Guilderland Library Notes for Wednesday, April 27, 2022

— Photo from dbking through Creative Commons

Cinco de Mayo is the theme for activity kits that the Guilderland Public Library is offering to toddlers and preschoolers, including learning activities, history of this holiday, and traditional recipes. Cinco de Mayo commemorates Mexico’s 1862 victory over the French Empire at the Battle of Puebla. Register on the Events tab of guilderlandlibrary.org, then pick up a kit, beginning on Tuesday, May 3.

Wondering how to safely declutter your medicine cabinet and dispose of unused or expired medications? Bring them to Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, April 30, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in our auxiliary parking lot.

This is a confidential, drive-through, drop-off event; no need to leave your car, provide identification, or answer any questions.  

GPL partners with the Guilderland Police Department twice a year for Drug Take Back Day, a nationwide collaborative effort to responsibly discard unwanted controlled, noncontrolled, and over-the-counter substances.

Please note: pet medications can also be accepted; however, sharps and syringes cannot.

In order to facilitate smooth traffic flow, please follow these guidelines:

— Put medications in a bag, if possible (with or without container) and remove any identifying labels;

— Put bagged medications in a place that you can easily access while remaining in your vehicle, or place the bag in your trunk so an officer may retrieve it;

— Drive through to the drop-off point and stay in your vehicle; and

— Follow the officers’ instructions.

KidLit networking

Have you ever longed to be a children’s writer or illustrator, but don't know how to start, get published, and/or find a supportive community? If so, “Getting to Know the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators” on Friday, April 29 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. is for you!

We’ll chat via Zoom with published young adult author Kimberly Sabatini, Assistant Regional Advisor for the SCBWI Eastern Up Chapter, and meet newer members too. This program is also beneficial for librarians, indie booksellers, teachers, parents, or passionate readers of KidLit, as we also share about our budding Read Local program. Sign up on the Events tab of guilderlandlibrary.org to receive the link.

Planning a garden

It’s that time of year once again when gardening buffs dust off their tools and plan what they’ll plant for the growing season. As with anything else, knowledge is power, as opposed to a haphazard trial-and-error approach.  

Want to dig deeper, and get better results?  Attend our in-person program, “Native 
Non-Invasive Plants,” on Wednesday, May 4 at 6:30 p.m. Kate Brittenham of Front Stoop Pocket Gardens will advise us on wisely choosing native plants that will thrive in our gardens while supporting local wildlife, followed by a Q & A session. Please register on the Events tab of our website.

Night Owls

Book Club

Our next Night Owls monthly book discussion will be held in-person at the library on Monday, May 9 at 7:30 p.m. Those who prefer to join via Zoom will still have this option as well. For our May meeting, we’re reading “The Lincoln Highway” by Amor Towles.

This absorbing and exhilarating journey through Americana recounts a pivotal roadtrip spanning 10 days in 1954, as told from eight eclectic perspectives. You can pick up a copy at the Information Desk; or arrange for curbside pickup by calling 518-456-2400 or emailing . Please register on the Events tab of our website, providing your email if you plan to join via Zoom.

Memoirs

in the Morning

Every other month, you’re invited to enjoy a memoir with us, then unpack it online via Zoom. Join us, invite your friends if desired, grab a cup of coffee, and let’s dive in! Our next selection is “Crying in H Mart” by Michelle Zauner, who shares her poignant and powerful life story about growing up Korean American, losing her mother, and ultimately forging her own identity.

We’ll meet online to talk about this book on Wednesday, May 18 at 10:30 a.m. Can’t make it to our virtual meeting, but still want to chat about the book?  Look for our “Memoirs in the Morning” group on goodreads.com to participate in the discussion whenever it works with your schedule.

General info

Overdue fines have been eliminated at GPL; patrons will be billed for the replacement cost of lost items. Curbside pick-up is available with 24-hours notice by calling 518-456-2400, ext. 2.  Public computers for adults and children are available, and study rooms are partially open.  Masks are recommended, but not required. Contact us at 518-456-2400 or ask.librarian@guilderlandlibrary.org.