Food for Fines!

Do you have outstanding fees on your account at the Broome County Public Library? For a limited time, you can reduce your fines and help the Community Hunger Outreach Warehouse (CHOW) at the same time! Between December 20 and December 31, you will receive $1.00 off your fines for each non-perishable food item that you bring to the Library. Food items will be donated to CHOW in support of their assistance programs to the 8,900 families served in our community. Help yourself and help CHOW during this holiday season. For more information, please call the Library at 607-778-6400.

Six-Word Memoirs

This fall, we asked local teens (and others who wanted to participate) to submit Six-Word Memoirs--telling the story of your life in just six words.

Here are the ones we received:
Happy, pretty, outstanding, glamorous, beautiful, fine. - SJL
Always changing, ever worth it. Mine! - KEH
Sad hurtful happy depression guilt worried - SAW
Hectic, stressful, depressing, busy, my own - ESS
crazy, different, funny, unlike anyone else's - NS
Lost my passion for music lately... - EMC
No father, loving family, awesome friends - NH
Some days were better than others. - PNR
I doubt too much, but live. - HJ
You can always be a star. - Anon.
Never ending, nor forgetful, cherish love. - KGC
Serious, Fun, Loving, Smart, Crazy, Loud. - MS
Faith, love and change shape life. - KS
Stress, tiring, loving, serious, exciting, bashful. - AS
Running too fast to slow down. - JVL
Corey, athletic, smart, intelligent, bright, outgoing. - CJT
I am myself and I believe. - AM
Triumph comes with whole hearted persistence. - JA
Old age challenges talents, robs abilities. - CM
eating at Golden Corral with mom - CLG
San Diego, Washington DC, Providence, Binghamton - SAB
Pain, Love, Smile, Tears, Happy, Hurt - MGK
Pretty fun, loud, bookworm, adventures, artist - LP
Hectic, crazy, exhausting... Totally worth it! - YS
Strong in body, heart + soul. - DM
much more than I ever expected - KRH
friend, sister, daughter, woman, mother, wife - AW
In Hershey everything's made of chocolate. - EY
Quiet, Funny, Kind, Loves Horses, Busy - SLP
Burned, laugh, friends, breathrough, happenstance, forgetful - MAM
Love my family. Want to write. - CR
I am adopted, I am saved. - MB
Growth, laughter, love, family, friends, hope. - MGC
My True Love is my family. - DW
Lucky to have friends in Broome. - SH
Crazy, amusing, special, fun, sad, hard - KS
Love conquers hate. Is peace love? - JPG
I'm fitting in everything I can! - TF
Crazy, fun, serious, loud, exciting, adventurous - CR
live, lied, laugh, cried, slept, died. - SVS
Meeting service dogs for the first - JMP
Days were long, years flew by. - JH
More important is what isn't seen. - SB
Have a hard time finishing my - MP
Heroes: Iron Man and Spider Man - ISC
Mirrors, staring, yelling, back at me. - GS
My lies have become my everything. - PK
Damien loves Daddy Mommy Daniel Sophia - DMVW
Drink coffee. Do stupid things faster. - JPG
I was crazy and still am! - AW
Curiosity is necessary, along with knowledge. - KR
My life can only get better! - MK
Never Ending, Ever Changing, Forever Breathing - MRH

And here are a couple that aren't exactly six words, but they're still awesome!
Music is my Life! - SR
Lost and always feels alone. - JD

For more six-word memoirs from teens all over the world, check out this book!

Sign Language Story Time

The Broome County Public Library will present a Sign Language Story Time on Tuesday, September 21, 4:00pm. Hearing, deaf, and hard-of-hearing children are invited to join us for this event. We'll enjoy some stories, which will be read aloud by a librarian and signed by an American Sign Language interpreter, and then we'll do a fun craft! This free program is intended for children ages 4 and older, and registration is required. For more information, or to register, please call the Library's Youth Services Department at 607-778-6456.

This program is made possible by funding from Senator Tom Libous's BOOKS Program.

Reading Between the Lines

The Broome County Public Library invites area residents to a Reading Between the Lines book discussion series entitled “Revolution and Rebellion in Early America,” which will begin on Tuesday, September 14, 6:00pm. Participants in this series will read works of non-fiction and literature, and the group discussion will be led by a humanities scholar. The books will be supplied by the program at no cost to participants. The Reading Between the Lines Series is funded by a grant from the New York Council for the Humanities, and it is designed to promote lively, informed discussion about humanities themes and to strengthen the relationship between the humanities and the general public.

Reading Between the Lines book discussions will take place on the second Tuesday of each month:
September 14, 6:00-7:30pm
October 12, 6:00-7:30pm
November 9, 6:00-7:30pm
December 14, 6:00-7:30pm

Registration is required. For more information, or to register, please call the Information Services Department at 607-778-6451.

Library to Host Ringling Bros. Clowns!

The Broome County Public Library is excited to announce that it will host Ringling Bros. clowns David and Cherie Gregg on Thursday, September 9, 6:00pm. In their role as Ambassadors of Laughter, Cherie and Dave travel to each city ahead of the show to share the news that Ringling Bros. is coming into town! These clowns will bring us the joy and excitement of reading with story telling, traditional circus fun, a little silly magic, a lot of animated movement, and a great deal of interaction with the children! Registration is required for this program, which is most appropriate for children ages 2-8 years old. For more information, or to register, please call the Youth Services Department at 607-778-6456.

The Hungry Ear for August

The Broome County Public Library invites area residents to The Hungry Ear, a monthly program celebrating the art of the short story, on Monday, August 30, 5:30pm. This month’s program focuses on stories from around the globe. A story from Argentina’s Leopolda Lugones, “Yzur,” tells of a scientist who is convinced he can teach a chimpanzee to speak. Pakistan’s Daniyal Mueenuddin's tale of “Nawabdin the Electrician” is an amusing tale of a poor man who has a foolproof technique for cheating the electric company. Our readers will be Bill Taylor and Sandy Monachino. We call it “a cocktail hour for the mind.” Come and be transported! Judy McMahon and the Hungry Ear Readers welcome you. This program is free and open to the public. The Hungry Ear will be held in the Library’s Exhibit Room (185 Court Street, Binghamton). For more information, please call the Library’s Information Desk at 607-778-6451.

Help Fill the Bus with Books!

The Oakdale Mall and Citadel Broadcasting Company are holding a book drive for the Broome County Public Library. Help us fill the bus by bringing your new or gently used books to the Oakdale Mall, August 14 through August 28. When you donate a book, you'll be entered to win an Oakdale Mall gift certificate for $150, $75, or $25!

On Saturdays, August 14, 21, and 28, 11am to 3pm, the bus in the mall parking lot will be open to accept books. At other times, books can be dropped off at the mall office during regular mall hours. Complete rules and regulations for the gift card drawing are available at the mall office.

Free Workshop: "Research Basics"

The Broome County Public Library Information Services Department will host a free workshop entitled “Research Basics” on Tuesday, August 10, 4:00-5:00pm. This workshop will focus on the basics of research, as well as some of the terminology connected with it. It will deal with both paper and online resources, including databases. Registration is required for this event, which will take place in the Library’s Computer Training Lab (185 Court Street, Binghamton). For more information, or to register, please call the Information Services Desk at 607-778-6451.

The Splish Splash Reading Show with Domino the Great!

The Broome County Public Library invites families to “The Splish Splash Reading Show” with Domino the Great on Tuesday, August 3, 6:30pm. This is an action-packed program that will grab the attention of children (and fun-loving adults, too!) with amazing magic tricks, hilarious humor, tons of audience participation, music and more!

While you’re at the Library for the show, you can also sign your family up for the Summer Reading Program, so you can earn prizes for reading during the summer! This event will take place in the Library’s Decker Community Room (185 Court Street, Binghamton). For more information, please call the Library’s Youth Services Department at 607-778-6456.

POSTPONED - Author Visit with Mary Bright Carr

THIS EVENT HAS BEEN CANCELLED DUE TO ILLNESS. We are hoping to reschedule, but a new date has not yet been set.

The Broome County Public Library invites you to join us as we welcome local author Mary Bright Carr as she discusses memory and traumatic experience in her new novel With The Tide on Thursday, August 5, 6:00-7:30pm. Ms. Carr is a retired SUNY Oneonta professor in the field of cognitive psychology with a primary research interest in memory, and she has published two non-fiction books in this area. This reading and book discussion will take place in the Library’s Exhibit Room. For more information, please call the Library’s Information Services Department at 607-778-6451.

Wet and Wild Science with the Dirtmeister!

The Broome County Public Library invites area families to join us for Wet and Wild Science with The Dirtmeister on Monday, July 26, 6:30pm. Splash into science with this interactive show that looks at the wonders of water! You’ll learn and have fun at the same time!

While you’re at the Library for the show, you can also sign your family up for the Summer Reading Program, so you can earn prizes for reading during the summer! This event will take place in the Library’s Decker Community Room (185 Court Street, Binghamton). For more information, please call the Library’s Youth Services Department at 607-778-6456.

Career Alternatives in Business Ownership through Franchising

In conjunction with FranNet, the Broome County Public Library will host a free workshop entitled “Career Alternatives in Business Ownership through Franchising.” FranNet provides no-cost guidance to qualified clients who are interested in exploring self-employment as a career option through franchised business ownership. This workshop will include information concerning the risks and rewards of business ownership through franchising; franchising vs. start-ups vs. existing businesses; franchise costs and financing options; the franchising research, validation and selection process. It will take place on Thursday, July 22, 5:30-6:30pm in the Library’s Ahearn Business Center. The workshop is open to the public, but registration is required. For more information, or to register, please call the Library’s Reference Desk at 607-778-6451.

Try Surfing at the Library!

The Broome County Public Library invites area teens to try surfing at the library on Thursday, July 15, 4:30pm-7:30pm. Even though we’re not near the ocean, you can still show off your surfing skills on this Mechanical Surfboard! No registration is required for this free event, which will take place in the Library Garden (185 Court Street, Binghamton). For more information, please call the Library’s Youth Services Department at 607-778-6456.

Understanding Credit - Free Workshop

The Broome County Public Library will host a free workshop entitled Understanding Credit on Monday, July 19, 5:30-6:30pm. This workshop will focus on the basics of credit and credit reports, as well as some of the terminology connected with credit. Participants will also learn about factors used in determining one’s credit score, who can inquire about someone’s credit history and how one may obtain a free credit report. In addition, participants will gain an understanding of the credit cycle and how it affects individuals. This free workshop will be presented by a certified credit counselor from Consumer Credit Counseling Services of the Central Southern Tier. Registration is required. For more information, or to register, please call the Library’s Information Services Department at 607-778-6451.

T-Shirt Stamping for Teens

The Broome County Public Library invites area teens to participate in a T-Shirt Stamping event on Thursday, July 8, 7:00pm. If any of your t-shirts are looking a little drab, bring one to the library to spice it up! Each participant should bring his/her own t-shirt. This
event will take place in the Youth Services Department of the Library (185 Court Street, Binghamton). For more information, please call 607-778-6456.

Get Your Face Painted at the Library!

The Broome County Public Library invites kids of all ages to come and have their face painted at the library on Monday, July 5, 6:30-7:30pm. Face painting will be done by Happy Faces Face Painting, who will transform your face into a work of art! While you’re here, you can also sign your family up for the Summer Reading Program, so you can earn prizes for reading during the summer! This event will take place in the Library’s Children’s Area (185 Court Street, Binghamton). For more information, please call the Library’s Youth Services Department at 607-778-6456.

TWILIGHT PARTY!

Are you excited about the new Twilight Saga movie?? We figured that you would be, so the Broome County Library and Your Home Public Library (Johnson City) are teaming up to have a Twilight party on the evening before the movie is released!

Here are the details:
The Broome County Public Library and Your Home Public Library invite fans of Stephenie
Meyer’s Twilight books to a Twilight Saga Party on Tuesday, June 29, 7:00pm. The party
will celebrate the opening of the Eclipse movie with a trivia quiz, a scavenger hunt, t-shirt
decorating, door prizes, and more. This event is for youth ages 13-18, and it will take place
at Your Home Public Library (107 Main Street, Johnson City). Admission is free, but
registration requested. For more information or to register, call the YHPL at 607-979-4816,
or BCPL at 607-778-6456.

Come See The Bubbleman!

The Broome County Public Library invites you to help us kick off the Summer Reading Program with a performance by The Bubbleman on Monday, June 28, 6:30pm. Doug Rougeux, AKA The Bubbleman, will entertain families with an eccentric combination of comedy juggling and astounding gigantic bubbles choreographed to music. You’ll also see intricate bubble sculptures, huge bubble tubes, and maybe even an audience member inside of a bubble! While you’re here for the performance, sign your family up for the Summer Reading Program, so you can earn prizes for reading during the summer! This event will take place in the Library’s Decker Room. For more information, please call the Library’s Youth Services Department at 607-778-6456.

If you can't make this event, be sure to check out our Summer Reading Program flyer for other exciting events that will be happening at the library this summer!

June's Hungry Ear to Feature Literature of Portugal

The Broome County Public Library invites area residents to The Hungry Ear, a monthly program celebrating the art of the short story, on Monday, June 28, 5:30pm. This month’s program will feature stories by renowned Portuguese writer Teolinda Gersao; “The Red Fox Fur Coat” will be read by Dorie May Ganisin, and “The Woman Who Stole the Rain” will be told by Judy McMahon. These stories tell of women who go about their ordinary day—overhearing a conversation, buying a coat—and they are propelled into a mythic, fairy-tale world. You will be transported there as well! This program is free and open to the public. The Hungry Ear will be held in the Library’s Exhibit Room. For more information, please call the Library’s Information Desk at 607-778-6451.

Raffle to Benefit the Friends of the Library

The Friends of the Broome County Public Library are holding a raffle for the decorative quilted wall hanging pictured below. Tickets are available at the Library for $1.00, and the winner will be drawn on Saturday, June 26, during the Friends of the Library used book sale. The wall hanging can be viewed at the Library. For more information, please call the Library at 607-778-6405.

Free Computer Classes

The Broome County Public Library will offer Beginning Internet Computer Classes on Wednesdays, 4:00-5:00pm, beginning June 23. Each class will run for a four-week period, and the topics covered will include using the mouse, printing, navigating the Web, searching the Internet, and using common websites. The classes will take place in the Computer Lab at the Broome County Public Library (185 Court Street, Binghamton). Space is limited, so registration is required. For more information, or to register, please call the Library’s Reference Desk at 607-778-6451.

Knitting Group to Host Author Adrienne Martini

The Broome County Public Library Knitting Group will host a visit with Adrienne Martini, author of Sweater Quest: My Year of Knitting Dangerously, on Wednesday, June 16, 6:00pm. Ms. Martini, an Oneonta resident, will discuss her book, which details her yearlong quest to knit a Mary Tudor sweater, an incredibly complicated sweater design requiring advanced knitting techniques. This event will take place in the Library's Exhibit Room, and it is free and open to the public. For more information, please call the Library’s Information Services Department at 607-778-6456.

Grantseeking Basics for Non-Profit Organizations

The Broome County Public Library will host a free workshop on grantseeking basics for non-profit organizations on Monday, June 7, 5:30-6:30pm. This workshop will give an overview of the funding research process for those seeking grants from foundations, corporations and grantmaking public charities. It will also offer tips on how to best identify funding sources for your non-profit organization, highlighting the electronic and print resources available for your free use at the Broome County Public Library. The workshop will include a demonstration of the Foundation Directory Online, which provides information on more than 91,000 grantmakers and more than a million grant records. Registration is required. For more information, or to register, please call 607-778-6451.

Dramatic Reading Program to Highlight Writers of the "Old West"

The Broome County Public Library invites area residents to The Hungry Ear, a monthly program celebrating the art of the short story, on Monday, May 24, 5:30pm. The Hungry Ear will present a rootin'-tootin' program in May! Stories by two of America's premier writers of the “Old West,” Bret Harte and Louis L’Amour, are sure to bring to life the scenes and characters of that colorful period. “The Outcasts of Poker Flat,” “The Guns Talk Loud” and “Last Gun Notch” will be read by Rick Mertens and Aksel Pedersen. Come and be transported by this program, which we call “a cocktail hour for the mind.” The Hungry Ear will be held in the Library’s Exhibit Room (185 Court Street, Binghamton). For more information, please call the Library’s Information Desk at 607-778-6451.

Picturing America: Collage for Kids

Come and make a creative collage! We'll use the artwork of Romare Bearden as an inspiration!

Suggested for ages 7 and older. Registration is encouraged. For more information, or to register, please call the Youth Services Department at 607-778-6456.

Picturing America is a program from the National Endowment for the Humanities in cooperation with the American Library Association; the program uses great works of art as a means for studying America’s history and culture.

Library Skills Program for Homeschoolers

The Broome County Public Library will be holding a library skills program for area homeschooling families. We'll take a tour of the library and then spend some time doing some fun activities to help us learn about the Dewey Decimal System.

Suggested ages 7-12. Registration is encouraged. For more information, or to register, please contact the Youth Services Department at 607-778-6456.

Wimpy Kid Party

The Broome County Public Library invites kids to a Wimpy Kid Party on Saturday, May
15, 2:30pm. The party will celebrate the Diary of a Wimpy Kid book series with games,
snacks and wimpy prizes! This event is suggested for kids ages 7-12, and free registration
is required. For more information, or to register, please call the Youth Services Department
at 607-778-6456.

Music in the Garden

In celebration of the spring opening of the Library Garden, the Broome County Public Library will host a musical program on Friday, May 7, 6:00-8:00pm. Charlene Thomson and Robert Siegers will perform American Folk music, including reels and jigs, waltzes and polkas, and familiar patriotic songs that reflect our American heritage. The program will also feature a performance by the B.F. Harridans Dancers, who will present a variety of traditional Morris dances. The program is free and open to the public, and it will take place in the Library Garden (185 Court Street, Binghamton). For more information, please call the Library at 607-778-6400.

Spring Cleaning Drop-By Craft Time

We have lots of leftover crafts from our spring story times, and we'd love it if you would come and help us use them up! On Saturday, May 1, 2:00-4:00pm, we'll be having a Spring Cleaning Drop-By Craft Time, so stop by and join in the fun!

This event is suggested for kids age 3 and older. For more information, please call Youth Services at 607-778-6456.

Career Alternatives in Business Ownership through Franchising

In conjunction with FranNet, the Broome County Public Library will host a free workshop entitled “Career Alternatives in Business Ownership through Franchising.” FranNet provides no-cost guidance to qualified clients who are interested in exploring self-employment as a career option through franchised business ownership. This workshop will include information concerning the risks and rewards of business ownership through franchising; franchising vs. start-ups vs. existing businesses; franchise costs and financing options; the franchising research, validation and selection process. It will take place on Tuesday, May 18, 3:30-4:30pm in the Library’s Ahearn Business Center. The workshop is open to the public, but registration is required. For more information, or to register, please call the Library’s Reference Desk at 607-778-6451.

Picturing America for Homeschoolers

The Youth Services Department of the Library will begin offering programs for homeschoolers this spring. We hope to have programs once a month during the regular school year, and we'll offer programs for different age groups and on a variety of topics.

The first program that will be offered is Picturing America, and it will take place on Tuesday, April 27, 2:00pm. Picturing America is a program from the National Endowment for the Humanities in cooperation with the American Library Association; the program uses great works of art as a means for studying America’s history and culture. During this Picturing America session, we will be using the work of photographer Dorothea Lange. We’ll focus on her piece Migrant Mother and talk about experiences of Americans during the Dust Bowl and the Great Depression.

This program is intended for home educated youth ages 8 and older. Registration is encouraged; for more information, or to register, please call the Library’s Youth Services Department at 607-778-6456.

Earth Day Celebration for Kids

Dr. Seuss’s classic book, The Lorax, will be read and acted out by Binghamton University’s Student Environment Awareness Club, followed by seed planting and refreshments. This free event is for children ages 5 and older, and registration is requested. For more information, or to register, please call the Library’s Youth Services Department at 607-778-6456.

Dramatic Reading Program to be Held at the Library

The Broome County Public Library invites area residents to The Hungry Ear, a monthly program celebrating the art of the short story, on Monday, April 26, 5:30pm. April’s program will be a blend of the classic and the contemporary with dramatic readings of Guy De Maupassant's poignant “The Necklace” and the hilarious “Aren’t You Happy for Me” by Richard Bausch. The Hungry Ear Readers invite you to come and be transported. This free program will be held in the Library’s Exhibit Room (185 Court Street, Binghamton). For more information, please call the Library’s Information Desk at 607-778-6451.

Knitters Invited to Library Knitting Group

Knitting enthusiasts are invited to join the Broome County Public Library’s Knitting Group, which meets the third Wednesday of each month. Upcoming meetings are on April 21 and May 19, 6:00-7:30pm. The group is open to knitters of all skill levels, and participants should bring a project to work on. Registration is not required. For more details, you may call the Library’s Information Desk at 607-778-6451.

Acting Up @ the Library!

Do you have a flair for the dramatic? Then come join us for fun improvisational and theater activities...and lots of laughs!

This workshop will be led by Amoreena Wade, who has studied acting and performing for two decades. She has been in many small films, commercials, and stage productions, and she is eligible for the Screen Actors Guild.

Suggested for ages 8-14. Signing up for this event is encouraged. For more information or to sign up, please call 607-778-6456, or email youth@bclibrary.info.

Free Workshop: "Your Annual Legal Checklist"

In honor of Mitchell Rabbino National Healthcare Decisions Day, the Broome County Public Library will host a free workshop entitled “Your Annual Legal Checklist” on Friday, April 16, 10:00am. Jamye Lindsey, Esq., will give a presentation about legal documents that every New Yorker should know about. Highlights of this workshop include the following: Powers of Attorney, Health Care Proxy and Living Wills, DNR, Organ Donations, and Probate. This workshop, sponsored by the Elder Law Section of the New York State Bar Association, will take place in the Ahearn Room of the Broome County Public Library (185 Court Street, Binghamton). Registration is requested. For more information, or to register, please call the Library’s Information Services Department at 607-778-6451.

Library Board Vacancies

The Broome County Public Library Board of Trustees is now accepting resumes for two positions on the Library Board. One must be a Broome County resident, and the other must be a resident of the City of Binghamton. Resumes may be submitted through April 16, 2010, to the Broome County Public Library Administrative Offices at 185 Court Street, Binghamton, NY 13901.

Library to Host Author Bryan Davis

The Broome County Public Library invites young people and their parents to join us in a visit with author Bryan Davis on Thursday, January 14, at 6:30pm. Mr. Davis is the author of the Dragons in Our Midst and Oracles of Fire series, contemporary/fantasy books for young adults. During his visit at the library, he will be sharing his insights about the fantasy genre and its importance for young readers.

This program is intended for youth ages 10 and older, along with their parents. It will take place in the library’s Exhibit Room. For more information, please contact Sarah at 607-778-3564 or teen@bclibrary.info.