Guilderland Library Notes for Thursday, March 26, 2020

Due to the daily increase of confirmed cases of novel coronavirus disease 2019 in Albany County, the Guilderland Public Library is closed until Wednesday, April 1, subject to change as this situation unfolds and executive orders are issued from elected officials.

We are constantly monitoring this ever-evolving pandemic, and striving to maintain operations remotely as much as possible. Please hold onto any materials borrowed, as our book drops are currently locked.  All fines are waived as of March 1, per the Upper Hudson Library System, and expirations for library cards are being extended.

While our building is closed, we’re still working for you!  Right now with your library card, you can access through our website:

— RB Digital streaming service featuring Acorn (popular British TV shows); Qello (a variety of concerts); IndieFlix (acclaimed independent films), and The Great Courses (hundreds of topics promoting lifelong learning);

— Digital New York Times - from home, click on the New York Times button on our web page to create a free account with unlimited access for 72 hours.  If you already have an account, access our subscription through our home page and log into your existing account;

— Libby, which allows you to download thousands of eBooks and audiobooks, plus 50 popular magazines.  You can download them for offline reading or stream them;

— Flipster, which offers favorite magazines, such as Consumer Reports, New Yorker and People; and

— Overdrive, which includes a number of popular publications like Newsweek and O magazine.

Download the free apps on your device to enjoy these resources anywhere.

You can also remotely:

— Obtain a library card through https://guilderlandlibrary.org/librarycard/;

— Connect to wifi in our parking lot;

— Pose library, reference and circulation questions, from downloading materials and technical issues to questions regarding your account and more, by emailing ;

— Check our social media for tips to help you and your family through these extraordinary times, and message us on Facebook and Instagram;

— Explore our databases at https://guilderlandlibrary.org/research-databases/; and

— Refer to a compiled list of trusted information sources for updates by clicking on the “Coronavirus Update” button on our home page.

E-book embargo lifted

Following considerable public pushback and hundreds of thousands of petition signatures demanding change, Macmillan Publishing announced on March 17 that it would abandon its controversial embargo on newly released e-books for libraries. 

Macmillan will discontinue the unpopular one-copy limit and resume its library e-book pricing model that was in effect until Oct. 31, 2019. In addition, Mascmillan will lower some e-book prices on a short-term basis to help libraries expand their digital collections during these difficult times.

“The timing of this decision could not have been better,” said Guilderland Public Library Director Tim Wiles. “While people cannot access our location and physical books right now, they can still take advantage of our e-books, e-magazines and much more, from the comfort of home. We’re currently seeking to augment our digital materials while we’re closed, and this move really helps us offer the latest offerings to the most people.”

Trustees meet

In the interest of forging ahead during difficult times, our board of trustees held a virtual board meeting on March 19, which was streamed live on our Facebook page and may be viewed any time.  Individuals interested in board candidacy are encouraged to contact Library Director Tim Wiles at as soon as possible for more information.  

We will continue to convey updates via email, www.guilderlandlibrary.org, social media channels, and our electronic sign.  Thank you for your understanding and patience as we navigate this unprecedented situation. We urge you to follow all recommended protocols to remain healthy, and we hope to see you again very soon.