Library to Host Senior Theatre Troupe

The Tompkins County Public Library will host an encore performance by the Senior Citizen’s Theatre Troupe of Lifelong, May 24 at 6 p.m. in the BorgWarner Community Room. 

A follow-up to last spring’s performance at the Library, this show will center around the theme of education and feature humorous and serious stories from troupe members’ lives. The Troupe performs simply, with no lights, props or sets. The theatre being performed is developed from themes that the actors pick, and the stories they tell are based on their own experiences.

The Troupe is directed and coordinated by Sue Perlgut and features Maggie Goldsmith, Eva Luby, Sylvia Miller, Natasha Tall, Carol Santucci, Deirdre Silverman and Thelma Turner. The plays and theatre exercises performed are developed using improvisational theatre techniques, some of which will be demonstrated during the Library performance.

For more information about the Senior Citizen Troupe, contact Lifelong at 607-273-1511 or www.closetohomeproductions.com/seniortheatretroupe.html.

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

Freeloading Librarians to Offer Training at Gimme!

The Tompkins County Public Library and Gimme! Coffee will partner May 22 for a demonstration by the “Freeloading Librarians,” a group of library staff members offering instruction, advice and support for downloading free eBooks and audiobooks to mobile devices.

The demonstration, which will begin at 10:30 am the Green Street Gimme!, will include personal assistance for downloading books to iPads, iPods, Kindles, Nooks and smartphones through the Finger Lakes Library System’s free Overdrive Media Console application. 

Participants should bring their library card or sign up for a free card at the event.  A photo ID with a current, local address is required to receive a library card.

This program is the first in a series of Freeloading Librarian programs designed to increase digital confidence and awareness among readers.

For more information, contact Jennifer Schlossberg at (607) 272-4557 extension 254 or jschlossberg@tcpl.org.

Library to Host Reading and Signing of Fracking Book

The Tompkins County Public Library will host journalist Tom Wilber for a reading and signing of his recently-released book “Under the Surface:  Fracking, Fortunes and the Fate of the Marcellus Shale,” May 17 at 6 p.m. in the Thaler/Howell Programming Room.

The first book-length overview of shale gas development and the controversies surrounding it, “Under the Surface” (2012 Cornell University Press) explores one of the world’s largest natural gas supplies—the Marcellus Shale-- and examines the impact tapping into the gas will have on environmental policy, politics, energy markets and the lives and livelihoods of families in the Marcellus region.

As a veteran reporter for the Gannet Corporation’s Central New York Newspaper Group, Wilber spent years interviewing key players and residents on all sides of the debate over the Marcellus Shale.  His knowledge and objectivity have made him a much-trusted and sought-after speaker on issues relating to the Marcellus region.

Wilber’s Library reading is free and open to the public and is being held in conjunction with the Library and the Tompkins County Public Library Foundation’s 2012 Local Writers Series.  Copies of “Under the Surface” will be available for purchase at the event courtesy of Buffalo Street Books.

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

Library to Host ICSD Superintendent for Community Conversation

The Tompkins County Public Library will offer community members an opportunity to share their visions for the success of the Ithaca City School District May 14 when it hosts “A Community Conversation with Dr. Brown,”  at 5 p.m. in the BorgWarner Community Room.

Being held as part of a series of “community conversations” designed to offer community groups and taxpayers an opportunity to engage with school officials in a non-traditional environment, this facilitated, hour-long program will allow participants to propose forward-thinking, thoughtful, creative and effective problem-solving methods, to explore untapped resources and to help the school district build on its successes.

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

Library to Host Mother/Daughter Writing Workshop

The Tompkins County Public Library will recognize mothers with “Mothers and Daughters Writing Together,” a creative writing workshop, May 19 from 1 to 3 p.m. in the Thaler/Howell Programming Room.

Facilitated by author, publisher, poet and anthologist Irene “Zee’ Zahava, this workshop will offer an opportunity for mothers, daughters, grandmothers and caregivers of all ages to pay tribute to their unique bonds by writing together.

The theme of the workshop will not be announced until the day of the event, but it is sure to inspire all participants.

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

Library to Offer Game Time

Beginning May 3, the Tompkins County Public Library will host Game Time each Thursday from 3 to 5 p.m. in the Thaler/Howell Programming Room.

Children ages 6 through 12 are invited to enjoy board games, puzzles and more. 

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

Library to Host Creative Writing Workshops for Teens

The Tompkins County Public Library will host “Teens Write!,” a creative writing workshop for teens led by Irene “Zee” Zahava, from 4 to 5:30 p.m. Wednesdays May 2,9,16 and 23 in the Thaler/Howell Programming Room.

Zahava has been leading writing circles since 1994. She is a former bookstore owner, the editor of numerous short story anthologies and haiku journals, the co-publisher of 2 Turtles Press and the founder of Zee’s Writing Studio.

“Teens Write!” is best suited for tweens and teens ages 10 through 17. The program will provide a safe and supportive environment for creative writing and group sharing. There is no charge for the program; however, advance registration is required. To register, or for more information, contact Zahava at (607)-273-4675 or zee@twcny.rr.com.

The“Teens Write!” program is made possible by the Tompkins County Public Library Foundation through generous gifts from Carrie Shearer and Suzanne Spitz.

Library to Offer Music-Inspired Writing Workshop

Writers and music lovers are invited to participate in “Tuning into the Soundtrack of Our Lives,” a free, inter-generational writing workshop, Sunday, April 29 from 2:00 to 4:00 PM in the Tompkins County Public Library’s Thaler/Howell Programming Room.

Facilitated by writer, publisher and anthologist Irene “Zee” Zahava, this workshop will encourage participants to write and share pieces from a variety of genres-- memoir, short story, poetry etc.---inspired by songs that they associate with a particular time, place, person, or emotion. 

Participants may, but are not required to bring, printed lyrics or recorded music and devices with headphones.

This workshop is for teen and adult writers of all experience levels.

To register, contact Zahava at (607) 273-4675 or zee@twcny.rr.com.

Library to Host Roma Artist Talk

In conjunction with Roma Awareness Month, the Tompkins County Public Library and Cornell University’s Institute for European Studies will host artist and curator Katalin Papp for a discussion of the Library’s current art exhibit “Roma Pals” April 28 at 2 p.m. in the BorgWarner Community Room.

Papp, a Slovakian Roma artist, will provide a fascinating look at the stories and issues behind the featured art and highlight the pedagogical philosophy behind the paintings, the prejudice and hostility faced by the Roma-- despite a policy of integration-- and explain why these paintings play such an important part in breaking down stereotypes and prejudices surrounding the Roma people.

The works presented in “Roma Pals” were created by Roma children 20 years ago under the tutelage of Slovakian art teacher Jan Sajko.  Sajko was known for his ability to awaken the artistic talents of the primary school students he taught in Jarovnice, a poor Romany settlement in eastern Slovakia.  Having seen traditional teaching methods fail the Roma students, Sajko encouraged them to explore their own culture and history in their paintings and to create on their own terms. He also encouraged students  to believe that with hard work they could change their lives and that they were not condemned to the life of poverty and idleness that has been the fate of many Roma in Europe.

The works by Sajko’s students have been shown around the world, and have won many awards.

Papp’s talk is free and open to the public.  For more information, contact Exhibit Coordinator Sally Grubb at (607) 272-4557 extension 232 or srubb@tcpl.org.

Library Game Time Program to Be Rescheduled

The Tompkins County Public Library has announced a change in its program offerings for youth.

Following the April 25 session, Game Time for children will no longer be held on Monday and Wednesday afternoons.  The Library is currently working to select an alternate day and time for this popular program.  Interested patrons should visit http://www.tcpl.org/ for updated information.

For more information on this or other Library programs for youth, contact the Youth Services Department at (607) 272-4557 extension 275.

Library Community Conversation With ICSD Superintendent to be Rescheduled

The Tompkins County Public Library’s April 26 “Community Conversation with Dr. Brown” has been postponed due to a scheduling conflict.

The Library and the Ithaca City School District are currently working to select an alternate date and will announce plans as they become available.

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

Library to Host Workshop on Protecting Family Collections From Disasters

As residents of the Southern Tier work to rebuild from the devastating flooding of 2011, the Tompkins County Public Library and Cornell University Library have partnered to present “Protecting Your Family Collections from Disasters,” a free community workshop, April 21 at 2 p.m. in TCPL’s BorgWarner Community Room.

Held during National Preservation Week, this program will be facilitated by Cornell University Library conservation experts Michele Brown and Michele Hamill. Brown and Hamill will show participants how to create their own disaster plans and protect collections of books, photographs and documents. Through demonstrations, they will also illustrate good storage practices and how to treat wet books.

Brown has served as the book conservator for Cornell University Library since 1995. She carries out complex treatment on Cornell’s rare and unique materials and guides projects at Cornell’s Conservation Lab. Hamill, the paper and photograph conservator for Cornell University Library, is responsible for conservation treatment, condition assessment and preventive care of paper and photographic materials. She has given numerous workshops, participates actively in the department’s education and training initiatives and reviews and treats paper and photographic materials for exhibits.

This program is free and open to the public. Handouts and free archival storage boxes will be provided, while supplies last. 

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

Library Program on Homelessness to be Aired on Public Access Television

The Tompkins County Public Library’s enlightening and much-talked about April 5 public forum on homelessness in Tompkins County will be broadcast on Pegasys public access television during the coming weeks.

The Panel, “The Homeless and Indigent:  Causes, Effects and Solutions,” included City of Ithaca Mayor Svante Myrick, American Red Cross of Ithaca and Tompkins County Homeless Services Director John Ward, Jungle resident Joe Lotito, Veteran’s Sanctuary Coordinator Jennifer Pacanowski and Tompkins County Poet Laureate Gail Holst-Warhaft and touched on issues of “houselessness,” services for the homeless and ways to eradicate the growing county-wide epidemic of homelessness.

The program will be broadcast on April 18 at 6 p.m., April 21, at 8 p.m., April 26 at 5 p.m. and April 28 at 11:30 a.m..  The program is 1 hour and 45 minutes long.

For more information, contact Sally Grubb at (607) 272-4557 extension 232 or sgrubb@tcpl.org.

Library to Host Acclaimed Author Robert Morgan

The Tompkins County Public Library will celebrate National Poetry Month with a reading and signing by New York Times Bestselling Author Robert Morgan at 2:00 PM, Sunday, April 15 in the Ezra Cornell Reading Room.

Morgan is the Kappa Alpha Professor of English at Cornell University, an award-winning poet and author of the bestselling novel and Oprah Book Club selection “Gap Creek.”  His latest book of poetry, “Terroir,” is his first full-length collection in over a decade and builds on his earlier works, while striking out in new directions.

“Terroir” features pieces that draw their inspiration from science and folklore, Native American history and music and explores the bonds of friendship and community, life and the unknown.

Copies of “Terroir” will be available for purchase at the event courtesy of Buffalo Street Books. 

This program is free and open to the public and is being held in conjunction with the Library and the Tompkins County Public Library Foundation’s Local Writers Series 2012.