Guilderland Library Notes for Wednesday, September 1, 2021
We’re very close to completion, on budget and 11 months ahead of schedule with our extensive Guilderland Public Library construction project, which is expected to conclude in September, barring additional supply chain material delays.
More details may be found at: https://bit.ly/GPLbuildingproject. GPL is not currently open to public browsing, and masks are required upon entering our curbside room.
We are excited about the opportunity to welcome patrons back into the freshly renovated and expanded library, but ever-mindful of rising pandemic levels. Therefore, we are delaying a larger-scale grand reopening celebration in favor of a phased reopening.
We plan to reopen for public browsing on Monday, Sept. 27, resuming regular hours: Monday through Thursday, from 9:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Sunday from 1 to 5 p.m.
Photocopying will be available, and all fines are still waived (since March 2020). On Monday, Oct. 4, meeting rooms and study rooms will become available.
Updated public computers, stalled by global microchip shortages, are expected to be accessible in mid-October. Programs will remain outdoors or virtual for the next few months.
These stated plans are subject to change as pandemic circumstances dictate. Our pandemic-operations plan is accessible on the first slide of the homepage at guilderlandlibrary.org, or by going to https://guilderlandlibrary.org/get-to-know-us/people/board-of-trustees/.
Welcome-to-school
Goodie bags
It’s a brand new world as children embark on their school journey entering kindergarten — or advance to the more complex world of middle school. In both cases, we’ve got goodie bags containing a free book and some fun age-appropriate swag to help kick off their school year. Please register on the Events tab of our website, then pick up your bag during curbside hours by Saturday, Sept. 11.
Holiday
GPL’s curbside operations — both checkouts and returns — will be closed Saturday, Sept. 4 to Monday, Sept. 6 for Labor Day weekend. We will resume curbside services on Tuesday, Sept. 7 at 9:30 a.m.
Night Owls Online
For September's virtual book discussion, we're reading “Still Life” by Louise Penny, the first in the acclaimed murder mystery series set in the fictitious village of Three Pines, Quebec. Chief Inspector Armand Gamache suspects foul play and doggedly pursues clues to solve the case.
Please place a hold on a copy for curbside pickup, then register on the Events tab of our website for the link to participate on Monday, Sept. 13 at 7:30 p.m.
Virtual poetry workshop
The “poetry of place” is infused with the writer’s physical surroundings, reflecting established roots or transient locales. In this six-week, virtual writing workshop, we’ll read and discuss works by rural-influenced poets Joy Harjo and Ted Kooser, contrasted with the metropolitan leanings of Frank O’Hara and Terrance Hayes.
Next, we’ll explore where we, ourselves, are grounded — giving our familiar land- and cityscapes center stage through the written word.
Susan Comninos, a seasoned published poet who has taught writing at Siena College, The College of Saint Rose, and the University at Albany, leads this online series beginning Tuesday, Sept. 14 at 6:30 p.m. Please see the Events tab of our website for more information, and to register.
Harvest scarecrow
As the summer sun wanes, our sensibilities shift to the crisp, cozy fall harvest season. We’ll meet in the large pavilion in Tawasentha Park Friday, Sept. 17 at 2:30 p.m. to create a scarecrow autumn decoration.
Using paint, straw, and terracotta flower pots, we’ll make a charming decoration to add to your fall repertoire. This program is intended for adults. Please register on the Events tab of our website to participate.
Dial A Story
All ages are encouraged to unplug from technology and relax with a brief story using our Dial A Story line. Simply call 518-456-2400 and press 5, then choose 1 for an adult story; 2 for a children’s story; and 3 for an international story. Check back often, as stories are updated on a regular basis.
Contact us
Call 518-456-2400 or email ; and check www.guilderlandlibrary.org, Facebook and Instagram for further information. Also, consider subscribing to weekly updates at: http://bit.ly/GPLeNews, and to our YouTube channel for engaging storytimes and more.