The Guilderland Public Library starts celebrating its 50th Anniversary next week, and you’re invited to the party! This weeklong gala will marks our founding in 1957 with '50s-focused fun that's going to be a blast for the entire family.

1957 – When It All Began
Friday, June 8, 7:30 pm
It was the era of Eisenhower, Sputnik, and Hi-Fi. The first nuclear power plant in the U.S. opened, kids were captivated by Dr. Seuss' just-published "The Cat in the Hat," bread was 19 cents a loaf, and the Guilderland Library opened its doors for the first time.

Dr. Karen Mahar's talk about the events of "1957- When It All Began." Dr. Karen Mahar, PhD, is Assistant Professor of History at Siena College and Director, American Studies Program.

“Doo-Wop” Concert featuring The GTOs
Sunday, June 10, 2 pm
Come listen to some 50s classics, everything from "At the Hop" and "Chapel of Love" to "Why Do Fools Fall in Love?" and "The Lion Sleeps Tonight". The GTOs are a local a Capella group with an amazing array of talent and songs, and they'll be here at the Guilderland Public Library to bring back the era of sock-hops and street-corner serenades.

Special Reception for Jerry “The Beaver” Mathers
Monday, June 11, 7 pm
Few icons of the 1950s evoke such strong nostalgia as the hit television series "Leave It To Beaver." First broadcast in 1957 - the same year the Guilderland Library was founded - "Leave It to Beaver" and its star, Jerry Mathers, have become emblematic of an era now remembered as simpler and less complex.

Jerry Mathers will host the Guilderland Public Library's Growing for Generations kick-off reception. Tickets for this private reception are still available by e-mailing info@GuilderlandPublic.info

“Meet the Beaver!”
Monday, June 11, 7:45pm
Jerry Mathers will speak about growing up as part of the "perfect television family," and touch on the role libraries played in his life.

Romper Room with Miss Leslie
Tuesday, June 12, 10:30 am
Children of all ages will enjoy this retro-romp with Miss Leslie, the Library's own "Romper Room Lady." Children can have their pictures taken with Miss Leslie.

“Cat in the Hat” Day
Wednesday, June 13, 2 pm
Dr. Seuss' classic Cat in the Hat was first published in 1957, and we have structured a hatful of activities. From readings of the book, to Dixie Cups in the Community Literary Garden, it's an afternoon kids don't want to miss.

‘50s Car Cruise-In
Saturday, June 16, 2 pm
Fins, pipes, and chrome pretty much sum up the kinds of classic cars that we'll have at our '50s Car Cruise-In at the Library starting at 2 pm. Vote for your favorite model.

Gil’s Drive-In
Saturday, June 16, 8:30 pm
We're turning the parking lot into a drive-in movie! Come to Gil's Drive-In to see those 1957 classics Disney's "Old Yeller" and Warner Brothers' "What's Opera, Doc?" Bring your lawn chairs. And if you have a hula-hoop, bring that, too as we'll have hula-hoop contests and other fun activities.

Please note:
All Library programming is is free, unless otherwise noted as above. The Guilderland Public Library is located at 2228 Western Avenue, Guilderland. Call 456-2400 for more information. Or visit www.GuilderlandPublic.info. Email info@GuilderlandPublic.info

Notice Date:
May 25, 2007

Contact:
Mark Curiale, Public Information Specialist, at 456-2400 x 12. Cell 908-295-1461
Guilderland Public Library
curialem@uhls.lib.ny.us