Guilderland Library Notes for Tuesday, November 3, 2020
— Photo from Luanne Nicholson
The east end of the Guilderland Public Library, as viewed from the periodicals section of the library’s interior, is being prepped to construct a new children’s services addition.
The library is abuzz with activity! We now have a few solid weeks of construction under our (tool) belt, though it’s just the beginning. Much flexibility and innovation has been required this year, and the need to pivot continues. We are excited to witness this much-anticipated project take shape and track the daily progress.
Inside, we’ve removed all of our ceiling tiles and grid to install our first-ever sprinkler system, along with updating the electrical, mechanical, plumbing, and data wiring systems on our 1992 building.
Outside, we’re building a ramp on adjacent lots on Western Avenue, allowing machinery access to the east end of the building to build the new children’s wing. The flat area on Western Avenue will eventually become a much-needed overflow parking lot, adding 43 spaces.
We are currently on time and on budget with this project. When completed — estimated at Oct. 1, 2021 — ‘Guilderland’s Gathering Place” will feature:
— A brand-new children’s area, including a new program room and drop-in play space for toddlers;
— Our first-ever dedicated teen room;
— Renovated restrooms that are compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act, including five single-use restrooms;
— A new meeting room;
— Outdoor plaza seating in front and back; and
— An outsourced café / used bookstore.
GPL continues to serve patrons at the highest level possible, currently through online, curbside, and Normanskill Room browsing options. In addition, we expect to expand public access to the building in the near future, so please stay tuned.
Updates are posted on http://bit.ly/GPLbuildingproject and our Facebook and Instagram accounts, and in our weekly eNews and monthly newsletters. Please see https://bit.ly/GPLeNews to subscribe.
Stop by and browse our Normanskill Room collection on a self-serve basis during our curbside hours: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Tuesday and Thursday from 1 to 7 p.m., and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Please follow all stated guidelines, and bring your library card. Restrooms are not available, due to construction. Restrooms are not available, due to construction.
Our return shed hours are: Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. All materials are quarantined for 96 hours, then sanitized prior to reshelving.
Night Owls Online
Our monthly literary meetup, Night Owls Online, is scheduled for Monday, Nov. 9 at 7:30 p.m. This month’s selection is award-winning bestseller “Becoming” by Michelle Obama. This autobiography is lauded as an intimate, powerful, and inspiring memoir by the former First Lady of the United States.
Please place a hold on a physical copy for curbside pickup, as eBook copies are limited. Call us at 518-285-0050 or email us at for assistance placing a hold, and register on the Events tab of our website. All are welcome!
Hamilton Trivia
Theater buffs, history buffs, music buffs — whatever kind of “buff” you are, you’re bound to enjoy our Hamilton Trivia Night! This latest installment of our popular virtual trivia contest happens Tuesday, Nov. 10 at 7 p.m. Don’t miss your shot - join us for 20 questions of good fun! Sign up on the Events tab of our website.
Holidays
The library will suspend all services, including returns, on Veterans Day - Wednesday, Nov. 11 and Thanksgiving - Thursday,. Nov. 26. Hours of operation on Wednesday,. Nov. 25 are 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Guilderland Public Library Board of Trustees will meet virtually on Thursday, Nov. 19 at 6 p.m. via our Facebook page. Public commentary may be directed to: . GPL Board meetings are archived at: http://bit.ly/GPLBoardMeetings.
Albany Guardian Society
We’re partnering with Albany Guardian Society to offer the following virtual programs: Introduction to Meditation — Friday, Nov. 13 at 1:30 p.m. and
Buying and Selling on the Internet Using Ebay, Craigslist, and Amazon - Monday Nov. 16 at 1:30 p.m. Please register on the Events tab of our website. Albany Guardian Society will email you the link to participate the day before the event.
Virtual Cookbook Club
Fall usually means a busy season of entertaining. With a different dynamic this year, don't let stress take over – simply take out your slow cooker and prepare holiday meals with ease.
This month’s Cookbook Club is using “Fix-It and Forget-It: Best of Fall Recipes.” We’ll download the eBook from Hoopla, choose any recipe and make it at home, then meet up online Wednesday, Nov. 18 at 7 p.m. to discuss our culinary results. Sign up on the Events tab of our website; we'll email you the link the night before the program.