30 p.m., we’re reading "Under the Tulip Tree" by Michelle Shocklee. Copies of this book are available at the library's Information desk. Please register online – all are welcome!
Blood drive
Our next American Red Cross Blood Drive is scheduled for Tuesday, March 14 from 1 to 6 p.m. Appointments are encouraged at https://www.redcrossblood.org; walk-ins are welcome as well. All March donors will receive a $10 Visa Prepaid Card by email, and will be automatically entered for a chance to win a $3,000 Visa Prepaid Card.
AARP
Tax-Aide
AARP Tax-Aide preparation by trained and IRS-certified volunteers is offered at GPL every Monday through April 10. Call 2-1-1 (the United Way’s call center) to secure an appointment – please do not call the Library. For more information and resources, please see https://bit.ly/GPLTaxAide.
General info
Contact us at 518-456-2400 or . To set up a passport appointment, press option 2.
Overdue fines were eliminated; patrons will be billed for the replacement cost of lost items.
Masks are encouraged.
Two new programs for preschoolers at the Guilderland Public Library are Music, Movement and Mindfulness on Tuesday, March 7, at 1:15 p.m., and Drop-In Playtime on Monday, March 13, at 10:30 a.m.
Mornings are more fun with story time, as we read books, sing songs, and get moving together! Caregivers must stay with their children the entire time. Please choose only one story time per week:
— Toddlers (18 to 36 months) on Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m.;
— Families (birth to 5 years old) on Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m.; and
—Preschoolers (3 to 5 years old) onThursdays at 10:30 a.m.
New calendar software
Following many months of careful consideration and configuration, GPL is poised to unveil our new calendar software, Library Calendar, at the beginning of March. This new system, which will replace Evanced, provides a more intuitive interface for searching and registering for programs. It also allows for meeting or study room reservations online, in accordance with our policies. We think you’ll be pleased with this user-friendly upgrade! Details may be found at: librarymarket.com/library-calendar.
Drop-in tech help
National Honor Society students from Guilderland Central School District offer tech help to patrons every Thursday, 4 to 6 p.m. (except days Guilderland High School is closed or has early dismissal). The teens can help with smartphone applications, downloading books to devices, email set-up, internet searches on computers and personal devices, and more.
Teen Advisory
TACO Meeting
Teens in grades 9-12: join the TACOs! Earn volunteer credit by participating in our new Teen Advisory Community Outreach (TACO) group. Give us your input on programs, books, and the Foundry Teen Space, and help us make GPL your favorite place to hang out! Sign up on the Events calendar at guilderlandlibrary.org for our next meeting on Thursday, March 2 at 6:30 p.m.
New afternoon
preschool program
You asked for an afternoon program for preschoolers - here it is! Children ages 2-5 and their caregivers are invited to a playful new music program called “Music, Movement and Mindfulness.” We’ll build literacy skills through singing and rhyming, get our wiggles out with active songs, and relax with child-friendly meditation sequences.
Foundational music concepts will be introduced in a fun, age-appropriate way, and children will have the opportunity to explore various rhythm instruments. Sign up for our first session on Tuesday, March 7 at 1:15 p.m., featuring a bear theme, on our Events Calendar.
Genealogy help
Professional Genealogist Lisa Dougherty offers 1:1 family history consultations on the 2nd Wednesday of the month at the library, happening next on Wednesday, March 8 at 6 to 8 p.m. This is a drop-in session; no appointment needed. For more general information, visit Lisa's website: http://www.upstatenygenealogy.com
Family STEAM Night
Children in grades 3-5 and their families are encouraged to come explore fun hands-on STEAM topics with our local schools and colleges! STEAM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math. This month we welcome Hudson Valley Community College's Biology Club on Thursday, March 9 at 6:30 p.m. Please register online and plan to be here!
Night Owls
Book Club
For our next meetup on Monday, March 13 at 7:30 p.m., we’re reading "Under the Tulip Tree" by Michelle Shocklee. This novel follows Rena Leland, whose teenage dream of becoming a successful writer is derailed by the 1929 stock market crash.
Fast-forward seven years into the Great Depression, Rena is an unemployed newspaper reporter. Eager for any writing job, Rena interviews former slaves for the Federal Writers’ Project. There, she meets Frankie Washington, a 101-year-old woman whose honest yet tragic past captivates Rena. Copies are available at the library's Information desk. Please register online – all are welcome!
AARP Tax-Aide
AARP Tax-Aide preparation by trained and IRS-certified volunteers is offered at GPL this season. Call 2-1-1 (the United Way’s call center) to inquire about
available tax appointments – please do not call the library. Phone lines may be busy; please be patient. Tax preparation appointments are scheduled on Mondays through April 15. You must have an appointment; no walk-ins. Please see https://bit.ly/GPLTaxAide for more information and resources.
General info
Contact us at 518-456-2400 or . To set up a passport appointment, press option 2.
Overdue fines were eliminated; patrons will be billed for the replacement cost of lost items.
Masks are encouraged.
— Photo from Luanne Nicholson
Nearly 30 years after it was created, this community quilt adorns the Guilderland Room, the local history room of the Guilderland Public Library. It was machine-pieced and appliqued by former GPL employee Shirley Ratta, and contains leaves attached by staff, patrons, board members, and volunteers, plus their signatures on the back, dated March 1993. Former GPL Reference Librarian Eileen Williams recently hand-sewed a “sleeve” along the back so that it could hang on a quilt rod, and former GPL Director Carol Hamblin donated money to the local history room, some of which was used to purchase the quilt rod. Many library hands, past and present, were responsible for this symbolic slice of history now on display.
Escape the winter blahs! Gather a team (up to four players) and set sail with us online on Thursday, Feb. 23, at 6:30 p.m. to play Cruise Ship “Tringo” — Bingo mashed up with cruise and vacation trivia! We’ll channel a tropical vibe with questions about cruises, drinks, oceans, creatures, pop culture, and more. Please register on the Events Calendar of guilderlandlibrary.org, and we’ll email your team Bingo card.
Drop-In
Video Games
Grades 3 and up: drop by anytime Friday, Feb. 24 from 2 to 4 p.m. play Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, and others. You’ll help us unlock new characters for the next tournament, too! All games are rated E or E 10+.
Family Literacy Day
Join Barbara Lukas, a family literacy educator from WMHT, for a morning of fun learning activities on Saturday, Feb. 25 at 10:30 a.m. You'll watch a short movie, do crafts and/or science experiments, and get a free copy of “The Snowy Day” by Ezra Jack Keats! This program is geared for Pre-K-Grade 2. Please register in advance.
Storytimes resume
Mornings are more fun with story time, as we read books, sing songs and get moving together! Caregivers must stay with their children the entire time. Please choose only one story time per week, beginning Tuesday, Feb. 28:
— Toddlers (18 to 36 months) on Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m.;
— Families (birth to 5 years old) on Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m.; and
— Preschoolers (3 to 5 years old) on Thursdays at 10:30 a.m.
Intro to Value Line
The library is excited to announce a brand-new digital, financial learning tool available to cardholders in the Guilderland Library service area! Value Line is a unique source of investment information designed to help investors make decisions that fit their individual goals and levels of risk.
In a nutshell, it is: a proven forecaster of stock price performance over the next six to 12 months; a source of interpretative analysis of approximately 1,700 individual stocks and approximately 100 industries; and a source of historical information that helps investors spot trends.
If you'd like to learn more about this tool and how to navigate it, please join us for one of two upcoming Zoom sessions, presented by a Value Line Library Specialist. Registration is now open for Tuesday, Feb. 28 at noon. A second session is scheduled for Tuesday, March 28 at 6 p.m.
The Wild Center’s
Animal Club
Families are invited to join The Wild Center’s Animal Club on Zoom on Tuesday, Feb. 28 at 6 p.m., where you’ll get to meet a new Animal Ambassador! We'll hang out with otters, woodchucks, turtles and more. School-age children (and everybody else in your family) can tap their creative side with animal-inspired challenges that merge art and science.
Please note: if your family has its own membership in the Wild Center, you can register through the Wild Center's website: https://www.wildcenter.org/. The Library registration is for non-members only.
Calendar software
Following many months of careful consideration and configuration, GPL is poised to unveil our new calendar software, Library Calendar, at the beginning of March. This new system, which will replace Evanced, provides a more intuitive interface for searching and registering for programs. It also allows for meeting or study room reservations online, in accordance with our policies. We think you’ll be pleased with this user-friendly upgrade! Details may be found at: librarymarket.com/library-calendar.
AARP Tax-Aide
AARP Tax-Aide preparation by trained and IRS-certified volunteers is offered at GPL this season. Call 2-1-1 (the United Way’s call center) to inquire about available tax appointments — please do not call the library. Phone lines may be busy; please be patient. Tax preparation appointments are scheduled on Mondays through April 15. You must have an appointment; no walk-ins.
AARP Foundation Tax-Aide provides in-person and virtual tax preparation help to anyone, free of charge, with a special focus on taxpayers over age 50 with low to moderate income. Please see https://bit.ly/GPLTaxAide for more information.
General info
Contact us at 518-456-2400 or . To set up a passport appointment, press option 2.
Overdue fines were eliminated; patrons will be billed for the replacement cost of lost items.
Masks are encouraged.
“Farmhouse” is one of the works displayed at the Guilderland Public Library this month, part of artist Brynn Marion’s “Photographic Paintbrush” exhibit. A reception is scheduled for Sunday, Feb. 19, from 1 to 4 p.m. in the Helderberg Room.
Learn about the wild women of Rensselaer County. A slew of colorful characters across the river enticed headlines, pushed boundaries, and kept yesteryear hopping!
Join Kathy Sheehan of the Rensselaer Historical Society on Thursday, Feb. 16, at 6:30 p.m. as she brings to life both famous and infamous women of local history. Learn about suffragettes, educators, clairvoyants, the veiled murderess, the unsolved murder of Hazel Drew, and the famous brothel owner Mame Fay. Sign up for this intriguing presentation on the Events calendar of our website.
Teen Tech
Help Desk
Drop in anytime on Thursday, Feb. 16, 4 to 6 p.m., for tech help from Guilderland Central School District National Honor Society students. The teens can help with smartphone applications, downloading books to devices, email set-up, internet searches, and more. Teen Tech Help Desk occurs every Thursday, except during school breaks.
Trustees meet
The Guilderland Public Library Board of Trustees will conduct their next monthly business meeting on Thursday, Feb. 16 at 6 p.m. This meeting will be streamed live on the library’s YouTube channel, and archived there for later viewing. Public commentary may be submitted to: .
Teen Advisory Group
Tweens: what would you like to see at the library? We’re listening! Earn volunteer credit by participating in our new Advisory Groups! Give us your input on programs, books, and the Foundry Teen Space. We'll have after-dinner treats, too! Junior Teen Advisory Group for grades 6-8 is scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 16 at 6:30 p.m. Please register on the Events Calendar at guilderlandlibrary.org, indicating any food allergies.
AARP Tax-Aide
AARP Tax-Aide preparation by trained and IRS-certified volunteers is offered at GPL this season. Call 2-1-1 (the United Way’s call center) to inquire about available tax appointments — please do not call the library. Phone lines may be busy; please be patient. Tax preparation appointments are scheduled on Mondays (except Presidents Day 2/20) through April 15. You must have an appointment; no walk-ins.
AARP Foundation Tax-Aide provides in-person and virtual tax preparation help to anyone, free of charge, with a special focus on taxpayers over age 50 with low to moderate income. Please see https://bit.ly/GPLTaxAide for more information.
Library closure
The Library will be closed on Monday, Feb. 20 in honor of Presidents Day; no AARP Tax-Aide appointments will take place on that day.
Viral crafts
Teens and adults are invited to try the latest craft trends sweeping the internet with our next Viral Crafts session on Tuesday, Feb. 21 at 6 p.m. This time, we’re experimenting with Marbled Clay; all supplies will be provided. Please register online.
“Bad Guys” trivia
Grades 3-5: put your knowledge of “The Bad Guys” book series and movie to the test by joining us for several rounds of fun trivia! Sign up on our website for this session on Wednesday, Feb. 22 at 2 p.m.
Cruise Ship Tringo
Escape the winter blahs! Gather a team (up to four players) and set sail with us online Thursday, Feb. 23 at 6:30 p.m. to play Cruise Ship “Tringo” — Bingo mashed up with cruise and vacation trivia! Register online, and we’ll email your team Bingo card.
Drop-in
video games
Grades 3 and up: drop by Friday, Feb. 24 from 2 to 4 p.m. play Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, and others! All games are rated E or E 10+.
Family
Literacy Day
Join Barbara Lukas, a family literacy educator from WMHT, for a morning of fun learning activities on Saturday, Feb. 25 at 10:30 a.m. You'll watch a short movie, do crafts and/or science experiments, and get a free copy of “The Snowy Day” by Ezra Jack Keats! This program is geared for Pre-K-Grade 2. Please register in advance.
General info
Contact us at 518-456-2400 or . To set up a passport appointment, press option 2.
Overdue fines were eliminated; patrons will be billed for the replacement cost of lost items.
Masks are encouraged.