Tompkins County Public Library

Monday, December 19, 2011

Library Announces Holiday Hours, Increasing Borrowing Limits

The Tompkins County Public Library has announced plans to increase borrowing privileges for patrons during its extended holiday closing.

Library Director Susan Currie said the Library will once again double borrowing limits on books, CDs, DVDs and audiobooks between Monday, December 19 and Thursday, December 29 in order to ensure that patrons have access to a variety of entertainment and educational resources over the holidays.

“Our patrons truly rely on the resources provided by the Library, and we take our commitment to the needs of those patrons very seriously,” Currie said, adding that no items will be scheduled for return between Christmas and New Year’s.

Access to online resources, including the Alexander Street collection of recorded musical performances, OverDrive Digital Downloads, and Tumble Books for young readers will also be available during the holidays by logging on to the Library’s website at http://tcpl.org--choose the “Virtual Library” link to see a complete list of resources available.

The Library will be closed from December 23 through December 27th and will re-open on Wednesday, December 28 and Thursday, December 29th, before closing again on Friday, December 30th. The Library will re-open at 1:00 PM on Tuesday, January 3.

The extended closure will allow the well-used Library to receive a thorough cleaning of floors and carpets, which is usually difficult to arrange since the Library is open six or seven days each week.

TCPL’s drop boxes will be open throughout the entire holiday season for convenient returns.

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

Tuesday, December 13, 2011

Library to Host Baby and Toddler Playtimes

Families of babies and toddlers are invited to enjoy free play and socialization, as the Tompkins County Public Library introduces Library Playtime.

An hour-long unstructured play and social time for children and adults, Library Playtime offers a warm, child-friendly play space with coloring supplies, books, music and a variety of age-appropriate toys.

Library Playtime for babies will be held each Friday from 11:00 AM to Noon beginning December 16th and Library Playtime for toddlers will be held on Tuesdays from 11:00 AM to Noon beginning December 13th. Both playtimes will be held in the Thaler/Howell Programming Room, which features a gorgeous fairytale-themed mural designed to encourage a love of books and imagination.

Library Playtimes are an exciting substitute for TCPL’s regular storytimes, which will be on hiatus during the months of December and January. Regular storytimes will return in February.

For more information, contact the Youth Services Department at (607) 272-4557 extension 275.

Saturday, December 10, 2011

Library to Host Author Emily Rhoads Johnson for Discussion and Signing

The Tompkins County Public Library will host local author Emily Rhoads Johnson for a discussion and signing of "Wizard at Work: The Life and Art of George Rhoads," Saturday, December 10 at 1:00 PM in the Thaler/Howell Programming Room.

"Wizard at Work. . ." provides a detailed look at the life of Johnson's brother, George, an artist and creator of dramatic, audio-kinetic sculptures featured in airports, hospitals, shopping malls and science museums around the world.

Johnson offers a look at her sibling's formative years, his early passion for drawing and inventing and his determination to pursue a career as an artist despite protest from his parents. Told from her unique and witty perspective, Johnson reveals her brother's charming quirks and unconventional approach to life and offers detailed descriptions of many of George's playful sculptures.

Johnson is a writer, editor, teacher and the facilitator of TCPL's Mother/Daughter Book Club. She is the author of three young adult novels: "Spring and the Shadow Man,” “ A House Full of Strangers" and "Write Me If You Dare."

Copies of “Wizard at Work,” will be available for purchase at the event.

This program is free and open to an all ages audience. For more information, contact Carrie Wheeler-Carmenatty at (607) 272-4557 extension 248 or cwheeler@tcpl.org.

Friday, December 9, 2011

Library to Host Puppet Show

The Tompkins County Public Library will celebrate winter with a family-friendly puppet show Friday, December 9 from 11:00 to Noon in the Thaler/Howell Programming Room.

Children of all ages are invited to join Library staff for a morning of winter stories, songs, puppet fun and a craft.

For more information about this or other children’s programming at the Library, contact the Youth Services Department at (607) 272-4557 extension 275.

Wednesday, December 7, 2011

Library to Host Technology, eReader Petting Zoos

The Tompkins County Public Library will offer two, free eReader petting zoos, Wednesday, December 7 from 11:00 AM to Noon and Thursday, December 8 from 5:00 to 6:00 PM in the Library's Avenue of the Friends.

Petting zoos offer patrons an opportunity to try out several models of the Barnes and Noble Nook and Amazon Kindle, as well as the Apple iPad, iPod Touch and "100 Classic Books" for the Nintendo DSI game system. Librarians will also be available to expertly demonstrate the devices, answer questions and provide information about the Library's free, digital download service, OverDrive.

For more information about this program, contact Jennifer Schlossberg at (607) 272-4557 extension 254 or jschlossberg@tcpl.org.




Tuesday, December 6, 2011

Library to Host Storytellers

The Tompkins County Public Library will host “Winter Tales” a storytelling performance by the Ithaca Area Storytellers, Tuesday, December 6 at 7:00 PM in the Thaler/Howell Programming Room.

Appropriate for story enthusiasts ages five and older, this program is free and will feature folktales, traditional stories and modern yarns about winter.

The Ithaca Area Storytellers perform at the Library on the first Tuesday of each month at 7:00 PM. Anyone interested in finding out more about this informal group dedicated to furthering the timeless art of storytelling is encouraged to attend one of their monthly organizational meetings which are held in the Thaler/Howell Programming Room 30 minutes prior to each Library performance.

For more information, contact Carrie Wheeler-Carmenatty at (607) 272-4557 extension 248 or visit www.ithacaareastorytellers.com.

Saturday, December 3, 2011

Library to Host Mother/Daughter Book Club

Girls in grades five through eight and the special women in their lives are invited to read and discuss books in a judgment-free group setting during the Saturday, December 3 meeting of Tompkins County Public Library’s monthly Mother/Daughter Book Club.

The Mother/Daughter Book Club is facilitated by acclaimed children’s author Emily Rhoads Johnson. Rhoads Johnson is the author of “Spring and the Shadow Man,” “A House Full of Strangers” and “Write Me If You Dare”.

The Club provides a wonderful opportunity for participants to learn about themselves and others by discussing literature. There are no right or wrong answers during Club meetings, simply open discussions where all input is valued.

The group will meet once monthly through May from 3:30 to 4:30 PM in the Library’s Thaler/Howell Programming Room.

The title to be discussed for December is “The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane” by Kate DiCamillo. A complete list of Club dates and titles will be provided at the meeting.

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

Thursday, December 1, 2011

Library to Host Art Reception, Curator Talk

The Tompkins County Public Library will celebrate its current exhibit, “Elfriede Abbe: Illustrator, Printer, Sculptor," with a curator's talk and a guided exhibit tour, Thursday, December 1 from 6:00 to 7:30 PM beginning in the Thaler/Howell Programming Room.

Curator Nancy E. Green will discuss the exhibit and Abbe’s life and work. An expert on wood block prints and printing, Green is the Gale and Ira Drukier Curator of Prints, Drawings and Photographs at Cornell University’s Johnson Museum of Art.

Following Green’s talk, local artist, printmaker and member of The Ink Shop, Jenny Pope will present a brief workshop on wood block printing and describe how she creates wood reduction prints. Participants will then be treated to a tour of the exhibit by longtime friend and colleague of Abbe, James Tyler, PhD. Tyler will discuss the work featured in the Avenue of the Friends and a frieze by Abbe, which is on permanent display in the Library’s BorgWarner Community Room.

This event is free and open to the public and will begin in the Thaler/Howell Programming Room, located within the Library’s Youth Services Department. Refreshments will be served. Handwork has been invited to make Abbe's prints available for purchase following the reception.

This exhibit is possible through the generosity of the Johnson Museum of Art, The Bookery, Auraca Herbarists, and James Tyler. For more information about this event or other Library exhibits, contact Sally Grubb at (607) 272-4557 extension 232 or sgrubb@tcpl.org.

Library Looking for Teen Advisory Group Members

Local teens with an interest in books, community involvement and meeting new people are invited to join a newly-formed Teen Advisory Group for the Tompkins County Public Library.

Students in grades six through 12 are eligible to join the group, which is designed to give teens an opportunity to share their opinions and suggestions about the collection and services offered for the Library’s teen patrons.

The Advisory Group will meet on the first Thursday of each month from 4:30 to 5:30 PM in TCPL’s Thaler/Howell Programming Room. December’s meeting will be held on December 1st. Group members will work with Youth Services Librarian Shana Lynott to identify items to purchase, develop teen programs, fundraise and promote the Library’s Teen Services offerings.

Interested teens and new members are always welcome, but registration is appreciated. For more information or to sign-up, visit or call the Youth Services Department at 607-272-4557 ext 274 or 275.

Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Library to Host Drop-In Digital Download Tutorials

The Tompkins County Public Library will offer free, drop-in tutorials on using the OverDrive Digital Download service for downloading eBooks and audiobooks to Kindles, Nooks, iPads, smartphones or other app-based devices on Wednesdays from 11:00 AM to Noon and Thursdays from 5:00 to 6:00 PM beginning Wednesday, November 30.

Participants will need a valid Library card and password to download items to their devices. Nook users who own laptops are also asked to bring their laptops to the session.

Drop-in sessions will be held at the Adult Services Reference Desk.

For more information about this service, contact Jennifer Schlossberg at jschlossberg@tcpl.org or (607) 272-4557 extension 254.

Sunday, November 13, 2011

Library to Offer Inter-Generational Writing Workshop

Lovers of art and the written word are invited to participate in “Art/REACTion,” an inter-generational writing workshop at the Tompkins County Public Library Sunday, November 13 from 2:00 to 4:00 PM in the Thaler/Howell Programming Room.

Facilitated by Irene “Zee” Zahava, this workshop will provide art enthusiasts and writers of all ages an opportunity to view the Library exhibit “Seriously Series” and create poems, fiction or memoirs based on personal reactions to the artwork.

“Seriously Series” is curated by Rebecca Godin and features the work of six local artists. The featured works explore specific themes, including: frogs, corners, dance, mandalas, pilgrimage and encounters. Artists whose work will serve as inspiration for writing are Mary Ann Bowman, Rebecca Godin, Kurt Lichtmann, Daniel McPheeters, John Lyon Paul and Terry Plater.

The workshop is free, but pre-registration is required. To register, contact Zahava at zee@twcny.rr.com or (607) 273-4675.

Zahava is a local author, editor and anthologizer and serves as director of Emma’s Writing Center in downtown Ithaca.

This program is made possible by support from Suzanne Spitz and Carrie Shearer.

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

Library to Host Cancer Resource Center's Riter for Reading and Signing

The Tompkins County Public Library will host Bob Riter, executive director of the Cancer Resource Center of the Finger Lakes, for a reading and signing of his newly-released book, “The Elephant in the Room: Practical Advice When the Diagnosis is Cancer,” Wednesday, November 9 at 6:00 PM in the BorgWarner Community Room.

Compiled from Riter’s weekly columns in The Ithaca Journal, “The Elephant in the Room. . .” is a resource for the newly diagnosed, those undergoing treatment, survivors, and their friends and families. The book features short vignettes about common themes and steps toward an emotionally and physically successful recovery.

Riter is a graduate of Oberlin College and the School of Public Health at the University of Michigan. He previously taught health administration and gerontology at Ithaca College.

This event is free and open to the public. Copies of “The Elephant in the Room. . .” will be available to purchase at the event. All proceeds from the sale of “The Elephant in the Room” are being donated to the Cancer Resource Center of the Finger Lakes.

Sunday, November 6, 2011

Library to Host Workshop for Young Writers

Children and teens ages 9 through 18 are invited to participate in “Talking Hands,” a creative writing workshop facilitated by Irene “Zee” Zahava, Sunday, November 6 from 2:00 to 4:00 PM in the Tompkins County Public Library’s Thaler/Howell Programming Room.

Offered by the Library, in conjunction with the Family Reading Partnership’s Kid’s Book Fest 2011—“Reading Magic”, this free workshop will offer young writers an opportunity to create and share poems, fiction and true stories in a supportive, judgment-free environment.

Zahava is a local author, publisher and writing group facilitator. She is the director of Emma’s Writing Circle in Ithaca, and has led dozens of writing workshops at the Library.

This workshop is limited to 20 people; advanced registration is required. For more information or to register, contact Zahava  at zee@twcny.rr.com or (607) 273-4675.

This workshop is made possible through generous support from Suzanne Spitz and Carrie Shearer.

Saturday, November 5, 2011

Library to Host Mother/Daughter Book Club

Girls in grades five through eight and the special women in their lives are invited to read and discuss books in a judgment-free group setting during the Saturday, November 5 meeting of Tompkins County Public Library’s monthly Mother/Daughter Book Club.

The Mother/Daughter Book Club is facilitated by acclaimed children’s author Emily Rhoads Johnson. Rhoads Johnson is the author of “Spring and the Shadow Man,” “A House Full of Strangers” and “Write Me If You Dare”.

The Club provides a wonderful opportunity for participants to learn about themselves and others by discussing literature. There are no right or wrong answers during Club meetings, simply open discussions where all input is valued.

The group will meet once monthly through May from 3:30 to 4:30 PM in the Library’s Thaler/Howell Programming Room.

The title to be discussed for November is, ”Zora and Me” by Victoria Bond. A complete list of Club dates and titles will be provided at the meeting.

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

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

Library to Display Work of Elfriede Abbe

The Tompkins County Public Library will celebrate the work of illustrator, printer and sculptor Elfriede Abbe with an exhibit in its Avenue of the Friends.

The work, on display through December 31, is curated by Nancy E. Green, the Gale and Ira Drukier Curator of Prints, Drawings and Photographs at Cornell University. It will feature wood block prints, press books from Abbe's private press, wood sculpture and wood blocks. The work is on-loan from the Herbert F. Johnson Museum of Art and the private collections of Green, Abbe herself and her longtime friend and colleague Jim Tyler.

Abbe was born in Washington, D.C. in 1919 and attended Cornell and Syracuse University. She graduated from Cornell in 1940 with a degree in architecture and worked as an illustrator at Cornell from 1942 until her retirement in 1974. During her tenure, Abbe won many awards included the Tiffany Foundation Fellowship, a gold medal at the National Arts Club, a gold medal at the Academy of Artists Association in Springfield, Massachusetts and the E. Liskin Cash Award at the Salmagundi Club. Following her retirement, Abbe moved to Manchester, Vermont where she lives and continues to work in the house she designed and built.

Abbe's work can be found in collections throughout the world including locally at the Unitarian Church, the Albert R. Mann Library at Cornell and the BorgWarner Community Room at TCPL. Her wood block prints are available for purchase at Cornell's Plantations Store and Handwork on State Street.

A reception and talk about the exhibit will be held on Thursday, December 1 from 6:00 to 7:30 PM in the Library's BorgWarner Community Room.

For more information about this or other library exhibits, contact Sally Grubb at sgrubb@tcpl.org.

Library Seeking Recipes for Cookbook

The Tompkins County Public Library is seeking recipe submissions for its first-ever Tompkins County Libraries Cookbook.

Culinary masters and kitchen novices alike are invited to submit their favorite recipes for appetizers and beverages, soups and salads, vegetables and sides, main dishes, breads and rolls, desserts, cookies and candies and miscellaneous edibles. Selected recipes will be featured in a fundraising cookbook to be sold at the Tompkins County Public Library and libraries throughout the county.

To submit a recipe for consideration, pick up a paper submission form at any county library and return it to TCPL’s Adult Reference Desk, tweet us in 140 characters or less at tcpl@tcplny, email it to cookbook@tcpl.org, visit us on Facebook or learn more at tcpl.org/cookbook.php. Submissions must be received between Tuesday, November 1 and Wednesday, November 30.

Copies of the cookbook will be on sale for $10 beginning in February 2012.

For more information, contact Debbie Collier at (607) 272-4557 extension 249 or dcollier@tcpl.org.

Sunday, October 23, 2011

LIbrary And Quilters Guild to Host Author/Quilter Marston

Michigan-based quilter Gwen Marston will discuss and sign her latest book, "37 Sketches," Sunday, October 23 at 1:30 PM in the Tompkins County Public Library's BorgWarner Community Room.

Marston is a nationally-known artist who has published more than 20 books on quilting. Her latest effort inspires and encourages quilters to use small studies or simple themes to create quilted masterpieces. She will showcase small designs featured in the book and the larger pieces they inspired during her Library talk.

“37 Sketches,” says Marston, “ shows my new work built on the idea of exploring the elements of design by constructing small studies, which I quickly began to think of as sketches. I began to see these sketches in much the same way as a painter does in using sketches to explore technique and to work out color and composition ideas.”

This program is free and open to the public and is being offered by the Library and the Tompkins County Quilters Guild.

The Tompkins County Quilters Guild was founded in 1974 with a mission to educate, promote, encourage, stimulate and support quilters and the art of quilting in Tompkins County. Copies of Marston's book will be available for purchase prior to and following her discussion.

For more information, contact Carrie Wheeler-Carmenatty at (607) 272-4557 extension 248.

Thursday, October 20, 2011

Library to Offer Tutorial on Downloading Free eBooks to Kindle

The Tompkins County Public Library will offer owners of Kindle eBook readers an opportunity to learn how to download free library books during “Lunch and Learn: OverDrive for Kindle,” Thursday, October 20 from 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM in the BorgWarner Community Room-West.

Participants are encouraged to bring a lunch and their Kindle for a user-friendly tutorial of the OverDrive Digital Download Service. Facilitated by reference librarians Jennifer Schlossberg and Cassandra Shortle, this program will offer personal assistance and tips for downloading books to the Kindle.

Participants should bring a library card or sign up for a free card on the day of the event. A photo ID with a current, local address is required to receive a library card.

This program is free and open to the public. For more information, contact Jennifer Schlossberg at (607) 272-4557 extension 254 or jschlossberg@tcpl.org.



Wednesday, October 19, 2011

Library to Host Candidates Forum for Mayoral Race

Candidates vying for the hotly contested City of Ithaca mayoral seat will have an opportunity to share their platforms with the public Wednesday, October 19 as the Tompkins County Public Library, the Tompkins County League of Women Voters, The Ithaca Journal and the MLK Community Build host a Candidates Forum from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM in the Library’s BorgWarner Community Room.

Mayoral contenders J.R. Clairborne, Independence Party; Janis Kelly, Republican; Christopher Kuznir, Independent; Svante Myrick, Democrat; and Wade Wykstra, Independent, will offer brief opening statements prior to answering questions from the audience. Following closing remarks, the candidates will hold a meet and greet with event attendees.

Community members are encouraged to submit questions in advance by emailing Carrie Wheeler-Carmenatty at cwheeler@tcpl.org. Questions will also be accepted from the floor and over a live internet feed http://sites.google.com/site/mlkcommunitybuild2/ during the event.

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

Saturday, October 15, 2011

Library to Host Mother/Daughter Book Club

 The Tompkins County Public Library has announced the October 15th return of its monthly Mother/Daughter Book Club. Girls in grades five through eight and the special women in their lives are invited to read and discuss books in a judgment-free group setting.

The Mother/Daughter Book Club is facilitated by acclaimed children’s author Emily Rhoads Johnson. Rhoads Johnson is the author of “Spring and the Shadow Man,” “A House Full of Strangers” and “Write Me If You Dare”.

The Mother/Daughter Book Club provides a wonderful opportunity for participants to learn about themselves and others by discussing literature. There are no right or wrong answers during Club meetings, simply open discussions where all input is valued.

The group will meet once monthly through May from 3:30 to 4:30 PM in the Library’s Thaler/Howell Programming Room.

The title to be discussed for October is, ”Moon Over Manifest” by Clare Vanderpool. A complete list of Club dates and titles will be provided at the first meeting.

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

Library to Host Flip Book Making Workshop

The Tompkins County Public Library and the Ithaca Motion Picture Project will host “Flip Book Flap,” a flip book workshop for families, Saturday, October 15 from 1:00 to 3:00 PM in the Library’s BorgWarner Community Room.

Facilitated by artist Craig Mains, this workshop will provide step-by-step instructions and materials for making flip books. Flip books are a primitive form of animation which use gradually progressing images to simulate motion or movement.

This program is free and open to families with children ages 6 and up. Parents or caregivers must be present.

Mains is the exhibit and publication designer for The Ink Shop Printmaking Center. He received a BFA in photography from Cleveland Institute of Art and studied printmaking while working for the main research library at Cornell University.

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

Thursday, October 13, 2011

Library to Host Lunch and Learn Book Group

The Tompkins County Public Library will offer readers a final chance to talk about the 2011 Community Read, “Homer and Langley” by E.L. Doctorow, as Community Read Coordinator Sarah Glogowski and Exhibit Coordinator Sally Grubb host a Lunch and Learn book discussion group, Thursday, October 13 from Noon to 1:00 PM in the BorgWarner Community Room.

Participants of all ages are invited to share their impressions of and discuss the relevance, themes and messages of “Homer and Langley.”

“Homer and Langley” is based on the now-folkloric lives of the Collyer brothers, whose bodies were found in 1947 amidst 100-ton of refuse---including newspapers, preserved human organs and a Model T Ford---in their Fifth Avenue brownstone.

This program is free and open to the public. Participants are encouraged to bring a lunch, coffee, tea, and water will be provided. For more information, contact Sarah Glogowski at (607) 272-4557 extension 255 or sglogowski@tcpl.org.

Friday, October 7, 2011

Library to Feature Three Exhibits During Gallery Night

The Tompkins County Public Library will showcase three unique exhibits during downtown Ithaca’s First Friday Gallery Night, Friday, October 7 from 5:00 to 8:00 PM.

Featured exhibits are:

Seriously Series--- Almost all artists are inspired to create a series at some point during their careers. The artists carefully selected by curator Rebecca Godin, use abstraction, design, photography, sculpture, portraiture, place, time, and obsessions to showcase the inspiration for their individual series.

Artists participating in Seriously Series are Mary Ann Bowman, Rebecca Godin, Kurt Lichtmann, Daniel McPheeters, John Lyon Paul and Terry Plater. Their work will be on display at the Library from October 1 through December 18.

A Collection of Collections---Curated by TCPL Exhibit Coordinator Sally Grub, A Collection of Collections was inspired by the 2011 Community Read of “Homer and Langley” by E.L. Doctorow.

The treasures of many local collectors, hoarders, and those who just can’t throw things away are featured in this exhibit. From the History Center’s collection of Victorian salt cellars to a 5-year-old boy’s shell collection, from old money to bottled dirt, a wonderful array of fascinating objects can be viewed in the exhibit cases in the Library’s Avenue of the Friends.

Romance, Exploits & Peril: When Movies Were Made in Ithaca---Depicting the history of the Wharton brothers’ silent film studio in Ithaca, this installation, “Timeline,” is presented by the Ithaca Motion Picture Project and will be on display at TCPL through November 8, 2011.

Created by award-winning architect Todd Zwigard in collaboration with art and anthropology principals Jason Otero and Joe Lamarre, “Timeline” allows viewers to walk through the exhibit as if on a film set. This installation puts the Wharton movie studio and the movies made in Tompkins County in context of the history of the motion picture industry. The Wharton brothers established their studio in present day Stewart Park and transformed Ithaca, with its dramatic natural landscapes built around a bustling town with a thriving academic community, into a center for early movie-making.

Gallery Night is free and open to the public and provides art lovers with an opportunity to view exhibits when the Library is closed. Entrance to TCPL will be through the BorgWarner Community Room door behind the TCAT bus shelter and adjacent to Green Street’s Gimme! Coffee.

For more information or exhibit images, contact Sally Grubb at (607) 272-4557 extension 232 or sgrubb@tcpl.org.

Thursday, October 6, 2011

Library Looking for Teen Advisory Group Members

Local teens with an interest in books, community involvement and meeting new people are invited to join and name a newly-forming Teen Advisory Group for the Tompkins County Public Library.

Students in grades six through 12 are eligible to join the group, which is designed to give teens an opportunity to share their opinions and suggestions about the collection and services offered for the Library’s teen patrons.

The Advisory Group will meet on the first Thursday of each month from 4:30 to 5:30 PM in TCPL’s Thaler/Howell Programming Room. Group members will work with Youth Services Librarian Shana Lynott to identify items to purchase, develop teen programs, fundraise and promote the Library’s Teen Services offerings.

Teens interested in joining the Advisory Group are encouraged to attend the Group’s first meeting of the year, Thursday, October 6 from 4:30 to 5:30 PM in the Thaler/Howell Programming Room .

Interested teens and new members are always welcome, but registration is appreciated. For more information or to sign-up, visit or call the Youth Services Department at 607-272-4557 ext 274 or 275.

Wednesday, October 5, 2011

Library to Host Creative Writing Workshop for Teens

The Tompkins County Public Library will host “Teens Write!,” a creative writing workshop for teens led by Irene Zahava, each Wednesday from 4:00 – 5:30 in the Thaler/Howell Programming Room.

“Teens Write!” is most appropriate for tweens and teens ages 11 through 17. The program will provide a safe and supportive environment for creative writing and group sharing. There is no charge for the program; however, advanced registration is required. To register, or for more information, contact Zahava at 607- 273-4675 or zee@twcny.rr.com

Irene (Zee) Zahava is the director of Emma's Writing Center and has been leading writing circles since l994. She is a former bookstore owner, the editor of numerous short story anthologies and haiku journals, and the co-publisher of 2 Turtles Press.

The 2011 Teens Write! program is made possible by gifts from Carrie Shearer and Suzanne Spitz to the Tompkins County Public Library Foundation.

Library to Host Weekly Writing Workshop

The Tompkins County Public Library will host “Wednesday Morning Writing Circle,” a free, four-week creative writing workshop for adults, from 10:00 AM to Noon each Wednesday in October in the Thaler/Howell Programming Room.

Facilitated by writer and publisher Irene “Zee” Zahava, this workshop is designed to give writers an opportunity to create and share in a supportive environment.

Each session will feature a different "spark" to use as inspiration, including visual images, objects, etc.

Zahava is the director of Emma’s Writing Center, where she has been leading Writing Circles for children and adults since 1994.

This program is open to the public; however, advance registration is required. To register or for more information, contact Zahava directly at 607-273-467 or zee@twcny.rr.com.





Sunday, October 2, 2011

Library to Host Washington for Civil War Lecture

Cornell University Professor of History Margaret Washington will present "'Lincoln Must be Pushed: Civil War and Agitation before the Emancipation Proclamation,” Monday, October 3 at 6:30 PM in the Tompkins County Public Library.

The second program in a five-year partnership between the Library and the Tompkins County Civil War Sesquicentennial Celebration Commission (TCCWSCC) to provide opportunities for community conversation and increased awareness about the Civil War, Washington’s lecture will provide a look at the roles of Frederick Douglass, Harriet Tubman, Susan B. Anthony and Sojourner Truth in the fight for emancipation.

Washington joined the Cornell University faculty in 1988 and specializes in African American history and culture, African American women and the American South. She has been a Fellow at the National Endowment for the Humanities, a Fellow at Cornell’s Society for the Humanities and Senior Fellow at Wesleyan University’s Center for the Humanities. She has published numerous articles and books including the only edited and annotated edition of the “Narrative of Sojourner Truth” and “Sojourner Truth’s America,” which received the Letitia Woods Brown Award for the best publication on African American women from the Association of Black Women Historians and won the inaugural Darlene Clark Hine Award for the best book in African American women’s and gender history from the Organization of American Historians.

As a public historian, Washington has consulted for the Smithsonian Institution, the National Park Service. the National Archives and the National Endowment for the Humanities. She has also served as an advisor and historical consultant for a number of films including the much-acclaimed “Jazz” and Sundance Award winner “Daughter’s of the Dust.”

Other programs being planned as part of the Library/TCCWSCC partnership, which will provide Library patrons and community members with at least two annual opportunities to learn, from regionally-recognized experts, about the people, issues, themes and lasting impacts of the Civil War, include programs about: Northern Democrats, Civil War nurses, the Elmira Prison Camp, and the legacy of war.

These and all Library programs are free and open to the public.

For more information about Library programs, contact Carrie Wheeler-Carmenatty at cwheeler@tcpl.org or (607) 272-4557 extension 248. For information about the Tompkins County Civil War Sesquicentennial Commemoration Commission, contact Carol Kammen, Tompkins County historian, at ckk6@cornell.edu.

Library, City of Asylum to Host Exiled Writer

In celebration of Freedom to Read Week, the Tompkins County Public Library will host the Ithaca City of Asylum's annual "Voices of Freedom" event Sunday, October 2 at 2:00 PM in the BorgWarner Community Room, featuring a reading by exiled Burmese writer and activist Khet Mar.

Persecuted by the Burmese government for her political activism, Khet Mar was sentenced in 1991 to ten years in prison for protesting the house arrest of democracy leader Aung Sun Suu Kyi, which prevented the leader from accepting the Nobel Peace Prize. Khet Mar was released after one year during a period of national amnesty, but future threats of imprisonment led her to seek refuge in the United States in 2007.

After fleeing Burma, Khet Mar became a visiting fellow at the International Writing Program at the University of Iowa, and in 2010 she participated in the Pen World Voices Festival of International Literature. She is currently writer-in-residence for the City of Asylum/Pittsburgh. She is the author of one novel, “Wild Snowy Night,” several collections of short stories, essays and poems. Her work has been translated into English and Japanese, has been broadcast on radio and has been made into a film.

Founded in 2001, Ithaca City of Asylum, like City of Asylum/ Pittsburgh, is part of a worldwide network that supports writers whose works are suppressed, whose lives are threatened, whose cultures are vanishing, or whose languages are endangered.

Khet Mar's reading and the reception following it are free and open to the public.

For more information about this event, contact Carrie Wheeler-Carmenatty at (607) 272-4557 extension 248 or cwheeler@tcpl.org. To learn more about Khet Mar or City of Asylum programs, visit cityofasylumpittsburgh.org or ithacacityofasylum.wordpress.com.







Saturday, October 1, 2011

Library to Host Storytimes

Tompkins County Public Library has announced the return of its weekly fall storytimes for babies, toddlers and families beginning October 1.

The following storytimes are free and open to the public and will be held in the Library’s Thaler/Howell Programming Room:

Babies, Books, and Bounce Time
Caregivers and newborns up to 18 months old are invited every Friday at 11:00 AM beginning October 7, 2011 through November 25, 2011 for music, rhymes, movement and books!

Toddler Storytime:
Caregivers and toddlers are invited every Tuesday at 11:00 AM for stories, songs, and fingerplays beginning October 4, 2011 through November 29, 2011.

Family Storytime
Children and their caregivers are invited to Family Storytime every Saturday at 11:00 AM beginning October 1, 2011 through November 26, 2011 for great books and fantastic family fun!

All children must be accompanied by a parent or caregiver. For more information call the Youth Services Department at 607-272-457 extension 275.

Thursday, September 29, 2011

Library to Host Ithaca Motion Picture Project Exhibit, Opening Ceremony

The Tompkins County Public Library will unveil, “Timeline,” the flagship display of the Ithaca Motion Picture Project’s exhibit “Romance, Exploits and Peril: When Movies Were Made in Ithaca,” during a film splicing ceremony Thursday, September 29 at 1:00 PM in the Avenue of the Friends.

An 80-foot-long sculptural installation illustrating the chronology of motion picture history in Ithaca from 1912-1921, “Timeline” is the largest of eight displays being housed at locations throughout downtown in conjunction with “Romance, Exploits and Peril.”

The opening ceremony will be hosted by Library Director Susan Currie and feature remarks from City of Ithaca Common Council Member, Deborah Mohlenhoff ; Jean McPheeters, president, Tompkins County Chamber of Commerce; and Dan Lamb, district representative of U.S. Congressman Maurice Hinchey (D-NY22). Ithaca Motion Picture Project (IMPP) founders, Constance Bruce and Diana Riesman will also make statements during the 30-minute ceremony.

The exhibit puts the Wharton movie studio and the movies made in Ithaca in context of the history of the motion picture industry. The Wharton brothers established their studio in present-day Stewart Park and transformed Ithaca,--with its dramatic natural landscapes built around a bustling town with a thriving academic community-- into a center for early movie-making.

"IMPP’s premiere exhibition represents three years of hard work developing partnerships with local educational, cultural and tourism-related organizations, as well as community leaders who support IMPP's mission to transform the Wharton studio building in Stewart Park into a motion picture museum celebrating local silent film history. We hope Ithacans relish the exhibition as much as we have enjoyed producing it," Bruce said.

The companion exhibits to “Timeline” will be on display at the Greater Ithaca Activities Center (GIAC), State Theatre Box Office, The Crescent Building, Ithaca Tompkins Regional Airport, Cayuga Medical Center, and Petrune on The Commons from October 1st through November 6th. The exhibit “Photo Players” at Gimme! Coffee on West State Street will open September 24th.

The installations were created by award-winning architect Todd Zwigard in collaboration with Art & Anthropology, whose principals Jason Otero and Joe Lamarre are responsible for the design of the Finger Lakes Wine Center. Julie Simmons-Lynch wrote the exhibition text. Sarah Adams, V. Romanoff & Associates; Terry Harbin, Ithaca Made Movies; and Diana Riesman curated the exhibition. Video reels were produced by Constance Bruce; Ann E. Michel and Phil Wilde, Insight Productions; with assistance from Harbin.

Established and incorporated as a nonprofit by Riesman and Bruce in 2009, IMPP is committed to the preservation and celebration of Ithaca's silent film history, and the Wharton movie studio’s contribution to Central New York’s silver screen legacy. This is the organization’s first exhibit. IMPP’s ongoing activities include co-sponsoring film events with Cornell Cinema and the Park School at Ithaca College, presentations to civic organizations on Central New York’s silent film history, and producing screenings with live music, all with the intent of drawing attention to the silent films and popular serials produced here a hundred years ago.

Library eBooks Available for Kindle

The Tompkins County Public Library and the Finger Lakes Library System have announced that their eBook collection is now compatible with the world’s bestselling eBook reader, the Amazon® Kindle.

Patrons can now download popular and classic eBooks to a Kindle device or any mobile device by using the free Kindle app. To get started, visit the help guide at http://tcpl.libguides.com/overdrive or go directly to the collection at http://flls.lib.overdrive.com.

TCPL and FLLS also offer eBooks and audiobooks for use on PC or Mac computers and popular mobile devices such as a Smartphones, MP3 players, and eBook readers like the Barnes & Noble® Nook™ and Sony® Reader.

Kindle users can browse the collection of bestselling and classic eBooks from a PC or Mac computer, check out titles using a library card, and select “Get for Kindle” to deliver eBooks to their Kindle device or any device running the free Kindle app.

Visit the library’s website to download eBooks for the Kindle: http://flls.lib.overdrive.com.

TCPL and FLLS are anticipating a high demand for eBooks, so patrons are encouraged to take advantage of the Always Available eBooks with no need for holds. The libraries will continue to build their eBook collections, making new titles available on a regular basis. To receive a monthly email listing of new eBooks, visit http://library.booksite.com/6631/signup/?list=NLSGN and sign up.

The Tompkins County Public Library and the Finger Lakes Library System partner with OverDrive, Inc. (www.overdrive.com), a global leader in eBook distribution for libraries and schools, to offer this service.

Sunday, September 25, 2011

Rochon to Serve as Featured Speaker At Foundation, Freedom to Read Kick Off

The Tompkins County Public Library Foundation will launch its 2011 Annual Appeal Sunday, September 25 with “One Life, Many Chapters: Books that Influence and Inspire,” a community conversation featuring Ithaca College President Tom Rochon; his wife, Amber, and author Leslie Daniels.

“One Life, Many Chapters” kicks off at 1:00 PM in the Library’s BorgWarner Community Room with a spirited talk from the Rochons, who are serving as this year’s honorary Appeal chairs, about the books that have had a lasting impact on their lives followed by an opportunity for audience participation facilitated by author Leslie Daniels.

“I encourage people to talk about books that have been meaningful at different points in their lives. What was the first book that made you a reader? What was a book that made you feel understood, or gave you a completely new perspective?,” said Daniels, whose debut novel “Cleaning Nabokov’s House,” has received rave reviews. Guests will also have the opportunity to share their stories of inspirational books in writing prior to and during the event.

Suzanne Smith Jablonski, executive director of the Library Foundation, said the program is a fitting event to launch the Foundation’s Annual Appeal—its largest fundraiser of the year---and Freedom to Read Week.

“Intellectual freedom—the freedom to access information and express ideas, even if the information and ideas might be considered unorthodox or unpopular—is at the core of TCPL’s mission,” Smith Jablonski said. “The Annual Appeal is an opportunity for community members to support the Library’s work to provide free and open access.”

Freedom to Read Week will also be commemorated with a reading on Sunday, October 2 at 2:00 PM by Khet Mar, writer-in-residence at the City of Asylum/Pittsburgh, an organization that provides sanctuary to writers exiled under threat of death, imprisonment, or persecution in their native countries.

Library Director Susan Currie urged Library users, current, past and prospective donors to preserve their freedom to read by contributing to the Annual Appeal at whatever level they are comfortable.

“Private contributions are essential,” Currie said. “TCPL relies on private support for annual operations, such as buying new books and other materials. Particularly this year, when County funding will be reduced considerably -- marking the third consecutive year of public funding cuts – we need appeal contributions to sustain services to children, teens, and adults who absolutely rely on the Library.”

The goal for the 2011 Annual Appeal is $65,000 toward the Foundation’s overall 2011 fundraising goal of $210,000. To give to the Appeal, visit tcpl.org and click “donate now,” mail a contribution to the Foundation c/o of the Library, drop off a check or contact Smith Jablonski at ssmithjablonski@tcpl.org.

The Annual Appeal kick off and the Freedom to Read program are free and open to the public. For more information about either program, contact Carrie Wheeler-Carmenatty at (607) 272-4557 extension 248 or cwheeler@tcpl.org.

Tuesday, September 20, 2011

Library to Host Book Discussion Groups

The Tompkins County Public Library will offer opportunities for readers to talk about the 2011 Community Read, “Homer and Langley” by E.L. Doctorow, as Community Read Coordinator Sarah Glogowski hosts two book discussion groups, Tuesday, September 20 from 11:00 AM to Noon and Thursday, September 22 from 7:00 to 8:00 PM in the BorgWarner Community Room.

Participants of all ages are invited to share their impressions of and discuss the relevance, themes and messages of “Homer and Langley.”

“Homer and Langley” is based on the now-folkloric lives of the Collyer brothers, whose bodies were found in 1947 amidst 100-ton of refuse---including newspapers, preserved human organs and a Model T Ford---in their Fifth Avenue brownstone.

This program is free and open to the public; however, advance registration is required by contacting Glogowski at (607) 272-4557 extension 255 or sglogowski@tcpl.org.






Sunday, September 18, 2011

LIBRARY TO HOST INTER-GENERATIONAL WRITING WORKSHOP

Collectors young and old are invited to share and write about their favorite trinkets, gizmos or gadgets at the Tompkins County Public Library Sunday, September 18 from 2:00 to 4:00 PM as Irene Zahava hosts “Swell Stuff” an inter-generational creative writing workshop.

This program is being held in conjunction with the 2011 Community Read of E.L. Doctorow’s “Homer and Langley,” which is based on the now-folkloric lives of the Collyer brothers, whose bodies were found in 1947 amidst 100-ton of refuse---including newspapers, preserved human organs and a Model T Ford---in their Fifth Avenue brownstone.

While the Collyer brothers were extreme, almost all collectors have stories to tell.

“Whether it's four fountain pens, 13 pairs of tap shoes, 99 plastic wind-up toys or 200 matchbooks, this workshop will give you the opportunity to display a small sample of your SWELL STUFF, and to write about it,” Zahava said.

Participants should bring a few items from their collection, a notebook and a pen. This workshop is free and open to the public; however, advance registration is appreciated.

To register, contact Zahava at 607-273-4675 or zee@twcny.rr.com. Zahava is the director of Emma’s Writing Center, where she has been leading Writing Circles for children and adults since 1994.

Thursday, September 15, 2011

Library and Finger Lakes Independence Center Offer Writing Series

The Tompkins County Public Library and Finger Lakes Independence Center will host ‘The Topic Workshop,” a six-part writing series, each Thursday beginning September 15 and running through October 20 from 2:30 to 4:30 PM in the Library’s BorgWarner Community Room.

Facilitated by Steve Weed, this series will focus on the topic of “discovery” and encourage participants to discuss theme-related writings by authors with disabilities, offer step-by-step instruction on writing poems, short stories and essays about “discovery” and explore how reading, writing and conversation build self-awareness.

“We see the Topic Workshop as another means to empower people with disabilities, to help make a more inclusive community, and to give people a creative voice,” said Jeff Boles, peer counselor at Finger Lakes Independence Center.

All sessions will be held in the Library’s BorgWarner Community Room with the exception of the September 22 program, which will be held in the Library’s Thaler/Howell Programming Room.

This program is open to the public and no previous writing experience is necessary. Participants with and without disabilities are encouraged to register. Advanced registration is requested by contacting Jeff Boles at (607) 272-2433 or flic2310@yahoo.com.

Wednesday, September 7, 2011

LIBRARY TO HOST HISTORICAL FICTION WRITING SERIES

Aspiring historical fiction writers will have an opportunity to share their talent and hone their craft, as the Tompkins County Public Library celebrates the 2011 Community Read of E.L Doctorow’s “Homer and Langley” with a free, Historical Fiction Writing Series.

Facilitated by Jill Swenson, writer, editor and president of Swenson Book Development, LLC, this series will be held in the Library’s Thaler/Howell Programming Room from 6:00 to 7:30 PM each Wednesday in September.

Participants will garner valuable tools about the genre, develop skills for merging historical events with fiction and learn valuable publishing tips from an industry insider.

Swenson has served as an assistant professor of journalism at Ithaca College and the University of Georgia-Athens. She is a freelance writer, columnist and author’s advocate.

This program is free and open to writers of all experience levels. It is best suited for those 15 and older, and advance registration is recommended. To register, contact Carrie Wheeler-Carmenatty at cwheeler@tcpl.org.

For more information about Swenson, visit http://www.swensonbookdevelopment.com/.

The 2011 Community Read is made possible by Cornell University and the Brooks Family Foundation.

Tuesday, August 30, 2011

LIBRARY TO HOST CANDIDATES FORUM

Candidates vying for the Democratic spot on the November ballot for City of Ithaca Mayor will have an opportunity share their platforms with the public Tuesday, August 30 as the Tompkins County Public Library, the Tompkins County League of Women Voters, The Ithaca Journal and the MLK Community Build host a Candidates Forum from 7:00 to 9:00 PM in the Library’s BorgWarner Community Room.

Mayoral hopefuls J.R. Clairborne, Pam Mackesey and Svante Myrick will offer brief opening statements prior to answering questions from the audience. Following closing remarks, the candidates will hold a meet and greet with event attendees.

Community members are encouraged to submit questions in advance by emailing Sally Grubb at sgrubb@tcpl.org or Carrie Wheeler-Carmenatty at cwheeler@tcpl.org. Questions will also be accepted from the floor and over a live internet feed during the event.

A second forum featuring all of the Mayoral candidates will be held at the Library on Wednesday, October 19 at 7:00 PM.

LIBRARY TO HOST LUNCH AND LEARN


Have an iPad, iPhone, Droid, or other app-based device and want to download free library books? Learn how during the Tompkins County Public Library’s “Lunch and Learn: OverDrive Apps for eBooks and eAudiobooks,” Tuesday, August 30 from Noon to 1:00 PM in the BorgWarner Community Room-East.

Participants are encouraged to bring a lunch and their devices for a user-friendly tutorial of the OverDrive Digital Download Service. Facilitated by reference librarians Jennifer Schlossberg, Sarah Glogowski and Cassandra Shortle, this program will offer personal assistance and tips for downloading books to smartphones and iPads.

Participants should bring a library card or sign up for a free card on the day of the event. A photo ID with a current, local address is required to receive a library card.

This program is free and open to the public. For more information, contact Jennifer Schlossberg at (607) 272-4557 extension 254 or jschlossberg@tcpl.org.

LIBRARY, HANGAR PARTNER FOR STORIES IN THE PARK

The Tompkins County Public Library will partner with the Hangar Theatre for a special Stories in the Park Tuesday, August 30 from 11:30 to Noon at the DeWitt Park Farmer’s Market.

TCPL will share its regularly-scheduled storytime—the final Stories in the Park of 2011--- with actors from the Hangar’s Kiddstuff performance of “Goodnight Moon,” which is based on Margaret Wise Brown’s beloved children’s book of the same name. The actors will give an animated reading of the book before turning things over to TCPL’s own Kelly Doolittle for more fun-filled stories and songs.

Stories in the Park programs are most appropriate for toddlers and preschoolers, and all children must be accompanied by an adult. In the event of rain, storytime will be held in the Library’s Thaler/Howell Programming Room.

The Hangar Theatre will present “Goodnight Moon” September 1 through September 3 at 10:00 AM and at Noon.

Saturday, August 27, 2011

LIBRARY TO HOST WORKSHOP ON DECLUTTERING

Minimizing “stuff” and maximizing space will be the focus of “Controlling Clutter Before It Controls You,” a free workshop led by Professional Organizer Robin Schwartz being held from 1:00 to 2:30 PM, Saturday, August 27 in the Tompkins County Public Library’s BorgWarner Community Room Saturday.

This program is offered in conjunction with the 2011 Community Read of E.L. Doctorow’s “Homer and Langley,” which is based on the now-folkloric lives of the Collyer brothers, whose bodies were found in 1947 amidst 100-ton of refuse---including newspapers, preserved human organs and a Model T Ford---in their Fifth Avenue brownstone.

While the Collyer’s story is extreme, Schwartz said most people have more in their house than is comfortable for them.

“Every day we bring items into our homes without regularly taking out an equal number of items” Schwartz said. “The result is too much stuff and not enough space! This invariably leads to an inability to find anything, more time spent cleaning, a loss of efficiency, and all around stress.”

During her workshop, Schwartz will explore why people collect so many items and offer practical solutions for decluttering.

Schwartz has been a professional organizer since 1987 and also serves as the program director for the Community Arts Partnership. For more information about her workshops, visit robindeclutter.wordpress.com.

The Library program is open to the public. For more information, contact Carrie Wheeler-Carmenatty at (607) 272-4557 extension 248 or cwheeler@tcpl.org.

The 2011 Community Read has been made possible by Cornell University and the Brooks Family Foundation.

Thursday, August 25, 2011

LIBRARY TO HOST POLESKIE FOR DISCUSSION/SIGNING

The Tompkins County Public Library and the Tompkins County Civil War Sesquicentennial Celebration Commission will host much-acclaimed artist and author Stephen Poleskie for a reading and signing of “The Balloonist: The Story of T.S.C. Lowe---Inventor, Scientist, Magician and Father of the U.S. Air Force,” Thursday, August 25 at 6:00 PM in the BorgWarner Community Room.

Fans of aviation and quirky historical icons will delight in Poleskie’s book---the first full-length biography of Thaddeus Lowe. Best known for organizing the Civil War’s Army of the Potomac Balloon Corps, Lowe was a true eccentric whose love of magic and science helped him mastermind a number of inventions that might well have succeeded if not for his utter lack of organization.

Poleskie is an artist, writer and photographer. His art can be found in the collections of the Metropolitan Museum and the Museum of Modern Art in New York City and the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. He has taught or served as a visiting professor in 27 colleges and art schools throughout the world, and his writing has appeared in countless journals and reviews. He is a former Pushcart Prize nominee and has completed five full-length novels.

The Library program is free and open to the public. Copies of “The Balloonist. . .” will be available for purchase at the event.

For more information, contact Carrie Wheeler-Carmenatty at (607) 272-4557 extension 248 or cwheeler@tcpl.org. To learn more about Poleskie, visit http://www.stephenpoleskie.com/.

LIBRARY TO HOST PROGRAM FOR NEW KINDERGARTENERS

New kindergarteners and their caregivers are invited to shake the first-day-of-school jitters before the school year begins, as the Tompkins County Public Library hosts “My First Day of Kindergarten,” Thursday, August 25 from 11:00 AM to 11:45 AM in the Thaler/Howell Programming Room.

Open to all children entering kindergarten in the Ithaca and surrounding school districts, this free program will include stories, songs and a craft.

For more information, contact the Youth Services Department at (607) 272-4557 extension 275.

Monday, August 8, 2011

LIBRARY TO OFFER COMMUNITY READ TRIVIA

Fans of the Tompkins County Public Library’s Facebook page will have an opportunity to turn their knowledge of this year’s Community Read into prizes when the Library launches Community Read Trivia Monday, August 8.

Facebook fans who have read this year’s Community Read---“Homer and Langley” by E.L. Doctorow---should visit the Library’s Facebook page on August 8 and August 22 to test their book knowledge by answering that day’s trivia question.  Winners will receive a $50 gift certificate to Barnes and Noble.

“Homer and Langley” is based on the now-folkloric lives of the Collyer brothers, whose bodies were found in 1947 amidst 100-ton of refuse---including newspapers, preserved human organs and a Model T Ford---in their Fifth Avenue brownstone.  “Homer and Langley” offers readers a fictionalized glimpse inside the Collyer brother’s home and an intimate, though imagined, look at their bond.

For more information, contact Sarah Glogowski, Community Read coordinator, at sglogowski@tcpl.org or (607) 272-4557 extension 255.

The 2011 Community Read is made possible with support from Cornell University and the Brooks Family Foundation.

Saturday, August 6, 2011

EXPLORE CULTURES OF THE WORLD THIS SUMMER WITH THE DIDGERIDOO

Celebrate culture and summer reading as the Tompkins County Public hosts a fun-filled workshop on playing and making didgeridoos as part, Saturday, August 6 from 1:00 to 2:00 PM in the BorgWarner Community Room.

Participants of all ages are welcome to join Library staff as they learn about and make these aboriginal instruments, which are native to Australia, as part of their celebration of this year’s summer reading theme, “One World, Many Stories.”

This program is free and open to the public; however, materials for creating a didgeridoo are limited, so pre-registration is recommended.  No registration is necessary to learn about and listen to the didgeridoo performance, and attendees are welcome to attend the performance without attending the workshop.  To register, contact the Youth Services Department at (607) 272-4557 extension 275.

The 2011 Summer Reading Program is made possible with the support of the Gannett Foundation, the M&T Bank and by a grant from Federal Library Services and Technology Act funds.

Friday, August 5, 2011

LIBRARY TO HOST GALLERY NIGHT RECEPTION

A trio of inspiring art exhibits will be on display on the south side of Green Street during downtown Ithaca’s Gallery Night Friday, August 5 from 5:00 to 7:00 PM.

The Tompkins County Public Library, Gimme Coffee and the Creek Walk are all showcasing outstanding pieces from local and regional artists.

In addition to viewing the current exhibit, “The Saltonstall Spirit,” at TCPL, art lovers will have an opportunity to meet and talk to curator Dan Larkin and are encouraged to stay for 6:00 PM readings by featured artist and poet Fran Markover and Saltonstall Artist in Residence Helen Rubenstein.

Curated by Dan Larkin, “The Saltonstall Spirit is a multi-media exhibit featuring the work of nine artists and writers with connections to Ithaca’s Saltonstall Foundation and Artist Colony. The exhibit includes the work of photographers Dan Larkin, Adam Vincentz, Angela Kelly and Joe Ziolkowski, printmaker Judy Barringer, poet Fran Markover, painters Marianne Barcellona and William Benson and drawings by Joy Nagy. Each of the featured pieces describe, depict or are inspired by Ithaca and the surrounding landscape.

Access to the Library during Gallery Night will be available by using the BorgWarner Community Room door, which is adjacent to Green Street’s TCAT bus shelter and Gimme Coffee.

The Library exhibit runs through September 29 and is made possible in part by grant support from the Community Arts Partnership of Tompkins County.

LIBRARY TO PARTICIPATE IN GALLERY NIGHT

The Tompkins County Public Library will host a special reception and poetry reading for the exhibit “The Saltonstall Spirit” in conjunction with downtown Ithaca’s Gallery Night, Friday, August 5 from 5:00 to 7:00 PM.

Curated by Dan Larkin, this multi-media art exhibit features the work of nine artists and writers with connections to Ithaca’s Saltonstall Foundation and Artist Colony.  The exhibit includes the work of photographers Dan Larkin, Adam Vincentz, Angela Kelly and Joe Ziolkowski, Printmaker Judy Barringer, Poet Fran Markover, Painters Marianne Barcellona and William Benson and drawings by Joy Nagy. Each of the featured pieces describe, depict or are inspired by Ithaca and the surrounding landscape.

During this free reception, Larkin will be available to discuss the exhibit and featured artist Markover will present a 6:00 PM reading of her poetry.

After 5:00 PM, access to the exhibit will be available by using the BorgWarner Community Room door, which is adjacent to Green’s Street’s TCAT bus shelter and Gimme Coffee.

The exhibit runs through September 29 and is made possible in part by grant support from the Community Arts Partnership of Tompkins County.

LIBRARY TO HOST FANTASY WRITING SERIES

Aspiring fantasy, science fiction and comics writers ages 9 to 16 are invited to join award-winning author Chris Moriarty as she hosts “Let’s Write Fantasy,” a five-class  writing series at the Tompkins County Public Library.

This workshop, which will be held from 3:30 to 5:00 PM on August 5, 9, 12, 16 and 19 in the Library’s Thaler/Howell Programming Room, will focus on the fun aspects of writing-- brainstorming story ideas and avoiding writer’s block-- and will offer insight into the writing secrets of well-known writers.

Chris Moriarty is a professional science fiction and fantasy writer, winner of the 2007 Philip K. Dick Award and author of the critically acclaimed NYPD Inquisitors books. Guest teachers will include comic book creator Barry Deutsch, author and illustrator of 2011 Eisner Award finalist, Hereville” and Sarah Prineas, author of the critically acclaimed Magic Thief.”

There is no charge for this program; however, advance registration is requested.  To register, contact the Youth Services Department at (607) 272-4557 extension 275.  For more information about Moriarty, visit www.inquisitorsapprentice.com.

Thursday, July 28, 2011

LIBRARY TO HOST AUTHOR, IC PROFESSOR HENDERSON

The Tompkins County Public Library will host Ithaca College assistant professor and acclaimed author Eleanor Henderson for a reading and signing of her debut novel, “Ten Thousand Saints,” Thursday, July 28 at 6:00 PM in the BorgWarner Community Room. 

Set in 1980s New York City, “Ten Thousand Saints” is an edgy coming-of-age novel that tests the bonds of friendship, family and fate. Described as an “empathetic novel of wayward youth and their wayward parents,” the book has garnered praise from the Boston Globe, the Washington Post, the L.A. Times and the New York Times Book Review.

Copies of the book will be available for purchase at the event, with proceeds directly benefitting Library programs and services.

This program is free and open to the public and is being held in conjunction with the Library and the Tompkins County Public Library Foundation’s 2011 Local Writers Series.

For more information about “Ten Thousand Saints,” visit http://eleanorhenderson.wordpress.com/.  For information about this program, contact Carrie Wheeler-Carmenatty at cwheeler@tcpl.org or (607) 272-4557 extension 248.

Wednesday, July 27, 2011

LIBRARY TO HOST EVENING OF STORIES, SONGS AND DANCE

The Tompkins County Public Library will host Aloja Airewele for “Once Upon a Childhood Paradise: Paying Homage to a Place of Nurture and Affirmation,” an evening of stories, songs and dance Wednesday, July 27 at 6:00 PM in the BorgWarner Community Room.

Born and raised in Nigeria, Airewele is a trained physician and worked in family medicine before immigrating with his family to the United States in 1997. He currently serves as a case manager for the American Red Cross and works for Assemblywoman Barbara Lifton, but considers his true calling to be storytelling.

Those storytelling skills will be on display during the Library event, which is free and open to an all-ages audience. Airewele will be joined by many friends and noted community members as they pay tribute to the places that helped shape their lives.

“I have set aside this time to honor a place where as a child I blossomed under the nurture and affirmation of the wise and kind people of EWU in Mid-Western Nigeria. It was place that took me in as a young person, showed me uncommon kindness, wisdom and became my cheerleaders as I progressed in life,” Airewele said. “Through songs, narratives, dance and celebration I will take the Ithaca community through this period of my life that became the soil in which the seed of future fruitfulness in life was sown.”

Attendees will also be invited to share their stories during this event. For more information, contact Carrie Wheeler-Carmenatty at cwheeler@tcpl.org or (607) 272-4557 extension 248.

Thursday, July 21, 2011

LIBRARY TO HOST AUTHOR ALEXI ZENTNER

The Tompkins County Public Library and the Tompkins County Public Library Foundation will host much-acclaimed author Alexi Zentner for a reading and signing of his debut novel “Touch” Thursday, July 21 at 7:00 PM in the BorgWarner Community Room.

Earning the endorsement of literary critics and authors worldwide, “Touch” has been called “breathtaking” and “beautifully imagined.” The book takes readers on a magical journey of life, death and the space between, and paints an eerily touching picture of the bonds of family.

This program is being held in conjunction with the Library and Library Foundation’s 2011 Local Writers Series. It is free and open to the public, and refreshments will be served. Copies of “Touch” will be available for purchase at the event, with proceeds benefitting Library programs and services.

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

Tuesday, July 19, 2011

LIBRARY & FAMILY READING PARTNERSHIP PARTNER TO PROVIDE BOOKS TO NEWBORNS

A community where families share the magic of reading and the wonder of Libraries with their babies is the goal of a recently-announced collaboration between the Tompkins County Public Library and the Family Reading Partnership.

Library Director Susan Currie has announced that a board book edition of “Lola at the Library,” by Anna McQuinn,  and a children’s library card, will join the “Very Hungry Caterpillar,” by Eric Carle as part of the Books at Birth program established by Family Reading Partnership. The two books and library card will be presented to families of all infants born at Cayuga Medical Center in a red bag featuring the encouraging words, “Love me. Feed me. Read to me. Take me to the library!”

“Promoting early childhood literacy is one of the most fundamentally important roles of public libraries,” Currie said.  “We are so grateful that the Family Reading Partnership has provided us with such a wonderful platform for reaching the next generation of readers.”


“Lola at the Library” follows toddler Lola on her favorite day of the week---Library Day---and captures her excitement as she explores the children’s section, attends a storytime, and borrows books.  


The Library was able to purchase copies of the book through a generous grant from the Brooks Family Foundation, and volunteers from the Family Reading Partnership affixed book labels and inserted library cards into each book. Funding for the “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” comes from the Tompkins Trust Company.


Brigid Hubberman, executive director of Family Reading Partnership said the collaboration is a natural fit, as FRP strongly supports the work of the Library.


”We have always seen each book we give as a gift to families as an appetizer to the public library,” Hubberman said. “We are thrilled to partner with the Tompkins County Public Library to encourage families to make visits to the library part of their regular routines with baby.”

Parents can activate and use their child’s library card at the Tompkins County Public Library. Once activated, the card may be used at any Tompkins County library. For more information, contact Carrie Wheeler-Carmenatty at (607) 272-4557 extension 248 or
cwheeler@tcpl.org.