Tompkins County Public Library

Thursday, August 31, 2017

Library to Host STEAM Book Club


Children ages 8-12 are invited to explore science, technology, engineering, art and math through lively book discussions and hands-on activities during Tompkins County Public Library’s monthly STEAM Book Club.

Continuing September 27 with a discussion of “The Year Money Grew on Trees” by Aaron Hawkins, the STEAM Book Club is designed to encourage area students to improve their understanding of current core competencies through critical thinking and book-related activities.

The club will meet in the Library’s Thaler/Howell Programming Room at 3:45 p.m. for discussion and refreshments.

Set in 1980s New Mexico, “The Year Money Grew on Trees” follows 13-year-old, Jackson Jones, as he enlists the help of young family members to resurrect an elderly neighbor’s neglected apple orchard. With hard work and a little luck, Jones has the opportunity to not only make money but to own the orchard.

Free copies of “The Year Money Grew on Trees” can be picked up by new and returning Club members at the Youth Services Reference Desk.

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

The STEAM Book Club has been made possible by the Tompkins County Public Library Foundation with support from the Michael Kammen Children’s Fund.

Library to Host Zahava for Writing Workshop

Tompkins County Public Library will host County Poet Laureate Irene “Zee” Zahava for “Life in This Place: Ithaca, NY,” a writing workshop inspired by memories and connections, Monday, September 18 from 2 to 4 p.m. in the BorgWarner Community Room-West.

Adult writers of all experience levels will explore life in their community by writing about the specific places, experiences, people, and memories that make Ithaca home.

This workshop is free, however space is limited. To register, contact Zahava at zee@twcny.rr.com or (607) 273-4675.


Library to Host Intergenerational Art Workshop


Tompkins County Public Library will host “Art With Heart,” a workshop on drawing heroes of color, Saturday, September 16 at noon in the Thaler/Howell Programming Room.

Being held in celebration of the “Art With Heart” exhibit on display at TCPL through September 28, this free workshop will offer an opportunity and practical tools for experienced and novice artists of all ages to draw their heroes of color.

“Art With Heart,” was developed by Terry Plater and Emme Edmunds as a tool for acknowledging and transforming longstanding, deeply-rooted social inequalities into affirmation and support. With a focus on positive images of often-marginalized, under-represented, and misrepresented groups, “Art With Heart” guided young participants to see past the myriad inequities commonly found in commercial art and media and recognize the beauty, compassion and dignity of all people. The artists, ranging in age from 7 to 10 years old, and several adults learned new techniques for drawing and painting portraits of black, brown and tan people and their supportive allies.

Edmunds will share the techniques used by the exhibiting artists and guide participants in recognizing and depicting the heroes who have shaped their lives.

This program is free and open to the public. Advance registration is preferred but not required. To register, contact the Library’s Exhibit Coordinator Yvette Rubio at yrubio@tcpl.org.

Library to Host Program on Antique Jewelry Identification


Tompkins County Public Library will host Adam Perl of Pastimes Antiques for a show and tell-style lecture on identifying antique jewelry, Wednesday, September 13 at 6 p.m. in the BorgWarner Community Room.

Novice collectors and seasoned pickers will learn how to identify precious stones and metals, as well as what to look for when purchasing and evaluating antique jewelry. Perl will also share fascinating stories about his most unique experiences and finds during his decades of antique hunting.

This program is free and open to the public. Registration is appreciated but not required. To register, or for more information, contact Cady Fontana at cfontana@tcpl.org.