Guilderland Library Notes for Wednesday, July 31, 2019

— Photo from Luanne Nicholson

Think your garden variety tomato is the best?  Put it (and any other homegrown produce) to the test, Wednesday, Aug. 7, at 6:30 p.m. at the Guilderland Public Library.

During August, we’re screening a series of family-friendly space-themed movies, plus providing the popcorn. First up is “Space Jam” on Thursday, Aug. 1, at 6:30 p.m.

Synopsis:  An evil alien theme park owner (Danny DeVito) seeks a new attraction, and decides kidnapping Bugs Bunny and the Looney Tunes will fill the bill. Bugs challenges the bad guys to a basketball game to determine their fate. The aliens steal the powers of NBA basketball players Larry Bird and Charles Barkley, so Bugs enlists Michael Jordan to help thwart their evil plan.

The film is rated PG.

Explore gravity

Can you defy gravity? Let’s find out! 

On Tuesday,  Aug. 6 at 6:30 p.m., the Children’s Museum of Science and Technology will lead us on a scientific journey as we experiment with hands-on learning activities revolving around planets, moons and stars.  This program is for Grades 3 to 5. Please register online, by phone or in person.

Sci-Fi Craft Night

Teens:  grab your companions and harness the Force within to boldly go where no craft night has gone before! Be here Wednesday,  Aug. 7 at 6:30 p.m. for multi-dimensional inspiration. 

We’ll provide the supplies and some ideas, while you bring your sci-fi fandoms and creativity!  Please register online, by phone or in person.

Tomato-tasting

Calling all gardeners and gourmets!

Bring your homegrown bounty of tomatoes and other homegrown fruits and vegetables, or your favorite dish that incorporates seasonal produce, on Wednesday,  Aug. 7 at 6:30 p.m. There will be a prize for the most delicious tomato, judged by popular choice.

No green thumb? No problem, join us for this harvest feast. Sample more types of tomatoes than you knew existed, introduce your kids to some healthy treats, and help us pick the best tomato.

Toddler Art Lab

On Thursday,  Aug. 8 at 3 p.m., toddlers from 18 to 36 months are invited to explore materials and techniques in this hands-on sensory program. Each toddler must be accompanied by a caregiver. Please dress for a mess, and register online, by phone or in person.

Out of This World Carnival

Come on down to your favorite fun and free destination (your local library) on Friday, Aug. 9 anytime between 3 and 6 p.m. for carnival games, face painting, sno-cones, popcorn, and other out-of-this world surprises!  This is a family-friendly all ages event.  

Better Books Sale

Those in the know mark the second Saturday of the month on their calendars for this epic treasure trove of deals galore, next happening Saturday, . Aug. 10 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Come early for the best selection of books, DVDs and CDs!    

Can ducks ride bikes?

Join WMHT's Barbara Lukas Saturday, . Aug. 10 at 10:30 a.m. for a fun family literacy program based on the classic kids’ book “Duck on a Bike.” Kids aged pre-K through grade 2 will enjoy a morning of reading, crafting and fun!

All children must be accompanied by an adult caregiver.  Please register online, by phone or in person.

Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Tournament

Let’s get ready to rumble — video game-style!  Show off your Super Smash Bros. skills as you compete against other teens and tweens in head-to-head rounds.

The winner of each round advance until The Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Champion emerges victorious. This game is rated Everyone 10+, and this tournament is for grades 3 to 12.

Please register online, by phone or in person.

Books in the Barnyard

Look for us at the Altamont Fair Tuesday,  Aug. 13 as GPL librarians share special animal-themed storytimes at noon, 3 and 6 p.m. See you at the fairgrounds!

Starlab

The Dudley Observatory at MiSci (the Museum of Innovation and Science) will fascinate us with multiple programs using their portable Starlab planetarium on Wednesday, Aug. 14. At 1:30 p.m., children entering grades kindergarten through grade 5 become “Seasonal Stargazers”, discovering why the sun and other stars appear to move through the sky in predictable patterns, both daily and seasonally. 

At 2:45 p.m., kids entering grades kindergarten through grade 2 look for patterns and make predictions based on the rotation of the Earth with “As the Earth Spins.” At 4 p.m. , grades 3 to 5 learn about the connection between Greek mythology and seasonal constellations with the “Andromeda to Zeus” segment.  At 5:45 p.m., the Seasonal Stargazer program repeats for grades kindergarten through grade 5. Then at 7 p.m., “Andromeda to Zeus” gets more in-depth for grades 6 to 12.

Participants will also predict the regular motion of celestial objects.  Please register online, by phone or in person.