Guilderland Library Notes for Friday, November 20, 2015
Thanks in large part to a $75,000 grant obtained by Assembly woman Pat Fahy, and further financial support from National Grid, you’re seeing the Guilderland Public Library in a whole new light. All incandescent and fluorescent bulbs are being replaced with LEDs that are brighter, energy-efficient, and long lasting.
Within the library, the improvement is immediately apparent: The whole building is brighter, and those areas in the main reading room that were dark even on the sunniest days are now amply lit. Reading titles in the stacks is markedly easier thanks to the clear illumination provided by the new fixtures, and — if you’re here at night — you’ll really appreciate the vastly improved parking lot lighting.
This project means long-term cost-savings on two counts: First: LEDs consume much less electricity, yet yield more light, so we shall shortly realize a much-reduced electric bill. And, secondly, since LEDs last so long, bulb-replacement expenses will drop dramatically. Some of the legacy lighting elements lasted only six months or so.
Work is proceeding rapidly, but there are so many fixtures to replace that the work will extend to early December. You may notice that some areas are unavailable for an hour or two, but we are ensuring that the inconvenience is minimal.
We’re sure you’ll notice the difference. These new, brighter lights are making your library a better place to read, work, or just relax.
Take & Bake
Just in time for the holidays, we're adding some new and unique items to our library collections — bakeware and folding tables.
If you have a Guilderland Library card, you can check out cookie cutters or take home a table, just as you would a book or DVD. Our "Take and Bake" collection has a few dozen items, and we have nine tables (six six-footers, and three four-footers) you can check out, just right for Thanksgiving and holiday parties, and for your upcoming spring garage sales.
Have some unique bakeware you'd like to donate? We're accepting items in good condition such as specialty character or shaped cake pans, and holiday cookie cutters. Help our collection grow.
Please donate
The Red Cross is holding a blood drive at GPL on Monday, Nov. 23, from 1 to 6 p.m., and the need for donations is urgent.
Donating blood is a simple thing to do, but it can make a big difference in the lives of others. In fact, according to the American Red Cross, one pint of blood can save as many as three lives. And donating is simple: The actual blood donation typically takes less than 10 to 12 minutes. The entire process, from the time you arrive to the time you leave, takes about an hour and 15 minutes.
You can just drop in, or you can make an appointment at HYPERLINK "http://www.redcrossblood.org/"www.redcrossblood.org, or by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
GPL Sprouts
Join us for a fun-filled STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Math) program for kids ages 4 to 7 on Tuesday, Nov. 24, at 3:30 p.m. You’ll explore sinking and floating through literature, experiments, activities, and crafts. Lots of hands-on learning for everyone. Please call 456-2400, ext. 4 to register.
Li'L Lego Club
Our Lego Club for children in grades kindergaten through second meets in the Storyhour Room on Tuesday, Nov. 24, at 3:30 p.m. Use your imagination for some creative play with friends, and create things of Lego wonder! Bring your own bricks or create with ours. As usual, creations that you bring to show off will be kept separate from the library supplies.
Yo, Nipper
Don’t miss hearing Times Union reporter Paul Grondahl and editor Teresa Buckley as they discuss their book, “Great Dogs of Albany and Beyond,” at GPL on Saturday, Nov. 21, at 2 p.m.
This is part of GPL’s ongoing “Read Local” series, which celebrates the many accomplished authors and book illustrators among us in the Capital District.
Thanksgiving hours
The library will close at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 25, and is closed all day on Thanksgiving, Thursday, Nov. 26.