Guilderland Library Notes for Thursday, February 1, 2018

The children of the United States Virgin Islands thank you!

You’ll be pleased to know that, thanks to your book and cash donations, the Guilderland Public Libraries and the libraries of Albany, Brunswick, Nassau, Ravena-Coeymans-Selkirk, Sand Lake, and Troy collected and shipped some 3,120 books to children in the hurricane-ravaged U.S. Virgin Islands.

This was a community effort. You donated books and money. Library staff and volunteers (adults and teens) sorted and packed 50 boxes of books. Staff then hauled almost 1,200 pounds of books to the post office to send on their way to the Virgin Islands.

We each know firsthand the power of a good book to change a child’s life. When they complete their journey, these books will be put into the hands of kids and teens who may have lost their homes, family members, and possessions.

Thanks also go to the staff of the Upper Hudson Library System, and to Judith Enck, former Environmental Protection Agency Region 2 administrator, whose support of UHLS libraries gave us this opportunity to add a different flavor of good to the world.

Everybody Needs a Bear Hug

Just in time for Valentine’s Day — when you’re scrambling for that perfect, last-minute gift — the library and Guilderhaven are having an “Everybody Needs a Bear Hug” bear sale at the library on Saturday, Feb. 10, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. You can preview the collection in the library’s lobby display cases right now.

Featuring an unbearably adorable assortment of collectible grizzlies from Boyds Bears and Friends, these wee bears are priced to move, are cute and dressed to hug, and sport some punny names. (Our favorite: “Eleanore Bearsevelt.”)

Proceeds from this collaboration between GPL and Guilderhaven help augment the services both organizations provide to the community.  The library will devote its share to the upcoming kids’ Summer Reading program, and Guilderhaven’s portion will help sustain its local mission of helping companion animals and rehabilitating wildlife as well as educating the public.

While you’re looking for just the right bear, don’t forget to stop by the day’s Better Books Sale! Bargains abound there, too.

Take Your Child to the Library Day

“Take Your Child to the Library Day” is Saturday, Feb. 3, and we are celebrating this special day with fun activities throughout the library. So come to GPL between 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and go on a scavenger hunt.

Be creative at our craft buffet. Write your own fairy tale or superhero story. Build at our Building Station. Use a paper fortune teller to choose your next book. Play a board game. Come to the library and do it all.

STEAM Nights

Families with children in grades 2 and up, come to GPL on Monday, Feb. 5, at 6:30 p.m., and join Hudson Valley Community College’s Science Departments to get “STEAMED” up!

STEAM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Mathematics, and is a series of educational activities that inspire inquiry and critical thinking. The end results are students who take thoughtful approaches, engage in experiential learning, persist in problem-solving, embrace collaboration, and work through the creative process.

The youngsters who attend these classes can become tomorrow’s innovators, educators, and leaders.  Please register by calling (518) 456-2400, ext. 4.

Free concert

We’re partnering with WEXT and Andy Gregory, host of the Local518 show, to showcase the talents of three wonderful local bands: The Magdalens, Ferriday, and Zan Strumfeld and Her Band. This free concert happens at GPL on Sunday, Feb. 11, at 2 p.m.

Each group will perform a set, giving you a chance to hear a variety of musical styles and talent from our local music scene. We’re really excited about this event, which will be recorded for a future show on WEXT! Don't miss this very special gathering.

Hygge Hangout: Potluck Finale

The last “hygge” (pronounced “hoo-ga,” a Danish concept of happiness through all things comfy and cozy) hangout of the season will be our Potluck Finale on Wednesday, Feb. 8, from 7 to 8 p.m.

We’ve enjoyed having these Hygge Hangouts. They’ve been great times to gather, enjoy the company of others, and have some yummy snacks. This one’s a potluck celebration where we will talk about all the hygge fun we’ve had!

Celebrate Clifford’s birthday

Youngsters! It's Clifford the Big Red Dog’s birthday, and you are invited to the celebration! The party is at the library on Saturday, Feb. 10, at 10:30 a.m.

WMHT’s Barbara Lukas will host the party. And even though it’s Clifford’s birthday, it’s you who gets a present — your very own Clifford book to take home.  Please register by calling (518) 456-2400, ext. 4.  All children must be accompanied by an adult caregiver.