Teen Read Week- Vote for your TOP TEN of 2013!

 

It's Teen Read Week- Seek the Unknown!
Click above to vote for your TOP TEN favorite books of 2013!!

Rocking Chair Raffle Winner!

Congratulation to Patti Cook (right; pictured here with OFL staff Holly Hart, left) for winning our Friends Cracker Barrel rocking chair raffle. 

A special thank you to everyone who participated in this fundraiser... Each contribution helps the library serve the community better!  

Skype with Author Camron Wright

Join us as we Skype with the author of The Rent Collector and Letters for Emily (the last two OFL Book Club selections), Camron Wright.  Discuss his books, his style of writing and more followed by a Q&A session.
                 
About the Books:

• The Rent Collector (Aug. 2012) - This is a story of hope, of one woman's journey to save her son and another woman's chance at redemption. It demonstrates that even in a dump in Cambodia--perhaps especially in a dump in Cambodia--everyone deserves a second chance.
• Letters for Emily (June 2003) - Harry Whitney has Alzheimer's disease, and he knows his 'good' time is dwindling. So he compiles a book of poems for his granddaughter, Emily, hoping that his words of hard-won wisdom will heal the old wounds that are tearing his family apart.

For adults.  Registration preferred.

Thank you Kayleigh King for thinking of OFL on YOUR b'day!

 Thank you to 5-year-old Kayleigh King for raising $111.35 for OFL! For her birthday party this year, she decided that instead of her friends getting her presents, she would rather they donate money to her favorite library! Thank you Kayleigh... We will buy many colorful books with your donation!

Making this wonderful donation to OFL wasn't the only excitement that day... Since Kayleigh had just celebrated he 5th birthday, she was now old enough to get her very own library card! She quickly signed her new card and checked out a stack of books and a movie. Congratulations and thank you again Kayleigh!

There's a Storm Front Coming...

This year, the Syracuse Crunch is partnering with OFL for one of their home games!  Saturday, February 2 at 7:30 p.m., the Crunch will take on the Rochester Americans at the War Memorial.  Tickets are $15.

If purchased one of the following ways, $3 from every ticket sold for this game will benefit OFL:

• Purchase your tickets to this game at the library's front desk.
• Order tickets by calling Brandon Wrobel at (315) 473-4444, ext. 26.
• You can also pick up a copy of the Syracuse Crunch flyer at our front desk, bring it to the OnCenter Box Office to receive a discount.

A BIG thank you to the Syracuse Crunch for presenting us with this great fundraising opportunity!

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.

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!

Meet & Greet: Assemblyman Sam Roberts

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

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"

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!

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!

* 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