Guilderland Library Notes for Wednesday, March 4, 2020

We’re excited to announce the results of the Penguin Random House Winter Reading Challenge! The purpose is to encourage people of all ages to read as many books as possible during January and log them in Beanstack.

Thanks to our wonderful community, we logged 3,060 books and were named one of the 29 top-reading libraries in the country! Our sincere thanks to all who participated. We’ll keep you posted on the prizes awarded by Penguin Random House that we can all benefit from.

Documentary: Prohibition

Continuing with our theme of looking back 100 years, we’re screening “Prohibition: A Film by Ken Burns and Lynn Novick,” Tuesdays March 10, 17 and 24 at 4:30 p.m. This acclaimed three-part documentary tells the fascinating story of the rise and the fall of the 18th Amendment to the Constitution, which banned the manufacturing, sale and transportation of alcohol in the United States, and the colorful era that it encompassed.

Ukulele Sip & Strum 

We’re turning up our popular Ukulele Jam a notch for a fun and stress-relieving evening with wine added to the mix.  On Wednesday March 11 at 6 p.m., bring your ukulele and tuner, and enjoy a glass of wine or juice. We’ll make music together in a fun and casual environment.

The evening ends with a prize drawing, and all skill levels are welcome to attend. You must be 21 or older to attend this event, with valid photo identification such as a driver's license as proof of age. Please register online, by phone or in person.  

Movie Night: “Joker” 

Our Oscar-caliber film series continues Thursday, March 12 at 6:30 p.m. with a screening of “Joker”  rared R. Failed comedian Arthur Fleck is isolated, bullied, and disregarded by Gotham society to the point that he steadily descends into madness, ultimately transforming into the criminal mastermind known as the Joker.  Popcorn included! The movie runs for 122 minutes.

Seeking board candidates

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 2020-2021 library budget, takes place on Tuesday, May 19 from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. at all Guilderland Elementary Schools.

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.  

GPL 2019 Stats

Here’s a numerical snapshot of 2019 in review, which speaks to the sheer volume of programming offered and community groups utilizing GPL:

— 220,569 total visitors — average of six visits for the estimated 36,000 residents of Guilderland; about 2,500 more than 2018;

— 179,111 website visitors - an increase of about 2,500 more than 2018;

— 25,240 public computer users, and about the same number accessing our WiFi through their laptops, tablets and phones at the library;

— 896 library programs attended by 18,484 people: 467 adult programs; 377 children programs; 52 teen programs;

— 215 community groups attended by 6,626 people;

— 1,111 combined programs and community groups, with an average attendance of 23 people 

In total, 25,110 people attended an event at Guilderland Public Library in the past year! We encourage you to take advantage of all that’s offered — there’s truly something here for everyone.