Tompkins County Public Library

Sunday, April 29, 2012

Library to Offer Music-Inspired Writing Workshop

Writers and music lovers are invited to participate in “Tuning into the Soundtrack of Our Lives,” a free, inter-generational writing workshop, Sunday, April 29 from 2:00 to 4:00 PM in the Tompkins County Public Library’s Thaler/Howell Programming Room.

Facilitated by writer, publisher and anthologist Irene “Zee” Zahava, this workshop will encourage participants to write and share pieces from a variety of genres-- memoir, short story, poetry etc.---inspired by songs that they associate with a particular time, place, person, or emotion. 

Participants may, but are not required to bring, printed lyrics or recorded music and devices with headphones.

This workshop is for teen and adult writers of all experience levels.

To register, contact Zahava at (607) 273-4675 or zee@twcny.rr.com.






Saturday, April 28, 2012

Library to Host Roma Artist Talk

In conjunction with Roma Awareness Month, the Tompkins County Public Library and Cornell University’s Institute for European Studies will host artist and curator Katalin Papp for a discussion of the Library’s current art exhibit “Roma Pals” April 28 at 2 p.m. in the BorgWarner Community Room.

Papp, a Slovakian Roma artist, will provide a fascinating look at the stories and issues behind the featured art and highlight the pedagogical philosophy behind the paintings, the prejudice and hostility faced by the Roma-- despite a policy of integration-- and explain why these paintings play such an important part in breaking down stereotypes and prejudices surrounding the Roma people.

The works presented in “Roma Pals” were created by Roma children 20 years ago under the tutelage of Slovakian art teacher Jan Sajko.  Sajko was known for his ability to awaken the artistic talents of the primary school students he taught in Jarovnice, a poor Romany settlement in eastern Slovakia.  Having seen traditional teaching methods fail the Roma students, Sajko encouraged them to explore their own culture and history in their paintings and to create on their own terms. He also encouraged students  to believe that with hard work they could change their lives and that they were not condemned to the life of poverty and idleness that has been the fate of many Roma in Europe.

The works by Sajko’s students have been shown around the world, and have won many awards.

Papp’s talk is free and open to the public.  For more information, contact Exhibit Coordinator Sally Grubb at (607) 272-4557 extension 232 or srubb@tcpl.org.

Wednesday, April 25, 2012

Library Game Time Program to Be Rescheduled

The Tompkins County Public Library has announced a change in its program offerings for youth.

Following the April 25 session, Game Time for children will no longer be held on Monday and Wednesday afternoons.  The Library is currently working to select an alternate day and time for this popular program.  Interested patrons should visit http://www.tcpl.org/ for updated information.

For more information on this or other Library programs for youth, contact the Youth Services Department at (607) 272-4557 extension 275.

Tuesday, April 24, 2012

Library Community Conversation With ICSD Superintendent to be Rescheduled

The Tompkins County Public Library’s April 26 “Community Conversation with Dr. Brown” has been postponed due to a scheduling conflict.

The Library and the Ithaca City School District are currently working to select an alternate date and will announce plans as they become available.

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


Saturday, April 21, 2012

Library to Host Workshop on Protecting Family Collections From Disasters

As residents of the Southern Tier work to rebuild from the devastating flooding of 2011, the Tompkins County Public Library and Cornell University Library have partnered to present “Protecting Your Family Collections from Disasters,” a free community workshop, April 21 at 2 p.m. in TCPL’s BorgWarner Community Room.

Held during National Preservation Week, this program will be facilitated by Cornell University Library conservation experts Michele Brown and Michele Hamill. Brown and Hamill will show participants how to create their own disaster plans and protect collections of books, photographs and documents. Through demonstrations, they will also illustrate good storage practices and how to treat wet books.

Brown has served as the book conservator for Cornell University Library since 1995. She carries out complex treatment on Cornell’s rare and unique materials and guides projects at Cornell’s Conservation Lab. Hamill, the paper and photograph conservator for Cornell University Library, is responsible for conservation treatment, condition assessment and preventive care of paper and photographic materials. She has given numerous workshops, participates actively in the department’s education and training initiatives and reviews and treats paper and photographic materials for exhibits.

This program is free and open to the public. Handouts and free archival storage boxes will be provided, while supplies last. 

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

Wednesday, April 18, 2012

Library Program on Homelessness to be Aired on Public Access Television

The Tompkins County Public Library’s enlightening and much-talked about April 5 public forum on homelessness in Tompkins County will be broadcast on Pegasys public access television during the coming weeks.

The Panel, “The Homeless and Indigent:  Causes, Effects and Solutions,” included City of Ithaca Mayor Svante Myrick, American Red Cross of Ithaca and Tompkins County Homeless Services Director John Ward, Jungle resident Joe Lotito, Veteran’s Sanctuary Coordinator Jennifer Pacanowski and Tompkins County Poet Laureate Gail Holst-Warhaft and touched on issues of “houselessness,” services for the homeless and ways to eradicate the growing county-wide epidemic of homelessness.

The program will be broadcast on April 18 at 6 p.m., April 21, at 8 p.m., April 26 at 5 p.m. and April 28 at 11:30 a.m..  The program is 1 hour and 45 minutes long.

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

Sunday, April 15, 2012

Library to Host Acclaimed Author Robert Morgan

The Tompkins County Public Library will celebrate National Poetry Month with a reading and signing by New York Times Bestselling Author Robert Morgan at 2:00 PM, Sunday, April 15 in the Ezra Cornell Reading Room.

Morgan is the Kappa Alpha Professor of English at Cornell University, an award-winning poet and author of the bestselling novel and Oprah Book Club selection “Gap Creek.”  His latest book of poetry, “Terroir,” is his first full-length collection in over a decade and builds on his earlier works, while striking out in new directions.

“Terroir” features pieces that draw their inspiration from science and folklore, Native American history and music and explores the bonds of friendship and community, life and the unknown.

Copies of “Terroir” will be available for purchase at the event courtesy of Buffalo Street Books. 

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 Local Writers Series 2012.

Saturday, April 14, 2012

Library to Offer Family Science Program

The Tompkins County Public Library and Cornell University’s Center for Materials Research have announced the Saturday, April 14 return of Families Learning Science Together.

Held in the Library’s Thaler/Howell Programming Room from 2:00 to 3:00 PM, the inaugural program in this spring’s FLST series will explore the science of sound.  Families will learn—through the direction of Professor Yingxin Gao-- how sounds are created and heard by participating in interactive activities including music making, singing and the use of ultrasound technology.  Families are welcome to bring their own instruments.

Families Learning Science Together is a free, monthly program held at the Library from April through July, and is designed to help children ages 5 through 12 develop an early love of science through hands-on participation. 

Families Learning Science Together 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.


Thursday, April 12, 2012

Library to Host Cookbook Release Party

The Tompkins County Public Library will celebrate the release of its first community cookbook, “The Library Table:  Recipes for Readers, Food for the Mind,” with a brown bag lunch event Thursday, April 12 from Noon to 1:00 PM in the BorgWarner Community Room.

“The Library Table. . .” was released in February and includes recipes from Library staff, patrons, board and community members.  Proceeds from the sale of the $10, spiral-bound book will benefit Library outreach services.

This event will include raffles for gift certificates and other items donated by local businesses, including gift certificates to Viva Taqueria and Comics For Collectors.  Copies of the cookbook will be available for purchase during the event.

Participants are encouraged to bring a lunch; desserts and beverages will be provided.

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




Friday, April 6, 2012

Library to Feature Three Exhibits During Gallery Night

The Tompkins County Public Library will showcase three thought-provoking exhibits during Downtown Ithaca’s Gallery Night Friday, April 6 from 5:00 to 8:00 PM.

Featured exhibits are:

“Perspectives on Homelessness and the Indigent:  A Visual Art and Poetry Exhibit”—This timely exhibit, curated by Benn Tedrus Feshbach Nadelman, features the work of 41 visual artists and poets.  Among those displaying work are:  creative professionals, service and care providers to the indigent, students and members of the indigent community.

The works featured represent a vast range of sociopolitical, demographic and aesthetic perspectives and include art work in all media, as well as poetry.

“The Life and Work of Czeslaw Milosz”—Presented by the Ithaca City of Asylum, this exhibit includes photographs and books provided by former underground publisher Pawel Bakowski and will be on display through April 15. 

Milosz’s work was banned in Poland until 1980 when he was awarded the Nobel Prize.  At that time, Bakowski and his friends in the underground publishing business, known as NOWa, began printing and distributing his work.  NOWa members faced political persecution for their actions, but kept Milosz’s work available throughout the country.

“Celebrating 60 years of Charlotte’s Web” – Presented in conjunction with the Family Reading Partnership’s Big Family Read, TCPL presents an exhibit featuring the papers and photos of E.B. White.  This exhibit includes facsimiles of pages from the original manuscript-- on-loan from Cornell University Library’s Rare Book and Manuscript Collection-- and artwork and writings from area students.

Entrance to the Library will be available through the BorgWarner Community Room door, which is located behind the TCAT bus shelter on Green Street and adjacent to Gimme! Coffee.

For more information about these or other Library exhibits, contact Sally Grubb at (607) 272-4557 extension 232 or sgrubb@tcpl.org.

Thursday, April 5, 2012

Library to Host Public Forum on Homelessness and the Indigent

The Tompkins County Public Library, in conjunction with its current art exhibit, “Perspectives on Homelessness and the Indigent:  An Exhibit of Art and Poetry,” will host a panel discussion and public forum Thursday, April 5 at 6:00 PM in the BorgWarner Community Room.

The Panel, “The Homeless and Indigent:  Causes, Effects and Solutions,” will include City of Ithaca Mayor Svante Myrick, American Red Cross of Ithaca and Tompkins County Homeless Services Director John Ward, Jungle resident Joe Lotito, Veteran’s Sanctuary Coordinator Jennifer Pacanowski and Tompkins County Poet Laureate Gail Holst-Warhaft.  It will be moderated by teaching artist and trainer Anne Rhodes.

The panel will conclude with a poetry reading by Liberian native Jackie Sayegh-Birch.

This program is free and open to the public and will be preceded by a 5:00 PM opening reception for “Perspectives on Homelessness. . .”

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

Tuesday, April 3, 2012

Library to Host Storytellers

The Tompkins County Public Library will host a storytelling performance by the Ithaca Area Storytellers Tuesday, April 3 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.

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.

Sunday, April 1, 2012

Library to Host Poetry Event

ITHACA—The Tompkins County Public Library, the Ithaca City of Asylum and the Cornell Institute for European Studies will host “Memories of Milosz,” a poetry reading and discussion of the work of Nobel Prize-winning poet Czeslaw Milosz, Sunday, April 1 at 2:00 PM in the Library’s BorgWarner Community Room.

The program will be facilitated by Poland native Pawel Bakowski and will include readings by members of the local Polish and poetry communities.

Bakowski hosted literary salons in his home and was a member of NoWa, an underground publishing house based in Warsaw during the Communist regime. He is currently employed by the Cornell Institute for European Studies through their Getting to Know the New Europe community outreach grant, funded by the European Union.

Milosz’s work was banned in Poland until 1980 when he was awarded the Nobel Prize. At that time, Bakowski and his NoWa friends began printing and distributing his work. NoWa members faced political persecution for their actions but kept Milosz's work available throughout the country.

An exhibit featuring photos from Milosz’s return to Poland and books published by the NoWa will be on display at the Library through April 15.

Library to Host Fall Creek Folk Performance

The Tompkins County Public Library will present the spirited sounds of Fall Creek Folk Sunday, April 1 from 2:00 to 3:00 PM in the Ezra Cornell Reading Room.

Fall Creek Folk offers an eclectic mix of original tunes, traditional and contemporary folk music and pop songs from various periods.  The band features Ceili Murphy on keyboards and Celtic whistle and library employees Amy Davis and Richie Holtz on vocals and guitar and Rich Recchia on vocals, guitar and light percussion. 

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