Library to Offer Digital Download Training Sessions

Tompkins County Public Library will offer free training sessions on downloading eBooks and audiobooks to Kindles, Nooks, iPads, smartphones and other app-based devices through the OverDrive Digital Download service.

Download 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
• Fridays from 1 p.m. to 2 p.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 Host Gaming Series for Teens

Tompkins County Public Library has announced the return of “Game On!,” a weekly program for tweens and teens interested in fantasy and Science Fiction tabletop, role-playing games and card games.

Young adults in grades sixth through 12 are invited to visit TCPL for a chance to play Magic the Gathering, Munchkin, Dungeons and Dragons and more, Mondays, beginning October 6 from 4 to 6 p.m. in the BorgWarner Community Room—East.

Snacks and refreshments will be provided each week.

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

This program is supported by a grant from the Erin Aljoe Schlather Dedicated Memorial Fund of the Community Foundation of Tompkins County.

Library to Host Lego Program

Elementary-aged children can build more than a lifelong love of reading at Tompkins County Public Library this fall.

Children in grades kindergarten through five are invited to attend “Legos in the Library,” a weekly, free-build program, Saturdays, September 6 through December 13 from 2 to 3 p.m. in the Thaler/Howell Programming Room.

“Legos in the Library” encourages children to use their imaginations or Lego books from the TCPL collection to create their own Lego art. The Library will provide the Legos, and pieces created will be displayed at the Library for one week.

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

Library to Offer Prizes During National Library Card Sign-Up Month

A Tompkins County Public Library card offers year-round access to information, technology, programs and exhibits, but for area residents who sign up this month, it also offers an opportunity to win outstanding prizes.

TCPL is celebrating National Library Card Sign-Up Month this September by entering everyone who registers for a card this month into a drawing to win one of three gift certificates.  Winners will receive one of the following:  a $100 Downtown Ithaca Gift Card, redeemable at dozens of downtown stores and restaurants, a $100 Wegmans gift card or a $100 gift certificate to the Friends of the Tompkins County Public Library Book Sale.

To register for a Library card, new patrons should bring photo identification and proof of residence to the Library’s Circulation Desk.  Registration takes about five minutes, and patrons will have immediate access to library services.  Library cards are free to residents of Tompkins, Seneca, Cayuga, Cortland, Tioga and Schuyler counties.

For more information, contact the Library’s Circulation and Access Services Department at (607) 272-4557 extension 269.

Library to Host Sensory Storytime

Children ages 3 through 7 are invited to attend Tompkins County Public Library’s “Sensory Storytime,” a program designed for children with sensory integration challenges, August 23 at 3 p.m. in the Thaler/Howell Programming Room.

This program is free and open to all children; however, books, songs and movements will be selected to stimulate the senses and promote learning for children with sensory challenges. Children who have previously struggled to sit through one of the Library’s other storytimes may find the inclusive stories, songs and activities of “Sensory Storytime” more enjoyable and accessible.

Pre-registration is required. To register, visit the Library’s Youth Services Department, call (607) 272-4557 extension 275, or email Kate DeVoe at kdevoe@tcpl.org.

“Sensory Storytime” has been made possible by the Tompkins County Public Library Foundation through a grant from Elmira Savings Bank, and with support from the Michael Kammen Children’s Fund.

Library to Host Maker Expo

Learn about video game design, 3-D printing, engineering and more as Tompkins County Public Library hosts a free “Maker Expo,” August 23 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the BorgWarner Community Room.

Participants of all ages are invited to meet local makers, discuss the maker movement and explore locally-made maker projects.  Ithaca High School’s Code Red Robotics team will also be on-hand to share their latest project.

Teens and tweens who attended library maker workshops this summer are encouraged to showcase their projects at this event.  All youth exhibitors will have a chance to win a techie prize package.

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

Library to Host Baby and Toddler Playtime

Families of babies and toddlers are invited to enjoy free play and socialization at the Tompkins County Public Library’s weekly “Baby and Toddler Playtime.”

An hour-long, unstructured play and social time for children and adults, “Baby and Toddler Playtime” offers a warm, child-friendly play space with coloring supplies, books, music and a variety of age-appropriate toys.

Playtime will be held Fridays from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. June 6 through September 26. The program is held in the Thaler/Howell Programming Room, which features a gorgeous fairytale-themed mural designed to encourage a love of books and imagination.

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

Library to Host Community Read DNA Workshop

Tompkins County Public Library and Cornell University’s Genetically Engineered Machines (CU iGEM) team will host “The Answer is in the DNA,” a presentation on the use of DNA in forensic investigations, August 13 at 6 p.m. in the Library’s BorgWarner Community Room.

Held in conjunction with the 2014 Community Read  of “Clash of Civilization Over an Elevator in Piazza Vittorio” by Amara Lakhous, this program will explore how criminal investigators use DNA to identify suspects.  Participants will learn about the structure of DNA, its relation to genetic diversity and Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (RFLP), a technigue which allows scientists to narrow suspect lists by comparing elements of potential suspect’s DNA.  Following a short presentation, attendees will have an opportunity to use the information presented to solve a fictitious crime.

Winner of Italy’s prestigious Flaiano Prize, “Clash of Civilizations” uses social satire and murder mystery to tell the story of a mixed community thrown into chaos as police investigate the murder of a neighbor.

The Cornell University Genetically Engineered Machines (CU iGEM) team is a student-run, international award-winning biology-inspired project team with a vision of creating synthetic biology tools and processes that will offer breakthrough answers to the many needs of industry and the economy.

This program is free and open to an all-ages audience, but it is most appropriate for adults and children 11 and older. 

Now in its 13^th year, the Community Read encourages community members to experience the bond of literature by reading and discussing the same title. 

For more information, or to request free copies of the book for a book group or community agency, contact Community Read Coordinator Teresa Vadakin at (607) 272-4557 extension 272 or tvadakin@tcpl.org.

Library to Host Cultural Storytelling Featuring Aloja Airewele and Friends

Tompkins County Public Library will host “Life as a Story,” a lunchtime storytelling event featuring community volunteer and activist Aloja Airewele and friends, August 13 from 12:30 to 2 p.m. in the BorgWarner Community Room.

“Life as a Story,” will bring locals of various backgrounds and cultures-- including individuals of Irish, Jewish, Nigerian and Hispanic descent--together for an afternoon of stories and music.

Born and raised in Nigeria, Airewele is a trained physician and worked in family medicine before immigrating with his family to the United States in 1997.  He currently serves as a director for Shape Our Future Now (www.shapeourfuturenow.org),

an organization dedicated to helping communities affected by violence in Northern Nigeria and other parts of Africa.

This family-friendly 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 Teen Trivia Night

Area teens are invited to showcase their science fiction and fantasy knowledge from 6 to 8 p.m., August 12, as Tompkins County Public Library hosts “Spark a Reaction: Teen TriviaNight.”

Facilitated by DJ Bob Proehl, this program will offer teams of teens the opportunity to compete for fantastic prizes while sharing their knowledge of cult classics like “Dr. Who,” the Harry Potter series and “Star Wars.” 

This program is free and open to all teens.  Free pizza and soda will be provided.

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

The 2014 Teen Summer Reading Program has been made possible by the Tompkins County Public Library Foundation through generous support from the Phyllis and Charles Brodhead Memorial Endowed Fund.

Library to Host Community Read Satire Workshop

Tompkins County Public Library will host “Roman Carnivals:  Classical Lessons in the Art ofSatire,” a free satire writing workshop facilitated by author and professor Anthony DiRenzo, August 7 from 6 to 8 p.m. in the Library’s BorgWarner Community Room-East.

Held in conjunction with the 2014 Community Read of “Clash of Civilizations Over an Elevator in Piazza Vittorio” by Amara Lakhous, this program will introduce participants to the fundamentals of literary satire, borrowing techniques from such classical Roman writers as Horace and Juvenal. Samplings of short readings and film clips will prompt craft discussions and writing exercises.

Winner of Italy’s prestigious Flaiano Prize, “Clash of Civilizations” uses social satire and murder mystery to tell the story of a mixed community thrown into chaos as police investigate the murder of a neighbor.

Di Renzo teaches humorous writing at Ithaca College. His books, such as “Bitter Greens: Essays on Food, Politics, and History from the Imperial Kitchen” (SUNY Press, 2010) and “Trinàcria: A Tale of Bourbon Sicily” (Guernica Editions, 2013), satirize the ongoing culture war between traditional Italian humanism and American business and technology.  As Pasquino, Rome’s legendary talking statue, Di Renzo contributes a monthly column to San Francisco's “L’Italo-Americano.”

This program is free and open to the public; however, advance registration is appreciated.  To register, contact Carrie Wheeler-Carmenatty at (607) 272-4557 extension 248 or cwheeler@tcpl.org.

Now in its 13^th year, the Community Read encourages community members to experience the bond of literature by reading and discussing the same title. 

For more information, or to request free copies of the book for a book group or community agency, contact Community Read Coordinator Teresa Vadakin at (607) 272-4557 extension 272 or tvadakin@tcpl.org.

Library to Host Preschool Storytime Series

Boys and girls beginning preschool this fall are invited to shake out their first day of school jitters before the school year begins during Tompkins County Public Library’s “My First Day of Preschool Storytime Series,” Thursdays, August 7 through August 28 at 2 p.m. in the Thaler/Howell Programming Room. 

This four-part school readiness series is open to all children entering preschool and will include stories, songs and crafts.  Participants will receive a free first day of school book.

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

This program has been made possible by the Tompkins County Public Library Foundation through grant support provided by the Myrtle Dee Nash Memorial Fund of the Community Foundation of Tompkins County. 

Library to Host Author of “The World Peace Diet”

Tompkins County Public Library will host author and educator, Will Tuttle, for a discussion and signing of his best-selling book, “The World Peace Diet,” August 6 at 6 p.m. in the BorgWarner Community Room.

“The World Peace Diet” inspires readers to work toward a world of peace, freedom, wellness, and harmony and shares keys to positive individual and social transformation.  Tuttle’s library presentation will explore the unrecognized connections between culturally-mandated meals and a broad range of problems—psychological, social, and spiritual, as well as health and environmental.

A former Zen monk and a Dharma Master in the Korean Zen tradition, Tuttle is a recipient of the Peace Abbey’s Courage of Conscience Award and the creator of several wellness training programs.  His Ph.D. from the University of California, Berkeley, focused on educating intuition and altruism in adults, and he has taught college courses in creativity, humanities, mythology, religion, and philosophy.

This program is free and open to the public, copies of “The World Peace Diet” will be available for purchase at the event.

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