Tompkins County Public Library

Saturday, October 31, 2015

Library to Host Cayuga Lake Books Anthology Launch

Tompkins County Public Library has announced the Sunday, November 8 launch of “From the Finger Lakes: A Prose Anthology,” a one-of-a-kind collection of fiction, memoir and non-fiction, published by Cayuga Lake Books.

“From the Finger Lakes . .  .” features works from 44 writers ranging in age from 23 to 93, including nationally-known authors Diane Ackerman, Paul West, Lamar Herrin, Alison Lurie, Leslie Daniels and James McConkey, and regional favorites, Carol Kammen, Gene Endres, Katharyn Howd Machan and Brad Edmondson.  Submissions were judged by acclaimed author, Rhian Ellis.

The launch will take place at 2:30 p.m. in the Library’s BorgWarner Community Room and will include readings from some of the authors featured in the book followed by a question and answer session.

The four editors of Cayuga Lake Books—Edward Hower, Peter Fortunato, Jack Hopper, and Ellis—will be available to discuss the press, its policies, and the opportunities it affords local writers. Planned for 2016 is a sequel to this prose anthology—a collection of local poets, which will reach out to college writing programs and local writers.

Copies of “From the Finger Lakes. . .” will be available for purchase and signing at the event.  Refreshments will be served. 

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


Wednesday, October 28, 2015

TCPL to Offer Children’s Library at Annual Kids’ Book Fest

Tompkins County Public Library will celebrate the joy of reading, the power of information and the strength of community connections by hosting the first-ever, on-site circulating library at the Family Reading Partnership’s Kids’ Book Fest, Saturday, November 14 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Boynton Middle School.

Members of the Library’s Youth Services staff will share books, activities and help children check-out select titles from the Library’s collection during this fun-filled family event.  Children will also be able to register for library cards and explore library science by using their imaginations to play librarian at TCPL’s mini-library.

The 18th annual Kids’ Book Fest, a community celebration of children’s books is a free event designed to share the joy of reading together.  This year’s event will celebrate Eric Carle’s classic book, “The Very Hungry Caterpillar.”  By connecting children and families with books, stories, and words in positive, memorable ways, Kids’ Book Fest encourages families to make reading part of every day and helps create a lifelong love of literacy and learning.


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

Tuesday, October 27, 2015

Library to Host Berry and Brown for Gratitude Retreat

 Tompkins County Public Library, in partnership with the United Way of Tompkins County, will present “The Art of Gratitude:  Thanking Our Community,” a free talk and inspirational retreat facilitated by James Brown and Michelle Courtney Berry, Thursday, November 19 from 10 a.m. to noon in the BorgWarner Community Room.

Brown, president of the United Way of Tompkins County, and Berry, president of Courtney Consulting Enterprises, LLC, are pleased to present this moving, enlightening and free program. This will mark the second year the two have collaborated to inspire the community in the month of November.

This program will encourage participants to explore both the art of being thankful and the health benefits of expressing gratitude. Brown will thank community volunteers for their role in "living united" while unveiling a fun initiative that allows participants to share thanks with others around the nation. 

Berry, a life coach, stress expert and inspirational performer will offer insights and moving testimony about how expressing gratitude can lead to greater levels of happiness, personal abundance and improved health and wellness. 

This program is free and open to the public, however, advance registration is required.  


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




Thursday, October 22, 2015

Library to Host Spanish Language Storytime “Cuentos en Español”

Tompkins County Public Library will present “Cuentos en Español,” a Spanish-language storytime for toddlers and their caregivers, Tuesdays, October 27 through December 22 from 4:30 to 5 p.m. in the Library’s Thaler/Howell Programming Room.

Spanish-speaking families and those interested in the Spanish language, are invited to attend these special storytimes.  “Cuentos en Español” programs will include stories, songs and rhymes.  Each storytime will be followed by an unstructured playtime for participants.


These programs are free and open to the public. No registration is required. For more information, contact the Youth Services Department at (607) 272-4557 extension 275.

Library to Host Civil Rights Champion Dorothy Cotton

Tompkins County Public Library is honored to host “A Community Conversation with Dr. Dorothy Cotton,” Thursday, November 5 at 6 p.m. in the BorgWarner Community Room.

A pioneer of the civil rights movement, Cotton served beside Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. as director of the Southern Christian Leadership Council’s (SCLC) Citizenship Education Program.  Her library presentation will include personal reflections of her work, as well as a reading of passages from her acclaimed book, “If Your Back’s Not Bent: The Role of the Citizenship Education Program in the Civil Rights Movement,” by local dignitaries.

This program will be facilitated by community advocate Aloja Airewele, who will also serve as percussionist while Cotton sings a selection of freedom songs.

Cotton served as one of the highest ranking woman in the SCLC from 1960 to 1968, working directly with King and other civil rights champions to promote integration and equality.  Following King’s death, she served as vice president for field operations for the Martin Luther King, Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change in Atlanta, where she was a leader and senior trainer for the Center in areas of nonviolence and empowerment for leadership.  Under the Carter administration, she served as the Southeastern Regional Director of ACTION, the federal government’s agency for volunteer programs from 1978 to 1981.


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

Wednesday, October 21, 2015

Library to Host Silent Horror Film Matinee

Tompkins County Public Library, in partnership with Ithaca-Made Movies, will present an afternoon of silent horror films, beginning at 1 p.m., October 31, in the BorgWarner Community Room.

Ithaca-Made Movies Founder Terry Harbin will host this free screening, which will feature the 1929 silent, science-fiction film, “The Seven Footprints to Satan, starring Ithaca actor Creighton Hale and Thelma Todd, episodes of the recently-located 1918 serial “The House of Hate,” starring acclaimed “Serial Queen” Pearl White, and the Wharton Studios production “The Mysteries of Myra.”

The films are most suitable for an adult audience and are free and open to the public.

For more information, contact Harbin at (607) 272-4557 extension 238.





Library to Host Hubberman for Special Family Storytime


Children and families are invited to share stories, sing and celebrate, as Tompkins County Public Library recognizes the work of Brigid Hubberman, outgoing executive director and founder of the Family Reading Partnership, during a special Family Storytime, Saturday, November 7 at 11 a.m. in the Thaler/Howell Programming Room.

Hubberman, a former member of the Tompkins County Public Library Board of Trustees and current member of the Library Advisory Council, has championed a culture of early literacy in Ithaca and surrounding communities for 18 years through her visionary work with the Family Reading Partnership.  Hubberman announced plans to leave her position earlier this month and will be pursuing opportunities to promote the importance of books and joy of family reading at the national level.

Tompkins County Public Library Director Susan Currie praised Hubberman’s efforts and said TCPL’s special storytime is a small way to recognize the enormous impact of her work.

“The Library has been fortunate and honored to work with Brigid in sharing the magic of reading and the importance of early access to books for nearly two decades,” Currie said.  
“While we are saddened by her departure, we are delighted that her pioneering efforts will continue to impact local families for years to come.”

The public is invited to join Currie in feting Hubberman as she serves as guest reader during Family Storytime.  Refreshments and crafts will be provided.

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

Tuesday, October 20, 2015

Library to Host Sensory-Friendly Film

Tompkins County Public Library will host a free, sensory-friendly screening of “Inside Out,” at 11 a.m.,Wednesday, November 11, in the Thaler/Howell Programming Room.

During this showing, especially for children with sensory challenges, TCPL will keep the lights on, the volume low, and offer noise-canceling earmuffs, weighted lap pads and fidgets. Children and families are welcome to move, sing, shout and otherwise make themselves at home during the film.

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


Library to Participate in Downtown Ithaca Trick-or-Treating Event

Tompkins County Public Library, in partnership with the Downtown Ithaca Alliance and Cornell University’s Alpha Phi Omega’s Gamma Chapter, will celebrate the season with free trick-or-treating, from 4 to 6 p.m., Friday, October 30.

Costumed children and families are invited to visit the Library’s service desks for sweet treats and other Halloween delights.

For more information, contact Youth Services Librarian Kate DeVoe at kdevoe@tcpl.org or (607) 272-4557 extension 277. 


For a complete list of participating downtown locations, visit http://www.downtownithaca.com/ithaca-events/Halloween%20in%20Downtown.

Thursday, October 15, 2015

Library to Host Family Movie Matinee

Tompkins County Public Library will host a free screening of “Inside Out,” at 2 p.m., Wednesday, November 11, in the Thaler/Howell Programming Room.

Families are invited to enjoy popcorn and drinks while watching Pixar’s blockbuster hit, “Inside Out.”


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

Library to Host Silent Horror Film Matinee

Tompkins County Public Library, in partnership with Ithaca-Made Movies, will present an afternoon of silent horror films, beginning at 2 p.m., Saturday, October 31, in the BorgWarner Community Room.

Ithaca-Made Movies Founder Terry Harbin will host this free screening, which will feature the 1929 silent, science-fiction film, “The Seven Footprints to Satan, starring Ithaca actor Creighton Hale and Thelma Todd, episodes of the recently-located 1918 serial “The House of Hate,” starring acclaimed “Serial Queen” Pearl White, and the Wharton Studios production, “The Mysteries of Myra.”

These films are most suitable for an adult audience and are free and open to the public.


For more information, contact Harbin at (607) 272-4557 extension 238.

Tuesday, October 13, 2015

Library to Host Special Halloween-Themed Firefighter Storytime

Tompkins County Public Library will host City of Ithaca Firefighter Thomas Basher, Jr. for a special Halloween Storytime, Wednesday, October 28 from 11 to 11:30 a.m. in the Thaler/Howell Programming Room.

Basher will share Halloween stories and tips for staying safe while trick-or-treating.

Snacks and crafts will be provided.

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

Monday, October 12, 2015

Library to Host Mystery Writing Panel Discussion

In recognition of Halloween, Tompkins County Public Library will celebrate the suspense, intrigue and frightful fun of mystery novels with “Scare Tactics,” an author-led panel discussion, Wednesday, October 28 at 6 pm in the BorgWarner Community Room.

Four authors, facilitated by local mystery writer P.M. Carlson, will discuss how they create villains, generate suspense, describe spooky settings and add elements of surprise in their novels.

Carlson, whose Vietnam-era “Maggie Ryan” mysteries have been finalists for several major mystery awards,
will be joined by authors Beverly Allen, Triss Stein and Nancy Holzner.  Allen, from Buffalo, is the author of the “Bridal Bouquet Shop” series starring a crime-fighting florist. Stein, a North Country native, currently lives in Brooklyn and is the author of “Brooklyn Graves” and the upcoming “Brooklyn Secrets.” Holzner, of Ithaca, is a medievalist who now writes the urban fantasy “Deadtown” series, which is set in paranormal Boston.


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

Wednesday, October 7, 2015

Library to Host Pumpkin Decorating Party

Families and individuals of all ages are invited to celebrate fall with Tompkins County Public Library during a Tuesday,October 27 pumpkin decorating party.

Through generous support from Indian Creek Farms, the Library is able to provide participants with a limited number of free pumpkins.  Carving kits, decorations, refreshments and Halloween-themed music will also be provided.

Pumpkin carving begins at 6 p.m. in the Thaler/Howell Programming Room.


For more information, contact Youth Services Librarian Kate DeVoe at kdevoe@tcpl.org or (607) 272-4557 extension 277.

Library, Ithaca College Partner for Children’s Concert

Area children are invited to visit the Tompkins County Public Library for a Halloween treat Saturday, October 31 from 3 to 4 p.m. as string musicians from Ithaca College merge music and storytelling for a fun-filled, family-friendly event.

Ithaca College violinists, violists, cellists and bassists will offer an entertaining and educational performance designed to introduce children to an assortment of musical styles and composers, while inspiring them to imagine colors, characters and develop their own stories to coincide with the music being performed.

This program will be held in the Thaler/Howell Programming Room, it is free and open to the public, however it is most appropriate for children ages 4-10.  Children are encouraged, but not required, to wear Halloween costumes.


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

Tuesday, October 6, 2015

Library Director Selected for Sustainability Initiative


Tompkins County Public Library Director Susan Currie was selected to join leaders from libraries throughout New York state in Albany September 21 and 22 as part of the inaugural retreat of the New York Library Association’s Sustainability Initiative.

Developed in response to NYLA’s 2014 Resolution on the Importance of Sustainable Libraries, the Sustainability Initiative recognizes the essential services libraries provide the communities they serve and is designed to ensure continued patron access to dynamic libraries.

“Libraries have always supported sustainability and are truly one of the best examples of a ‘green initiative’,” Currie said. “For every dollar we receive from Tompkins County, TCPL provides nearly $6 in services to our community.”

Currie was one of just 23 library leaders selected to serve on NYLA’s Sustainability Initiative, which will help libraries develop best practices for using sustainability as a guiding principle for decisions on facilities, operations, library policies, technology, programming and partnerships.

TCPL has approximately 40,000 registered cardholders and provides approximately a million in-person and online opportunities for access to resources and services each year.

Currie was appointed director of Tompkins County Public Library in 2009 and has more than 30 years of library experience.  She has served on the American Library Association’s Library Leadership Administration and Management Association, Library Journals’ Advisory Board, the New York Library Association Public Library Section Board, the American Library Association’s Library and Information Technology Association, the Tompkins County Civil War Sesquicentennial Celebration Commission, Tompkins County’s Special Committee on Broadband Service and the Tompkins County Bicentennial Commission.

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