2012 Festival of Trees Recap

Congratulations to the 2012 Festival of Trees winners!  And thank you to everyone who bought tickets and continues to support the library.  We are proud to announce that this year was once again a huge success raising $1,150!  This money will go towards new items to add to OFL's collection, programming and new technology.

Also, another BIG thank you to all of our tree decorators this year... Without you, this wonderful fundraiser wouldn't even be possible!

• The Anderson Family
• David & Susan Morgan
• The Staff at Coulter Library (OCC Library)
• State Farm Insurance, Jim LeMessurier's Office
• Kimberly Abbott
• Town of Onondaga Justice Dept.
• Linda Harrington
• The Friends of Maxwell Memorial Library
• SECNY Federal Credit Union
• Onondaga Seniors
• Chantal Sparkes
• Eufemia Gallipeau
• Sheryl Welch & Bonnie Wink
• Pam Blocklin & Susan Caraher
• Thomas Chaddock, Susan Reckhow & family
• Stephanie Skardinski & familyChad Norton & Marisa Husein, Club Members of the Anglers Association of Onondaga at Webster Pond
• The Sassy Summerfield Seniors

Raffle Winners!

Friends Fall Raffle Baskets...

• Apple Basket - Barbara Korona
• Pumpkin Basket - Randi Roach
• Spice Basket - Lisa Stewart

Autumn's Bounty Quilt - Kathy Robinson

Congratulations to all of our winners and thank you to our Friends for donating the lovely raffle baskets and to our longtime patron, Theresa Malvasi for donating the gorgeous fall quilt.   Also, thank you to everyone who bought tickets and supported the library.

 
Congratulations to our kayak raffle winner, Geri Hall (pictured above with OFL Director Susan Morgan).  She is thrilled to have won this wonderful prize as she really likes kayaking.  She has a kayak, but now with a second one, she will be able to enjoy the company of her family and friends while she has fun with this great summer past time.

The Friends of OFL are even more thrilled to announce that they raised over $1,000 with the kayak raffle.  Thanks to all who purchased tickets and helped to support the library!

Another BIG thank you to our neighbor Pete Carolin, owner of Brinson Marine (located at 4553 West Seneca Turnpike) for donating this great prize for our fundraiser.  What a success!

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.