Guilderland Library Notes for Wednesday, February 26, 2020

Congressman Paul Tonko donated 31 books from the Library of Congress Surplus Books Program to Guilderland Public Library, valued at almost $800. Tonko has visited more than 50 locations and delivered more than 1,640 books valued at over $35,900 since September 2017. The Library of Congress receives more than 20,000 items every day, and only half of those materials remain in its permanent collection; the remainder are allocated to the Surplus Books Program. Pictured from left are Upper Hudson Library System Executive Director Tim Burke, Guilderland Public Library Director Tim Wiles, Congressman Tonko, Albany County Executive Daniel McCoy, abd Albany County Legislator Mark Grimm.

Individuals interested in candidacy for one of three available seats on the Guilderland Public Library Board of Trustees may request information packets at the library’s circulation desk. Biographical information is due by March 31, and completed petitions with at least 82 signatures are due to Linda Livingston at Guilderland Central School District by April 20.

Voting for three board candidates, as well as the proposed 2020-21 library budget, takes place on Tuesday, May 19, from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. at all Guilderland elementary schools.

The Guilderland Public Library is committed to its mission of providing quality library materials and services to our community for lifelong learning, cultural enrichment, and enjoyment. The vital duty our trustees fulfill on behalf of all taxpaying residents is a key responsibility that serves to safeguard this mission for generations to come.

Board meetings are held monthly at 7 p.m. and are open to the public, plus live-streamed on our Facebook page. We appreciate all interest in responsible stewardship of your public library to make it the very best it can be.

Digital “New York Times”

Exciting news: We now subscribe digitally to “The New York Times” for your convenience! You can access this daily newspaper at the library after creating a free account or logging into a pre-existing account. 

From home, click on The New York Times button on our web page to create a free account to enjoy unlimited access for 72 hours. If you already have an account, access our subscription through our home page and log into your existing account.  

Ukulele Jam

Uke players of all skill levels are welcome to join our monthly jam session on Thursday, Feb. 27 at 6:30 p.m. Whether you’re just getting started or you play every day, shake the winter doldrums off and meet up with friendly folks for musical fun! Bring your own ukulele, or check one out from us. No registration required, just drop in.

Munchkins & Mocktails

Playtime with a twist for caregivers! Join us Friday, Feb. 28 at 10 a.m. for fellowship and fun. As your child plays and socializes, you can enjoy some adult conversation and a morning mocktail. Please register online, by phone or in person.

Cookbook Club: Special Edition

Leap Day will be hopping at GPL with a special edition of Cookbook Club on Saturday, Feb. 29 at 11 a.m.! Alexandra Stafford, Niskayuna resident and author of “Bread Toast Crumbs: Recipes for No-Knead Loaves” and “Meals to Savor Every Slice” will be here for an author talk and food demo. 

Ms. Stafford will sell and sign copies of her book after the program ($25, cash or check only.) Please register at our adult reference desk and choose your recipe in advance. Bring your completed dish to share with serving utensils; we’ll provide the rest.

Family STEAM Night

STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and math) programs offer a comprehensive educational foundation for elementary students. A fun evening of hands-on exploration for grades 2 to 6 and their families is planned for Monday, March 2 at 6:30 p.m. as we host our next Family STEAM Night. 

This time, the learning will be led by the Computer Science Department at UAlbany.  Please register online, by phone or in person.  

Genealogy: Getting started  

If your 2020 goals include researching your family tree, this is the perfect opportunity to start!  On Saturday, March 7 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m, professional genealogist Lisa Dougherty will cover the free resources provided by Guilderland Public Library, including Ancestry, Family Search, and Fold3 to start your journey.

This four-hour seminar includes a complimentary lunch. Please register online, by phone or in person.  

He Read/She Read Book Club

Calling all book lovers! We’re kicking off our new He Read / She Read Book Club with a prize drawing: a Library Lovers’ gift basket! Stop by our information desk for a slip to enter the drawing, located in a lobby case near our Helderberg Room. The winner will be announced on March 2.

While you’re there, pick up some information about this engaging new book club and consider signing up! Librarians Dustin and Josalyn Wilder will alternate selecting a title and leading the discussion each month. On Tuesday, March 3 at 7 p.m. Dustin (“He Read”) will facilitate the book discussion on “The Chain” by Adrian McKinty.