We’re excited to announce the results of the Penguin Random House Winter Reading Challenge! The purpose is to encourage all ages to read as many books as possible during January and log them in Beanstack. Thanks to our wonderful community, we logged 3,060 books and were named one of the 29 top-reading libraries in the country!
Our sincere thanks to all who participated. We’ll keep you posted on the prizes awarded by Penguin Random House that we can all benefit from.
Ken Burns documentary
Continuing with our theme of looking back 100 years, we’re screening “Prohibition: A Film by Ken Burns and Lynn Novick”, Tuesdays March 10, 17 and 24 at 4:30 p.m. This acclaimed three-part documentary tells the fascinating story of the rise and the fall of the 18th Amendment to the Constitution, which banned the manufacturing, sale and transportation of alcohol in the United States, and the colorful era that it encompassed.
Ukulele jam
We’re turning up our popular Ukulele Jam a notch for a fun and stress-relieving evening with wine added to the mix. On Wednesday, March 11 at 6 p.m.., bring your ukulele and tuner, and enjoy a glass of wine or juice.
We’ll make music together in a fun and casual environment. The evening ends with a prize drawing, and all skill levels are welcome to attend.
You must be 21+ to attend this event, with valid photo identification such as a driver’s license as proof of age. Please register online, by phone or in person.
Joker film
Our Oscar-caliber film series continues Thursday, March 12 at 6:30 p.m. with a screening of Joker.
Failed comedian Arthur Fleck (Joaquin Phoenix, who won the Best Actor Oscar for this performance) is isolated, bullied and disregarded by Gotham society to the point that he steadily descends into madness, ultimately transforming into the criminal mastermind known as the Joker.
Nominated for 11 Academy Awards and also starring Robert DeNiro. Popcorn included! Rated R; 122 minutes.
GPL 2019 stats
Here’s a numerical snapshot of 2019 in review, which speaks to the sheer volume of programming offered and community groups utilizing GPL:
– 220,569 total visitors; average of 6 visits for the estimated 36,000 residents of Guilderland; about 2,500 more than 2018
– 179,111 website visitors; an increase of about 2,500 more than 2018
– 25,240 public computer users, and about the same number accessing our WiFi through their laptops, tablets and phones at the library
– 896 library programs attended by 18,484 people: 467 adult programs; 377 children programs; 52 teen programs
– 215 community groups attended by 6,626 people
– 1,111 combined programs and community groups, with an average attendance of 23 people
In total, 25,110 people attended a Guilderland Public Library event in 2019. We encourage you to come visit as there’s something for everyone.
— Luanne Nicholson