Guilderland Library Notes for Wednesday, January 26, 2022
— Photo from Luanne Nicholson
The bad news: Blood banks are in crisis, at their lowest levels in ten years. The good news: Donors at the Guilderland Public Library’s January blood drive exceeded the goal, contributing 57 units to provide up to 171 blood treatments for patients in need. The next blood drive at GPL is scheduled for March 15, from 1 to 6 p.m.
Can you help us reach our goal of completing 3,000 books during January? Readers ages are encouraged to participate in the annual Winter Reading Challenge, “Read for a Better World,” sponsored by Lerner Publishing.
Log all of your January reading by Monday, Jan. 31, on Beanstack, individually or as a family. We could win prizes for everyone to enjoy! Sign up or login at: https://guilderlandlibrary.beanstack.org/reader365.
Top Checkouts of 2021
The results are in for last year’s most popular checkouts:
— Adult Fiction: “The Four Winds” by Kristin Hannah;
— Adult Nonfiction: “Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents” by Isabel Wilkerson;
— Children’s Books: “Dog Man 6: Brawl of the Wild” by Dav Pilkey;
— Young Adult: “Siege and Storm” by Leigh Bardugo;
— Adult TV Series: “Law & Order: The Complete Series”;
— Adult Movie: “Promising Young Woman;” and
— Children’s Movie: “Luca.”
Take Your Child
to the Library Week
It used to be one special day…and we’ve expanded it! Our week-long “Celebration of Libraries” kicks off Saturday, Feb. 5 with a weather twist (or should we say “twister!”) This is an opportunity for kids to explore meteorology, discovering what drives weather patterns and answering questions such as, “Why does it rain?” Whether or not you’re curious about weather, we’ll have something for everyone the first full week of February.
It’s also the perfect time for your child to obtain their very first library card, with a parent or legal guardian present. We’ve simplified the registration process, and our staff at the check out desk always looks forward to welcoming brand-new library patrons!
Valentine cards
Make someone's day by making valentines! Community Caregivers will distribute your creations to their clients. Your colorful greetings make a difference, lifting the spirits of local residents who could use a boost. All ages are encouraged to get creative – make it a family project!
Original or repurposed cards should be no larger than 5 x 7, and no envelope is needed. Drop them off in the designated box in our lobby until Sunday, Feb. 6, allowing ample time to distribute. Thank you for participating!
Night Owls
For our next Night Owls Online meetup Feb. 7 at 7:30 p.m., we're reading "Maybe You Should Talk to Someone: A Therapist, Her Therapist, and Our Lives Revealed,” by Lori Gottlieb. This bestseller is a candid, poignant and often humorous exploration of the human condition, from both the professional and patient perspective.
Obtain a copy at our information desk. Or request curbside pickup by calling 518.456.2400 ext. 3 or emailing . Register on the Events tab of our website for the link to participate.
Live virtual
story time
Let’s meet via Zoom for a lively interactive storytime on Thursdays at 10:30 a.m., ideal for children ages infant-age 5. We’ll read books, sing songs and enjoy a lively time together. Please register on the Events tab of our website to join in the fun! You’ll find ideas on props you can create at home to make the experience more interactive.
GPL podcast
Have you heard? “How Did You Find It?,” GPL’s monthly podcast, explores books, libraries, information, entertainment and more, on all major platforms. We welcome your ideas and suggestions at:
Tax-aid update
Although Guilderland Public Library will not be a site for the American Association of Retired Persons Foundation’s Tax-Aide services in 2022, these services are available at other locations in the greater Albany area from February through mid-April.
Please do not call the library; instead, call the phone numbers listed below starting Tuesday, Jan. 18:
— Crossings of Colonie: Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. starting Feb. 9. Contact: Town of Colonie Senior Resources at 518-459-3977;
— Cohoes Senior Center: Tuesdays and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. starting Feb. 8. Contact: 518-235-2420; and
— Valatie Village Office: Tuesdays from 1 to 4 p.m. and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. starting Feb.1. Contact: 518-758-9342 for the coordinator.
See: https://www.aarp.org/money/taxes/aarp_taxaide for more information.
Browsing hours
Curbside pick up in our lobby is available with 24-hours notice by calling 518-456-2400, ext. 2. Masks are required for patrons ages 2 and up. GPL policies based on current COVID conditions are outlined in our Pandemic Operations Plan, accessible on our website.
Current hours are: Monday through Thursday from 9:30 a.m. to 9 p.m; Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Sunday 1 to 5 p.m.