The Guilderland Public Library grew from borrowed or rented space
to a building of its own in 1992. First known as the Guilderland Free
Library, it was established in 1957, and for the first six years operated
with an all-volunteer staff. By 1958 the library was open five times
a week. In 1969 the library moved to 1900 Western Avenue, where it
remained for 14 years. It then moved across the street to 1873 Western
for the next 9 years.
A bond issue requesting approval of
$4.5 million for construction of a new library was approved in June
1990. The following June ground-breaking took place at 2228 Western
Avenue. The library moved into the new 27,650 square foot facility
in June 1992. Circulation in 1992-1993 was 214,446. In the year 2000-2001,
the library circulated 416,373 items and had 24,565 registered cardholders.
The collection now includes a variety
of resources, including magazines, books on tape or CD, videos, CDs,
CD ROMs, and, of course, books. Currently, the library presents numerous
programs for all ages, such as storytimes, book discussions, music,
art and history programs. Special displays and exhibits change frequently;
and computers and meeting rooms are available for public use.
The
newly built Guilderland Elementary School was the first home of the
Guilderland Public Library in the summer of 1957.
