Tompkins County Public Library

Friday, July 31, 2015

Library to Host Musical Storytime With Judy Stock

In celebration of its 2015 Summer Reading Program, “Every Hero Has a Story,” Tompkins County Public Library will host local singer Judy Stock for a fun-filled, musical storytime, Saturday, August 15 at 11 a.m. in the Thaler/Howell Programming Room.

During this family-friendly, interactive program, Stock will use books, songs and a selection of folk instruments to share stories about the heroes who have influenced her life and music.

This program is free and open to the public.  For more information, contact the Library’s Youth Services Department at (607) 272-4557 extension 275.


Support for the Library’s Summer Reading Program is made possible by the Tompkins County Public Library Foundation through funding from the Harmon Foundation, the Brooks Family Foundation, the Phyllis and Charles Brodhead Memorial Endowment Fund and the Michael Kammen Children's Fund.

Library to Host Teen Trivia Night


Area teens are invited to gather a team of friends and compete for prizes and bragging rights during Tompkins County Public Library’s “Unmask: Super Teen Trivia” program, Wednesday, August 12 from 6 to 8 p.m. in the Library’s BorgWarner Community Room-East.

Hosted by DJ Bob Proehl, this hero-themed program will test participant knowledge of superheroes, villains, antiheroes, comic books, real-life and historical heroes.  Competitors are encouraged, but not required, to prepare by reading titles from the Library’s “All About Superheroes” and “Real-Life Heroes” booklists.

Registration is not required and participants who are unable to form a team in advance will have an opportunity to meet new friends and join a group at the event.  Pizza and drinks will be provided.

“Unmask: Super Teen Trivia” is being held in conjunction with the Library’s 2015 Teen Summer Reading Program, “Unmask: Discover the Hero Within.”

Support for the Library’s Summer Reading Program is provided by the Tompkins County Public Library Foundation through generous support from the Harmon Foundation, the Brooks Family Foundation, the Phyllis and Charles Brodhead Memorial Endowed Fund and the Michael Kammen Children’s Fund.

Library Seeking Teen Artists for ComiCon


Tompkins County Public Library is seeking student artists to exhibit their work during the Library’s first mini comic convention, “Tomp-Con.”

Being held from noon to 4:30 p.m., Saturday, August 29th, “Tomp-Con” will feature workshops, author/fan talks, a game room, a Super Smash Brothers tournament and a cosplay fashion show.

Artists, crafters and visual creatives ages 11 through 19, or entering grades 6 through 12, are encouraged to sign-up to exhibit their work in the convention’s “Artist Alley.”  Artists can register at the Library’s Teen Summer Reading sign-up table in the Youth Services Department or online at http://tcpl.org/teens/documents/artists-alley.pdf.  Applications must be submitted on or before August 21.

“Tomp-Con” is being held in conjunction with the Library’s 2015 Teen Summer Reading Program, “Unmask: Discover the Hero Within.”
Support for the Library’s Summer Reading Program is provided by the Tompkins County Public Library Foundation through generous support from the Harmon Foundation, the Brooks Family Foundation, the Phyllis and Charles Brodhead Memorial Endowed Fund and the Michael Kammen Children’s Fund.

Thursday, July 30, 2015

Library to Host Animal Sleepover Storytime

Young readers are invited to send their stuffed animals on an after-hours Library adventure Wednesday, August 12 as Tompkins County Public Library hosts its popular “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 August 13.

“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.

Library to Host Tin Can Fantasy Factory Performance

Tompkins County Public Library, in partnership with the Ithaca Youth Bureau and Civil Ensemble, will host “Owen’s Story: The Rules of the Game,” an original play performed by acclaimed youth theatre and improvisational troupe, Tin Can Fantasy Factory, Monday, August 10 at 11 a.m. in the Library’s Thaler/Howell Programming Room.

“Owen’s Story” follows third graders Owen and Susan as they navigate through their anxiety-filled first days at a new school and offers insight into the importance of acceptance and inclusion.

This performance is interactive and will include engaging conversations between the actors and audience members.  The audience will have the opportunity to think critically, offer advice and share what they know and believe. “Owen’s Story” asks participants to grapple with how to include people with disabilities and how their decisions affect other people. In the end, the play offers participants the opportunity to examine what true friendship is.


This program is free and open to families with children ages 5 and up.  For more information, contact Kate DeVoe at kdevoe@tcpl.org or (607) 272-4557 extension 277.

Thursday, July 23, 2015

Library to Host Film Screening

Tompkins County Public Library will host a free screening of the Academy Award-winning film “Whiplash,” Saturday, August 8 at 2 p.m. in the BorgWarner Community Room.

“Whiplash” follows drummer Andrew Neyman’s ambitious attempt to become part of an elite jazz ensemble under the tutelage of one of the most vicious teachers known to film.  Miles Teller does his own drumming in this study of obsession and inspiration, and J. K. Simmons is terrifying in his Oscar-winning role.

The Library screening is free and open to the public.  The film is intended for an adult audience.


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

Tuesday, July 21, 2015

Library to Offer Computer and Digital Download Training Sessions

Tompkins County Public Library has announced free training sessions for basic computer and internet skills and downloading eBooks and audiobooks to Kindles, Nooks, iPads, smartphones and other app-based devices through the OverDrive Digital Download service.

Training sessions will be held at the Adult Services Reference Desk.  Individual tutorial sessions will be scheduled:
  • Mondays from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.
  • Tuesdays from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Wednesdays from 11 a.m. to Noon
  • Thursdays from 11 a.m. to Noon
  • Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Participants will need a valid Library card and password to download items to their devices. Nook users who own laptops are also asked to bring them to the session.


To register for a one-on-one tutorial, contact Tom Fredette at (607) 272-4557 extension 271 or tfredette@tcpl.org.

Library to Offer Book and Movie Discussions

Tompkins County Public Library will offer an opportunity for students entering grades 3 through 5 to explore the evolution of books from the printed page to the big screen this summer by participating in the “Print to Popcorn” book and movie discussion group.

“Print to Popcorn” participants will read a popular book and watch its film counterpart and then engage in fun, judgment free discussions about both versions.

Group sessions will be held Thursdays, August 6th and 20th at noon in the Library’s Thaler/Howell Programming Room.  During the first session of the month, participants will receive a free copy of the selected book and enjoy pizza and snacks while completing fun-filled activities.  During the second session of the month, participants will watch the film-adaptation of the book and compare and contrast the print and movie version.

August’s title is “The Invention of Hugo Cabret” by Brian Selznick.

This title was selected with a family audience in mind; however, parents are encouraged to review film ratings prior to allowing their children to attend. The Library will not restrict admittance to films based on age.

“Print to Popcorn” is being held in conjunction with the Library’s 2015 Summer Reading Program, “Every Reader Has a Story.”
Registration is required.  To register, contact the Youth Services Department at (607) 272-4557 extension 275.


TCPL’s 2015 Summer Reading Programming has been made possible with support from the Tompkins County Public Library Foundation thanks to funding from the Harmon Foundation, the Brooks family Foundation, the Phyllis and Charles Brodhead Memorial Endowed Fund and the Michael Kammen Children’s Fund.

Monday, July 20, 2015

Library to Host “Messy Storytime”

Children and their caregivers are encouraged to explore the fun of mud and muck during Tompkins County Public Library’s “Messy Storytime,” Wednesday, August 5 at 11 a.m. in the Thaler/Howell Programming Room.

Participants will enjoy messy-themed stories, songs and finger plays before tying on an apron and creating a messy craft to take home. 

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

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


Monday, July 13, 2015

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 Saturday, July 25 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 and is being held in conjunction with TCPL’s Summer Reading Program “Every Hero Has a Story.”

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


TCPL’s summer reading programs and their related programming is made possible by the Tompkins County Public Library Foundation with support from the Harmon Foundation, the Brooks Family Foundation, the Phyllis and Charles Brodhead Memorial Endowed Fund and the Michael Kammen Children’s Fund.

Library to Host Elemental Power Program for Teens


Tompkins County Public Library invites area teens to discover their inner bender during “Unmask the Elemental Power Within,” a fun-filled program for fans of “Avatar the Last Airbender” and “Avatar: Legend of Korra,” Wednesday,  July 29 from 3 to 5 p.m. in the BorgWarner Community Room.

During this free program, students ages 11 through 19 will practice elemental exercises, play a game of Pai Sho, learn about martial arts through hands-on demonstrations by Ithaca Chung Do Kwan and meet and connect with other fans of the popular Nickelodeon “Avatar” cartoons.

“Unmask the Elemental Power Within” is being held in conjunction with TCPL’s Teen Summer Reading Program, “Unmask: Discover the Hero Within” tcpl.org/teens/srp.php.

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

TCPL’s summer reading programs and their related programming is made possible by the Tompkins County Public Library Foundation with support from the Harmon Foundation, the Brooks Family Foundation, the Phyllis and Charles Brodhead Memorial Endowed Fund and the Michael Kammen Children’s Fund.

Wednesday, July 8, 2015

Library to Offer Butterfly Program

Families with children ages 5 and up are invited to join the Tompkins County Public Library for “Butterflies: The Heroic Monarch Migration,” Monday, July 27 at 6 p.m. in the Thaler/Howell Programming Room.

Being held in conjunction with the Library’s 2015 Summer Reading Program, “Every Hero Has a Story,”  this fun-filled event will be facilitated by Jerry Schneider, creator of “Butterfly Game,” an award-winning board game for children and families.

Schneider will share a slide show featuring Eastern butterflies, discuss the annual migration of Monarchs and share information about the obstacles they face during their fall and spring trips to and from Mexico.  Participants will also learn about the difference between moths and butterflies, where to find butterflies, fun-facts about these fascinating winged creatures and how to attract them to backyard gardens.

Following the presentation, children will create their own butterfly tee-shirts.  Solid-color tee shirts can be purchased at the event for $4 per shirt or participants may supply their own shirt from home.

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


Support for the Summer Reading Program comes from the Tompkins County Public Library Foundation through support from the Harmon Foundation, the Brooks Family Foundation, the Phyllis and Charles Brodhead Memorial Endowed Fund and the Michael Kammen Children’s Fund.

Tuesday, July 7, 2015

Library to Host Alfred University’s “Art Force Five”

Tompkins County Public Library will host a free presentation by “Art Force Five,” an Alfred University student group committed to the promotion of diversity and inclusion, Thursday, July 16 at 1 p.m. in the Thaler/Howell Programming Room.

“Art Force Five,” a program of Alfred’s Drawn to Diversity program, encourages audiences to consider creativity as the ultimate superpower and explores the impact of creativity throughout history and as a positive tool for solving life’s everyday challenges.

During their TCPL presentation, “Art Force Five” members will offer an hour-long interactive “creativity over conflict” workshop, two hands-on craft stations and a comic exhibit highlighting the history of comic books with parallels to the civil rights movement.

This program is free and open to students ages 7 through 13 and is being held in conjunction with TCPL’s Teen Summer Reading Program, “Unmask: Discover the Reader Within,” and school-aged Summer Reading Program, “Every Hero Has a Story.”
  
Students 12 and up can participate in Teen Summer Reading and earn prizes by reading for at least 20 minutes each day.  Upon registration, teens will receive a free book of their choice.  Those who complete and return a Summer Reading Game Board before August 29 will receive a TCPL water bottle and be entered into a drawing to win prizes from an assortment of local businesses, including Enchanted Badger, Buffalo Street Books, Viva Taqueria, Regal Cinemas and Comics for Collectors.

To register, or for more information, visit tcpl.org/teens/srp.php, or contact Teen Services Librarian Regina DeMauro at rdemauro@tcpl.org or (607) 272-4557 extension 274.

Students ages 5 through 10 are eligible to join “Every Hero Has a Story.” Participants are encouraged to read every day during the summer months. Children who keep track of the time they spend reading will receive 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.

TCPL’s summer reading programs and their related programming is made possible by the Tompkins County Public Library Foundation with support from the Harmon Foundation, the Brooks Family Foundation, the Phyllis and Charles Brodhead Memorial Endowed Fund and the Michael Kammen Children’s Fund.