"Great Graves" Author Visits

Join us tomorrow, Saturday, November 13th at 1:00 p.m. as we welcome local author, Chuck D'Imperio to the library. He will be talking about and selling autographed copies of his book Great Graves of Upstate New York. Come and find out about all the famous (and infamous!) people who have been laid to rest right here in the Upstate New York region. Here are just a few of the big names that D'Imperio mentions in his book: Lucille Ball, Mark Twain, Harriet Tubman, B.F. Goodwrench, and Andrew Carnegie. Also, on this list are 4 U.S. president, mafia leaders, the real "Uncle Sam" and "Maid of the Mist", a Kentucky Derby winner and the most famous one-legged tap dancer in the world! From this book, you will learn about the lives (and deaths) of these 70 individuals and get detail directions to each of their eternal resting places.

Get your own autographed copy of this travel/reference work at this event for just $25!

About the Author

Chuck D'Imperio is a longtime radio broadcaster in Oneonta, NY (WDOS), broadcasting since 1989. Chuck has written extensively for magazines and newspapers about the country music scene and was inducted into the New York Country Music Hall of Fame as DJ of the Year - 2000. He has a column, "As I See It," that runs twice a month in the Daily Star newspaper in Oneonta. He is a popular public speaker and storyteller, and Monumental Upstate New York! is Chuck's third published Upstate New York, due out in January 2011. He gives more than 40 presentations annually throughout the Upstate region. Chuck resides in Oneonta, NY with his wife, Trish, and their children, Frances, Katie, Abby and Joey. They are proud owners of Cooperstown Walks!, which provides daily guided walking tours of historic Cooperstown, NY.

Friends' Fundraisers

Julie & Julia Basket Raffle

Your chance to purchase raffle ticket for our Friend's Julie & Julia Basket Raffle is coming down to its final days! The basket includes both the book and the movie of Julie & Julia, as well as cooking/baking tools and more! The tickets are $2 each or 3 for $5. The raffle drawing will be held at the library November 15th, so get in and buy your raffle tickets today!

Election Day Bake Sale Results

The Friends of Onondaga Free Library would like to thank everyone who helped make the Election Day Bake Sale a tremendous success! Nearly $700 was raised for the library, and a new bake sale record was set! Many thanks go out to all - volunteer organizers, bakers, worker and shoppers alike!

Vote & Buy a Sweet Treat!

Get out and make your vote count today!

For those of you who's polling place is Onondaga Free Library, you can also pick up a sweet treat when you come and vote. The Friends of OFL are hosting their Annual Election Day Bake Sale at the library all day long... Well, at least until we run out of goodies! Help our Friend help support the library... And get a yummy treat for you to enjoy with your family and friends!

Special Storytimes!

We have two unique storytimes coming up at the Library... Check them out!

Firefighter Visit & Storytime
Saturday, October 2nd at 11:00 a.m.
Did you know that October is Fire Prevention Month? And what better way to start the month than a visit from out local firefighters!
Children, ages 3 and up, can come and meet some of our town’s heroes. Learn fire prevention tips from the volunteers of the Onondaga Hill Fire Department and see some of their equipment, including their TRUCKS!
Afterwards, join Mrs. Hart in the storytime room for some exciting stories about firefighters and fire trucks!
Registration preferred.

Red Riding Hood Tales
Monday, October 4th at 6:30 p.m.
Children, ages 4 and up, will enjoy hearing different presentations of this classic tale. There will be a feltboard version, a short puppet play, a retelling with a boy as Little Red Riding Hood and even a rap adaptation of the well-known story.
Registration preferred.


Bring your children to our regular storytimes Tuesday through Thursday:

Good Start Storytime
Tuesdays at 11:00 a.m., 15-20 mins., Sept. 21st to Nov. 16th
This fall, OFL has introduced a new storytime... For babies, 6 to 15 months! Join Mrs. Hart in enjoying finger plays, nursery rhymes and board book stories for babies. Also, learn tips to promote early literacy and get an opportunity to share child rearing insights with other parents, grandparents, and other caregivers.

Toddler Storytime
Wednesdays at 10:15 a.m., 20-25 mins., Sept. 15th to Dec. 16th
Children, 2 to 3 years old, can join Mrs. Tucker for songs, finger plays and stories.

Preschool Storytimes
Wednesdays & Thursdays at 11:00 a.m., 35-45 mins., Sept. 15th to Dec. 16th
Children, 4 to 5 years old, can also join Mrs. Tucker for stories, finger plays, songs and a craft.

Please visit or call the library at (315) 492-1727 to sign
your children up for any of the storytimes above.

Summer Reading Recap!

This summer, 5916 books were read and recorded by 356 children and teens at Onondaga Free... Great reading everyone! Attendance at our summer programs was amazing as well! Thank you to all of our performers and our volunteers.

Below are pictures from some of our summer programs...

The Guys Book Club discussing Windcatcher by Avi on July 12th...

... And the Guys Book Club becoming part of the story!

Cap'n Dave (aka Moreland the Magician) getting some help and some
laughs out of his friendly audience on July 22nd.

Captain HurriCain (Ron Cain) playing a magical trick on one
of his many willing volunteers on August 17.

Children and teens having some parachute fun at
OFL's summer reading party on August 24th.

We would also like to thank all of our summer reading sponsors:

• Arctic Island
• Brinson Marine
• Byrne Dairy
• Fairmount Glen
• Gannon's Isle
• Jreck Subs
• Kelley's
• The MOST
• LaValle's Karate
• The New York State Fair
• PCI Paper Conversions
• Pine Grove Country Club
• Radio Disney
• Rosamond Gifford Zoo
• Syracuse Chiefs
• Syracuse University
• Velasko Pizzeria & Deli
• Vespa Stables
  

Calling All Teens!

Are you interested in art? Look at the cool art classes we have planned just for you!

Great BIG Faces
Thursday, August 12th at 7 p.m.

Paul Merklein draws Great BIG Faces, creating art in action for all ages! Learn how Paul draws these BIG faces. Bring your imagination and get ready to be wowed when you learn to do it yourself!
For teen, ages 13-18.

Illustrative Drawing
Thursday, August 19th at 6 p.m.

Chris Pallace, lead illustrator for Bent Castle Workshops, will help you develop the skills you need to begin a lifetime of drawing. Just bring yourself and a desire to draw! (Paper and pencils will be provided.)
For age 12-14.

* Please visit or call the library at 492-1727 to sign up for these programs.*

Just Added!

Just added to our summer program guide are the following...

Scotty's Way Book Talk & Signing
with local author Jennifer Fura
Thursday, August 5th at 6 p.m.

Meet and learn how local author and mother Jennifer Fura was inspired by her son, Scotty, and his "way" of doing things to write her new children's book.

Below is a review of the book taken from Amazon.com:

"Scotty's Way is an inspirational book for both children and adults. Written from the perspective of a 7-year-old, Scotty's Way shows all the amazing things Scotty can do in his own way. Scotty's story shows us that through perseverance anything can be achieved."

YOGA for KIDS
Mondays, August 9th, 23rd and 30th from 7 - 8 p.m.

Join Midge Regier (August 9th) and Mary Hagemann (August 23rd and 30th) to learn how you can stay healthy and happy as you grow just by doing some simple yoga. Mats will be provided.

Three sessions are open to children ages 4-10. There is a limit of 15 children per session; please visit or call the library at 492-1727 to sign up.

Another successful book sale... Thank you!

While you were getting some great summer reads, you helped in a big way to support the library! Our Friends raised $1500 for the library. Thank you to everyone who donated items for the book sale, bought items at the book sale, helped set up and work the book sale, etc. We would also like to thank the Onondaga Hill Fire Dept. for the use of their tables for the sale.

So, no matter what part you took in the book sale, thank you! You are the reason that it was such a success!

Book Sale This Weekend!

The Friends of Onondaga Free Library are hosting their annual used book sale this weekend in the library's brand new community room! Browse and buy gently used books, movies (both DVDs and videos), music, games, puzzles and more! Get some great reads for the summer and help support the library at the same time!

The hours of the book sale are as follows:

• Saturday, July 10th from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Sunday, July 11th from noon to 4 p.m.

Friends of the library get a sneak peak at the sale Friday, July 9th from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Just bring your pink postcard you received in the mail and you will be free to browse and buy as many books, movies, music, etc. as you want!

Thank you to the Friends for their efforts with the book sale and all of the great fundraisers they do for the library. And thank YOU in advance for attending the book sale and for your support to the library... It is greatly appreciated!

Celebrating the New OFL

The New Onondaga Free Library!

Construction Project Superintendent for Haynor Hoyt Corporation, Richard Harmatuk and his wife, Lois

Original founding members of the Onondaga Free Library with the president of the Library's Board of Trustees.
Pictured (from left to right): Ralph Coon, Mary Coon, Howard Littman, Paul Mullin and Arlene Littman

OFL's Board of Trustees at the Preview Party - April 15, 2010
Pictured (from left to right):
Anne Marie Donohue, Joseph Schlegel (Treasurer), John Elleman,
Kathleen Celeste (Secretary), Paul Mullin (President), and
Debra Woodman (former Vice President, sitting)


Ribbon Cutting Ceremony - May 1, 2010
From right to left:
John Elleman - OFL Board Member
Anne Marie Donohue - OFL Board Member
Karen Brogan - Friends of OFL President
John Omicinski - OFL Board Member
Congressman Daniel Maffei
Paul Mullin - OFL Board President
Susan Reckhow - OFL Director
Joseph Schlegel - OFL Board Treasurer
Thomas Andino - Town of Onondaga Supervisor
Kathleen Celeste - OFL Board Secretary

Attention: Library Opening Late July 6th!

The library will open at noon on Tuesday, July 6th.
The parking lot will be paved that morning.

Happy 4th of July!

The library will be closed Saturday, July 3rd and Sunday July 4th.

We will reopen and begin our new summer hours (listed below) on
Monday, July 5th at 10:00 a.m.

NEW Summer Hours:
Monday - Thursday :: 10:00 a.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Friday :: 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Saturday :: 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Sunday :: CLOSED


Enjoy your 4th of July Weekend everyone!

More Parking Coming Soon!

The following was taken from June 7, 2010 Town of Onondaga Board meeting minutes:

Mr. Ryan presented the Town Board with an amended site plan for the Onondaga Free Library. The original site plan included a future expansion area for eighteen (18) additional parking spaces. The Library has the finances available to do the work now. The short EAF has been submitted. The drainage calculations show that the 18 additional spaces were taken into consideration along with the original plan.

A motion was made by Supervisor Andino, seconded by Councilwoman Belle, that regarding the application for an amended site plan approval for the Onondaga Free Library, there are no other involved agencies, the Town Board is lead agency, and based upon review of the short Environmental Assessment Form, the Board renders a negative declaration with no adverse environmental impact.

The vote was as follows:

• Councilman Petrie Voted Yes
• Councilman Hamilton Voted Yes
• Councilwoman Belle Voted Yes
• Councilwoman Ryan Voted Yes
• Supervisor Andino Voted Yes

Motion was carried.

A motion was made by Supervisor Andino, seconded by Councilwoman Ryan, that the Board approve the amended site plan of the Onondaga Free Library located at 4840 West Seneca Turnpike in the Town of Onondaga in accordance to the plan prepared by Schopfer Architects, LLP dated May 25, 2010 entitled Upper Parking Addition (L1.1A), and the Board authorizes the Codes Officer to issue the necessary Grading and Filling Permit.

The vote was as follows:

• Councilman Petrie Voted Yes
• Councilman Hamilton Voted Yes
• Councilwoman Belle Voted Yes
• Councilwoman Ryan Voted Yes
• Supervisor Andino Voted Yes

Motion was carried.

Congratulations to our Raffle Winners!

Friends Stickley Cabinet Raffle Winner - Nate Honis

pictured here with his family


Onondaga Quilters Quilt Raffle Winner - Terry Losty



Thanks again to the Friends of OFL and the Onondaga Quilters for donating the beautiful items raffle items.
Also, thank you to everyone who bought raffle tickets
and supported the library!

Upcoming Items!

Lock 52 Jazz Band
Be sure to join us as we welcome summer with our annual kick-of-the-summer concert with the Lock 52 Jazz Band. The concert will be held in our new community room this Sunday, June 13th at 2:00 p.m. Come and kick off the summer with some fine entertainment!

Last Chance to Buy Your Raffle Tickets!
The Stickley piece we have on display at the entrance of the library will be raffled off Monday, June 14th at 7:30 p.m. Time is running out, so come and buy your tickets now! They are just $5 each or 5 for $20. This beautifully-crafted limited-edition piece is a great addition to any home!

Book Sale Donations
We will begin taking donations for our Friends' annual used book sale on Thursday, June 10th. Please drop off gently-used books, DVDs, CDs, games and puzzles during the library's open hours. Please no magazines, textbooks or encyclopedias.
The used book sale will be held at the library, in our new community room, Saturday, July 10th from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Sunday, July 11th from 12 to 3 p.m.

Buy Your Tickets Now!

Less than two weeks remaining for you to buy your raffle ticket(s) for the beautifully crafted Stickley cabinet that we have on display near our front entrance. The drawing will be held on Monday, June 14th at 7:30 p.m.

Click the image to enlarge.

This piece is a perfect addition to any home!

SUMMER PROGRAM SIGN-UPS START TODAY!
Stop in or call the library (492-1727) today
to sign up for the programs that you want to attend this summer!

Memorial Day Weekend Closing & Summer Reading

For Memorial Day Weekend, the library will be closed Saturday, May 29th to Monday, May 31st. The library will reopen on Tuesday, June 1st at 10 a.m.

Signups for all summer programs begin Tuesday, June 1st as well! Please visit or call the library at 492-1727 to register for summer programs.

Happy Memorial Day Weekend Everyone!

Spring/Summer Music Series: The Highland Winds

Come and enjoy great music by The Highland Winds this Sunday, May 23rd at 2:00 p.m.

The Highland Winds, a subsidiary of the Highland School of Music and Art, is a woodwind ensemble comprised of four professional musicians (John Flaver, Dr. Thomas McKay, Thomas Soccocio and Edward O'Rourke) who perform primarily as a clarinet quartet.


Be sure to check out the finale to our Spring/Summer Music Series!

• The Lock 52 Jazz Band - Sunday, June 13th at 2:00 p.m.

Spring/Summer Music Series: Flutessence

Come and enjoy great music by Flutessence this Sunday, May 16th at 2:00 p.m.

Flutessence is a flute choir composed of the following local high school students:

• Maureen Carey - Westhill High School, Grade 12
• Brittany Cole - West Genesee High School, Grade 12
• Emily Excell - Cicero-North Syracuse High School, Grade 12
• Andrew Lee - Jamesville-Dewitt High School, Grade 10
• Sarah Murphy - Fayetteville-Manlius High School, Grade 11
• Joanna Wu - Jamesville-Dewitt High School, Grade 12
• Katherine Zhang - Fayetteville-Manlius High School, Grade 11

Directed by John Oberbrunner, former Principal Flutist for the Syracuse Symphony Orchestra

Also, don't miss the rest of our Spring/Summer Music Series... Save these dates!

• The Highland Winds - Sunday, May 23rd at 2:00 p.m.
• The Lock 52 Jazz Band - Sunday, June 13th at 2:00 p.m.
  

Join us for our Grand Opening Celebration!

The Board of Trustees, Friends of the Library and library staff are thrilled to invite you to our Grand Opening Celebration this Saturday, May 1st.

Festivities will include a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 10 a.m. followed by a lot of entertainment! Enjoy refreshments, music and magic... Get your caricature done too! Also, learn all about the new library as tours will be given every hour on the hour by Friends of the Library and library staff. Our celebration will continue until 4 p.m.

Please share this day with us as we commemorate the start of this new chapter in OFL history!

"Homestretch"

We are in the homestretch!

The library will be closed from
April 1st to April 16th
for the final move into
our new building!

The library will reopen to the public on Saturday, April 17th at 11 a.m.

OCPL's Community Quest!

To celebrate National Library Week (April 11-17), all the Onondaga County Public Libraries have developed a community scavenger hunt. All you have to do is find the clues and solve the mystery! If you do that, you could win great prizes!

What is the mystery?... A literary character has disappeared from a well-known book located at one of our Onondaga County Public Libraries. So, in order to solve the mystery, you have to find out the following three things:

1. WHO?... Which literary character has disappeared?
2. WHAT?... From which well-known book did this character escape?
3. WHERE?... Which Onondaga County Public Library was the scene of the disappearance?

The Community Quest will run from Monday, March 15th to Saturday, April 17th. During this time, participants should look for clues at library service points, such as the Circulation Desk and Reference Desk at any of the Onondaga County Public Libraries. Clues may also be found in library publications, such as newsletters, or on the libraries' websites.

Only one entry form per person and all entry forms must be submitted online or to one of the Onondaga County Public Libraries by 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 17th. Submissions with all three correct answers will be included in the prize drawing, which will take place on Wednesday, April 21st. Winners will be drawn at random and will be notified no later than Friday, April 23rd. Prizes include gifts and gift cards donated by Friends groups, Barnes & Noble, Wegmans, Regal Cinemas and more!

So, don't forget... Start looking for clues on Monday!

"Gustav Stickley: The Craftsman"

Help the Friends help the library...

And you may win a beautiful Stickley cabinet in the process!

Thank you for your support and good luck!

"Snow Day"

The library was closed Thursday and Friday due to the weather.

"My Nerdy Valentine"

Don't forget to stop in and purchase your raffle tickets for the Friends' Valentine's Day gift basket! The raffle drawing will take place on Saturday, February 13th... Just in time for V-Day!

Also, join others in showing the library how much you love it this Valentine's Day... Buy an I Love My Library heart. You can write a message to the library or to your special someone and we will display it at the library!

"Valentine Friend"

The Friends of OFL are raffling off a gift basket filled with goodies
in celebration of Valentine's Day!

The basket includes:
2 bottles of wine, assorted chocolates, wine glass charms,
a coaster set, coffee, and a candle
(An $80 value!)

Raffle tickets are $2 each or 3 for $5

RAFFLE DRAWING WILL TAKE PLACE AT THE LIBRARY
ON SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 13TH!

Take a chance at winning the perfect gift to help pamper
that special someone in your life!

"It's Library Day!"

Rockwell Elementary's 2nd graders' visit to OFL

Come in and support the library by participating in the
Friends' Annual I Love My Library! Fundraiser.

Something old, something new!

"The Divide"

"Lights, Camera, Action"

"Flush"

The staff restroom is in business!

Our brand new book drop!

Thank you again to the Onondaga Hillplayers for their donation

which helped us to replace our remaining VHS titles.