Tompkins County Public Library

Saturday, December 21, 2013

Library to Host Mother/Daughter Book Club

Girls in grades five through eight and the special women in their lives are invited to attend Tompkins County Public Library’s Mother/Daughter Book Club.

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. 

Upcoming meeting dates and titles to be discussed are:
  •  December 21—“Homecoming” by Cynthia Voigt
  • January 25—“Anastasia Krupnick” by Lois Lowry
  • March 1—“Northward to the Moon” by Polly Horvath
Participants may attend one or all of the meetings. Registration is not required, and refreshments will be served.

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

Wednesday, December 18, 2013

Library to Host Fortunato for Poetry Reading

Tompkins County Public Library will host award-winning poet Peter Fortunato for a reading from his latest collection, “Late Morning:  New and Selected Poems,” December 18 at 6 p.m. in the BorgWarner Community Room.

Published by Cayuga Lake Books, “Late Morning” spans more than 40 years of Fortunato’s work, including selections from his earliest published collections, “A Bell or a Hook” and “Letters to Tiohero.”  Themes of these pieces are love of nature, human love, the revelatory power of dreams and spirituality.

Fortunato was a poetry apprentice of Gary Snyder and has taught writing at both Cornell University and Ithaca College. He is the winner of numerous awards for his writing and performance work, including the Emily Dickinson Prize of the Poetry Society of America and a Pablo Neruda Prize from the Arts and Humanities Council of Tulsa, Oklahoma.

This program is free and open to the public.  Copies of “Late Morning” 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.

Library to Host Book Club for Young Adults

Tompkins County Public Library will host “Teens Read,” a monthly book discussion group for middle and high school students, December 18 from 4:45 p.m. to 5:45 p.m. in the Thaler/Howell Programming Room.

“Teens Read” participants will discuss books and select future titles.  Some books read by the club will be available for members to keep.

During the December meeting, club members will discuss “Life of Pi” by Yann Martel and receive copies of January’s title, “The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy” by Douglas Adams.

“Teens Read” programs are held on the third Wednesday of each month. Refreshments are provided.

The “Teens Read,” program has been made possible by the Tompkins County Public Library Foundation through a grant from the Bernard Carl and Shirley Rosen Library Fund of the Community Foundation of Tompkins County.

For more information, contact Teen Services Librarian Regina DeMauro at rdemauro@tcpl.org or (607) 272-4557 extension 274.

Monday, December 16, 2013

Library Announces Holiday Hours, Enhanced Borrowing

Tompkins County Public Library may be closed for a few days this holiday season, but patrons will still have access to Library services and materials.

Along with the Library’s holiday hours, Director Susan Currie has announced plans to offer double borrowing limits on books, DVDs, CDs and audiobooks between December 16 and December 28 and said no items will be scheduled for return between December 15 and January 2.

"TCPL is so fortunate to have patrons who not only use and support the Library, but truly rely on it," Currie said.  "That's why we want to make sure that we are meeting their needs even when we are closed."

The Library will be closed:

·         Tuesday, December 24
·         Wednesday, December 25
·         Thursday, December 26
·         Sunday, December 29
·         Tuesday, December 31
·         Wednesday, January 1
·         Thursday, January 2 until 1 p.m.

Currie also noted that the Library’s online, educational and entertainment resources, including:  Mango Languages’ language-learning system, OverDrive’s free eBook and audiobook service, and TumbleBooks for children, are available 365 days a year, by logging on to the Library's website at http://tcpl.org.  A complete list of available resources can be accessed by selecting the “Virtual Library” link.

For more information about holiday hours, borrowing limits or return dates, contact Jennifer Schlossberg at jschlossberg@tcpl.org.

Saturday, December 14, 2013

Library to Hold Special Storytimes

Tompkins County Public Library has announced two fun-filled December storytimes for toddlers and families.

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

Special Winter Wonderland Family Storytime:

Children of all ages and their caregivers are invited to a special, hour-long family storytime at 11 a.m., December 14.  This program will feature a puppet show, stories, songs, snacks and a winter-themed craft.

All children must be accompanied by a parent or caregiver. For more information, contact the Youth Services Department at (607) 272-4557 extension 275.

Toddler Storytime with special guests from the Ithaca Waldorf School:

Toddlers and their caregivers are invited to attend a puppet show storytime presented by the Ithaca Waldorf School at 11 a.m., December 17.

These storytimes have been made possible by the Tompkins County Public Library Foundation through a grant from the Elmira Savings Bank.

Thursday, December 12, 2013

Library to Host Senior Theatre Troupe

Tompkins County Public Library will host an encore performance by the Senior Theatre Troupe of Lifelong December 12 at 5:30 p.m. in the BorgWarner Community Room.

Fear is the theme of this year’s performance, with Troupe members borrowing humorous and serious stories from their own life experiences.

Directed by Sue Perlgut, the Senior Theatre Troupe of Lifelong has been performing living history theatre in Ithaca and Tompkins County for more than 12 years.   Troupe members are:  Connie Currier, Carolyn David, Eva Luby, Ruth Mahr, Natasha Tall, Carol Santucci, Deirdre Silverman, Mark Silverman and Vi Street.

Troupe performances are simply staged to allow audiences to focus on the stories being told. The players are the characters, the scenery and the props.

For more information about the Troupe, contact Lifelong at (607) 273-1511 or visit www.closetohomeproductions.com/seniortheatretroupe.html.

Saturday, December 7, 2013

Library to Host “Diary of a Library” Workshops

Tompkins County Public Library invites community members to be a part of History by participating in “Diary of a Library:  A Community Card Catalog of Pictures, Memories and Stories,” a 15-drawer repurposed card catalog being created in celebration of the Library’s 150th anniversary.

Community members are encouraged to attend one of two “Diary of a Library” mini-workshops, December 7 and December 14 from noon to 2 p.m. to create  3-by-5 inch card catalog cards depicting books discovered, memories made and lives touched by the Library.

These cards will become part of TCPL’s Sesquicentennial Art Exhibit “150 Years and Counting.”  “Diary of a Library” is being curated by artist and former Library Trustee Barbara Page and will include drawers for each of the following topics:  Children at the Library -Life Stories – Library Stories – Artists’ Books – Friends of the Library – History of the Library – Library Volunteers – Art at the Library – Library of Yesterday, Today, the Future – Library Scavenger Hunt – Community Suggestion Box – Staff- Trustees- Foundation Board and Advisory Board.

These mini-workshops are free and open to participants of all ages.  They will be held in the center of the Library. Attendees are encouraged to bring tablets and phones to take photos.  All other supplies will be provided.

From favorite books to favorite memories or photos of favorite spots in the Library, nothing is off limits as long as it captures the spirit of TCPL.  Help creating catalog cards will be available at both workshops. 

For more information about the Library’s sesquicentennial celebration, visit tcpl.org/150.  For more information about the workshops, email Sally Grubb at sgrubb@tcpl.org

 

Saturday, November 23, 2013

Library to Host Mother/Daughter Book Club

Girls in grades five through eight and the special women in their lives are invited to attend Tompkins County Public Library’s monthly Mother/Daughter Book Club.

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. 

Fall meeting dates and titles to be discussed are:

·         November 23—“Inside Out and Back Again” by Thanhha Lai

·         December 21—“Homecoming” by Cynthia Voigt

·         January 25—“Anastasia Krupnick” by Lois Lowry

·         March 1—“Northward to the Moon” by Polly Horvath
 
 
Participants may attend one or all of the meetings. Registration is not required, and refreshments will be served.
 
For more information, contact the Youth Services Department at (607) 272-4557 extension 275.
 
 

 
 
 
 

Library to Host “Hunger Games” Event

In celebration of the upcoming release of the film “Catching Fire,” teen fans of the “Hunger Games” series are invited to participate in TCPL’s own “Quarter Quell” event, November 23 from 1 to 3 p.m. in the BorgWarner Community Room.

“Quarter Quell,” is described in “Catching Fire,” as a special edition of the “Hunger Games” that takes place every 25 years.  Participants face new challenges and increased competition during the anniversary editions of the Games.

During TCPL’s “Quarter Quell,” teens will compete in challenges inspired by the books, including:  nature identification, camouflage, target practice and shelter building events.  Prizes will be awarded and refreshments will be available.

This event is free and open to participants 11 to 18.  For more information, contact Teen Services Librarian Regina DeMauro at (607) 272-4557 extension 274 or rdemauro@tcpl.org.

 

Wednesday, November 20, 2013

Library to Host Book Club for Young Adults

Tompkins County Public Library will host “Teens Read,” a monthly book discussion group for middle and high school students, November 20 from 4:45 p.m. to 5:45 p.m. in the Thaler/Howell Programming Room.

“Teens Read” participants will discuss books and select future titles.  Some books read by the club will be available for members to keep.

During the November meeting, club members will discuss “Ship Breaker” by Paolo Bacigalupi. Copies of “Ship Breaker,” winner of the 2011 Michael L. Printz Award, are available at the Youth Services Reference Desk.

“Teens Read” programs are held on the third Thursday of each month. Refreshments are provided.

The “Teens Read,” program has been made possible by the Tompkins County Public Library Foundation through a grant from the Bernard Carl and Shirley Rosen Library Fund of the Community Foundation of Tompkins County.

For more information, contact Teen Services Librarian Regina DeMauro at rdemauro@tcpl.org or (607) 272-4557 extension 274.

Monday, November 18, 2013

Library Seeks Community Participation for Art Exhibit

Tompkins County Public Library is seeking community participation for “Diary of a Library:  A Community Card Catalog of Pictures, Memories and Stories,” an art exhibit being planned in conjunction with the Library’s 150th anniversary.

April 2014 will mark 150 years since the Cornell Public Library was chartered, and in celebration of this momentous occasion, TCPL has invited artist and former Library Trustee Barbara Page to curate a 15-drawer card catalog exhibit telling the library’s story in words and pictures.  The exhibit will feature drawings, stories, photographs and library history submitted by Library patrons and friends on 3” x 5” library card catalog cards.

Page plans to fill the card catalog with submissions on a variety of topics, including: history of the Library, children at the Library, favorite books, favorite films and music, the future of the Library, artists’ books (artists are invited to create a 3 by 5-inch art book), Library stories, volunteers at the Library and art at the Library.
 
For a complete description of the exhibit, including all of the drawer topics, instructions for participation, and for a printable card template, visit http://tcpl.org/150.  For more information, contact Sally Grubb at (607) 272-4557 extension 232 or sgrubb@tcpl.org.

 

Saturday, November 16, 2013

Library to Host Inter-Generational Writing Workshops


Tompkins County Public Library will host “Writing in Color,” an inter-generational writing workshop, November 16 from 2 to 4 p.m. in the BorgWarner Community Room.

Facilitated by local publisher, poet and anthologist Irene “Zee” Zahava, this program will encourage writers to use color swatches as inspiration for lists, poetry, memoirs and stories.

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 director of Zee’s Writing Studio. 

Adults and children ages 9 and older are invited to attend together or individually.  The program is free, but registration is required.  To register, contact Zahava at (607) 273-4675 or zee@twcny.rr.com.

TCPL’s inter-generational writing workshops are made possible by the Tompkins County Public Library Foundation through generous gifts from Carrie Shearer and Suzanne Spitz.

 

Friday, November 15, 2013

Depression Conference to Explore 21st Century Treatment and Recovery

Tompkins County Public Library will host the 20th Annual Conference on Depression November 15 from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. in the BorgWarner Community Room.

This heavily-attended annual event provides an opportunity for people living with depression, family members and mental health/human services professionals to learn about depression and discover approaches to and resources for recovery and wellness.

This year’s keynote speech, “Depression:  Are We Doing All We Can?,” will be presented by Henry D. Gerson, M.D., medical director of behavioral health at Cayuga Medical Center.

Featured workshops will explore the benefits of Chinese medicine, talk therapy in the 21st century, antidepressant medications and spirituality and depression.  The Conference will close with a book talk by Sarah Glogowski, head of the Library’s Youth Services Department.

The conference is free and open to the public; however, registration is appreciated. For information or to register, contact David Bulkley of the Mental Health Association in Tompkins Count at (607) 273-9250. To request an American Sign Language Interpreter or an accommodation for a disability, contact Larry Roberts at Finger Lakes Independence Center at (607) 272-2433.  Accommodation requests must be received by  3 p.m., November 12. 

Conference sponsors are: Cayuga Addiction Recovery Services, Family and Children’s Services of Ithaca, Finger Lakes Independence Center,  FLGEC at Ithaca College Gerontology Institute, the Mental Health Association in Tompkins County, Suicide Prevention and Crisis Service, Tompkins County Mental Health Department, Tompkins County Office for the Aging and the Tompkins County Public Library.

Tuesday, November 12, 2013

Library to Offer Reading Sessions with Furry Friends

Children are invited to practice their reading skills by sharing a story with the best non-judgmental listener--a dog, during Tompkins County Public Library’s weekly “Sit, Stay, Read” program.

“Sit, Stay, Read” is co-sponsored by Cornell Companions and will be held Tuesdays from November 12 through December 10 from 3 to 4 p.m. in the Thaler/Howell Programming Room.

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

Wednesday, November 6, 2013

Library Seeks Input From Teens

Area teens interested in creating a more teen-focused Library are invited to join T.A.G., Tompkins County Public Library’s Teen Advisory Group.

T.A.G. is a highly-acclaimed group, which allows area youth in grades 6 through 12 to share their feedback, experiences and ideas about improving the Library’s teen collection, programming and special events.

Teens interested in joining T.A.G. are invited to attend this month’s meeting, November 6 from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. in the Thaler/Howell Programming Room.  Refreshments will be provided.

New members are always welcome, but registration is appreciated. For more information, or to register, contact the Youth Services Department at (607) 272-4557 extension 275.

This program is made possible by the Tompkins County Public Library Foundation through a grant from the Bernard Carl and Shirley Rosen Library Fund of the Community Foundation of Tompkins County.

 

 

Monday, November 4, 2013

Library to Host Graphic Novel and Manga Club

Teen readers of comic books, graphic novels and manga are invited to join Tompkins County Public Library’s Graphic Novel and Manga Club.
 
Participants will meet other fans of sequentially-illustrated novels, discuss their favorites, learn about new series and share their excitement and enthusiasm for these growing genres.
 
During the Club’s first meeting on November 4, Club members will discuss “Fushigi Yugi.”  Copies are currently available at the Youth Services Reference Desk. 
 
The Club will meet every other Monday from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. in the Library’s Tompkins Trust Company Study Room.  For more information, contact Teen Services Librarian Regina DeMauro at (607) 272-4557 extension 274 or rdemauro@tcpl.org.
 
This program is made possible by the Tompkins County Public Library Foundation through a grant from the Bernard Carl and Shirley Rosen Library Fund of the Community Foundation of Tompkins County.


 

Saturday, October 26, 2013

Library to Host Mother/Daughter Book Club

Girls in grades five through eight and the special women in their lives are invited to attend Tompkins County Public Library’s monthly Mother/Daughter Book Club.

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. 
 
Fall meeting dates and titles to be discussed are:

·         October 26—“Wonder” by R.J. Palacio

·         November 23—“Inside Out and Back Again” by Thanhha Lai

·         December 21—“Homecoming” by Cynthia Voigt
 
 
For more information, contact the Youth Services Department at (607) 272-4557 extension 275.

 

 

Thursday, October 24, 2013

Library to Host Williams and Crispin for Discussion on Suitcase Exhibit

In conjunction with the exhibit “The Lives They Left Behind:  Suitcases from a State Hospital Attic,” Tompkins County Public Library will host Craig Williams and Jon Crispin for a fascinating discussion about the discovery and documentation of the Willard suitcases, October 24 at 6 p.m. in the BorgWarner Community Room.

On display at TCPL through November 6, “The Lives They Left Behind” is a traveling exhibit featuring photographic and written profiles of patients whose stories were uncovered when their belongings were found in suitcases after the Center’s 1995 closing.  In addition to patient profiles and personal possessions, actual suitcases preserved by the New York State Museum and the Romulus Historical Society will be on display.

Williams, a senior curator for the New York State Museum and former director of Ithaca’s DeWitt Historical Society, discovered more than 400 suitcases in the attic of an abandoned building at the hospital.  He originally planned to return them to their owners or family members of the owners, but instead helped to create an exhibit that has enlightened and educated thousands about the struggles and injustices of the mental health system.

Williams will discuss his discovery of the suitcases and why it is important to preserve them for future generations to view and learn from.

Crispin is a nationally-recognized photographer.  He is currently photographing each of the suitcases found at Willard with the goal of telling the stories of the residents through his photographs while maintaining the integrity of their lives.  To date, Crispin has photographed 80 cases. These photographs can be viewed at http://joncrispin.wordpress.com/tag/Willard-suitcases. Results of the initial documentation are also currently being featured in an exhibit at the Exploratorium in San Francisco called “The Changing Face of What is Normal.”

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

This presentation is made possible through support from the Finger Lakes Independence Center, the DeLuca Fund for Hope and Recovery, NAMI-Finger Lakes and Tompkins County Public Library.

“The Lives They Left Behind” was developed by The Community Consortium and is circulated by the Exhibition Alliance, Inc. of Hamilton, NY.  The Library exhibit is presented by NAMI—Finger Lakes and co-sponsored by the Mental Health Association in Tompkins County and The History Center in Tompkins County, with support from Janssen Pharmaceuticals.

Monday, October 21, 2013

Library to Host Civil War Program

Tompkins County Public Library, in partnership with the Tompkins County Civil War Sesquicentennial Celebration Commission (TCCWSCC), will host "Freedom on the Move: The Underground Railroad and Big Data," a presentation by Edward E. Baptist, October 21 at 6 p.m. in the BorgWarner Community Room.

An associate professor in Cornell University’s Department of History, Baptist is a noted scholar and speaker on the enslavement of African Americans in the southern United States.  He teaches courses on the Civil War, slavery, the American South, masculinity, modernity and modernization, the first half of the American survey, and 19th century U.S. History. 

Baptist’s Library presentation will explore the historical importance of runaway slaves, the Freedom on the Move ad project and how citizen historians will change the future.

This program is being presented as part of a five-year partnership between the Library and the TCCWSCC 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.

 

Sunday, October 20, 2013

Library to Host Inter-Generational Writing Workshop

Tompkins County Public Library will host “Curiosity,” an inter-generational writing workshop featuring endless possibilities, unanswerable questions, and everything in between, October 20 from 2 to 4 p.m. in the BorgWarner Community Room.

Facilitated by local publisher, poet and anthologist Irene “Zee” Zahava, this program will encourage writers to explore and embrace—through lists, poetry and stories—their curiosities.

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 owner of Zee’s Writing Studio. 

This program is free and open to participants age 9 and up, but registration is required.  To register, contact Zahava at (607) 273-4675 orzee@twcny.rr.com.
 
TCPL’s inter-generational writing workshops are made possible by the Tompkins County Public Library Foundation through generous gifts from Carrie Shearer and Suzanne Spitz.

 

Saturday, October 19, 2013

Library to Participate in “Big Draw” With All Ages Programming

In celebration of “The Big Draw,” Tompkins County Public Library will offer opportunities for children, teens and adults to express themselves through art October 19.

A program of The Campaign for Drawing, “The Big Draw” encourages people of all abilities to use drawing as a mechanism to see, think and take action.  The Draw is celebrated with programs in 15 countries.

TCPL will launch its Big Draw celebration during Family Storytime at 11 a.m. in the Thaler/Howell Programming Room.  During storytime, young lovers of literature and art will have an opportunity to express—through drawing—what the Library means to them, draw their favorite book or Library space, or recreate a favorite Library memory. 

The fun will continue with a free-draw program for adults and teens, beginning at 1 p.m. in the BorgWarner Community Room. 

Pieces created during these programs will be added to the Library’s Sesquicentennial Art Exhibit, “Diary of a Library.”

For more information about these programs, contact Exhibit Coordinator Sally Grubb at (607) 272-4557 extension 232 or Kelly Doolittle at (607) 272-4557 extension 275.  To learn more about “The Big Draw,” visit http://www.campaignfordrawing.org/about/index.aspx.

Wednesday, October 16, 2013

Library to Host Book Club for Young Adults

Tompkins County Public Library will host “Teens Read,” a monthly book discussion group for middle and high school students, the third Wednesday of each month from 4:45 p.m. to 5:45 p.m. in the Thaler/Howell Programming Room.

“Teens Read” participants will discuss books and select future titles.  Some books read by the group will be available for members to keep.

This program is free. Refreshments will be provided.

For more information, contact Teen Services Librarian Regina DeMauro at rdemauro@tcpl.org or (607) 272-4557 extension 274.

Sunday, October 13, 2013

Library to Participate in Teen Read Week

Tompkins County Public Library encourages teens to “Seek the Unknown” at the Library October 13 through 19 by participating in Teen Read Week.

In celebration of Teen Read Week, TCPL’s teen patrons will have an opportunity to reduce fines on their accounts by reading in the Library.  For every 30 minutes of reading teens are spotted doing in the Library, overdue fees charged to their accounts will be reduced by $1.

Teens are also encouraged to visit the Youth Services Department Reference Desk for book suggestions, reading lists and readers’ advisory services.

To learn more about Teen Read Week or the corresponding fine reduction program, visit the Youth Services Department or call (607) 272-4557 extension 275.

Saturday, October 12, 2013

Russo and Friends Offer Concert to Benefit Library

The Tompkins County Public Library Foundation, in partnership with Watershed Arts Productions, will present “Common Cause,” a family-friendly jazz concert in support of the Tompkins County Public Library, November 12 at 8 p.m. at the First Unitarian Church of Ithaca.

“Common Cause” will feature local favorites The East Hill Classic Jazz Band and the Djug Django Band; 100 percent of all ticket sales and donations will support Library programs and services.

A longtime user and supporter of the Library, musician Johnny Russo of The East Hill Classic Jazz Band, conceived of “Common Cause” as a way for the community to celebrate and give back to the Library.

Tickets for “Common Cause” are available for $10 each at http://www.tcplfoundation.org/#!benefit-concert/c1kad, by visiting the Library’s Circulation Desk, or at the event. 

For more information about the concert or Library giving, contact Liz Hudson, assistant director of the Tompkins County Public Library Foundation, at lhudson@tcpl.org or (607) 272-4557 extension 219.

Friends of the Tompkins County Public Library Book Sale Starts October 12

The Friends of the Tompkins County Public Library's Fall Book Sale will be held on three long weekends: October 12-14, 19-21, and 26-29 at 509 Esty Street in Ithaca's West End. Sale hours are 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. the first day, noon to 8 p.m. the last day (Bag Day, Oct. 29) and 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. all other days. On Wednesday, Oct 23, the sale will be open for two special events: Senior Day, held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., for senior citizens aged 60 and older and people with disabilities, and Student Night, from 4 p.m. to 8  p.m., for students aged 16 and older with a valid student ID.

One of the largest Book Sales in the country, the Friends’ Sale, boasts more than 275,000 items, including:  fiction and non-fiction books, audiobooks, CDs, DVDs, videos, vinyl records, cassettes, games and puzzles, comics and anime, computer software, magazines, maps, sheet music and more.

All items are sorted, easy to find by subject and have been newly- donated since the Spring Sale. Prices decrease daily; however, shoppers are encouraged to visit early for best selection.

Individually priced items can be found in the Collector's Corner, a room within the sale that offers rare, vintage and collectible items.

For more information, or to volunteer, visit www.booksale.org or call (607) 272-2223. Proceeds benefit Tompkins County Public Library and the Finger Lakes Library System.

Saturday, October 5, 2013

Library to Host Lego Program

Elementary-aged children can build more than a lifelong love of reading at Tompkins County Public Library this fall!

Children in grades kindergarten through five are invited to attend “Legos in the Library,” a weekly, free-build program, Saturdays, October 5 through December 14 from 2 to 3 p.m. in the Thaler/Howell Programming Room.

“Legos in the Library” encourages children to use their imaginations or Lego books from the TCPL collection to create their own Lego art!  The Library will provide the Legos, and pieces created will be displayed at the Library for one week.

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

Library to Host Penney for Discussion of Suitcase Exhibit

Tompkins County Public Library, the National Alliance on Mental Illness—Finger Lakes, Finger Lakes Independence Center and the DeLuca Fund for Hope and Recovery will present “The Lives They Left Behind:  Suitcases from a State Hospital Attic,” a discussion and book signing by Darby Penney, October 5 at 1 p.m. in the BorgWarner Community Room.

Presented in conjunction with the Library’s current exhibit of the same name, Penney’s discussion will provide insight into the mental health system and offer a glimpse into the research she conducted following the discovery of 400 suitcases in the attic of the former Willard Psychiatric Center.

A senior research associate with Advocates for Human Potential Inc., and former director of recipient affairs for the New York State Office of Mental Health, Penney worked with New York State Museum Curator Craig Williams and Psychiatrist Peter Stastny to piece together the life stories of the suitcase owners.  She and Stastny co-authored a book “The Lives They Left Behind: Suitcases from a State Hospital Attic” (Bellevue Literary Press 2008) about their work on the project.

Penney’s talk is free and open to the public.  Copies of her book will be available for purchase at the event and at TCPL’s Gallery Night Opening Reception from 5 to 8 p.m. October 4.

The exhibit “The Lives They Left Behind. . .” features photographic and written profiles of the patients whose stories were uncovered when their belongings were found in the attic.  Actual suitcases will also be on display, courtesy of the New York State Museum.  The exhibit was developed by The Community Consortium and is circulated by The Exhibition Alliance, Inc., of Hamilton, N.Y.  It is made possible by a gift from Janssen Pharmaceuticals and has been co-sponsored by the Mental Health Association in Tompkins County and the History Center in Tompkins County. 

For more information, contact Exhibit Coordinator Sally Grubb at (607) 272-4557 extension 248 or sgrubb@tcpl.org.

Friday, October 4, 2013

Library to Host Willard Suitcase Exhibit

In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, Tompkins County Public Library and National Alliance on Mental Illness-Finger Lakes have announced the September 30 opening of “The Lives They Left Behind:  Suitcases from a State Hospital Attic.”

A humbling and heart-wrenching glimpse into the forgotten lives of residents of Willard Psychiatric Center, “The Lives They Left Behind” is a traveling exhibit featuring photographic and written profiles of patients whose stories were uncovered when their belongings were found in suitcases after the Center’s 1995 closing.  In addition to patient profiles, actual suitcases preserved by the New York State Museum will be on display.

For more than 125 years, Willard Psychiatric Center housed people deemed “unfit” for society--some were homeless, some could not communicate in English, some suffered from depression or other illnesses, most were poor. Thousands of people went to Willard, many to spend the rest of their lives ignored by society, and in many cases, their families.  After Willard closed, Craig Williams, senior history curator at the New York State Museum and one time Director of the History Center in Tompkins County, found more than 400 suitcases that had been left behind when their owners moved on or died. 

The suitcases and their contents were preserved by the New York State Museum, and in 1998, Williams partnered with psychiatrist Peter Stastny and Darby Penney, a Senior Research Associate with Advocates for Human Potential, Inc. and former director of recipient affairs for the New York State Office of Mental Health, to piece together the life stories of the suitcase owners. 

Stastny and Penney shared their research in their co-authored book “The Lives They Left Behind: Suitcases from a State Hospital Attic” (Bellevue Literary Press, 2008), and Williams was instrumental in the development of “Lost Cases, Recovered Lives:  Suitcases from a State Hospital Attic,” an exhibit of the New York State Museum, which featured the suitcases and possessions of 12 Willard patients.

An opening reception for “The Lives They Left Behind” will be held during Downtown Ithaca’s Gallery Night from 5 to 8 p.m., October 4.  Both Penney and Williams will be present.  Penney will return to TCPL at 1 p.m. on Saturday, October 5 to talk about her role in developing the exhibit and her work on mental health issues.  Copies of her book will be available for sale and signing on Friday and Saturday.  On October 24 at 6 p.m., Williams will talk about finding the suitcases and the work that was involved following his discovery.  Both talks will be held in the Library’s BorgWarner Community Room.

The traveling exhibit “The Lives They Left Behind: Suitcases from a State Hospital Attic” was developed by The Community Consortium and is circulated by The Exhibition Alliance, Inc., of Hamilton, N.Y.  It is made possible by a grant from Janssen Pharmaceuticals and has been co-sponsored by the Mental Health Association in Tompkins County and the History Center in Tompkins County. 

For more information, visit http://tcpl-exhibits.blogspot.com/ or contact Exhibit Coordinator Sally Grubb at (607) 272-4557 extension 232 or sgrubb@tcpl.org.

Library Presents Exhibit on Censorship, Book Banning

Tompkins County Public Library will host “BANNED!,” a thought provoking exhibit in celebration of Banned Books Week and the freedom to read.

Curated by Suzanne Onodera--who for many years has been interested in bringing artists and writers together to comment in words and images on censorship and book banning-- this exhibit includes illustrated insight from 17 artists, poets, writers and librarians. Viewers are asked to consider what society would be like without freedom of access to information, freedom of ideas and the freedom to read.

Books featured in “BANNED!” range from the Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling, to “Liar” by Justine Larbalestier, “Native Son” by Richard Wright, “I Write What I like” by Steven Biko, and “James and the Giant Peach” by Roald Dahl.

“Banned” is the fifth exhibit to be featured in the Library’s series “A Year of Art at TCPL,” and has been made possible with grant support from the Community Arts Partnership of Tompkins County.

An opening reception will be held in conjunction with Downtown Ithaca’s Gallery Night, 5 to 8 p.m., October 4. The exhibit will be on display through December 19.

For more information, visit http://tcpl-exhibits.blogspot.com/ or contact Exhibit Coordinator Sally Grubb at (607) 272-4557 extension 232 or sgrubb@tcpl.org.

Library to Host Baby and Toddler Playtime

Families of babies and toddlers are invited to enjoy free play and socialization at the Tompkins County Public Library’s weekly Baby and Toddler Playtime.

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

Playtime is held each Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., October 4 through December 13 in the Thaler/Howell Programming Room, which features a gorgeous fairytale-themed mural designed to encourage a love of books and imagination.

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

Wednesday, October 2, 2013

Library to Host ESL Snack and Chat

Students and lifelong learners of English as a Second Language are invited to attend Tompkins County Public Library’s “ESL Snack and Chat Conversation Groups.”

These informal, drop-in sessions will be held each Wednesday from October 2 through November 20 from 3:15 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. in the Library’s 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. All ages and abilities are welcome!  Light refreshments will be provided.

For more information, contact Joyce Wheatley at jwheatley@tcpl.org or Debbie Collier at dcollier@tcpl.org.

Tuesday, October 1, 2013

Library to Host Storytimes

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

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, Fridays  at 11 a.m.

Caregivers and newborns up to 18-months-old are invited to join Library staff Fridays at 11 a.m. from October 4 through December 13 for music, rhymes, movement and books!

Toddler Storytime, Tuesdays at 11 a.m.:

Caregivers and toddlers will have an opportunity to enjoy stories, songs, and fingerplays each Tuesday at 11 a.m. from October 1 through 10.

Family Storytime, Saturdays at 11 a.m.:
 
From October 5 through December 14, children of all ages and their caregivers are invited to attend Family Storytime each Saturday at 11 a.m. for great books and fantastic family fun!
 
All children must be accompanied by a parent or caregiver. For more information, contact the Youth Services Department at (607) 272-4557 extension 275.