Guilderland Library Notes for Tuesday, December 6, 2022
— Photo from Luanne Nicholson
Jump start: Guilderland Public Library patrons with immediate auto maintenance needs can now borrow a rechargeable jump starter and a digital tire inflator from the Circulation Desk, as part of the Library of Things. GPL Head of Information Technology Sean Silvernail, left, and Library Director Tim Wiles test out the new jump starter unit.
The Guilderland Library Foundation underwrites several programs and services that make GPL an integral educational and cultural hub of the Guilderland community. To this end, the foundation meets regularly to identify and fund various initiatives. Its next meeting is on Thursday, Dec. 8, at 6:15 p.m.
New members are welcome! If you would like to find out more about supporting GPL by contributing to a fun group with minimal time commitment, please email foundation President Steve Wacksman: .
Family STEAM Night
At the intersection of Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math, you’ll find STEAM! Grades 3 and up, come explore fun topics with our local schools and colleges. This month, we welcome Shaker High School’s Robotics Team on Thursday, Dec. 8 at 6:30 p.m. Please register on the Events tab of guilderlandlibrary.org.
Wine and Wrap
We're setting up gift-wrapping stations in the Westbrook Room, complete with holiday music, snacks, and a small glass of wine for you to enjoy while wrapping presents. Bring your bags of gifts and official ID (such as a driver’s license) on Thursday, Dec. 8 at 6:30 p.m. and enjoy a relaxing evening. Please register on the Events tab of our website.
WMHT Family
Literacy Program
Hibernation season is upon us! Come watch a short film version of “Bear Snores On” with WMHT’s Barbara Lukas, then try your hand at related crafts and activities. You'll even get your own free copy of the book! This program on Saturday, Dec. 10 at 10:30 a.m. is for children ages Pre-K-Grade 2. Caregivers must remain with children for the entirety of the program. To sign up, go to the Events tab of our website.
Night Owls
Book Club
This month, we're reading "The Code Breaker: Jennifer Doudna, Gene Editing, and the Future of the Human Race," by Walter Isaacson. This “Best Book of 2021” (according to Bloomberg Business Week, Time and the Washington Post) describes how Nobel Prize winner Jennifer Doudna and her colleagues launched a brave new world known as CRISPR DNA-editing technology. We’re meeting Monday, Dec. 12 at 7:30 p.m., either in-person or online (your choice). All are welcome; please register in advance.
Healthy holiday sides
Is it a given that we’ll inevitably gain weight during the holiday season? Not necessarily! On Tuesday, Dec. 13 at 6 p.m., Nutrition Educator Karen Roberts Mort, MS, with Cornell Cooperative Extension, will show us how to lower the calories but retain the flavor in our favorite recipes, simply by swapping ingredients. She’ll do a cooking demo and presentation incorporating locally-grown produce, complete with recipes to try at home. Space is limited; registration is required.
Genealogy help
Would you like some expert assistance exploring your family tree? Professional Genealogist Lisa Dougherty offers 1:1 family history consultations on Wed. Dec. 14, 6 to 8 p.m. at the library. Please contact Lisa to schedule your appointment slot: . For more information: http://www.upstatenygenealogy.com.
Green Reads
“The Thing with Feathers,” by Noah Strycker, is our December selection. This book provides fascinating insights into the extraordinary intelligence and distinct personality of various birds. We’ll also watch the documentary “Birders,” available on Hoopla. This virtual discussion on Thursday, Dec. 15 at 6 p.m. is offered in collaboration with Albany Guardian Society. Please register on the Events tab of our website; AGS will email the Zoom link to all participants. A limited number of copies of the book are available at the Adult Information Desk.
Teen Tech
Help Desk
National Honor Society students from Guilderland High School offer tech help every Thursday, 4 to 6 p.m. Drop in for customized assistance with smartphone applications, downloading books to devices, email set-up, and more.
General info
Masks are encouraged.Curbside pickup is available.
Overdue fines have been eliminated at GPL; patrons will be billed for the replacement cost of lost items.
Passports can be initiated at the library; please call Circulation at ext. 2 to set up an appointment.
Contact us at 518-456-2400 or ask.librarian@guilderlandlibrary.org.