Tompkins County Public Library

Monday, April 28, 2014

Library to Host Poetry Writing Workshop

Tompkins County Public Library will celebrate National Poetry Month with “Poetry for the People: Connecting With Your Inner Poet” a poetry writing workshop, April 28 from 2 to 4 p.m. in the BorgWarner Community Room West.
 
Facilitated by Irene “Zee” Zahava, this workshop will provide a safe and stimulating atmosphere for participants to create and share poetry.
 
Zahava is a writer, poet, publisher and anthologist, and the founder of Zee’s Writing Studio. 
 
This program is free and open to the public; however, advance registration is required.  To register, contact Zahava at (607) 273-4675 orzee@twcny.rr.com.

Saturday, April 26, 2014

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 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:

·         March 22—“My Side of the Mountain” by Jean Craighead George
·         April 26—“The City of Ember by Jeanne DuPrau
·         May 17—“Penny from Heaven” by Jennifer L. Holm

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 Hold “Spring Fling Storytime”

Tompkins County Public Library will host “Spring Fling Storytime” featuring a puppet show, stories, songs, snacks and a spring-themed craft, April 26 at 11 a.m. in the Thaler/Howell Programming Room.
 
Children of all ages are invited to this fun-filled, hour-long event.  All children must be accompanied by a parent or caregiver.
 
For more information, contact the Library’s Youth Services Department at (607) 272-4557 extension 275.
 
“Spring Fling Storytime” has been made possible by the Tompkins County Public Library Foundation through a grant from the Elmira Savings Bank.

Friday, April 25, 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, April 25 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 the Elmira Savings Bank.

 

 

Thursday, April 24, 2014

Library to Distribute Poems During “Poem in Your Pocket Day”

In celebration of National Poetry Month, Tompkins County Public Library’s “Freeloading Librarians,”  will spend April 24, “Poem in Your Pocket Day,” distributing poems throughout the community.

Launched in New York City in 2002, “Poem in Your Pocket Day,” celebrates the rich history of pocket poems—from commonplace books during the Renaissance to pocket-sized publications carried by World War II soldiers.  Since 2008, bookstores, schools, libraries, parks and businesses across the country have embraced “Poem in Your Pocket Day” by encouraging open readings of pocket poems.

TCPL librarians will distribute free poems in the Library, on the Ithaca Commons, and in other select locations throughout the day.  Poems will also be available at the Adult Services Reference Desk.

For more information, contact Teresa Vadakin at (607) 272-4557 extension 272 or tvadakin@tcpl.org.

 

Wednesday, April 23, 2014

Library to Host Teen Game Night

Tompkins County Public Library will unveil its newly-acquired collection of designer board games, April 23 during “Game On,” a fun-filled board game presentation for teens.
 
Participants will join Stacia Humby from local game store The Enchanted Badger for tutorials on how to play Defenders of the Realm, Tales of the Arabian Nights and Discworld:  Ankh-Morpork.
 
This program will be held from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. in the Library’s Thaler/Howell Programming Room.  It is free and open to a teen audience.  Refreshments will be provided.
 
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 a grant from the Erin Aljoe Schlather Dedicated Memorial Fund of the Community Foundation of Tompkins County.

Tuesday, April 22, 2014

Library and FLIC Partner for Writing Workshops


Tompkins County Public Library and the Finger Lakes Independence Center have partnered for the return of the popular “Topic Workshop” series Thursdays, May 22 through June 26 from 2 to 4 p.m. in the Library’s BorgWarner Community Room.
 
Launched in 2001, the “Topic Workshop” uses reading, writing and conversation to understand a specific theme.  This year’s theme is “progress,” 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 “progress” 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 stevensweed@yahoo.com.

 

Monday, April 21, 2014

Library to Host Graphic Novel and Manga Club

Area middle and high school students are invited to join Tompkins County Public Library’s Graphic Novel and Manga Club during the first meeting at the Club’s new location, New Roots Charter School, from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. April 21.

This month, Club members will discuss “Nothing Can Possibly Go Wrong” by Prudence Shen and Faith Erin Hicks.  Copies of the graphic novel can be picked up at the Library’s Youth Services Reference Desk.

New members are always welcome.  Copies of some Club titles will be available for members to keep.

This program is free.  Refreshments will be provided.

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

 

Saturday, April 19, 2014

Library to Host Storytime for Young ESL Learners


Tompkins County Public Library will present "Magic Rain Arrows," a read-aloud storytime for children learning English, April 19 at 1 p.m. in the BorgWarner Community Room.
 
Children in kindergarten through fourth grade, are invited to discover the wind, weather and wildlife of the African plain through literature, art and drama. 
 
This program is presented by Dr. Cathrene Connery's Second Language Acquisition class from Ithaca College's Department of Education.  It is free and open to the public.
 
For more information, contact the Library's Youth Services Department at (607) 272-4557 extension 275 or visit  http://tcpl.org/kids/programs.php.


 

 

Thursday, April 17, 2014

Library to Host Animal Sleepover Storytime

Young readers are invited to send their stuffed animals on an after-hours Library adventure April 17, as Tompkins County Public Library hosts Animal Sleepover Storytime.

Animal Sleepover Storytime will begin at 6 p.m. in the Thaler/Howell Programming Room with a special storytime for children of all ages and their favorite stuffed friends.  After storytime ends, the stuffed animals will spend the night exploring the Library.

Children can pick up their animals and a photograph of their late-night, Library escapades on April 18.

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

For more information, visit: http://tcpl.org/kids/programs.php or contact the Youth Services Department at (607) 272-4557 extension 275.

 

Wednesday, April 16, 2014

Library to Host Young Adult Book Club

Tompkins County Public Library will host its Young Adult Book Club, a monthly book discussion group for middle and high school students, April 16 from 4:45 to 5:45 p.m. in the Thaler/Howell Programming Room.

This month, Club members will discuss “Out of the Easy” by Ruta Sepetys.  Copies of the book are available at the Library’s Youth Services Reference Desk.

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

Library to Offer Storytime With Music&Motion

Children and their caregivers are invited to experience the joy of noise-making as Tompkins County Public Library hosts Miss Angie from Music&Motion for a special April 16 storytime.

Through songs, dance, and pretend play, Miss Angie will lead families on an adventure into the world of creative expression.  This program will be held at 11 a.m. in the Library's Thaler/Howell Programming Room.  It is free and open to the public.

Storytime with Music&Motion has been made possible by the Tompkins County Public Library Foundation through a grant from Elmira Savings Bank.

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

 

Tuesday, April 15, 2014

Library to Host Workshops on Role-Playing Games

Tweens and Teens are invited to learn the ins and outs of role-playing games during Tompkins County Public Library’s “LevelUp!,” a four-part, Role-Playing Game Workshop Series!

Facilitated by Bennett Purdy, these workshops will teach new and aspiring RPG players the basics of world-building, character development, basic organization and storytelling.

The first workshop, being held April 15, will explore cartography and teach participants how to create maps using plate tectonics and latitudinal climate.

Additional workshops are planned for April 30, May 14 and May 27.  All “LevelUp!” programs will be held from 4:30 to 6 p.m. in the Library’s Thaler/Howell Programming Room.

Participants are invited to attend all or some of the workshops.  Tweens or teens who attend all four sessions will be entered into a drawing to win a beginner’s game-mastering kit.

This program is made possible by the Tompkins County Public Library Foundation through support from the Erin Aljoe Schlather Dedicated Memorial Fund of the Community Foundation of Tompkins County.

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

Monday, April 14, 2014

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 twice-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 will be held Tuesdays and Fridays from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. through May 30.  Playtime programs are held 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.

 

Library to Offer Lego Program

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

Children in grades kindergarten through five are invited to attend “Legos in the Library,” a weekly free-build program, Saturdays through May 31 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 Offer Amnesty Week for Overdue Items and Fines

Tompkins County Public Library is celebrating its 150th anniversary and National Library Week by recognizing patrons with a gift of amnesty from fines and collection fees for overdue items.

From April 14 through April 19, patrons who visit the Library’s Circulation Desk will be eligible to have fines of $24 or less removed from their accounts.  Patrons returning overdue items will have all fines associated with that item waived, including collection charges.

Jennifer Schlossberg, head of the Library’s Access Services and Circulation Department, said Library amnesty programs typically result in the return of many overdue items but stressed that the real motivator for TCPL is for patrons to resume their relationship with the Library.

Patrons wishing to take advantage of Amnesty Week fine forgiveness will need to visit the Circulation Desk during regular Library hours with their Tompkins County Public Library card or photo ID.  No telephone or email requests will be granted.

TCPL cannot waive fees for overdue items owned by other libraries, including other Tompkins County or Finger Lakes Library System libraries, or items borrowed through the interlibrary loan service.  Currently checked out items must be returned or renewed in order for fines to be removed.

To learn more about Amnesty Week or for account inquiries, contact Schlossberg at (607) 272-4557 extension 254 or jschlossberg@tcpl.org.

 

 

Thursday, April 10, 2014

Library to Host “Primitive Pursuits Storytime”

Tompkins County Public Library and Primitive Pursuits, a program of Cornell Cooperative Extension, will host “Primitive Pursuits Storytime” each Thursday at 11 a.m., beginning April 10, in the Library’s Thaler/Howell Programming Room.

Perfect for families with children ages 3 to 5, “Primitive Pursuits Storytime” will help children develop an early love a nature through shared stories, crafts and activities.  During the inaugural session, participants will celebrate furry, flying friends with a reading of “Feathers for Lunch” by Lois Ehlert and related bird-themed activities.

Primitive Pursuits programs are free and open to the public.

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

Sunday, April 6, 2014

Library to Host Anniversary Reading by Beauty and the Beast Storytellers

In celebration of its Sesquicentennial, Tompkins County Public Library will host Beauty and the Beast Storytellers for a reading of “It’s Not Always Easy to See the Elephant,” April 6 at 2 p.m. in the Thaler/Howell Programming Room.

An original story by Tompkins County Historian Carol Kammen, “It’s Not Always Easy to See 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 caregivers.

Beauty and the Beast Storytellers are the husband and wife team of Mitch Weiss and Martha Hamilton. They have been winning audiences and critical acclaim throughout the United States, Canada, Europe, and Asia since 1980. Renowned for their work in teaching the art of storytelling, they are also award winning authors and recording artists.

This program is free and open to the public and will be followed by an elephant-themed craft.

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

 

Saturday, April 5, 2014

Library to Host Kammen for Sesquicentennial Presentation

Tompkins County Public Library, in celebration of its Sesquicentennial, will host “Babbling Gossip of the Air:  Ithaca, 1864,” a presentation by County Historian Carol Kammen, April 5 at 1 p.m. in the BorgWarner Community Room.

The will explore love, taxes, war, politics and gossip being shared and experienced by Ithacans in 1864.  An important year in County and Library history, 1864 was the year the New York State Legislature approved the charter for the Cornell Public Library.

The sixth public library to be chartered in New York State and the first to be located within a village, the Cornell Public Library was located on the southeast corner of Tioga and Seneca Streets where it served patrons until 1960.  In the 1960s, the Tompkins County Legislature assumed responsibility for Library funding.  Shortly thereafter, its name was changed to Tompkins County Public Library.

Kammen is an award-winning historian, a published author and editorial writer for History News, the journal of the American Association for State and Local History. She has taught at Ithaca High School, Tompkins Cortland Community College and is retired from teaching at Cornell University. She lectures widely around the country to historical organizations and consults for a number of historical societies.

For more information about this program, contact Carrie Wheeler-Carmenatty at (607) 272-4557 extension 248 orcwheeler@tcpl.org.  For a complete schedule of Sesquicentennial programs at TCPL, visit http://tcpl.org/150.

Friday, April 4, 2014

Library to Commemorate Sesquicentennial, Announces Public Celebration

Tompkins County Public Library will launch a year-long commemoration of its Sesquicentennial April 4 with “150 Years and Counting:  A Community Celebration of Library Service.”
 
Anniversary festivities planned for April 4 through 6 include exhibit openings, proclamations and presentations by state and local legislators, a local history presentation by County Historian Carol Kammen, and a special storytime featuring Beauty and the Beast Storytellers.
 
April marks 150 years since Ezra Cornell’s vision of a public library was endorsed by the New York State Legislature.  The sixth public library to be chartered in New York State and the first to be located within a village, the Cornell Public Library was located on the southeast corner of Tioga and Seneca Streets where it served patrons until 1960.  In 1964, the Tompkins County Legislature assumed responsibility for Library funding.  Shortly thereafter, its name was changed to Tompkins County Public Library.
 
Noting TCPL’s storied history, Susan Currie, the Library’s fifth director, said the Sesquicentennial is a time for the entire community to celebrate the Library’s past and plan for its future.
 
“The vision that Ezra Cornell had all of those years ago still inspires what we do today,” Currie said.  “His understanding that every community deserves a vibrant public library has carried us a century and a half and will continue to drive our plans for 150 more.”
 
The Library’s community celebration begins April 4 at 5 p.m. with special Gallery Night access to “150 Years and Counting” the Library’s sesquicentennial art exhibit.  This three-part exhibit includes “Artists in the Archives,”  an installation of works by Carla Rae Johnson, Barbara Page and JoAnn Wilcox designed to showcase the delights, discoveries and priceless connections made possible at libraries through re-envisioned and repurposed library cards and card catalogs.
 
“Artists in the Archives” includes, “The Alternet,” Johnson’s 50-drawer card catalog featuring cards from more than 85 artists, poets, writers, musicians and creative thinkers; “Call to Everyone,” Wilcox’s exhibition of nearly 600 discarded library catalog cards that have been re-purposed as canvases for cell phone photos; and “Book Marks,” Page’s two-drawer catalog featuring library charge cards representing books that have made an impression on her life.
 
Also included in this celebratory exhibit are:  “Talk Tompkins,” an audio visual exhibit of photographs of, and interviews with, members of the Tompkins County community created by photographer Ben Altman, and “Diary of a Library:  A Community Card Catalog of Pictures, Memories and Stories.”
 
A multi-year project, “Diary of a Library,” was launched by longtime TCPL Exhibit Coordinator Sally Grubb.  The exhibit features a 15-drawer, card catalog  representing-- through drawings, poems, stories and photographs submitted by community members, libraries staff, trustees and friends-- 150 years of Tompkins County Public Library service to the community.
 
On April 5 at noon, Library Director Susan Currie will join local and state legislators in the Library’s Avenue of the Friends for a cake cutting and reading from the Library’s charter and presentation of proclamations recognizing a century and a half of Library contributions to the community.  This event will be followed by a 1 p.m. presentation by Tompkins County Historian Carol Kammen on life in and around Tompkins County in 1864.
 
The “150 Years and Counting,” weekend concludes Sunday, April 6 with a 2 p.m. family-friendly storytime by Beauty and the Beast Storytellers.  Storytellers Mitch Weiss and Martha Hamilton will read “It’s Not Always Easy to See the Elephant,” an adorable story, written by Kammen, about the first elephant to visit Ithaca.
 
Additional commemorative events are planned throughout 2014. 
 
For more information, contact Carrie Wheeler-Carmenatty at (607) 272-4557 extension 248 or cwheeler@tcpl.org.

Thursday, April 3, 2014

Freeloading Librarians to Offer Training at YMCA

Tompkins County Public Library and the YMCA of Ithaca will partner April 3 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 11:30 a.m. to 1 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.
 
For more information, contact Thomas Fredette at (607) 272-4557 extension 271 or tfredette@tcpl.org.
 
 

Tuesday, April 1, 2014

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 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:

 
·         April 26—“The City of Ember by Jeanne DuPrau
·         May 17—“Penny from Heaven” by Jennifer L. Holm

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.