Guilderland Library Notes for Wednesday, August 31, 2022
— Photo from Luanne Nicholson
An Under the Sea Jamboree on Aug. 24 was the wrap-up for the Guilderland Public Library’s “Oceans of Possibilities” summer reading program. Phil Berardi, head of Access Services at GPL, watches his daughter, Claire, do the Blowfish Bounce with help from his wife, Kristina.
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.
“The Power of Plus”
Journalist Gianluca Russo, a Guilderland High School alumnus who wrote the critically-acclaimed book “The Power of Plus: Inside Fashion’s Size-Inclusivity Revolution,” 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!
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 Wed. 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.
Celebrate
Hispanic arts
We’re offering this special program to commemorate National Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept. 15 to Oct. 15). Educational Coordinator Joyce Raimondo will highlight the artistic achievements of Spanish artist Pablo Picasso, Mexican muralist David Alfaro Siqueiros, Mexican painter, Jose Clemente Orozco, and others on Tuesday, Sept. 20 at 4 p.m. via Zoom.
We’ll discover how Hispanic artists inspired Jackson Pollock in the creation of his groundbreaking abstract expressionist art. Then we’ll enjoy a virtual tour of the barn studio where Pollock made his famous drip paintings, and Lee Krasner created her abstract art. Please register on the Events tab of guilderlandlibrary.org.
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 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.