GPL's September Newsletter
Celebrating 50 Years of Service
Nearly 50 years ago, the first Greenburgh Public
Library building was completed to meet the growing need for library service among residents in the community. Originally chartered in 1962 , the library operated out of a Dobbs Ferry Road school auditorium and two classrooms until a dedicated building could be constructed at the library’s present Tarrytown Road location . Once completed, the original building provided 18,900 square feet of space, a tremendous expansion that allowed the library to better serve the public, a population of 18,500 at the time. Forty years later, the library would again undergo an extensive expansion, nearly doubling in size and adding the iconic, soaring reading room that is emblematic of our present space. That expansion was opened to the public in December of 2008 , and now serves a population of 43,000. 

As we approach the 50th anniversary of the library building, we reflect on so much of what has changed in the library, as well as what is still changing (video credit: Librarian Kate Colquitt). Long ago you may remember using a card catalog to find books by your favorite author, followed by the library catalog on DOS terminals, and finally the online catalog that you use today . The items that can be borrowed have also transformed-- from 8mm film in the 60s, to VHS tapes in the 80s, to DVDs at the turn of the millenium, and now our offerings include streaming video over an internet connection . Even our current space continues to evolve, with the addition of wireless internet, glass walled rooms for quiet study -- solace in a busier environment, and a cafe and patio for the increasing number of patrons who need a place to have lunch or a snack as they spend long hours studying or working (scheduled to open next year!). 

But even as so much has changed in the way the library and the items we loan look, much of our foundation remains the same-- most importantly, our commitment to the community. The beloved storytimes that were a pillar of children’s services when the library opened in 1962 are more popular than ever, along with a variety of other programming to inspire kids of all ages! Book clubs still meet regularly to discuss the latest and greatest reads-- a great opportunity to meet your neighbors. Art still graces the walls of the library for the cultural enrichment of the community. There are also still plenty of librarians here to help you-- whether it’s finding your next great read (and downloading it to a mobile device) or helping you navigate an online job application. Since 1962 we’ve been here to support the Greenburgh community, and we’ll be here tomorrow, the next day, and for 50 more years to keep doing just that. 

We invite you to come and help us celebrate the library with an Anniversary Reception on Saturday, September 22 . Come and help us celebrate not only where we’ve come from but our continued commitment to learning, literacy, discovery, and delight!
GPL Hours:
Monday: 10:00 am - 5:30 pm
Tuesday: 10:00 am - 9:00 pm
Wednesday: 10:00 am - 9:00 pm
Thursday: 10:00 am - 5:30 pm
Friday: 10:00 am - 5:30 pm
Saturday: 10:00am - 5:30 pm
Sunday 1:00pm - 5:00pm
Staff Picks: Health and Wellness
Health and Wellness At The Library
If you turn on the tv, computer or open the newspaper, you’ll find someone somewhere talking about health and wellness. Most of us have an idea about what it is to be healthy but what is wellness truly? According to UC Davis , wellness is defined as, “an active process of becoming aware of and making choices toward a healthy and fulfilling life. Wellness is more than being free from illness, it is a dynamic process of change and growth.” In essence, wellness is not a quick fix, it’s a conscious change in your mind and body to move toward a healthier lifestyle. So how does one achieve it? Although it may seem like a daunting task to make a big change in your life, Greenburgh Public Library is here to make it a bit easier for you by providing events, activities and resources for you to achieve wellness in your life.

This past summer, Librarian Carol Angert held a six week guided meditation course. Led by instructor Kristen Lu, each session consisted of participants learning to free and clear their mind for thirty minutes each day. Incorporating meditation into your lifestyle can help boost immune function, enhance physical health, help cope with stress and depression and enhance the functions of the brain and nervous system. If you weren’t able to make it to the course, take a look at Carol’s tips for incorporating mindfulness into your daily routine.

Librarian Carol Angert has also been hard at work creating resources and research help to make finding reliable health information easier. Carol maintains the Health and Wellness page on our website, where you can find information about how to start your research , how to determine fact from opinion , and local resources at the town, county and state levels. Although we cannot give medical advice, we can provide you with tools and resources help you become more informed about health related topics.
GPL Now Has Mobile Hot spots!
What’s a hotspot?
A mobile hotspot is a portable device that provides internet access on a variety of devices, including laptops, smartphones, MP3 players, tablets, or portable gaming devices. A mobile hotspot uses wireless technology, is portable and works in areas that do not have broadband. This means that if you are on vacation and need an internet connection other than what is available through your phone, you will be able to connect with a mobile hotspot!

Will the HotSpot work anywhere?
Signal strength will vary based on your physical location and on the physical location of the mobile hotspot. This means that the hotspot may not work in all areas of the world. For example if you are hiking in the Colorado Rockies you will most likely not have a signal. Click here to see the map of Sprint network coverage.

How do I get one?
The library has three hotspots available for checkout. The loan period is for two weeks and you must be 18 years or older with a valid GPL card to check one out. Patrons must reserve a hotspot in advance. Reservations can be made through the library’s museum /hotspot reservation page. The library website has a Mobile Hotspot Q & A page for further information and instruction. A librarian can also be reached by phone at 721-8225 to answer additional questions.
September 17th, 2018