Cazenovia Public Library Literacy Coordinator Carla Zimmerman, with Dr. Amanda Brown, assistant professor of linguistics, Syracuse University, at the Feb. 2, LECNY conference.
Cazenovia Public Library News
(Cazenovia, NY – March 2013) Syracuse University’s recent SUPER LECNY 2013 conference featured Cazenovia Public Library Literacy Coordinator Carla Zimmerman as a program presenter. The conference, held at Goldstein Student Center, had about 70 teaching professionals and language educators in attendance.
The Schools and University Partnership for Educational Responsibility is cosponsored by Syracuse University’s Schools of Arts and Science and School of Education. The organization promotes educational growth for language professionals, as well as providing funding for partnering school districts and colleges. Language Educators of Central New York is a professional organization made up primarily of language teachers, administrators and post-secondary students within the seven New York counties of Cayuga, Cortland, Herkimer, Madison, Oneida, Onondaga and Oswego.
Zimmerman’s LECNY presentation focused on specific techniques for teaching idioms in the ESOL language classroom. A native of Holland, Zimmerman is a linguist who speaks several languages fluently. She says her graduate work in the certificate of advanced studies in language teaching at Syracuse University has been a valuable resource for her role as ESOL consultant for Cazenovia Public Library’s adult education programs.
Since the mid-1990s, the number of adults in Madison County who are in need of English language and basic literacy services has greatly increased. A member of Madison County Reads Ahead, Cazenovia Public Library is one of eight public libraries in the Mid-York system that offer free adult literacy programs, including ESOL tutoring. In addition to ESOL, library literacy programs provide tutoring services in adult basic education and GED preparation.
Cazenovia Library Literacy offers on-site programs as well as tutoring services at two satellite locations – CazCares Food Pantry and the New Woodstock Public Library.
Library literacy programs are always open to new learners. For more information about ESOL programs, call Cazenovia Library Literacy at 315.655.9322.
Resource Maps Showcased
A unique exhibition entitled “Current and Past Resource Maps” remains in the Cazenovia Public Library Art Gallery during the month of March. Ask a Cazenovia resident or visitor what attracts them to the town of Cazenovia, and some aspect of the landscape is sure to be a part of the answer.
Not surprisingly, the mapping of these natural features has a long history as residents and municipal leaders have worked to define a vision for the town’s future and to guide the growth of the built environment in a way that respects and protects the natural features.
The set of maps on display in the Library Art Gallery were prepared by the Cazenovia Preservation Foundation in 2012 to provide updated information on the historic, agricultural and natural resources in the Cazenovia area. A juxtaposition of these 2012 maps with similar documentation from past planning activities provides insight into how Cazenovia’s landscape is changing and the resources that are considered important.
Viewed individually, the maps describe the location of a wide variety of natural resources. Viewed collectively, the maps remind us that it is a complex spatial and cultural interconnection of numerous resources that create an attraction to a particular place, the place we call home.
The Cazenovia Public Library Art Gallery is open during regular library hours – 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. weekdays and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays.
For more information on the exhibits at the Cazenovia Public Library or other library events, call 315.655.9322 or visit cazenoviapubliclibrary.org.
Mother Goose Tea Planned
Nursery rhymes take center stage in the Cazenovia Public Library Community Room with “Mother Goose Tea: Food and Fun for the Whole Family” Saturday, March 16, from 11 a.m. to noon. Preschoolers and their families are invited to join in the fun while celebrating Mother Goose. Crafts, activities, books and delicious foods, all inspired by nursery rhymes, will be part of the fun.
This program, co-sponsored by Cazenovia Children’s House, is free and open to the public.
For more information on the Mother Goose Tea or other events at the Cazenovia Public Library, call 315.655.9322 or visit cazenoviapubliclibrary.org.
Rise of the Guardians to be Shown
A gorgeously animated film, Rise of the Guardians, will be shown in the Cazenovia Public Library Community Room Friday, March 15, at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Based on William Joyce’s the Guardians of Childhood book series, Rise of the Guardians is about Boogeyman Pitch Black’s attempts to spread darkness and fear throughout the world and the guardians’ attempts to foil him. And, they’re going to need all the help they can get as Pitch prevents Tooth from collecting the children’s teeth, keeps E. Aster Bunnymund from hiding Easter eggs and turns the children’s happy dreams into nightmares (Amazon.com).
This film runs for 97 minutes and is rated PG for ages 7 and older; as always, admission and popcorn are free.
Les Miserables will be shown at 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. March 27.
For more information on the movie schedule or other events at the Cazenovia Public Library, call 315.655.9322 or visit cazenoviapubliclibrary.org.
CASSIE and SPOT Added at Library
In order to provide fair computer use for everyone, the Cazenovia Public Library has added two new computer programs called CASSIE and SPOT that will manage computer use by our patrons.
The CASSIE program applies to the use of the library’s desktop computers. Instead of a sign-in sheet at the desk, patrons will now sign-in at the computer using their 13-digit patron ID.
An hour will be allotted for each patron with another hour available in 15-minute increments if no one else is waiting for the computer. Patrons may also sign off from their initial hour and later enter their ID number again for another uninterrupted hour. The maximum computer use for any patron, therefore, is two hours in any 24-hour period.
CASSIE has some helpful features that users will enjoy including the little clock on the screen that will help them monitor their time. Also, users will be able to lock their computer screen if they take a short break with no concern about their privacy as only their patron ID will unlock the screen. Another appealing feature is the “wait list.” If all of the computers are in use, the desk staff will keep a “wait list” and assign computers to patrons as they become available.
The SPOT program monitors the use of the library’s wireless connection. In the past, no sign-in was required, but patrons will now be asked to use their13-digit patron ID to sign-in on laptops. After four hours, they will be asked to login again, but there is no restriction on the total number of hours that patrons can use the library’s wireless connection.
If patrons do not have their library card with them, the desk staff will gladly look up their patron ID number for them. Guest passes will also be available for those who do not have a library card or out-of-town visitors.
With CASSIE and SPOT, an accurate record of computer use is logged each day providing the library with reliable statistics on the number of people served and how the library may improve their services. Additionally, these statistics are vital for grant applications or other funding opportunities for the library. Only a record of computer and wireless use will be kept; there is no change in patron’s privacy as a result of using CASSIE or SPOT.
“In the few weeks since we added these programs, we have been pleasantly surprised at the astonishing number of recorded hours,” states Library Director Betsy Kennedy. “It’s at least double what we estimated.”
The Constable Fund has made these new programs possible. In recent years, this fund has also made possible the purchase of three laptops, two iPads and the e-Readers Nook and Kindle. Besides technology, the Constable Fund also made possible the library’s beautiful new sign on Albany Street.
For more information on these new computer programs or other library news, call 315.655.9322 or visit www.cazenoviapubliclibrary.org.