By Elizabeth Totten, Public Relations
(Canastota, NY – Jan. 2015) February, the shortest month of the year is packed full of lots of fun—especially at the Canastota Public Library. Although the month is only 28 days long this year, the Canastota Library has it filled with an art display, children and teen programming, a Canalside Talk and a book chat. We also offer regular programs which include exercise, knitting, writing, art and party bridge sessions.
Our artist for the month of February is Martie Fischer. A Feb 10 artist reception is scheduled in our Lawson Community Room and will begin at 6 p.m.
Fischer is a former resident of Perryville where she served as pastor of the Perryville, Peterboro and Canastota United Methodist Churches. In retirement since 2013, she has enjoyed time to paint and write.
Fischer is a member of the Tuesday afternoon writing group at the Canastota Library and the Utica Art Association. Her paintings have been displayed at the Remsen Arts Center and at Dodge Pratt Northam Art and Community Center in Boonville.
Fischer is serving as part-time pastor in the Living Waters Parish, which includes the Bouckville, Deansboro, Madison and Oriskany Falls United Methodist Churches. She lives in Mohawk.
In addition to painting and writing, Fischer enjoys reading, games and crossword puzzles and spending time with her son and his family in Hudson, MA.
Our regular programs for babies, toddlers and teens begin again in early February. Baby and Me Lapsit with Miss Angela is a program for babies (up to 24 months of age) and their caregivers. Miss Angela introduces the babies to the wonderful world of the library during this weekly Wednesday morning program. Baby and Me Lapsit will begin again on Feb. 4 and run through May 20. The program starts each week at 10am.
Storytime with Mrs. Liz will begin again on Thursday, Feb. 5 at 10 a.m. In this weekly program, preschoolers will enjoy read-aloud stories, games, crafts and a snack. The program will be offered through May 21.
Librateens, our teen group for students in grades 6 through 12 will begin their weekly meetings again on Wednesday, Feb. 4 after school. The meetings will include crafts, speakers, mysteries to solve and games. Our Feb. 5 meeting will be a Game Day. The group meets from 3 until 4:15 p.m. each Wednesday that school is in session. All are welcome to join in.
Are you interested in learning how to save money for your family by couponing? April Lewin will offer a Coupon Class on Feb. 5 at the Canastota Library in the Carnegie Room at 7 p.m. The cost is $10 per person to cover the cost of material. You will go home with an informational package with tips on how to use coupons, where to find coupons, a list of online resources and more. Keep in mind this is basic couponing, not extreme couponing.
April says, “There are times that I save 50 percent or more on my grocery bill and you can too!” Please call the library to let us know you will be attending. You can pay the evening of the class. The Coupon Group will plan to meet again on Feb. 26 at 6 p.m.
On Monday, Feb. 23 at 7 p.m. join us for a presentation by Joe DiGiorgio on the “History of the Biograph.” DiGiorgio will be showing some actual local photographs from 1860 – 1910. This Canalside Talk will last about an hour and is followed by a question and answer period. Light refreshments will be served. The talk is free.
Join the Book Chat on Tuesday, Feb. 24 at 1 p.m. for a discussion of the book, “Empire of the Summer Moon” by S. C. Gwynne. In the tradition of” Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee”, this book is a stunningly vivid historical account of the forty-year battle between Comanche Indians and white settlers for control of the American West. The book is centered on Quanah, the greatest Comanche chief of them all.
If you are interested in learning about other programs at the library, please refer to our website at www.canastotalibrary.org or call us at 697-7030. Our website features our weekly programming as well as special monthly programs.
The library is located at 102 W. Center Street in Canastota.