Tompkins County Public Library

Saturday, May 29, 2010

LIBRARY CLOSED MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND

The Tompkins County Public Library will be closed Saturday, May 29 through Monday, May 31 in recognition of the Memorial Day holiday.

The Library will re-open Tuesday, June 1 at 10:00 AM.

Saturday, May 22, 2010

LIBRARY TO HOST ART RECEPTION, DISCUSSION

The Tompkins County Public Library will host Cornell Professor Richard Robinson for a reception and discussion of his exhibit, “Still Life--Portraits,” Saturday, May 22 at 3:00 PM in the BorgWarner Community Room.

Robinson, an assistant professor in the department of materials science and engineering, is the second scientist to be featured in the Library’s series Art Behind the Scientist. He will talk about why he takes photographs using a flash-less, manual film camera, which he has to wind.

Fascinated by the idea of being present, the Buddhist philosophy of focusing on the here and now, Robinson strives to freeze on film the moment when his subjects are truly in the present and to reveal something deeper about each of them. His discussion will describe his methods and explain how his hobby intersects with his life as a nanoscientist.

In addition to Robinson’s presentation, artists Liese Bronfenbrenner and Elizabeth Mount will be available at 4:00 PM to discuss and provide a tour of their doll exhibits, which are currently on display in the Library’s Avenue of the Friends.

Robinson’s exhibit will be on display in the Library’s stacks through June 25.

Friday, May 21, 2010

LIBRARY TO CLOSE FOR STAFF DEVELOPMENT DAY

In order to better meet the ever-changing needs of its patrons, the Tompkins County Public Library will be closed Friday, May 21 for staff training.

The Library will resume its regular schedule at 10:00 AM on Saturday, May 22.

For more information, contact Carrie Wheeler-Carmenatty at (607) 272-4557 extension 248 or cwheeler@tcpl.org.

Thursday, May 20, 2010

LIBRARY TO HOST SENIOR THEATRE TROUPE

Travel around the world with the Lifelong Senior Theatre Troupe as they share their stories of travel and childhood memories of travel during a special, choral theatre performance at the Tompkins County Public Library, Thursday, May 20 at 1:00 PM in the BorgWarner Community Room.

Directed by actor, arts administrator and teacher Sue Perlgut, the Troupe includes members ranging in age from late 50s to 90+ who perform stories from their own lives with no sets or lights and few props. Their bare-bones style encourages the audience to focus on the story and creates a more intimate viewing experience. The Troupe encourages audience interaction through improvisational exercises and activities.

Featured performers are Joan Bokaer, Robyn Bem, Maggie Goldsmith, Eva Luby, Emily Johnson, Natasha Tall, Carol Santucci, Priscilla Schneeberg, and Thelma Turner.

This fun-filled performance is free and open to the public. For more information, contact Carrie Wheeler-Carmenatty at (607) 272-4557 extension 248.

Thursday, May 13, 2010

PRESENTATION ON PRESERVING PHOTOGRAPHS AND DOCUMENTS

In celebration of the first-ever National Preservation Week (May 9-13), the Tompkins County Public Library and the Cornell University Library will host “Preserving Family Documents and Photographs” Thursday, May 13 from 6:00 to 7:30 PM in the BorgWarner Community Room.

Facilitated by Michele Hamill, paper and photograph conservator for Cornell University Library, this program will provide essential information about different types of documents and photographs and how they deteriorate, how to reduce deterioration, common condition problems and archival storage solutions. Handouts with links to more information on preserving family documents and photographs will be provided.

“Documents and photographs held and loved by individuals and families connect us to the past and enrich our future,” Hamill said. “This program will help people understand what steps to take so that their family treasures can be passed on to future generations.”

This program is free and open to the public. For more information, contact Carrie Wheeler-Carmenatty at (607) 272-4557 extension 248.

Saturday, May 8, 2010

LIBRARY ANNOUNCES LATEST EXHIBIT

The Tompkins County Public Library announces the second exhibit in its The Art Behind the Scientist series, “Still Life—Portraits” by Richard Robinson.

Opening May 8, Robinson’s work includes photographs taken using a manual, film camera, without a flash, which he has to wind for each shot. Fascinated by the Buddhist philosophy of focusing on the here and now, Robinson strives to freeze on film the moment when his subjects are truly absorbed in the present moment and to capture something deeper about the person than they want to show.

Robinson, an assistant professor in Cornell University’s Department of Materials Science and Engineering, will discuss his approach to photography and explain how his hobby intersects with his career in nanoscience during an opening reception Saturday, May 22 from 3:00 to 5:00 PM in the BorgWarner Community Room.

For more information about Robinson, visit www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/secretlife/scientists/rich-robinson.

This exhibit is made possible in part by the Brooks Family Foundation through their support of the Tompkins County Public Library Foundation. It will be on display between the Library stacks May 8 through June 25.

Tuesday, May 4, 2010

LIBRARY ANNOUNCES DOLL EXHIBIT

The Tompkins County Public Library announces the opening of an exhibit featuring the work of Ithaca fiber artists Liese Bronfenbrenner and Elizabeth Mount.

On display in the Library’s Avenue of the Friends from May 4 through May 25, this exhibit will include a selection of exquisitely designed and crafted dolls.

Bronfenbrenner’s exhibit, “DREAMBOATS—Fables, Parables and Epigrams,” includes pieces depicted with miniature boat-like structures formed on a Cayuga Lake driftwood base. While some represent serious issues, many of Bronfenbrenner’s pieces have a whimsical, imaginary theme.

Mount’s exhibit, “Pendleton Plains Indian Dolls,” derives from her childhood experiences growing up in the Pendleton, Oregon area. From time spent in and around the Pendleton Woolen Mill and the annual Pendleton Round-Up Rodeo and her interest in Native American costumes, baskets and gourds, Mount uses her experiences and collection of Pendleton wool to create colorfully-crafted dolls which reflect the culture of the Plains Indians.

The artists will be available for a meet and greet session during the opening reception for “Still Life—Portraits,” the Library’s second exhibit in its Art Behind the Scientist series, Saturday, May 22 at 4:00 PM in the BorgWarner Community Room.