Guilderland Library Notes for Wednesday, September 30, 2020

The Guilderland Public Library is preparing to expand services offered and open the building to limited public use, while simultaneously planning to begin construction. These multi-faceted goals require careful coordination to implement safely and effectively. We plan to open the Normanskill Room to public browsing, plus expand curbside hours on Wednesday, Oct. 7.

Our current curbside schedule is:  Checkouts:  Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Tuesday and Thursday from  3 to 7 p.m. Return hours have been expanded to Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.  Expanded hours for curbside services, plus Normanskill Room browsing starting Oct. 7:  Monday, Wednesday, and Friday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Tuesday and Thursday: 1 to 7 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m. 2 p.m.  

We greatly appreciate your cooperation as we strive to safely execute the dual initiatives of limited reopening and expanding services, while simultaneously stewarding our construction project.  Please stay tuned for further developments.

Project update

Our Board of Trustees met virtually Thursday,  Sept. 24 to award the construction project to a general contractor and specialized contractors, selected from all bids received by Sept. 22. Results:  General Construction Prime Contract to Bette & Cring, LLC; Plumbing Prime Contract to DiGesare Mechanical, Inc.; Fire Protection Prime Contract to Davis-Ulmer Sprinkler Company, Inc.; Mechanical Prime Contract to Campito Plumbing & Heating, Inc.; Electrical Prime Contract to Flex Electric LLC.  

At present, our construction project remains on time and on budget, with scheduled completion about one year out from the anticipated Oct. 15 start date. For more information, please see:  https://guilderlandlibrary.org/get-to-know-us/places/renewal/.

Cooking Outdoors 

Savor the crisp fall weather Saturday,  Oct. 3 at 1 p.m. while perfecting your grilling technique!  Karen Roberts Mort from Cornell Cooperative Extension will demonstrate Cooking Outdoors and prepare some tasty recipes. This adult in-person program will be held at the large pavilion at Tawasentha Park in Guilderland. Masks and social distancing are required. Attendees will receive a free cookbook chock-full of tasty outdoor recipes. Seating is limited; go to the Events tab at www.guilderlandlibrary.org for more information and to register.

Outdoor flu shots

Our annual drop-in Flu Vaccine Clinic is on Monday, Oct. 5, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the library parking lot. Masks, temperature checks and brief health questionnaires are mandatory. Both the regular vaccine and the high-dose option for people ages 65 and older will be available (the high-dose option may be subject to availability).

Pharmacists onsite can also vaccinate any child age three or older. Please bring your insurance card with you. If you do not have insurance, a vaccine costs $39.99. 

Story times

Every other Monday in October, we'll have storytime kits designed for ages 2 to 5 for curbside pickup, while supplies last. Our next storytime kits will be ready Monday,  Oct. 5, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.  Each thematic kit will contain suggestions for books, rhymes and songs to share together, and one or more fun activities. 

Parents and caregivers can also head over to our YouTube channel Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m. for picture book read alouds, where our children’s librarians share some of their favorites.

Re-Examining

the Right to Vote

This year marks the centennial of the ratification of the 19th Amendment, granting women the right to vote. The history surrounding this momentous ruling is fascinating, complex, and deeply rooted in activism.

In this three-part series, “Re-Examining the Right to Vote: Women’s Activism and the Suffrage Movement”, on Tuesday, Oct. 6, 20, and 27 at 6:30 p.m., we'll read scholarly articles and meet virtually to discuss them, led by Lauren Kozakiewicz, PhD., Lecturer, Department of History at University at Albany. Sign up for this timely series on the Events tab of our website.

Night Owls Online

On Monday, Oct. 12 at 7:30 p.m., our virtual book club will discuss "The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek" by Kim Michele Richardson, available on Hoopla in eBook and audiobook format. This unique story beautifully illustrates the healing power of the written word, transcending poverty and intolerance throughout Appalachia. Go to the Events tab at www.guilderlandlibrary.org to register.

Lessons of

Presidential History

History is a great teacher — what can we learn from it, especially this year? On Tuesday, Oct. 13 at 7 p.m., Dr. Bruce Miroff, UAlbany professor of political science, presents “2020 and the Lessons of Presidential History.”

A compelling examination of past presidential election themes can cast a fresh light on current events and what might unfold in this year's contest. Please register on the Events tab of our website for the virtual link to participate.