Guilderland Library Notes for Thursday, February 7, 2019

Our readers taking on the WIN-ter Reading Challenge positively smashed the January goal of 2,000 books read with a grand total of 3,298! Sincere thanks and kudos to all participants.

We’ll be sure to let you know if we receive any funds from Mark Cuban as a result. Keep your love of reading fueled — whether by traditional book or e-book, we’ve got the vehicle that drives your passion.

Valentine activities

We hope you feel the love for your local library, especially during February! Want to find your perfect match, book-wise? Your trusty librarian has you covered! Fill out your “book profile” until 2/12, then let us do the legwork to pinpoint “the one” for you. Your recommended book will be waiting for you on the Hold Shelf from Feb. 14 to 21.

Wednesday Feb. 13 is our Gal’entine’s Day celebration at 7 p.m. for female adults and teens. Bring your gal pal, sister, daughter, and/or mother for a night of chocolate-covered pretzels, strawberries, waffles and crafts. Please register by phone, online or at the Adult Reference desk.  

Rebel Bloom Art Exhibit

Lovers of art, flowers, and a blast of color in the dead of winter will appreciate “Rebel Bloom”, an exhibition of original paintings by local artist Josalyn Wilder, who also happens to be one of our librarians.  This spring-forward exhibit is in our Helderberg Room and runs until March 15.

Oscar Movie Thursdays

Oscar-nominated films take center screen on Thursday evenings at 6:30 p.m. throughout February in our Helderberg Room:  On Feb. 14 “First Man;” Feb. 21 “Bohemian Rhapsody;” and “A Star is Born” on Feb. 28. Beat the winter blues…popcorn included!

Better Books Sale

Come survey what’s for sale - you may just find a permanent gem to add to your home library at a bargain price.  Our monthly Better Books Sale is happening Saturday, Feb. 9 starting at 10 a.m.

Owl Moon

WMHT’s Barbara Lukas will share the story of “Owl Moon” on Saturday, Feb. 9 at 10:30 a.m.  As we’ll discover, the hardest part about going owling is being quiet. We’ll also do a craft project based on the book.  For pre-kindergarten through grade 2; registration required.

Sunday Concert Series

Popular homegrown favorites Jim Gaudet and the The Railroad Boys will delight music lovers with a free concert in our acoustically perfect Helderberg Room on Sun. 2/10 at 2 p.m.  Their folksy tunes have been described as “progressively-flavored bluegrass with wickedly funny, all-original lyrics” showcasing Gaudet’s master storytelling talents. Wear your best toe-tapping shoes, and come early to snag your seat!

The Butt Stops Here

Resolved to quit smoking for good?  “The Butt Stops Here”, an award-winning program by St. Peter’s Health Partners, has helped thousands do just that. This seven-week program, led by Anne Marsolais, begins Tuesday, Feb. 12 at 6:30 p.m., and continues each Tuesday night through the end of March. The program fee is $45 per person; $20 for Medicaid recipients.

Resources provided include a workbook, two weeks of NRT (patches or gum), group support and other materials. Checks payable to St. Peter's Health Partners or cash will be collected the first night.  Please register in person, online, or by phone.

Jewish genealogy

On Sunday, Feb. 17  at 2 p.m., Avraham Laber, the local developer of the rich and ever-expanding database known as Jewish Data, will give a demonstration of its facts and features. Come learn how to search the database as part of your genealogical research.

Please register in person, online, or by phone. That same day is National Random Acts of Kindness Day, so we’ll give out special commemorative bookmarks.

Call 2-1-1 for tax help

Dial 2-1-1 for the United Way call center to make an appointment for free tax assistance. You’ll meet with an IRS-certified TaxAide volunteer to prepare your federal and NYS tax returns. Appointments (required) are being scheduled on Saturdays and Mondays through April 8, and must be made by calling 2-1-1, not the library.