WELCOME to your newly renovated and expanded FINE FREE Guilderland Public Library!

HOURS:

Monday-Thursday:  9:30 am-8 pm
Programs and meetings may continue beyond closing as needed
Friday:  9:30 am-6 pm
Saturday:  9:30 am-5 pm
Sunday:  1-5 pm | CLOSED Sundays during July & August

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Need a library card?  Get one here!

AVAILABLE SERVICES

On Site:

  • Book donations – bins located in side parking lot (take MercyCare Lane, then an immediate right)
  • Car charging stations – see more info. below
  • Curbside services (kindly allow 24-hours notice)
  • Exhibit space – please email pio@guilderlandlibrary.org
  • E-Z Pass
  • Hunting & Fishing licenses
  • Library of Things
  • Museum Passes
  • Notary Public – please call 518.456.2400 ext. 2 to schedule an appointment, or contact us at: notaries@guilderlandlibrary.org
    Notary Hours: Monday – Friday 10 am – 4 pm
    Please bring a valid photo ID and all necessary documents to your appointment
  • Passports
  • Photocopying / Scanning –
    black & white: 10 cents per page
    color: 25 cents per page
    faxing & scanning: no charge
  • Printing on Demand
  • Programs – in-person or virtual, for all ages
  • Public computers for adults and children
  • Reciprocal borrowing agreement with Mid-Hudson, Southern Adirondack and Mohawk Valley Library Systems – see info. below
  • Reference
  • Study/ Meeting rooms – Assistive Listening Technology in 3 meeting rooms

Online:

  • E-Library  – More digital borrowing options! See info. below
  • Learning Tools
  • NEW Brainfuse – eLearning is for all ages and levels, including live tutoring every day from 2-11 pm

FAQs

Q: What programs do you offer?

A: Please check our Events calendar for virtual program options.  Programs are currently offered in-person or virtually.  We’re constantly adding new offerings, so check back often!

Q: How can I keep updated on library happenings?

A: We encourage you to stay tuned for updates on our web page, Facebook, GPL Kids and Families Facebook page, Instagram and in weekly eNews blasts and monthly newsletters. Click here to subscribe to weekly eNews / monthly newsletters. Also, check out our YouTube channel.

Q: How can I get in touch with you?

A: Call us at 518.456.2400, or email ask.librarian@guilderlandlibrary.org.

Q: How can I submit public comment for a board meeting?

A: Public commentary may be submitted to pc@guilderlandlibrary.org at any time.

Q: What are the details on the library’s construction project?

A: This extensive building project, approved by Guilderland voters in May 2019, officially began in October 2020, and essentially concluded in September 2021 – 10.5 months ahead of schedule, and about $250,000 under budget.

More construction project information may be found here.

 

     

        

INSTRUCTIONS FOR PICKING UP HOLDS

  • Request materials by searching the UHLS catalog at the top of the page, through the UHLS app, or by calling 518.456.2400 ext. 3.
  • We’ll notify you when your items are ready for pickup at the holds shelf, in front of the circulation desk.  You may check these items out at the circulation desk, or use a self-checkout machine.
  • If you prefer to pick up your items in the lobby (“curbside”), call 518.456.2400 ext. 2 to schedule your pre-checked-out pick up for the following day.  Pick up your materials inside the library’s lobby.

   

CAR CHARGING STATIONS FAQ

Q: How many charging stations does the Library have?

A: We have four EverCharge stations for EV or hybrid cars.

Q: What is the speed (level) of charging?

A: Level Two

Q: What types of vehicles are compatible with the EverCharge stations?

A: Any hybrid or all-electric vehicle (EV) can use our charging stations.  Tesla owners will need an adaptor as the Tesla charging system is proprietary.

Q: What does it cost?

A: There is a cost-recovery fee of 16 cents per kilowatt hour.  The library makes no profit on these stations, but does pass our electric cost on to the user.

Q: How do I pay?

A: To get started, simply scan the QR code on the charging station with your smartphone.  The phone will lead you through the payment process.  If you are a frequent user of the Library’s charging station, you can open an account with EverCharge by visiting https://dashboard.evercharge.com/signup/new-customer-signup.  The company will send you an RFID card to use; just swipe your card, “fill” up and go.  No more inputting billing information with each visit!

Q: What if I need assistance with a question/issue?

You can email EverCharge at support@evercharge.net or call 888.342.7383

If you have an EV or a hybrid, you may use one of our four Level Two charging stations. We are currently charging a cost-recovery fee of 16 cents per kilowatt hour.  The library makes no profit on these stations, but does pass our electric cost on to the user. To get started, simply scan the QR code on the charging station with your smartphone.

MORE DIGITAL BORROWING OPTIONS!

March 29, 2023

Thanks to reciprocal agreements between our Upper Hudson Library System (UHLS) and the:

  • Mid-Hudson Library System (MHLS)
  • Southern Adirondack Library System (SALS) and
  • Mohawk Valley Library System, (MVLS),

you now have even more eBook, eMagazine and audiobook borrowing options through Overdrive and Libby!

To access these additional collections through the Libby app:

  • Go to the menu
  • Select “Add Library”
  • Enter any of our partner library systems mentioned above
  • Choose “Sign In With My Card”
  • Under “Partner Libraries” – select “Upper Hudson Library System”

As always, we’re here to help with any questions you may have. Visit our Information desk, or contact us at 518.456.2400 ext. 3 or ask.librarian@guilderlandlibrary.org to ensure you are reaping maximum rewards from your GPL library card!

GPL IS FINE FREE!

March 3, 2022 – Guilderland Public Library has been waiving late fees since the pandemic started in March 2020, giving patrons an extra boost as the library became a vital lifeline for many.  We are pleased to announce, in conjunction with Altamont Free Library, that we have made this policy permanent and are 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.

“Library fines don’t get overdue materials back faster,” according to Guilderland Public Library Director Tim Wiles.  “But they do create shame and anxiety among library users, particularly kids, and often contribute to lifelong negative associations with libraries.  Eliminating fines fosters goodwill, brings overdue materials back, and, most importantly, increases library usage.”

“Patrons will still be billed for the replacement cost of unreturned items,” Wiles explained.  “This method is a more effective way to keep borrowed materials coming back, and far less labor-intensive for library staff, which saves taxpayers money.”

In addition, all 29 local public libraries now offer automatic renewals for most checked out items, further reducing fines at the libraries that still charge them.  “Libraries are moving from a punishment model toward an honor system,” concluded Wiles.  “These are welcome changes for patrons and staff alike.”

 

 

We appreciate the opportunity to serve you.  Hope to see you here soon!

 

 

 

Updated 3.18.2024