Guilderland Library Notes for Thursday, April 16, 2020

In trying times like these, it is edifying to know that we are part of a vibrant community that truly cares. 

Whether it’s coordinating thousands of brown-bag lunches for school children in need; providing grocery shopping, home-delivered meals and telephone assurance for seniors; encouraging patronage of local restaurants and businesses; or so many other neighborly endeavors — we’re grateful to all who are pitching in to help.

Not to mention the tireless service of so many health professionals on the front lines battling this pandemic, and those keeping us safe, informed, and supplied in various ways — we sincerely thank you.

We’re here for you

While our building is closed, we encourage you to stay connected with us and check back often to find out what’s new:

— Log onto guilderlandlibrary.org, and refer to the “Healthy at Home” page to view all of our downloaded resources in one convenient place — e-books; e-magazines; audiobooks; The New York Times; The Great Courses, Qello concerts, IndieFlix films and Acorn TV shows through RBDigital; databases such as ancestry.com and Consumer Reports; get a library card, and much more;

— Like our Facebook page for updates and resources, fun and informative “Fireside Chat” videos to help you get started with our digital resources, “Neighbor Notes” community happenings, poems celebrating National Poetry Month, mini-Cookbook Clubs, and more;

— Follow us on Instagram and Twitter for additional content and updates;

— Request to join our new GPL Kids and Families Facebook group, featuring Virtual Story Times with your favorite Youth Services librarians, Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10 a.m., plus helpful content for parents. Submit your suggestions to rename our male cow situated in the lobby too;

— Call us at 518-285-0035 – staffed weekdays from 10 a.m. to noon and 2 to 4 p.m., or leave us a message for a callback;

— Email us at ask.librarian@guilderlandlibrary.org;

— Sign up for e-news at the top of our home page; or

— Access wifi 24/7 from our parking lot.

Voting update

Based on an executive order from Governor Andrew Cuomo, the library board and budget election originally scheduled for May 19 has been delayed until at least June 1.

The executive order did not contain any mention of whether the number of signatures required of candidates to qualify for the election will remain the same, or possibly decrease. We are awaiting further clarification, and will communicate more information as soon as it is received.

Write at Home

This is a perfect time for introspection and honing new skills. Budding and seasoned wordsmiths alike — grade four and up, and adults — are encouraged to submit their writing to us by May 1 at noon. You might just win a prize! All forms of poetry and prose are eligible.

Submissions must meet the following criteria:

— Must be an original work;

— All characters must be original or be in the public domain;

— Work must be previously unpublished;

— School assignments are acceptable;

— Only one entry per category will be accepted;

— All entries must be typed and double-spaced (where appropriate);

— All entries must be in a word doc, google doc, or pdf format;

— We cannot accept image-based works like picture books or graphic novels;

— Poetry: two pages or 500 words maximum;

— Prose: five pages or 1250 words maximum;

— Participants must reside within the Guilderland School District or possess a Guilderland Public Library Card.

All entries are due Friday, May 1, by noon, emailed as an attachment or shared as a google doc to . Make sure to include your name, address, age group, and writing category only in the submission email. Do not include your name or other identifying information on the actual submission. Failure to comply with these rules can result in elimination from the contest.

All works will be shared on the GPL website (with permission of the author), with special recognition for one winner per age group and category. Winners may also choose one item to be shipped from the Book House of Stuyvesant Plaza with a maximum value of $25. Please email any questions to:  . Good luck!

Beanstack Spring

into Reading Challenge

To follow up on our Winter Reading Challenge — we were named one of 29 top-reading libraries in the United States, thanks to your participation! — we’re continuing with Beanstack’s Spring into Reading Challenge.

Participants can earn badges by logging the minutes read, or the number of books read — your choice!  Sign up today: https://guilderlandlibrary.beanstack.org/reader365.