Guilderland Library Notes for Friday, July 17, 2015

Senator George A. Amedore Jr., a Republican representing the 46th District, has announced that he has secured $100,000 in this year’s state budget for the Guilderland Public Library to replace its roof, originally installed when the library was built in 1992.

“Libraries are the cornerstones of our communities, and we need to make sure they have the proper resources they need to continue to provide important services to our residents,” said Senator Amedore. “Guilderland Public Library is an invaluable asset, not only to Guilderland, but to many surrounding communities as well. And, while their programs and services are first-rate, their roof is aging and in need of repair so I’m glad I was able to help secure these funds in this year’s state budget.”

Now well over two decades old, the library building is showing its age.  Recently the library has had to make extensive repairs to several mechanical systems, notably the heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning system.

Recognizing the need to address the problems inherent in an aging physical plant, the library’s board of trustees two years ago started setting aside dedicated repair funds. The allocation from Senator Amedore will augment monies already devoted to the roof, judged by the trustees and library administration to be the most pressing repair issue.

“We are extremely grateful that Senator Amedore was able to obtain this allocation,” said GPL Director Tim Wiles. “The library is a thriving center of information and cultural events, but, as many in our community know, the building itself is aging. This aid, along with going a long way to ensuring this community asset will be safe for decades to come, will also enable us to install a long-lasting and energy-efficient roof.”

Darth Vader at bat?

While you probably won’t get to see Darth Vader at bat, if you’ve not yet purchased your tickets to the Guilderland Public Library’s “Baseball + Star Wars = Fireworks” Night at the Valley Cats Stadium, on Saturday, July 18, at 7 p.m., you’re certainly going to miss a really great game. These special “Star Wars Night” seats are almost sold out!  We’ve reserved seats in Section 120, which is behind home plate, on the first base side.The Valley Cats are going up against the Aberdeen Ironbirds, affiliated with the Baltimore Orioles.  What’s even better is that this is a fund-raiser for the library.

 You have three convenient ways to get your discounted tickets: At the library’s circulation desk, online via a dedicated ordering page on the Valley Cats website -- bit.ly/ValleyCatsJul18, or by clicking on the “Star Wars Night at the Valley Cats” image on library’s website at guilpl.org. You might be asked for a password, but just click past that page; the password should be pre-populated.

By the way, in the event of a rain-out, your ticket stub is good for any other game later in the season.

“The Unbelievables”

On Friday, July 17, at 3 p.m., GPL continues  its Super Summer Family Film Fest by showing an incredible movie that follows the antics of a family of undercover superheroes who try to live a quiet suburban life, but are forced into action to save the world. This 2004 movie is rated PG, and runs 115 minutes.  Popcorn? Oh, yeah.

Maker Monday

Come to GPL on July 20, at 3 p.m., for a special Maker Monday where you’ll get to paint a ceramic. You can choose a beautiful princess or an awesome super hero. All supplies will be provided. Wear clothes that you can get messy in. Then, next week, after it dries, you can pick-up your ceramic at the library.

Registration required; please call 456-2400, ext. 4, or go use the Events and Registration calendar at www.guilpl.org. For kids entering grades one through six.

Police and K9 officers

Kids, do you want to meet some of the amazing people and animals that live, work, and serve in your community? Come to GPL on Tuesday, July 21, at 7 p.m., and meet a police officer and his four-legged K-9 partner.

Teen Tuesday: Mighty Superhero Drawing Program

If you enjoy drawing and love superheroes, then you’re sure to have a great time at the Mighty Superhero Drawing Program on Tuesday, July 21, at 3:30 p.m., when you’ll learn to draw amazing superheroes and villains. No previous drawing skills are required - all you need is a #2 pencil.

Registration required; please call 456-2400, ext. 4, or go use the Events and Registration calendar at www.guilpl.org. For kids entering grades six through 12.

“Casey at the Bat” GPL!”

 Join Tim Wiles, director of the library, as he performs as his alter-ego as "The Mighty Casey," from Ernest Thayer's classic 1888 poem "Casey at the Bat," on Tuesday, July 21, at 6:30 p.m.

Wiles will perform the poem in period costume, and then do a baseball question and answer time where kids and adults can ask anything they want about the national pastime, Cooperstown, and the Baseball Hall of Fame.

Summer hours reminder

During July and August, GPL will be closed on Sundays, and will close at 6 p.m., on Fridays.

About GPL

 The Guilderland Public Library is located at 2228 Western Ave. in Guilderland. Visit the library's website at www.guilpl.org. to get more information on these and other upcoming programs, and to register online via the homepage’s “Events & Registration Calendar.”Check out the unofficial library updates at facebook.com/Guilderland.Library and follow the library on Twitter (@GuilderlandLib).