Guilderland Public Library is officially fine free, embracing a growing trend across America. At last count, 22 of the 29 Upper Hudson Library System (UHLS) libraries have switched to fine-free status.
The benefits are clear: eliminating fines fosters goodwill, brings overdue materials back, and increases library usage. It’s far less labor-intensive for library staff, ultimately saving taxpayers money. Patrons will still be billed for the replacement cost of unreturned items.
In addition, all 29 UHLS libraries have instituted automatic renewals for checked out items, further reducing fines at the libraries that still charge them.
March Book Discussions
Night Owls Online meets on Monday, March 14, at 7:30 p.m. to talk about The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides, while Memoirs in the Morning meets on Wednesday, March 16, at 10:30 a.m. to discuss Maid: Hard Work, Low Pay, and a Mother’s Will to Survive by Stephanie Land. Reserve a copy of the book, then register on the Events tab of our website. Look for GPL’s “Memoirs in the Morning” group on goodreads.com as well.
Red Cross Blood Drive
Crisis point: blood donations are at their worst levels in over a decade. Can you help? Our next blood drive, administered by the American Red Cross and sponsored by Senator Michelle Hinchey, is scheduled for Tuesday, March 15, at 1 to 6 p.m. Appointments may be made at redcross.org, and walk-ins are welcome.
Virtual Storytime
Try a morning or afternoon storytime – or both! We offer Live Virtual Storytimes on alternating Thursday mornings and Tuesday afternoons. We’ll read books, sing songs and enjoy a lively time together through Zoom. Sign up on the Events tab of our website for Thursday, March 17, at 10:30 a.m. and/or Tuesday, March 22, at 4 p.m.
Trustees Meet
The Guilderland Public Library Board of Trustees will hold their virtual monthly business meeting Thursday, March 17, at 6 p.m., streamed live on our YouTube channel and archived for later viewing. Public commentary may be submitted at any time to: [email protected]
— Luanne Nicholson
Baby & Me Yoga
This 30-minute yoga class is intended for both new mothers and their babies, providing a gentle way to bond, play, and relax together. Moms will learn how to stretch and ease back into movement postpartum, focusing on core and pelvic floor exercises. Classes will be held via Zoom in two sessions on Mon. March 21 and 28 at 2:30 p.m., and are ideal for infants ages 3 months and up. Please sign up on the Events tab of our website.
Get to Know Libby
Libby is your digital resource for eBooks, audiobooks, magazines, Kanopy and ArtistWorks. Libby succeeds the OverDrive app, which is being phased out. We encourage you to download Libby, which carries over all of your Overdrive account information.
We’re offering an informative webinar, “Learn Libby with the Experts,” on Tues. March 22 starting at 10:00 a.m. to help you get the most out of this extensive resource. This virtual two-part class covers the basics (10:00-10:40) and favorite tips and tricks (10:45-11:15). Can’t attend live? No worries – sign up anyway! Both sessions will be recorded and emailed to all registrants. To register, please visit: https://bit.ly/guilderlandtrain.
Seeking Board Candidates
The Guilderland Public Library Board of Trustees currently has four open seats for 2022: two five-year terms; and two one-year terms. Eligible candidates must be U.S. citizens, Guilderland Central School District residents, and at least 18 years of age. Completed paperwork is due by Mon. April 18 for the GPL board candidate and budget vote on Tues. May 17. For more information, please request an information packet at our circulation desk, or go to: https://bit.ly/GPL2022BoardCandidates.
Library Hours
Curbside pick up in our lobby is available with 24-hours notice by calling 518.456.2400 ext. 2. Masks strongly recommended, but not required. GPL policies based on current COVID conditions are outlined in our Pandemic Operations Plan, accessible on our website. Public computers for adults and children are available. Current hours are: Monday – Thursday 9:30 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.; Friday 9:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.; Saturday 9:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.; Sunday 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
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