Journalist Gianluca Russo, author of the critically-acclaimed book “The Power of Plus: Inside Fashion’s Size-Inclusivity Revolution” and also a Guilderland High School alumnus, will be here Wednesday, Sept. 7, at 6:30 p.m. to talk about his book with moderator and Times Union journalist Steve Barnes.

Over the past three decades, plus-size fashionistas have created a market worth more than $21 billion. “The Power of Plus” follows the evolution of the plus-size fashion boom, examining how female body image has shifted, and how plus-size fashion is integral to the future success of the industry. No registration is required — all are welcome!

The Gilded Age

rises again in Troy

Recent filming of HBO’s “The Gilded Age” in Troy has sparked renewed interest in this time period locally. On Thursday, Sept. 8 at 6:30 p.m., Kathryn Sheehan, Rensselaer County & Troy City Historian, will present an illustrated lecture on how Troy’s 19th-Century architecture became an integral backdrop for this acclaimed Julian Fellows series.

Kathryn worked with location scouts and production designers to help ensure a historically-accurate reproduction of this era, incorporating major players representing both “old” and “new” money. Kathryn will also share intriguing behind-the-scenes stories that occurred during the filming of the first season. Please register on the Events tab of guilderlandlibrary.org.

Journaling

Whether in a notebook, blog or sketchpad, journaling can help you lead a more fulfilling life as you record life events; formulate and track goals; jot down dreams; overcome obstacles; process emotions; and much more. Award-winning Author Janine De Tillio Cammarata covers different aspects of journaling throughout four sessions, beginning Friday, Sept. 9 at 10:30 a.m.

No prior experience is needed; participants are urged to attend all four sessions at the library. Registration is limited – please sign up on the Events tab of guilderlandlibrary.org, and bring a pen and journal to each class.

Night Owls

Book Club

Our September meeting on Monday, Sept. 12 at 7:30 p.m. will be a hybrid format: in-person, with the option to join via Zoom. This month, we're reading “The Vanishing Half,” by Brit Bennett. This story centers on twin sisters growing up in a southern black community, who ultimately choose two very different worlds: one black, one white.

Spanning 1950s Deep South to 1990s California, “The Vanishing Half” explores why people sometimes choose to live counter to their origins. Copies are available at the library's Information Desk. Please register on the Events tab of guilderlandlibrary.org.

Blood drive 

The next American Red Cross Blood Drive at GPL is scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 13, 1 to 6 p.m.  Appointments may be reserved at redcrossblood.org – type in “guilderlandlibrary” and click “make your appointment.” Walk-ins are always welcome.

Genealogy help

Would you like some expert assistance exploring your family tree? Professional Genealogist Lisa Dougherty offers 1:1 family history consultations on Wednesday, Sept. 14, 6 to 8 p.m. at the library. Please contact Lisa to schedule your appointment slot: . For more information: http://www.upstatenygenealogy.com.

Plant exchange

Thinning out your perennials and house plants? Trade them for something new! Bring potted plants to our end-of-summer Plant Exchange Wednesday, Sept. 14, 6 to 7 p.m.  Please register online; we’re capping this event at 30 participants.

Author Talk:

Andrea C. Mosterman

On Wednesday, Sept. 14 at 7 p.m., The Guilderland Public Library Local History Program presents “Spaces of Enslavement: A History of Slavery and Resistance in Dutch New York,” with author Andrea C. Mosterman. “Spaces of Enslavement” demonstrates how Dutch American enslavers increasingly used their dominance over public and private spaces to control those enslaved. Please register online for this Zoom presentation.

Labor Day

GPL will be closed Saturday, Sept. 3 through Monday, Sept. 5 for Labor Day weekend. Online resources are always available on guilderlandlibrary.org, plus car charging stations, parking lot Wi-Fi, the Little Free Library, and book donation bins in the side parking lot.

General info

GPL is closed on Sundays throughout summer. The Guilderland Farmer’s Market is held in our upper parking lot Sundays 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. though October 2, featuring a varied rotation of vendors and food trucks. Overdue fines have been eliminated at GPL; patrons will be billed for the replacement cost of lost items. Masks are optional. Curbside pickup is available. Contact us at 518.456.2400 or ask.librarian@guilderlandlibrary.org.

We’ve really enjoyed presenting Oceans of Possibilities summer reading programs, and we’re hoping to finish strong with participation! Don’t delay, sign up today on the Events Tab of guilderlandlibrary.org. We still have spots for the following, as of this writing:

“Bermuda Triangle Week”

From Aug. 15 to 19, our final theme week features:

— Grades 3-5 Activity Kit: Ocean Oddities

We’ll supply all the materials for a pop-up angler fish craft, plus a copy of “Who Would Win: Ultimate Ocean Rumble.” Register, then pick up your kit Tuesday, Aug.16, to Saturday, Aug. 20; and

— Bermuda Triangle Escape Room for Tweens and Teens, Wednesday, Aug. 17, at 7 p.m. Imagine an undersea expedition where your captain is missing in action and your submarine goes off course. This perilous situation calls for quick collaboration in order to escape the mysterious Bermuda Triangle.

We’re planning to wrap up summer reading in grand style with a family-friendly Under the Sea Jamboree on Wednesday, Aug. 24, from 4 to 7 p.m. This fun-filled event, held in our Literary Garden out back, will include crafts, music, games, activities, and snacks. Please register, then stop by when it’s convenient for you.

All ages: Make sure to log all of your “Oceans of Possibilities” reading in Beanstack by Wednesday, Aug. 24, at: https://guilderlandlibrary.org/adultsrp for adults, and https://guilderlandlibrary.org/srp for kids and teens.We’ve got a treasure chest of prizes for some lucky recipients!

Check out our weekly Summer Discovery Pages for kids of all ages, highlighting eBooks, audiobooks, crafts, music and more at: https://guilderlandlibrary.org/srp. Try our new “Discover Your Destiny: Titanic interactive story, where you decide the storyline, at https://guilderlandlibrary.org/gplkids.

      Democratic

primary voting

Early primary voting will be held in the Helderberg Room on Saturday, Aug. 13, through Sunday, Aug. 21. Polls are open:

— Saturdays and Sundays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.;

— Mondays and Wednesdays from noon to 8 p.m.; and

— Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The primary election will be held Tuesday, Aug. 23, from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Paint the Sound

How can you paint the rhythm of a drum or the sound of a piano? This live Zoom tour and workshop, offered by Upper Hudson Library System on Wednesday, Aug. 17 at 1 p.m., will explore the ways in which modern artists such as Pollock, Matisse, Bearden, and others were inspired by the Jazz age.

Following a presentation and tour of the Pollock/Krasner barn studio, we’ll work alongside an art educator as she demonstrates techniques for creating abstract art inspired by music. Have paint, drawing, or collage supplies on hand, and enjoy experiencing the process!

Trustees meet

The Guilderland Public Library Board of Trustees will conduct an in-person monthly business meeting on Thursday, Aug. 18 at 6 p.m., streamed live on our YouTube channel. Public commentary may be submitted to: .

GPL Podcast:

How Did You Find It?

Summer's not over yet!  For the latest episode of our monthly podcast dropping Friday, Aug. 19, Librarians Kathleen Tyrrell and Kristina Ronald cover tips and strategies for keeping kids reading, plus a Goin’ Places museum pass breakdown. Listen on all major platforms, and contact us with feedback at: .

Movie Night:

Sonic The Hedgehog

Come chill with us in the library for a good old-fashioned family movie night! We’re showing the 2022 film Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (rated PG) on Monday, Aug. 22 at 6 p.m.

Call for vendors

We’re seeking vendors for an outdoor Fall Marketplace Sunday, Oct. 9, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. All handmade goods, small batch product producers and artisans welcome! The cost is $25 (payable by check); the deadline to reserve is Sunday, Sept. 25. Please contact Natalie Hurteau for more info:

General info

GPL is closed on Sundays throughout August. The Guilderland Farmer’s Market is held in our upper parking lot Sundays 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. through Oct. 2, featuring a varied rotation of vendors and food trucks.

Overdue fines have been eliminated at GPL; patrons will be billed for the replacement cost of lost items. Masks are optional. Curbside pickup is available. Contact us at 518-456-2400 or ask.librarian@guilderlandlibrary.org.

Surfing through Summer Reading: All ages, make sure to log all of your “Oceans of Possibilities” reading in Beanstack through Wednesday, Aug. 24, at: https://guilderlandlibrary.org/adultsrp for adults, and https://guilderlandlibrary.org/srp for kids and teens. We’ve got a slew of prizes to be won!

Registration for summer reading programs opens two weeks in advance on the Events Tab of guilderlandlibrary.org, and is required for most programs.  Don’t miss out — spots tend to fill up fast!

“Mythical Sea Creatures Week” 

Events from Aug. 1 to 5 include:

— Preschool Activity Kit – Little ones can create and color their very own mermaid crown, and enjoy special surprises with this themed kit. Sign up, then pick up your kit Tuesday, Aug. 2 to Saturday, Aug. 6;

— Fused Glass – Children entering grades 1-3 are invited to make a sun catcher OR sea creature using child-safe glass on Wednesday, Aug. 3 at 2:30 p.m. The Studio for Art and Craft will fire them and return your project in one week for pick-up at the library;

— Outdoor Storytime in our Literary Garden on Thursday, Aug. 4 at 10:30 a.m. will feature a mermaids and not-so-scary sea monsters theme for infants through age 5. We'll read books, sing songs, and have a fun time;and

— Percy Jackson Trivia – Friday, Aug. 5 at 3 p.m. Calling all Camp Half-Blood heroes in grades 7-12: are you a true Percy Jackson fan? Prove it - sign up for several rounds of Percy Jackson trivia with us! Everyone who attends will walk away with a copy of the new Rick Riordan Presents book!

“Our Blue Planet Week”

Events from Aug. 8 to 12 include:

— Grades K-2 Activity Kit: Kids vs. Plastic – Learn about how you can take the Plastic Pledge and help tackle ocean pollution. This kit contains activities and suggestions for books and videos about the global plastic problem, and what kids and families can do to make a difference in their own homes. Register, then pick up your kit Tuesday, Aug. 9 to Saturday, Aug. 13;

— Deep Dive: Ocean Layer Jars – Kids entering grades 3-5 are invited to join us for a hands-on exploration of the five layers of the ocean on Wednesday, Aug. 10 at 2 p.m. Learn more about ocean animals and how they live in their deep, dark habitats. Everyone who attends will also be able to create their own ocean layers with a colorful sand art jar;

— Virtual Author Visit with Lauren Wolk: Tweens and teens: read this year's Read it Forward book, Beyond the Bright Sea, then join us Wednesday, Aug. 10 at 5:30 p.m. for pizza and a virtual visit from the author, Lauren Wolk! Along with the other local libraries in attendance, please submit your questions for the author to: by Friday, Aug. 5;

—  Outdoor Storytime on Thursday, Aug. 11 at 10:30 a.m., featuring our weekly theme; and

— Birds of Prey – Joyce Perry, of Whispering Willow Wildcare, will be here on Friday, Aug. 12 at 2 p.m. with rescued birds of prey to teach us about wild animal rescue. This family / all ages presentation includes live animals.

Green Reads:

The Blue Wonder

Unravel some of the intriguing mysteries of the deep blue ocean with “The Blue Wonder.” Author Frauke Bagusche, a marine biologist and diver, delivers a fascinating deep-sea dive on several interesting marine factoids. She stirs our affinity for the sea, and our commitment to protecting this vital habitat.

All are welcome to join the discussion! Pick up your copy of the book at the Adult Information desk, then register to join our meetup via Zoom on Thursday, Aug. 11 at 6 p.m. Last Call: Foundation Golf Tournament

Golf tourney

The Guilderland Library Foundation’s annual golf tournament is on Monday, Aug. 22 at Pinehaven Country Club. Registration begins at 8:15 a.m. with a 9 a.m. start. The $165 cost covers 18 holes, golf cart, lunch at the turn, and 19th hole celebration.

The deadline to register is Mon. Aug. 1. Non-golfers can join the 19th Hole Celebration BBQ dinner for $50. Please see https://bit.ly/GLFGolf2022 or email for further details.  

Call for vendors

We’re seeking vendors for our Sunshine Committee's outdoor Fall Marketplace Sunday, Oct. 9 (holiday weekend), 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. All handmade goods, small batch product producers and artisans welcome! Cost is $25 (payable by check); deadline to reserve is Sun. Sept. 25. Please contact GPL Assistant Director Natalie Hurteau for more info:

General info

GPL is closed on Sundays during July and August. The Guilderland Farmer’s Market is held in our upper parking lot Sundays 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. through October 2, featuring a varied rotation of 40+ vendors and food trucks.

Overdue fines have been eliminated at GPL; patrons will be billed for the replacement cost of lost items. Masks are optional. Curbside pickup is available. Contact us at 518-456-2400 or ask.librarian@guilderlandlibrary.org.

Discover a full slate of summer fun as we dive into “Oceans of Possibilities!” All ages can earn prizes by logging your reading in Beanstack at: https://guilderlandlibrary.org/adultsrp for adults, and https://guilderlandlibrary.org/srp for kids and teens.

Program registration opens two weeks in advance on the Events Tab of our website, and is required for most programs.  Sign up early!

Sharks

“Shark Week” July 19 to 22 features:

— Shark-themed activity kit for grades 3-5 – register, then pick up your kit Tuesday,  July 19 to Saturday, July 23;

— “All About Sharks” program for grades Kindergarten to grade 5 on Wednesday,  July 20 at 2 p.m. Let’s shed some light on the mysterious world of sharks. We'll learn about these intriguing — and sometimes menacing — creatures of the undersea world, then complete a craft project together; and

— Young Adult Book Trivia for grades 7-12 on Friday, July 22 at 2 p.m. Put your YA book knowledge to the test by joining us for trivia! All attendees will be rewarded with snacks and a free book; winners will also receive a Starbucks gift card.

Cruising

“Cruise Week” July 26 to 30 includes:

— Cruise Party and Games – Tuesday, July 26  and  Wednesday July 27 at 3 to 4:30 p.m. and 7 to 8:30 p.m. All aboard the GPL Cruise Ship for this family-friendly event! We'll have activities on every "deck," including crafts, a dance party and karaoke, and a variety of games. Start your journey in the Tawasentha Room, where you'll pick up your boarding pass and schedule of activities. Register for one date/time slot for up to six people in your group;

— Cruise Week Trivia (Bingo Style) – Thursday,  July 28 at  6:30 p.m. Gather a team of up to four and come play our version of Bingo mashed up with cruise ship trivia! We'll ask questions about cruises, drinks, oceans, creatures, pop culture, and more! We’ll have prizes to win and mocktails to sip—come aboard and set sail with us; and

— Lost Radio Rounders Sing Songs from the Sea! – Saturday, July 30 from 2 3:15 p.m. These 2022 Eddies Award-nominated Americana artists (Tom Lindsay–vocals, guitar; Michael Eck– mandolin, vocals; Paul Jossman–banjo, vocals) will regale us with sea shanties, sailing songs, jokes, poems, trivia, and ballads. Don't miss this special performance, sure to put a smile on your face! No registration required, just drop in.

Memoirs in the Morning:

“The Salt Path”

Our latest selection is “The Salt Path” by Raynor Winn — the true story of a couple who lost everything and embarked on a transformative journey walking the South West Coast Path in England. Please register on the Events tab of our website for the online meetup Wednesday,  July 20 at 10:30 a.m. Can't make it to our Zoom meeting? Look for the “Memoirs in the Morning” group on goodreads.com.

Green Reads:

“The Blue Wonder”

Surprisingly, we know more about the moon’s surface than we do about the ocean. In her book, “The Blue Wonder,” author Frauke Bagusche, a marine biologist and diver, brings us on a fascinating deep-sea dive. Drawing on scientific discoveries and her own research, she uses photos and playful prose to reveal:

— Deep-sea reefs that glitter like glass;

— Fish that converse with each other by singing––loudly;

— An octopus that imitates more than fifteen other animals;

— The secret behind why the sea glows at night;

— “Weddings” that happen amongst the coral; and

— Underwater “drugstores.”

The author stirs our affinity for the sea and our desire to protect this vital habitat.  Pick up your copy of the book at the Adult Information desk, then register to join our virtual discussion via Zoom on Thursday,  Aug. 11 at 6 p.m. Foundation Golf Tournament

Golf tourney

The Guilderland Library Foundation is hosting their annual golf tournament on Monday, Aug. 22 at Pinehaven Country Club. Registration begins at 8:15 a.m. with a 9 a.m. start. The $165 cost covers 18 holes, golf cart, lunch at the turn, and 19th hole celebration.

Non-golfers can join the 19th Hole Celebration BBQ dinner for $50.Sponsorship opportunities are due by Friday, July 15, and the deadline to register for golf is Monday, Aug. 1. Please see https://bit.ly/GLFGolf2022 or email for further details.  

General info

GPL is closed on Sundays during July and August. The Guilderland Farmer’s Market is held in our upper parking lot Sundays 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. through Oct. 2, featuring 40+ vendors.
 

Overdue fines have been eliminated at GPL; patrons will be billed for the replacement cost of lost items. Masks are optional.  Curbside pickup is available. Contact us at 518-456-2400 or ask.librarian@guilderlandlibrary.org.