The library is abuzz with activity! We now have a few solid weeks of construction under our (tool) belt, though it’s just the beginning. Much flexibility and innovation has been required this year, and the need to pivot continues. We are excited to witness this much-anticipated project take shape and track the daily progress.
Inside, we’ve removed all of our ceiling tiles and grid to install our first-ever sprinkler system, along with updating the electrical, mechanical, plumbing, and data wiring systems on our 1992 building. Outside, we’re building a ramp on adjacent lots on Western Avenue, allowing machinery access to the east end of the building to build the new children’s wing. The flat area on Western Avenue will eventually become a much-needed overflow parking lot, adding 43 spaces.
We are currently on time and on budget with this project. When completed – currently estimated at Oct, 1, 2021 – “Guilderland’s Gathering Place” will feature:
• a brand-new children’s area, including a new program room and drop-in play space for toddlers
• our first-ever dedicated teen room
• renovated ADA-compliant restrooms, including five single-use restrooms
• a new meeting room
• outdoor plaza seating in front and back
• an outsourced café / used bookstore
GPL continues to serve patrons at the highest level possible, currently through online, curbside and Normanskill Room browsing options. In addition, we expect to expand public access to the building in the near future, so please stay tuned. Updates are posted on http://bit.ly/GPLbuildingproject and our Facebook and Instagram accounts, and in our weekly eNews and monthly newsletters. Please see https://bit.ly/GPLeNews to subscribe.
Current Hours
Stop by and browse our Normanskill Room collection on a self-serve basis during our curbside hours: Mon.-Wed.-Fri. 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.; Tues.-Thurs. 1:00 – 7:00 p.m.; Sat. 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Please follow all stated guidelines, and bring your library card. Restrooms are not available, due to construction. Our return shed hours are: Mon.-Fri. 9:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. and Sat. 9:00 a.m. – 2:00. All materials are quarantined 96 hours, then their exteriors are sanitized prior to reshelving.
Night Owls Online
Our monthly literary meetup, Night Owls Online, is scheduled for Mon. Nov. 9 at 7:30 p.m. This month’s selection is award-winning bestseller Becoming by Michelle Obama. This autobiography is lauded as an intimate, powerful, and inspiring memoir by the former First Lady of the United States. Please place a hold on a physical copy for curbside pickup, as eBook copies are limited.
— Luanne Nicholson
