Tompkins County Public Library

Tuesday, October 30, 2012

Library to Host Reception for Book Clubs

Tompkins County Public Library will host a fun-filled reception and open house for members of local book clubs October 30 at 6 p.m. in the BorgWarner Community Room.

Facilitated by Reader’s Services Librarian Sarah Glogowski, this event will feature information on Library resources for book clubs, advice on selecting titles, tips for facilitating engaging discussions, details about borrowing book club kits and a presentation of Glogowski’s popular talk “You Can Judge a Book by Its Cover.”

A favorite of local clubs and not-for-profits, “You Can Judge a Book by Its Cover,” explores how—with just a quick glance—readers can use the location of an author’s name, the color of the cover and font size to determine how racy a romance novel will be, how to differentiate science fiction from fantasy, and even how popular an author is.

Glogowski is a sought after speaker.  The coordinator of TCPL’s annual Community Read, she has facilitated book clubs at TCPL, Cornell University, Lifelong, the City of Ithaca, and for many local fraternal organizations.

This reception is free and open to the public.  Light refreshments will be provided.

For more information, contact Glogowski at (607) 272-4557 extension 248 or sglogowski@tcpl.org.

Sunday, October 28, 2012

Library to Host Locally-Produced Movie Screenings

In celebration of Silent Movie Month in Ithaca, Tompkins County Public Library, Ithaca-Made Movies and Ithaca Motion Picture Project will present an afternoon of locally-made movies October 28 beginning at 2 p.m. in the Library’s BorgWarner Community Room.

Ithaca-Made Movies Founder Terry Harbin, will host this family-friendly event featuring screenings of “Patria,” “The Mysteries of Myra” and “The Romance of Elaine.”

These serials were filmed in Ithaca by the famed Wharton Brothers and featured many local landmarks that are still recognizable nearly a century later.

“Patria” features local legend George “Bogue” Bowlsby in a scene including actress Irene Castle and actor Warner Oland—later known as Charlie Chan.  A theatrical fire is responded to by The Ithaca Fire Department who leave from the old City Hall building on Seneca Street.  Cayuga Lake, Morse Chain and Brooktondale’s wooden railroad trestle are also seen in the film.

“The Romance of Elaine”—the only footage remaining from the Wharton Brothers 1915 serial—features a young Lionel Barrymore and Pearl White and “The Mysteries of Myra,” features the famed mental vampire “The Thought Monster.”

The episodes being shown during this free event have been edited to include music, color tinting and sound effects.  Restoration was completed by Eric Stedman of Serial Squadron.

For more information, contact Harbin at (607) 272-4557 extension 238 or tharbin@tcpl.org.  To learn more about Ithaca-Made Movies, visit www.ithacamademovies.com.

Following the Library’s presentation, Ithaca Motion Picture Project will present a 4 p.m. screening of Buster Keaton in “The General” at Cinemapolis.

Saturday, October 27, 2012

Library to Host Priceline Founder

Tompkins County Public Library, in partnership with Cornell University’s Division of Rare and Manuscript Collections, will host Priceline.com founder Jay Walker for “Discovering Imagination in American History,” October 27 at 1 p.m. in the BorgWarner Community Room.

A 1977 Cornell graduate, Walker will offer his personal insight into how the conception of America as a representative democracy was one of history’s greatest leaps of imagination and discuss the anastatic copy of the Declaration of Independence currently on display at the Library.

On-loan from Walker’s private collection, “The Walker Library of the History of Human Imagination,” the Declaration of Independence is one of only two-known copies created through the anastatic process.

Housed in Walker’s Ridgefield, CT home, the 3,600 square feet “Walker Library. . .” exhibits dozens of museum-quality artifacts and rare manuscripts including,  an original 1957 Russian Sputnik and a 1699 atlas containing the first maps to show the sun, not the earth, as the center of the known universe.

During his TCPL talk, Walker will also discuss and showcase other items from his collection, illustrating the imaginative high points of U.S. history.

This program is free and open to the public.  For more information, contact Sally Grubb at (607) 272-4557 extension 232 or sgrubb@tcpl.org.

Wednesday, October 24, 2012

Library to Host ESL Snack and Chat

Beginning October 24, non-native English speakers are invited to the Tompkins County Public Library for “ESL Snack and Chat Conversation Groups.”

These informal, drop-in sessions will be held each Wednesday from 3:15 to 4:45 p.m. in the BorgWarner Community Room West and offer a relaxed setting for practicing conversation and listening skills.  The meetings will help participants discover and access language-learning resources at the Library and in the community and provide a forum for information sharing.

Snack and Chat sessions are free and open to individuals with the desire to improve their English or willing to serve as conversation partners for others.  Light refreshments will be provided.

For more information, contact Joyce Wheatley at jwheatley@tcpl.org or Debbie Collier at dcollier@tcpl.org. Community members interested in volunteering to help facilitate the program are encouraged to contact Tonya Curran at tcurran@tcpl.org or 607-272-4557 extension 226.

Sunday, October 21, 2012

Library to Host Inter-Generational Writing Workshops

What’s juicier than “Fifty Shades of Grey” and more interesting than eavesdropping?  “One Hundred Shades of Orange,” and “Overheard Conversations,” two writing workshops being offered by Tompkins County Public Library this month.

Free and open to writers of all experience levels, these inter-generational writing workshops will be facilitated by local publisher, poet and anthologist Irene “Zee” Zahava.

“One Hundred Shades of Orange,” being held from 2 to 4 p.m. on October 21, offers a chance to explore—through paint color swatches—the multiple shades, dimensions and stories of orange.  From Cool Melon, Canyon Haze and Golden Tulip, the poems, stories and autobiographical pieces created during this workshop will be as varied as the colors themselves.

“Overheard Conversations” will be held on October 28 from 2 to 4 p.m. and play off of the interest and intrigue generated by witnessing people in the midst of a private conversation.  Writings will be inspired by photographs of people talking.

Both programs will be held in the Library’s Thaler/Howell Programming Room and are open to participants age 9 and up.  The programs are free, but registration is required.  To register, contact Zahava at (607) 273-4675 or zee@twcny.rr.com.

These programs are made possible by the Tompkins County Public Library Foundation through generous gifts from Carrie Shearer and Suzanne Spitz.

Saturday, October 20, 2012

Freeloading Librarians to Offer Training at the History Center

The Tompkins County Public Library and The History Center in Tompkins County will partner Tuesday, October 16th for a demonstration by the “Freeloading Librarians,” a group of library staff members offering instruction, advice and support for downloading free eBooks and audiobooks to mobile devices.

The demonstration, which will be held from noon to 1 p.m. in The History Center’s Map Room, will include personal assistance for downloading books to iPads, iPods, Kindles, Nooks and smartphones through the Finger Lakes Library System’s free Overdrive Media Console application. 

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

This program is designed to increase digital confidence and awareness among readers.

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

Library to Host Monster Movie Marathon

Too mature to blend in amongst the doorbell-ringing, candy-collecting ghosts and goblins this Halloween, but still too young to let the holiday pass without a little celebration?  Visit the Tompkins County Public Library’s Teen Monster Movie Matinee for a full-day of age-appropriate fun!

From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. October 20, teens are invited to stop by the BorgWarner Community Room for “It Came From the Library,” a free, day-long movie marathon featuring: “Beetlejuice,” “The Woman in Black “I Am Legend” and “Ghostbusters.” Free popcorn and refreshments will be provided.

Teens are also encouraged to stop by the Youth Services Department’s Art Cart to sculpt their own monster sculpture and check out books on monsters, aliens and other spooky creatures!

Additional teen movie marathons are being planned by TCPL for this fall.  All movies at these events have been selected with a teen audience in mind; however, parents are encouraged to review ratings of the movies prior to allowing their teen to attend. The Library does not restrict admittance to films based on age.

For more information about this program or other teen events at the Library, contact Regina DeMauro-Axel at (607) 272-4557 extension 274.

Monday, October 15, 2012

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, October 20 meeting of Tompkins County Public Library’s monthly Mother/Daughter Book Club.   

The Mother/Daughter Book Club is facilitated by 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 October is, “Out of My Mind” by Sharon M. Draper. 

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

Saturday, October 6, 2012

Library to Host Family Science Program

The Tompkins County Public Library and Cornell's Center for Materials Research will host “Families Learning Science Together: Drop Tubes” October 6 from 2 to 3 p.m. in the Thaler/Howell Programming Room.

Families will investigate how far a ball launches when sent down ramps of different shapes and sizes and use the information learned to try to hit targets.

Families Learning Science Together is a free program designed to help children develop an early love of science through hands-on participation.  FLST programs are offered monthly through April 2013.

These programs are free and open to the public, but space is limited. To register, contact Kaleigh at
outreach@ccmr.cornell.edu or (607) 255-9547.

Library to Screen Serials

Tompkins County Public Library, in partnership with Ithaca Made Movies, will host “Serial Saturdays,” screenings of family-friendly short films, monthly beginning October 6 from 1 to 3 p.m. in the Library’s BorgWarner Community Room.

Made popular in the mid-1900s, serial films—also known as chapter plays—were feature films broken into short segments or chapters.  Theaters would show one chapter, typically ending in a cliffhanger, one week and patrons would return for the next segment the following week.

Ithaca’s Wharton Brothers studio, earned fame for its serial production of “The Exploits of Elaine,” one of the first serial films to earn more than $1 million.

The first “Serial Saturday” at TCPL will feature the first public screening of “The Trail of the Octopus” (chapter one) since its 1920 debut, chapter one of “The Masked Rider,” which hasn’t been shown since 1919, an episode of the locally-filmed “Beatrice Fairfax” series and an episode of the newly-restored, Ithaca-made “Patria.”

“Serial Saturdays” are free and open to the public.  The next “Serial Saturday” presentation will be held November 3 from 1 to 3:30 in the BorgWarner Community Room.  For more information, visit http://www.ithacamademovies.com.

Friday, October 5, 2012

Library to Feature New Exhibit During October Gallery Night

In celebration of the recently-proclaimed Ithaca Silent Movie Month and the history of local filmmaking, the Tompkins County Public Library will partner with the Ithaca Motion Picture Project to present “Lights, Camera, Silents!,” during Downtown Ithaca’s October 5 Gallery Night.

A photomontage of local sets and locations used for filming movies by the famed Wharton Brothers, this exhibit is the second to be displayed by IMPP at the Library.  Last fall, an 80-foot-long structural timeline of Ithaca’s movie-making history was exhibited as part of “Romance, Exploits and Peril:  When Movies Were Made in Ithaca.”

“Banned Books,” an exhibit held in conjunction with Banned Books and Freedom to Read Week, which takes place from September 30 through October 6, and “Drawing on Democracy” will also be featured at TCPL during Gallery Night.

“Banned Books” will include a display of books that have been challenged or banned from schools, libraries and communities and is intended to remind readers of the importance of access to all literature.

“Drawing on Democracy,” curated by artist and Community School of Music and Art faculty member Terry Plater, offers a glimpse into the definition of “democracy” as interpreted by nine local artists.  The exhibit also encourages viewers to share their comments in the ever-evolving “Citizens are Encouraged to Use the Pencils Provided,” a piece by artist Ben Altman.

“Drawing on Democracy” has been supported by a grant from the Community Arts Partnership and will be on display at TCPL through October 11.

Library to Host Writing Workshops for Readers

Literature lovers are invited to join the Tompkins County Public Library for “Reader’s Delight,” a four-part creative writing workshop series, each Friday in October from 2 to 4 p.m. in the Thaler/Howell Programming Room.

Open to adults of all ages and experience levels, this workshop will be facilitated by Irene “Zee” Zahava and draw its inspiration from literary quotes, book covers, passages and illustrations.

Zahava has been leading writing circles since 1994.  She is a former bookstore owner, the editor of numerous short story anthologies and haiku journals, the co-publisher of 2 Turtles Press and the founder of Zee’s Writing Studio. 

This program is free and has been made possible by the Tompkins County Public Library Foundation through generous gifts from Carrie Shearer and Suzanne Spitz. 

Advance Registration is required.  To register, contact Zahava at zee@twcny.rr.com.

 

Thursday, October 4, 2012

Library and NAMI to Host Panel on Planning

Tompkins County Public Library and the National Association of Mental Illness, Finger Lakes (NAMI) will recognize Mental Illness Awareness Week with a panel discussion on will and trust planning for individuals with family members who have special needs October 4 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. in the Library’s BorgWarner Community Room.

Panelists:  Matt Albright, pooled trust supervisor for Rochester’s Center for Disability Rights; local attorney Joy Blumpkin; Certified Specal Needs Advisor with Merrill Lynch Steve Headrick and Tom Witmer, a special needs planner with MetLife Elmira, will answer questions about all facets of planning for the long-term care of those with special needs.

Topics addressed will include how to leave assets for loved ones who are limited in what they can own or how much money they can have in order to remain benefit eligible and for those who may need to receive supplemental funding for the duration of their lives.

Mental Illness Awareness Week is held each October and was established to recognize NAMI’s work to educate and increase awareness about mental illness. 

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

Wednesday, October 3, 2012

Library to Host Creative Writing Workshops for Teens

The Tompkins County Public Library will host “Teens Write!,” a creative writing workshop for teens led by Irene Zahava, from 4 to 5:30 p.m. on the first four Wednesdays of October in the Thaler/Howell Programming Room.

Irene (Zee) Zahava has been leading writing circles since 1994.  She is a former bookstore owner, the editor of numerous short story anthologies and haiku journals, the co-publisher of 2 Turtles Press and the founder of Zee’s Writing Studio. 

“Teens Write!” is best suited for tweens and teens ages 10 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, advance registration is required.  To register, or for more information, contact Zahava at zee@twcny.rr.com.

The “Teens Write!” program is made possible by the Tompkins County Public Library Foundation through generous gifts from Carrie Shearer and Suzanne Spitz.

Tuesday, October 2, 2012

Library Storytimes Return

Tompkins County Public Library announces the October return of two popular storytimes.

Beginning October 2, toddlers and their caregivers will enjoy stories, songs and fingerplays each Tuesday at 11 a.m. during Toddler Storytime, and families with children of all ages will be able to join in the fun each Saturday, beginning October 13 at 11 a.m., when Family Storytime returns.

These fall storytimes will be held weekly through December 8.

Storytimes are free and open to the public and will be held in the Library’s Thaler/Howell Programming Room.  All children must be accompanied by a parent or caregiver. For more information call the Youth Services Department at 607-272-457 extension 275.

Monday, October 1, 2012

Library to Recognize Silent Movie Month

October is Silent Movie Month in Ithaca and in celebration of the City’s storied moviemaking past, the Tompkins County Public Library and Ithaca Motion Picture Project will partner for a month of programming and exhibits.

Opening October 1, “Lights, Camera, Silents!,” a photographic exhibit featuring a montage of pictures of local sets and locations used for filming movies by the famed Wharton Brothers.  This exhibit is the second to be displayed by IMPP at the Library.  Last fall, an 80-foot-long structural timeline of Ithaca’s movie-making history was exhibited as part of “Romance, Exploits and Peril:  When Movies Were Made in Ithaca,” a county-wide exhibition on the history of silent moviemaking and Ithaca's role in that history.

On October 21 at 2 p.m., TCPL will feature an encore presentation of the Martin Scorsese film “Hugo.”  Based on the book, “The Invention of Hugo Cabret” by Brian Selznick, the Oscar-winning “Hugo” introduces pioneering French filmmaker and illusionist Georges Méliés.

The celebration will continue October 28 at 2 p.m. when Ithaca Made Movies Founder Terry Harbin hosts an afternoon of silent films.  Harbin, an expert on locally-made films will screen “Patria,” “The Mysteries of Myra” and “The Romance of Elaine" during this free, family-friendly event.

Displays of young reader and adult books about the silent film industry will also be on display at TCPL during October.

All Library programs are free and open to the public.  For more information, contact Carrie Wheeler-Carmenatty at (607) 272-4557 extension 248 or cwheeler@tcpl.org.

To learn more about the Ithaca Motion Picture Project or Silent Movie Month, visit http://www.ithacamotionpictureproject.org/.  To learn more about Ithaca Made Movies visit, www.ithacamademovies.com.