Guilderland Library Notes for Wednesday, October 21, 2020

Our building project is in process! We kicked off the official start with a groundbreaking ceremony on Wednesday, Oct. 15. This renovation project of our 1992 building, more than three years in the making, is slated for completion next fall.

Among the objectives are enhanced safety through the installation of a sprinkler system, restrooms that comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act, a reconfigured parking lot, and a drive-up book drop. 

Another key consideration is space. Even before the age of social distancing, cramped quarters were commonplace, especially for children. When our building opened almost 30 years ago, we did very little programming; last year, we did 797 programs. The plans involve adding more space for kids, including a dedicated teen room; more meeting and study rooms; and a flexible multi-use area for all to enjoy.

This library is for everyone. Our tagline is, “Guilderland’s Gathering Place” and, though gathering has had to happen online or at Tawasentha Park due to the pandemic and further impacted by construction, we envision strengthening our mission as a community hub once this project is complete and COVID-19 is no longer a threat.

We appreciate the public’s patience and understanding as we strive to serve you to in the best possible manner, keeping safety our highest priority. More information on this project may be found at:  http://bit.ly/GPLbuildingproject/

For general library updates, like and follow us on Facebook and Instagram, and subscribe for weekly and monthly updates at: https://bit.ly/GPLeNews.

Current hours

Stop by and browse our Normanskill Room collection on a self-serve basis during our curbside hours: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and 1:30 to 4 p.m.; Tuesday and Thursday from 1 to 7 p.m., and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Please follow all stated guidelines, and bring your library card. Restrooms are not available, due to construction. Our return shed hours are: Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. All materials are quarantined for 96 hours, then sanitized prior to reshelving.

For further updates, please see: https://guilderlandlibrary.org/gpl-reopening-plan/, Facebook or Instagram; and subscribe to: https://bit.ly/GPLeNews.

Creativity Connection

Calling all creative adults! Looking for a place to connect with like-minded folks? This Creativity Connection online meetup on Thursday,  Oct. 22 at 6 p.m. is for you! Get inspired to jump-start your creativity by partnering with us here at GPL.

We’ll compare notes on mediums, processes and the Library's creative arts collection, and will provide journals to capture your big ideas too. Sign up on the Events tab of our website to obtain the Zoom link, plus instructions on picking up your journal.

Restful sleep

We’re partnering with Albany Guardian Society to offer “A Great Night's Sleep” on Friday, Oct. 23, at 1:30 p.m. In addition to causing fatigue, sleep deprivation can harm your health and negatively impact relationships.

Learn about recent findings and strategies on achieving a restful sleep pattern.  This virtual program is presented by Barbara Stevens, certified stress management consultant. Register on the Events tab of our website.  

Drug Take-Back Day

Providing a safe and convenient way to dispose of substances, Drug Take Back Day will take place on Saturday,  Oct. 24, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on a drive-through basis in our staff parking lot (an immediate right turn upon entering Mercy Care Lane), in partnership with the Guilderland Police Department. Prescription and over-the-counter medications are accepted, including liquid medicines and pet medications. 

Instructions: Put your medications in a bag, if possible; wear a mask covering your nose and mouth; put bagged medications in an easily-accessible place while remaining in your vehicle, or place the bag in your trunk so an officer may retrieve; drive through to the drop-off point and stay in your vehicle; follow the officers' instructions.

We cannot accept medications before 10 a.m. or after 2 p.m., nor can we accept sharps, needles, or lancets. Drug Take-Back officials will not question anyone, nor will they request identification.  Please see www.guilderlandlibrary.org for further details. 

Pumpkin decorating

This family-friendly event is for everyone! Meet us at Tawasentha Park on Saturday, Oct. 24, from 2 to 3:30 p.m. for Halloween fun. Costumes are encouraged.

Among the activities planned, we’ll decorate a pumpkin, then share a photo of your creation online. The entry with the most votes wins a special prize! Sign up on the Events tab of our website.

Hamilton Trivia

Theater buffs, history buffs, music buffs — whatever kind of “buff” you are, you’re bound to enjoy our Hamilton Trivia Night! This latest installment of our popular virtual trivia nights happens Tuesday, Nov. 10, at 7 p.m.  Don’t miss your shot — join us for 20 questions of good fun!  Sign up on the Events tab of our website.