Highland Winds Clarinet Quartet
The Cazenovia Public Library invites music enthusiasts of all ages to the Community Room for a concert by The Highland Winds Clarinet Quartet on Friday, March 1 at 7 pm. The event is presented as part of the Library’s “Warming up to Winter” program series.
The Quartet is comprised of John Delia, John Flaver, Tom McKay, and Ed O’Rourke. The talented musicians will perform selections from a variety of genres, including light classics, jazz, Dixieland, ragtime, and popular music.
This event is sponsored by the Friends of the Library.
Watercolor Workshop with Local Artist
The Cazenovia Public Library will welcome back local artist Richard Marchant—winner of the Fine Arts Best in Show Award at the 2018 NYS Fair—to lead a hands-on watercolor workshop. The program will be held on Saturday, March 2 at 10:30 am in the Community Room.
Using high quality reproductions of Rick’s own barn sketch, participants will be led through the process of shading and coloring the image with watercolors, pencils, and pastels to produce their own unique creations. The workshop is open to teenagers and adults. All materials will be provided. Class size is limited to ensure program quality. Call or stop by the Library to reserve a spot.
This workshop is presented as part of the Library’s “Warming up to Winter” program series, sponsored by the Friends of the Library.
Interactive Junior Book Club
“The Wild and Wonderful Readers” junior book club will hold its next meeting on Tuesday, March 5 at 3:30 pm in the Cazenovia Public Library Story Garden Room. The session will combine book discussion, games, and hands-on creative activities. The group will discuss Rump: The True Story of Rumpelstiltskin by Liesl Shurtliff.
The charming and funny fairy tale goes behind the scenes of Rumpelstiltskin. Set in a magic kingdom, the story reveals Rumpelstiltskin’s childhood and youth, explaining why his name is important, how he is able to spin straw into gold, and why he is awarded a firstborn child for helping the miller’s daughter-turned-queen.
The junior book club is open to children ages 9-14. Books are available at the circulation desk.
Mini Collage Workshop
The Cazenovia Public Library invites artists of all skill levels to the Community Room for a fun and relaxing “Mini Collage” workshop. Local counselor Pauline Cecere LCSW will lead the hands-on program on Thursday, March 7 at 7 pm. The event is presented as part of the Library’s “Warming up to Winter” program series.
Participants (ages 16+) will discover the joy and beauty of creating miniature collages (2.5” x 3.5”) using materials from nature and small items from the “junk drawer.” No artistic experience required. Class size is limited to ensure program quality. Call or stop by the Library to reserve a spot.
This event is sponsored by the Friends of the Library.
“Art for Kids” Program Series continues
Children ages 8-14 are invited to join Museum Educator Pat Hill at the Cazenovia Public Library for the next installment of Art for Kids! The hands-on program will be held Friday, March 8 at 1:30 pm in the Community Room. Discussion and activities will focus on the life and art of Ted Harrison (1926-2015).
Edward Hardy “Ted” Harrison was an English-Canadian artist who received national acclaim for his colorful landscape paintings of the Yukon. Born in Wingate, England, Harrison studied at the West Hartlepool School of Art, where he later taught for three decades. His artistic career tool off when he relocated to Northern Canada, where he was inspired by the rustic landscapes of the area. His vivid and somewhat whimsical depictions of the Canadian Northwest are characterized by their almost psychedelic color palettes.
During the March Art for Kids, participants will examine Harrison’s bright and bold arctic landscapes and create their own works in the artist’s style. All materials will be provided. Class size is limited to ensure program quality. Call or stop by the Library to reserve a spot.
Participants will qualify for the chance to win a beautiful art set donated by a good friend of the Library. The kit contains 178 pieces, including colored markers, crayons, colored pencils, watercolor cakes, oil pastels, acrylic paint tubes, and much more—all arranged in a beautiful wooden case with adjustable trays.
Celebrating Children’s Book Author Mo Willems
The Cazenovia Public Library will partner with the Fenimore Art Museum to present a special program celebrating the work of children’s book author and illustrator Mo Willems. The program will be held Saturday, March 9 at 10:30 am in the Community Room. Presenter Barbara Luhmann will focus on Should I Share My Ice Cream (2011), a book in Willems’ award-winning series, Elephant & Piggie.
Luhmann is the School and Youth Program Coordinator for the Farmers’ Museum and the Fenimore Art Museum. Her presentation will feature a story, a bingo game, and a special treat.
The Fenimore Art Museum will present “Elephant & Piggie in We are Art” April 2-May 15. The exhibition will feature artwork and drawings by Mo Willems.
The free event is presented as part of the Library’s “Warming up to Winter” program series, sponsored by the Friends of the Library.
Academy Award-winning film Bohemian Rhapsody
The Cazenovia Public Library will offer free screenings of Bohemian Rhapsody at 1 and 6:30 pm on Wednesday, March 13 in the Community Room. The 2018 biographical film of Freddie Mercury won four accolades at the 91st Academy Awards: Best Actor (Rami Malek), Best Film Editing, Best Sound Editing and Best Sound Mixing; it was also nominated for Best Picture.
Bohemian Rhapsody tells the story of Freddie Mercury, lead singer of the British rock band Queen. The film follows the singer’s life from the time he joins the band in 1970 to Queen’s 1985 Live Aid performance at Wembley Stadium in London.
The film is rated PG-13 and runs 134 minutes. Free popcorn provided. This event is sponsored by the Friends of the Library.
Library welcomes Karen Kogut, says goodbye to Marli Stahler
The Cazenovia Public Library is pleased to announce an exciting addition to its staff: Karen Kogut will join Carla Zimmerman as co-coordinator of the Library’s Literacy Outreach programs. Kogut is a Cazenovia College graduate with more than 20 years of experience working in pre-K education. An active community member and a mother of two young children, Kogut is a perfect fit for her new role.
Cazenovia Public Library Literacy Outreach has provided free literacy services since 2006, offering programs in partnership with CazCares, Madison County Reads Ahead, and New Woodstock Free Library. The Story Room Family Literacy Program, which operates out of CazCares Food Pantry (101 Nelson Street), provides early literacy, adult literacy, and parenting programs. Kogut will work in the Story Room on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays from 9:30 am-12 pm. Her warmth, knowledge, and skills are sure to enrich the lives of all who walk through the door.
Kogut will replace literacy coordinator Marli Stahler, who plans to retire at year’s end. A dynamic and highly skilled educator, Stahler has been an asset to the Library’s Literacy Outreach since 2016. The Library is extremely grateful for her many contributions and dedication to promoting literacy in the Cazenovia area.
“Working in the Story Room, with the children and families, with Gigi, and with all the unbelievable staff has been a tremendous gift in my life,” said Stahler. “I thank you all for your positivity, enthusiasm, and constant support.”
For more information, contact Carla Zimmerman at (315) 559-7591 or the Library at (315) 655-9322.
Family Literacy Outreach at CazCares results in big pay-off for children and parents
Cazenovia Public Library Literacy Outreach has provided free literacy services to the community since 2006, offering programs in partnership with CazCares, Madison County Reads Ahead, and New Woodstock Free Library.
The Story Room Family Literacy Program, which operates out of CazCares Food Pantry (101 Nelson Street), provides valuable early literacy, adult literacy, and parenting programs to visitors. In 2018, the program experienced a notable increase in its numbers. In total, the Story Room recorded 788 children’s visits (100 more than the previous year) and 2,083 books distributed (500 more than the previous year).
“We are thrilled that so many children’s books are taken home to be enjoyed over and over again,” said Library Director Betsy Kennedy. “Studies show that the number of books in a home is a good indicator of a child’s readiness for Kindergarten.”
Each summer, CazCares opens an additional learning area for school-age children. The Story Room numbers were robust throughout the 2018 summer season as a result of the expansion and participation in the popular Summer Reading and Family Read-Aloud programs.
Over 200 parents consulted with Cazenovia Public Library literacy coordinators Carla Zimmerman, Marli Stahler (retired December 2018), and Karen Kogut (started November 2018) on reading habits, parenting topics, kindergarten readiness, and more. Of those parents, 63 also attended a series of nine parent workshops presented by Kim Nowakowski of BRiDGES.
“All parents look to build strong families, and the workshops help them to further this goal,” Kogut said. “The Story Room is a safe, comfortable environment not just for children, but also for parents and caregivers.”
The 2018 success of the Library’s family literacy outreach exceeded expectation. The program’s accomplishments were made possible by the combined efforts of the literacy coordinators, seven dedicated volunteers, two Cazenovia High School interns, and CazCares Director Gigi Redmond.
Library Expands Adult Literacy
Cazenovia Public Library Literacy Outreach has provided free literacy services since 2006. Guided by Madison County Reads Ahead, CPL ended 2018 with a total of 330 adult tutoring sessions.
MCRA trains volunteer literacy tutors and recruits potential learners 18 years of age and older who want to improve their basic English language skills, earn a high school equivalency diploma (TASC, formerly GED) or learn English as a Second Language. MCRA also provides all necessary textbooks and informational workshops. Last year, 20 adult learners received free weekly one-on-one tutoring sessions from 11 well-trained, dedicated volunteer tutors as a result of the collaboration between MCRA and CPL.
“The strength of our adult literacy program is our one-on-one focus, ” said
Literacy Coordinator Carla Zimmerman. “We can tailor the learning plans to the needs and learning style of the student. Our tutors are trained to be learner-centered.”
ESL learners hailed from the Far and Middle East, Eastern Europe and Central America. Many of CPL’s TASC students required individualized learning plans as a result of Individualized Education Program recommendations put in place by the high schools they previously attended. A majority of these learners made great progress towards the 12th grade equivalency required for successful completion of TASC. The Adult Basic Education learners received steadfast instruction in reading, writing and math skills.
CPL thanks volunteer tutors Joan Carlton, Jean Conley, Bettina Frisse, Julie Jablin, Kerstin McKay, Rick Manier, Stan Mackowiak, Mary Sigle, Marli Stahler, Danette Tallman and Diane Webb.
Cazenovia Public Library strengthens community by engaging our history, connecting people, inspiring lifelong learning, and transforming lives. All events at the Cazenovia Public Library are free and open to the public. For more information, call (315) 655-9322 or visit cazenoviapubliclibrary.org.