— Photo from Luanne Nicholson
Sarah Schmidt is the personnel administrator at Guilderland Public Library.
Sarah Schmidt has been appointed as the personnel administrator at Guilderland Public Library.
Ms. Schmidt is an avid GPL patron. She has been certified by the Society for Human Resource Management.
She holds a bachelor’s degree in political science, an associate’s degree in broadcasting, and is working on her master’s degree in business administration.
She was previously employed by General Electric and Planned Parenthood of Greater New York, as well as holding several human-resources contractor roles throughout the Capital Region.
New Anime Club
Teens are invited to gather at the library Monday, Nov. 21 at 6 p.m. and meet like-minded anime fans! We’ll watch “Jujutsu Kaisen 0: The Movie” (rated PG-13), and enjoy snacks. This is a preliminary meeting -— if enough interest is shown, the club will gather once a month. Please register on the Events tab of guilderlandlibrary.org.
Trustees meet
The Guilderland Public Library Board of Trustees will conduct an in-person monthly business meeting on Thursday, Nov. 17 at 6 p.m., streamed live on our YouTube channel. Public commentary may be submitted to: .
New podcast
episode
“How Did You Find It?” is GPL’s monthly podcast – another way to find out what’s happening at the library, plus all of the services and resources we provide. A new episode debuts Friday, Nov. 18. Look for it on all major platforms, and reach out to us anytime at with comments and suggestions.
Musical instrument
donation drive
Do you have a bassoon in your basement, guitar in the garage, or cello in a closet, gathering dust? We're partnering with Instruments for Students, the all-volunteer organization that supports the Albany Symphony Orchestra. They repurpose musical instruments, so that kids whose families can't afford to buy or rent them can still benefit from the value of a music education.
To date, 475 instruments have been collected; let's help them reach their goal of 1,000! Stop by Saturday, Nov. 19 from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. to drop off usable instruments in good condition.
Sonny & Perley
giveS Sunday concert
The ever-popular Sonny and Perley Quartet are back at GPL on Sunday, Nov. 20 at 2 p.m. They'll be performing a varied repertoire of tunes ranging from jazz standards, to the Great American Songbook, to international cabaret and Bossa Nova. The husband-and-wife duo of Sonny Daye (piano) and Perley Rousseau (vocals) will be joined by Erik Johnson on bass and Brian Melick on percussion. Please join us as we usher in the holiday season with this special performance by longtime GPL friends.
Movie Night
Enjoy “Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris” on the big screen in our Helderberg Room on Monday, Nov. 21 at 6 p.m. This is a delightful, acclaimed 2022 film about a widowed cleaning lady in 1950s London who is determined to obtain a lavish Dior dress. She raises funds to embark on a spirited journey to the House of Dior in Paris to fulfill her mission, gaining a new outlook in the process. No registration is required.
Blood drive
Donors needed! The next American Red Cross blood drive occurs on Tuesday, Nov. 22, 1 to 6 p.m. Appointments for regular or power red donations may be made at redcrossblood.org and typing in “guilderlandlibrary.” Walk-ins are welcome too.
Teen Tech
Help Desk
National Honor Society students from Guilderland High School are offering tech help every Thursday (except Thanksgiving), 4 to 6 p.m. Drop in for help with smartphone applications, downloading books to devices, email set-up, and internet searches on computers and personal devices. Since no appointment is needed, please limit your session if others are waiting for assistance.
Story time
options
Fall storytimes are offered three times during the week. Tuesdays are for toddlers (ages 18-36 months); Wednesdays are for families (ages birth-5); and Thursdays are for preschoolers (3-5 years). All storytimes begin at 10:30 a.m. No registration is required. Caregivers must remain with child(ren). Please choose only one storytime per week. There is no storytime Nov. 22 to 24 (Thanksgiving week).
Thanksgiving
GPL is closing at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 23, and closed on Thursday, Nov. 24 for the Thanksgiving holiday. Online resources, parking lot WiFi, car charging stations, the Little Free Library and book donation bins in the side parking lot are always available.
General info
Masks are encouraged. Curbside pickup is available.
Overdue fines have been eliminated at GPL; patrons will be billed for the replacement cost of lost items.
Passports can now be initiated at the library; please call Circulation at ext. 2 to set up an appointment.
Contact us at 518-456-2400 or ask.librarian@guilderlandlibrary.org.
— Photo from sonnyandperley.com
Sonny and Perley will be back at the Guilderland Public Library on Sunday, Nov. 20, at 2 p.m. They’ll be performing a varied repertoire of tunes ranging from jazz standards, to the Great American Songbook, to international cabaret and Bossa Nova. The husband-and-wife duo of Sonny Daye on piano and singer Perley Rousseau will be joined by Erik Johnson on bass and Brian Melick on percussion.
National Honor Society students from Guilderland High School are offering tech help every Thursday (except Thanksgiving) from 4 to 6 p.m. Drop in for help with smartphone applications, downloading books to devices, email set-up, and internet searches on computers and personal devices. Since no appointment is needed, please limit your session if others are waiting for assistance.
Family STEAM Night
Inquisitive exploration is encouraged at our Family STEAM night (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math) for grades 3 and up! On Thursday, Nov. 10 at 6:30 p.m., we’re welcoming the Physics Club from Siena College. Please register on the Events tab of guilderlandlibrary.org to join the fun.
Library closed
on Veterans Day
Guilderland Public Library will be closed on Friday, Nov. 11, in observance of Veterans Day. Online materials, parking lot WiFi, the Little Free Library, book donation bins and car charging stations are always available. Please be aware that work on our main parking lot will be happening that day.
Night Owls
Book Club
For our monthly meetup on Monday, Nov. 14 at 7:30 p.m., we're reading "The Sentence,” by Louise Erdrich. Copies of this book are available at the library's Information Desk. Please register online to join the discussion, either in-person or via Zoom.
Story time options
Fall storytimes are offered three times during the week. Tuesdays are for toddlers (ages 18 to 36 months); Wednesdays are for families (ages birth to 5); and Thursdays are for preschoolers (3 to 5 years). All storytimes begin at 10:30 a.m. No registration is required. Caregivers must remain with children. Please choose only one story time per week. There is no story time Nov. 22 to 24 (Thanksgiving week).
Tackle the clutter
Does the holiday season necessarily have to signal accumulating more stuff? This year, resolve to simplify with a “less is more” mindset!
Jes Marcy, Capital District resident and renowned Clutter Coach and advice columnist, returns to GPL on Tuesday, Nov. 15 at 6 p.m. to help you tackle your biggest organization challenges. Jes will share tips and cold hard truths during this inspiring pep talk. She has worked with thousands of clients drawn to her judgment-free, practical approach. Get motivated with a fresh perspective and leave with actionable steps toward successfully weeding and managing your living spaces. Please register.
Lego Free Play
We’re breaking out the Legos for all ages to enjoy! Stop by the Children’s Program Room on Wednesday, Nov. 16 anytime between 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. to build the most awesome creations you can imagine. Pictures of the finished products will be posted in our GPL Kids & Families Facebook group. Who will have more fun: the kids or the adults?!
Project Picture Book
Come to the Library Thursday, Nov. 17 at 3 p.m. for this special afternoon storytime for children, ages Pre-K through grade 2. We’ll share a fun read-aloud together, then make our very own light-up dino friend using paper circuits. Please register in advance.
Trustees meet
The Guilderland Public Library Board of Trustees will conduct an in-person monthly business meeting on Thursday, Nov. 17 at 6 p.m., streamed live on our YouTube channel. Public commentary may be submitted to: .
Musical instrument
donation drive
Do you have a bassoon in your basement, guitar in the garage, or cello in a closet, gathering dust? We’re partnering with Instruments for Students, the all-volunteer organization that supports the Albany Symphony Orchestra.
They repurpose musical instruments, so that kids whose families can’t afford to buy or rent them can still benefit from the value of a music education. To date, 475 instruments have been collected; let’s help them reach their goal of 1,000! Stop by Saturday, Nov. 19 at 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. to drop off usable instruments in good condition.
General info
Masks are encouraged.
Overdue fines have been eliminated at GPL; patrons will be billed for the replacement cost of lost items.
Curbside pickup is available. Contact us at 518-456-2400 or ask.librarian@guilderlandlibrary.org.
Passports can now be initiated at the library; please call Circulation at ext. 2 to set up an appointment.
Perry Ground, a Turtle Clan member of the Onondaga Nation of the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy, will present “Rethinking Thanksgiving: A Native American Perspective on an American Holiday” at Guilderland Public Library on Sunday, Nov. 6, at 2 p.m. This program is suitable for fourth-graders through adults. Please register on the Events tab of guilderlandlibrary.org.
Is there more to the story of Thanksgiving than the traditional narrative? The answer is a resounding yes, as told from the Native American perspective. This lively, informative in-person presentation on Sunday, Nov. 6, at 2 p.m. will highlight actual events from Plymouth in 1621; the relationship between the English settlers and the Wampanoag; and how this story evolved into the holiday we know today.
Presenter Perry Ground is a Turtle Clan member of the Onondaga Nation of the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy. He has been a storyteller and educator for over 25 years and enjoys teaching people of all ages about the history and culture of native peoples. This program is recommended for students in fourth grade through adults. Please register on the Events tab of guilderlandlibrary.org.
Early voting
Polls are open through Sunday, Nov. 6, for early voting in the general election in our Helderberg Room:
— Saturdays and Sundays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.;
— Mondays and Wednesdays from noon to 8 p.m.; and
— Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Election Day polls are open Tuesday, Nov. 8, from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. For further details, please visit: https://www.albanycounty.com/departments/board-of-elections
Family literacy
One of our favorite early literacy advocates, WMHT’s Barbara Lukas, returns for an evening of family fun on Monday, Nov. 7 at 6 p.m. Each participant will get a free copy of the book “Barn Dance” by John Archambault and Bill Martin, Jr. We’ll also complete hands-on literacy activities and an owl headband craft. Please register on the Events tab of our website.
VolunTeen
Service Project
During the holiday season especially, we’re all encouraged to give back. On Wednesday, Nov. 9 at 6:30 p.m., grades 6-12 can earn a community service hour by making cards for the Guilderland Food Pantry to give out in their Thanksgiving meal baskets. Please sign up in advance online to participate.
Tech help
National Honor Society students from Guilderland High School are offering tech help to our patrons on Thursday, Nov. 10, 4 to 6 p.m. Drop in for help with smartphone applications, downloading books to devices, email set-up, and internet searches on computers and personal devices. Since no appointment is needed, please limit your session if others are waiting for assistance.
Family STEAM Night
Inquisitive exploration is encouraged at our Family STEAM Night (science, technology, engineering, art, and math) for grades 3 and up! On Thursdsay, Nov. 10 at 6:30 p.m., we’re welcoming the Physics Club from Siena College. Please register online to join the fun.
Library closed
Guilderland Public Library will be closed on Friday, Nov. 11, in observance of Veterans Day. Online materials, parking lot WiFi, the Little Free Library, book donation bins and car charging stations are always available.
Night Owls
Book Club
For our monthly meetup on Monday,Nov. 14 at 7:30 p.m., we're reading "The Sentence,” by Louise Erdrich. You can pick up a copy of the book at the library's Information Desk, then register online to join the discussion.
Storytime options
Fall storytimes are offered three times during the week. Tuesdays are for toddlers (ages 18 to 36 months); Wednesdays are for families (ages birth to 5); and Thursdays are for preschoolers (3 to 5 years). All storytimes begin at 10:30 a.m. No registration is required. Caregivers must remain with child(ren). Please choose only one storytime per week.
General info
Masks are strongly encouraged.
Overdue fines have been eliminated at GPL; patrons will be billed for the replacement cost of lost items. Curbside pickup is available. Contact us at 518-456-2400 or ask.librarian@guilderlandlibrary.org.
Passports can now be initiated at the library; please call Circulation at ext. 2 to set up an appointment.
— Photo from Luanne Nicholson
The Guilderland Public Library is hosting a Halloween “Not-So-Spooky Story Time” on Monday, Oct. 31, at 4 p.m., followed by a “Trunk or Treat” event, like this one, from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the upper parking lot.
On Monday, Oct. 31, at 4 p.m., GPL is hosting a Not-So-Spooky Story Time and Parade. Put on your costumes and join us in the Children’s Library! We’ll conclude story time with a parade to our “Trunk or Treat” Halloween event in the upper parking lot, from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m., where candy and allergy-free treats will be handed out as families make their way through the festive procession of decked-out vehicles.
There’s still time for businesses, individuals, and organizations to join the fun as a Halloween “trunker!” You can even get decorative supplies and inspiration from us on Saturday, Oct. 29, from 1 to 5 p.m. to “Trick Your Trunk” — please register on the Events tab of guilderlandlibrary.org.
On Haloween, we’ll provide candy and allergy-free goodies for you to hand out to enthusiastic trick-or-treaters, who will then vote for their favorite trunk. The top three vote-getters will win $100, $75, or $50 Price Chopper gift cards! Please email Natalie Hurteau to secure your spot as a “trunker”: .
Family Movie Night:
Hocus Pocus
Drop in Thursday, Oct. 27 at 6:30 p.m. for a movie and free popcorn! This month's movie is perennial favorite “Hocus Pocus,” starring Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy as three wicked witches who return to life to haunt Salem on Halloween night. Rated PG for some scary sequences.
Drug Take Back Day
We're teaming up with the Guilderland Police Department once again on Saturday, Oct. 29 at 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to host the semi-annual nationwide Drug Take Back Day, a collaborative effort to safely, conveniently and anonymously dispose of unused or expired medications and controlled substances, including pet meds.
Instructions for this drive-up event in our side parking lot:
— Put your medications in a bag, if possible;
— Put bagged medications in a place that you can easily access while remaining in your vehicle, or place the bag in your trunk so an officer may retrieve it;
— Proceed to the drop-off point and stay in your vehicle; and
— Follow the officers’ instructions.
Please see the Events tab of guilderlandlibrary.org for further information.
Early voting
Polls are open Saturday, Oct. 29 through Sunday, Nov. 6 for Early General Election voting in our Helderberg Room:
— Saturdays and Sundays: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.;
— Mondays and Wednesdays: Noon to 8 p.m.; and
— Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Election Day polls are open Tuesday, Nov. 8 from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. For further details, please visit: https://www.albanycounty.com/departments/board-of-elections.
Winterize your
garden beds
What’s the best way to put your garden beds to rest for the winter? In this virtual program on Thursday, Nov. 3 at 6 p.m., presenter and master gardener Michele Chalice will discuss easy steps you can take right now to encourage a simplified and more productive garden and landscape next spring.
We’ll learn about winter mulching for healthier soil and fewer weeds; providing a winter pollinator habitat; what to leave as food sources for songbirds and wildlife; and steps to take for less watering next year. Sign up on the Events tab of our website to receive the link.
Three story times
Fall storytimes are offered three times during the week. Tuesdays are for toddlers (ages 18-36 months); Wednesdays are for families (ages birth-5); and Thursdays are for preschoolers (3-5 years).
All story times begin at 10:30 a.m. No registration is required. Caregivers must remain with their child(ren) the entire time. Please choose only one storytime per week.
Discovery Pages
for kids and teens
Discovery Pages are learning guides created by our Youth Services librarians, presenting interesting topics for kids and teens to explore. They feature curated collections of e-books, audio books, crafts, music and more, created for specific age groups. Look for new pages on the 15th and 30th of every month at: https://guilderlandlibrary.org/gplkids.
General info
Masks are strongly encouraged. Overdue fines have been eliminated at GPL; patrons will be billed for the replacement cost of lost items. Curbside pickup is available.
Guilderland Farmer’s Market continues Sundays Oct. 16 to 30 at 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Contact us at 518-456-2400 or ask.librarian@guilderlandlibrary.org.
Passports may now be initiated at the library; please call Circulation at ext. 2 to set up an appointment.
Teens and adults who enjoy scary movies are encouraged to sign up for Horror Movie Trivia at Guilderland Public Library, which will be held on Wednesday, Oct. 26, at 7 p.m. Please register on the Events tab of guilderlandlibrary.org.
The Guilderland Public Library is once again hosting a Great Give Back Pet Food Drive through Friday, Oct. 21, to benefit the Mohawk Hudson Humane Society and Whiskers Animal Benevolent League. Please drop off unopened canned cat food and dry dog food / treats; kitty litter; and pet-sized blankets in our lobby, plus small white paper plates and paper towels.
Shrek
Adults ages 18 and up: grab your torch and pitchforks and be here Friday, Oct. 21 at 6:30 p.m. for an interactive Shrek watch party! This cult classic will have you yelling out familiar lines, singing along with Smash Mouth, and noshing on tasty “swamp” cuisine. The after-hours adult fun includes a little trivia, too. Costumes are encouraged!
Libby
If you've wanted to delve into eBooks, eMagazines and audiobooks through the Libby app, or have a working knowledge and want to know more, here's your chance! Libby experts are hosting three virtual training sessions to help you fully access our library’s extensive digital collection at 10 a.m. on these dates:
— Monday, Oct. 24: How to Get Started;
— Tuesday, Oct. 25: Tips & Tricks (Deep Dive); and
— Wednesday, Oct. 26: All About Magazines
Can't make it at 10 am? No problem! All sessions will be recorded and emailed to registrants. Please register for one or all sessions by visiting: https://bit.ly/UHLSLIBBY (use all caps to access this registration form).
Horror Movie Trivia
‘Tis the spooky season! Get into the spirit by gathering your fiendishly clever team (up to six players) for several rounds of terrifying movie trivia on Wednesday, Oct. 26 at 7 p.m. We know you're just dying to prove you're master of the macabre and win a Regal Theatres gift certificate! Please register on the Events tab of guilderlandlibrary.org.
Family Movie Night:
Hocus Pocus
Drop in Thursday, Oct. 27 at 6:30 p.m. for a movie and free popcorn! This month's movie is perennial favorite “Hocus Pocus,” starring Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy as three wicked witches who return to life to haunt Salem on Halloween night. Rated PG for some scary sequences.
Drug Take-Back Day
We're teaming up with the Guilderland Police Department on Saturday, Oct. 29 at 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to once again to host the semi-annual nationwide Drug Take Back Day, a collaborative effort to safely, conveniently and anonymously dispose of unused or expired medications. Instructions for this drive-up event in our side parking lot:
— Put your medications in a bag, if possible;
— Put bagged medications in a place that you can easily access while remaining in your vehicle, or place the bag in your trunk so an officer may retrieve it;
— Proceed to the drop-off point and stay in your vehicle; and
— Follow the officers' instructions
Please see the Events tab of our website for further information.
Halloween
On Monday, Oct. 31 at 4 p.m., GPL is hosting a Not-So-Spooky Storytime and Parade. Put on your costumes and join us in the Children's Library! We'll conclude storytime with a parade to our Trunk or Treat Halloween event in the upper parking lot.
Speaking of which - there’s still time to sign up as a Halloween “trunker!” You can even get decorative supplies and inspiration from us Saturday, Oct. 29, 1 to 5 p.m. to “Trick Your Trunk” - please register on the Events tab of guilderlandlibrary.org. We’ll provide candy and allergy-free for you to hand out to enthusiastic trick-or-treaters, who will then vote for their favorite trunk. The top three vote-getters will win $100, $75 or $50 Price Chopper gift cards! Please email Natalie Hurteau to reserve your spot today: .
Storytime options
Fall storytimes are back! Tuesdays are for toddlers (ages 18-36 months); Wednesdays are for families (ages birth-5); and Thursdays are for preschoolers (3-5 years). All story times begin at 10:30 a.m. No registration is required. Caregivers must remain with their child(ren) the entire time. Please choose only one storytime per week.
General info
Masks are strongly encouraged. Overdue fines have been eliminated at GPL; patrons will be billed for the replacement cost of lost items. Curbside pickup is available. Guilderland Farmer’s Market continues Sundays Oct. 16-30 at 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Contact us at 518.456.2400 or . Passports can now be initiated at the library; please call Circulation at ext. 2 to set up an appointment.
— Photo from Luanne Nicholson
The Guilderland Teachers Association will once again hold a food drive at the Guilderland Public Library on Monday, Oct. 24, from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m.
Looking for a cost-effective way to promote your business or organization — or some good old-fashioned fun on Halloween, individually or as a group?
Sign up now for our Halloween Trunk or Treat on Monday, Oct. 31, from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m.! You can even get decorative supplies and inspiration from us on Saturday, Oct. 29, from 1 to 5 p.m. to “trick your trunk” — please register on the Events tab of guilderlandlibrary.org.
We’ll provide candy and allergy-free for you to hand out to enthusiastic trick-or-treaters, who will then vote for their favorite trunk. The top three vote-getters will win $100, $75 or $50 Price Chopper gift cards! Please email Natalie Hurteau to reserve your spot today: .
Story-time options
Fall storytimes are back! Tuesdays are for toddlers (ages 18-36 months); Wednesdays are for families (ages birth-5); and Thursdays are for preschoolers (3-5 years). All story times begin at 10:30 a.m. No registration is required. Caregivers must remain with their child(ren) the entire time. Please choose only one storytime per week.
Pet Food Drive
We’re once again hosting a Great Give Back Pet Food Drive through Friday, Oct. 21 to benefit the Mohawk Hudson Humane Society and Whiskers Animal Benevolent League. Please drop off unopened canned cat food and dry dog food / treats; kitty litter; and pet-sized blankets in our lobby. Teens can also earn community service credit making pet toys with us on Wednesday, Oct. 12 at 6 p.m.; please register on the Events tab.
Autumn
Exploration
Toddlers and preschoolers ages two-and=half to five are invited for a fun morning session of autumn process art and sensory play on Friday, Oct. 14 at 11 a.m. Please register on the Events calendar online, and dress for a mess!
Author Talk:
“Inside the Green Lobby”
Veteran environmental lobbyist and Altamont resident Bernard Melewski chronicles his targeted efforts to save New York’s six-million-acre Adirondack Park in his new nonfiction work, “Inside the Green Lobby.” On Monday, Oct. 17 at 6:30 p.m., he’ll share engaging and entertaining stories on how environmental advocates successfully pursue legislative and policy change. A book signing and sale follows the presentation. No registration needed.
Viral crafts for teens
Grades 9-12: come hang out with us and try your hand at the latest crafts sweeping the internet! On Tuesday, Oct. 18 at 6 p.m., we’re creating wildly popular DIY Mushroom Lamp; all materials will be provided. Please register on the Events tab of our website.
Flu vac clinic
Get your flu shot at the library on Thursday, Oct. 20, 3 to 6 p.m. Options for our annual drop-in clinic include both the regular flu vaccine and the high-dose option for ages 65+ (subject to availability), plus the pneumonia vaccine. Rite Aid pharmacists on hand can vaccinate ages 3 and up. Please bring your insurance card (or be prepared to pay about $40 per vaccine), and consider wearing a mask for everyone’s protection. You can pick up forms at the Adult Information desk to fill out in advance and bring with you.
Sunflower craft
Adults: create a beautiful fall-themed paper sunflower wall hanging on Thursday, Oct. 20 at 6 p.m. We'll show you how to use tissue paper to make petals and buttons for the seeds. Come solo, or with a friend! Please register; space is limited.
Trustees meet
The Guilderland Public Library Board of Trustees will conduct an in-person monthly business meeting on Thursday, Oct. 20 at 6 p.m., streamed live on our YouTube channel. Public commentary may be submitted to: .
Shrek:
The Interactive Movie
Grab your torch and pitchforks and be here Friday, Oct. 21 at 6:30 p.m. for an interactive Shrek watch party! This cult classic will have you yelling out familiar lines, singing along with Smash Mouth, and noshing on tasty “swamp” cuisine. The after-hours adult fun includes a little trivia, too. Costumes are encouraged!
General info
Masks are strongly encouraged. Overdue fines have been eliminated at GPL; patrons will be billed for the replacement cost of lost items. Curbside pickup is available.
Guilderland Farmer’s Market continues Sundays Oct. 16-30 at 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Contact us at 518.456.2400 or ask.librarian@guilderlandlibrary.org.
Passports can now be initiated at the library; please call Circulation at ext. 2 to set up an appointment.
Knitters of all skill levels are invited to meet weekly for camaraderie with the “Knit Wits” group at Guilderland Public Library, every Tuesday from 10 to 11:30 a.m. in the Westbrook Room.
America’s pastime takes center stage on Saturday, Oct. 8, at 1 p.m. with two notable baseball authors. Erik Sherman returns to the Guilderland Public Library to read from “Two Sides of Glory: The 1986 Boston Red Sox in Their Own Words.”
Also appearing is Eric Gray, who will read from “Backyards to Ballparks: More Personal Baseball Stories from the Stands and Beyond.” Both authors will sell and sign copies of their books. No registration is needed.
Poetry Workshop
with Susan Comninos
Locally-based, nationally-known Poet Susan Comninos will present a dynamic workshop, “The Creative Fever of Folklore,” on Saturday, Oct. 8 from 2 to 3:15 p.m., exploring effective poetic devices. Among the topics covered, we’ll discuss how individual poets inherit and manage a legacy. Please register on the Events tab of guilderlandlilbrary.org; space is limited.
Project Picture Book
Grades pre-K through second are invited to join us for a fun read-aloud and related hands-on project on Friday, Oct. 7 at 3 p.m. Dress for a mess! Please register on the Events tab of our website.
Fall markets
Every Sunday in October will be jam-packed with activity in our upper parking lot! GPL’s Sunshine Committee presents a Fall Marketplace, featuring a variety of local homegrown craft vendors, on Sunday, Oct. 9, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Then, the Guilderland Farmer’s Market extends their fall run to include Sunday Oct. 16, 23 and 30, returning for a fabulous fall finale in advance of Halloween!
Night Owls
Book Club
Our next selection is “Vanderbilt: The Rise and Fall of an American Dynasty,” by bestselling author and journalist Anderson Cooper and bestselling historian and novelist Katherine Howe. Written with a unique insider’s viewpoint (Cooper’s mother’s family), this tale of a legendary tycoon’s legacy vividly recounts the arc of triumph and tragedy that defined the Vanderbilts.
Obtain a copy of this book at the Adult Reference Desk, then register to join the discussion in-person or virtually on Monday, Oct. 10 at 7:30 p.m.
Story-time options
Fall storytimes return! Tuesdays beginning Oct. 11 are for toddlers (ages 18-36 months); Wednesdays beginning Oct. 12 are for families (ages birth-5); and Thursdays beginning Oct. 13 are for preschoolers (3-5 years). All storytimes begin at 10:30 a.m. No registration is required.
Caregivers must remain with their children the entire time. Please choose one storytime per week to allow space for others to participate.
Pet Food Drive
This year, we’re again hosting a Great Give Back Pet Food Drive Saturday, Oct. 1 to Friday, Oct. 21 to benefit the Mohawk Hudson Humane Society and Whiskers Animal Benevolent League. Please drop off unopened canned cat food and dry dog food / treats; kitty litter; and pet-sized blankets in our lobby. Teens can also earn community service time making pet toys on Wednesday, Oct. 12 at 6 p.m. Please register in advance.
Green Reads:
“The Book of Hope”
How do we hold on to hope? Jane Goodall, the world's most famous living naturalist, and Douglas Abrams, the internationally bestselling co-author of “The Book of Joy,” explore one of the most sought-after and least understood elements of human nature through “The Book of Hope.”
The “Four Reasons for Hope” — The Amazing Human Intellect, The Resilience of Nature, The Power of Young People, and The Indomitable Human Spirit –—are thoroughly examined. Copies of this book are available at the Adult Information desk. Please register on the Events tab of our website for the Zoom discussion Thursday, Oct. 13 at 6 p.m., in conjunction with Albany Guardian Society.
Halloween
volunteers needed
Looking for a cost-effective way to promote your business or organization while connecting with the community? Or, want to have some good old-fashioned fun on Halloween, individually or as a group?
We’re looking for you to sign up now for our Halloween Trunk or Treat on Monday, Oct. 31, 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. Get creative – decorate your vehicle (you can even get supplies and inspiration from us Saturday, Oct. 29 from 1 to 5 p.m. to “trick your trunk!”) and hand out candy or allergy-free treats (provided) to enthusiastic trick-or-treaters, who will then vote for their favorite trunk.
The top three vote-getters will receive $100, $75 or $50 Market32 gift cards! Please email Natalie Hurteau to reserve your spot: .
General info
Overdue fines have been eliminated at GPL; patrons will be billed for the replacement cost of lost items. Masks are optional. Curbside pickup is available. Contact us at 518-456-2400 or ask.librarian@guilderlandlibrary.org.
— Photo from Facebook
Nationally-known locally-based writer Susan Comninos will be at Guilderland Public Library two consecutive Saturday afternoons. On Saturday, Oct. 1, at 2 p.m., she will conduct a poetry reading and book-signing of her newly-published work, “Out of Nowhere: Poems,” followed by a poetry workshop on Saturday, Oct. 8, at 2 p.m. Please register for either or both on the Events Calendar at guilderlandlibrary.org.
On Monday, Oct. 3, at 6:30 p.m., we’ll take an in-depth look at multi-talented artist, author, educator, and organizer Faith Ringgold, whose life and works continue to astonish art lovers around the world. Best known for her vibrant story quilts, she also creates politically-charged paintings, prints, sculptures, and is the beloved author and illustrator of nearly 20 children’s books. Please register on the Events tab of guilderlandlibrary.org for this informative online program.
Poet Susan Comninos,
Times Two
We’re fortunate to host nationally-known award-winning poet (and Guilderland native) Susan Comninos for two programs in October! First, she will conduct an in-person poetry reading and book sale/signing of her just-published book, Out of Nowhere: Poems on Saturday, Oct. 1 at 2 to 3:15 p.m. This debut collection of poetry has already received high praise, employing beautiful imagery and complex literary forms as it lends a relevant voice to classic themes such as love, loss, and redemption. Comninos will conclude the afternoon with an engaging discussion of poetic techniques.
The following week, Comninos will present a dynamic workshop, “The Creative Fever of Folklore,” on Saturday, Oct. 8 at 2 to 3:15 p.m., digging deeper into effective poetic devices. Among the topics covered, we’ll discuss how individual poets come to be, and inherit a legacy. Make sure to register on the Events tab of guilderlandlilbrary.org for either or both of these special events, as space is limited.
Computer Coach
Would you like to know more about optimizing your Apple watch, iPhone or MacBook? Or, how to use Learning Express to craft a winning résumé? Coach Robin is here to help! Sign up for a 1:1 meeting here at the library on Friday, Oct. 7 at 11 a.m., or Friday, Oct. 21 at 10 a.m. or 11 a.m. Don't delay, as these customized sessions tend to fill up quickly!
Project Picture Book
Grades pre-K through 2 are invited to join us for a fun read-aloud and related hands-on project on Friday, Oct. 7 at 3 p.m. Dress for a mess! Please register on the Events tab of our website.
Doubleheader:
Two Baseball Authors
America’s pastime takes center stage on Saturday, Oct. 8 at 1 p.m. with two notable baseball authors. Erik Sherman returns to GPL to read from "Two Sides of Glory: the 1986 Boston Red Sox In their Own Words." Also appearing is Eric Gray, who will read from "Backyards to Ballparks: More Personal Baseball Stories from the Stands and Beyond." Both authors will sell and sign copies of their books. No registration needed.
October Pet
Food Drive
The Great Give Back is an annual, library-centered effort to involve library patrons in a meaningful service opportunity. This year, we’re again hosting a Great Give Back Pet Food Drive Saturday, Oct. 1 to Friday, Oct. 21 to benefit two very worthwhile, local organizations: The Mohawk Hudson Humane Society and Whiskers Animal Benevolent League. We’re collecting unopened canned cat food and dry dog food / treats; kitty litter; and pet-sized blankets. Whiskers also requested small white paper plates and paper towels. Donations may be placed in the marked bins in our lobby. Thank you!
Fall markets
Every Sunday in October will be jam-packed with activity in our upper parking lot! The Guilderland Farmer’s Market will operate as planned on Sunday, Oct. 2, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Next, GPL’s Sunshine Committee will present a Fall Marketplace featuring a variety of local homegrown craft vendors, on Sunday, Oct. 9, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Finally, on Sunday, Oct. 16, 23 and 30, the Farmer’s Market has extended their run, returning for a fabulous fall finale in advance of Halloween!
Halloween
volunteers needed
Are you looking for a cost-effective way to promote your business or organization while connecting with the community in person? Or maybe you just want to have some good old-fashioned fun on Halloween, individually or as a group? Be part of the spook-tacular fun! We’re looking for groups or individuals to sign up now for our Halloween Trunk or Treat on Monday, Oct. 31, 4:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Get creative – decorate your vehicle and hand out candy or allergy-free treats (provided) to enthusiastic trick-or-treaters, who will then vote for their favorite trunk. The top vote-getter will receive a prize. Please email Natalie Hurteau to reserve your spot: .
General info
Overdue fines have been eliminated at GPL; patrons will be billed for the replacement cost of lost items. Masks are optional. Curbside pickup is available. Contact us at 518-456-2400 or ask.librarian@guilderlandlibrary.org.
— Photo from Photo source: Wikimedia Commons
Artist, author, educator, and organizer Faith Ringgold, named one of Time magazine’s 100 Most Influential People of 2022, is the subject of a virtual presentation on Monday, Oct. 3, at 6:30 p.m., offered by Guilderland Public Library. Pictured is one of her famous story quilts, “Sunflower Quilting Bee at Arles.” Attendees are asked to register on the Events tab of guilderlandlibrary.org to receive the Zoom link.
We’re fortunate to host nationally-known award-winning poet (and Guilderland native) Susan Comninos for two programs in October!
First, she will conduct an in-person poetry reading and book sale/signing of her just-published book, “Out of Nowhere: Poems” on Saturday, Oct. 1, from 2 to 3:15 p.m. This debut collection of poetry has already received high praise, employing beautiful imagery and complex literary forms as it lends a relevant voice to classic themes such as love, loss, and redemption. Comninos will conclude the afternoon with an engaging discussion of poetic techniques.
The following week, Comninos will present a dynamic workshop, “The Creative Fever of Folklore,” on Saturday, Oct. 8, from 2 to 3:15 p.m., digging deeper into effective poetic devices. Among the topics covered, she’ll discuss how individual poets come to be, and inherit a legacy.
Make sure to register on the Events tab of our website for either or both of these special events, as space is limited. Both of these events are funded in part by Poets and Writers with public funds from the New York State Council on the Arts, with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.
Banned Books Week
Banned Books Week, an annual national campaign created by the American Library Association 40 years ago celebrating the freedom to read whatever interests us, concludes on Saturday, Sept. 24. This year’s theme — “Books Unite Us. Censorship Divides Us.” — spotlights past and current attempts to censor books in libraries and schools, while uniting the entire literary community in shared support of a broad spectrum of ideas.
We encourage you to stop in to GPL to view our Banned Books Week display and listen to our latest “How Did You Find It?” podcast to learn more about this topic.
Memoirs in the Morning
For our next virtual meetup Wednesday, Sept. 28 at 10:30 a.m., we’re reading New York Times Bestseller “Beautiful Country: A Memoir,” by Qian Julie Wang. This moving story follows an undocumented child living in poverty as her parents transition from professors in China to sweatshop laborers in Chinatown. Please obtain a print or digital copy from us, then register for this book discussion on our website. Also, look for the “Memoirs in the Morning” online discussion group on goodreads.com.
Faith Ringgold: Artist,
Author, Educator, Organizer
On Monday, Oct. 3 at 6:30 p.m., we’ll take an in-depth look at multi-talented artist Faith Ringgold, whose life and works continue to astonish art lovers around the world. Best known for her vibrant story quilts, she also creates politically charged paintings, prints, sculptures, and is the beloved author/illustrator of nearly 20 children's books. Please register on the Events tab of guilderlandlibrary.org for this compelling online program.
Doubleheader:
Two Baseball Authors
America’s pastime takes center stage on Saturday, Oct. 8 at 1 p.m. with two notable baseball authors. Erik Sherman returns to GPL to read from “Two Sides of Glory: The 1986 Boston Red Sox In Their Own Words.” Also appearing is Eric Gray, who will read from “Backyards to Ballparks: More Personal Baseball Stories from the Stands and Beyond.” Both authors will sell and sign copies of their books. No registration needed.
Fall markets
Every Sunday in October will be jam-packed with activity in our upper parking lot! The Guilderland Farmer’s Market will operate as planned on Sunday, Oct. 2, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Next, GPL’s Sunshine Committee will present a Fall Marketplace featuring a variety of local homegrown craft vendors, on Sunday, Oct. 9, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Finally, on Sundays, Oct. 16, 23 and 30, the Farmer’s Market has extended their run, returning for a fabulous fall finale in advance of Halloween!
Halloween
volunteers needed
Speaking of Halloween — are you looking for a cost-effective way to promote your business or organization while connecting with the community in person? Or maybe you just want to have some good old-fashioned fun on Halloween, individually or as a group?
Join us for spook-tacular fun! We’re looking for groups or individuals to sign up now for our Halloween Trunk or Treat on Monday, Oct. 31, from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. Get creative — decorate your vehicle and hand out candy or allergy-free treats (provided) to enthusiastic trick-or-treaters, who will then vote for their favorite trunk. The top vote-getter will receive a prize. Please email Natalie Hurteau to reserve your spot for this inaugural event: .
General info
Overdue fines have been eliminated at GPL; patrons will be billed for the replacement cost of lost items. Masks are optional. Curbside pickup is available.
The Guilderland Farmer’s Market is held in our upper parking lot Sundays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Contact us at 518-456-2400 or ask.librarian@guilderlandlibrary.org.
— Photo from Luanne Nicholson
With school back in session, pedestrian safety was highlighted recently by Assemblymember Pat Fahy, at lectern, at a press conference on new sidewalks on Western Avenue connecting the 20 Mall to the library, plus a paved crosswalk to Guilderland Elementary School. Listening from left are Guilderland councilwomen Rosemary Centi and Amanda Beedle, State Senator Michelle Hinchey, Supervisor Peter Barber, Councilwoman Christine Napierski, Guilderland Elementary School Principal Allan Lockwood, Superintendent Marie Wiles, and library director Timothy Wiles. The new sidewalks are part of a comprehensive plan to create an equal access continuous walkway connecting the city of Albany via Route 20 to Carman Road and the town of Rotterdam, spanning 9.25 miles
— Photo from Luanne Nicholson
With school back in session, pedestrian safety was highlighted recently by Assemblymember Pat Fahy, at lectern, at a press conference on new sidewalks on Western Avenue connecting the 20 Mall to the library, plus a paved crosswalk to Guilderland Elementary School. Listening from left are Guilderland councilwomen Rosemary Centi and Amanda Beedle, State Senator Michelle Hinchey, Supervisor Peter Barber, Councilwoman Christine Napierski, Guilderland Elementary School Principal Allan Lockwood, Superintendent Marie Wiles, and library director Timothy Wiles. The new sidewalks are part of a comprehensive plan to create an equal access continuous walkway connecting the city of Albany via Route 20 to Carman Road and the town of Rotterdam, spanning 9.25 miles.
The theme for Banned Books Week, Sept. 18 to 24, is “Books Unite Us. Censorship Divides Us.” This annual campaign, created by the American Library Association 40 years ago, celebrates the freedom to read, spotlighting current and historical attempts to censor books in libraries and schools.
It serves to unite the entire literary community in shared support of seeking and expressing a broad spectrum of ideas, while drawing national attention to the dangers of censorship.
In 2021, the ALA’s Office for Intellectual Freedom tracked challenges to library, school, and university materials and services, resulting in more than 1,597 individual book challenges or removals. Banned Books Week is both a reminder of the unifying power of stories and the divisiveness of censorship. It’s a call to action for readers across the country to push back against censorship attempts in their communities.
We encourage you to stop in to GPL to view our Banned Books Week display; learn more about this topic, including surprising classics that have been frequently banned, such as “To Kill A Mockingbird” and “Catcher in the Rye”; and celebrate your freedom to read whatever interests you.
Please also consider attending the New York Civil Liberties Union and Upper Hudson Library System “Banned Books Read Out” on Thursday, Sept. 22, from 6 to 8 p.m., in-person at Albany Public Library on 161 Washington Avenue, or via Zoom. For more info: https://albanypubliclibrary.libcal.com/event/9370407.
Celebrate
Hispanic Arts!
We’re offering this special program to commemorate National Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept. 15 to Oct. 15). Educational Coordinator Joyce Raimondo will highlight Spanish artist Pablo Picasso, Mexican muralist David Alfaro Siqueiros, Mexican painter Jose Clemente Orozco, and others on Tuesday, Sept. 20, at 4 p.m. via Zoom.
We’ll discover how Hispanic artists inspired Jackson Pollock, then we’ll enjoy a virtual tour of the barn studio where Pollock made his famous drip paintings, and Lee Krasner created her abstract art. Please register on the Events tab of guilderlandlibrary.org.
Memoirs in
the Morning
For our next virtual meetup Wednesday, Sept. 28 at 10:30 a.m., we’re reading the New York Times Bestseller “Beautiful Country: A Memoir,” by Qian Julie Wang. This moving story follows an undocumented child living in poverty as her parents transition from professors in China to sweatshop laborers in Chinatown. Please obtain a print or digital copy from us, then register for this book discussion on our website. Also, look for the “Memoirs in the Morning” online discussion group on goodreads.com.
Poetry with
Susan Comninos
Guilderland poet and frequent library presenter Susan Comninos will conduct an in-person poetry reading and book sale/signing of her just-published book, “Out of Nowhere: Poems” on Saturday, Oct. 1 at 2 p.m., along with a discussion of poetic techniques.
She will also lead a poetry workshop on Saturday, Oct. 8 at 2 p.m., incorporating elements of your own community's folklore into identity-based poems (“origin stories”), plus how poets play the role of “inheritor” of their family or community’s legacy. Please register for either or both programs on the Events tab of our website.
Faith Ringgold
On Monday, Oct. 3 at 6:30 p.m., we’ll take an in-depth look at the formidable artist, Faith Ringgold, whose life and works continue to astonish art lovers around the world. Best known for her vibrant story quilts, she also creates politically charged paintings, prints, sculptures, and is the beloved author/illustrator of nearly 20 children's books. Please register on the Events tab of guilderlandlibrary.org for this online program.
Doubleheader:
Two Baseball Authors
America’s pastime takes center stage on Saturday, Oct. 8 at 1 p.m. with two notable baseball authors. Erik Sherman returns to GPL to read from "Two Sides of Glory: the 1986 Boston Red Sox In Their Own Words." Also appearing is Eric Gray, who will read from "Backyards to Ballparks: More Personal Baseball Stories from the Stands and Beyond." Both authors will sell and sign copies of their books. No registration needed.
Halloween
volunteers needed
Join the spook-tacular fun! We’re looking for groups or individuals to sign up now for our Halloween Trunk or Treat on Monday, Oct. 31, 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. This is a great way to promote your local business or organization while enjoying a fun night out. Get creative – decorate your vehicle and hand out candy or allergy-free treats (provided) to trick-or-treaters, who will vote for their favorite trunk. The top vote-getter will receive a prize. Please email Natalie Hurteau with interest: .
General info
Overdue fines have been eliminated at GPL; patrons will be billed for the replacement cost of lost items. Masks are optional. Curbside pickup is available. The Guilderland Farmer’s Market is held in our upper parking lot Sundays 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. through Oct. 2. Contact us at 518-456-2400 or ask.librarian@guilderlandlibrary.org.