Titanic Week Recap- A HUGE Success!

During February Break week, Onondaga Free Library commemorated the 100^th year anniversary of the Titanic’s maiden voyage and it’s unforgettable sinking with educational displays throughout the Library and a week of great events.

Each patron was given a boarding pass with the name and information about a real Titanic passenger. There were illustrations of the crow’s nest, Captain Smith, a passenger’s luxury car that was carried aboard the ship and more. You could also find information about the well-known passengers and crew and the wreckage. The young adult section was dedicated to James Cameron’s 1997 film. Along with the displays about the Titanic herself, there were several that focused on time period. Children and adults could dress in the popular fashions in the 1910s- They could try on some large hats with wide brims similar to what women wore back then or a Homburg hat in which men wore during that time period. They could also learn Morse code on an actual telegraph that one of our regular patrons let us borrow for the event. With information and interactive displays around every corner, we hoped that patrons would leave with an appreciation for the time period and how extraordinary the Titanic actually was.

The week of events began with a cooking demonstration class with Chef Rochelle Bilow, who showed participants how to make éclairs and Waldorf pudding- two of the desserts that were served to first-class passengers on the Titanic. Then, we had very fun and successful Titanic LEGO-building night. Children made ships at the event and some even brought in some that they already made at home. Tuesday was Ron Cain’s “Magical Trip to the Titanic” show in which over 100 children and adults came to enjoy the show. Wednesday was jewelry making night… Participants made a necklace with a stunning cameo pendant- just like women wore in 1912. Thursday evening, we were very excited to welcome the West Genesee High School String Quartet, which included one of our own pages Brian Savage, to perform music that the Titanic orchestra would have played. We rounded the week off with Life Savers and ice“berg” floats.

The community really embraced this piece of history and what we did to honor it. We would like to thank everyone who helped get the word out about it!

Welcome aboard!

Onondaga Free Library's 'Titanic Week' lets kids be king of the world

Onondaga Free Library's 'Titanic Week' lets kids be king of the world: Families will have the chance to set sail through history as Onondaga Free Library presents its "Titanic Week."

New Assistant Director for OFL!

The Onondaga Free Library is pleased to announce the appointment of Dan W. Golden as Assistant Director. In his new position, Dan will assist in the administration of the library, develop young adult programs, teach basic computer classes, and provide reference services and community outreach.

A third-generation librarian (and a second-generation library administrator), Dan comes to Onondaga Free with 22 years of experience in public libraries. Most recently, Dan worked as Acting Director of the Monterey Park Public Library, located outside Los Angeles. At Monterey Park, Dan created new shelf signage as an extra finding aid for patrons and introduced new public programs, such as poetry readings and a concert series. He also led community outreach efforts, including presentations, training seminars, event planning and creating library marketing materials.

Dan, a Syracuse native, is currently working on a PhD. in History from the Maxwell School of Syracuse University. He and his wife, Sheela Garudaiyenger, look forward to establishing a permanent home in the Town of Onondaga.

Being a Part of a Christmas Story

Here is a part of a letter we received from one of the Friends 5th Annual Festival of Trees lucky winners...

"Dear Staff, Board and all volunteers of the Onondaga Free Library,

In appreciation for all the hard work involves in your Christmas tree raffle, I wanted to share with you that the tree I won this year was more than just a prize...

I have a special needs son who loves S.U. sports, so when I saw the S.U. tree, I bought tickets on it and to be honest since I never win anything, forgot it....

As far as he was concerned, that was his most special gift ever from Santa Claus. He loved it, and for us and everyone we shared this story with, it filled us with the spirit of Christmas.... Thank you all for your part in our Christmas story."

$15,000 From Our Friends

The total 2011 contributions from our Friends has reached $15,000. These generous donations have allowed the Library to purchase:

• Books for juvenile, young adult and adult collections with emphasis on phonics, graphic novels, gardening, history, careers, computing and inspirational fiction
• Additional copies of popular titles in adult fiction, non-fiction, and movies
• Funded several of our summer reading events
• A craft machine and coat racks for the children's area

We extend a very special thank you to all Friends and patrons who contributed to this tremendous effort. It is a wonderful signal from our community and patrons that they want the new library to continue to thrive.

New Director for OFL!

The Onondaga Free Library Board of Trustees announces the appointment of Susan Morgan to the position of Library Director. Morgan began her new position on October 25th.

Formerly the Assistant Library Director, Morgan has been with Onondaga Free Library since 2006. She also served as acting Director for several months during the Library’s expansion and renovation project in 2010. She has 13 years of library experience, including a previous position as a public health librarian for the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine.

Morgan has a Master of Library Science from Syracuse University and a Bachelor of Science in Health Education from SUNY Cortland.

Join us in welcoming Susan into her new position as Director of OFL!

OCPL 'Value of Public Libraries' Survey

Help the Onondaga County Public Library (OCPL) understand how libraries play a transformative role in people’s lives. With help from MBA students from the Whitman School at Syracuse University, we have launched a short survey designed to collect powerful data on how library users individually benefit from library services.

Click here to take the survey.

As a “thank you,” two lucky people will each win a $25 gift card to Barnes and Noble!