Tompkins County Public Library

Monday, March 30, 2015

Library to Host Family Movie Matinee



Tompkins County Public Library will host a free screening of “101 Dalmatians” March 30 at 2 p.m. in the Thaler/Howell Programming Room.

Families are invited to enjoy popcorn and drinks while watching this Disney classic. When a litter of Dalmatian puppies are abducted by the minions of Cruella De Vil, their parents must find them before she uses them for a diabolical fashion statement.

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

Saturday, March 28, 2015

Library to Host Sensory Storytime

Children ages 3 through 7 are invited to move, sing and play at Tompkins County Public Library’s “Sensory Storytime,” March 28 at 3:30 p.m. in the Thaler/Howell Programming Room.

This program is free and open to children of all abilities, however, it is especially designed for children with sensory integration challenges. “Sensory Storytime” features interactive books, songs, and activities to stimulate the senses and promote learning. Children who have previously struggled to sit through other storytimes may find 
“Sensory Storytime” a better fit.

Pre-registration is required. To register, visit the Library’s Youth Services Department, call (607) 272-4557 extension 275, or email Youth Services Librarian 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 and support from the Michael Kammen Children’s Fund.




Library to Host Screening of “The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies”



Tompkins County Public Library will host a free screening of the dramatic conclusion of the timeless Middle-Earth saga, “The Hobbit:  The Battle of the Five Armies,” March 28 at 2 p.m. in the BorgWarner Community Room.

This family favorite picks up where “The Hobbit:  The Desolation of Smaug” left off.  Thorin Oakenshield and the Dwarves of Erebor have reclaimed the vast wealth of their homeland, but now face the consequences of having unleashed the terrifying Dragon Smaug upon Lake-town.  As darkness converges, the races of Dwarves, Elves and Men must decide to unite or be destroyed.

Library Saturday Movie Matinees are free and open to the public.  Admission will not be restricted based on age.

For more information, contact Tom Burns at tburns@tcpl.org.

Thursday, March 19, 2015

Library to Host Teen Writing Workshop Series

Tompkins County Public Library will offer teens an opportunity to improve their writing skills during weekly writing workshops, Thursdays, March 19 through May 7 from 5:45 to 6:45 in the Library’s Thaler/Howell Programming Room.

Facilitated by Ithaca College journalism major and Park Scholar Alexa Salvato, these free workshops will include a variety of writing exercises, prompts and special projects.  Participants are not required to attend all eight sessions.

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





Wednesday, March 18, 2015

Library Receives Grant to Expand and Enhance Programs for Children With Sensory Challenges


Tompkins County Public Library Executive Director Susan Currie has announced a more than $12,000 grant from the Bernard Carl and Shirley Rosen Fund of the Community Foundation of Tompkins County in support of the Library’s programming for children with sensory challenges.

The $12,243 “Adapt and Include” grant will allow TCPL to enhance its current Sensory Storytime sessions by funding the purchase of adapted books and sensory tools like weighted lap pads, fidgets and noise-cancelling headphones. Tools funded by the grant will be available for use by all patrons, affording individuals with sensory challenges greater access and integration into standard library programs.

“There is an entire population of Library users who want and deserve access to library programs and services,” Currie said.  “Unfortunately for many of these individuals, the size, crowds and activity at TCPL can make enjoying a Library visit overwhelming.  That’s why receiving this grant is such a wonderful gift.”

Currie explained that through the generosity of the grant, TCPL will be able to work toward helping people with sensory challenges integrate into standard programming through the creation of a sensory tool-kit, which will be available for all patrons to use during Library visits. 

The next Sensory Storytime will be held March 28 at 3:30 p.m. in the Library’s Thaler/Howell Programming Room.  To register, contact the Youth Services Department at (607) 272-4557 extension 275.

For more information on offerings for children with sensory challenges, contact Youth Services Librarian Kate DeVoe at kdevoe@tcpl.org or (607) 272-4557 extension 277.


Saturday, March 14, 2015

Library to Host Women’s History Month Writing Workshop

Tompkins County Public Library will celebrate Women’s History Month with “Oh, the Women!,” a free writing workshop, March 14 from 2 to 4 p.m. in the BorgWarner Community Room.

Facilitated by Irene “Zee” Zahava, this workshop will provide participants of all ages and genders with the inspiration and encouragement to write about and share stories about the special women in their lives.

Participants are encouraged, but not required, to bring a photograph or keepsake that reminds them of the woman they plan to write about.  

Zahava is a writer, poet, publisher and anthologist, and the founder of Zee’s Writing Studio. 


This program is open to the public; however, advance registration is required.  To register, contact Zahava at (607) 273-4675 or zee@twcny.rr.com.

Library to Offer Family Science Program

Tompkins County Public Library and Cornell University’s Center for Materials Research with host “Families Learning Science Together: Exploring Rocks & Minerals” March 14 from 1-2 p.m. in the Library’s BorgWarner Community Room.
                                                                  
Through hands-on activities and observation, families will be introduced to commonly found rocks and minerals.  Participants will perform different tests--including color, streak and hardness--to learn about simple, observable characteristics used to aid geologists in the identification process.

Families Learning Science Together is a free program designed to help children develop an early love of science through hands-on participation. These programs are offered at the Library on the second Saturday of each month.

Families Learning Science Together programs are free and open to the public, but space is limited. To register, contact Nevjinder K. Singhota at nks5@cornell.edu or (607) 255-1486.

More information about Families Learning Science Together workshops can be found at https://www.ccmr.cornell.edu/lending-library-chemistry



Friday, March 13, 2015

Library to Host Screening of “Divergent”

Tompkins County Public Library will continue its young adult “Book to Movie Series” March 13 with an after-hours screening of “Divergent.”

Adapted from the bestselling Veronica Roth novel of the same name, “Divergent” is set in a futuristic dystopia where society is divided into five factions which represent a different virtue. Teens are forced to decide whether to stay in the faction they were born into or abandon all they have known to join another faction.

This film presentation will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. in the Thaler/Howell Programming Room and is free and open to young adults ages 11 to 19.  Refreshments will be provided.

This movie has been selected with a teen audience in mind; however, parents are encouraged to review ratings of each movie prior to allowing their children to attend. The Library will not restrict admittance to films based on age or maturity.

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

This program has been made possible by the Tompkins County Public Library Foundation through generous support from the Michael Kammen Children’s Fund.




Thursday, March 12, 2015

Library, Orchestra to Partner for Family Concert


Tompkins County Public Library, in partnership with the Cayuga Chamber Orchestra, will present “My Family Plays Music,” a free, family-friendly concert, March 12 at 4:30 p.m. in the Library’s Ezra Cornell Reading Room.

This fun-filled, musical storytime will bring to life acclaimed picture book “My Family Plays Music” by Judy Cox.  Winner of the Coretta Scott King and John Steptoe awards, “My Family Plays Music” introduces readers—through its young narrator—to an African American family and the instruments each family member plays.

Being presented in honor of Cayuga Chamber Orchestra’s Executive Director Sheila Ossit, in recognition of her 10th anniversary with CCO, this performance will include an opportunity for young participants to try out an assortment of instruments.

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