Mr Beau

Mr Beau the Clown visited the library yesterday and put on quite a show for the kids as they watched him apply his makeup from start to finish. Each child walked away with a balloon animal as well!

50's Day at the Library

Following the Summer Reading theme - Create @ Your Library, the library had a 50's Day today at the Library, ending with a showing of the movie Grease.

Simply Stories on Thursdays

Kids of all ages are welcome to join us Thursday mornings at 10am for Simply Stories. This is a half hour drop in story time, with stories, songs and fingerplays shared by our children’s staff. Weather permitting the program is held outside. You can see by this photo it is a good way to spend the morning.

Summertime and the reading is easy…

The library’s 2009 Adult Summer Reading started on June 26 and runs until August 14. For every book read during this time, adults may fill out and submit one coupon for weekly prize drawings. There will be a grand prize drawing on Friday, August 14. We are also having a friendly “Great Reading Race” with the East Irondequoit Public Library to see which library has the most books read by adults as evidence by the number of coupons submitted at the end of the summer reading program. The Summer Reading program is sponsored by the Friends of the Chili Public Library.

Kids Can Win a bike in our Summer Reading Contest

Two brand new bikes have been donated courtesy of Five Star Bank in North Chili for the Summer Reading Program. The bikes (a girl's bike and a boy's bike) are now on display in the library. We will be holding a raffle on Friday, August 14th and the two lucky children selected will win the bikes. Tickets from all six weeks submitted by kids during the Summer Reading program will be used towards the bike drawing in August. So if you haven't signed up for Summer Reading or are a bit behind in your book reading, it's time to gear up kids and read!

Chil-E Fest 2009

This year's Chil-E Fest was the best yet. The library had a booth and introduced many people to the library's summer reading program. Many children received a press on library tattoo as well. Later on the library was represented in the Chil-E Fest Parade. Many thanks goes to the staff that manned the booth (Deb, Jenn, Carol, David, Claire, along with Claire's daughter Susan), and those who organized our participation in the parade (Sandy our CPL Friends' Board President and CPL Friend Loretta, our clerk Nancy, and our children's librarian Jenn). Thanks also go to our welcome long time patrons who took part in the parade.

We've Increased Patron Computer Use Time To 120 Per Day

The average time a patron uses the library's computers is 45 minutes per day. What we have been witnessing though are more patrons needing more time to perform job searching related activities, such as, writing resumes, online applications, and accessing the web for employment opportunities. In response to this need the library board at their last meeting approved increasing the patron computer usage from 90 minutes to 120 minutes a day. This will allow patrons to better use the library’s computer equipment while allowing computer availability.

Books 'n' Nibbles

Books 'n' Nibbles is a book discussion group for kids in grades 1-3. The group meets every third Thursday at 4-4:45pm. At the last book discussion the kids read Walter the Baker by Eric Carle. Following the book reading was a craft where they illustrated their favorite Eric Carle book. They had their share of pretzels too.

Summer Reading Program For Teens

If you are between the ages of 12-18 you can take part in the Summer Reading Program for teens. For each book read, time you come in the library, or program you go to, you can enter into one of our six weekly drawings for a prize. While your at it we have several July programs specifically for teens. On July 16 is Game Design with Chris Pallace; on July 22 is T-Shirt Designing; and on July 28 is Scrapbooking with Michele. All of these programs can be found on our registration page on the library's website www.chililibrary.org.

Barnes and Noble Bookfair

Last Saturday the library had a Bookfair at the Barnes and Noble in Greece. The library spent the afternoon promoting its great services and had a variety of entertaining programs for children and adults. In short, it was a blast.

The Summer Reading Program Has Begun

Jenn Lindsey, CPL's children's librarian met with the Chestnut Ridge School - getting them ready for the library's summer reading program. Summer Reading for children signups have already begun.

For children ages 2-5, for every 15 minutes read, they may submit a coupon for weekly prize drawings!. Children ages 6-12, for every 30 minutes read, may also submit a coupon for weekly prize drawings. Coupons may be obtained at the library.

Weekly drawings for prizes are done on Friday mornings before the library opens. The first drawing will be Friday, July 10 and the final drawing will be Friday, August 14. Weekly drawings include a variety of prizes with a final drawing including tickets to SeeBreeze, which received a strong response from those in the assembly.

CPL Friends Fundraiser

Support the Friends of the Chili Public Library by purchasing a raffle coupon for a chance to win a set of two tickets to the Harvest Tour of Food and Wine, a September 19-20 event of the Keuka Wine Trail. Two sets of two tickets will be raffled off on Monday, August 3. The raffle coupons are $1 each at the Circulation Desk or six tickets for $5. Those purchasing six tickets will receive a free Keuka Wine Trail glass and a potholder. The Yates County Chamber of Commerce donated the tickets to the Friends.

This says it all...

Older Teen Winners of the 2nd Annual CPL Teen Photo Contest

Here are the older teen winners of the 2nd Annual CPL Teen Photo Contest.

1st place: Katelyn Tumia, age 17 for her photo “Lincoln Daniel”
2nd place: Katelyn Tumia, age 17 for her photo “K8”

3rd place: Brendan Jaccarino, age 17 for his photo “The

Colosseum”.

There were also five honorable mentions: Christina Salvas, age 18 for her photo “Girls at the Door”, Sarah Talbot, age 17 for her photos “Sunset-mother and child” and “Hammock”, Daniel Shafer , age 17 for his photo “Winterscape”, and Brendan Jaccarino, age 17 for his photo “Cremona”.

The photos will be on display at the library for the month of June.

Younger Teen Winners of the 2nd Annual CPL Teen Photo Contest

Here are the results of the Young Teen category for the 2nd Annual CPL Teen Photo Contest held last Saturday.
First place: Joelle Cole, age 12 for her photo “Hidden Beauty”

Second place: Hannah Karpenko, age 15 for her photo “Discarded Trunk of Memories”

Third place: Juliana Cole, age 13 of for her photo “Daisy Eggs”


There were five honorable mentions: Jonah Martin, age 15 “Perspective” and “Lifesize, Beware!”, Amelia Schneider, age 14 for “Goob”, Miranda McGrath, age 15 for “In the Street”, and Karla Mueller, age 13 for “Grape Hyacinths in full”. The photos will be on display during the month of June.

A Perfect Day For A Story

It was a perfect day outside the Children's Literary Garden where children gathered to hear Miss Jill, Melissa our intern, and Mrs. A. read a story during the library's storytime hour.

Books and Movies And About The Jury System

For the past two days I was involved in the process of jury selection for a case brought forward at the Hall of Justice. Though ultimately I was not selected to be on the jury, I found the process to be an interesting experience. It made me think of the fiction books and movies that have been made that involved juries. I have come up with five off the top of the my head. Can you come up with more. Leave a comment.

To Kill A Mockingbird
12 Angry Men
Judgement at Nuremberg
The Client
A Few Good Men

RochesterWorks! 50+ Career Workshops

During May the library held two career workshops in partnership with RochesterWorks!, for the 50+ or nearly 50 Job Seeker. These workshops are designed to provide methods for counteracting the age factor in the selection process. We have two more career workshops in the month of June.

All workshops run from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. and registration is required. Register online at http://www.chililibrary.org/ or contact the
library at (585) 889-2200.

These workshops will be presented by Dr. Rita M. Carey, Career Specialist, RCM Associates. Rita has designed and managed career centers for Fortune 100 companies and has worked with thousands of career transitioners.

Wednesday, June 3 - Networking at 50+ - Yes, you can!
This workshop is for you, if:
¨ you are uncomfortable with the thought of networking
¨ you think networking is taking advantage of others
¨ you have not been able to identify an appropriate contact base
¨ you feel awkward about having networking conversations

Wednesday, June 10 - Interviewing at 50+: How to counteract the age factor
.. You will learn:
¨ How to influence age perception
¨ Ways to deal with age-related questions
¨ Pitfalls of the second interview and how to avoid them
¨ A serious mistake made frequently by the more experienced job seeker
¨ Generational work styles and how those affect selection and success

Homeschooling Fair

The library held it's first Homeschooling Fair last Saturday for those interesting in homeschooling but don't know where to start. Parents who have been doing it for years were present to help answer questions from prospective parents and to display materials used by homeschooling families.

Pictured above Janet Tierney is the homeschooling mom speaking with Frances Maier, and Frances's mother. Frances was homeschooled as a child and now she is planning to homeschool her own children.

Barnes & Noble Bookfair Supporting Chili Public Library

A Barnes & Noble Bookfair to support the Friends of the Chili Public Library will be held all day on Friday, June 12th, 2009. Vouchers may be picked up at the Library. When purchasing materials at the Barnes & Noble at the Mall at Greece please present the voucher. A percentage of the net sales will then be donated to the Friends of the Chili Public Library.

Remember Father’s Day, Graduations, Weddings, Test-Prep and Summer Reading!

Events will be running at the store from 3pm-8pm. Here is the schedule of events:

3:00 pm ~ Musical entertainment by Kara Fink, talented 15 year old singer, songwriter, and instrumentalist from Chili.
4:00 pm ~ Therapy Dogs Storytime. Come read a story to one of our wonderful therapy dogs!
5:00 pm ~ Corduroy Storytime and Craft. Come meet Corduroy, hear stories and do a craft!
6:00 pm ~ American Girl Fashion Show. Come see costumes modeled from several of the American Girl books.
7:00 pm ~ Bonnie Moore, Chili Town Historian, presents “The Cobblestone Buildings of Chili.” Come enjoy fascinating facts and interesting stories about these historic buildings.

Storytime at CPL

Melissa Flynn takes a turn sharing a story with children during a storytime at the Chili Public Library. Melissa is pursuing a Master's degree in Library and Information Studies at University of Buffalo and is currently interning at Chili Public Library for eight weeks.

Databases Available For Searching

Due to a reduction in State funds used to support system services such as shared databases the following systemwide databases have been dropped:
· Biography Resource
· Dear Reader (online book club)
· Novelist
. Opposing Viewpoints

The system still provides access to the following database:
· HeritageQuest

There are additional databases you can access which are provided by State Library. These databases include:
· Business and Company Resource Center
· Gate Custom Newspapers
· Grolier Online
· Health and Wellness Resource Center
· Netlibrary Reference Center
· Primary Search via SEARCHASAURUS
· Proquest PremiumTwayne’s Author Series

To access these databases and others visit our library’s webpage http://www.chililibrary.org/ and select ‘Search for Magazine Articles’ at the lower right of the screen.

Are we organized at the CPL!!!!

David Tyler not only works as a clerk for the library but continues to build beautiful shelving units for the library as well. His latest addition to the library is a shelving unit in the children's area. To save space he designed and built a unit that showcases books, puzzles, magazines and mixed media. He has also built specialized library furniture and shelving for other libraries within the area.

Barrel of Fun Productions - Farm Animal Puppet Show

The Barrel of Fun Productions - Farm Animal Puppet Show on April 21 was a hit with the kids. Old McDonald's farm was there and the puppets were having a celebration. These hand puppets talked and sang and kept 85 people in the audience entertained.

Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon

Staff expressed their gratitude to those who volunteer their time at the library's annual Volunteer Appreciation luncheon on April 20. Volunteers help the library in a variety of ways. There are the Dewey Dusters who adopt sections of the library to help keep the library clean, neat and orderly, members of the library board, and members of the friend's board. It is through their caring hearts and helpful hands that they help build a strong community.

Dog Lesson

Back by popular demand! On April 20th kids came to the library to read to therapy dogs. You can see for yourself what a great way it is for children to begin to feel confident reading aloud.

Computer Use Survey - May 4-18

The Chili Public Library will be participating in a nationwide Internet survey from May 4-18 to find out how people use the free computers and Internet connections in public libraries. The Rochester Public Library and the Chili Public Library are two of 30 New York State public libraries chosen for the survey. The U.S. IMPACT web survey is being conducted by the University of Washington Information School with support from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Until now, there has been no nationwide research about how library computing services fit into peoples’ lives. Though many believe library computers are used only for entertainment, patrons use the computers for a variety of reasons including job search, staying connected with family and friends, and obtaining health information. This information will be used to improve library services and to inform policy makers about how best to fund and support libraries.

Chat Online With A Reference Librarian

You can now chat online with our reference librarians during hours the library is open to the public. By visiting our webpage www.chililibrary.org, on the right hand-side you will see a Reference chat box. Just type in the question you have and the librarian will respond in kind. Typical questions the library answers are if the library owns a particular item, and questions of a factual nature. Do you want to know the height of the Empire State Building, the address and phone of an out of state business or,any other question you may want to know the answer? Give us a try. If online chat is not your thing, call us at 889-2200 or visit the reference desk in person at 3333 Chili Avenue.

The Circus Is In Town

The Ringling Brothers Circus clowns came to the Chili Public Library this week to promote the circus coming to town April 29-May 3 at the Blue Cross Arena. The kids got their own special reading storytime and met with clowns. Any child can also come to our library, check out a book, and enter to win a family of four - pack of tickets to the circus.

Monthly Newsletter

The monthly Chili Public Library News is now on our homepage. The library's newsletter was originally begun in July 2000 as a monthly in-house publication of library news and events to help keep staff and library patrons informed. 106 issues later, the publication has been revamped and expanded. About 60 people currently receive it directly to their email and print copies are available in the library.

The publication has expanded from two to four pages and includes a section written by the director. There are highlights of upcoming library programs, a calendar of programs for the month, and a “new adult, teen, and children's acquisitions” section. Take a look and enjoy the colorful format and sidebar quotations.

Click here to request to have the newsletter sent to you electronically via e-mail.

Easter Egg Hunt

Last Saturday was a hit. With Easter coming up there were two programs for kids to enjoy stories, work on a craft, and search the library for eggs. The next upcoming program to look for back by popular demand is 'Tales for Tails' on April 20th. This is a great way for children to begin to feel confident about reading aloud by reading to therapy dogs. Registration for that program begins on April 6 and can be done online by clicking on the Program Registration link on our webpage www.chililibrary.org.

A Lover Of Books

I do not typically write about things of a personal nature on this blog, but due to my mother's recent passing I think it apropos to reflect upon the importance that books and learning had on her life. She was an avid reader. Even going well into her seventies she would read up to five books at a time. It was not so much that she would retain all the knowledge that was between the covers of the books she read, but it was the joy in the learning that was special to her. As soon as you saw her she would ask what you were reading, and then would share with you what she had just learned. By far her favorite subject was literature. When she could no longer drive she would ask me or my brother to drop her off at a library to spend some time there. It did not matter which one. She loved the atmosphere of a library, and took pride that I was in the library field. In looking back I would have to say my love of books and libraries come from her. Having had a sizable book collection, a share of them will find there way into the Chili library's collection as a donation. In this way I like to think she will continue to share her love of reading with others.

Have you ‘red’ a good book lately, meet the Library Staff who gladly help you find one

Chili Public Library's Photostream

New to the Chili Public Library webpage are photos of programs and fun activities we have put on Flickr (an online photo management software). Just go to our library's website http://www.chililibrary.org/ and click on "Photos on Flickr" There you will see a series of photos from our kids, teens, and adult programs that are updated on a regular basis. Try it out and you will feel just like you are here.

A Family Affair

The Beaded Adult Bracelet Craft Program was a huge success last night. Here two sisters and a daughter did the craft together. The instructor LOVED our library and why not?

Check Out Libraries For Jobs

American Girl Revisited

The first Thursday of the month is The American Girl Club from 4-5pm, and for the March get together, Jessica, one of our library clerks held 50 girls between the ages of 8-12 transfixed for a solid hour. On a regular basis Jessica takes part in Civil War reenactments in the area. She came to the club in period dress and spoke to the girls about what it would be like to live during that time. One lucky girl was chosen to dress up in period dress as well.

Monroe County Library System's New Webpage

The Monroe County Library System had developed a new webpage which they hope to make their main webpage in the summer. Click here on the New MCLS Webpage and take a look. MCLS would love to get your feedback on what you think of the new MCLS webpage and where you would like to see improvements.

Quote of the Day...

I read this quote today and thought it most appropo.

"Libraries will get you through times of no money better than money will get you through times of no libraries" Anne Herbert

Black Creek Watershed Map Guide

The library now has a printed map of the Black Creek Watershed available free to patrons to take. The map has been recently prepared by the Black Creek Watershed Coalition. It is a beautiful fold out map showing the various sites along the watershed. Each site has a full description. There has been a limited printing of the map so if you are interested in having the map ask for one at the reference desk. More information about the Black Creek Watershed can be found at www.blackcreekwatershed.org.

Art Work At The Library

The library's own Cristina Salvas has displayed her art work in the library's lobby during the month of February. Her portraits and paintings have received positive comments from those in the community. A student of Nazareth Academy, Christina also works as a page at the library.

Be My Valentine

Madeline, age 7 came to our Valentine Craft night at the CPL to make valentines with Jenn our Children's Librarian. 56 people attended this successful program.

World Visits

It is to be expected that most of the visits to this blog comes from those who live in New York State. Recently I accessed google analytics which gives statistics about one's blog such as the number of visits the blog has each day. To my surpise I found out that the blog has been visited at least once by those living in the following countries: Turkey, Canada, Germany, Norway, Romania, India, France, and the United Kingdom.

What to Read? - Book Talks @ 2

Now that you have finished reading your book what you ask yourself do I read next? At CPL we have begun a new program called Book Talks @ 2. Join us from 2-2:45pm on February 12, March 12, and April 9. Then you will meet others and hear from our library staff brief reviews of books of interest. You'll also have a chance to share books you've enjoyed and see what's available at the library. Best part, refreshments will be served. No registration necessary.

New Monroe County Library System Director

I am glad to report that the Rochester Public Library and the Monroe County Library System has a new director, Patty Uttaro. I have worked with Patty on many projects and have been impressed by her knowledge, dedication, and vision. Previous to Patty being the director she was the Assistant Director for the Rochester Public Library. Prior to that she was the director of the Ogden-Farmers Library.

American Girl Series Workshop

The first Thursday of each month from 4 -5 pm is our new "American Girl" book club! No registration is required. The club is ideal for children aged 8-12 who love the American girl book series. Each month we will read and discuss a different book, and sometimes talk about the history, food, and crafts associated with the time period of the "American Girl" featured. Sometimes we will read an "American Girl" mystery, just to add some suspense to the mix! This Thursday, Ms. Talbot and Ms. Amesbury who developed this program featured the book "Meet Samantha" by Susan S. Adler, and the 39 girls that were there learned about how to make Victorian Valentine cards! Participants are welcome to bring their dolls to meetings, too!

National Learning Books For Civil Service Tests

A patron came into the library the other day to check-out a Notary test book to study for her Notary test. She was happy to tell us that she took the test, passed it, and attributed it to the National Learning Book we had. The library has several other learning books for civil service tests, such as:

Accountant,
Police Officer
Clerk II
Accountant clerk
Maintenance mechanic
Secretary
Electrician
Clerk III
Deputy Sheriff
Payroll Clerk
Custodian
Correction officer
Fire Fighter
Computer Operator
Principal Library Clerk
Food Service Worker
Clerk Carrier
Recreation Director
Clerk Stenographer
Clerk Typist II

Job Hunt Workshops at CPL

The Chili Public Library is excited to announce its partnership with RochesterWorks! to provide seven workshops at the library to help local job seekers in their search for new employment. These workshops run Mondays, February 23 through March 30, and Wednesday, April 15, from 6:30-8pm. By clicking on the image below you will be able to read the individual workshops that are being offered. Registration for each workshop begins February 2, and may be done online at www.chililibrary.org or by contacting the library (889-2200).

CPL's New Children's Area Chalk Table.

Thanks to the Friends of the Chili Public Library - we have a new chalk table for the Children. Leah Wilkie (5) from North Chili is the first to use the new Chalk Table. The Chalk Box Story and Sidewalk Chalk are just two of the many storybooks we have about the fun we can create by just reading a story.

Making Memories

Yesterday one of the library staff was conversing with a mother who brought her child to one of our storytimes. The mother commented, "I come here to make memories." To me that captures the importance that libraries have to those in the community. Do you have any memories that involve libraries you would like to share?