Tompkins County Public Library

Monday, June 30, 2014

Library to Host Lego Program


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

Children in grades kindergarten through five are invited to attend “Legos in the Library,” a weekly free-build program, Mondays, June 30 through August 25 from 1 to 2 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.

TCPL’s 2014 Summer Reading Programming has been made possible by the Tompkins County Public Library Foundation with support from the Harmon Foundation, the Youth Services Programming Endowment Fund, the Michael Kammen Children’s Fund, and the Myrtle Dee Nash Memorial Fund of the Community Foundation of Tompkins County.

Saturday, June 28, 2014

Library Announces Summer Reading Kick-Off Party with Moreland the Magician

Tompkins County Public Library will launch its 2014 Summer Reading Challenge at 2 p.m. June 28 with a family-friendly party starring Moreland the Magician.

Moreland will introduce children to Professor Dave, a bumbling scientist who fumbles his way through several experiments in his effort to make the discovery of a lifetime.  Find out if he succeeds in this show, which blends magic, puppetry, comedy, mystery, and audience participation, and culminates in a skit starring children from the audience. 

This program is being held in celebration of the Library’s Summer Reading Challenge: “Fizz, Boom, Read!”. Attendees will have an opportunity to register for the Summer Reading Challenge and participate in science-themed crafts.  Ice cream will also be provided.

The program will be held in the Library’s BorgWarner Community Room and is free and open to the public.

TCPL’s 2014 Summer Reading Programming has been made possible by the Tompkins County Public Library Foundation with support from the Harmon Foundation, the Youth Services Programming Endowment Fund, the Michael Kammen Children’s Fund, and the Myrtle Dee Nash Memorial Fund of the Community Foundation of Tompkins County.

 

Friday, June 27, 2014

Library to Host Sensory Storytime



Children ages 3 through 7 are invited to attend Tompkins County Public Library’s “Sensory Storytime,” a program designed for children with sensory integration challenges, June 27 at 3:30 p.m. in the Thaler/Howell Programming Room.

This program is free and open to all children; however, books, songs and movements will be selected to stimulate the senses and promote learning for children with sensory challenges. Children who have previously struggled to sit through one of the Library’s other storytimes may find the inclusive stories, songs and activities of “Sensory Storytime” more enjoyable and accessible.

Pre-registration is required. To register, visit the Library’s Youth Services Department, call (607) 272-4557 extension 275, or email Kate DeVoe at kdevoe@tcpl.org.

“Sensory Storytime” has been made possible by the Tompkins County Public Library Foundation through a grant from Elmira Savings Bank.

Library to Offer Summer Reading Programs

Tompkins County Public Library will celebrate summer with the June 27 launch of free reading programs for infants, toddlers, school-aged children and teens.

Programs being offered for 2014 are:

READ TO ME (Pregnancy through Age 4): “Read to Me” encourages parents, parents-to-be and other caregivers to foster a love of reading at an early age.  Registrants who complete a Reading Bingo Card--featuring ideas on incorporating early literacy activities in their everyday routines--will receive a free book and a chance to win gift certificates from local merchants. For more information, and to download Reading Bingo Cards, visit: http://tcpl.org/kids/programs-summer-pre-reader.php

FIZZ, BOOM, READ! (Ages 5 through 10):
 “Fizz, Boom, Read!” is designed to promote reading for children ages 5 through 10.  Participants are encouraged to read every day during the summer months. Children who keep track of the time they spend reading will receive a certificate of participation, a free book and the chance to win raffle prizes! For more information, and to download a Time Tracking Log, visit: http://tcpl.org/kids/programs-summer.php

SPARK A REACTION (Tween & Teen Challenge):  Teens can participate in Summer Reading 2014 by keeping track of the time they spend reading for a chance to earn prizes! All teens receive a free book with registration. For more information, a full list of teen programming and great book suggestions, visit: http://tcpl.org/teens/programs.php

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

TCPL’s 2014 Summer Reading Programming has been made possible by the Tompkins County Public Library Foundation with support from the Harmon Foundation, the Youth Services Programming Endowment Fund, the Michael Kammen Children’s Fund, and the Myrtle Dee Nash Memorial Fund of the Community Foundation of Tompkins County.

 

Thursday, June 26, 2014

Sales of Kammen Book to Benefit Library

Tompkins County Public Library has announced plans to sell copies of “Seeing the Elephant,” an original story by Carol Kammen.

“Seeing the Elephant” highlights a young boy’s remarkable 1823 meeting with “Margaret,” the first elephant to visit Ithaca.  The story will delight school-aged children and their families.

Copies of the book were generously donated by Kammen, with all proceeds benefitting TCPL programs and services.  The book is $5 and can be purchased at the Library’s Circulation Desk.

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


Monday, June 23, 2014

Library to Host Summer Reading Program for Adults

Tompkins County Public Library has announced the June 23 launch of “Book Your Summer at the Library,” TCPL’s inaugural summer reading program for adults.

“Book Your Summer at the Library” will provide an opportunity for adult readers to connect with and explore the library through books and programs.  Registered participants who complete five activities featured on the “Book Your Summer” game board will be entered into a drawing for an assortment of exciting prizes donated by local businesses.

Game board activities include reading books, attending special Summer Reading programs and writing book reviews.

To register and receive a game board, visit the Library’s Adult Services Reference Desk.  The first 50 registrants will receive a Pristine Screens screen cleaner for mobile devices.  Completed game boards must be received by August 22 in order to be eligible for prizes!

For more information, contact Teresa Vadakin at (607) 272-4557 extension 272 or tvadakin@tcpl.org, or visit http://tcpl.org/we-suggest/summer-reading.php. 

 

Wednesday, June 18, 2014

Ash Family to Chair Library Foundation’s Annual Fund



Tompkins County Public Library Foundation Executive Director Suzanne Smith Jablonski has announced the selection of avid library users Ethan and Rachel Ash, and their sons, Eli and Liam, as chairs of the Foundation’s 2014 Annual Fund.

As chairs, the Ash family will lead the charge on several fundraising events and activities designed to sustain the Library’s vibrant and diverse collections, engage children and teens as readers and learners and provide free, year-round cultural, educational and civic programs.

“The Ash family is a perfect representation of what Tompkins County Public Library means to the community it serves,” Smith Jablonski said.  “It is truly the community center for families and individuals of every age, at every stage of life.”
Rachel Ash used the library for research while studying for her undergraduate degree from Cornell University and as an online classroom and place for personal reflection while pursuing a career in social work.  Now, it serves as a facilitator of family time.

“For our family, the Library has been a core part of our values and quality time together. Our boys, 4-year-old, Eli and 2-year-old, Liam, light up with every visit, filling their bags with books that fit their interest of the month. From there, the library books they select provide us with the most sacred part of our days—the time we spend as a family, reading at bedtime. It’s at this time, when we put down our phones, our work, our distractions, in exchange for Curious George, Paddington Bear or Dr. Seuss, that we feel more connected and real. We view the Tompkins County Public Library as a partner in raising our children, both as a place and a community to reinforce our shared values,” Rachel said.

Ethan Ash, an Ithaca native, grew up visiting the Library’s former location on North Cayuga Street.  After returning to the area, he has rediscovered the Library and recognizes the important role it plays in the lives of three generations of his family.

It’s a place free of distraction and full of simple treasures for our kids. It’s where my mom, Karin, has found a meaningful volunteer opportunity surrounded by one of her greatest loves in life—books. For my wife, it has been her second home for the last two years as she pursued her master’s in social work. And for me, as an entrepreneur, I look to the Library as one of my many “community offices” where I can meet and work, and be connected to a part of the community I love,” Ethan said.

The goal of this year’s Annual Fund is to raise $225,000 in support of library programs, services and collections.  To contribute, or for more information, contact Smith Jablonski at ssmithjablonski@tcpl.org or (607) 272-4557 extension 231.

Tuesday, June 17, 2014

Library Announces 2014 Community Read


Tompkins County Public Library, in partnership with Cornell University’s New Student Reading Project, has announced the selection of “Clash of Civilizations Over an Elevator in Piazza Vittorio,” by Amara Lakhous, as the 2014 Community Read.

Winner of Italy’s prestigious Flaiano Prize, “Clash of Civilizations” uses social satire and murder mystery to tell the story of a mixed community thrown into chaos as police investigate the murder of a neighbor.

Copies of “Clash of Civilizations” will be available for circulation at TCPL beginning July 1.
Now in its 13th year, the Community Read encourages community members to experience the bond of literature by reading and discussing the same title. 
Programs related to the 2014 Community Read will be announced in the coming weeks.
For more information, or to request free copies of the book for a book group or community agency, contact Community Read Coordinator Teresa Vadakin at (607) 272-4557 extension 272 or tvadakin@tcpl.org.

Thursday, June 12, 2014

Library to Host Free Performance by Senior Theatre Troupe

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

An annual Library favorite, the Senior Theatre Troupe performs humorous and serious stories from troupe members’ lives.  This year’s stories will relate to the theme “dreams.”


The Troupe performs simply, with no lights, props or sets. The theatre being performed is developed from themes the actors pick, and the stories they tell are based on their own experiences.

The Troupe is directed and coordinated by Sue Perlgut and features, Natasha Tall, Carol Santucci, Deirdre Silverman, Mark Silverman, Carolyn David, Margaret Dennis, Sue Norvell, Barbara West, Eva Luby and Sandy Stein. The plays and theatre exercises performed are developed using improvisational theatre techniques, some of which will be demonstrated during the Library performance.

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

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

 

 

Grant Support Helps Library Purchase Sensory Equipment

Tompkins County Public Library’s Youth Services Department has announced the purchase of weighted lap pads and Theraputty™ fidgets to help make library experiences more enjoyable for children with sensory challenges.

The lap pads are designed to have a calming effect on children as they work on school assignments, use library computers or enjoy quiet reading time. Theraputty™ helps keep small hands busy by offering an outlet for excess energy.

Sarah Glogowski, head of the Library’s Youth Services Department, said the addition of lap pads and Theraputty™ will help the library ensure that the differing needs of young patrons are being recognized and met.

“TCPL is committed to providing a quality library experience for children of all ages, interests and abilities,” Glogowski said.  “By offering comfort and learning aids and adding special storytimes for children with sensory challenges, we hope to make the library a more accessible, enjoyable place for all of our young users.”

Weighted lap pads and Theraputty™ are available for library use at the Youth Services Reference Desk.

The Library’s new sensory equipment has been made possible by the Tompkins County Public Library Foundation through support from the Michael Kammen Children’s Fund.