Guilderland Library Notes for Wednesday, May 19, 2021

—Photo by Luanne Nicholson

Major construction at Guilderland Public Library is significantly ahead of schedule, with project completion now expected at the end of August 2021.

— Photo from Luanne Nicholson

Staff at Guilderland Public Library paused for a “shelfie” during the arduous task of moving the collection to its permanent home as the library’s construction project nears its final months. From left are Bryana Wachowicz, Mitzi Hall, Amy McCarthy, Kristina Ronald, Holly Andreou, and Diane Bruins.

Starting June 1, curbside hours will expand at the Guilderland Public Library.

Current hours: Through Friday, May 28: Pick up requested materials on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Tuesday and Thursday from 1 to 7 p.m.; Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; and Sunday from 2 to 4 p.m. through the Normanskill Room side door. Return items anytime (except holidays) to the parking lot sheds.

GPL is closed Saturday, May 29, through Monday, May 31, in observance of Memorial Day. No curbside pick-up or return service is available on these days.

Expanded hours: Starting June 1, our curbside schedule will be: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Tuesday and Thursday from 9:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; and Sunday from 1:30 to 4 p.m.

Due to limited interior space due to construction plus social distancing constraints, GPL is not currently open to public browsing. Call us at 518-456-2400; email us at ; or check www.guilderlandlibrary.org for further information.

Podcast news

"How Did You Find It?", GPL’s monthly podcast moderated by Librarian Kathleen Tyrrell, explores books, libraries, information, entertainment and everything in between. A new episode debuts Friday,  May 21. This podcast is accessible on major platforms, including Apple, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Pocket Casts, Breaker and RadioPublic.  We welcome your input and topic suggestions at: .

Podcast enthusiasts are invited to join our monthly podcast discussion group, “Earbuds and Bookmarks,” for friendly banter as we build this casual community.  Our next online meeting is Tuesday, May 25 at 6 p.m. to talk about Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend, Season 1, Episodes 4 and 6: Kristen Bell and Dax Shepard. Please register on the Events tab of our website to receive the link to participate.

Microsoft Office:

Basic Excel

Master the spreadsheet with this virtual basic Microsoft Excel class on Tuesday, May 25 at 1:30 p.m.  Excel may be used to create a budget, maintain a list of valuables, create a trip itinerary, and much more. Register on the Events tab of our website to obtain the link in advance. This class is presented in collaboration with the Albany Guardian Society, and taught by Eleonora Morrell and John Dowley, training and development specialists at MicroKnowledge, Inc.

Virtual Craft & Chat

Let’s craft while we talk...or talk while we craft!  Meet up online with like-minded crafters Wed. May 26 at 6 p.m. as we gather for casual conversation, share inspiring ideas, and learn more about our Creativebug web resource. Discover your next project! Register on the Events tab of our website to receive the Zoom link in advance.

Tech and Résumé Help

Optimize your usage of an Apple Watch, iPhone, MacBook, or Apple TV; or get customized assistance with our website’s Learning Express tool to craft your résumé. Register for a one-on-one appointment Mondays at 6:30 p.m. or Thursdays at 10 a.m. throughout May on the Events tab of our website.

Construction update

According to the latest estimate, our major construction project could be completed as soon as the end of August 2021 — 11 months ahead of schedule — and on budget.  More details, including monthly progress reports, may be found at: https://bit.ly/GPLbuildingproject.

Book donations on hold

We cannot accept book donations at this time.  Discover Books, our previous provider, removed the blue bins from our side parking.  We will resume book donations as soon as we can secure another vendor.  In the interim, the Friends of the Schenectady County Public Library accept donated books Monday - Saturday, 9 a.m.  to noon. on the loading dock at the Central Library. 

Better World Books bins collect donations at Bethlehem Public Library and Albany Public Library’s Delaware and Pine Hills branches. Colonie Town Library accepts one box of donations on Thursdays, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. only.  Please call these locations in advance to confirm.

Summer Reading kickoff

Mark your calendars for Tuesday June 29 as we finalize plans for our “Tails and Tales” Summer Reading Program kickoff at Farnsworth Middle School. More summer reading details may be found at:  https://guilderlandlibrary.org/srp.

Summer golf tourney

The Guilderland Library Foundation is hosting a golf tournament fundraiser at Western Turnpike Golf Course on Fri. Aug. 13.  For more information on participation and sponsorship opportunities, please see:  http://bit.ly/GLFGolf2021.