Tompkins County Public Library

Sunday, September 30, 2012

Library, Ithaca City of Asylum to Celebrate Freedom to Read

The Tompkins County Public Library and Ithaca City of Asylum will present, “Voices of Freedom,” featuring human rights activist and award-winning journalist Sonali Samarasinghe September 30 at 2 p.m. in the Library’s BorgWarner Community Room.

"Voices of Freedom” is an annual event designed to celebrate Freedom to Read Week. This year, Samarasinghe, the fifth writer to be supported by ICOA, will read from her work about the events that led her to seek exile from her native Sri Lanka and discuss the role of journalism in effecting world change.

A lawyer, editor and journalist specializing in government corruption and human rights, Samarasinghe—amidst threats for the safety of her family--fled Sri Lanka following the 2009 assassination of her husband, well-known attorney, publisher and activist Lasantha Wickrematunge.  Her residency is being supported through an appointment as Visiting Scholar in Residence within Ithaca College’s Honors Program in the School of Humanities and Sciences.

Since arriving in the United States, Samarasinghe has established The Lanka Standard, http://www.lankastandard.com, a website devoted to the unbiased reporting of Sri Lankan events and freedom for the country’s media.  During her stay, she will teach at Ithaca College and has plans to work on a book about the recent history of Sri Lanka’s media and government.

The ICOA works with Ithaca College, Wells College and Cornell University to provide sanctuary to writers whose works are suppressed, whose lives are threatened, whose cultures are vanishing and whose languages are endangered.  Formed as part of an international network of cities of refuge, the group welcomed its first resident writer, poet and essayist Yi Ping (China) in 2001; its second, playwright and novelist Reza Daneshvar (Iran) in 2004; its third, poet and memoirist Sarah Mkhonza (Swaziland) in 2006; and its fourth, poet and playwright Irakli Kakabadze (Georgia) in 2008. 

The Library event is free and open to the public; refreshments will be served.

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

Saturday, September 29, 2012

Library to Host Mother/Daughter Book Club

Girls ages 8 to 12 and the special women in their lives are invited to attend the Tompkins County Public Library’s monthly Mother/Daughter Book Club.

Beginning September 29, the Mother/Daughter Book Club will meet once a month from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. in the Library’s Thaler/Howell Programming Room.

Facilitated by author and educator Emily Rhoads Johnson, the Club provides a wonderful opportunity for participants to learn about themselves and others by discussing literature in a welcoming, judgment-free environment. 

Meeting dates and titles to be discussed are:

  •   September 29—“Ruby Holler” by Sharon Creech
  •  October 20—“Out of My Mind” by Sharon M. Draper
  •  November 17—“The Best Bad Luck I Ever Had” by Kristin  Levine
  •  December 15—“Touch Blue” by Cynthia Lord
  • January 12—“Island of the Blue Dolphins” by Scott O’Dell
  • February 16—“Way Down Deep” by Ruth White
  • March 16—“Sahara Special” by Esmé Raji Codell
  • April 13—“The Bridge to Terabithia” by Katharine Paterson
  • May 4—“Seaglass Summer” by Anjali Banerjee
Participants may attend one or all of the meetings.  Registration is not required, and refreshments will be served.

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

Monday, September 24, 2012

Library to Host Reception for School Librarians

The Tompkins County Public Library will celebrate school librarians from the TST BOCES School Library System with an open house and reception September 24 from 3:30 to 5 p.m. in the Thaler/Howell Programming Room.

Participating librarians will be treated to refreshments, guided tours and an overview of the resources TCPL has for educators and students. Informational packets which offer tips and tools for using public library resources will also be provided.

This program is free and open to the public. For more information, contact Debbie Collier at (607) 272-4557 extension 249.

Sunday, September 23, 2012

Myrick, Rochon and Turback to Launch Library Foundation Appeal

City of Ithaca Mayor Svante Myrick, Ithaca College President Tom Rochon and acclaimed author Michael Turback will launch the Tompkins County Public Library Foundation’s 2012 Annual Appeal with “You Are Here:  A Conversation About Living and Learning in Tompkins County,” September 23 at 1 p.m. in the Library’s BorgWarner Community Room.

Inspired by Turback’s enlightening and entertaining book “Surrounded by Reality: 101 Things You Didn’t Know About Ithaca, NY,” the program will explore--through excerpts from the  book and candid observations from Myrick and Rochon--the compelling history, authentic character and disarming allure of Ithaca and Tompkins County.

Turback will serve as moderator of the event, reading passages from his book and soliciting insight from Myrick and Rochon on their perspectives of life in one of America’s “most enlightened” cities.  The audience will also have an opportunity to participate during the event as Turback hosts a quiz show-style game of local trivia.

The program serves to highlight the 2012 Annual Fund Campaign, for which Tom Rochon, and his wife, Amber Rochon, serve as co-chairs. 

“We are delighted to lead this year’s fundraising effort,” Tom said.  “The Rochon family is proud to be part of a community that so deeply recognizes the importance of its public library and that so generously supports the library's mission.  Today more than ever, TCPL is at the hub of the most important discussions being held in our community.  The world of information continues to grow by leaps and bounds, and one's ability to work with that information is the most important skill for active citizenship and success in life.  The Library has taken a leadership role not only in helping us get access to the information we need, but also in helping us navigate the over-abundance of information that is out there.”

This program is free and open to the public; however, gifts and pledges toward the Foundation’s 2012 fundraising goal of $285,000 will be appreciated.  To make a donation, visit  “donate now,” mail a contribution to the Foundation in care of the Library, drop off a check or contact Tompkins County Public Library Foundation Executive Director Suzanne Smith Jablonski at ssmithjablonski@tcpl.org

Program attendees who commit to a monthly pledge will receive a signed copy of “Surrounded by Reality.”

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

 

Thursday, September 20, 2012

Library to Host Teen Movie Night

Teens and tweens are invited to celebrate the start of summer with a free showing of “The Hunger Games” September 20 at 5 p.m. in the Tompkins County Public Library’s Thaler/Howell Programming Room.
 
This movie has been selected with a teen audience in mind; however, parents are encouraged to review ratings of the movie prior to allowing their teen to attend. The Library does not restrict admittance to films based on age.
 
For more information about this event or Library programming for Teens, contact the Youth Services Department at (607) 272-4557 extension 275.

Library to Host Memoir Writing Workshop

The Tompkins County Public Library will host “Cultivating the Imagination,” a childhood memoir writing workshop facilitated by Michelle Courtney Berry, September 20 from noon to 2 p.m. in the Thaler/Howell Programming Room.

Held in conjunction with the 2012 Community Read of Romain Gary’s “The Life Before Us,” this workshop will encourage participants--through visualization and other fun techniques--to borrow on long-forgotten memories, feelings and experiences to create outstanding memoirs.

Berry, the second Tompkins County Poet Laureate, a Cave Canem Poetry Fellow and the winner of a CAP Award for Fiction, is the author of two books “The Month Without Speaking” and the recently-released “Breathe”.  A business owner, performer, actor and artist, Berry has opened for Maya Angelou, Howard Zinn and The Dalai Lama.

This program is free and open to the public; however, space is limited and pre-registration required.  To register, contact Carrie Wheeler-Carmenatty at (607) 272-4557 extension 248 or cwheeler@tcpl.org.

Participants are asked to bring a device to write on or with, a bagged lunch, a digital voice recorder (if available), a sleeping bag, pillow and flashlight, a favorite passage from a childhood memoir and something that inspires writing and sparks creativity.  They will leave with the tools to create, continue or complete their own memoirs.

“The Life Before Us,” is told by Momo, an orphaned Arab boy and Madame Rosa, the former lady of the night who cares for him and an ever-changing cast of children with the aid of monthly checks she receives from their prostitute mothers.  When the checks stop coming and Madame Rosa’s health begins to fail, the book’s real stories of love, belonging, identity and loss begin to emerge.

Multiple copies of the book are available to borrow from the Library’s collection, courtesy of Cornell University.

For more information about Community Read programming, contact Carrie Wheeler-Carmenatty at (607) 272-4557 extension 248 or cwheeler@tcpl.org.  For more information about the Community Read, or to request free copies of the book for a book group or not-for-profit organization, contact Community Read Coordinator Sarah Glogowski at (607) 272-4557 extension 255 or sglogowski@tcpl.org.

Monday, September 17, 2012

Library to Host Program on Tompkins County Civil War Heroes

The Tompkins County Public Library and the Tompkins County Civil War Sesquicentennial Celebration Commission will present “Fields of Fame and Glory:  Tompkins County Heroes of the 137th New York, Gettysburg and Beyond,” a presentation by author David Cleutz, September 17 at 6 p.m. in the BorgWarner Community Room.

“Fields of Fame and Glory” will offer an illustrated look at one of New York’s most celebrated regiments and provide insight into the lives of the 300 men recruited, trained and led by Colonel David Ireland.

From the fields of Gettysburg to the battles of Chattanooga and Wauhatchie, the men of the 137th served as a unit of strength for the North, fighting in pivotal contests like Peachtree Creek, the March to the Sea and the march through the Carolinas which ended the war.

The 137th  and Ireland were recognized with monuments at Gettysburg, Wauhatchie, Lookout Mountain and Ringgold Gap and have been heralded in Civil War books, documentaries and websites.

Cleutz is the pen-name of David Clutz, a historian and author with roots in the Gettysburg area.  A Binghamton resident, Cleutz received the Association of Public Historians of New York’s Excellance in Promoting Local History award in 2010 and has written three books on the Civil War: “War & Redemption:  A Civil War Tale,” “Fields of Fame & Glory: Col. David Ireland and the 137th NY, a Regimental History” and “Rebels in the Front Yard: Liberty at Gettysburg.”

This program is being presented as part of a five-year partnership between the Library and the Tompkins County Civil War Sesquicentennial Celebration Commission to provide opportunities for community conversation and increased awareness about the Civil War.  It is 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.

Thursday, September 13, 2012

Freeloading Librarians to Offer Training at Starbucks

The Tompkins County Public Library and Ithaca’s Seneca Street Starbucks will partner September 13 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 will be held from 1 to 2 p.m. and 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. Photo identification with a current, local address is required to receive a library card.

This program is part of an ongoing series of “Freeloading Librarian” programs designed to increase digital confidence and awareness among readers.

Additional demonstrations will be held:

  • September 20 from noon to 1:30 p.m. at The YMCA of Ithaca
  • September 26 from 1 to 2:30 p.m. at Alternatives Federal Credit Union   
  • October 16 from noon to 1 p.m. at The History Center
For more information, contact Jennifer Schlossberg at (607) 272-4557 extension 254 or jschlossberg@tcpl.org.

 

Wednesday, September 12, 2012

Library to Host Program on Medicine and Healing

The Tompkins County Public Library will host Cornell University Professor Stacey Langwick for a presentation of “Medicine and Healing:  Navigating Life and Death,” September 12 at 6 p.m. in the Thaler/Howell Programming Room.

Being held in conjunction with the 2012 Community Read of Romain Gary’s “The Life Before Us,” this program will explore what “health” means in various healing traditions, examine how different groups define sickness, misfortune and caregiving and offer an intimate look at the personal realities of life and death.

Langwick, an associate professor of Anthropology, borrows ideas and inspiration from “The Life Before Us,” and its characters’ relationships with medicine for this fascinating discussion.

“The Life Before Us,” is told by Momo, an orphaned Arab boy and Madame Rosa, the former lady of the night who cares for him and an ever-changing cast of children with the aid of monthly checks she receives from their prostitute mothers.  When the checks stop coming and Madame Rosa’s health begins to fail, the book’s real stories of love, belonging, identity and loss begin to emerge.

This program is free and open to the public.  For more information, contact Community Read Coordinator Sarah Glogowski at (607) 272-4557 extension 255 or sglogowski@tcpl.org.

****Please note, the date and location of this program have been changed from previous Community Read publicity.

Tuesday, September 11, 2012

Library to Host Schwarz for Reading and Signing

The Tompkins County Public Library will host Professor Daniel R. Schwarz for a discussion and signing of his much-acclaimed book, "Endtimes?: Crises and Turmoil at The New York Times," September 11 at 6 p.m. in the BorgWarner Community Room.

An award-winning teacher and gifted speaker, Schwarz is the Frederic J. Whiton Professor of English Literature and a Stephen H. Weiss Presidential Fellow at Cornell University.  He has written a lively, readable, and informative portrayal of "America's most important newspaper" which he calls "the worst newspaper in the world except for all the others."

"Endtimes?" masterfully explores, through more than 40 in-depth interviews--including those with every living editor and the current publisher--the struggles, controversies and triumphs of The New York Times during the first decade of the 21st century.

From major editorial mistakes and irresponsible reporting--including the claim that Iraq had Weapons of Mass Destruction-- to competition from 24-hour television news channels and an increasing number of free news outlets, Schwarz expertly describes where the newspaper has been, where it is,  and where it is headed.

This program is free and open to the public.  Signed copies of the book-will be available for purchase at the event courtesy of Buffalo Street Books.

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

Friday, September 7, 2012

Library to Host Talks on Foster Care and Adoption

In conjunction with its current exhibit “Heart Gallery,” the Tompkins County Public Library will host representatives from the Tompkins County Department of Social Services for discussions on adoption and foster care September 7 at 5 p.m. and September 12 at noon.

A photographic exhibit of foster children awaiting forever families, “Heart Gallery” is designed to raise awareness about the need for foster and adoptive families in Central New York. 

Portraits included in the exhibit were photographed by members of the Professional Photographer’s Society of Central New York and private photographers.  The images will be on display at the Library through October 5.

People interested in learning more about foster care and adoption are encouraged to attend one of the discussions, which will include brief remarks followed by question and answer sessions.

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

To learn more about adoption in New York, visit the New York State Office of Children and Family Services website at www.ocfs.state.ny.us or contact Debbie McKane at the Homefinding, Adoption, and Foster Care Unit of the Tompkins County Department of Social Services at (607) 274-5259.

Library to Offer Gallery Night Exhibit Access

The Tompkins County Public Library will showcase an assortment of thought-provoking and timely exhibits during Downtown Ithaca’s Gallery Night from 5 to 8 p.m. September 7.

Being highlighted during Gallery Night are: “Farewell,” an exhibit of ceramic birch sculptures created by nationally-exhibiting, renowned sculptor Eric Seritella, “Banned Books, a display of books torn from the shelves of school and public libraries, “Drawing on Democracy,” an exhibit that challenges the meaning and interpretation of the word “democracy” and “Heart Gallery,” an exhibit of photographs of available foster children waiting for forever families. 

“Farewell” marks Seritella’s last local show before his family relocates and showcases his magnificent, hand-carved ceramic trompe l’oeil creations which transform clay into life-like birch sculptures.

In celebration of TCPL’s Freedom to Read Week, the library will highlight “Banned Books,” a display of books that have been challenged or banned from schools, public libraries and by national governments due to their content. 

This provocative exhibit is designed to remind readers of the importance of access to uncensored literature.

“Drawing on Democracy,” offers a glimpse into the definition of “democracy” according to nine local artists.

Curated by Terry Plater, “Drawing on Democracy,” features multi-media pieces by Ben Altman, Stan Bowman, Jane Dennis, Yvonne Piburn, Steven Phillips, Nancy Ridenour, Werner Sun, Marion Van Soest and Plater and offers a visual and hands-on exploration of democracy.  Issues explored by the exhibit include:  the honorable treatment of children, the unambiguous recognition of religious freedom, the flag as a metaphor for inclusion or as a fabric of disarray, the spectrum of public participation and the notion of artistic expression and creation.

“Drawing on Democracy” is supported by a grant from the Community Arts Partnership.

The final exhibit, “Heart Gallery” showcases photographs of children who have been cleared for adoption by New York State.  Local Foster/Adoption advocates will offer a presentation on fostering and adopting older children at the Library from 5 to 6 p.m. during Gallery Night.

Gallery Night is free and open to the public.  Access to library exhibits during this event will be through the BorgWarner Community Room entrance, which is located under the awning behind the Green Street TCAT bus shelter 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, September 6, 2012

Library and FLIC Partner for Writing Workshops

The Tompkins County Public Library and the Finger Lakes Independence Center have partnered for the return of the popular “Topic Workshop” series Thursdays from September 6 through October 11 from 2:30 to 4:30 in the Library’s BorgWarner Community Room.

Launched in 2011, the “Topic Workshop” uses reading, writing and conversation to understand a specific theme.  This year’s theme is “value,” and participants will learn step-by-step processes for writing poems, short stories and personal essays that express their views on the theme and discuss works that relate to “value” published by authors with disabilities.

These workshops are free and open to the public and will be facilitated by Steve Weed.  Individuals with and without disabilities are encouraged to discover how reading, writing and conversation help build self-awareness.

To register, or for more information, contact Jeff Boles at (607) 272-2433, flic2310@yahoo.com or Weed at (607) 275-9598, stevensweed@yahoo.com.

Library Offers eReaders for Teens

The Tompkins County Public Library has announced the addition of six Nook Simple Touch™ eReaders to its teen collection.

Teen Services Librarian Regina DeMauro-Axel said eReaders are an important tool to keep young adults engaged in reading and to ensure that they are afforded access to emerging technology.

“We recognize that teens live in a fast-paced, technologically advanced world and we want to help them learn to thrive in that environment,” DeMauro-Axel said.  “It is our hope that by promoting the use of eReaders and eBooks, teens will become comfortable with a new technology and help cement their comfort with the constantly evolving digital world.”

Each Nook® has been pre-loaded with 200 popular young adult titles in a variety of genres and can be borrowed—with a valid library card—for up to three weeks.

The devices were purchased by the Library with the support of the Tompkins County Public Library Foundation through generous grant funding from the Triad Foundation.

For more information about TCPL’s teen services and programs, contact DeMauro-Axel at (607) 272-4557 extension 274 or rdemauroaxel@tcpl.org.

Wednesday, September 5, 2012

Library to Host Book Discussion Groups

The Tompkins County Public Library will offer opportunities for readers to talk about the 2012 Community Read, “The Life Before Us” by Romain Gary, as Community Read Coordinator Sarah Glogowski hosts two book discussion groups September 5 at 11 a.m. and September 6 at 6 p.m. in the BorgWarner Community Room West.

Participants of all ages are invited to share their impressions and discuss the relevance, themes and messages of  “The Life Before Us” in a judgment-free and welcoming environment.

“The Life Before Us,” is told by Momo, an orphaned Arab boy and Madame Rosa, the former lady of the night who cares for him and an ever-changing cast of children with the aid of monthly checks she receives from their prostitute mothers.  When the checks stop coming and Madame Rosa’s health begins to fail, the book’s real stories of love, belonging, identity and loss begin to emerge.

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