— Photo from the Guilderland Public Library.
Owl about that! A crowd of 75 fascinated children (and a few slightly leery adults) packed the Guilderland Public Library’s Helderberg Room on Tuesday, Feb. 21, for a “Rescuing Raptors” program presented by Joyce Perry, of Whispering Willow Wildcare. Here Malerie Muratori, Perry’s assistant, holds Lucy Pearl, a barn owl who is clearly not camera shy.
Join the Guilderland Public Library and our friends from other area libraries at the Empire State Plaza in Albany, on Saturday, March 4, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., for the 12th Annual Hannaford Kidz Expo, featuring “Storybook Fun with Curious George.” We'll have books, crafts, and of course fun!
Family science night
What a lot of fun our next Family Science Night is going to be. On Monday, March 6, at 6:30 p.m., students from the Hudson Valley Community College’s biology department will be at the library with fun science activities for kids. For children in grades three to six, with their families. Please register by calling 456-2400, ext. 4.
Book Buddies are back
Calling all kids in grades one to four to come and read to a teen buddy. Build your reading skills and confidence. All reading levels welcome.
The 30-minute Book Buddy sessions take place every Tuesday in March, starting March 6. Slots are available at 4, 4:30, 5, and 5:30 p.m. Limit one slot per day per reader. Sign up and read! Call 456-2400. ext. 4 to register.
Drop-in genealogy help
Professional genealogist and Guilderland resident Lisa Dougherty will be ready to help breach the “brick walls” encountered when doing genealogical research. Her next session is on Wednesday, March 8, from 6 to 8 p.m.
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. Visit her website at http://www.upstatenygenealogy.com.
For those of you who were — like us — really disappointed that a snowstorm caused us to call off the Cliff Brucker & Full Circle concert two weeks ago, great news! The concert has been rescheduled for Saturday, March 18, at 3 p.m. at the Guilderland Public Library. We’ll remind you as the date gets closer.
We cannot tell a lie
We cannot tell a lie: Over the President’s Day weekend — when we celebrated, among others, George Washington who supposedly took an axe to his father’s cherry tree — we chopped down the trees in the library’s front parking lot. It’s unfortunate, but the trees had died and needed to go.
We will plant new trees in the spring. Our new trees will be beacons of flowering loveliness in the spring, and provide shade in the summer.
Arm Knitting
OK, this is really cool: Learn how to knit without needles. In this program, on Thursday, Feb. 23, at 6:30 p.m., each teen will learn how to Arm Knit their own infinity scarf to take home.
Please bring two skeins of a size 6 bulky or size 6 super bulky yarn (no blanket yarn) in the color of your choice to make your scarf. (Recommended brands are Lion Brand: Wool-Ease, Red Heart: Grande)
Registration is open for all teens and tweens entering grades five to 12; just call 456-2400, ext 4 to let us know you’re coming.
TWiins
Tweens are invited to a Wii Just Dance Party with the latest Wii Just Dance games on the big screen. It all happens on Friday, Feb. 24, from 3 to 4:15 p.m.
We have the hula hoops, party lights, and freeze pops — all we need is you and your friends. Call 456-2400, ext. 4 to let us know you’re coming.
At the zoo
Families with young children are invited to come to GPL for a very special Saturday storytime on Feb. 25, at 2 p.m. Miss Beth will be leading you in a fun, active time that features books, songs, and crafts for the whole family.
Music, movement and story time
Join local librarian and former Kindermusik teacher Josalyn Wilder for “3 Little Birds” on Monday, Feb. 27, at 10:30 a.m., for a fun-filled program of music and literacy activities geared toward children ages 5 and under.
No registration is necessary, drop in whenever you're able. Children must be accompanied by an adult caregiver.
Board committee meets
The finance committee of the library’s board of trustees will meet tonight Thursday, Feb. 23, at 5:30 p.m., to discuss various issues related to the library's budget and operations.
About GPL
The Guilderland Public Library is located at 2228 Western Avenue, Guilderland. Visit the library's website at www.guilpl.org to get information on upcoming programs, and to register online via the homepage’s “Events & Registration Calendar.” Check out the “unofficial” library updates at facebook.com/Guilderland.Library and follow the library on Twitter (@GuilderlandLib).
On Saturday, Feb. 18, at 2 p.m., join V. Frederick Rickey, retired Professor of Mathematics at the United States Military Academy at West Point, who will be at the Guilderland Public Library for a talk about the early career of George Washington, particularly Washington’s experience as a surveyor.
Professor Rickey has extensive experience working with George Washington’s papers at the Library of Congress, as well as those housed in private collections. One insight Rickey will share is the importance of working with original documents; all too often he’s found that digitized copies lack the depth and detail of information of the source document.
We cannot tell a lie
We cannot tell a lie: Over President's Day Weekend — when we celebrate, among others, George Washington who supposedly took an ax to his father’s cherry tree — we are chopping down the Japanese Lilac trees in the front parking lot. It’s unfortunate, but the trees have died, and need to go.
We plan on planting new trees, but do not yet know what they should be. Do you have a suggestion? Send your ideas to .
Closed President’s Day
GPL will be open its regular hours of 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 18, and 1 to 5 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 19, but closed Monday, Feb. 20, for Presidents Day.
About GPL
The Guilderland Public Library is located at 2228 Western Ave. in Guilderland. Visit the library’s website at www.guilpl.org to get information on upcoming programs, and to register online via the homepage’s “Events & Registration Calendar.” Check out the “unofficial” library updates at facebook.com/Guilderland.Library and follow the library on Twitter (@GuilderlandLib).
You are invited to the Guilderland Public Library for “Coffee with a Cop” on Saturday, Feb. 11, from 10:30 a.m. to noon. The Guilderland Police Department is hosting this event so that members of the community can come together in a friendly, informal environment to chat, build relationships, and enjoy a good cup of coffee. You’re encouraged to attend.
All too often contacts law enforcement has with the public happen during emergencies or emotional situations; not the best time for relationship building. Also, some people may feel that officers are unapproachable. This program aims to fix that by fostering communication between police officers and the public, one cup of coffee at a time.
Classic jazz
Cliff Brucker, jazz drummer and pianist, and his exceptional sextet Full Circle, will perform classic jazz standards and original compositions at the library on Sunday, Feb. 12 at 2 p.m. This event is part of the library’s Sunday Concert Series.
Full Circle includes Leo Russo, tenor and alto sax; Larry Ham, piano; Dylan Canterbury, trumpet and flugelhorn; Mike Novakowski, guitar; Otto Gardner, bass. Individually, the six musicians have performed with both local and legendary jazz artists; together, they recently recorded the eponymous album, "Full Circle," showcasing the uplifting swing and phrasing of saxophonist Leo Russo -- "an exceptional and satisfying recording," notes one jazz reviewer.
“Gal”entine's Day
February’s “Pinterest Wins” event – on Monday, Feb. 13, at 7 p.m. focuses on “Gal”entines Day to celebrate our gal pals.
Bring your gal pal (mom, daughter, co-worker, next-door neighbor!) to a night of Valentine’s Day inspired crafting for all ages. There will be a dessert waffle bar. Please register each member of your squad online, by phone -- call 456-2400, ext. 2 or in person at either the information desk or the children’s desk.
Sweet treats
This Valentine’s Day, if you’re planning on giving a sweet treat to someone, why not pick it up at the library? Feb. 6 through 14, we are offering “Lollipops for Love,” homemade chocolate lollipops sure to bring a smile. And on Valentine’s Day itself, we are having a bake Sale where there will be lots of tasty, scrumptious, home-baked goodies for sale. Enjoy!
STEM
Find out “what’s the matter” at our next fun-filled STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Math) program at GPL on Thursday, Feb. 16, at 3:30 p.m.
Ideal for kids ages 4 through 7, this program explores the world around us through books, experiments, activities, and crafts. Lots of hands-on learning for everyone. Children must be accompanied by an adult caregiver.
Please register by calling 456-2400. Ext. 4, or go online to www.guilpl.org, and use the Events & Registration Calendar.
Special meeting
The library’s board of trustees will hold a special meeting on Thursday, Feb. 9, at 6 p.m., which will be devoted to an Executive Session discussion of a building-maintenance contract.
That same evening, at 6:30 p.m. the board’s finance committee will meet to discuss various issues related to the library's budget and operations.
— Photo courtesy of Richard Johnson, via albanyjazz.com
Cliff Brucker and the sextet Full Circle will perform a free concert at the Guilderland Public Library on Sunday, Feb. 12, at 2 p.m.
Cliff Brucker, jazz drummer and pianist, and his exceptional sextet Full Circle, will perform classic jazz standards and original compositions at the Guilderland Public Library on Sunday, Feb. 12 at 2 p.m. This event is part of the library’s Sunday Concert Series.
Teens: It’s due
Teens: It’s time to tell us your story. The deadline for the 2017 Teen Winter Writing Contest is Monday, Feb. 13, by 9 p.m.
Submit your piece via email to: . The categories are:
— Grades 6 to 8, poetry;
— Grades 6 to 8, fiction or nonfiction prose;
— Grades 9 to 12, poetry;
— Grades 9 to 12, fiction or nonfiction prose;
Full details at www.guilpl.org/teenwriting.
3 Little Birds
Join local librarian and former Kindermusik teacher Josalyn Wilder at GPL on Monday, Feb. 13 at 10:30 a.m. for “3 Little Birds: Music, Movement & Storytime,” a fun-filled program of music and literacy activities geared toward children ages 5 and under.
No registration necessary, drop in whenever you're able. Children must be accompanied by an adult caregiver.
“Gal”entine's Day Edition
February’s Pinterest Wins event, on Monday, Feb. 13 at 7 p.m. celebrates our gal pals.
Bring your gal pal (mom, daughter, co-worker, next-door-neighbor!) to a night of Valentine’s Day-inspired crafting for all ages. There will even be a dessert waffle bar. Please register each member of your squad online at www.guilpl.org, by phone at 456-2400, ext, 2, or in person at either the information desk or the children’s desk.
GPL Sprouts
Find out “what’s the matter” at our next fun-filled STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Math) program at GPL on Thursday, Feb. 16, at 3:30 p.m.
Ideal for kids ages 4 through 7, this program explores the world around us through books, experiments, activities, and crafts. Lots of hands-on learning for everyone. Children must be accompanied by an adult caregiver.
Please register by calling 456-2400, ext. 4, or go online to www.guilpl.org, and use the Events & Registration Calendar.
Book sale
Fight the Gloom Period Blahs with a new book! There are bargains galore on books, CDs, DVDs and more at the Guilderland Public Library's next Better Books Sale on Saturday, Feb. 11, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Good hunting!
Folk singer and songwriter Caroline Doctorow will perform at the Guilderland Public Library on Sunday, Jan. 8, at 2 p.m.
Chart-topping folksinger and songwriter Caroline Doctorow has a stirring, gorgeous voice that recalls Judy Collins and Sandy Denny, and you’ll get to experience the beauty of Caroline’s singing when you come to the Guilderland Public Library on Sunday, Jan. 8, at 2 p.m., for a free concert.
The daughter of renowned novelist E.L. Doctorow, Caroline has released 11 solo albums; her most recent is “Dreaming in Vinyl,” which was #2 on the nationwide Folk Radio hit list. She and her trio will perform their signature bluegrass and American roots music. You can read more about the artist at www.carolinedoctorow.com. And, just in case, the snow date is Sunday, Jan. 22 at 2 p.m.
Flipster!
There's a new, free, and super-easy way to read digital magazines on your phone, computer, or tablet: Flipster! Access current and back issues of more than 60 of your favorite magazines, from The New Yorker, to People, to Rolling Stone; all you need is your library card. If your device has Internet access, you can read directly in your browser; you can also download a magazine to the Flipster app (free) to read offline. Go to www.guilpl.org to take advantage of this great digital service.
It’s never too cold for ice cream
On Friday, Dec. 30, at 1:30 p.m., SUNY Poly Children’s Museum of Science & Technology and the Scotia Glenville Children’s Museum will share the secrets of making ice cream, our favorite cold or hot weather treat. For kids in grades two through five. Please call 456-2400, ext, 4 to register.
Read to a Book Buddy
Calling all kids in grades one through four. Come and build your reading skills and confidence by reading to a teen Book Buddy. The 30-minute Book Buddy sessions take place every Tuesday in January. Slots are available at 4, 4:30, 5, and 5:30 p.m.
All reading levels welcome. Limit one slot per day per reader. Sign up and read! Call 456-2400, ext. 4 to register.
Another Brick in the Wall
Teens and tweens are invited to come to Lego Club on Wednesday, Jan. 4, at 6:30 p.m. It’s your chance to show off creations you bring from home, or to work on a great project with friends and fellow Lego fans.
Read to furry friends
New readers! Grab your favorite book (or choose one at the library) and read to GPL's friendly dog — or cat — on Wednesday, Jan. 4, at 6:30 p.m. Our furry friends are very patient listeners, and look forward to listening to you read to them!
New Year’s schedule
GPL will close at 2 pm on Saturday, Dec. 31, and be closed all day, Sunday, Jan. 1. Happy New Year!
Celebrate the season with the annual Suburban Sounds Holiday Concert in the Guilderland Public Library’s Helderberg Room at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 18. This respite, right before the Hanukkah, Christmas, and New Year holidays, gives you a chance to sit, relax, and enjoy a live choral performance.
Perfect polymer jewels
This program on Monday, Dec. 19, at 6:30 p.m., is for teens — and anyone else who wants to craft a really cool piece of jewelry (that could even be a gift). You will create wearable art using polymer clay. The project is fun and does not require any previous jewelry-making skills.
You will learn some simple techniques that will enhance your pieces and give them a professional look. Again: Adults are welcome. Just give us a call at 456-2400, ext. 4 to let us know you’re coming.
Musical mystery story time
Local singer-songwriter and librarian Tor Loney will lead toddlers and preschoolers through an exciting music and movement story time on Monday, Dec. 19, at 10:30 a.m. You’ll listen to stories, dance, and sing along .
Holiday schedule
We will be closed for the Christmas holiday from Saturday, Dec. 24, through Monday, Dec. 26, opening at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 27.
For New Year’s, we will close at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 31, and be closed all day, Sunday, Jan.1, 2017. Happy New Year!
About GPL
The Guilderland Public Library is located at 2228 Western Avenue, Guilderland. Visit the Library's website at www.guilpl.org to get information on upcoming programs, and to register online via the homepage’s “Events & Registration Calendar.” Check out the “unofficial” Library updates at facebook.com/Guilderland.Library and follow the Library on Twitter (@GuilderlandLib).
Youngsters in pre-kindergarten through first grade will learn all about three woodland animals — raccoons, deer, and muskrats — by coming to the Guilderland Public Library on Saturday, Dec. 10, at 10:30 a.m., for “Amazing Woodland Wonders, with WMHT'S Barbara Lukas.
Not only will the kids be able to get creative and make woodland animal puppets, but each child will get the book “Morning, Noon, and Night,” by Jean Craighead George, for their very own. Please register by calling 456-2400, ext. 4, or by using the Events and Registration Calendar at www.guilpl.org.
Let us wrap it for you
Volunteers will hold a “Wrap-Fest” at GPL on Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 10 and 11, from 1 to 5 p.m. Bring your presents, and let our volunteers do the wrapping.
We supply the paper, ribbons, and bows. (Think of all the frustration this will save you!) The suggested donation is $1 per item; proceeds support library activities.
Musical Mystery story time
Local singer-songwriter and librarian, Tor Loney, will lead toddlers and preschoolers through an exciting music and movement storytime on Monday, Dec. 12, at 10:30 a.m.
You’ll listen to stories, dance, sing along while Tor plays his guitar, and try out different instruments and more. Musical Mystery story time happens again on Monday, Dec. 19, at 10:30 a.m.
Local history on display
What did your neighborhood look like a century or more ago? Where was the station that gave Fuller Station Road its name? And did you know that the state police substation on Willow Street used to be a school?
Find out about all this and more when you visit the Guilderland Historical Society’s display of pictures in the Library’s lobby. The display runs through the end of December. Make it a point to stop by and see it.
Holiday bus trip
If you’ve already reserved your seats for the Dec. 10 bus trip to New York City on Saturday, Dec. 10, please arrive at the library no later than 6:45 a.m. Please park along the Western Avenue edge of the parking lot, or in the staff lot.
Finally, a board in front of the library will show, by last name, what bus to board. Have a great time.
Better books sale
Looking for a book, CD, or DVD to give as a small gift to yourself or a friend? Then come to GPL’s Better Books Sale on Saturday, Dec. 10, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Good hunting!
December concert
Come to GPL on Sunday, Dec. 18, at 2 p.m., to enjoy a musical respite from the hustle and bustle of the holidays. Suburban Sounds, the ever-popular choral group, will sing seasonal favorites, and some selections sure to become new favorites. Their calming, peaceful, and entertaining renditions are just the thing to put the joy back into this joyful time.
About GPL
The Guilderland Public Library is located at 2228 Western Avenue, Guilderland. Visit the library's website at www.guilpl.org to get information on upcoming programs, and to register online via the homepage’s “Events & Registration Calendar.” Check out the “unofficial” library updates at facebook.com/Guilderland.Library and follow the library on Twitter (@GuilderlandLib).
Cookbooks and scrapbooks tell us a lot more than just how a dish is made, as you’ll learn when you come to “A Taste of Change: Handwritten Cookbooks as Documents of Social & Family History” at GPL on Saturday, Dec. 3, at 2 p.m. What recipes are included often give us an indication of the family’s ethnicity and how that ethnicity was retained over generations through the continuation of customs and celebrations.
Using her knowledge of Dutch customs and food history, food historian Peter G. Rose will discuss examples of such recipe/scrapbooks, dating as far back as the late 17th Century and ranging to the 20th Century that contain Dutch recipes. They show the continued identification with the forebears, but also the effects of gradual assimilation.
Please feel free to bring old family cookbooks/recipe boxes. A discussion of the importance of saving such items is part of the program. Register by calling 456-2400, ext. 2, or by going online to the Events & Registration Calendar at www.guilpl.org.
Family science night
Our next “Family Science Night,” on Monday, Dec. 5, at 6:30 p.m., is hosted by the University at Albany’s Society of Physics Students! This is going to a wonderful experience for children in grades three through six, and their folks.
This is part of our regular series where local college science and engineering students come to GPL and bring fun science activities for kids! Register by calling 456-2400, ext. 4, or by going online to the Events & Registration Calendar at www.guilpl.org.
Origami fun
Children in grades two through six can learn about origami –— those amazing, delightful creatures crafter with folded paper — when they come to “Origami Fun & Folding” at GPL on Tuesday, Dec. 6 at 4 p.m.
We supply the paper and fun; you bring your creativity to fold your own masterpiece … maybe even a paper crane! Sign up by calling call 456-2400, ext. 4, or registering online via the “Events & Registration Calendar” at www.guilpl.org.
Holiday teas
What is tea, anyway? Find out when you come to “Holiday Teas and Cooking with Tea” at GPL on Wednesday, Dec. 7, at 6:30 p.m.
Most people don’t know that white, green, oolong, and black tea all come from the same tea plant, just what happens after it is plucked makes tea those different kinds of styles.
In this informative session Matthew from Short and Stout Tea in Guilderland will discuss topics on tea basics including: what is tea, history of tea, how to brew tea and of course a tea tasting. Sign up by calling call 456-2400, ext. 2, or registering online via the “Events & Registration Calendar” at www.guilpl.org.
— Photo from the Guilderland Public Library
Soulful creature: Create your own Stupid Stock Puppet at the Guilderland Public Library on Monday, Nov. 28, at 6:30 p.m.
Cookbooks and scrapbooks tell us a lot more than just how a dish is made, as you’ll learn when you come to “A Taste of Change: Handwritten Cookbooks as Documents of Social & Family History” at the Guilderland Public Library on Saturday, Dec. 3, at 2 p.m. What recipes are included often give us an indication of the family’s ethnicity and how that ethnicity was retained over generations through the continuation of customs and celebrations.
Using her knowledge of Dutch customs and food history, food historian Peter G. Rose will discuss examples of such recipe/scrapbooks, dating as far back as the late 17th Century and ranging to the 20th Century that contain Dutch recipes. They show the continued identification with the forebears, but also the effects of gradual assimilation.
Please feel free to bring old family cookbooks/recipe boxes. A discussion of the importance of saving such items is part of the program.
Register by calling 456-2400, ext. 2, or by going online to the Events & Registration Calendar at www.guilpl.org.
Craft kits
Teens, give back to your community by helping hospitalized children. Come to GPL on Saturday, Dec. 3, at 1 p.m., and help make craft kits for inpatient children at the Bernard & Millie Duker Children's Hospital at Albany Medical Center.
We provide all the supplies; what you’re donating is your time to help make something sure to bring joy to a child who could use some. This program offers community service hours for teen participants, but the real benefit is to the children at Albany Med. Register by calling 456-2400, ext. 4, or by going online to the Events & Registration Calendar at www.guilpl.org.
Musical mystery
Local singer-songwriter and librarian Tor Loney will lead toddlers and preschoolers through an exciting music and movement at drop-in storytime at GPL on Monday, Nov. 28 at 10:30 a.m. You’ll listen to stories, dance, and sing along while Tor plays his guitar.
Create sock creatures
Teens and tweens invited to come to GPL on Monday, Nov. 28, at 6:30 p.m. to create quirky, lovable figures from socks. Bring your favorite socks, or we can provide them for you.
And, you can carry your funky friends home with you. To sign up, please call 456-2400, ext. 4, or use the “Events & Registration Calendar” at www.guilpl.org.
Thanksgiving
GPL will close at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 23, and be closed all day Thursday, Nov. 24 for the Thanksgiving holiday.