New Music and Movement Starting Soon!

Music and Movement with Julie Reksc will begin on January 15th for children age 4 and under. This special Saturday morning program will run from January 15 through February 19th. Each of the six sessions will begin at 10:15am. The program offers children a chance to dance and sing to some favorite tunes! Space is limited so please contact the library at 315-697-7030 to sign up today!

Madison County Literacy Coalition Seeks Volunteers

Volunteers who are interested in getting involved with the Madison County Literacy Coalition are invited to attend the Literacy Planning Meeting on Wednesday, December 1, 2010 at 8:30 am – 11 am. The group will be meeting at the New Beginnings Church on Genesee Street in Wampsville.

The Madison County Literacy Coalition is committed to assist 100% of literacy providers to collaborate in achieving the vision of 100% access to literacy services in Madison County. The coalition was formed after results from a Literacy Needs Assessment for Madison County done by Kim Scott of Literacy Powerline. In the assessment, it was discovered that Madison County is challenged by a silent crisis: 5,520 of Madison County adult residents live with low literacy skill. This crisis severely limits Madison County's potential for future growth and prosperity.

The U.S. Census Bureau (2006) estimates the current Madison County population as 70,107. Sixteen percent of that population has not yet completed a high school diploma or its equivalent. The National Assessment of Adult Literacy Report (2009) estimates 10% of the Madison County adult population functions below the basic level, which indicates they have only the most simple and concrete literacy skills. These 5,520 individuals need adult literacy services. Thousands more individuals need continued skill development to advance in the workforce.

The Literacy Planning Meetings are being held the first Wednesday of every month through March 2nd of 2011. For further details or additional information on how you can become involved in this community movement, please plan to attend the meeting on December 1 or contact Carolyn Gerakopulos at the Oneida Public Library, 315-363-3050.

Rebecca Eddy Memorial Writing Contest Awards Ceremony

More than fifty children and adult contestants entered their original poetry and short stories in the Canastota Public Library’s 10th Annual Rebecca Eddy Memorial Writing Contest this year. One surprise this year was the announcement of several drawings for all participants who attended the Annual Awards Ceremony. A laptop computer and various raffle basket winner’s names were drawn from those participants who attended the awards ceremony.


Drawing Winners
Dell Laptop: Donna Walrath
Raffle Baskets: Madelyn Milligan, Tricia Green, Marleah Roseman and Jeffery VanLiew
The contest was organized by Joan and Doug Eddy as a memorial to their daughter, Rebecca Eddy, a local Canastota woman who died at a young age in an automobile accident. Ms. Eddy was a graduate of Canastota High School as well as a graduate of John Hopkins University. She was an athlete, an artist, a thespian and a scholar. Eddy felt a passion towards writing and also towards her community. Joan and Doug Eddy were on hand to congratulate the winners and to encourage them to continue writing.

The winners of this year’s competition were named at a special awards ceremony at the library on Thursday, November 18.

The winners included the following:
10 and under Short Story
1st Place Kacey Cashel
2nd Place Megan Cretaro
Honorable Mention M. Loryn Wilcox
11-14 Poem:
1st Place Stephanie Seitz
2nd Place Harley Whitmeyer
Honorable Mention M. William Milligan

11-14 Short Story:
1st Place Sarah Cretaro
2nd Place Lydia Scheuermann
Honorable Mention Holly Popple
Honorable Mention Allie Cretaro

15-18 Poem:
1st Place Melissa McGovern
2nd Place Cassidy Backus
Honorable Mention Chris Bradley

15-18 Short Story:
1st Place Jessica McCallops
2nd Place Ryan McDowell
Honorable Mention Marleah Roseman

18 and over Poem:
1st Place Bernie Conklin
2nd Place Margaret LeBlanc
Honorable Mention Michael Seagriff
Honorable Mention Anne DeFrancisco

18 and Over Short Story:
1st Place Michael Seagriff
2nd Place Pam Maihafer
Honorable Mention Olin Davis
Honorable Mention Rachael Ikins
All contestants received a certificate for entering the competition. First and second place award winners also received a cash prize of $25 and $10 respectively. Every participant also received a bookmark of one of Rebecca’s poems. After the awards presentation, writers were encouraged to read a portion of their work to the audience.
The contest is coordinated each year by the Canastota Public Library at 102 W. Center Street in Canastota.

Swamp Snappers Display Work at Library

November's Art Display at the Canastota Public Library is a new photography group organized for the purpose of enjoying nature while learning about their craft of photography!

The Great Swamp Conservancy "Swamp Snappers" are a group of photography buffs that regularly meet every second Saturday of the month at the Great Swamp Conservancy to share their enthusiasm about outdoor photography. There are workshops, speakers, field trips and experienced photographers mentoring beginners. The group offers an opportunity for experienced & beginning photographers to share and critique their images with the community.
The photos of the Swamp Snappers are available for viewing and purchase at the library in the lower level Lawson Community Room. The pictures are breathtaking and amazingly were taken in our own backyard of Canastota! Members of the newly formed group include Peter Cann, Mike Clouse, Nancy Grabow, Eleanor Jones, Barbara Lindsley, Hayley Patane, Rusty Patane, Cheri Sassman, Donna Ward and Sherry Wright.

BOOKS

When I was growing up in Western Pennsylvania, I was one of the “middle” children in our neighborhood. Those older than me were five or ten years older than me. And, those who were younger than me, also seemed to be at least five years younger than me. I spent a lot of time by myself or with my Mom. I don’t remember playing with toys or dolls at all. I must have had a Barbie or two, but I just don’t remember them. I remember reading. I can remember Mom taking me to the Grants store and buying me coloring books and reading books. I was enchanted.

As I grew older, I continued reading Little Women, The Little House Series, Trixie Beldon and more. Books were friends. They took me places and allowed me to see more than the tree in my backyard. At about twelve, I discovered romance novels and I devoured them. How glorious, to always have a happy ending! I loved it that true love always won out. Then, I started reading Mary Stewart and Mary Higgins Clark. From Mary Higgins Clark, I learned that I loved a mystery and if there was a love interest involved, so much the better. Sometimes I wondered if I would have become a different person, if I had read non-fiction. I might have been a little more cynical, a glass half empty sort of girl.

The fiction novels allowed me to find a world were happy endings were always possible—no matter the odds. I could become the heroine and save the day, whether putting out a fire, assisting a homeless pet or loving a child that wasn’t my own. Those novels made me believe that reality could be what I wanted it to be.

Somewhere along the way, life can really get us feeling down. And, we think that we can’t reach our goals. We can’t find our way in the storm. We will NEVER be able to try something new with our lives. Every negative thought that comes our way stops us in our tracks. We settle for the lives we think we were meant to live.

I think that our lives should be more like those fiction novels. Where the evil is always triumphed against and the demons of life are slain. Like those books, we should be able to find our way in the storm. We should be able to change our lives in mid-stream, to find a better way for us and for our families. Books offers us hope and the challenge to overcome obstacles; we need to accept that challenge.

Make Potato Chip Scarves for the Holidays!

There is still time to sign up for a special evening presentation of "Creating Potato Chip Scarves" at the Canastota Public Library! If you are planning to make some of your holiday gifts, why not consider learning to make these attractive scarves?

On Thursday, November 11th at 7pm, the Library Knitters will host a special instructional program on knitting potato chip scarves. If you are interested, you will need to bring 8 oz of a sport yarn as well as #4 knitting needles. Please call the library at 697-7030 to let them know that you will be attending so we can be sure that we have enough instructors available!

.

The First of November

I'm still not sure how November got here so quickly but I know it is here.  We had some of the white stuff blowing around in my yard last night and this morning and there is definitely a November chill in the air!  I guess just due to the chill, I am already thinking about getting my holiday shopping started this week.  I do have my wreath out and ready to go on the front door, but I've hesitated to put it up.  My husband won't be in the holiday spirit until December 1st or so!  I guess I've always felt the holiday spirit about a month earlier than him--probably because the holiday shopping is done by me.  If we waited for hubby to get it done, we would have our gifts purchased on Christmas Eve just as the mall is getting ready to close!  This year, I'm trying to get some gifts made and am trying to find really unique gifts for family and friends!  And, I am looking for warm, indoor activities to keep me busy!  This week at the library, we've got two very warm evenings planned for patrons!

This Wednesday,  November 3 at 7pm, The Great Swamp Conservancy Photographers will open their November Show in the Lawson Community Room.  We invite the entire community out to view this great photography show.  This group of photographers is a newly formed group and is sure to be a great treasure to our community!  Light refreshments will be served!

On Thursday, November 4 at 7pm, the library will host Julie Rimmel for a wonderfully warm presentation of "Holiday ABC Books".  Mrs. Rimmel has a collection of alphabet groups through the ages and she will share some of her favorites.  While children are welcomed, this program is designed for an adult audience.

If you have been thinking about making some of your holiday gifts this year, there is still time to sign up for our special evening presentation of "Creating Potato Chip Scarves."  On Thursday, November 11 at 7pm, the Canastota Library Knitters would be honored to help you!  You will need to bring 8 oz of a sport yarn, as well as #4 knitting needles.  Please RSVP by calling 697-7030 so the Knitters will know how many people to expect!

We hope to see you this week at the Library!

The Annual Rebecca Eddy Memorial Writing Contest Underway Now

The 10th Annual Rebecca Eddy Memorial Writing Contest is coming back to the Canastota Public Library! This year's contest has an additional surprise! As well as being eligible to win 1st and 2nd place for each division, entrants who attend the awards ceremony in November will have the chance to win a laptop! Stop back soon to see the details on this great prize!

Entry forms should be available when school starts next week! Short stories and poems may be any style and/or subject and should be submitted to the library by October 31, 2010.
Entry requirements indicate that original poems should be 20 lines or fewer and original short stories should be between 500 – 5,000 words. Submissions should be made in only one category (poetry or short story) and will be judged by a panel of judges from the community. The following age divisions will be used in determining awards:
· Ages 10 and under

· Ages 11 – 14

· Ages 15 – 18
· Over Age 18
The contest was organized by Joan and Doug Eddy of Canastota as a memorial to their daughter, Rebecca Eddy.  Ms. Eddy was a graduate of  Canastota High School, as well as a graduate of  John Hopkins University.   She was an athlete, an artist, a thespian and a scholar. Eddy felt a passion towards writing and also towards her community.  Joan and Doug Eddy read each entry that is received into the contest.

The contest is free to enter and there are no residential requirements or limits. Entry Forms, available at the library, should be submitted with each entry.
An awards ceremony will be held in November (Date To Be Announced Soon) on the second floor of the library for all participants. All participants will receive a certificate for entering the competition. First and second place award winners in each age category will also receive a cash prize of $25 and $10, respectively.
The contest is coordinated each year by the Canastota Public Library at 102 W. Center Street in Canastota. For additional information, please contact the library at (315) 697-7030.

Biggest Book Sale EVER!

The Friends of the Canastota Library will be holding their Annual Book Sale on October 21, 22 and 23 in the entire lower level of the library.  Gently used paperbacks and hard cover books, VHS tapes, audio tapes and CDs will be available at great prices during the sale.  While the Friends have an ongoing book sale at this library, this book sale is where the Friends pull out all the stops!  There will be raffles and library commemorative items also on sale.

The hours for the sale are Thursday, October 21:  9am - 8pm; Friday, October 22:  9am - 5pm and Saturday, October 23 from 10am - 4pm.  The Friends of the Library group is a great help to the library, offering volunteer services, fundraising events and assistance at community programs on behalf of the library. 

Membership dues for Friends of the Library are available on an annual basis.  The memberships are reasonable at $3 per individual and $10 per family.  Both membership dues and profits from the annual book sale go towards the purchase of special library supplies and programs.  During past years, the Friends have purchased new window treatments for the Carnegie Room, a dishwasher for the library's Community Kitchen, a speaker's podium and a much needed bicycle rack and garden bench.  The Friends also made a donation to match the grant offered by the Gates Foundation to purchase laptops and desktop computers for public use. 

We hope that you might stop out to support the annual book sale!  We are sure you will find a few good books!

October brings back Storytime and Baby & Me Lap Sit

Happy October!  In October, we're very excited to see the babies and preschoolers come back to the library to enjoy fun library time!


Storytime with Mrs. Liz begins Thursday, October 7 at 10am. Habits begin at a young age and trips to the library to read is a very healthy habit. Your preschool child will enjoy stories, songs, a craft and a healthy snack at each session! No reservations are necessary...just come and have some fun! Storytime is held every Thursday from 10am until 11am beginning October 7 through December 16.
Miss Angela invites you and your baby to the fall/winter session of the Baby and Me Lapsit Program. The group of babies and caregivers meets each Wednesday at 10am in the Children's Area on the second floor of the library. The first session will be held on Wednesday, October 6 and for each Wednesday through December 15 at 10am. Bring your baby and come to learn about numbers, letters, colors, animals, and the farm! We promise lots of smiles and playtime with other babies. Baby and Me Lapsit is geared towards babies from birth through 24 months.
Hope you can start your child's life out right with countless trips to the Canastota Public Library.

Thank You!

The staff of the Canastota Public Library thanks you for your support as we grieve the loss of our beloved collegue, Pete Leggett. 

We were overwhelmed by the many of you who attended Pete's calling hours and funeral services. 

We will continue to have our first floor cabinet dedicated to Pete and some of his work.  This display will remain up at the library for several more weeks.  Additionally, at our circulation desk, you may stop by and post your memories of Pete in a special notebook.  This notebook will be given to Pete's family in October.

Pete Leggett

Pete Leggett

1958 - 2010

 

Our Beloved Friend and Colleague

Unforgettable and Irreplaceable

Your Library Family Will Miss You Always

Upcoming October, November and December Events

On three Thursday evenings at 7pm in October (October 7, 14 and 21), Aimee Walrath of Scientific Paranormal will discuss Paranormal Activities. Her three weekly talks will include “Understand the Paranormal”, “Evidence Collection” and “Debunking or Finding Natural Explanations for Paranormal Events”. Founded in Syracuse in 2007, Scientific Paranormal is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing scientific answers to unexplained phenomena to alleviate the fear and misunderstanding associated with this. The group uses the latest in audio, visual, and other specialty equipment in order to locate natural sources for claims of paranormal activity.


Thursday, November 4th at 7pm, the library will host Julie Rimmel for a wonderful presentation on “Holiday ABC Books”. Mrs. Rimmel has a collection of alphabet books from throughout the ages and she will share some of her favorites. While children are welcomed, this program is designed for an adult audience.

If you have been thinking about creating your holiday gifts this year, join the Canastota Library Knitters for a special evening presentation on “Creating Potato Chip Scarves.” On Thursday, November 11th at 7pm, the Library Knitters would be honored to instruct you! You will need to bring 8 oz. of a sport yarn as well as #4 Knitting Needles. Please RSVP by calling 697-7030 so the Knitters will know how many people to expect.

The Fourth Annual Victorian Holiday Tea will be held on Sunday, December 5th beginning at 1:30 pm in the Lawson Community Room. Hostess Kathy Bruno has a craft, games, teas and desserts planned for this special day. Bring your daughter, mother, grandmother, favorite aunt or special friend to this fun holiday event! Tickets are $5 per person and should be reserved prior to the date of the tea. Please contact the library at 697-7030 for reservations.

On Friday, December 17th, join us for a presentation on “A Century of Hats”. The presenter, Marlene Miner of Morrisville will be showing us fashionable hats from the last 100 years. This free presentation will be held on December 17th at 10:30 am in the Lawson Community Room.

Paranormal Investigation Series at the Canastota Public Library

Are you interested in the paranormal? Love watching Ghost Hunters? Feel that you may have experienced Paranormal Activities? Interested in hearing more about Paranormal Investigations locally?

On three Thursday evenings at 7pm in October (October 7, 14 and 21), Aimee Walrath of Scientific Paranormal will discuss Paranormal Activities. Her three weekly talks will include:

Oct 7: “Understand the Paranormal”
Oct 14: “Evidence Collection”
Oct 21: “Debunking or Finding Natural Explanations for Paranormal Events”.

Founded in Syracuse in 2007, Scientific Paranormal is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing scientific answers to unexplained phenomena to alleviate the fear and misunderstanding associated with this. The group uses the latest in audio, visual, and other specialty equipment in order to locate natural sources for claims of paranormal activity.

Refreshments will be served at this free event, compliments of Scientific Paranormal!

Chair Caning at the Canastota Public Library

Canastota resident and long time caner, Justine Mulford will provide chair caning instructions at the Canastota Public Library this fall.  Beginning in late September, Mulford will offer two classes for chair caning.  One group of caners will meet on Monday afternoons from 1 pm until 3pm.  A second group of caners will meet on Tuesday evenings at 5:30pm.  Both groups will begin meeting in late September and continue meeting through October and November.

While there are no fees to participate, caners will be required to obtain a list of caning supplies and a chair which will be recaned or caned during the sessions.  Participants should pre register as both sessions have a limited number of open slots.  Please contact the library at 697-7030 for a list of materials needed, dates of classes and reserve your space to participate!

Bridge Lessons Sponsored by Friends of the Canastota Public Library

         Beginning September 30, the Canastota Public Library will offer Beginner Bridge Lessons with Mary Walsh from the “Bridge Studio” in Syracuse. The class is for new Bridge players only.

      The class size is limited to students who have never played Bridge. The series will be held in the Lawson Community Room, located on the lower level of the Canastota Public Library for eight consecutive Thursday mornings beginning September 30. The classes will be held from 10 am until noon on September 30, October 7, 14, 21, 28 and November 4, 11 and 18.

      The cost for this eight week program is $25 per person and the fee must be paid by Friday, September 24 to participate in the program. Space is limited on a first come basis. Checks should be made payable to The Canastota Public Library. You can call the library to reserve your spot at (315) 697-7030.

      Please feel free to contact the library with any questions. This program is being sponsored by the Friends of the Library, Canastota Public Library, at 102 E. Center Street.

Dear Library Friends,

     I hope you had a chance to see the stunning garden at the library this summer. It was planted, weeded, watered and pruned by a group of dedicated volunteers. The volunteers worked in the heat and sun to produce an outstanding array of long lasting blooms that brightened the days of each individual who happened upon it. From hosta to hydrangea, peony to purple coneflower, the library garden has been a joy to behold from May through September. The flowers will soon be gone but the memory of them will linger in our minds through the coming winter months. And with spring they will return, once again to lift our spirits.

     On behalf of the Library and our Board of Trustees, I wish to thank the volunteers for their labors because as Nineteenth century poet Augusta Carter said, “You don't have a garden just for yourself. You have it to share.”


Liz Metzger
Library Director

It's All About Learning

 Learning is a treasure that will follow its owner everywhere. ~Chinese Proverb

     When thinking about writing this blog, I came across the proverb listed above. The quote helped me to remember how important learning is to all of us. When we stop learning, we stop living! There are various ways that we “learn”. Our libraries are full of books on a variety of subjects and can help us to keep our minds humming. Additionally, our local libraries are able to offer new learning opportunities for many in the community.

     The proverb also reminded me that school will be starting very soon! This time of year for many children and adults is a time of renewal. The summer is almost gone and we begin thinking about what we will do with our fall and winter free time. At the Canastota Public Library, we are doing the very same thing. This is the time of year when we plan our programming efforts, engage speakers, recruit volunteers to assist with programs and activities and motivate ourselves for a great fall and winter season at the library!

      It is sometimes difficult to decide what types of programs and activities we should offer at the library. Would patrons be interested in joining our book club, hearing about a specific topic, learning a new craft or skill? With so many patrons and so many different ideas and avenues to explore, our late summer efforts can get crazy!

     In past years, we have offered crafts for kids, various teen activities and our Lap Sit and Story Time programs. For adults, we have invited local authors to do book readings and signings and have had speakers on topics including The Underground Railroad, Hiking the Appalachian Trail, and Preparing for Community Emergencies. Our crafts for adults have included recycled crafts, holiday crafting, and decorating for the holidays.

     While we will continue to offer our popular Lap Sit, Story Time and Libra-teen program, we are always looking for interesting topics and activities for adults. If you have any suggestions or ideas on what types of programming you would like to see the library offer this year or in future years, please comment on this blog. Your help will be greatly appreciated! At the Canastota Public Library, we want to be a conduit to the treasures of your life.

Got Books?

The Friends of the Canastota Public Library are looking for a few good books! If you have books that you are interested in donating to the library, just bag them up and drop them off at the library during regular library hours.

Right now, the group is preparing for their annual Friends of the Canastota Public Library Book Sale. The sale is scheduled about a month earlier than previous years. This year’s sale will be held from October 21 through October 23.

The Friends of the Canastota Public Library can accept gently used hard and soft cover books, books on CD and audio cassette, DVDs, CDs, and VHS Tapes. Books should be in good condition, without any rips or tears. Books should also be clean or free from any writing, mold or mildew. Unfortunately, the Friends cannot accept encyclopedias, text books or Reader’s Digest Condensed books as they have found that there is no market for the resale of these books.

This annual fundraiser for the Canastota Public Library through the Friends of the Library allows the library to continue to provide needed services and programs to the community.  In previous years, these Friends of the Library funds have been used as a match to purchase additional public access computers for use, to provide specific programs and other needed resources to the library.

To volunteer your time to the Friends of the Library Annual Book Sale, feel free to leave your name at the library and a member of the Friends Group will contact you. If you have any questions about book donations, please contact the library at (315) 697-7030. The Canastota Public Library is located at 102 W. Center Street.

Happy Harvesting!

It’s hard to believe that it is already the end of July. I had great intentions and lots of energy planning out a garden this year. It really didn’t happen the way that I planned it.


I was able to plant a nice three tiered strawberry garden in my side lawn. I can’t take much more credit for them than the actual planting. My husband and I planted about sixty strawberry plants. The plants are thriving and I’m sure that this is due to the long, hot and humid days and my husband’s evening watering. To date, we have picked two large bowls of strawberries and enjoy them just as quickly as we pick them. New shoots are sprouting out every day.

Although I had plans for a large garden, it never happened. We did plant four tomato plants in upside down containers that are hanging from my side deck. The tomatoes are growing but nothing is red yet! We also planted a jalapeno plant in a container. It is on the back deck and my son tells me that the peppers taste delicious. He is putting them on just about everything that he is eating! We also planted bell peppers. They are coming along nicely. We purchased a bag planter and planted potatoes this year for the first time. I am really looking forward to some home grown potatoes. Finally, I bought some seed strips to try. I planted radishes and hope that they are able to harvest within the next few weeks.

So, in spite of the fact that my plan was downsized, we should still have some tomatoes, peppers, potatoes, and radishes this year. After our vacation, I’m hoping to make tomato sauces and salsas so that we can enjoy them through the winter!

If you have a garden or are buying local produce to put up for the winter, we hope you will stop by the library for some great books on preserving your harvest! I would suggest that you take a look at "Canning & Preserving Your Own Harvest" by Carla Emery and "The Farmer’s Wife Guide to Growing a Great Garden and Eating From it too: Storing, Freezing and Cooking Your Own Vegetables" by Barbara Doyen. We also have some magazines that will help with some great tips and advice like Mother Earth News, Mary Jane’s Farm and Hobby Farms.

Happy Harvesting!