#GuilderlandPublicLibrary #SpotlightNews
Did you know sleep deprivation can harm your health and affect relationships? Come to GPL on Thursday, May 10, at 6 p.m. to learn about recent findings and the benefits of getting a good night’s sleep. Explore ways to get peaceful, revitalizing, uninterrupted sleep. Please register for the class by calling (518) 456-2400, ext 3.
GPL Pops Up @ Guilderland Little League’s Opening Day!
The 2018 Little League season kicks off at Keenholts Park on Friday, May 11, and GPL will be there! Be sure to stop by our tent – we’ll have books to check out and crafts to take with you. Play ball!
Mother’s Day Marketplace
Join us on Saturday, May 12, from 10 am to 4 p.m., for a very special Mother’s Day Marketplace where you’ll be able to get something delightful for mom for Mother’s Day (which is the very next day, so…). You’ll find everything from handmade crafts and jewelry to lovely little gifts. Everyone’s welcome, and attendance is free.
About Library’s Proposed Budget
The Library’s Board of Trustees has approved a 2018/2019 operating budget of $3,882,276. This is based upon a tax-levy of $3,806,276. Details of the budget are provided on the library’s website at www.guilderlandlibrary.org.
There are a number of significant differences in this year’s budget from last, notably an increase in programming funds to support the many extraordinarily popular events and classes created by our Librarians. We have added funds to purchase additional eBooks due to the growing demand, but not at the expense of traditional print media. Our “Library of Things,” which enables you to borrow non-traditional items you really need at home but don’t necessarily want to buy, is included in the Special Collections line.
We are about to install a new heating and ventilating system which is, in effect, already paid for through savings; this is why there is a substantial drop in the Building and Equipment Maintenance line. As you know, the library building is 26 years old, and the HVAC system is inefficient, prone to fatigue failure, and costly to run. Our utilities budget has dropped 10 percent because of savings anticipated from this new system and other improvements – notably LED lighting – made recently.
Professional Services increased 200 percent in anticipation of project management and consulting fees related to a possible renewal of the library’s building. Our Board continues to work with the architectural firm of Butler, Rowland & Mays to draw up renovation plans to assure that the Library can meet the community’s needs for decades to come.
We are acutely aware that the success of our library is founded on the support of the community. Our goal with this proposed budget is to ensure your library gives you the service you expect, now and in the future. The Library Board urges you to vote on Tuesday, May 15, at your local Elementary School; polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Cut the Cord!
Do you want to “cut the cord” with your cable company? Then come to Cut Ties with Your Cable Company, a one-hour presentation, at GPL on Tuesday, May 15, at 7 p.m.
You’ll learn the difference between cable TV and streaming, and how you can watch your favorite shows without cable TV. It can be daunting keeping track of all the devices and services available. So join us for a practical overview of the try-before-you-buy devices in our Cut the Cord circulating collection, and find out if cutting ties with your cable company is right for you.
— Mark Curiale
