April is National Letter-Writing Month, and we at the Guilderland Public Library invite you to celebrate the written word and brighten the day for someone in a nursing home or assisted living facility.
During the entire month of April, you’ll find a letter-writing station near the adult-information desk, stocked with all the makings for a lovely letter — cardstock, glue sticks, sweet sayings, and writing prompts, along with some beautiful nature photographs donated by a talented Guilderland patron and photographer.
Create a card, write something warm and uplifting inside, and we will mail your creations to Love for the Elderly, a not-for-profit organization (run by a 17-year-old!) that will distribute the letters to senior citizens nationwide.
Could you survive a hurricane?
Are you prepared for severe weather? Join Erin Lynch, a University at Albany senior studying atmospheric science, on Tuesday, April 3, at 6:30 p.m., as she teaches us what to expect, and how to stay safe in two different weather scenarios: a blizzard and a hurricane.
Then an educator with the Red Cross will present The Pillowcase Project, which includes a pillowcase to decorate along with a “My Preparedness Workbook,” along with suggestions on items to include in case of an emergency. This program is for children in second through sixth grades. Please register for this class by calling 518-456-2400, ext. 4, or go online to guilderlandlibrary.org.
Is winter driving you crazy?
Kids, if winter is driving you crazy, then come to the library on Wednesday, April 4, at 2 p.m., and we will provide a load of cardboard boxes, colorful paper plates, markers, and more so that you can use your magic imagination to create and decorate your first car.
Speeding is allowed.this is for children in pre-kindergarten through second grade. Please register for this hour of creativity and fun by calling 518-456-2400, ext. 4.
Silent spinners
Do spiders really make silk? Find out when you come to GPL on Thursday, April 5, at 2 p.m. when you can take a close-up, hands-on look at common and exotic spiders, their bodies, webs, and habits. You’ll have a whole new appreciation of these amazing creatures.
The Children’s Museum of Science and Technology will present the class, and they are bringing a whole lot of cool stuff guaranteed to fascinate you. For children in grades 1 through 4. Please register by calling 518-456-2400 ext.4.
What’s the secret of maple sugaring?
Why does the sap from a tree taste so sweet? And how does that sap get turned into maple syrup? It’s simple, really, and this is the best time of year to find out!
Come to GPL on Friday, April 6, at 2 p.m. and learn how trees work, why sugar is so important, and – best of all! – get a taste of real maple syrup. For children in PreK to grade 2. Please register by calling 518-456-2400 ext. 4.
Holiday
The Guilderland Public Library will be closed all day, Sunday, April 1, for the Easter holiday.
“Hero Dog” was written by Hilde Lysiak when she was 9 years old. Her book is the topic of a Book Party at GPL on Wednesday, March 28.
Young readers in grades three through five are invited to register for a very special book party happening on Wednesday, March 28, at 6:30 p.m. at the Guilderland Public Library. The featured book — “Hilde Cracks the Case: Hero Dog” — was written and published last year when the author was only 11 years old!
Author Hilde Lysiak began writing her own newspaper when she was only 9. “Hero Dog” is Hilde's first book, and she’s gone on to write several other books in the Hilde Cracks the Case series.
So register for the book party by calling 518-456-2400, ext. 4 and come to the library and pick up your copy of “Hero Dog.” It’s yours to take home and read. Then come to GPL to celebrate this amazing young writer’s talent at our book party on March 28.
By the way, Ms. Lysiak and her books, and how she came to write them, is the subject of a charming New York Times profile — “Hilde Lysiak Reporter, Author, 10-Year-Old” — published Oct. 31, 2017.
Concert: Gals Who Play Jazz Quintet
The Gals Who Play Jazz Quintet is performing a free concert at the library on Sunday, March 25, at 2 p.m. This concert is a special project of professional jazz artists and friends featuring Peg Delaney (piano), Linda Ellen Brown (bass), Patti Melita (vocal), Kristina Johnson (sax), and Alyssa Falk Verheyn (drums).
Members of the group originally teamed up to create programs for Women’s History Month in public libraries, showcasing women composers and players of the jazz era. This full complement jazz ensemble will perform swinging, bluesy, bebop selections from the American Song Book and shimmering new melodies in the creative and improvisational idiom of jazz.
Ladies of Schuyler Mansion
Come join us at the library on Friday, March 23, at 2 p.m. for a fascinating presentation on the Schuyler Mansion and the lives of all of the Schuyler women — Philip Schuyler's wife Catharine, her daughters Angelica, Elizabeth, Margaret (Peggy), Cornelia, and Catharine, and the enslaved women who worked at the home — and discuss the impact they had in shaping the family's place in history.
The wedding of daughter Elizabeth Schuyler to Alexander Hamilton took place in the mansion in 1780. Please register for this class by calling 518-456-2400, ext. 3, or go online to guilderlandlibrary.org.
The Gals Who Play Jazz Quintet — including Peg Delaney, Linda Ellen Brown, and Patti Melita — will perform on March 25 at the Guilderland Public Library.
The Gals Who Play Jazz Quintet is performing a free concert at the Guilderland Public Library on Sunday, March 25, at 2 p.m. This concert is a special project of professional jazz artists and friends, featuring Peg Delaney (piano), Linda Ellen Brown (bass), Patti Melita (vocal), Kristina Johnson (sax), and Alyssa Falk Verheyn (drums).
Members of the group originally teamed up to create programs for Women’s History Month in public libraries, showcasing women composers and players of the jazz era. This full complement jazz ensemble will perform swinging, bluesy, bebop selections from the American Song Book and shimmering new melodies in the creative and improvisational idiom of jazz.
Homebuyer’s Workshop
Are you thinking of buying or selling a home? Then you need to come to the Homebuyer’s Workshop to hear from the experts. This class, full of practical and proven techniques, will be held at the library on Wednesday, March 21, at 6 p.m.
The Greater Capital Association of Realtors offers this panel discussion featuring a home inspector, an appraiser, aRealtor, and other experts who are part of the usual purchase and selling process of a home. You’ll have an opportunity to ask questions. For most of us, our home is our most valuable asset, that’s why it’s vital to know all the ins and outs of the buying/selling process.
Please register for this class by calling 518-456-2400, ext. 3, or go online to guilderlandlibrary.org.
Top 10 Websites for Irish Genealogy
There has never been a better time for discovering your Irish ancestors than now, and the proof is provided in this class at the library on Thursday, March 22, at 7 pm.
The explosion of records and websites on the internet in recent years has been remarkable for the family historian. Join genealogist-in-residence for the Irish American Heritage Museum in Albany, Lisa Dougherty, for a practical guide to where you can access these all-important resources for documenting your family story.
Please register for this class by calling 518-456-2400, ext. 3, or go online to guilderlandlibrary.org.
Ladies of Schuyler Mansion
Come join us at the library on Friday, March 23, at 2 p.m., for a fascinating presentation on the Schuyler Mansion and the lives of all of the Schuyler women — Philip Schuylers wife, Catharine; her daughters Angelica, Elizabeth, Margaret (Peggy), Cornelia, and Catharine; and the enslaved women who worked at the home — and discuss the impact they had in shaping the family’s place in history.
The wedding of daughter Elizabeth Schuyler to Alexander Hamilton took place in the mansion in 1780. Please register for this class by calling 518-456-2400, ext. 3, or go online to guilderlandlibrary.org.
Wildlife tracking
There are just a few spots left for wildlife tracking, at Tawasentha Park.
Join Dave Muska — wilderness skills instructor, naturalist, and licensed New York State outdoor guide — at Tawasentha Park, on Saturday, March 24, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., as he introduces you to the fundamentals of tracking and awareness to better understand the stories animals leave behind.
You will learn basic tracking skills and concepts, such as clear print identification, track patterns, and techniques to help you develop your skill in tracking. This class does not require any prior knowledge of wildlife tracking and is great for photographers, hunters, or anyone who wishes to deepen their outdoor experience.
This program is for adults, and teens 16 and older with a participating parent or guardian. Bring a notebook and pencil or pen and a snack, and wear weather-appropriate clothing and footwear.
Meet at Tawasentha Park. You must register for this class by calling 518-456-2400, ext. 3.
— Design by Marianne Bacani
To celebrate Brain Awareness Week, the Guilderland Public Library is hosting Jennifer LaPorte on March 13 to discuss ways to keep the brain healthy.
To celebrate Brain Awareness Week, Jennifer LaPorte, of Brookdale Senior Living Solutions, will present Brain Fit! Steps and Strategies for Keeping Your Brain Healthy!, at the Library on Tuesday, March 13, at 1:30 p.m.
This lively, informative, and interactive program gives you proven strategies you can use to keep your brain healthy and fit. Refreshments provided. Please register by calling 518-456-2400, ext. 3, or going online to guilderlandlibrary.org.
FLOSS Computer Club
Teens and tweens, if you’re curious about the guts of a computer, then come to the FLOSS Computer Club starting Monday, March 12, at 6:30 p.m. In this four-session class, you’ll take computers apart to learn about what’s inside, and put them back together to get them working.
Then, there’s the coolest part: We FLOSS! (which means downloading some Free/Libre Open Source Software), and learn how that works.
The remaining three classes are all on Mondays at 6:30 p.m.: March 19, 26, and April 2. Space is limited, so please register now by going to guilderlandlibrary.org, and clicking on March 12 on the calendar. Or you can register by calling 518-456-2400 ext. 4. The program is for grades seven through 12; you must attend all four sessions.
Chicks & Salsa
So, how do farmyard animals create a fun fiesta? Join us and WMHT's Barbara Lukas for Chicks & Salsa on Saturday, March 10, at 10:30 a.m., and find out. We’ll watch the Chicks & Salsa movie, create a feathered chicken craft, and you’ll even get your own copy of the book to keep and read.
Make sure you bring an adult caregiver along. Please have your folks sign you up for this fun class by calling 518-456-2400 ext. 4, or going online to guilderlandlibrary.org.
Board meets
The Guilderland Public Library’s Board of Trustees will hold its monthly business meeting on Thursday, March 15, starting at 7 p.m. You are welcome to attend. If you cannot make it, watch it on the library’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/Guilderland.Library.
If you want to have a voice in how the Guilderland Public Library serves your community, here’s your chance: Consider running for one of the two seats on the Board of Trustees that will be up for election on Tuesday, May 15.
Incumbents and new candidates may run for a permanent board seat by following the steps outlined below. The May 15 election for library trustees is concurrent with votes on the library budget, school district budget, and election of members of the school board.
To start the process of running for the library board, stop by the library and pick up an information packet. When you pick up the packet, you must provide your name, address, and phone number; this information is required by the school district. Note: Completed nomination packets must be filed with the Clerk of the Guilderland Central School District on or before Monday, April 16, 2018.
Your packet includes a memo from the Director, the library bylaws, and a document titled “On Being a Board Member,” which outlines the responsibilities and opportunities the position entails. There is also a two-page biographical information sheet, which must be filled out and returned. This information is used in the Library’s publicity pertaining to the election. Everyone picking up a packet is encouraged to read all the information completely.
If you have questions on this, please call Library Director, Tim Wiles at 518-456-2400, ext. 113, or the School District Clerk at 518-456-6200.
All souls are created equal
Join K. Michelle Arthur, PhD, from the Shaker Heritage Society for a lecture on the Shaker's unique approach to gender roles in their communities.
This class will be held in the Library’s Helderberg Room on Friday, March 2, at 11 a.m. Please register for this class by calling 518-456-2400, ext. 3, or by going online to www.guilderlandlibrary.org.
GPL Pops-Up at Kidz Expo
Join GPL and our friends from Albany Public Library at the 13th Annual Hannaford Kidz Expo, featuring The Octonauts! It’s on from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, March 3, at the Empire State Plaza. We’ll have books, crafts, games, and of course – fun!
Physics students teach young scientists
On Monday, March 5 at 6:30 p.m., the University at Albany’s Society of Physics Students will be at GPL to present a fun, hands-on Family STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics) class to young scientists in grades two to five.
Please register for this class by calling 518-456-2400 ext. 4, or by going online to www.guilderlandlibrary.org.
Read to a Book Buddy
New Readers! Drop-in and bring your own book, or choose one from the library and spend some time reading and enjoying the story with a Guilderland High School honors student or a furry friend!
If you want to read aloud to a student who’s a bit older, come to GPL on Tuesday, March 6 at 4 p.m., 4:30 p.m., or 5 p.m.
Or, if you’d rather read to a four-legged, furry friend, then come to GPL on Tuesday, March 6 at 6:30 p.m., or Wednesday March 7, at 6:30 p.m. Either way, the read-aloud practice will be a lot of fun, and you’ll make a new friend. No need to register, just drop in.
FLOSS Computer Club
Teens and tweens, if you’re curious about the guts of a computer, then come to the FLOSS Computer Club starting on Monday, March 12, at 6:30 p.m. In this four-session class, you’ll take computers apart to learn about what’s inside, and put them back together to get them working.
Then, there’s the coolest part: We FLOSS! (which means downloading some Free/Libre Open Source Software), and learn how that works.
The remaining three classes are all on Mondays at 6:30 p.m. on March 19, 26, and April 2. Space is limited, so please register now by going to guilderlandlibrary.org, and clicking on March 12 on the calendar. Or you can register by calling 518-456-2400 ext. 4. The program is for grades seven to 12; you must attend all four sessions.
Enjoy “Thomas the Tank Engine” free play at the Guilderland Public Library on Friday, Feb. 23, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., with a selection of our Thomas toys. We’ll read stories together, listen to music, and play in our Thomas tent!
Come early for a train surprise treat bag. This program is for all kids up through preschool. No need to register; just come to the station at the library!
Bilingual story time on the Year of the Dog
Please join us on Saturday, Feb. 24, at 2 p.m., for our first-ever Mandarin/English storytime. We'll celebrate the Lunar New Year, and welcome the Year of the Dog with songs, rhymes, and books in both Mandarin and English.
Families with children ages 2 and up are welcome to attend. Please call 518-456-2400, ext. 4 to let us know you’re joining the celebration.
Design a career plan
Similar to a business plan, a career plan will help you — at any age — clarify the talents, education, and resources you need to stay workforce relevant. Developing a detailed outline of your own career plan is the goal of this vital class being held at GPL on Tuesday, Feb. 27, at 6 p.m.
The program is presented by Robert Frederick, a professional development coach with a master of arts degree in social sciences with research focused on human development.
Book party
A duck with no quack? Whoever heard of that?
Certainly not Splat the Cat, who is very curious and decides to investigate. Find out what it’s all about when you come to GPL on Wednesday, Feb. 28, at 6:30 p.m. for the “Splat the Cat and the Duck with No Quack” book party.
Stop by the library now to pick up your copy of the book to take home and read. Then come to our book party and we will talk about the book, play some games, and munch on a yummy snack. Please register by calling 518-456-2400, ext. 4.
GPL Pops-Up at the Kidz Expo
Join GPL and our friends from the Albany Public Library at the 13th Annual Hannaford Kidz Expo, featuring The Octonauts! It’s on from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, March 3, at the Empire State Plaza. We’ll have books, crafts, games, and of course — fun!
If you want to have a voice in how the Guilderland Public Library serves your community, here’s your chance: Run for election for one of the two seats on the library’s board of trustees that will be up for election on Tuesday, May 15.
Incumbents and new candidates may run for a permanent board seat by following the steps outlined below. The May 15 election for library trustees is concurrent with votes on the library budget, school district budget, and election of the school board.
To start the process of running for library trustee, stop by the library and pick up an information packet. When you pick up the packet, you must provide your name, address, and phone number; this information is required by the school district.
Note: Completed nomination packets must be filed with the clerk of the Guilderland Central School District on or before Monday, April 16.
Your packet includes a memo from the director, the library bylaws, and a document titled “On Being a Board Member,” which outlines the responsibilities and opportunities the position entails. There is also a two-page biographical information sheet, which must be filled out and returned.
This information is used in the library’s publicity pertaining to the election. Everyone picking up a packet is encouraged to read all the information completely.
If you have questions on this, please call library’s director, Tim Wiles, at 518-456-2400, ext. 113, or the school district clerk at 518-456-6200.
What do animals wear?
Join us on Thursday, Feb. 15, at 3:30 p.m., for a fun-filled STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) program called “What Animals Wear.”
Kids ages 4 to 7 will have a great time through hands-on learning, experiments, activities, crafts, and a bit of reading. Please register for this class by calling 518-456-2400, ext. 4.
Self-defense for women
Officers from the Guilderland Police Department will be at the library on Tuesday, Feb. 20, at 5:30 p.m., to present the first session of a three-part Rape Aggression Defense program for women age 16 and older.
The RAD course is a total of 12 hours long, and is divided into three sessions: the second is on Wednesday, Feb. 21, at 5:30 p.m. and the third is on Wednesday, Feb. 28, at 5:30 p.m. Each class is four hours long. You must attend all three sessions.
The RAD program begins with instruction on awareness, prevention, risk reduction, and risk avoidance, and progresses to the basics of hands-on defense training. It is not your typical self-defense course, where the student learns how to punch or kick through repetition — rather, it is designed for the student to survive attacks.
This program is for women 16 years of age and older. No experience is necessary. Seats are limited. Please register by calling 518-456-2400, ext. 3, in person, or online at guilderlandlibrary.org.
Kids can explore sound
Through simple experiments with a variety of instruments, children in grades 3 through 5 will discover how sounds are produced, how sounds travel, and what makes each one unique. It all happens at GPL on Tuesday, Feb. 20, at 2 p.m.
During this hour-long class, youngsters will be able to use everyday materials to create their own special music. So caregivers, be prepared. Please register for this class by calling 518-456-2400, ext. 4.
Mario Kart Tournament
Do you have what it takes to be the Mario Kart Champion? Show off your Mario Kart Wii skills at GPL on Thursday, Feb. 22, at 2 p.m., as you race against friends and strangers in head-to-head rounds.
Only the winner of each round advances until one player remains: The Ultimate Mario Kart Champion. Will it be you?
This is for kids in grades 3 to 12. Please register for this competition by calling 518-456-2400, ext. 4.
Food competition
Teens and Tweens: Come to GPL on Thursday, Feb. 22, at 6:30 p.m., and put your culinary skills to the test!
In each round, you’ll have to use the ingredients provided in your mystery basket to make an amazing dish and win prizes. Please register for this class by calling 518-456-2400, ext. 4.
Holiday
The library will be closed Monday, Feb. 19, in commemoration of Presidents’ Day. Your online library at www.guilderlandlibrary.org is always open.
The Guilderland Public Library is partnering with WEXT and Andy Gregory, host of the Local 518 Show, to showcase the talents of three wonderful local bands: The Magdalens; Ferriday; and Zan Strumfeld and Her Band. This free concert happens at GPL on Sunday, Feb. 11, at 2 p.m.
Each group will perform a set, giving you a chance to hear a variety of musical styles and talent from our local music scene. We’re really excited about this event, which will be recorded for a future show on WEXT. Don't miss this very special gathering!
Reading Challenge: You crushed it!
The final numbers are in and, thanks to your participation in the Winter Reading Challenge, “Shark Tank” investor Mark Cuban is going to donate $25,000 to the “First Book” organization, which provides new books, learning materials, and other essentials to children in need.
GPL’s part of the nationwide 55,000-book challenge was to have you collectively read 300 books during January. The 197 of you who signed up blew that away! The numbers tell the story; GPL’s patrons:
— Total number of books read: 1,577 (over five times our goal!);
— Number of books logged by children: 1,040;
— Number of books logged by tweens/teens/adults: 537;
— Number of children enrolled (birth to 10 years old): 54;
— Number of tweens/teens/adults enrolled (over 11): 143; and
— The youngest person enrolled is less than 1 year old, and the oldest is 87!
Of the hundreds of libraries that took part, GPL was in the top 15 based on books read per participant. And, as far as that nationwide goal of 55,000 books read, the final total was more than 73,500. Well done, all!
Bears for sale
Everybody needs a bear hug — and a book or two.
Just in time for Valentine’s Day — when you’re scrambling for that perfect, last-minute gift — the library and Guilderhaven are having an “Everybody Needs a Bear Hug” bear sale at the library on Saturday, Feb. 10, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. You can preview the collection in the library’s lobby display cases right now.
Proceeds from this collaboration between GPL and Guilderhaven help augment the services both organizations provide to the community. The library will devote its share to the upcoming kids’ Summer Reading programs, and Guilderhaven’s portion will sustain its local mission of helping companion animals and rehabilitating wildlife as well as educating the public.
While you’re at the library, check out all the great offerings at this month’s Better Book Sale. It’s also happening from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
What do animals wear?
Join us on Thursday, Feb. 1, at 3:30 p.m., for a fun-filled STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) program called “What Animals Wear.”
Kids ages 4 through 7 will have a great time through hands-on learning, experiments, activities, crafts, and even a book or two. Please register for this class by calling (518) 456-2400, ext. 4.
— Photo from the Guilderland Public Library.
“Take us home!” These wee bears want to come home with you. The sale begins on Feb. 10, at 10 am, in the lobby of the Guilderland Public Library. Proceeds will benefit the library and Guilderhaven.
The children of the United States Virgin Islands thank you!
You’ll be pleased to know that, thanks to your book and cash donations, the Guilderland Public Libraries and the libraries of Albany, Brunswick, Nassau, Ravena-Coeymans-Selkirk, Sand Lake, and Troy collected and shipped some 3,120 books to children in the hurricane-ravaged U.S. Virgin Islands.
This was a community effort. You donated books and money. Library staff and volunteers (adults and teens) sorted and packed 50 boxes of books. Staff then hauled almost 1,200 pounds of books to the post office to send on their way to the Virgin Islands.
We each know firsthand the power of a good book to change a child’s life. When they complete their journey, these books will be put into the hands of kids and teens who may have lost their homes, family members, and possessions.
Thanks also go to the staff of the Upper Hudson Library System, and to Judith Enck, former Environmental Protection Agency Region 2 administrator, whose support of UHLS libraries gave us this opportunity to add a different flavor of good to the world.
Everybody Needs a Bear Hug
Just in time for Valentine’s Day — when you’re scrambling for that perfect, last-minute gift — the library and Guilderhaven are having an “Everybody Needs a Bear Hug” bear sale at the library on Saturday, Feb. 10, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. You can preview the collection in the library’s lobby display cases right now.
Featuring an unbearably adorable assortment of collectible grizzlies from Boyds Bears and Friends, these wee bears are priced to move, are cute and dressed to hug, and sport some punny names. (Our favorite: “Eleanore Bearsevelt.”)
Proceeds from this collaboration between GPL and Guilderhaven help augment the services both organizations provide to the community. The library will devote its share to the upcoming kids’ Summer Reading program, and Guilderhaven’s portion will help sustain its local mission of helping companion animals and rehabilitating wildlife as well as educating the public.
While you’re looking for just the right bear, don’t forget to stop by the day’s Better Books Sale! Bargains abound there, too.
Take Your Child to the Library Day
“Take Your Child to the Library Day” is Saturday, Feb. 3, and we are celebrating this special day with fun activities throughout the library. So come to GPL between 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and go on a scavenger hunt.
Be creative at our craft buffet. Write your own fairy tale or superhero story. Build at our Building Station. Use a paper fortune teller to choose your next book. Play a board game. Come to the library and do it all.
STEAM Nights
Families with children in grades 2 and up, come to GPL on Monday, Feb. 5, at 6:30 p.m., and join Hudson Valley Community College’s Science Departments to get “STEAMED” up!
STEAM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Mathematics, and is a series of educational activities that inspire inquiry and critical thinking. The end results are students who take thoughtful approaches, engage in experiential learning, persist in problem-solving, embrace collaboration, and work through the creative process.
The youngsters who attend these classes can become tomorrow’s innovators, educators, and leaders. Please register by calling (518) 456-2400, ext. 4.
Free concert
We’re partnering with WEXT and Andy Gregory, host of the Local518 show, to showcase the talents of three wonderful local bands: The Magdalens, Ferriday, and Zan Strumfeld and Her Band. This free concert happens at GPL on Sunday, Feb. 11, at 2 p.m.
Each group will perform a set, giving you a chance to hear a variety of musical styles and talent from our local music scene. We’re really excited about this event, which will be recorded for a future show on WEXT! Don't miss this very special gathering.
Hygge Hangout: Potluck Finale
The last “hygge” (pronounced “hoo-ga,” a Danish concept of happiness through all things comfy and cozy) hangout of the season will be our Potluck Finale on Wednesday, Feb. 8, from 7 to 8 p.m.
We’ve enjoyed having these Hygge Hangouts. They’ve been great times to gather, enjoy the company of others, and have some yummy snacks. This one’s a potluck celebration where we will talk about all the hygge fun we’ve had!
Celebrate Clifford’s birthday
Youngsters! It's Clifford the Big Red Dog’s birthday, and you are invited to the celebration! The party is at the library on Saturday, Feb. 10, at 10:30 a.m.
WMHT’s Barbara Lukas will host the party. And even though it’s Clifford’s birthday, it’s you who gets a present — your very own Clifford book to take home. Please register by calling (518) 456-2400, ext. 4. All children must be accompanied by an adult caregiver.
The Snow Sisters will perform a very special storytime at the Guilderland Public Library on Sunday, Jan. 21.
Come to the Guilderland Public Library on Sunday, Jan. 21, at 2 p.m., for “In the Beginning: Guilderland’s First Hundred Years,” and learn about your geographic ancestors, the brave and hearty settlers who trekked into the primeval wilderness where their courage, faith, hard work, and fortitude transformed the countryside into the town called Guilderland.
Within a century, the land had been changed from wilderness to communities with farms, churches, roads, industry, and government. The early settlers’ lives were touched by outside events far from home: The Revolution, Washington’s administration, and the War of 1812. Indeed, the story of Guilderland's first century is an exciting tale.
This class is presented by Mary Ellen Johnson of the Guilderland Historical Society. Be sure to spend some time in the library’s lobby to see the display of contemporary photos, illustrations, and maps showing the early history of our town.
Snow Sisters Story Time
Youngsters, bring your folks to GPL on Sunday, Jan. 21, at 4 p.m., for an hour-long Snow Sister Story Time with the Ice Queen and her little sis! Not only will you get to hear a great story, and sing a bit, but you’ll also be able to take photos with these delightful ladies, and get their autographs!
This is open to the public and completely free. The Snow Sisters say, “We can't wait to meet everyone!”
Your Career Plan
Similar to a business plan, a career plan — at any age! — will clarify the talents, education, and resources you need to stay workforce relevant.
The steps for developing a successful career plan is the focus of Capital District Physicians Health Plan’s “Designing Your Career Plan” being held at GPL on Tuesday, Jan. 23, at 6 p.m.
You will leave this class with an outline of your own career-development plan. The class is led by Robert Frederick, a professional development coach with a master of arts degree in social sciences with research focused on human development. Please register by calling (518) 456-2400, ext. 3.
Youngsters: Read to a Book Buddy!
Calling all kids in grades 1 through 4! Come and read to a teen buddy. Build your reading skills and confidence.
Kids at all reading levels are welcome. Book Buddy sessions last 30 minutes, and take place every Tuesday in January. Slots are available at 4 p.m., 4:30 p.m., 5 p.m., and 5:30 p.m. with a limit of one slot per day per reader. To sign up, please call (518) 456-2400, ext. 4.