Tompkins County Public Library

Monday, December 29, 2014

Library to Host New Year’s Themed Teen Murder Mystery Event




Tompkins County Public Library invites young adults to celebrate the end of 2014 Roaring Twenties style with an evening of murder, mystery and mayhem, December 29 from 5:30 to 8 p.m. in the BorgWarner Community Room.

Participants of “Murder, Molls and Mobsters:  A Caper at Ella’s Jazz Club,” written and presented by local author EA Cunningham, will join Ella McBride at her Chicago night club on New Year’s Eve, 1928 for an evening of fun, but someone at the party won’t be around to usher in 1929.

“Murder, Molls and Mobsters”  tells the story of McBride, who started her club with little more than her own gumption and a small settlement from her divorce. She has a reputation as a fair and honest businesswoman with a good ear for music and an eye for talent. When prohibition hit, Ella was determined to succeed and obey the law. At first it seemed like she’d be alright, but as more clubs in the area became speakeasies, her clientele started drifting away.

Ella found herself in need of cash, and fast. Banks didn’t want to loan to her, so she turned to Daytona Dailey, a well-known bookie and loan shark, for help. She loaned Ella the money she needed and insisted on becoming part owner of the club as well. Ella agreed, under the condition she would get back full ownership when the loan was repaid. She was having trouble making the payments, but after this New Year’s Eve bash she should have enough money to pay off the loan. After all, Ella would just die if the club ended up in someone else’s hands.

This program is free and open to the public.  Twenties-era costumes are encouraged but not required.

To register or for more information, contact Young Adult Services Librarian Regina DeMauro at (607) 272-4557 extension 274 or rdemauro@tcpl.org.

Saturday, December 20, 2014

Library to Host Cookie Decorating Party for Kids

Tompkins County Public Library will host its first “Cookie Decorating Party for Kids” December 20 from 2 to 3 p.m. in the Library’s Thaler/Howell Programming Room.

Children of all ages are invited to attend this fun and festive event.  Younger participants will have fun creating their own masterpieces with icing and sprinkles, while older attendees learn creative decorating techniques from local instructor Alexis Zaharis.

Cookies, icing and decorating supplies will be provided.

This program is free and is being held in celebration of the Library’s Winter Reading Program.  No registration is necessary, but participants should bring an apron or shirt that can get messy.

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


Tuesday, December 16, 2014

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 27 and said no items will be scheduled for return between December 15 and January 2.

"Our patrons truly rely on library services," Currie said.  "That's why it is so important that we are meeting their needs even when the building is closed.”

The Library will be closed:
  •  Wednesday, December 24
  •  Thursday, December 25
  • Friday, December 26
  • Sunday, December 28
  • Wednesday, December 31
  • Thursday, January 1

TCPL will reopen Friday, January 2 at 10 a.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 13, 2014

Library to Host Mother/Daughter Book Club

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

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 13—“Remarkable” by Lizzie K. Foley
·         January 10—“A Step from Heaven” by An Na
·         February 7—“Belle Teal” by Ann M. Martin

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 Offers Winter Reading Program




Tompkins County Public Library will launch its Winter Reading Program December 13 with special reading programs for infants, toddlers and school-aged readers.
Perfect for stimulating an early interest in literacy and learning, the Winter Reading Program includes programs for infants, toddlers and elementary-aged students.

The following programs are available:

Pre-Reader Program (Ages 0-4)--
Infants, toddlers, preschoolers and their parents and 
caregivers are invited to pick-up a Reading Game Card featuring ideas on incorporating early literacy activities into everyday routines. Participants will earn a free book and be entered into a prize raffle.

Readers’ Program (Ages 5-10)--This program encourages school-aged readers to explore their library and have fun while reading. Children who complete activities and read book suggestions from their Reading Game Card will earn a free book and be entered into a prize raffle.

Winter Reading will run from December 13 through January 31, 2015.

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



Wednesday, December 10, 2014

Upgrade to Cause Temporary Interruption of Library Services

A scheduled upgrade to Tompkins County Public Library’s Polaris computer system will cause a temporary interruption of service for Library patrons Wednesday, December 10.

The system will be unavailable from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m., preventing patrons from searching the Library’s catalog, reviewing account information, renewing materials, placing holds and Inter-library loan requests and searching Library databases.  Access to the OverDrive Digital Download Service will not be affected by the upgrade.

For more information, contact Jennifer Schlossberg, head of the Library’s Access and Circulation Department, at (607) 272-4557 extension 254 or jschlossberg@tcpl.org.


Tuesday, December 9, 2014

Library to Hold Special Storytimes

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

Toddlers and their caregivers are invited to a special Toddler Storytime, December 9 at 11 a.m.. This hour-long program will feature a puppet show, stories, songs, snacks and a winter-themed craft.

The fun will continue at 11 a.m., December 13, when the Library hosts a special Family Storytime in celebration of its Winter Reading Program.  Participants of this program will also enjoy puppet show, story, 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.

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