Tompkins County Public Library

Saturday, February 28, 2015

Library to Host Sensory Storytime

Children ages 3 through 7 are invited to move, sing and play at Tompkins County Public Library’s “Sensory Storytime,” February 28 at 3:30 p.m. in the Thaler/Howell Programming Room.

This program is free and open to children of all abilities, however, it is especially designed for children with sensory integration challenges. “Sensory Storytime” features interactive books, songs, and activities to stimulate the senses and promote learning. Children who have previously struggled to sit through other storytimes may find 

“Sensory Storytime” a better fit.
Pre-registration is required. To register, visit the Library’s Youth Services Department, call (607) 272-4557 extension 275, or email Youth Services Librarian 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 support from the Michael Kammen Children’s Fund.

Library to Host Screening of “The Interview”

Tompkins County Public Library will host a free screening of the controversial film, “The Interview,” February 28 at 2 p.m. in the BorgWarner Community Room.

“The Interview,” follows the exploits of stars James Franco and Seth Rogen, tabloid talk show hosts who have been invited to interview North Korean dictator Kim Jung-un.  The plot thickens when the CIA requests that the duo turn their interview into an assassination mission.

The film was pulled from theatres across the country as a result of a retaliatory cyber hacking of sensitive Sony Pictures Entertainment information.

The Library screening is free and open to the public.  The film is rated R and intended for an adult audience.

For more information, contact Tom Burns at tburns@tcpl.org.


Wednesday, February 25, 2015

Library to Host Helfer for Discussion About Race in America

Tompkins County Public Library will host author and educator Helen Helfer for a discussion and community conversation of her new book, “Footprints on the Land:  American Stories About Race,” February 25 at 6:30 p.m. in the BorgWarner Community Room.

"Footprints on the Land” explores--through the stories of 52 Americans of varying ages and races—issues of equality and race in cities throughout the United States.

Helfer is a professor, social justice advocate and anti-racism facilitator.  Her library presentation will focus on the controversial topic, white privilege.

This program is free and open to the public.  For more information, contact Tom Burns at tburns@tcpl.org.

Library to Offer Program on Common Core Math

Tompkins County Public Library will present “Common Core State Standards for Mathematics,” an informational program for parents and caregivers, February 25 at 6 p.m. in the Thaler/Howell Programming Room.

Facilitated by Mary Ann Huntley, senior lecturer of mathematics and director of mathematics outreach and K-12 education activities at Cornell University, this program will explore the controversy and confusion related to newly adopted math standards.

Huntley earned her Ph.D. from the University of Maryland and serves as a research associate for the Center for the Study of Mathematics Curriculum. 

Participants will be encouraged to ask questions and share their experiences with “new” math during Huntley’s presentation.

This program is free and open to the public.  For more information, contact Sarah Glogowski, head of the Library’s Youth Services Department at sglogowski@tcpl.org or (607) 272-4557 extension 255.


Library to Host ESL Snack and Chat

Beginning February 25, non-native English speakers are invited to join Tompkins County Public Library for “ESL Snack and Chat Conversation Groups.”

These informal, drop-in sessions will be held each Wednesday through April  22, from 3:15 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. in the BorgWarner Community Room and offer a relaxed setting for practicing conversation and listening skills. The meetings will help participants discover and access language-learning resources at the Library and in the community and provide a forum for information sharing.

Snack and Chat sessions are free and open to individuals with the desire to improve their English or willing to serve as conversation partners for others. Participants of all ages and abilities are welcome. Light refreshments will be provided.

There will be no Snack and Chat on April 1.

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

Community members interested in volunteering to help facilitate “ESL Snack and Chat” programs are encouraged to contact Volunteer Coordinator Yvette Rubio at (607) 272-4557 extension 226 or yrubio@tcpl.org for information about a short orientation program being held February 18.

Friday, February 20, 2015

Library to Host Screening of “The Giver”

Tompkins County Public Library will host a free screening of the summer 2014 blockbuster, “The Giver,” February 20 at 3 p.m. in the Thaler/Howell Programming Room.

Adapted from the iconic Lois Lowry novel of the same name, “The Giver” is a Newberry Award-winning social, science fiction novel that follows main character, Jonas, as he learns that the societal norms of his community are actually an attempt to shut out reality and stifle individual liberties.

This film presentation is free and open to young adults ages 11 to 19.  Refreshments will be provided.

This movie has been selected with a teen audience in mind; however, parents are encouraged to review ratings of each movie prior to allowing their children to attend. The Library will not restrict admittance to films based on age or maturity.

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


Thursday, February 19, 2015

Library to Host “Mighty Ugly” Workshop

Arts and crafts enthusiasts of all ages are invited to Tompkins County Public Library’s “Mighty Ugly Workshop,” a program designed to rekindle creativity, February 19 from 2 to 3:30 p.m. in the BorgWarner Community Room.

The concept of “Mighty Ugly” was developed by author and blogger Kim Piper Werker in an effort to help creators curb perfectionism, fear of failure and self-doubt.  Her book “Make it Mighty Ugly:  Exercises and Advice for Getting Creative Even When it Ain’t Pretty,” has prompted workshops in the United States and Canada.

The program is free and open to the public.  All materials will be provided.

To register or for more information, contact Teresa Vadakin at tvadakin@tcpl.org or Kate DeVoe at kdevoe@tcpl.org.


Wednesday, February 18, 2015

Library, Civil War Commission to Host Discussion on Douglass and Brown




Tompkins County Public Library, in partnership with the Tompkins County Civil War Sesquicentennial Commemoration Commission, will host “Hiving the Bees: Frederick Douglass and John Brown,” a presentation by Ithaca College Professor Hugh Egan, February 18 at 6 p.m. in the Library’s BorgWarner Community Room.

Egan, a professor of English with a concentration in 19th century American poetry and prose, will explore the complex relationship between Douglass and Brown, their differing strategies for ending slavery and the balance between political action and inspiring oratory.

This program takes its name from Brown’s personal plea for Douglass’ assistance in the raid on Harper’s Ferry.  “When I strike the bees will begin to swarm, and I shall want you to hive them,” Brown is said to have requested.

Egan’s talk is free and open to the public and is being presented as part of a five-year partnership between the Library and the Civil War Commission to provide opportunities for community conversation and increased awareness about the Civil War.

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


Library to Host Dance Party Storytime

Children of all ages and their families are invited to wiggle, hop and shake at Tompkins County Public Library’s “Dance Party Storytime” February 18 at 11 a.m. in the Thaler/Howell Programming Room.

This free program is open to children of all ages and abilities and will include stories, songs and lots of movement. No registration is required.

“Dance Party Storytime” has been made possible by the Tompkins County Public Library Foundation through a grant from Elmira Savings Bank.

For more information, visit: http://tcpl.org/kids/programs.php or contact the Youth Services Department at (607) 272-4557 extension 275.


Tuesday, February 17, 2015

Library to Host Animal Sleepover Storytime

Young readers are invited to send their stuffed animals on an after-hours Library adventure February 17, as Tompkins County Public Library hosts “Animal Sleepover Storytime.”

“Animal Sleepover Storytime” will begin at 6 p.m. in the Thaler/Howell Programming Room with a special storytime for children of all ages and their favorite stuffed friends.  After storytime ends, the stuffed animals will spend the night exploring the Library.

Children can pick up their animals and a photograph of their late-night, Library escapades on February 18.

“Animal Sleepover Storytime” has been made possible by the Tompkins County Public Library Foundation through a grant from Elmira Savings Bank.

For more information, visit: http://tcpl.org/kids/programs.php or contact the Youth Services Department at (607) 272-4557 extension 275.



Monday, February 16, 2015

Library to Host Family Movie Matinee

Tompkins County Public Library will host a free screening of “Alexander and the Terrible, No Good, Very Bad Day” February 16 at 2 p.m. in the Thaler/Howell Programming Room.

Families are invited to enjoy popcorn and drinks while watching this heartwarming comedy.  Based on the best-selling book of the same name, the movie follows the exploits of Alexander as he experiences the most terrible and horrible day of his young life but also learns that even on bad days, families can grow closer.

TCPL’s next family movie program will be a March 30 screening of “101 Dalmatians” at 2 p.m. in the Thaler/Howell Programming Room.

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


Saturday, February 14, 2015

Library to Offer Family Science Program

Tompkins County Public Library and Cornell University’s Center for Materials Research will host “Families Learning Science Together: Learn about Polymers" February 14 from 1-2 p.m. in the Library’s BorgWarner Community Room.

Families will learn about polymers and their presence in common, regularly-used objects, as well as how scientists can change polymers to give them different physical properties.  Young scientists will learn how to make instant snow and their own silly putty.

Families Learning Science Together is a free program designed to help children develop an early love of science through hands-on participation.  These programs are offered at the library on the second Saturday of each month.

Families Learning Science Together programs are free and open to the public, but space is limited. To register, contact Nevjinder K. Singhota at nks5@cornell.edu or (607) 255-1486. 

More information about Families Learning Science Together workshops can be found at https://www.ccmr.cornell.edu/lending-library-chemistry.


Thursday, February 12, 2015

Library to Host Free Performance by Senior Theatre Troupe

Tompkins County Public Library will host an encore performance by the Senior Citizen Theatre Troupe of Lifelong, February 12 at 5:00 p.m. in the BorgWarner Community Room.

An annual Library favorite, the Senior Theatre Troupe performs humorous and serious stories from troupe members’ lives.  This year’s stories will relate to the theme “chance.”  From “chances are” to “take a chance,” this performance will include a treasure trove of stories about chances big and small.

The Troupe performs simply, with no lights, props or sets. The theatre being performed is developed from themes 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, Natasha Tall, Carol Santucci, Deirdre Silverman, Mark Silverman, Emily Rhoads Johnson, Margaret Dennis, Barbara West, Eva Luby.  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.

The Senior Theatre Troupe of Lifelong receives grant support from the Community Arts Partnership of Tompkins County.


Monday, February 9, 2015

Library Taking Teen Advocates to Albany


Tompkins County Public Library is seeking young advocates to share the importance of public libraries during Library Advocacy Day in Albany February 25.

Each year, TCPL staff members and young patrons join library representatives from throughout New York State on a day-long trip to the New York State Capitol to share stories and insights into the vital role libraries play within the communities they serve.

Area middle and high school students are invited to learn more about this free trip and the important issues being advocated for during an Advocacy Day Information Session, February 9 from 6 to 7 p.m., in the Library’s Thaler/Howell Programming Room.  Parents are encouraged to attend this session.

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

Sunday, February 8, 2015

Library to Host Lego Program

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

Children in grades kindergarten through five are invited to attend “Legos in the Library,” a weekly free-build program, Sundays, February 8 through March 29 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 Youth Services Department at (607) 272-4557 extension 275.

Saturday, February 7, 2015

Library to Launch “Ithaca Guys Read” with Reading by Luvelle Brown


Tompkins County Public Library, in partnership with author and educator Alan Blankstein, will present “Ithaca Guys Read,” an effort to showcase the life-long impact of reading.

“Ithaca Guys Read” will feature an elite group of male readers who will share some of the stories that inspired their love of reading and literature.  It has been modeled after “Guys Read,” a web-based literacy project designed to help bridge the literacy gender gap by encouraging boys to become self-motivated readers.

This program will be held in the Library’s Thaler/Howell Programming Room from 2 to 3 p.m. each Saturday through April 4. 

February’s featured readers are:


  • February 7, Dr. Luvelle Brown, superintendent of the Ithaca City School District 
  • February 14, Micah Martorell, business lending assistant for Alternatives Federal Credit Union and president of the Latino Civic Association of Tompkins County  
  •   February 21, Eric Acree, director of Cornell University’s John Henrik Clarke Africana Library·        
  •  February 28, J.R. Clairborne, community advocate and member of the City of Ithaca Common Council


Program partner Blankstein is an award-winning author and the founder of the HOPE Foundation, a not-for-profit organization committed to creating learning communities where student success is the only option.

“Ithaca Guys Read is free and open to boys and girls ages 3 through 10.  Each program will be followed by a craft and refreshments.

For more information, contact Sarah Glogowski, head of the Library’s Youth Services Department, at sglogowski@tcpl.org or (607) 272-4557 extension 255.