Tompkins County Public Library

Monday, February 29, 2016

Library to Host Ellis for Comic Book Release, Workshop


Graphic novel and comic enthusiasts in grades 6 through 12 are invited to join Tompkins County Public Library and artist Steve Ellis for a free workshop on comic book art and creation,Tuesday, March 15 from 4 to 6 p.m. in the Library’s Thaler/Howell Programming Room.

Being held in celebration of the March 8 release of “The Only Living Boy,” a young adult graphic novel created by Ellis and David Gallaher, this program will include ideas, inspiration and practical advice for budding comic book creators.

Ellis, a recipient of the Harvey Award for achievement in comics, will sign copies of the book, which will be available for purchase at the event courtesy of Buffalo Street Books.

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



Friday, February 26, 2016

Library Unveils Listening Station


Tompkins County Public Library’s Youth Services Department has announced the addition of a music listening station to its offerings for children and families.

This easy-to-use listening station is located near the children’s music collection and is pre-loaded with songs from more than 135 circulating albums.  Songs are cataloged by artist, album and genre, including librarian-created genres like “Light and Happy Tunes.”

“There is such a wide variety of incredible music being created for kids and families,” said Youth Services Librarian Cassie Shortle, adding that the listening station is designed to introduce families to artists and genres before borrowing a CD from the collection.  “As a new parent, finding the right CD to take home can be a bit overwhelming, so we wanted to create something to help parents find songs their families will enjoy while introducing them to the rich world of children’s music.”

Additional songs will be added to the station regularly.

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

Tuesday, February 16, 2016

Library to Host Teen Writing Workshops


Tompkins County Public Library invites teens to exercise their creative muscles during weekly, drop-in writing workshops, beginning February 18.

Each Thursday from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. through April 21, students in grades 6 through 12 will write original pieces using prompts and exercises provided by facilitators Amanda Livingston and Alexa Salvato, writing majors at Ithaca College. 

Participants will have an opportunity to share their work in a safe, judgment-free environment.

Advance registration is preferred but not required.  To register, visit http://bit.ly/1KnKqsF

There will be no class on March 17.

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

Monday, February 15, 2016

Library to Host Lace Making Demonstration


Tompkins County Public Library will host an afternoon of lace making with the Finger Lakes Lace Guild, Inc., Saturday, February 27 from noon to 4 p.m. in the BorgWarner Community Room-East.

During this free drop-in program, Guild members will demonstrate various forms of lace making and techniques, including bobbin lace, crocheted lace, knitted lace, needle lace and tatting.

Founded in 1980, the Finger Lakes Lace Guild, Inc. is an educational not-for-profit corporation. The Guild's purpose is to educate the public about traditional lace, contemporary lace, lace-making techniques, lace identification, lace preservation, and the history of lace www.fingerlakeslaceguild.org.
For more information about this program, contact Information and Learning Services Librarian Teresa Vadakin at tvadakin@tcpl.org or (607) 272-4557 extension 272.

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,Tuesday, March 8 from 2 to 4 p.m. in the BorgWarner Community Room-West.

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 Seeks Poetry Submissions


In anticipation of “Poem in Your Pocket Day,” Tompkins County Public Library is seeking original works from local poets of all ages. 

“Poem in Your Pocket Day,” held in recognition of National Poetry Month, is an initiative designed to spark interest and excitement in poetry by sharing free poems with the community.  TCPL librarians will distribute free cards, featuring submitted poems, in the Library, on the Downtown Ithaca Commons and in additional locations throughout Ithaca on April 28. 

Individuals, creative writing groups and classes are encouraged to submit up to two poems of no more than 15 lines on or before March 18.  All poems meeting these requirements will be included in the Library’s “Poem in Your Pocket Day” celebration. 

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. 

Poems can be submitted at http://tcpl.org/events-exhibits/poetry-submission.php or delivered to the Information and Learning Services Reference Desk. 

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