Guilderland Library Notes for Wednesday, November 27, 2019

Following the turkey feast and Black Friday frenzy, join us for a more relaxing day: Small Business Saturday!

Show your love for local merchants as the Guilderland Chamber of Commerce presents a Vendor Fair here at the Guilderland Public Library on Saturday, Nov. 30, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. 

A cornucopia of homegrown merchants will feature their crafts, products, and services at this perennial event. You just might find something unique for that special someone on your list, while investing back into the local economy.  

Star Wars Cantina

We’re gearing up for the highly-anticipated December release of “The Rise of Skywalker” with a colossal Star Wars celebration you won’t want to miss! Assemble your fellow Jedi, Rebels, Imperials, and Mandalorians for a night of all-ages intergalactic revelry on Friday, Dec. 6 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. 

Costumes are strongly encouraged, and the best costume/cosplay will win an award. Stop by for Star Wars food, Cantina music, trivia questions, prizes, and other fun surprises!  

Family Tree Roots

Many ancestors, particularly immigrants, often didn’t leave the paper trail needed to verify family history. How to proceed?

In this program on Wednesday, Dec. 4 at 6:30 p.m. — “Small Footprint, Big Apple: Researching Ancestors of Meager Means and Even Less Fame in 19th Century NYC” — Certified Genealogist Judith A. Herbert will shed light on additional resources for tracing obscure ancestors, wherever they lived.  Ms. Herbert specializes in records research from the Colonial period to the early 20th Century, teaches genealogy classes, and is a guest lecturer throughout the Northeast.  

Playdate Jam!

Our last Playdate Jam of the year for children ages 2 to 5 is slated for Friday, Dec. 6 at 11 a.m.  We’ll play some music together, meet friends, and more. Classes combine early literacy development skills and imaginative play with age-appropriate activities introducing musical concepts.

Younger siblings are welcome, and caregivers must remain in the room for the entirety of the program. Please register online, by phone or in person.  

Bus trip to NYC 

Only a few spots remain for our bus trip to New York City on Saturday, Dec. 7. We’ll depart Farnsworth Middle School promptly at 7 a.m. and arrive near Bryant Park at approximately 10 a.m. for a day on your own in holiday-adorned Manhattan, leaving New York City promptly at 7 p.m. and returning around 10 p.m.

The cost is $50 per person. Please see: www.guilderlandlibrary.org/nyc to reserve your spot online. For payment by cash or check, please call Carol VanValkenburgh at the Guilderland Chamber of Commerce at 518-456-6611.

Brew Your Best

Don’t mess with my morning coffee! We sure do enjoy our java here in the good ol’ USA.

About 64 percent of Americans consume this favorite beverage daily, averaging three cups per day.  Ever wonder what makes an exceptional cup o’ joe?

Find out Saturday, Dec. 7, at 11 a.m. as Electric City Roasters convenes here for some enlightening coffee talk, covering various regions and roasts. Taste the difference, and take some samples too! Please register online, by phone, or in person.  

Help wanted 

The Guilderland Public Library is currently seeking a volunteer treasurer. This independent officer reports directly to our board of trustees and is responsible for the receipt and disbursement of tax monies with board approval.

Typical duties are expected to take three to five hours per month. Interested candidates with financial expertise are encouraged to contact Board President Bryan Best at 518-265-4432 or .

Family STEAM Night

Our popular STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) series continues on Monday, Dec. 2, at 6:30 p.m. with interactive learning led by the Tang Museum. Space is limited.  Children in grades 2 to 6 and their families are welcome to join in the educational fun. Please register online, by phone or in person.