Guilderland Library Notes for Wednesday March 2, 2022

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Guilderland Public Library has waived late fees since the pandemic began in March 2020, giving visitors an extra boost as the library has become a vital lifeline for many. We are pleased to announce, in partnership with the Altamont Free Library, that we are officially fine free, joining a growing trend across America. At last count, 22 of the 29 libraries in the Upper Hudson Library System have transitioned to fine-free status.

“Library fines do not return overdue materials any faster,” said Tim Wiles, director of the Guilderland Public Library. “But they create shame and fear in library users, especially children, and often contribute to lifelong negative associations with libraries. Eliminating fines encourages goodwill, brings back overdue materials and, most importantly, increases library utilization.”

“Customers will continue to be charged the replacement cost for items that are not returned,” Wiles explained. “This method is a more effective way of ensuring that borrowed materials keep coming back and is far less labor intensive for library staff, thereby saving taxpayers’ money.”

Additionally, all 29 on-site public libraries now offer automatic renewals for borrowed media, further reducing fees at the libraries that still charge them. “Libraries are moving from a punishment model to an honor system,” Wiles concluded. “These are welcome changes for customers and employees alike.”

Libby

Do you know the “Libby, by Overdrive” app? It’s your digital resource for eBooks, Audiobooks, Magazines, Kanopy (instantly streams TV and Movies for all ages, plus The Great Courses) and ArtistWorks (learn how to play musical instruments from world-class musicians). Libby, by Overdrive is the successor to the OverDrive app (which you can still use for now). We recommend downloading the enhanced “Libby, by Overdrive” app, which transfers all your Overdrive account information.

We’re offering an informative “Learn Libby with the Experts” webinar on Tuesday, March 22 at 10:00 am to help you make the transition and get the most out of this extensive resource. This virtual class is packed with information about the Libby app, from the basics from 10am-10:40am to the most popular tips and tricks from 10:45am-11:15am. Want to learn more about Libby but can’t be there live? Don’t worry – sign up anyway! Both sessions will be recorded and emailed to all registered individuals 24 hours after the webinar. To register, please visit: https://bit.ly/guilderlandtrain.

Seek

Board Candidates

The Guilderland Public Library Board of Trustees currently has four vacancies for 2022: two five-year terms; and two one-year terms. Eligible candidates must be US citizens, residents of Guilderland Central School District and at least 18 years of age.

Completed paperwork is due by Monday, April 18th for the GPL Board nominee vote and budget on Tuesday, May 17th. For more information, please request an information pack from our loan desk or go to: https://bit.ly/GPL2022BoardCandidates.

live virtual

story time

Based on your feedback, we’ve added a new day and time for our Live Virtual Story Times on Zoom, alternating between Thursday mornings and Tuesday afternoons. We will read books, sing songs and have a lively time together. Register for Tuesday, March 8th at 4pm or Thursday, March 17th at 10:30am in the Events tab of our website

genealogy help

Need a little help researching your family tree? Professional genealogist Lisa Dougherty will be available on a virtual basis on Wednesday, March 9th at 6:00 p.m. Please register in advance on the Events tab of our website to receive your meeting link.

Book talk in March

Night Owls Online meets Monday, March 14 at 7:30 p.m. to discuss “The Silent Patient” by Alex Michaelides, while Memoirs in the Morning meets Wednesday, March 16 at 10:30 a.m to “Maid: Hard Work, Low Pay, and a Mother’s Will to Survive” by Stephanie Land.

Reserve a copy of the book you want, then register on the Events tab of our website. Look for the GPL’s Memoirs in the Morning group on goodreads.com to join the online discussion anytime.

blood drive

Blood donations are at their worst in over a decade. Can you help? Our next blood drive, conducted by the American Red Cross and sponsored by Senator Michelle Hinchey, is scheduled for Tuesday, March 15, from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Appointments can be made at redcross.org and spontaneous visits are welcome.

browsing hours

Curbside pickup in our lobby is available 24 hours in advance by calling 518-456-2400, ext. 2. Masks are compulsory for guests aged 2 and over. GPL policies based on current COVID conditions are outlined in our Pandemic Response Plan, available on our website.

Current opening hours are: Monday to Thursday from 9:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.; Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.; Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; and Sunday 1 p.m. to 5 p.m

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