Onondaga Free Library

Being a Part of a Christmas Story

2012-01-12T14:37:00.001-05:00

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

2012-01-12T13:36:00.000-05:00

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!

2011-11-15T11:44:00.002-05:00

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

2011-10-26T19:27:00.002-04:00

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!

Meet & Greet: Assemblyman Sam Roberts

2011-10-20T14:00:00.001-04:00

Come meet Assemblyman Sam Roberts today at 4:30 p.m. He’ll be happy to hear about your concerns, answer questions about politics and Albany, or whatever else is on your mind.

System Down Today

2011-10-20T10:16:00.002-04:00

The library system, including the catalog and account access, is down today due to an upgrading of our system. Thank you for your patience during this down time.

Onondaga Hillplayers present "Love, Sex & the I.R.S.: A Comedy"

2011-10-12T16:35:00.003-04:00

Enjoy an evening of great food and lots of laughter with this comedy written by William Van Zandt and Jane Milmore and support Onondaga Free & Marcellus Free Libraries in meantime!

Presented by: The Onondaga Hillplayers
Produced by: Our Friends, Jack & Doris Skillman
Directed by: Robert Steingraber

$36 includes dinner, show, tax and gratuity. Credit cards accepted.
Reservations required. Please call (315) 673-2255.

The show will take place the last weekend in October and the first weekend in November.
- Friday, Oct. 28 - Dinner at 6 p.m. & Show at 7 p.m.
- Saturday, Oct. 29 - Dinner at 6 p.m. & Show at 7 p.m.
- Sunday, Oct. 30 - Dinner at 1 p.m. & Show at 7 p.m.
- Friday, Nov. 4 - Dinner at 6 p.m. & Show at 7 p.m.
- Saturday, Nov. 5 - Dinner at 6 p.m. & Show at 7 p.m.
- Sunday, Nov. 6 - Dinner at 1 p.m. & Show at 7 p.m.

It's Apple Day!

2011-09-29T11:56:00.002-04:00

It's Apple Day here at OFL! Stop in and get a free apple, a cup of apple cider or juice and play some fun apple games! Also, don't forget to buy your tickets for our Friends fall apple raffle basket (seen below)- Tickets are $2 each or 3 for $5 and are available at the Library's front desk. The basket is full of fall fun with lots of apple goodies!

Summer 2011 Recap!

2011-09-02T13:05:00.054-04:00

* OFL staff is proud to share the news that this summer (July 2011), we had a record number of checkouts- 20,859 items!! And below are some great shots from some of our great programs we had here at the Library this summer! ENJOY!!

Summer Reading Program Recap:

247 children read 2170 books
1967 people attended 86 programs - See some great pictures from our summer programs below!

Summer Reading Kick-Off Event:
Standing Small: A Celebration of 30 Years
of the LEGO Minifigure author, Nevin Martell,
visited the Library to sign books and
do a special LEGO building activity with the kids!
June 25, 2011

Terrific Tuesday:
The Dirtmeister presents
"Great Inventions & Scientific Discoveries
from Around the World"
June 28, 2011

Crime Scene Camp
June 30, 2011

Dusting for fingerprints!

They got their fingerprints done!

Summer Crafts
July 7, 2011

What can we do with noodles?...

... Make Noodleheads, of course!

Perusing with Pups
July 9, 2011

Reading to Webber!

Reading to Sophia!

Festival of Fairies:
Fairy Houses
July 12, 2011

Terrific Tuesday:
"Around the World" Magic Show
with Moreland the Magician
July 12, 2011

Pokemon

Friendly Battling!

Jewelry Making:
Summer Fun Anklet
July 13, 2011

Multicultural Music with Chad Seeber
July 15, 2011

Festival of Fairies:
Picture of a Pixie
July 19, 2011

Terrific Tuesday:
The M.O.S.T. presents
One World, Many Sounds
July 19, 2011

"Illustrative Drawing" with Chris Pallace
July 21, 2011

Festival of Fairies:
Fairy Friends Teatime
July 26, 2011

Perusing with Pups
August 6, 2011

Didgeridoo Down Under
August 6, 2011

Terrific Tuesday:
"Dancing with Horses"
presented by Smoke Ridge Organics
August 9, 2011

Meet Lilly!

Summer Crafts
August 11, 2011

Spin Art

Windmills

American Girl Workshop: Molly
August 15, 2011

Yummy S'mores!

Terrific Tuesday:
Summer Reading Party
featuring Doug Rougeux, aka "The Bubbleman"
presents "Bubblemania!"
August 16, 2011

Congratulations...

2011-06-27T15:12:00.007-04:00

Congratulations to our Friends Mother's Day & Father's Day Raffles...

Friends Mother's Day Stickley Raffle winner,
Meghan Taylor, with her daughter.
- May 2011 -

Friends Father's Day Adirondack Chairs Raffle winner, Mary Page,
poses for a picture (with her nephew, Thomas Hatty) in her
new set of Adirondack chairs.
- June 2011 -

Library Puzzler: Solution & Winners

2011-04-20T14:25:00.007-04:00

For those who are curious as to the solution to the 2011 Library Puzzler, the wait is over...

CHARACTER SOLUTION: Phileas Fogg
BOOK SOLUTION: Around the World in 80 Days
LIBRARY SOLUTION: Onondaga Free Library

And congratulations to this year's winners!
1st Winner: Kathy Vogel (Marcellus)
2nd Winner: Ross Gelmen (Betts, Lafayette, Onondaga Free, Dewitt, Manlius)
3rd Winner: Michele Stephenson (Betts)
4th Winner: Beth Vinette (Cicero)
5th Winner: Greg Potter (Central)
Staff Winner: Stephanie Moncavage (Marcellus)

OCPL Library Puzzler: Week 4 Clues

2011-04-04T07:00:00.000-04:00

Here are the fourth (and FINAL) week's clues...

CHARACTER CLUES:

A weather condition
Has appeared in more than one book
An Englishman

BOOK CLUES:

It's a matter of time
Takes place in America
Rail and steamer

LIBRARY CLUES:

A Freegal library
Has a fireplace
Near a Dunkin' Donuts

WILDCARD CLUES:

ATWIED
PF by JV
Can't spell without an F

OCPL Library Puzzler: Week 3 Clues

2011-03-28T06:00:00.002-04:00

Here are the third week's clues...

CHARACTER CLUES:

Fastidious
Imprisoned
Voyager

BOOK CLUES:

French
Takes Place in India
No. 7 Savillle Row

LIBRARY CLUES:

Has a self-checkout
The four elements
Multiple meeting rooms

OCPL Library Puzzler: Week 2 Clues

2011-03-21T08:00:00.002-04:00

Here are the second week's clues...

CHARACTER CLUES:

Mistaken identity
L not N

BOOK CLUES:

Victorian
Chapters "In Which"

LIBRARY CLUES:

Woods inside and out
Can't call it LEGOs

OCPL Library Puzzler: Week 1 Clues

2011-03-14T08:00:00.002-04:00

Here are the first week's clues...

CHARACTER CLUE: Double G
BOOK CLUE: Numerical; Nellie Bly takes the challenge
LIBRARY CLUES: Has a community room

OCPL Library Puzzler

2011-03-01T14:32:00.002-05:00

Join us in celebrating National Library Week this year with OCPL's 2011 Library Puzzler!

With the clues that the OCPL libraries are providing, you just have to answer three questions:

Who?... What literary character has disappeared?
What?... From which well-known book?
Where?... Which Onondaga County Public Library was the scene of the disappearance?

Find the clues, solve the mystery, and you'll be entered in a drawing to win fabulous prizes!

The contest runs from March 14th to April 11th. That is 4 weeks of clues! Check every week for clues at the OCPL libraries, on your due date receipts, on our website, Facebook page, and right here!

Have fun and good luck with this Puzzler!

"Great Graves" Author Visits

2010-11-12T10:33:00.005-05:00

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

2010-11-04T14:28:00.004-04:00

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!

2010-11-02T11:18:00.007-04:00

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!

2010-09-28T12:02:00.006-04:00

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!

2010-08-31T15:09:00.013-04:00

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!

2010-07-28T15:33:00.007-04:00

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!

2010-07-21T16:42:00.008-04:00

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!

2010-07-14T18:02:00.004-04:00

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!

2010-07-08T13:36:00.005-04:00

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

2010-07-06T16:19:00.007-04:00

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!

2010-07-01T16:00:00.002-04:00

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

Happy 4th of July!

2010-07-01T15:51:00.002-04:00

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!

2010-06-25T10:19:00.002-04:00

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!

2010-06-16T15:42:00.007-04:00

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!

2010-06-07T17:13:00.004-04:00

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!

2010-06-01T12:01:00.006-04:00

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

2010-05-24T13:57:00.006-04:00

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

2010-05-19T13:18:00.005-04:00

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

2010-05-13T16:00:00.004-04:00

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!

2010-04-28T13:59:00.004-04:00

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"

2010-03-31T15:53:00.003-04:00

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!

2010-03-12T14:00:00.004-05:00

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:

WHO?... Which literary character has disappeared?
WHAT?... From which well-known book did this character escape?
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"

2010-03-05T11:04:00.004-05:00

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"

2010-02-27T11:49:00.001-05:00

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

"My Nerdy Valentine"

2010-02-11T15:24:00.008-05:00

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"

2010-02-04T15:56:00.005-05:00

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!"

2010-01-28T16:31:00.007-05:00

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"

2010-01-22T11:52:00.010-05:00

"Lights, Camera, Action"

2010-01-14T15:58:00.009-05:00

"Flush"

2010-01-07T16:08:00.010-05:00

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.

"Lucky New Year"

2009-12-31T14:34:00.022-05:00

Coincidence:
We are exactly 31 weeks into the construction and it just happens to be the 31st of December!

To end the year, let's take a look back at Phase I of our construction project.

"Let It Snow"

2009-12-23T15:27:00.012-05:00

2009 Festival of Trees

Over $500 was raised by the Friends of the Library during their 3rd Annual Festival of Trees. Congratulations to the winners and thanks to all who participated in the event. Here are a few photos from the drawing on December 17th...

Renovations continue...

"Do You Hear What I Hear?" (... A Jackhammer!)

2009-12-17T14:24:00.012-05:00

The library will be closed Monday, December 21st
due to the lack of water.

Holiday Closings:
December 24th & 25th - Closed all day
December 31st - Closing at 5 p.m.
January 1st - Closed all day

Renovations begin in the original library

Pictured above: Doris Skillman, Susan Morgan, Susan Reckhow and Jack Skillman

Thank you to the Onondaga Hillplayers
for their generous donation to the library!

"Deck the Halls"

2009-12-10T15:14:00.017-05:00

Curbside appeal

3rd Annual Festival of Trees
Sponsored by the Friends of OFL

Building Project: Phase 2

Mural here we come!

Old circulation area

Old front door is now a window!

Clearing out the old areas... New/Mystery area

Young Adult / Fiction area

Non-fiction area

"Movin' On Up..."

2009-12-04T12:06:00.019-05:00

New parking lot and temporary entrance.

Packing Day!

Moving: Day 1!

Parade of Books!

Storage area

All moved!

Demolition: Phase 2

Old children's area

Old circulation desk

"A Night On the Tiles"

2009-11-18T15:52:00.015-05:00

2nd floor women's room

New temporary reference arrangement

Community room foyer

New landscaping near front door

Got sod?

New first floor kitchen

New community room

Where it all happens... Our new server!

2nd floor men's room

"The Cable Guy"

2009-10-29T15:25:00.008-04:00

A Week of Wiring!

"It's gonna be HUGE, Tom!"

2009-10-22T16:31:00.010-04:00

"Rear Window"

2009-10-15T14:57:00.011-04:00

New Community Room

Insulation in the fiction area

Drive-up front circle

Outside of Community Room

New front door

Community Room entrance

New workroom with drive-up bookdrop

"Brick Lane"

2009-10-08T16:13:00.010-04:00

Future fiction section

(Notice the insulation moon-man on the left!)

Building the new drive-thru circle wall

New brick facade

Second-floor casual seating area

Future area for children's computers

"Heat" (or lack thereof!)

2009-10-01T14:49:00.009-04:00

Our director's new TEMPORARY office

Future story time area

Preparing to take down the upstairs back wall

Future adult fiction area

New TEMPORARY upstairs back wall

Moving all the Biographies and Reference Materials out of the way

"Transformers"

2009-09-24T10:42:00.001-04:00

Transformers
More than meets the eye
Transformers
Robots in disguise

Thanks for your patience during our first closing since construction began in May!

"Over and Under"

2009-09-17T13:37:00.010-04:00

"Sweet Sixteen"

2009-09-10T15:03:00.013-04:00

Look how far we've come in just 16 short weeks!

"Waiting For Normal"

2009-09-03T15:45:00.002-04:00

"Silence is golden!"

-Anonymous

"Surface Tension"

2009-08-27T15:37:00.013-04:00

Although some things stay the same over the years,
many more do change.

"Slam"

2009-08-20T15:58:00.009-04:00

"Yellow Flag"

2009-08-13T15:44:00.018-04:00

The library book drop and parking lot will be closed this Saturday, August 15th due to additional construction.

"The Water Hole"

2009-08-06T16:02:00.025-04:00

"... And if you go to draw at the true fountainhead,
the more water you draw, the more abundant its flow."
~ Antoine de Saint-Exupery

Water line installation for our sprinkler system has begun...

... and so has the framing of the front!

"Replay"

2009-07-30T16:14:00.008-04:00

"Cement Mixers At Work"

2009-07-23T16:00:00.007-04:00

"A Long Way Down"

2009-07-16T16:11:00.011-04:00

Concrete Pumper - A specialized machine that stretches all the way to the farthest foundation wall in order to pour the concrete into the frames.

"Flushed Away"

2009-07-09T15:33:00.008-04:00

"After a hard day navigating the sewer pipes, there's nothing better
than relaxing in a Jacuzzi whirlpool bath. " - Roddy from Flushed Away

"Concrete Jungle"

2009-07-02T15:17:00.008-04:00

Framing and filling has begun... Just in time for 4th of July fun!

"Necessary Noise"

2009-06-25T13:23:00.008-04:00

No more grass,

No more trees,
Can we have some quiet, please?

"What They Found"

2009-06-18T13:57:00.011-04:00

The front patio has been removed along with more dirt!

The little bottles that were unearthed!

"Stone Soup"

2009-06-12T15:45:00.009-04:00

"Holes"

2009-06-03T13:37:00.002-04:00

Over 150 dump trucks full of dirt have been taken away! Now we have a 9-ft hole to fill... How about an in-ground pool?

"If A Tree Falls At Lunch Period"

2009-05-28T13:52:00.002-04:00

Before...

And after...

It's Starting...

2009-05-20T13:16:00.001-04:00

Thank you Onondaga Central, West Genesee and Westhill School District Voters!

Construction Company has set up shop!

The Project's Who's Who

An important move to keep our cool!

Ground Breaking Ceremony

2009-05-05T13:30:00.001-04:00

Over 60 people gathered on Saturday to celebrate the groundbreaking for the new and expanded Onondaga Free Library. On behalf of the Library Board of Trustees, President Paul Mullin thanks the community for its support.

Friends' President Karen Brogan presents a check for $30,000 to
Board President Paul Mullin for the building project.

Greater Syracuse Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors Mike Luton and Mike Massurin present a congratulatory certificate to Paul Mullin and Susan Reckhow.

Representing the community, board, Friends, and staff,
Susan Reckhow, Holly Hart, Karen Brogan, Paul Mullin, Tom Andino, and
Meghan Burns break ground for the new building.

Photos Courtesy of Paul E. Mullin

Groundbreaking Ceremony!

2009-05-01T15:15:00.000-04:00

Join us at the library on Saturday, May 2nd at 10 a.m. as we begin our next step in our expansion project - the building! On Saturday, we will be having our official groundbreaking ceremony to commemorate this day in OFL history. We welcome all patrons and any community members to come and share in this event with us.

Additional parking for the ceremony is available at the Senior Center behind Byrne Dairy, Onondaga Hill Methodist Church and St. Michael's Church.

Update!

2009-03-13T14:42:00.000-04:00

Groundbreaking for our expansion is anticipated for late April/early May! The first phase involves the construction of the new additions in the rear and front of the property. Once complete, library operations will move into the new back section while our current space is gutted and renovated. Construction and renovation is estimated to take from 10-12 months. The end result will be a beautiful brand new 18,000 square foot library featuring expanded children's and teen areas, new meeting rooms for public use, more computers and spaces for you to read, study, relax and gather. In the meantime, we will keep you updated through the media, our website and newsletters.

The Annual Meeting of the Onondaga Free Library will take place on March 25th at 6:00 p.m. in the community room of the library. The election of new trustees will take place. The meeting is open to the public and all are encouraged to attend.

Building Expansion Bond Details

2008-10-22T16:09:00.001-04:00

The Town Board of the Town of Onondaga met at a special meeting at 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, January 23, 2008 at Town Hall, 5020 Ball Road, Syracuse, New York.

Present:
Supervisor Thomas P. Andino, Jr.
Councilman Charles Petrie
Councilman Donald Hamilton
Councilwoman Suzanne Belle
Town Clerk Lisa M. Goodwin
Town Attorney Kevin M. Gilligan
Excused: Councilwoman Mary K. Ryan

Mr. Gilligan explained to the Town Board how the bond with the Onondaga Free Library will work and what the roll of the Town of Onondaga will be in this bond. In summary, the Town of Onondaga will have no responsibility for the bond and cannot be held accountable. The Town of Onondaga will be collecting the monies from the taxes and will be paying M&T Bank directly for the bond in the name of the Onondaga Free Library. Mr. Paul Mullin, Onondaga Free Library Board of Trustees, was present. He thanked the Town Board for pulling the special meeting together to discuss the bond for the library expansion.

The following resolution was offered by Councilwoman Belle, who moved its adoption, seconded by Councilman Hamilton, to wit:

WHEREAS, at the request of the Onondaga Free Library (the “Library”), the Onondaga County Industrial Development Agency (the “Agency”) intends to issue its Civic Facility Revenue Bonds (Onondaga Free Library Project), Series 2008 (the “Bonds”) in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed $3,000,000 to finance the acquisition, renovation, construction and installation of a Library facility; and

WHEREAS, the Library will pay debt service on the Bonds with proceeds of the annual tax levied by the Town of Onondaga (the “Town”) on behalf of the Library (the “Library Tax”); and

WHEREAS, the Library has requested the Town to pay the Library Tax directly to Manufacturers and Traders Trust Company, the company appointed as fiscal agent for the Bonds (the “Fiscal Agent”), who will retain the amount necessary to pay debt service on the Bonds and pay the remaining Library Tax proceeds to the Library; and

WHEREAS, The Town Board now desires to authorize the Supervisor, as chief fiscal officer of the Town, to execute on behalf of the Town a Fiscal Agency Agreement among the Town, the Library, the Agency and the Fiscal Agent pursuant to which, among other things, the Town will agree to pay the Library Tax proceeds to the Fiscal Agent.

NOW, THEREFORE, it is

BE IT RESOLVED, by the Town Board that the Supervisor is hereby authorized to execute and deliver the Fiscal Agency Agreement on behalf of the Town, to execute, deliver and/or approve any other documents necessary or appropriate to carry out the transactions contemplated by the Fiscal Agency Agreement, provided, however, the Town shall in no event be liable for payment of the Bonds.

The question of the foregoing Resolution was duly put to a vote and, upon roll call, the vote was as follows:
Councilman Petrie Voted Yes
Councilman Hamilton Voted Yes
Councilwoman Belle Voted Yes
Supervisor Andino Voted Yes

The foregoing Resolution was thereupon declared duly adopted.

Mr. Gilligan explained that all documents are being executed and are being held in escrow until the Town and counsel receives confirmation from Mr. Mullin of their final status at which time, Costello, Cooney & Fearon will release the escrow.

A motion was made by Councilwoman Belle, seconded by Councilman Hamilton, that the Board audits the following accounts and that they be approved and ordered paid:
All General Fund Accounts on Abstract No. 2, numbers 45 through 110 inclusive; all Trust and Agency Accounts on Abstract No. 1, numbers 1 through 7 inclusive; all Parks Accounts on Abstract No. 2, Accounts on Abstract No. 2, numbers 12 through 40 inclusive; and all Fire Protection Districts Accounts on Abstract No. 1, numbers 1 through 8 inclusive.

The vote was as follows:
Councilman Petrie Voted Yes
Councilman Hamilton Voted Yes
Councilwoman Belle Voted Yes
Supervisor Andino Voted Yes
Motion was carried.

A motion was made by Councilwoman Belle, seconded by Councilman Petrie, that there being
no further business to come before the Town Board, the meeting be adjourned.

The vote was as follows:
Councilman Petrie Voted Yes
Councilman Hamilton Voted Yes
Councilwoman Belle Voted Yes
Supervisor Andino Voted Yes

Motion was carried.

Meeting adjourned at 5:08 p.m.
Lisa M. Goodwin, Town Clerk

Meeting Minutes!

2008-10-22T15:56:00.001-04:00

Town of Onondaga Board Meeting (9/15/08)
Site Plan Review

Mr. Paul Mullin, Board of Trustees President, and Mr. David Schlosser, Schopfer Architects, were present. Mr. Mullin gave an overview on how the expansion came about and the steps involved in the process. Mr. Schlosser explained to the Town Board what the proposal is to increase the building to 19,800 square feet on a narrow and deep site while working with the grade. Mr. Schlosser distributed drawings including a Title Sheet showing the existing survey, Drainage Plan with details, Proposed Site Plan, Proposed Landscape Plan, Proposed Site Lighting Plan, Proposed Floor Plans, and Proposed Building Elevations. Mr. Schlosser stated that the concept of the sign for the library has not yet been developed. The Town Board explained that they will have to refer the proposal to the Planning Board for consideration in the overlay district. The Codes Enforcement Officer will refer the plan to Onondaga County Planning because of its location on Route 175.
Supervisor Andino made a motion, seconded by Councilwoman Ryan, that the Town Board refers the Onondaga Free Library renovation and addition proposal to the Town of Onondaga Planning Board for their review.

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.

Town of Onondaga Planning Board Meeting (9/22/08)

Mr. Mullin, Library Board President, Mr. Schlegel, Treasurer and Mr. David Schlosser, Architect, appeared before the Board. Mr. Mullin described the history behind this proposal. Mr. Schlosser distributed copies of the plans and described the proposed project. This proposal is before the Planning Board for a Route 175 Corridor Review. The property is located in a PCO district with a small section in the rear in a R1 district. The new proposed addition will add approximately 12,406 square feet on two floors. The existing curb cut onto Seneca Turnpike will remain as is. There will be a six-foot vinyl fence between the library and the neighbor on the east side, who has indicated they do not have a problem with this. The exterior of the new building will be complimentary to the existing exterior. The number of parking spaces will increase to 49 total. Proposed lighting, storm water drainage, and floor plans were described. The number of parking spaces was based on current utilization. The Board recommended that the Codes Office submit something in writing regarding the number of parking spaces needed. There will be green space between the parking area and the road to help screen the parking area. Chairman Malfitano pointed out that this proposal shows parking spaces in the front of the building instead of to the side and in the rear that is the opposite of the Code requirements for the Route 175 Corridor Review. Notes will be made on the plan regarding the colors to be used on the trim, and will better delineate the fence. The applicant will provide a sample of the color for the fiberboard. The front façade, the front parking area and the turn-around area will be looked at further by the applicant. An interpretative letter will be obtained from the Codes Office regarding the parking spaces. The applicant will have to come back for approval at some time in the future if they decide to replace the sign. Appropriate signage under the Route 175 Corridor Review was discussed. Drainage issues, site plan review, SEQR, etc., will be handled by the Town Board.

The Lastest News is....

2008-09-04T15:06:00.001-04:00

The soil testing is complete!

Schopfer Architects will be presenting a building construction plan at two upcoming public meetings:

Town of Onondaga Board Meeting will be on Monday, September 15th at 5 p.m.
Town of Onondaga Planning Board Meeting will be on Monday, September 22nd at 7:30 p.m.

** Both meetings will be held at the Town Hall on Ball Rd.

Welcome!!!

2008-03-13T15:36:00.001-04:00

Hello everyone! This is the very beginning of our blog. The main purpose of this will be to share news and information with all of you about the library- specifically the expansion project.

For starters, since the November vote, the Board has successfully obtained bonding for the project. The site surveyors have begun assessing the land and soil. The Library Director has met with several contractors and we have made a decision... Hayner Hoyt will be building the expansion to our library.

We will post again soon with more updates!