1715 Bedell Road, Grand Island, NY 14072
Buffalo & Erie County Library Website - Grand Island
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Library News - 2017
We are OPEN on New Year's Eve 9:30 am - 5:00 PM.
Hours
Monday 9:30 am - 8:00 pm
Tuesday 9:30 am - 6:00 pm
Wednesday 9:30 am - 6:00 pm
Thursday 9:30 am - 8:00 pm
Friday 9:30 am - 5:00 pm
Saturday 9:30 am - 5:00 pm
Sunday CLOSED
Kombucha Making 101 - January 2019
Monday, January 28th at 6:00 p.m."As easy as making Jello!" Start your New Year’s resolutions right. Learn the basics of how to make kombucha at home. The presenter will have a limited number of SCOBYs available to take home to start your first batch. Registration is required. Please call 773-7124.
Adult Book Club - January 2019
Monday, January 14th at 6:30 p.m.Join us for a discussion of our selection of the month. All are welcome and refreshments will be served. For information on our selection, visit the library's website, or call the library.
Siberian Husky Club of the Niagara Frontier - January 2019
Saturday, January 12th at 1:00 p.m.The Husky Club will be here to talk about their organization, sled racing and Huskies! Learn about the breed and the sport of sled racing. Meet a few of the dogs as well! Registration is required and open to all ages for this family-friendly program. Please call 773-7124 for more information. This program is funded by the Friends of the Grand Island Memorial Library.
eBooks & eReaders - January 2019
Saturday, January 5th at 11:00 a.m.Skill level: Advanced
This workshop is designed as a practical, hands-on introduction to downloading eBooks from the library's website for use on personal electronic devices. The focus will be on the Nook, Kindle, iPad, & Android devices. There will be a demonstration of the steps required to download and activate necessary software, along with tips to effectively search and browse our OverDrive catalog.
Requirements: B&ECPL library card, mouse and Internet skills, eDevice and any user names and passwords associated with it. Device must be charged and registered. Free and open to library patrons age 17 and above. Registration is required. Please call 773-7124.
Knitting Club - December 2018
Mondays, January 14th & 28th 1:30 - 4:00 pm Join our group for help with a project, knitting company, or to knit for charity. Our group is free and all are welcome. For more information, call 773-7124, or visit the library.Winter Lego Club - December 2018
Saturdays, December 22nd, January 12th at 10:30 a.m. Open session of Lego Club for children ages 6 - 12 years old. No registration necessary. Drop-in and build.School Break Movie Matinee - December 2018
Friday, December 28th at 2:00 p.m.Join us for a movie about two kids who transform their principal into a superhero. The trio soon battle a deranged teacher at their school. Make a superhero mask to take home. Popcorn will be served. Bring your own water bottle. Recommended for ages 6 and up, under 6 parent must stay. No registration required. Call 773-7124 for more information.
Noon Year's Eve Party - December 2018
Monday, December 31st at 11:00 a.m.Make a noisemaker and a party hat, countdown to noon with "fireworks" and a super fun dance party to celebrate the new year! Light refreshments will be provided. Recommended for ages 5 and up. Registration required. Call 773-7124 or stop by the library.
Buffalo Botanical Gardens - December 2018
Thursday, December 13th, 6:00 p.m.Floriography: the Secret Language of Flowers. The Botanical Gardens will start off with a lecture on the language of flowers, its history and development and will move onto the “hands-on” portion where participants will make a floral pen and a “tussie mussie” or fresh flower bouquet to take home using the language of flowers meanings. Registration is required. Please call 773-7124. This program is sponsored by the Friends of the Grand Island Memorial Library.
Book a Technology Trainer - December 2018
Thursday, December 6thSessions available between 4:00 and 7:00 pm. Need computer assistance? We can help! These free 45 minute sessions are designed to assist with software support or Internet training. They are not designed to troubleshoot computer problems or repair hardware. All appointments are held on a Library PC with Windows 7. Free and open to Library Patrons age 17 and above. Registration is required. Please call 773-7124 to book your 45 minute session.
Winter Birds Workshop - December 2018
Monday, December 3rd, 6:00 p.m.Master crafter, Kathleen Rumfola, will host this workshop which will focus on creating seasonal decorations from wooden pieces, decorative branches and painted rocks. All materials will be provided. The program is sponsored by the Friends of the Grand Island Memorial Library. Registration is required. Please call 773-7124.
Make Your Own Graham Cracker House- December 2018
Saturday, December 1st, 2:30 p.m.Come build a dazzling graham cracker house fit for a gingerbread elf! All materials will be provided. 1 house per child. Ages 5 and up. Parents/caregivers encouraged to participate. Space is limited to 30 participants, so please register early! Call 773-7124 or stop by the library today. Don't miss out!
Light Up The Boulevard Story Time and Crafts - December 2018
Saturday, December 1st 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.Light Up the Boulevard festivities start at the library this year with readings of "The Grinch Who Stole Christmas" and grinch-themed crafts and activities. Storytimes at 11:00 and 11:30 am. Special guest appearance! All ages. No need to register. Call 773-7124 for more information.
Makerspace Open Hours - December 2018
Now: Wednesdays 4:00-5:30 pm & Fridays 3:00-4:30 pm.Saturday December 15th 10:30-noon
Come explore the robots, electronics, coding, and other maker activities we have available. Recommended for 6 - 17 years old, but open to all. No registration necessary. Drop-in and make things!
Toddler Time - December 2018
Join us for stories and songs for children ages 18 months - 3 years old, with an adult caregiver. Registration is requested. Call or visit the library to register. Wednesdays12/5/18-12/19/18 at 10:30 a.m.Preschool Story Hour - December 2018
Join us for stories, songs, crafts and games for children ages 3 - 5 years old. Registration is required. Call or visit the library to register.Tuesday Afternoon session: 12/4/18 - 12/18/18 at 1:30 p.m. Thursday Morning session: 11/29/18 - 12/20/18 at 10:30 a.m.
Fall Lego Club - December 2018
Saturdays, December 8th & 22nd at 10:30 a.m. Open session of Lego Club for children ages 6 - 12 years old. No registration necessary. Drop-in and build.Polar Express Pajama Party - November 2018
Friday, November 30th @ 10:00 a.m.A Polar Express Pajama Party will be at the Grand Island Memorial Library, 1715 Bedell Road, on Friday, November 30th, from 10:00 a.m. - 12 noon. Wear your fuzziest, coziest pajamas and bring a friend to watch this holiday favorite about a young boy's magical adventure to the North Pole. Make a Polar Express-themed craft. Hot cocoa will be served. Recommended for ages 6 and up. Under 6, parents must stay. Registration not required. Call 773-7124 for more information.
A Day at the Office: Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra Edition - November 2018
Thursday, November 29th @ 6:30 p.m.Lecturer: Tim Smith, Trombonist, BPO. Learn about the life of a professional orchestra musician in a presentation illuminating the unseen operation of the orchestra. With a focus on musicians’ onstage communication through breathing, eye contact, and body language, you will learn about the day-to-day life of a BPO musician. This includes rehearsal procedures, practice time, working with guest artists, and managing multiple folders of repertoire week in and week out. Registration is required. Please call 773-7124. This program is sponsored by the Friends of the Grand Island Memorial Library.
Editing Digital Photos - November 2018
Saturday, November 24th @ 2:00 p.m.Learn how to make basic adjustments to photos in Pixlr Express and Photoshop Express Editor, which are free image editing websites. Free and open to library patrons age 17 & above. Skill level: Intermediate. Requirements: mouse, typing, and internet skills. Registration is required. Please call 773-7124.
Dragons & Unicorns - November 2018
Thursday, November 15th at 10:30 a.m.Which is your favorite? Dragons or Unicorns? With this program, you don't have to choose! Come celebrate fantastic beasts at the library. Create a dragon's egg and decide what type of dragon you'll hatch at home. Make and take unicorn slime, stories, games, and a dance party! Ages 3 - 6. This program is free. Registration required. Stop by the library or call 773-7124.
Jewelry Making Workshop - November 2018
Saturday, November 17th at 3:00 p.m.Kathleen Rumfola will host this workshop which will focus on creating jewelry out of bottle caps, photos, and glass. Each participant will make a necklace with interchangeable pendants, a "hair jewel", and jewelry box made from a greeting card. All materials will be provided. Registration is required. Please call 773-7124. This program is sponsored by the Friends of the Grand Island Memorial Library.
Mobile Dome Planetarium - November 2018
Two Sessions - Wednesday, November 21st at 3:00 and 4:00 p.m.Your Sky Tonight - Fall Edition. This program is designed for ages 8 and up. Family-friendly; adults are encouraged to attend. The stars come to us as Mr. K of Ancient Eyes Productions brings his inflatable dome planetarium to the library! Explore the night sky as seen from your backyard. We will look at things you can find in the sky like bright stars and constellations, current moon phase and visible planets. All these objects, plus more, can be seen in your sky tonight! Registration is required. Please call 773-7124. Please choose which session you would like to attend when registering. This program is sponsored by the Friends of the Grand Island Memorial Library.
Fall Knitting Club Dates - November 2018
Mondays, November 26 and December 10th, 1:30 - 4:00 p.m. Join our group for help with a project, knitting company, or to knit for charity. Our group is free and all are welcome. For more information, call 773-7124, or visit the library.Family Storytime - November 2018
Family story time is a small group atmosphere with songs, stories, and activities that will help you and your child feel comfortable joining in every week. Fall session will take place on 1st and 3rd Saturdays of the month through 12/15 at 1:00 p.m. Please call 773-7124 to register or for more information. Registration limited to 15 families.Tales for Tails - November 2018
Saturdays, November 10th, and December 8th 1:00-2:00 pm. Share a story with a therapy dog from the SPCA's PAWS for Love Program. Register for a 15-minute reading session. All dogs are behavior tested and therapy certified. Family program - all ages. Please call 773-7124.Fall Lego Club - November 2018
Saturdays, November 10th & 24th at 10:30 a.m. Open session of Lego Club for children ages 6 - 12 years old. No registration necessary. Drop-in and build.Makerspace Open Hours - October 2018
Now: Wednesdays 4:00-5:30 pm & Fridays 3:00-4:30 pm.Saturdays November 3rd & 17th, December 15th 10:30-noon
Come explore the robots, electronics, coding, and other maker activities we have available. Recommended for 6 - 17 years old, but open to all. No registration necessary. Drop-in and make things!
The Rose Witch: Multicultural Supernatural Folklore on the Niagara - October 2018
Monday, November 19th at 6:00 p.m.Join local supernatural historian, folklorist and author, Mason Winfield, for a discussion on the supernatural folklore of the Niagara region. Registration is required. Please call 773-7124. This program is sponsored by the Friends of the Grand Island Memorial Library.
Easy Jam Making - October 2018
Saturday, November 10th at 3:00 p.m.Tina Ames will teach you the fun and easy way to make jam with your fresh fruit. This one hour class will be hands on and teach you two processes of jam making - chia jam and water bath method. No special equipment needed to invest in for the student after the class. Of course - sampling of jams is part of the class! Registration is required. Please call 773-7124. This program is sponsored by the Friends of the Grand Island Memorial Library.
Siberian Husky Club of the Niagara Frontier - October 2018
Thursday, November 8th at 6:00 p.m.The Siberian Husky Club of the Niagara Frontier will be at the library to talk about their annual Paws of Thunder dry land cart race to be held later in the month. Learn the difference between this sport vs. traditional dog-sledding and meet a few of the dogs! Free and open to the public. This program is funded by the Friends of the Grand Island Memorial Library.
Library Card Sign-Up Month Raffle - October 2018
Through October 31stOctober 1st thru 31st: During the month of October, if you sign-up for a library card here at the Grand Island Memorial Library, you can put your name in for an Incredible prize! One Kids prize pack: Includes an Incredibles Lego Juniors set and two Incredibles books. One Adult prize: a $20 Barnes & Noble Gift Card. New library card sign-ups can enter for either prize. One entry per person if you sign-up for a library card during the month of October. Winners will be notified on November 1st. This contest is funded by the Friends of the Grand Island Memorial Library.
Pumpkin Decorating and Spooky Tales with Mr. Sal - October 2018
Monday, October 29th at 5:30 p.m.Come decorate your own mini pumpkin to take home. Prepare to be spooked by the spine-tingling stories Mr. Sal will be telling. Costumes welcome and encouraged! Ages 6 and up. Registration required. Limit of 50 participants. Call 773-7124 or stop by the library to register. This program is sponsored by the Friends of the Grand Island Memorial Library.
A Talk on Meditation - October 2018
Thursday, October 25th, 6:00 p.m.A talk on the practice and mechanisms of meditation in relationship to health, medicine and the martial arts. Registration is required. Please call 773-7124. This program is sponsored by the Friends of the Grand Island Memorial Library.
The Friends of the Grand Island Memorial Library Discard Book Sale - October 2018
Friday, October 19th 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., Saturday, October 20th 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.Friends of the Grand Island Memorial Library Discard Book Sale. Entire Sale: $3 a bag, as much as you can fit. Bags will be provided. All proceeds to benefit the Grand Island Memorial Library.
Cris Johnson Presents New York Spirits - October 2018
Cris Johnson Presents New York Spirits - Saturday, October 13th 3:00 p.m.See strange artifacts, learn about spiritualist powers and hear stories of maddeningly scary events. Hear tales of spirits who supposedly haunt Shea's Performing Arts Center, Fort William Henry Museum, the Utica Lunatic Asylum, the Red Coach Inn of Niagara Falls and other places. Learn about the Fox Sisters who were at the forefront of spirit communication, the truth about the Amityville Horror house, and more. Registration is required. Please call 773-7124. This program is sponsored by the Friends of the Grand Island Memorial Library.
Nature Play for Kids - October 2018
Nature Play for Kids (Ages 6 - 10) - Thursday, October 11th 6:00 p.m.Discover nature in this fun-filled program! Participants will get to explore aspects of Grand Island's nature, create their own collage, and play games without leaving the library! Ages 6 - 10. This program is free. Registration required. Visit the library or call 773-7124.
Friends of the Library Volunteer of the Year - September 2018
From left: Marie Volpe and Friends of the Library President Mary Cooke.
Recently, Marie Volpe was named the Friends of GI Memorial Library 2018 "Volunteer of the Year". In addition to serving on the Friends Board of Directors for several years, Marie heads the book sorting team for the used book donations in preparation of the twice annual Friends Book Sales and the ongoing Friends Book Sale Room, and the book sale shelves at the entrance of the library. She is also one of the coaches for the annual "Battle of the Books" competition.Building Better Bat Houses - October 2018
Building Better Bat Houses - Thursday, October 4th at 6:00 p.m. Bat houses have become very popular in recent years. Unfortunately, most bat houses sold in stores don't attract bats because of basic design flaws. Learn the simple steps you can take to make your bat house a success and discover which bats are most likely to move in! Professional Naturalist Liz Thompson has been introducing audiences to the fascinating world of bats since 1996. This program includes lecture with talking points and is not hands on. This program is funded by the Friends of the Grand Island Memorial Library.Tales for Tails - October 2018
Saturdays, October 13th, November 10th, and December 8th 1:00-2:00 pm. Share a story with a therapy dog from the SPCA's PAWS for Love Program. Register for a 15-minute reading session. All dogs are behavior tested and therapy certified. Family program - all ages. Please call 773-7124.Fall Lego Club - October 2018
Saturdays, October 13th & 27th at 10:30 a.m. Open session of Lego Club for children ages 6 - 12 years old. No registration necessary. Drop-in and build.Jewelry Making Workshop - September 2018
At the Grand Island Memorial Library on Saturday, September 29th 3:00-5:00 pm. Master crafter, Kathleen Rumfola, will host this workshop which will focus on creating jewelry out of bottle caps, photos, and glass. Each participant will make a necklace with interchangeable pendants, a “hair jewel”, and jewelry box made from a greeting card. All materials will be provided. Registration is required. Please call 773-7124. This program is sponsored by the Friends of the Grand Island Memorial Library.Flu Shot Clinic - September 2018
At the Grand Island Memorial Library on Saturday, September 29th 10:00 am-2:00 pm. No appointment necessary. Free with most insurance. Vaccines available while supplies last. For more information on the clinic, please call the Grand Island Rite Aid at 773-1724 and ask for their Wellness Ambassador..Buffalo History Museum - Erie Canal - September 2018
At Grand Island Memorial Library, Saturday, September 22nd at 2:00 pm. Come join the Buffalo History Museum, and learn about a man-made marvel that changed the face of New York State. The Erie Canal stretched 363 miles across NY, connecting the frontier to the rest of the world, with Buffalo at the center of it all. Completed in 1825, this canal propelled Buffalo onto the main stage of the United States. This program is sponsored by the Friends of the Grand Island Memorial Library.eBooks & eReaders Workshop - September 2018
Thursday, September 27th 4:30 - 7:00 p.m., Skill level: Advanced. Requirements: BECPL Library card, mouse and internet skills, eDevice and any user names and passwords associated with it. Device must be charged and registered.This workshop is designed as a practical, hands-on introduction to downloading eBooks from the library's website for use on personal electronic devices. The focus will be on the Nook, Kindle, iPad & Android devices. There will be a demonstration of the steps required to download and activate necessary software, along with tips to effectively search and browse our OverDrive catalog. Free and open to library patrons age 17 & above. Registration is required. Please call 773-7124.
Local Author Talk: Lissa Marie Redmond - September 2018
Thursday September 20th at 6:30 p.m. Local author Lissa Marie Redmond will lead a discussion of her book "A Cold Day in Hell: A Cold Case Investigation". Copies of the book will be available for sale. This program is sponsored by the Friends of the Grand Island Memorial Library.Fall Tasks in the Garden - September 2018
Monday, September 24th at 6:00 p.m. Local Master Gardener Peggy Koppmann will hold an open forum for questions on fall cleanup for your garden and offer pointers as she leads a tour of the Library's gardens (weather permitting). This program is sponsored by the Friends of the Grand Island Memorial Library. The library's gardens are maintained by the Cinderella Isle Garden Club.Fall Knitting Club Dates - September 2018
Mondays, September 10 & 24, October 8 & 22, November 26 and December 10th, 1:30 - 4:00 p.m. Join our group for help with a project, knitting company, or to knit for charity. Our group is free and all are welcome. For more information, call 773-7124, or visit the library.Adult Book Club - September 2018
Monday, September 17th at 6:45 p.m., "Born to Run" by Bruce Springsteen. Join us for a discussion of our selection of the month. All are welcome and refreshments will be served. For information on our selection, visit the library's website, or call the library.Family Storytime - September 2018
Family story time is a small group atmosphere with songs, stories, and activities that will help you and your child feel comfortable joining in every week. Fall session will take place on 1st and 3rd Saturdays of the month beginning 9/15 through 12/15 at 1:00 p.m. No session 9/1 or 10/20. Please call 773-7124 to register or for more information. Registration limited to 15 families.Toddler Time - September 2018
Join us for stories and songs for children ages 18 months - 3 years old, with an adult caregiver. Registration is requested. Call or visit the library to register. Wednesdays 9/19/18-11/7/18 at 10:30 a.m.Preschool Story Hour - September 2018
Join us for stories, songs, crafts and games for children ages 3 - 5 years old. Registration is required. Call or visit the library to register.Tuesday Afternoon session: 9/18/18-10/30/18 at 1:30 p.m. Thursday Morning session: 9/20/18-11/8/18 at 10:30 a.m.
Fall Lego Club - September 2018
Saturdays, September 22nd, October 13th & 27th at 10:30 a.m. Open session of Lego Club for children ages 6 - 12 years old. No registration necessary. Drop-in and build.Read Down Your Fines - May 2018
For every 15 minutes of reading done in the library, a $1 Reading Buck can be earned and used toward outstanding fines. Visit any Buffalo & Erie County Public Library this summer for more information and to take advantage of this popular summer initiative! June 2nd - September 15th for children ages 16 and under.Knitting Club - August 2018
Mondays, August 13th & 27th 1:30 - 4:00 p.m. Join our group for help with a project, knitting company, or to knit for charity. Our group is free and all are welcome. For more information, call 773-7124, or visit the library.Past, Present, and Future of the Great Lakes - August 2018
Thursday, August 30th 6:00 p.m. Professional geologist, Jerold Bastedo, will lead a presentation on the Great Lakes which will include information on the regional geology, geologic maps, and rock specimens from the Niagara Gorge. Attendees are welcome to bring fossils, rocks or minerals to be identified. Mr. Bastedo is the retired Executive Director of the Penn Dixie Paleontological Site located in Hamburg, NY and he has 49 years of experience in his field. He currently works as a Consulting Geologist and educator. This program is funded by the Friends of the Grand Island Memorial Library.Intro to Etsy - August 2018
Thursday, August 23rd 5:30 p.m. Intro to Etsy with Vanessa Lauria, (10-year etsy veteran and creator of pidge pidge) Learn how to create a shop on Etsy, the popular e-commerce website focused on handmade and vintage items. Free and open to the public. Space is limited. Call 773-7124 to register. Although not required, feel free to bring your tablet, laptop, or smartphone to follow along with instruction. Simple handout will be provided. This program is funded by the Friends of the Grand Island Memorial Library.Adult Book Club - August 2018
The Grand Island Memorial Library Book Club will discuss "The Orphan Train" by Christina Baker Kline on Monday, August 20th at 6:45 p.m. All are welcome and refreshments will be served. For information on our selection, visit the library's website, or call the library at 773-7124.I Left My Heart in Montedoro - August 2018
Thursday, August 16th 6:30 p.m. Sal Bordonaro narrates a photographic travelogue of a trip in Montedoro, Sicily and surrounding locales during the Summer of 2015. Montedoro has a long history with the Buffalo area since numerous Montedorese immigrated to our region. Food, culture and history will be interlaced throughout the talk. Second part of a two-part travelogue series. Refreshments will be provided. Registration is required. Please call 773-7124.Rock Yourself into Puffy Paint! - August 2018
Thursday, August 16th 2:00 p.m., ages 6-10. Combine your love of art and music in our puffy paint program! Listen to music and express yourself with paint! In this program kids will be able to make pictures and play games using puffy paint, get the chance to write their own songs, and even create a permanent piece of art for their library! Registration required. Call 773-7124 or visit the library for more information.Italian Tapestry Tour of Italy - August 2018
Thursday, August 9th 6:30 p.m. A nine day tour of Italy with stops in Venice, Modena, Florence, Siena, Pienza, Rome, Pompeii, Sorrento and Capri. Photographic slides of sites visited, highlights along with trip anecdotes and culture will be featured by Sal Bordonaro. Refreshments will be provided. Registration is required. Please call 773-7124. Part one of a two-part travelogue series. Sicily will be discussed on August 16th (Separate registration required).Organizing Your Computer Files and Folders - July 2018
Wednesday, August 1st 3:30 p.m.Do you ever lose anything you've saved to your computer? Can't find that picture you wanted to attach to an email? This class shows how to save files to the computer so you can find them again! Use these skills to arrange your digital photos into album folders or organized other files. This class is based on using a Windows 10 computer. Skill level: Intermediate; Requirements: Requirements: mouse and typing skills. Flash (USB) drive optional; Registration is required. Please call 773-7124. Free and open to library patrons age 17 & above.Hawk Creek Wildlife "Amazing Adaptations" - July 2018
Hawk Creek Wildlife "Amazing Adaptations" is on Thursday, July 26th at 2:00 p.m. Explore how animals use their adaptations to survive and compete in the wild. There will be live wildlife, touchable animal artifacts, and visuals for a multifaceted presentation. Three live, wild animal ambassadors will help tell the story. Ages 8 and up. Registration required. Call 773-7124 or stop by the library for more information. Funding for this program is provided by the Friends of the Grand Island Memorial Library.Omnipresent Puppet Theatre presents "The Little Mermaid" - July 2018
The Omnipresent Puppet Theatre presents "The Little Mermaid" on Wednesday, July 25th at 2:00 p.m. Join us for Omnipresent's version of the classic Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale. Fun for all ages! Children under the age of 6 must be accompanied by an adult. No registration required. Call 773-7124 or stop by the library for more information. Funding for this program is provided by the Friends of the Grand Island Memorial Library.Mobile Dome Planetarium - July 2018
Tuesday, July 24th; Two sessions to choose from: 5:00 p.m. or 6:00 p.m. This program is designed for ages 8 and up. Family-friendly; adults are encouraged to attend. The stars come to us as Mr. K of Ancient Eyes Productions brings his inflatable dome planetarium to the library! Explore the night sky as seen from your backyard. We will look at things you can find in the sky like bright stars and constellations, current moon phase and visible planets. All these objects, plus more, can be seen in your sky tonight! Registration is required. 773-7124. Please choose which session you would like to attend when registering. Funding for this program is provided by the Friends of the Grand Island Memorial Library.Rookie Readers- June 2018
Tuesdays at 2 pm beginning July 10th. Join us for crafts, games and stories! This program is for children entering grades 1 and 2 in the Fall. Registration is required. Visit the library or call 773-7124 to register.Page Turners - June 2018
Thursdays at 2 pm beginning July 12th. Join us for crafts, games and stories! This program is for children entering grades 3 - 6 in the Fall. Registration is required. Visit the library or call 773-7124 to register.Preschool and Toddler Time - June 2018
Call or visit the library to register your child.Preschool Story Time: For ages 3-5 years
Mondays: 10:30 - 11:30 am - July 9 - August 6
Tuesdays: 10:30 - 11:30 am - July 10 - August 7
Toddler Time Lapsit: For ages 18 months - 3 years with an adult caregiver.
Wednesdays: 10:30 - 11:00 am - July 11 - August 8
Book A Technology Trainer - June 2018
Monday, July 2nd - Appointments available between 4 and 7pm.Need computer assistance? We can help! These free 45 minute sessions are designed to assist with software support or Internet training. They are not designed to troubleshoot computer problems or repair hardware. All appointments are held on a Library PC with Windows 7. Free and open to Library Patrons age 17 and above. Registration is required. Please call 773-7124.
Summer Reading Kickoff Celebration with Nan Hoffman - June 2018
Summer Reading Kickoff Celebration with Nan Hoffman is Thursday, July 5th at 2:00 p.m. Children of all ages are invited to attend this event to register for our summer programs and pick up reading logs and bags. No registration is necessary.The Art of Flower Pounding - June 2018
The Art of Flower Pounding is on Thursday, July 5th at 6:00 p.m. Master crafter, Kathleen Rumfola, will host this workshop focused on the art of flower pounding with rocks to create beautiful botanical images on cloth and paper. All materials and flowers will be provided. Registration is required. Please call 773-7124. This program is funded by the Friends of the Grand Island Memorial Library.Summer Lego Club- June 2018
Summer Lego Club is on Fridays from 10:30-noon starting July 6th. Open session of Lego Club for children ages 6 - 12 years old. No registration necessary. Drop-in and build!Read Down Your Fines - May 2018
For every 15 minutes of reading done in the library, a $1 Reading Buck can be earned and used toward outstanding fines. Visit any Buffalo & Erie County Public Library this summer for more information and to take advantage of this popular summer initiative! June 2nd - September 15th for children ages 16 and under."Why Did My Plant Die?" - May 2018
"Why Did My Plant Die?" A Q&A with Master Gardener Peggy Koppmann on Thursday, June 7th, 6:00-7:00 p.m. Local Master Gardener Peggy Koppmann will hold an open forum for questions on all things plants and offer pointers as she leads a tour of the Library's gardens (weather permitting). Free and open to the public. Please call 773-7124 for more information. This program is sponsored and funded by the Friends of the Grand Island Memorial Library. The Library's gardens are maintained by the Cinderella Isle Garden Club.Knitting Club - May 2018
The Grand Island Memorial Library Knitting Club will meet on the second and fourth Monday afternoons of the month, June 11th & June 18th, from 1:30 - 4:00 pm in the library's meeting room. Join our group for help with a project, knitting company or to knit for charity. The club is free and open to the public. For more information, visit the library or call 773-7124.Rocking with Pete the Cat - May 2018
Tuesday, June 12th 1:30 p.m. -Rocking with Pete the Cat - Join us for stories, songs, and games with everyone's favorite groovy character, Pete the Cat! Ages 3-6. Registration required. Please call 773-7124 or stop by the library for more information.Battle of the Books Informational Meeting - May 2018
Monday, June 18th 5:00 pm - Meet your fellow team members and pick up your copy of our books to get started preparing for the Battle of the Books 2018! This group is for teens entering grades 6 - 9 in the Fall. Registration is required to participate. For more information call or visit the library.Essential Oils 101 - May 2018
On Tuesday, June 12th, at 6:45 p.m., Kitty Maloy Mandile will lead a discussion about the history of essential oils, how to use them and the many benefits and science as to why they work. Natural alternatives for many common issues will be explored as well. Registration is required. Please call 773-7124 for more information.Pop Culture Crafternoons - May 2018
Wednesdays from 4:00 - 5:00 p.m. beginning May 23rd. Drop in and geek out with your friends! Make ALL THE THINGS pop culture-related. Do you love Harry Potter? Star Wars Nerd? Do you listen to K-Pop until your ears bleed? This is the place for you! We will make great crafts and have fun doing it! Recommended ages 6-17. No registration required.Adult Book Club - May 2018
Adult Book Club is Monday, June 18th at 6:45 p.m. "Wonder" by R.J. Palacio will be discussed. Order your book from the library. All are welcome and refreshments will be served. For information on our selection, visit the library's website, or call the library.Ancestry Class - May 2018
Tuesday, June 5th 5:00-7:00 pm: An Introduction to tracing your family's roots with Ancestry Library Edition (ALE), a database available at any Buffalo & Erie County Public Library location. Similar to the popular Ancestry.com website, this database contains collections of vital and original records, including those relating to birth, marriage, death, military service, and immigration. Skill level: Advanced. Requirements: mouse, typing, and Internet skills, flash drive (optional). Registration is required. Please call 773-7124.Friends of Grand Island Memorial Library to Host Local Author - May 2018
The Friends of Grand Island Memorial Library cordially invites the entire community to a talk by Grand Island resident, Sophie Hodorowicz Knab, who will be discussing her new book "Wearing the Letter P: Polish Women as Forced Laborers in Nazi Germany 1939-1945". The talk will take place in the community room at Grand Island Memorial Library (773-7124), 1715 Bedell Road, Grand Island, NY on Thursday, May 24th at 6:30 p.m., following the annual Friends business meeting and election of officers. The talk is free and open to the public.
Knab, the author of several Polish interest books, has written a new book inspired by listening to her mother's stories of what happened to her in Germany during World War II. "It was difficult to understand many of the things she spoke about, " says Knab, "because it was an aspect of the war that didn't receive much attention even though 7 million people of different countries and nationalities were forced to leave their homes and work for the Third Reich under horrible circumstances. "
As she grew older, Knab began researching, looking for information only to find that there was very little information about the plight of 1.7 million Poles who were forced against their will to leave Poland and made to work in Germany to keep Hitler's war effort going at full throttle. The photo/lecture presentation will focus on the hundreds of thousands of Polish women, some as young as twelve, who were taken from their homes in Poland and forced to work for the Reich for months and years on end. She will discuss the round-ups, the horrors of transit camps, the terrible conditions of life and work in both agriculture and industry; the wearing of the letter P on all their clothes and the severe discriminations associated with being a Pole, all under the threat of violence. Many women died of illness and mistreatment. Many ended up in concentration camps. They had to bear witness to their children dying of starvation and neglect. "It was a terrible period in the lives of so many Poles, so many women. I wanted to understand it all myself and when I learned the extent of their suffering, I wanted to give Polish women a voice, for them to take their place in the history of WWII."
Copies of the book will be available for sale and refreshments will be provided. Sophie Hodorowicz Knab is also the author of Polish Customs, Traditions, and Folklore and The Polish Country Kitchen Cookbook. Wearing the Letter P: Polish Women as Forced Laborers in Nazi Germany 1939-1945 (Hippocrene Books) is available through the Buffalo and Erie County Library, ordering through Amazon or your favorite book store.
Adult Book Club - May 2018
Adult Book Club is Monday, May 21st at 6:45 p.m. "The Lowland" by Jhumpa Lahiri will be discussed. Order your book from the library.Book a Tech Trainer - May 2018
Monday, May 14th, 45 minute appointments available between 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Call 773-7124 for more information.Lego Club - May 2018
Lego Club is for ages 6 -12 years. It meets every other Saturday at 10:30 a.m. The dates for May are May 12th, & 19th. Stop in and build.Preschool Story Hour - May 2018
Preschool Story Hour is on Mondays at 10:30 a.m. and Tuesdays at 1:30 p.m., for ages 3-5 years. Please call 773-7124 for more information.Toddler Time - May 2018
Toddler Time is on Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m., for ages 18 months to 3 years. Please call 773-7124 for more information.Knitting Club - May 2018
The Grand Island Memorial Library Knitting Club will meet on the second and fourth Monday afternoons of the month, May 14th, from 1:30 - 4:00 pm in the library's meeting room. No meeting May 28th, Memorial Day. Join our group for help with a project, knitting company or to knit for charity. The club is free and open to the public. For more information, visit the library or call 773-7124.Friends of the Library Election & Program - May 2018
On May 24th at 6:30 p.m., the Friends of the Grand Island Memorial Library will hold their Annual Meeting and election of officers. The slate of officers and Board Members proposed includes: Jill Banaszak (Vice-president), Nancy Vizzi (Treasurer), Liz Engl (Corresponding secretary), Amy Boutet, Phyllis Galie , Marie Volpe, Charlotte Senulis (board members). Nominations may also be made from the floor during the meeting. The program for the evening will include a presentation by Sophie Knab, author of the book, Wearing the Letter P: Polish Women as Forced Laborers in Nazi Germany. See flyer. Refreshments will be provided; all are welcome.Tales for Tails - May 2018
Grand Island Memorial Library - Tales for Tails, Saturday, May 5th, 1:00 p.m. Share a story with a therapy dog from the SPCA's PAWS for Love Program. Register for a 15-minute reading session. All dogs are behavior tested and therapy certified. Family program - all ages. Registration is required. Please call 773-7124.One Community, One Book Special Book Discussion - April 2018
A One Community, One Book Special Book Discussion is planned for Thursday, May 17th at 6:30 p.m. "A Farewell to Arms" by Ernest Hemingway will be discussed. Share in this community-wide experience! Refreshments provided. Order your copy today from any Buffalo & Erie County Public Library. Registration required. Please call 773-7124.Community Health Fair - April 2018
A Community Health Fair will be held on Saturday, May 12th from 1:00-3:00 p.m. It is free and open to the public. Participants include: 'Ask a Therapist' with Carole Joseph, Retired Occupational Therapist of 45 years; Erie County Health Department: Cancer Services Program and STD Clinic; Erie County Medical Center: Interactive Stroke Prevention Display; UB Smile Team; Fidelis Care; Medline Plus Demonstrations and more. Call 773-7124 for more information.Free Vision Screening for Children - April 2018
Free vision screenings for children sponsored by the Grand Island Lions will be held on Monday, April 23rd at 11:30 a.m., Tuesday, April 24th at 2:30 p.m., Wednesday, April 25th at 11:00 a.m. For more information, please call 909-1862. If interested, please pick up a consent form at the library and return completed forms to the library by April 18th.Knitting Club - April 2018
The Grand Island Memorial Library Knitting Club will meet on the second and fourth Monday afternoons of the month, April 23rd and May 14th, from 1:30 - 4:00 pm in the library's meeting room. Join our group for help with a project, knitting company or to knit for charity. The club is free and open to the public. For more information, visit the library or call 773-7124.Adult Book Club - April 2018
Adult Book Club is Monday, April 16th at 6:30 p.m. "Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet" by Jamie Ford will be discussed. Order your book from the library.Family History Research - April 2018
Family History Research with Ancestry Library Edition Database at the Grand Island Memorial Library on Saturday, April 28th at 10:00 a.m. An introduction to tracing your family's roots with Ancestry Library Edition (ALE), a database available at any Buffalo & Erie County Public Library location. Similar to the popular Ancestry.com website, this database contains collections of vital and original records, including those relating to birth, marriage, death, military service, and immigration. Registration is required. Please call 773-7124.French-cilian Cooking Class - April 2018
Linda Critelli Presents Bienvenue à la soirée "French-cilian!" on Thursday, April 19th at 6:30 p.m. Linda Critelli, author of the book, "Sicilian with a French Accent: Deliciously Simple Cuisine" will offer a cooking class with tastings. A brief French language lesson will accompany the presentation. Registration is required. Please call 773-7124. This program is funded and sponsored by the Friends of the Grand Island Memorial Library.Lego Club - April 2018
Lego Club is for ages 6 -12 years. It meets every other Saturday at 10:30 a.m. The dates for April and May are April 21st, May 5th, 12th, & 19th. Stop in and build.Family Storytime & Yoga - April 2018
The Grand Island Memorial Library is hosting"Family Storytime & Yoga" for ages 4-12 years, with a parent. Three Wednesdays (must attend all), April 4, 11 & 18, from 4:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. Family storytime followed by a family yoga class led by Donna Baia of Kidding Around Yoga. Bring a yoga mat if you have one. Some extra mats will be available. No prior yoga experience is needed. Registration and parent participation are required. Limited spots remaining. Please call 773-7124 to register.Friends of the Library Used Book Sale - March 2018
Friends of the Grand Island Memorial Library will be sponsoring a used book sale at the Library on April 13th and 14th . On Friday, the sale will be from 5-7 pm for Friends members only. Memberships are available at the door. Saturday will include "Fill a bag" for $5 from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m., followed by $2 a bag from 1- 3 p.m. Donations of used books will be gratefully accepted at the library. For library hours, call 773-7124.Krystal Plyler, Featured Artist - March 2018
The Grand Island Memorial Library is featuring artist Krystal Plyler for the March/April Art Show. Krystal is a Western New York artist. Her work focuses on captivating the landscape in all of its conceptions. She uses acrylic and oil paint to stylistically present the temperament of nature, both in beauty and darkness. Krystal has been mainly influenced by the impressionist movement in her study of art. In particular, the artists Edvard Munch, Edgar Degas, Claude Monet, and Vincent Van Gogh. In her most recent paintings, Krystal utilizes brush strokes along with palette knife techniques. She has been incorporating mixed mediums such as mattes, gels, and fluid paint to texturize the canvas and gather the density of pigments in unique ways. Currently, she is focused on the study of the Plein Air genre and how this, combined with the impressionist style, can enhance her art as a whole. The Grand Island Memorial Library invites local artists to contact Bridgette Heintz Library director if you would like to show your work for others to enjoy.
Used Book Donations - March 2018
The Friends of the Grand Island Memorial Library are seeking donations of used books in preparation for their used book sale on April 13th and 14th. Donations of hard cover and paperback books, fiction and non-fiction would be appreciated. Children's books are very popular at the book sale. Clean out your bookshelves and closets and recycle your books for enjoyment by a group of new readers. Books can be dropped off any time when the library is open. The book sale will be conducted in the Library's Community Room on Friday, April 13 from 5 to 7 pm, for Friends of the Library; memberships are available at the door for $3. The sale will be open to the public on Saturday, April 14 from 10 am to 3 pm with special pricing for a bag of books. Proceeds from the sale support library programs, supplies and equipment. If you would like to help at the book sale, call the Library at 773-7124.Computer Assistance/Technology Training - March 2018
Tuesday, April 3rd. Appointments available between 1:00 and 4:00 pm. Please call for specific time slots and to register. 773-7124. Need computer assistance? We can help! These free 45 minute sessions are designed to assist with software support or Internet training. They are not designed to troubleshoot computer problems or repair hardware. All appointments are held on a Library PC with Windows 7. Free and open to Library Patrons age 17 and above.The Checkers Show - March 2018
Following the Grand Island Recreation Department's Easter Egg Hunt in Miracle Field, on Friday, March 30th, come in to the library at 11:00 for a scavenger hunt,a craft, awesome giveaways and The Checkers Show at 11:30. This show features fun, new characters, comedy, magic, and juggling. Registration is required. Please call 773-7124.Lego Club - March 2018
Lego Club is for ages 6 -12 years. It meets every other Saturday at 10:30 a.m. This month March 10th & 24th. Stop in and build.Adult Book Club - March 2018
Adult Book Club is Monday, March 19th at 6:30 p.m. "Seabiscuit" by Lauren Hillenband will be discussed. Order your book from the library.Fairy Tale Engineering at GI Memorial Library - March 2018
Fairy Tale Engineering is on Thursday, April 5th at 10:30 a.m. for ages 6-10 years, at the GI Memorial Library. Help your favorite fairy tale characters solve their problems through hands-on projects. See flyer.Goldilocks and the Three Bears at GI Memorial Library - March 2018
Omnipresent Puppet Theatre presents "Goldilocks and the Three Bears" on Saturday, March 10th at 2:00 p.m. at the GI Memorial Library, 1715 Bedell Rd. This is a free, family-friendly program open to all ages. See flyer.Preschool & Toddler Storytimes - February 2018
The Grand Island Memorial Library will be offering both preschool and toddler storytimes beginning the week of February 26, 2018. The preschool program meets on either Monday from 10:30 - 11:30 am or Tuesday from 1:30 - 2:30 pm. A parent or caregiver must remain in the library during this time. Toddler lapsit will be held on Wednesdays from 10:30-11:00 am. A parent or caregiver must attend with the child. Registration is required. For more information call 773-7124 or visit the library.Grand Island Has a New Librarian - February 2018
Library trustees pose with new librarian. (From left): Richard Crawford, Agnes Becker, Jill Banaszak, president; Bridgette Heintz, Pat Rizzuto, Richard Earne.
Bridgette Heintz, formerly at the Concord Library in Springville, is the Grand Island Memorial Library new head librarian. She holds an MS in library science from SUNY Buffalo and has been with the Erie County library system since 1999. The move here has enabled her to be closer to Cheektowaga, where she lives with her husband and children.She noted that this library has more space than her previous location, which will give her the opportunity to present more programs and activities. Commenting on the building's contents, Heintz said, "This is a good collection. It's very diverse, has been maintained well, and is available to all." The library will be receiving a $10,000 government grant to implement new technology, she announced, thanks to Senator Chris Jacobs efforts. And she looks forward to welcoming a new children's librarian, who will be arriving this month.
Library Board Holds Volunteer "Thank you" Luncheon - February 2018
Pictured (from left) are trustees Dick Crawford, Agnes Becker, Jill Banaszak and Pat Rizzuto as they get ready to cut the cake in honor of the volunteers.
Grand Island Memorial Library volunteers were thanked for their service at a luncheon held last month at the library. The new head librarian, Bridgette Heintz, was introduced and president of the library board of trustees Jill Banaszak, gave her annual report.Holiday Hours - January 2018
The Grand Island Memorial Library will be closed on Monday, January 15 in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. The library will be open during this week as follows:Monday CLOSED
Tuesday 9:30 am -6:00 pm
Wednesday 9:30 am - 6:00 pm
Thursday 9:30 am - 8:00 pm
Friday 9:30 am - 5:00 pm
Saturday 9:30 am - 5:00 pm
The library is closed on Sunday.
