Guilderland Library Notes for Thursday, March 12, 2020

In response to the outbreak of COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus, we are proactively responding to help ensure a safe and sanitary environment for our staff and the hundreds of people who visit us each day.

We are committed to remaining vigilant and prepared for the community we serve, including fulfilling our role as a trusted information source. As such, we are:

— Redoubling our efforts to clean all surfaces frequently;

— Providing gloves, tissues, and sanitizer at several “Stay Healthy” stations located throughout the library;

— Posting links to several official organizations on our website for reference — click on the “Coronavirus Information” button, or from your phone, search our website for “Coronavirus”;

— Displaying instructions on effective hand-washing in our restrooms; and

— Monitoring developments daily with state, national, and global health organizations.

We stand ready to swiftly adjust our protocol as needed, and will continue to keep you informed on all fronts. Meanwhile, here’s what you can do to support good health:

— Stay home if you have a fever and are sick;

— Make sure all who attend meetings at the library are well;

— Cough into a tissue or into the bend of your arm;

— Avoid shaking hands and limit physical touching;

— Wash your hands thoroughly (20-plus seconds of vigorous scrubbing) after using public computers and borrowing material; and

— Avoid touching your eyes, mouth, or nose.

Movie Night: “Joker” 

Our Oscar-caliber film series continues Thursday, March 12 at 6:30 p.m. with “Joker.”  Failed comedian Arthur Fleck (Joaquin Phoenix, who won the Best Actor Oscar for this performance) 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.

Nominated for 11 Academy Awards, and also starring Robert DeNiro. Popcorn included! Rated R; 122 minutes.

Project Picture Book

On Friday, March 13 at 3:30 p.m., join us for the fun monthly read-aloud session and related art project known as Project Picture Book. We’ll share Emily Gravett’s fresh and funny story, “Old Hat”, encouraging readers to embrace their own personal style and think for themselves. For PreKindergarten through grade2; dress for a mess! Please register online, by phone, or in person.

Better Books Sale

Help yourself to deep discounts on a wide array of books, DVDs and CDs at our monthly Better Books Sale, while you help the library at the same time! Our next spectacular sale happens Saturday, March 14 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.  

GPL Sprouts: Radical Robots

Join us on Monday, March 16 at 3:30 p.m. for our monthly GPL Sprouts STEM learning for kids in pre-K through grade 2, accompanied by an adult caregiver. This month, we'll play with code-able robotic toys and make our own battery-operated brush bots. Please register online, by phone, or in person.

Census Sensibility

Q: Why is it so important to achieve a complete Census count?

A: More people counted ultimately means more federal dollars for our community!

On Friday, March 20 at 5:30 p.m., Bob Scardamalia, partnership specialist with the New York Regional Office of the 2020 Census, will outline this important initiative, including the history, purpose, procedures, and how the data is used.

He’ll explain how to answer the census online, how you might be contacted, and how to avoid Census-related scams, plus answer your questions. Starting this month, we’ll have a dedicated area here for you to fill out Census information online, the preferred method for responding.

Criminal Justice Reform Briefing

A question-and-answer session with Albany County District Attorney David Soares on Monday, March 16 at 6:30 p.m. at the library will address bail reform, discovery and speedy trial changes, and options for sealing past criminal convictions. All are welcome to attend.