Guilderland Library Notes for Wednesday, September 8, 2021

For September’s virtual book discussion, we’re reading “Still Life” by Louise Penny, the first in the acclaimed murder mystery series set in the fictitious village of Three Pines, Quebec.  Please place a hold on a copy for curbside pickup, then register on the Events tab of our website for the link to participate on Monday, Sept. 13, at 7:30 p.m.

Reopening plans

We’re about $250,000 below the anticipated project cost and 10.5 months ahead of schedule with our extensive construction project! Our enhanced facility is 20-percent larger, yet projected utility costs are 20-percent lower, due to advances in technology and green initiatives.

We expect to conclude this project in September, barring additional supply chain material delays.  More details may be found at: https://bit.ly/GPLbuildingproject. Currently, GPL is not open to public browsing, and masks are required upon entering our curbside room.

We are excited about the opportunity to welcome patrons back into the freshly renovated and expanded library, but ever-mindful of rising pandemic levels. Therefore, we are delaying a larger-scale grand reopening celebration in favor of a phased reopening.

We plan to reopen for public browsing on Monday, Sept. 27, resuming regular hours:  Monday through Thursday from 9:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.; Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday from 1 to 5 p.m.

Photocopying will be available, and all fines are still waived (since March, 2020). Meeting and study room use is currently on hold in accordance with COVID case numbers. Updated public computers, stalled by global microchip shortages, are expected to be accessible in mid-October. Programs will remain outdoors (with masks required) or virtual until further notice.

These stated plans are subject to change as COVID circumstances dictate. Our pandemic operations plan is accessible on the first slide of the homepage of guilderlandlibrary.org, or by going to https://guilderlandlibrary.org/get-to-know-us/people/board-of-trustees/.

Virtual

poetry workshop

Open Places, Urban Places: The Poetry of Being There is a six-week virtual writing workshop beginning Tuesday, Sept. 14, at 6:30 p.m., suitable for beginning and seasoned poets alike. We’ll read and discuss works by rural-influenced poets Joy Harjo and Ted Kooser, contrasted with the metropolitan leanings of Frank O’Hara and Terrance Hayes.

Our focus will be on how the writer’s physical surroundings are infused in their works, (“poetry of place”). Next, we’ll explore where each of us are grounded, and how these geographical backdrops color our own writings.

Susan Comninos, a well-established published poet who has taught writing at Siena College, The College of Saint Rose, and the University at Albany, leads this online series. Please see the Events tab of our website for more information, and to register.  Space is limited; please commit to all six sessions.

Scarecrow decoration

The cozy harvest season is right around the corner, and we have a fall craft activity planned to kick it off.  We’ll meet in the large pavilion in Tawasentha Park on Friday, Sept. 17, at 2:30 p.m. to create a scarecrow autumn decoration. 

Using paint, straw, and terracotta flower pots, we’ll make a charming decoration to add to your décor.  This program is intended for adults, and masks are required.  Please register on the Events tab of our website.

Don’t Get Ticked!

Learn from an expert about the different ticks in our area, and how to protect yourself and others from being bitten in this virtual program entitled Don’t Get Ticked! Protecting Against Lyme and Tick-Borne Diseases. You’ll be glad you armed yourself with this important information on Monday, Sept. 20, at 9:30 a.m. before heading out for a scenic fall hike.

Presented by Joellen Lampman, Community Integrated Pest Management Extension Support Specialist, New York IPM Program at Cornell University. This program is offered through a collaboration with Albany Guardian Society. Please register on the Events tab of our website; AGS will email registrants a link in advance.

Beginning prose fiction

Intended for aspiring writers of all levels, this eight-week interactive workshop starting Wed. Sept. 22 at 6:30 p.m. will help you explore the creative process. You'll share your own writing and critique the work of others in a respectful and constructive way. We’ll work on expanding and refining vocabulary and style resources, and learn and reinforce writing skills. The only prerequisite is a desire to write! You’ll receive a weekly lesson with accompanying reading sample and assignment.

William D. Laremore leads this online series. He has authored two time-travel fiction novels, “The Gearing Incident and World on Fire,” and a paranormal romance series, “Moonlight Becomes Her Volume I.”

Mr. Laremore holds a master of arts degree from the University of Nottingham, England, and a certificate of advanced study from the College of Saint Rose. Please see the Events tab of our website for more information, and to register. Space is limited; please commit to all eight sessions.