On Saturday, Sept. 10, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., the Guilderland YMCA, Our Lady of Mercy Life Center, and the Guilderland Public Library are partnering to give the community a new way to get together: think of it as a block party for the whole town.
Featuring Bouncy Houses at the Y, a puppet show at the Library, barbeque lunch at Our Lady of Mercy, concerts around Mercy Care Lane sure to please one and all, live-action displays by the Guilderland police and fire departments, and the Western Turnpike Rescue Squad — not to mention prizes and give-aways — this family-fun Saturday is going to be a wonderful time.
The Y is holding an open house that day. Feel free to come in and take advantage of all it has to offer. Bring your sneakers to play a little basketball, try out the exercise machines, and bring your swimsuit for a dip in the pool.
So come on by. Park in the Guilderland Elementary School parking lot, if you can’t find a space at the Library or Y, and buy lunch – a barbecue Chicken lunch with all the trimmings, in front of Our Lady of Mercy Life Center. You can make a day of it.
Overdrive office hours
Want to get free library books or magazines on your iPhone or Kindle? Ask us how! Sign up for a one-on-one session with an expert. The next Overdrive Office Hours will be held on Wednesday, September 7, from 2 pm to 4:15 pm. If you miss that one, come to the one the afternoon of Wednesday, September 21.
Bring your library card and your device to the appointment. Devices we can help you with: Kindle and Kindle Fire, Nook, iPhone, iPad, Android tablets, and laptops. Please register by calling 456-2400, ext. 2, or you can just drop in.
Read to furry friends
Our furry friends will be back at GPL’s storyhour room on Tuesday, Sept. 6, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., and they are ready to listen to new readers share their favorite books with them.
Reading to furry friends is a great way for beginners to practice and improve their reading skills and our furry friends are very patient listeners.
Holiday
While the library is closed Labor Day weekend — Saturday through Monday Sept. 3 to 5 the main parking lot will be closed for repaving. Please return all materials by walking them to the book drops in front of the library.
Even though the library is closed that weekend, our online library at www.guilpl.org is always open. Request or renew material using the “My Account” feature, search the catalog for your next great read, check out all the exciting events by clicking on the “Events & Registration Calendar,” or just browse through the “Research” tab to see all the authoritative resources you can access online. Remember: You can get the real answers at GPL.
There are several exciting and important library events in September that we think you want to know about, so here’s a quick digest of what’s going on.
Operation Gratitude
During the month of September, the library is collecting letters and art for Operation Gratitude.
Every year, Operation Gratitude sends more than 250,000 care packages to deployed troops, wounded heroes, veterans, and new recruits. To get details, please visit www.guilpl.org/operationgratitude.
Community Day
Enjoy four hours of fun on Sept. 10, with bouncy houses and an open house at Guilderland YMCA; a bargain-priced BBQ lunch at Our Lady of Mercy; a puppet show, book sale, and exercise classes at the library; and concerts in various places around Mercy Care Lane: think of it as a block party for the whole town, starting at 11 a.m.
Cello solo
On Sunday, Sep. 18, at 2 p.m., virtuoso guitarist, musicologist, and author Steven Hancoff will give a very special multimedia presentation on Johann Sebastian Bach entitled “From Tragedy to Transcendence: Bach, Casals, and the Six Suites for Cello Solo.”
Using music, video, and hundreds of historic images and spectacular contemporary art, Hancoff presents a concert-length story about the life of Bach, the creation of his masterful Cello Suites, the role of Felix Mendelssohn in resurrecting the music, and cellist Pablo Casals’ rediscovery and recording of the suites.
This is a ticketed event. Tickets are free; limit of four per person. Please pick up tickets at the library’s adult reference desk. For more information, please visit www.guilpl.org/bachtranscendence.
GPL Pops-Up
GPL’s Pop-Up Library will be at the Capital Region Apple & Wine Festival on Saturday, Sept. 17 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday, Sept. 18 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Come to a novel affair
The Guilderland Library Foundation is hosting its 2016 annual gala at the Albany Country Club on Saturday, Sept. 24, at 6 p.m.
This dinner-dance event features live entertainment, a first-rate meal, and some fun surprises, including silent and live auctions. (The live auction offers some amazing vacation bargains!)
This year’s honoree is the Robinson family, long-time owners of one of the region’s cornerstone businesses, Robinson’s Ace Hardware.
To attend the gala, please order your tickets online at guilpl.org/gala
End of summer hours
With the end of summer comes the end of summer hours. Starting Friday, Sept. 2, we are open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Fridays. And starting Sunday, Sept. 11, we are open every Sunday from 1 to 5 p.m.
Labor Day weekend
While the library is closed Labor Day weekend , Sept. 3 through Sept. 5 the main parking lot will be closed for repaving. Please return all materials by walking them to the book drops in front of the library.
— Photo courtesy of Jester Jim.
Jester Jim, as Jim Maurer calls himself, will perform at the Guilderland Public Library on Aug. 23 at 11 a.m.
Combining juggling, beatbox, and comedy, Jester Jim who is working his magic at the Guilderland Public Library on Tuesday, Aug. 23, at 11 a.m., will offer a variety show that is sure to delight young and old alike.
As Jim Maurer, who goes by Jester Jim, puts it, “This is not your ordinary juggling show!”
With a trunk full of props and a looping machine, he takes the stage and starts his show. You’ll be glued to his every sound as he performs his amazing beatbox intro, and you’ll be talking about his wild antics for weeks.
Kindergarten boot camp
Get your youngster set for kindergarten with GPL’s Kindergarten Boot Camp. Join us for a fun-filled, two-hour program where soon-to-be kindergarteners can hone their kindergarten-readiness skills and celebrate this important milestone.
There are two sessions, on Wednesday, Aug. 24 at 6 p.m., and another on Thursday, Aug. 25 at 10:30 a.m. so you can pick a time that meets your schedule.
Starting kindergarten is a special and exciting time for children and their parents and caregivers. This program is for children starting kindergarten this September.
To register — for one session only, please — call 456-2400, ext. 4, or go to the Events and Registration Calendar on guilpl.org, and click on the Kindergarten Boot Camp link on either Aug. 24 or 25.
Prize pick-up day
Can you believe it? The Super Summer Reading Olympics are quickly coming to a close, and it’s time for all our young readers to come to the library on Friday, Aug. 19, to come pick up prizes. The prize station will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
It’s been a very successful summer reading program. We thank you for being a part of it.
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).
The Guilderland Public Library is helping raise funds to send a nearby youngster, who has muscular dystrophy, to MDA summer camp where he or she can enjoy a fun and safe outdoor experience.
But we need your help.
Our goal is $1,000, and, as of early August, we are far short of this goal. So, if you believe that helping someone less fortunate is worthwhile, please consider making a $1 or $5 donation at GPL to this cause. You can follow the success of this effort by checking the MDA thermometer on the library’s entrance doors. Donor cards are available at the circulation desk.
MDA summer camp provides thousands of kids with muscular dystrophy and related muscle-debilitating diseases "the best week of the year." At MDA summer camp, kids are living beyond limits in a place where anything is possible. It's a week where they’re free to enjoy adventures like horseback riding, swimming and fishing, develop lifelong friendships, and build self-confidence and independence. So please help.
Literacy morning
WMHT's Barbara Lukas will be at GPL on Saturday, Aug. 13, at 10:30 a.m., for a berry special family literacy morning with “Summer Blueberries for Sal.”
Kids in pre-kindergarten through grade two are invited to join us, read books, watch a DVD and do crafts based on this classic children's book.
Please register by calling 456-2400, ext. 4. And note that children must be accompanied by an adult caregiver.
Family math night
Join us for a fun night of math games at GPL on Monday, Aug. 15, at 6:30 p.m. This activity for children in grades three through six and their parents/caregivers gets kids actively engaged in fun and creative math activities. When families communicate about math in a hands-on environment, it gives students and adults a deeper understanding of important concepts, and contributes to powerful learning experiences.
Please register by calling 456-2400, ext. 4.
Making collages
What does a library do with old magazines? We save the best of them so that teens in grades seven through 12 can join us in making unique collages. It all happens on Tuesday, Aug. 16, at 5:30 p.m.
You’ll create unique collages using magazine pages. Clip, snip, and paste. Not only are you creating, you’re also recycling, reducing, and reusing. This means less paper waste. And you get a really cool thing to take home.
Come on. You know you want to. Join us for this fun, hands-on activity. Please call 456-2400 , ext. 4 to let us know you’re going to collage.
Little Lego
Our Lego Club for children in kindergarten through grade two will meet in the story hour room on Tuesday, Aug. 16, at 3:30 p.m. Use your imaginations for some creative play with friends. Bring your own bricks or create with ours. As usual, creations that you bring to show off will be kept separate from the library supplies.
Please call 456-2400, ext. 4 to let us know you’re Little Lego-ing.
Prize pick-up day
Can you believe it? The Super Summer Reading Olympics are coming to a close, and it’s time for all our young readers to come to the library on Friday, August 19, to pick up prizes. The prize station will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
In fact, in July alone, we had more than 1,900 patrons attend children and teen programs. We thank you for being a part of it.
CrossFit Kids is big fun for children ages five to 18 of all abilities. On Saturday, Aug. 6, at 11 a.m., our neighbors at CrossFit Aevitas of Guilderland will be here at the library to demonstrate the exercise concepts of CrossFit, emphasizing good mechanics of movement, teamwork, agility, balance, consistency, and intensity.
Please register by calling 456-2400, ext. 4. and be sure to wear comfortable clothes and sneakers, and bring a water bottle.
Help your library
During the month of August, every time you purchase the blue “Hannaford Helps” reusable bag at the Guilderland Hannaford, a $1 donation is made to support the library.
Hannaford’s reusable bag program has helped more than 1,000 local causes by donating hundreds of thousands of dollars to these community organizations. But the real benefit here is that, every year, some 6.4 million disposable paper and plastic bags are not being used. That’s just good news for everyone.
So, next time you go to Hannaford, please purchase a reusable bag or two. But remember to use them when you shop.
Download eBooks
Want to get free library books or magazines on your iPhone or Kindle? Learn how at GPL during Overdrive office hour on Wednesday, Aug. 10, at 2 p.m. Call 456-2400, ext. 2 to sign up for this one-on-one session with an expert librarian. Please bring your library card and your device to the appointment. We can help you with: Kindle and Kindle Fire, Nook, iPhone or iPad, Android tablets, and laptops.
Classic children’s book
WMHT's Barbara Lukas will be at GPL on Saturday, Aug. 13, at 10:30 a.m., for a "berry" special family literacy morning with “Summer Blueberries for Sal.”
Kids in pre-kindergarten through grade two are invited to join us, read books, watch a DVD, and do crafts based on this classic children's book.
Please register by calling 456-2400, ext. 2 and note that children must be accompanied by an adult caregiver.
Sew an iPod pouch
It sounds odd that you can actually sew a pouch for your iPod, but you will learn how when you come to Tween Sewing at GPL on today, Aug. 4, at 3 p.m. You'll sew a felt owl pouch, large enough to hold an iPod or other treasures of your choice. Please register by calling 456-2400, ext. 4.
Eating right
Young readers in kindergarten through third grade are encouraged to come to GPL with an adult, of course, on today, Aug. 4, at 6:30 p.m., to talk about the book "The Berenstain Bears and Too Much Junk Food." Healthy snacks included. Please call 456-2400, ext. 4 to let us know you’re going to join us.
Book sale
Summer’s half over, and before you know it, we’ll be coming into those cool, early fall evenings (no mosquitos). So stock up on reading material now. GPL’s next better books sale is on Saturday, Aug. 13, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Join us at the Guilderland Public Library on Wednesday, Aug. 3, at 6 p.m., for a series of prenatal yoga classes offered by local yoga therapist and public speaker Laura Harrison.
We will share in relaxation and mindfulness techniques, strengthening and supportive poses, deep breathing, and restful meditation at the end. Everyone is encouraged to listen to their body at all times, which is the ultimate guide.
Please be sure to bring a mat and two bed pillows to provide support, and wear comfortable clothes. Offered in collaboration with CDPHP. Please register by calling 456-2400, ext. 2.
Sports and science
SUNY Poly Children's Museum of Science & Technology on Tuesday, August 2, at 1 p.m., is presenting a hands-on program demonstrating how the world of sports and athletic competition is filled with science.
For children in grades three through six. Please call 456-2400, ext.4 to register.
Sew an iPod pouch
It sounds odd that you can actually sew a pouch for your iPod, but you will learn how when you come to Tween Sewing at GPL on Thursday, Aug. 4, at 3 p.m. You'll sew a felt owl pouch, large enough to hold an iPod or other treasures of your choice. Please register by calling 456-2400, ext. 4.
Eating right
Young readers in Kindergarten through third grade are encouraged to come to GPL with an adult, of course, on Thursday, Aug. 4, at 6:30 p.m., to talk about the book "The Berenstain Bears and Too Much Junk Food." You’ll learn about good nutrition, exercise, and how to stay away from junk food, all from the Berenstain Bears. Healthy snacks included. Please call 456-2400. Ext. 4 to let us know you’re going to snack with us.
Jim Snack’s magic is back
Master magician Jim Snack will be at GPL on Thursday, July 28, at 6:30 p.m., to delight and amaze you with mind boggling illusions and spellbinding sleights of hand. His show is guaranteed to bring a smile to your entire family. No registration is required, but get to the library early. Jim Snack’s Magic shows are packed.
“Frankie Pickle and the Mathematical Menace”
Frankie Pickle hates math, but his family and friends help him learn that math can be fun and practical. And you can, too, when you come to GPL on Thursday, July 28, at 2 p.m., to join us for a discussion of this book, and some real-world math activities that will prove math can be fun. Please register by calling 456-2400, ext. 4, and pick up a free copy of the book at the children's desk.
Summer party
Tweens! Mark this date and time: Thursday, July 28, at 3 p.m. That’s when everyone in grades three through six are invited to GPL for a Wii Zumba and Just Dance Party with the latest Wii Just Dance games on the big screen.
We have the hula hoops, party lights, and freeze pops; all we need is you. And give us a call at 456-2400, ext. 4 to let us know you’ll be there.
Join us at the Guilderland Public Library on Wednesday, Aug. 3, at 6 p.m., for a series of prenatal yoga classes offered by local yoga therapist and public speaker Laura Harrison.
We will share in relaxation and mindfulness techniques, strengthening and supportive poses, deep breathing, and restful meditation at the end. Everyone is encouraged to listen to their body at all times, which is the ultimate guide.
Please be sure to bring a mat and two bed pillows to provide support, and wear comfortable clothes. Offered in collaboration with CDPHP. Please register by calling 456-2400, ext. 2.
Sports and science
SUNY Poly Children's Museum of Science & Technology on Tuesday, August 2, at 1 p.m., is presenting a hands-on program demonstrating how the world of sports and athletic competition is filled with science.
For children in grades three through six. Please call 456-2400, ext.4 to register.
Sew an iPod pouch
It sounds odd that you can actually sew a pouch for your iPod, but you will learn how when you come to Tween Sewing at GPL on Thursday, Aug. 4, at 3 p.m. You'll sew a felt owl pouch, large enough to hold an iPod or other treasures of your choice. Please register by calling 456-2400, ext. 4.
Eating right
Young readers in Kindergarten through third grade are encouraged to come to GPL with an adult, of course, on Thursday, Aug. 4, at 6:30 p.m., to talk about the book "The Berenstain Bears and Too Much Junk Food." You’ll learn about good nutrition, exercise, and how to stay away from junk food, all from the Berenstain Bears. Healthy snacks included. Please call 456-2400. Ext. 4 to let us know you’re going to snack with us.
Jim Snack’s magic is back
Master magician Jim Snack will be at GPL on Thursday, July 28, at 6:30 p.m., to delight and amaze you with mind boggling illusions and spellbinding sleights of hand. His show is guaranteed to bring a smile to your entire family. No registration is required, but get to the library early. Jim Snack’s Magic shows are packed.
“Frankie Pickle and the Mathematical Menace”
Frankie Pickle hates math, but his family and friends help him learn that math can be fun and practical. And you can, too, when you come to GPL on Thursday, July 28, at 2 p.m., to join us for a discussion of this book, and some real-world math activities that will prove math can be fun. Please register by calling 456-2400, ext. 4, and pick up a free copy of the book at the children's desk.
Summer party
Tweens! Mark this date and time: Thursday, July 28, at 3 p.m. That’s when everyone in grades three through six are invited to GPL for a Wii Zumba and Just Dance Party with the latest Wii Just Dance games on the big screen.
We have the hula hoops, party lights, and freeze pops; all we need is you. And give us a call at 456-2400, ext. 4 to let us know you’ll be there.
— Photo from Mark Curiale
Reviewing the oath of office: Before he swears in two recently elected Guilderland library trustees, the board’s president, Daniel Centi, left, goes over the oath that incumbent Bryan Best, second from left, and Jason D. Wright will shortly take. Trustee Chris Aldrich, seated, who had just turned the board presidency over to Mr. Centi, looks on.
This month, the Digital Photo Forum invites one and all to come to the Guilderland Public Library on Thursday, July 21, at 7 p.m., and bring your best shots of weather events. Remember that Big Snow? The storms we’ve had lately? That’s what we’re talking about.
We'll share work. Beginners are welcome.
Get ’em while they’re hot
Did you know that July is National Hot Dog Month? We did. So, to mark this summer-food celebration, GPL is holding its own National Hot Dog lunch on Saturday, July 23, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., by serving a grilled hot dog or two to anyone who stops by the library.
Magic is back
Master magician Jim Snack will be at the library on Thursday, July 28, at 6:30 p.m., to delight and amaze you. His show is guaranteed to bring a smile to your entire family. No registration is required, but get to the library early. Jim Snack’s Magic shows are packed.
Origami
Take folding paper to a whole new level when you come to GPL on Monday, July 25, at 3 p.m., to learn about origami and then create your own masterpiece. We supply the paper and fun; you supply the creativity. Open to children grades three to six. Please call 456-2400, ext. 4 to register.
Songs for Kids
Guitarist Tom Fisch brings his fabulous Songs for Kids performance to GPL on Monday, July 25, at 6:30 p.m. No registration is required, but bring your sing-along voice.
Book discussion and party
We’ll discuss the “Ballet Cat: The Totally Secret Secret” on Tuesday, July 26, at 3 p.m. and have fun. Please register by calling 456-2400, ext. 4, and then come to the children’s desk and pick up a copy of the book to read in advance. It’s yours to keep.
Zumba and dance
Teens are invited to a Wii Zumba & Just Dance Party with the latest Wii Just Dance games on the big screen. It’s all happening on Tuesday, July 26, at 3 p.m. Just give us a call at 456-2400, ext. 4 to let us know you’re coming.
Teen Iron Chef!
Teens, come to GPL on Tuesday, July 26, at 6 p.m., and bring your cooking chops. You’ll compete to make the best dish using your creativity, your wits, and whatever random food the library gives you.
Work as a team to make the best appetizer and entrée possible. Each person should sign up individually. Teams of more than four will be split up.
Please register by calling 456-2400, ext. 4. If you have concerns about food allergies, this may not be the right program for you.
Groovin' in the Garden with Story Laurie
Gardeners, bookworms, and kid community heroes all meet up in Story Laurie's highly original musical storytelling adventure, “Groovin' in the Garden,” and it’s yours to enjoy at GPL on Wednesday, July 27, at 2 p.m. Please register by calling 456-2400, ext 4.
The Guilderland Public Library Board welcomes Jason D. Wright as its newest trustee. Wright and incumbent Bryan Best, who were both recently elected to five-year terms on the board, will be sworn in at the board’s annual reorganization meeting on Thursday, July 14, at 6:40 p.m.
Immediately thereafter, the board will hold its regular monthly business meeting. The public is always welcome.
Teen Read-In
Teens, join us after-hours for a read-in, featuring snacks and comfy chairs, on Friday, July 15 at 5 p.m. Bring your friends, and any book you want. We also encourage you to bring this year's Read It Forward book — swap and pass it on to a friend. Please register by calling 456-2400, ext. 4.
Local filmmaker
Join local filmmaker, author, and illustrator Alex Guilderland at GPL on Monday, July 18, at 7 p.m., as he shows his new short film, “This is Andromeda,” and talks about his upcoming book, “Impossible Tales by an Insensitive Foreigner." Alex moved to America from Tashkent, Uzbekistan, in 2000, and loves his adopted home so much that he’s taken Guilderland as his surname.
CrossFit for adults
If you’re looking for a proven core-strength and conditioning program suitable for adults of all ages, then come to GPL on Wednesday, July 20, at 6 p.m. for a 90-minute demonstration of CrossFit. Please register by calling 456-2400, ext. 2. Be sure to wear comfortable clothes and sneakers.
Flight in the locker room
Join WMHT for a high-flying time. On Wednesday, July 20, at 6:30 p.m., you’ll learn how and why things can fly, experiment with paper airplanes, and whirligigs, and create your own rocket launcher to take home. For ages 7 through 12. Please register by calling 456-2400, ext. 4.
Quidditch in the Park for teens
Mount your broomsticks! In collaboration with Albany Public Library and the Altamont Free Library, on Thursday, July 21, at 2 p.m., GPL brings you QUIDDITCH IN ABELE PARK.
Learn to play, and then face off against friends. Bring your own broom if you're able. For kids in grades six through 12.
Please register by calling 456-2400, ext. 4. You’ll meet GPL’s Kristina Ronald, Altamont’s Joe Burke, and Albany’s Stephanie Preston at Fred Abele Park in McKownville. To get to the park, from Route 20 (Western Ave.), turn onto Schoolhouse Rd and left onto Strawberry Lane. The park is situated at the end of the street. Have a great time.
Obstacle course
Come be competitively creative in our kindergarten through grade six obstacle course Olympics. On Thursday, July 21, at 3:30 p.m., kids will be able to race through an obstacle course and even design their own! Please register by calling 456-2400, ext. 4.
Library tour
To help you learn about our every product and service, take a tour of the library with your own personal guide. Meet in the lobby on Monday, July 18, at 11 a.m., and enjoy.
The Guilderland Public Library’s “Super Summer Reading Olympics” reading club kick-off is on. Young readers, be sure to come to the library on Thursday, June 30, at 6 p.m., in the library’s Normanskill Room. Children, tweens, and teens can sign-up to be summer readers, collect program information, and ask our staff any questions they might have.
While you’re here, enter a drawing for a chance to win your own Summer Reading Club T-shirt. And at 7 p.m., be sure to grab a free ice cream sundae.
Get details on all the fun Super Summer Reading Olympics activities at www.guilpl.org/src.
Ribbon-cutting on the roof?
Thanks to grants received through the efforts of Senator George A. Amedore, Jr. and Assemblyperson Patricia Fahy, the library has a new roof, all-new energy-efficient lighting, and an improved loading dock. These projects will be officially unveiled by Senator Amedore, Assemblyperson Fahy, Town Supervisor Peter Barber, Library Foundation President Rosemary Revoir, and Guilderland School District representatives Marie Wiles, Neil Sanders and Cliff Nooney at a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the library on Thursday, June 30, at 5:30 p.m.
Ideally, the ceremony would be on the roof, but it’s more likely to occur in front of the library’s main entrance. Time will tell.
All are invited to attend. Stop by, enjoy some refreshments, and chat with your local officials. And be sure to bring your young readers so they can sign up for the Summer Reading Club that evening starting at 6 p.m.
Summer kids movie
On Friday, July 1 at 2 p .m., the movie “Road Chip” will be playing at GPL. This 2015 movie is rated PG, and is 92 minutes long.
Summer hours and the Fourth of July
With the coming of summer, GPL shifts to summer hours. During July and August, the library is open Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and closed on Sunday. This means that GPL will be closed Sunday, July 3.
The library will be closed Monday, July 4, for the Independence Day holiday.