Clifford the Big Red Dog celebrates his birthday at the Guilderland Public Library on Thursday, Feb. 21, at 10:30 a.m.
Local expert Avraham Laber, developer of the rich and ever-expanding database known as Jewish Data, will demonstrate how to use this extensive resource as part of your genealogical research on Sunday, Feb. 17, at 2 p.m. at the Guilderland Public Library.
Please register in person, online, or by phone. That same day is National Random Acts of Kindness Day, so we’ll give out special commemorative bookmarks.
Presidents Day
The library will be closed Monday, Feb. 22 to commemorate Presidents Day. Happy birthday this month to two of our greatest, Abraham Lincoln on Feb. 12 and George Washington on Feb. 22.
We’re offering a full slate of activities during school vacation week to keep family members engaged, from Legos and Keva planks for Tweens and Teens on Feb. 19 at 7 p.m. to a Parachute Pajama Party for age 5 and under on Feb. 22 at 10:30 a.m., and to live reptiles and amphibians for all ages on Feb. 20 at 2 p.m.).
Go to guilderlandlibrary.org and click on the “Attend an Event” tab to survey the host of options.
Hour of Code: Scratch
On Tuesday, Feb. 19 at 2 p.m. we’ll cover the basics of coding using Scratch, MIT’s interactive programming software for creating stories, games, and animations. Children in grades three to six and their parents are welcome to explore the capabilities of Scratch together! Please register online, by phone or in person.
Celebrate with Clifford
Beloved storybook pal Clifford the Big Red Dog will be here celebrating his birthday with us on Thursday, Feb. 21 at 10:30 a.m. He’s bringing lots of fun activities to share, and kids can get their picture taken with our favorite furry friend.
Please pre-register online, by phone or in person, then join us for this very special birthday celebration.
Calling all gamers
Guilderland Public Library is the perfect place to test drive the latest video games! Not only can you check out the latest and greatest, but we’re offering a dedicated time to come and share your gaming passion with others on Thursday, Feb. 21 from 2:30 to 4 p.m.
Platforms include Nintendo Switch, WiiU, and Xbox 360. Feel free to bring your own handheld game to sync up with others; open to all ages. Our top three games currently are all on the Switch format: 1-2 Switch, Arms and Lego Ninjago Movie Videogame.
Oscar Movie Thursdays
Oscar-nominated films take center screen on Thursday evenings at 6:30 p.m. throughout February in our acoustically-superior Helderberg Room with two musically-driven movies: “Bohemian Rhapsody” on Feb. 21, and “A Star is Born” on Feb. 28.
Disney Movie Sundays
Our popular Disney Movie series for families screens a different movie each month, leading up to a colossal Family Disney Trivia challenge on April 26.
The classic tale of “Robin Hood” is slated for Sunday, Feb. 24 at 2 p.m. You can’t beat the price – movies are always free, and we even provide popcorn!
Chinese New Year
Mark your calendars for Saturday, Feb. 23 at 2 p.m. as we celebrate the Year of the Pig!Miss Julia is back with stories, songs, and rhymes in both Mandarin and English. This family-friendly program is suitable for children up to age 6.
Teens Teach Tech
Did you know that you can get one-on-one tech help from a Guilderland National Honor Society student? These 45-minute sessions are scheduled on Tuesdays between 3:30 and 5 p.m. Simply call the library at 518-456-2400 ext. 3 to make an appointment.
Call 2-1-1 for tax help
Dial 2-1-1 for the United Way call center to make an appointment for free tax assistance. You’ll meet with an IRS-certified TaxAide volunteer to prepare your federal and NYS tax returns. Appointments (required) are being scheduled on Saturdays and Mondays through April 8, and must be made by calling 2-1-1, not the library.
Rebel Bloom Art Exhibit
Lovers of art, flowers, and a blast of color in the dead of winter will appreciate “Rebel Bloom”, an exhibition of original paintings by local artist Josalyn Wilder, who also happens to be one of our librarians. This spring-forward exhibit brightens our Helderberg Room until March 15.
“Rebel Bloom,” an exhibit by Josalyn Wilder at the Guilderland Public Library will run from Feb. 4 to March 15.
Our readers taking on the WIN-ter Reading Challenge positively smashed the January goal of 2,000 books read with a grand total of 3,298! Sincere thanks and kudos to all participants.
We’ll be sure to let you know if we receive any funds from Mark Cuban as a result. Keep your love of reading fueled — whether by traditional book or e-book, we’ve got the vehicle that drives your passion.
Valentine activities
We hope you feel the love for your local library, especially during February! Want to find your perfect match, book-wise? Your trusty librarian has you covered! Fill out your “book profile” until 2/12, then let us do the legwork to pinpoint “the one” for you. Your recommended book will be waiting for you on the Hold Shelf from Feb. 14 to 21.
Wednesday Feb. 13 is our Gal’entine’s Day celebration at 7 p.m. for female adults and teens. Bring your gal pal, sister, daughter, and/or mother for a night of chocolate-covered pretzels, strawberries, waffles and crafts. Please register by phone, online or at the Adult Reference desk.
Rebel Bloom Art Exhibit
Lovers of art, flowers, and a blast of color in the dead of winter will appreciate “Rebel Bloom”, an exhibition of original paintings by local artist Josalyn Wilder, who also happens to be one of our librarians. This spring-forward exhibit is in our Helderberg Room and runs until March 15.
Oscar Movie Thursdays
Oscar-nominated films take center screen on Thursday evenings at 6:30 p.m. throughout February in our Helderberg Room: On Feb. 14 “First Man;” Feb. 21 “Bohemian Rhapsody;” and “A Star is Born” on Feb. 28. Beat the winter blues…popcorn included!
Better Books Sale
Come survey what’s for sale - you may just find a permanent gem to add to your home library at a bargain price. Our monthly Better Books Sale is happening Saturday, Feb. 9 starting at 10 a.m.
Owl Moon
WMHT’s Barbara Lukas will share the story of “Owl Moon” on Saturday, Feb. 9 at 10:30 a.m. As we’ll discover, the hardest part about going owling is being quiet. We’ll also do a craft project based on the book. For pre-kindergarten through grade 2; registration required.
Sunday Concert Series
Popular homegrown favorites Jim Gaudet and the The Railroad Boys will delight music lovers with a free concert in our acoustically perfect Helderberg Room on Sun. 2/10 at 2 p.m. Their folksy tunes have been described as “progressively-flavored bluegrass with wickedly funny, all-original lyrics” showcasing Gaudet’s master storytelling talents. Wear your best toe-tapping shoes, and come early to snag your seat!
The Butt Stops Here
Resolved to quit smoking for good? “The Butt Stops Here”, an award-winning program by St. Peter’s Health Partners, has helped thousands do just that. This seven-week program, led by Anne Marsolais, begins Tuesday, Feb. 12 at 6:30 p.m., and continues each Tuesday night through the end of March. The program fee is $45 per person; $20 for Medicaid recipients.
Resources provided include a workbook, two weeks of NRT (patches or gum), group support and other materials. Checks payable to St. Peter's Health Partners or cash will be collected the first night. Please register in person, online, or by phone.
Jewish genealogy
On Sunday, Feb. 17 at 2 p.m., Avraham Laber, the local developer of the rich and ever-expanding database known as Jewish Data, will give a demonstration of its facts and features. Come learn how to search the database as part of your genealogical research.
Please register in person, online, or by phone. That same day is National Random Acts of Kindness Day, so we’ll give out special commemorative bookmarks.
Call 2-1-1 for tax help
Dial 2-1-1 for the United Way call center to make an appointment for free tax assistance. You’ll meet with an IRS-certified TaxAide volunteer to prepare your federal and NYS tax returns. Appointments (required) are being scheduled on Saturdays and Mondays through April 8, and must be made by calling 2-1-1, not the library.
Jim Gaudet and the Railroad Boys will perform at 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 10, at the Guilderland Public Library.
Our reading community has surpassed the January goal of 2,000 books for the Winter Reading Challenge and is now on track to garner top-10 standing nationwide!
This enhances our potential as a possible recipient of Mark Cuban’s donation to literacy programs, so please keep reading and logging. Come to the celebration Friday, Feb. 2, from 5 to 6:30 p.m. for refreshments and the announcement of our grand total!
Operation MatchBook
Want to find your perfect match, book-wise? Your trusty librarian has you covered! Fill out your “book profile” from Jan. 31 to Feb. 21, then let us do the legwork. Your recommended book will be waiting for you on the holdshelf from Feb. 14 through 21.
Take Your Child to the Library Day
Saturday, Feb. 2 is “Take Your Child to the Library Day,’ with a full slate of fun family activities planned. The Guilderland Police Department will administer Child Safe Fingerprinting throughout the day, and we’ll have craft projects, a scavenger hunt for kids, and a puppet show at 2 p.m.
Oscar Movie Thursdays
Oscar-nominated films will be screened on Thursday evenings at 6:30 p.m. throughout February in our Helderberg Room: “Black Panther” on Feb. 7; “First Man” on Feb. 14; “Bohemian Rhapsody” on Feb. 21; and “A Star is Born” on Feb. 28. Popcorn included!
Better Books Sale
Come survey what’s for sale you may just find a permanent gem to add to your home library at a bargain price. Our monthly Better Books Sale is happening Saturday Feb. 9 starting at 10 a.m.
“Owl Moon”
WMHT’s Barbara Lukas will share the story of “Owl Moon” on Saturday, Feb 9 at 10:30 a.m. As we’ll discover, the hardest part about going owling is being quiet. We’ll also do a craft project based on the book. For pre-Kindergarten to grade 2; registration required.
Sunday Concert Series
Popular homegrown favorites Jim Gaudet and the The Railroad Boys will delight music lovers with a free concert in our acoustically pristine Helderberg Room on Sunday, Feb. 10 at 2 p.m. Their folksy tunes have been described as “progressively-flavored bluegrass with wickedly funny, all-original lyrics” showcasing Gaudet’s master storytelling talents.
They’ve played at various venues and festivals internationally and have five original albums to their credit. We’re thrilled to feature them on our entertainment roster.
Call 2-1-1 for tax help
Dial 2-1-1 for the United Way call center to make an appointment for free tax assistance. You’ll meet with an IRS-certified TaxAide volunteer to prepare your federal and New York State tax returns.
Appointments are being scheduled Feb. 4 to April 8 on Saturdays and Mondays. Appointments are required (no walk-ins) and must be made by calling 2-1-1, not the library.
Top Ten of 2018
Drumroll, please — here are the top ten items checked out of Guilderland Public Library during 2018. Spoiler alert — only one of them is a book:
— 1. WiFi hotspot;
— 2. Folding table;
— 3. Chromebook;
— 4. “Poirot” - DVD;
— 5. “The Post” - DVD;
— 6. “The Great Alone” by Kristin Hannah;
— 7. “Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri” - DVD;
— 8. “Darkest Hour” - DVD;
— 9. “Wonder” - DVD; and
— 10. “The Greatest Showman” – DVD.
Our “Library of Things” are among many popular items available, as well as our museum passes. Of course, we offer an excellent selection of books and periodicals, including e-books and e-magazines. See our website “Get To Know Us” section, and stop in to discover for yourself all we have to offer.
Winter Reading Challenge: Each sticker on these snowmen represents one book read and logged in January by Guilderland Public Library’s patrons who are aiming to reach 2,000 books. The nationwide goal is 75,000 books for Shark Tank investor Mark Cuban to donate $35,000 to literacy programs and top-performing libraries. See https://guilderlandlibrary.org to register.
Tai Chi and Qi Gong are popular forms of gentle exercise developed more than 1,000 years ago in China. These time-tested practices help strengthen and relax muscles and joints, boosting balance to reduce risk of falls. Rich Goodhart will lead this class today, Thursday Jan. 24, from 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Rich is a certified instructor who has taught at the Omega Institute in Rhinebeck and the Kripalu Center in Lenox, Mass. Please register online or by phone. We thank the Albany Guardian Society for partnering with us to present this recurring program. Please register online or by phone.
Community Artbook Gallery
Who knew your neighbors had such talent! Come get a first look at the impressive notebooks submitted for our Community Artbook project on Saturday, Jan. 26 from 10 a.m to 1 p.m. These notebooks, filled with the work of our patrons, your friends and family will be cataloged and put into our circulation collection. Get a sneak peak now…in other words, check them out before you can check them out!
“Cinderella”
This winter, we're showing classics and family favorites. It's all leading up to our Disney Trivia Family Night, which will be held during April break. Beat the winter blues with a fun movie and popcorn Sunday, Jan. 27 at 2 p.m., and try to guess what some of the April trivia questions might be!
Human Trafficking
Human Trafficking is an alarming issue that has received heightened awareness of late, around the corner and around the globe. Theresa Schillaci, Esq., Safe Harbour Coordinator for Albany County Department of Children, Youth and Families will present “Human Trafficking: The Hidden Crisis in Plain Sight” on Monday, Jan.28 at 7 p.m. An overview of this issue, how to identify potential warning signs of child sex trafficking, and what to do if trafficking is suspected will be covered, as well as the prevalence of human trafficking in New York State and Albany County.
For Free Tax Help
Free tax assistance is here for you in two simple steps! Step One: dial the United Way 2-1-1 call center to make an appointment. You’ll meet with an IRS-certified TaxAide volunteer to prepare your federal and NYS tax returns. Appointments are being scheduled Feb. 4 through April 8 on Saturdays and Mondays. Please be patient, as phone lines may be busy. Appointments are required (no walk-ins) and must be made by calling 2-1-1, not the library.
Step Two: meet with your TaxAide! Bring a photo ID, plus a Social Security card for all people listed on the tax return. Both taxpayers need to be present if filing jointly, except in cases of illness or infirmity. Also bring: your 2017 tax returns, all 2018 W-2s and 1099s, end of year brokerage statements, and all supporting documents for itemized deductions. TaxAides cannot complete returns with rental income or Schedule C (business profit and loss) if you’ve had a loss or expenses over $25K. Many thanks to our TaxAide volunteers!
Winter Reading Challenge
We are edging ever closer to our goal of logging 2,000 books read during January. If we reach the nationwide goal of 75,000 books, Shark Tank investor Mark Cuban will donate $35,000 to literacy programs and top-performing libraries (maybe even ours!) Register on our website, and keep reading and logging your results!
“Meet Yasmin!” — a book by Saadia Faruqi about a spirited second-grader — is a cause for celebration at the Guilderland Public Library, which is hosting a book party for first- and second-graders.
Beginning on Jan. 14, you can call 2-1-1 to make an appointment to have trained volunteers, certified by the Internal Revenue Service, prepare your federal and New York State tax returns.
United Way’s 2-1-1 call center opens Monday, Jan. 14, at 9 a.m. to schedule appointments, which can occur on Saturdays or Mondays between Feb. 4 and April 8. Please be patient, as phone lines may be busy. Please do not call the library — we will only refer you to 2-1-1. You must have an appointment — no walk-ins.
Bring to your appointment a photo ID, and a Social Security card for all people listed in the tax return. (Filing jointly? Both taxpayers need to be present except in cases of illness or infirmity.)
Also bring: your 2017 tax returns, all 2018 W-2s and 1099s, end-of-the-year brokerage statements, and all supporting documents for itemized deductions. TaxAides cannot complete returns with rental income or Schedule C (business profit and loss) if you’ve had a loss or expenses over $25,000.
A hearty thank-you to all our TaxAide volunteers!
Teen Tech Time
Have you been left to your own devices? That is — did you acquire a new electronic device over the holidays, but you are still working out the kinks and learning how to use it?
If so, then the teen tech time volunteers are here for you on Tuesday, including Jan. 22, from 3:30 to 5 p.m. Get free one-on-one tech help from a Guilderland High School National Honor Society student! Please register online or by phone.
If you can’t make this time slot, we have other dates and times available with adult computer coaches. Please register online or by phone.
Blood drive
Give the gift that keeps on giving — blood.
Every 56 days, most of us can give blood to the American Red Cross, which of course uses it to save lives. So, every 56 days, we have a blood drive here at GPL.
The life you save may be your own, or that of one of your friends, neighbors, or loved ones. Or it may just be a fellow human being to whom you have no (previous) connection. There is an urgent need for blood donations at this time.
I have a dream!
The library will be closed in honor and celebration of the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on Monday, Jan. 21. Our e-library, where you can download and read e-books and magazines for free, is always open at our website www.Guilderlandlibrary.org
You’ll flip for Flipster!
Reading magazines online is super easy, and a lot of fun, and best of all, it costs nothing! Zip, zilch, zero, nada.
Getting started can seem difficult though, so why not come to the library to learn how? On Wednesday, Jan. 23, at 2 p.m., we’ll walk you through in a short presentation. Bring your valid library card, your fully charged phone, tablet, kindle, etc., and any passwords you might need — such as an Apple ID, Amazon login, Google account password, etc. Please register online or by phone.
Meet Yasmin! Book Party
Meet Yasmin, a curious second-grader who has a big imagination and who always takes a creative approach to solving life’s little problems. Stop by the library to pick up your copy of the first book in this new chapter book series.
Then come to the party! We will talk about the book and do some fun activities. Grades 1-2. Please register online or by phone.
Tai Chi and Qi Gong
Tai Chi and Qi Gong are forms of gentle exercise developed more than 1,000 years ago in China. The practices help strengthen and relax muscles and joints — and is excellent for fall prevention.
Rich Goodhart will present the course on Thursday, Jan. 24, at 11 a.m. Please register online or by phone.
We thank the Albany Guardian Society for their help in presenting this recurring program. Please register online or by phone.
Reading, Walking, and Writing!
Our three major initiatives continue — the Winter Reading Challenge, in which we try to read and log 2,000 books in the month of January, the Library Moonwalk, in which we are trying to log 240,000 miles worth of steps to metaphorically reach the moon, and the Teen Winter Writing Contest.
Visit our website,www.guilderlandlibrary.org for details or to register.
Enterprise file photo — Marcello Iaia
Rich Goodhart will present a course at the Guilderland Public Library on Tai Chi and Qi Gong — forms of gentle exercise developed more than 1,000 years ago in China — on Thursdays, Jan. 10 and 24.
The Brixology engineers from Mad Science will be at the Guilderland Public Library to help as you create your very own walking-insect machine. Put your creature to the test and see if you can make it climb up the steepest branch and crawl over obstacles!
The program, for students in third through fifth grades, will be held on Thursday, Jan. 10, from 3:30 to 5 p.m. Please register online or by phone.
Tai Chi and Qi Gong with Rich Goodhart
Tai Chi and Qi Gong are forms of gentle exercise developed more than 1,000 years ago in China. The practices help strengthen and relax muscles and joints — and is excellent for fall prevention.
Rich Goodhart will present the course on Thursdays, Jan. 10 and 24, at 11 a.m. Please register online or by phone.
We thank the Albany Guardian Society for its help in presenting this recurring program. Please register online or by phone.
Tax help
Beginning on January 14th, you can call 2-1-1 to make an appointment to have trained, IRS-certified volunteers prepare your federal and NYS tax returns.
United Way’s 2-1-1 call center opens Monday, January 14th at 9 a.m. to schedule appointments, which can occur on Saturdays or Mondays between February 4th and April 8th.
Please be patient, as phone lines may be busy. Please do not call the library — we will only refer you to 2-1-1. You must have an appointment — no walk-ins.
Bring to your appointment a photo ID, and a Social Security Card for all people listed in the tax return. (Filing jointly? Both taxpayers need to be present except in cases of illness or infirmity.) Also bring: your 2017 tax returns, all 2018 W-2s and 1099s, End of the year brokerage statements, and all supporting documents for itemized deductions.
TaxAides cannot complete returns with rental income or Schedule C (business profit and loss) if you’ve had a loss or expenses over $25,000. A Hearty Thank You to all our TaxAide volunteers!
Teen Tech Time!
Have you been left to your own devices? That is — did you acquire a new electronic device over the holidays, but you are still working out the kinks and learning how to use it?
If so, then the teen tech time volunteers are here for you Tuesdays, including Jan, 15 and 22, from 3:30 to 5 p.m. Get free one-on-one tech help from a Guilderland High School National Honor Society student!
Please register online or by phone. If you can’t make this time slot, we have other dates and times available with adult computer coaches. Please register online or by phone.
Better Books Sale
On Saturday January 12th, from 10 to 4, come in and pick up some bargain books! While books, DVDs, and CDs are on sale in our lobby Book Nook every day, dedicated volunteers are always busy curating the best new donated titles for first offering at the monthly Better Books Sale!
We thank those volunteers — and you — the customers! While we’re at it, thanks to all those who drop off book donations — you are helping your library raise funds and promote reading.
Jane Austen Tea Party
Tea and treats will be served on Saturday, Jan. 12, from 2 to 3:30 p.m., and we will hear a talk with local expert Dr. David Shapard, author of the annotated editions of Austen’s novels.
Dr. Shapard will also share details about the English Heritage Tour with Jane Austen that he is leading in September, 2019.
Blood drive
Give the gift that keeps on giving — blood.
Every 56 days, most of us can give blood to the American Red Cross, which of course uses it to save lives. So, every 56 days, we have a blood drive here at GPL!
Our next drive will be Tuesday, January 15th, from 12-6. Feel free to visit redcrossblood.org to make an appointment, or try being a walk-up donor if you’d prefer.
The life you save may be your own, or that of one of your friends, neighbors, or loved ones. Or it may just be a fellow human being to whom you have no (previous) connection. There is an urgent need for blood donations at this time.
Medicare 101: A New User’s Guide
Join us on Thursday, Jan. 17, from 1 to 3:30 p.m. Janet Kiffney, a certified Medicare Counselor with New York State’s Health Insurance Information Counseling and Assistance Program, will present an unbiased “soup to nuts” program on Medicare and answer all your questions, including what does Medicare pay for, how are prescriptions covered, and just what is Medicare Part A?
I Have a Dream!
The library will be closed in honor and celebration of the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on Monday, Jan. 21. Our e-library, where you can download and read e-books and magazines for free, is always open at our website www.Guilderlandlibrary.org
Reading, Walking, and Writing
Our three major initiatives continue — the Winter Reading Challenge, in which we try to read and log 2,000 books in the month of January; the Library Moon walk, in which we are trying to log 240,000 miles worth of steps to metaphorically reach the moon; and the Teen Winter Writing Contest. Visit our website,www.guilderlandlibrary.org for details or to register.
Misty Blues will perform at the Guilderland Public Library on Sunday, Jan. 6, at 2 p.m.
On Sunday, Jan. 6, at 2 p.m., the acclaimed Berkshire-based band, Misty Blues, will bring its signature blues and blues-infused folk, gospel, classic rock, and funk sound to the Guilderland Public Library.
The core members are Gina Coleman, Jason Webster, Bill Patriquin, Jeff Dudziak, Benny Kohn, Aaron Dean and Rob Tatten. The band has been fortunate enough to perform with and open for some of the greatest musicians in the Berkshires and beyond including Charles Neville, of the legendary Neville Brothers, Albert Cummings, Michael Powers, and Tab Benoit. Come early to make sure you get a seat!
Story times resume
GPL story times are resuming after a short holiday break. On Tuesday, Jan. 8, Baby Bookworms and Toddler Time return. Wednesday, the 9th, features Preschool Drop-In Story Time and Toddler Time, both at 10:30 a.m., and Thursday, the 10t, features Preschool Drop-In Story Time and Wee Waddlers Rhyme Time, both at 10:30. On Friday, the 11th, 3 Little Birds returns at 10:30 a.m.
Drop-in genealogy
On Wednesday, Jan. 9, professional genealogist Lisa Dougherty is available for free family history consultations and advice on a drop-in basis, beginning at 6 p.m. Bring your questions and “brick walls” for help.
Macrame necklace-making
On Thursday, Jan. 10, at 7 p.m., learn how to make a necklace that uses the most basic macramé knots, but is lovely enough to wear or to give as a gift. Macramé is the perfect craft for anyone who enjoys a natural and artisanal aesthetic.
Read to furry friends
Groucho Barx (the dog) and Goose (the hairless cat) are very patient and attentive listeners. Reading to them is a great way for beginning readers to use their new skills in a fun and relaxing setting. The furry friends will be available on Wednesday, Jan. 9, at 6:30 p.m.
Better Books Sale
On Saturday, Jan. 12, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., come in and pick up some bargain books. While books, DVDs, and CDs are always on sale in our lobby Book Nook, dedicated volunteers are always busy curating the best new donated titles for first offering at the monthly Better Books Sale!
We thank those volunteers — and you — the customers. While we’re at it, thanks to all those who drop off book donations — you are helping your library raise funds and promote reading!
Jane Austen Tea Party
Tea and treats will be served on Saturday, Jan. 12, from 2 to 3:30 p.m., and we will hear a talk with local expert Dr. David Shapard, author of the annotated editions of Austen’s novels. Dr. Shapard will also share details about the English Heritage Tour with Jane Austen that he is leading in September 2019.
Chocolate alert!
If tea, treats, and Jane Austen weren’t enough, the following day, Sunday, Jan. 13, features chocolate! At 2 p.m., join Erin from Uncle Sam’s Chocolates for a delicious afternoon of chocolate facts, lore, and tasting. Learn if chocolate is really good for you, and how to pair beverages with different chocolate types.
Diane Cameron, a one-time Enterprise columnist, has written a book about her stepfather, Donald Watkins, a former Marine who served in China from 1937 to 1939 during the Japanese invasion. After returning home, hiss seemingly normal life took a sharp turn when he murdered his first wife and mother-in-law in 1953. As punishment for his crime, he spent 22 years at Fairview State Hospital for the criminally insane. The Guilderland library’s Great Books discussion group will talk about Cameron’s book on Jan. 3 at 7 p.m.
The Guilderland Public Library will close at 2 p.m. on Monday, Dec.31, for New Year’s Eve. We will be closed all day on Tuesday, Jan. 1, opening as normal at 9:30 a.m. on Jan. 2. Happy New Year!
Our library is always open through our website, www.guilderlandlibrary.org. Among many other things, you can download e-books and page through dozens of magazines at no charge. Check it out!
Winter Reading Challenge!
Can we read 2,000 books during the month of January? Last year we blew our goal of 300 books out of the water by reading 1,577!
Let’s read even more this year! If we help reach the nationwide goal of 75,000 books, Shark Tank investor Mark Cuban will donate $35,000 to literacy programs and the top performing libraries (maybe even ours!).
Register online today: guilderlandlibrary.beanstack.org! Every book we log during the month of January counts towards the goal! If you are like me, you will get caught up in the challenge and the chase, and find yourself reading more!
That’s always a good thing. Share what you’re reading! Use the hashtag #WinterRead2019 on social media.
It’s Never Too Cold for an Ice Cream Party
Join us for our annual ice-cream-making party with the experts from Children’s Museum of Science and Technology on Thursday, Dec. 27, at 3 p.m. The party is for kids in first through fourth grades.
Itsy-bitsy playtime
Join us for a sensational sensory playtime ib Friday, Jan. 4, at 10:30 a.m. We will explore fun new activities like Ziploc finger paint, water table play, light table activities, a special sensory “pit,” musical instruments, baby building blocks and more.
Please dress baby — from newborn to 24 months — for active play!
Story times
Story times resume on Jan. 8! Both Baby Bookworms and Toddler Time restart on Tuesday, Jan. 8, which is something to look forward to. Remember, if the Guilderland Central School District is closed or delays classes, story times are not held that day.
Walk me to the moon!
Did you know that the moon is just about 239,000 miles away? From now until April, local libraries are participating in the first Library Moon Walk, a challenge designed to keep us moving over the dark, cold winter months.
We are trying to log our steps, miles, or minutes to collectively reach the moon! As of this writing, we’ve logged 31,879 miles!
Visit the website at https://library-moonwalk.sals.edu to join in the fun. The website collects no personal information — just your distance and your ZIP code. While there, you can see a list of health programs at local libraries, or go to Medline Plus, the National Library of Medicine’s reliable health information source, which is authoritative and free.
Great Books Discussion Group
Local writer, speaker, teacher, coach, and spiritual director Diane Cameron has spoken frequently here at GPL. Now her latest book, “Never Leave Your Dead,” will be the subject of the Great Books discussion group, which meets on Thursday, Jan. 3, at 7 p.m.
The book unravels the true story of Cameron’s stepfather, Donald Watkins, a former Marine who served in China from 1937 to 1939 during the Japanese invasion. After returning home, Donald’s seemingly normal life took a sharp turn when he murdered his first wife and mother-in-law in 1953. As punishment for his crime, he spent 22 years at Fairview State Hospital for the criminally insane.
— Photo from Mark Grimm
The Singing Anchors: WNYT-TV 13 anchors Benita Zahn and Jerry Gretzinger, along with pianist Jerry Kerr, played to a packed house at the Guilderland Public Library on Saturday.
The next two Sundays, the Guilderland Public Library will host awesome free concerts in our acoustically perfect large Helderberg Community Room.
On Sunday, Dec. 9, at 2 p.m., enjoy warm and wonderful sounds from the Latin American Songbook, as Mundo Nuevo, featuring José Cruz, Walter Ramos, Fernando Gomes, and José Meléndez blend vocals with guitar, flute, bongó, and percussion.
The quartet will heat things up with their lively repertoire of Cuban, Puerto Rican, and Brazilian music — with a dash of what they call “SalSinatra.” Curious to know what that might be? Come find out!
The concert begins at 2 p.m. No tickets or registration is required, but come early to be assured of getting a seat.
On Saturday, Dec. 15, The Singing Anchors return for their third engagement at GPL in the last four years. News Channel 13 anchors Benita Zahn and Jerry Gretzinger, with accompanist Jay Kerr, will once again regale Guilderland with standards from the Great American Songbook.
The enormously popular trio is sure to “sell out” this free performance. Knowing that in advance, we ask you to call or visit our helpful reference desk at 518-456-2400, ext. 144 to register with our staff. We’ll take your name, and the names of your companions, and then we’ll check names off at the door as you arrive. The show is at 2 p.m.
Pine Bush photos
Before, during, and after the concerts, be sure to enjoy our December art exhibit in the same room, “Images from the Pine Bush,” curated by Richard Naylor, retired library director of the Sanford Public Library in Colonie, and president of the Friends of the Pine Bush Community.
The photos are of flora, fauna, and landscapes — all in the Pine Bush. They were all taken by local photographers. Each year for the last four years they have had a photo contest with the best 40 or so getting hung. This show features the best of the best over that time, and is on view in the Helderberg Room until Jan. 27.
“What Do Snowmen Do at Night?”
Have you ever built a snowman and discovered the next day that his grin has gotten a little crooked, or his tree-branch arms have moved? Have you wondered, “What do snowmen do at night?” We will explore this classic book and create our own magical snowmen to take home, along with Barbara Lukas of WMHT, whom many kids and parents have come to love through her monthly programs here at GPL.
If you can guess which page of this classic tale is our director’s favorite, stop by and point it out, and we’ll share a treat with you! Registration required and all children must be accompanied by an adult caregiver. Stop by one of our reference desks or call to register—you can also register online at our website calendar. The program takes place on Saturday, Dec. 8, from 10:30 a.m. to noon.
Better Books Sale
Our monthly Better Books Sale, coordinated by an uber-devoted group of volunteers, takes place on Dec. 8, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Every day, it seems, people drop off used books at GPL, and they are sorted and priced by these volunteers with a little help from our staff.
The best of these books are available in the very popular monthly sales. While you’re here, check out the Book nook in our lobby, where you’ll find other great books, movies, and cds. The proceeds help us to run your library!
Drop in Genealogy
Professional genealogist and Guilderland resident, Lisa Dougherty, is available for free family history consultations and advice on a drop-in basis from 6 to 8 p.m. the second Wednesday of each month, in this case, Wednesday, Dec. 12.
Bring your questions and “brick walls” for help finding solutions. Lisa is a former volunteer at the National Archives in Pittsfield, Massachusetts. She now devotes her time to lecturing around the area on family history, and assisting family researchers monthly at the Clifton Park Public Library, Crandall Library in Glens Falls, and the Irish-American Heritage Museum in Albany, where she is the genealogist-in-residence.
She is a member of the Association of Professional Genealogists, as well as several other area genealogical groups. A subscriber to Ancestry.com for over 15 years, she specializes in online research and the effective use of websites to investigate family history. Visit her website at http://www.upstatenygenealogy.com
Holiday Cookie Swap!
You like to cook? We do, too! The Guilderland Cookbook Club will gather every month to sample dishes from a selection of books chosen by our staff.
Come to the information desk to look through the current cookbook and choose your recipes. This month we’ll be celebrating the holiday season with a cookie exchange. Two recipe books will be available at the Adult Reference Desk:
— “The Perfect Cookie”: your ultimate guide to foolproof cookies, brownies, and bars by America’s Test Kitchen; and
— “:Holiday Cookies”: show-stopping recipes to sweeten the season by Elisabet der Nederlanden.
On Wednesday, Dec. 12, from 7 to 8:30 p.m., bring a sample of the cookies you prepared for everyone to taste. We'll talk about the authors and their motivations (and maybe meet a few along the way!).
You can learn about cuisines from different cultures, or from different cooking genres. After each meeting someone will go home with a copy of the book of the month. Register in person at the adult information desk