Guilderland Library Notes for Wednesday, August 3, 2022

— Photo from Luanne Nicholson

Cruise party: Families enjoy crafts, games, and a dance party resembling decks on a cruise ship as part of Guilderland Public Library’s “Oceans of Possibilities” summer reading program activities.

Summer goes by fast — and so does summer reading! Registration for Oceans of Possibilities programs opens two weeks in advance on the Events Tab of guilderlandlibrary.org, and is required for most programs. Don’t miss out – spots tend to fill up fast!

“Our Blue Planet Week”

These events run from Aug. 8 to 12:

— Grades K-2 Activity Kit: Kids vs. Plastic – Learn about how you can take the Plastic Pledge and help tackle ocean pollution. This kit contains activities and suggestions for books and videos about the global plastic problem, and what kids and families can do to make a difference in their own homes. Register, then pick up your kit Tuesday, Aug. 9 to Saturday, Aug. 13;

— Deep Dive: Ocean Layer Jars – Kids entering grades 3-5 are invited to join us for a hands-on exploration of the five layers of the ocean on Wednesday, Aug. 10 at 2 p.m. Learn more about ocean animals and how they live in their deep, dark habitats. Everyone who attends will also be able to create their own ocean layers with a colorful sand art jar;

— Virtual Author Visit with Lauren Wolk — Tweens & teens: read this year's Read it Forward book, Beyond the Bright Sea, then join us Wednesday, Aug. 10 at 5:30 p.m. for pizza and a virtual visit from the author, Lauren Wolk! Please submit your questions for the author to: by Friday, Aug. 5; and

— Birds of Prey – Joyce Perry, of Whispering Willow Wildcare, will be here on Friday, Aug. 12 at 2 p.m. with rescued birds of prey to teach us about wild animal rescue. This family / all ages presentation includes live animals.

“Bermuda Triangle Week”

These events run from Aug.15 to 19:

— Grades 3-5 Activity Kit: Ocean Oddities — We’ll supply all the materials for a pop-up angler fish craft, plus a copy of Who Would Win: Ultimate Ocean Rumble. Register, then pick up your kit Tuesday, Aug.16 to Saturday, Aug. 20;

— Bermuda Triangle Escape Room for Tweens and Teens, Wednesday, Aug. 17 at 7 p.m.  Imagine an undersea expedition where your captain is MIA and your submarine goes off course. This perilous situation calls for quick collaboration in order to escape the mysterious Bermuda Triangle; and

— Outdoor Story Time: Sand and Sea Turtles — Come to our Literary Garden out back for storytime fun as we read books and sing songs together on Thursday, Aug. 18 at 10:30 a.m. Please register as a group. For all kids, infant-5 years old.

All ages: make sure to log all of your “Oceans of Possibilities” reading in Beanstack by Wednesday, Aug. 24 at: https://guilderlandlibrary.org/adultsrp for adults, and https://guilderlandlibrary.org/srp for kids and teens. We’ve got a treasure chest of prizes for some lucky recipients!

Green Reads:

The Blue Wonder

Author Frauke Bagusche, a marine biologist and diver, delivers a fascinating deep-sea dive on several eye-opening aspects of ocean life with The Blue Wonder. She stirs our affinity for the sea, and our commitment to protecting this vital habitat.  All are welcome to join the virtual discussion. Pick up your copy of the book at the Adult Information desk, then register to join our Zoom session on Thursday, Aug. 11 at 6 p.m.

Movie Night

We’re screening the 2022 sci-fi adventure film “Everything Everywhere All at Once” (rated R) on Monday, Aug. 8 at 6 p.m.; no registration needed. This movie is about a middle-age Chinese immigrant who discovers that she can traverse across time and space, and that she alone possesses the power to protect the world from calamity.

Genealogy help

Professional Genealogist Lisa Dougherty is available to provide customized family history advice at GPL on Wednesday, Aug. 10, 6 to 8 p.m. Please contact Lisa directly to schedule your appointment slot: .

Call for vendors

We’re seeking vendors for an outdoor Fall Marketplace Sunday, Oct. 9, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. All handmade goods, small batch product producers and artisans welcome! The cost is $25 (payable by check); the deadline to reserve is Sunday, Sept. 25. Please contact Natalie Hurteau for more info:

General info

GPL is closed on Sundays during July and August. 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.