Off the Shelf: August events at Maxwell Library
Submitted by Rena Brower
Summer Reading Program for Children and Teens at Maxwell
It’s easy to register for A Universe of Stories and record your books online from Maxwell’s website or in person at the library by Aug. 14. Each reading goal met gives you a chance for more prizes. Be sure to mark your calendars for the End of Summer Reading Party on Wednesday, Aug. 14 at 6 p.m., and check out Maxwell’s amazing programs all summer long for kids of all ages.
West Genesee CSD Summer Reading Lists
Titles for the West Genesee middle and high school summer reading lists will be available through Maxwell Library. Demand is usually high, so please leave enough time to get your choices before summer ends.
Children 18 and under with their own library cards might worry that overdue book fines will prevent them from participating in the library’s Summer Reading Program. Please come and speak with Ms. Melissa Lewandowski about Maxwell’s amnesty program.
Wild Wednesdays free family entertainment programs are held Wednesdays, 6 to 7 p.m. No registration is required; come early for a front-row seat! This year’s series concludes on Aug. 7 with Checkers and Snoozer’s Back to the Moon show.
Adult Summer Reading Program
Through Aug. 16. For ages 18 and up. Free. No registration. Enter in person at the library or online any time at MaxwellMemorialLibrary.org.
Don’t let kids have all the fun—join Maxwell’s Adult Summer Reading Challenge! For every book you read or listen to, every library program you attend, and each Director’s Challenge you complete, earn one ticket for a weekly chance to win a $25 gift certificate to a local business.
New—Board games for borrowing with an adult’s library card. Family-friendly, borrow for one week with one renewal, one game at a time. Games are not able to be reserved. They must be checked out from and returned to the Maxwell circulation desk.
Art exhibits
What I View: Taking a Glimpse of Landscapes Around Me
Sketches and oils by Deborah Connolly
Running through Aug. 28.
In her artist statement, Skaneateles artist Deborah Connolly (DAC) says, “My representation of the scenery around me is an art work in which I create an abstract design.” Her paintings portray the essence of her subjects in vivid colors and bold brushstrokes.
Games on a Roll
Wednesday, Aug. 14, 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Free. Registration preferred. For ages 5 to 18.
Come to Maxwell for an afternoon of fun and safe gaming before the End of Summer Reading Party. The Games on a Roll custom video game party truck and trailer is equipped with the newest video game consoles, coolest games, comfortable stadium seating, high tech video and sound and an amazing laser light show. Up to 20 can play numerous games simultaneously. All games are rated E for Everyone.
End of Summer Reading Party for kids and teens
Wednesday, Aug. 14, 6 to 7 p.m. Free.
Celebrate the past two months of fun and library activities. There will be ice cream, free books, raffle prizes, and more.
Genealogy Roundtables
Wednesday, Aug. 14, 6 to 7:30 p.m. and Wednesday, Aug. 21, 1 to 3 p.m. Following the Ladies. Free. Registration preferred.
Join genealogist Amanda Perrine for Maxwell’s monthly Genealogy Roundtable. Library patrons interested in researching their own family histories get together to discuss problems in their research and share tips on sources and methodology. Both beginners and longtime researchers are welcome. This month, learn how to find women’s maiden names and their names after marriage.
Comic Book Basics with Patty Boyd
Thursday, Aug. 15, 3 to 4 p.m. Free. Registration preferred. For ages 11 to 15.
Learn the basics of comic book drawing from artist Patty Boyd including paneling, time flow, and basic figure work. You will learn how to start drawing action oriented, black and white comic drawings in only an hour. All supplies provided.
US Census Job Fair
Thursday, Aug. 15, 4 to 6 p.m. Free. No registration.
Office and field work is available beginning September 2019 for the upcoming 2020 US Census. Apply today for positions. Adults over 18 and US citizenship are the only requirements. No resume or CV is needed. Drop in at Maxwell Library between 4 and 6 p.m. for more information and to apply in person.
Maxwell Library Board Meeting
Monday, Aug. 19, 6 p.m.
The board of trustees meets on the third Monday of each month unless stated otherwise. The public is welcome to attend. The agenda is posted online one week before.
Tech Class—I Am Jane’s Tech Issue
Thursday, Aug. 22, 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Free. Registration preferred. You may bring your personal laptop, tablet, or phone.
We all have those questions that we’re afraid to ask because “everybody else already knows the answers.” Maxwell’s August Tech Program is your chance to ask some of those questions about technology. Tech Librarian Pete Schult will bring some common questions to start with, but this is your chance to bring your own questions and get them answered.
Cookbook Club—Picnic Fare
Thursday, Aug. 22, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Free. Registration preferred.
Make a favorite picnic recipe and bring it along with the cookbook it’s from. We’ll share a meal and have fun talking about food and cooking.
Between the Lines Book Club
Monday, Aug. 26, 2 to 3:30 p.m. Free. No registration.
The group reads a variety of genres, from literary fiction to suspenseful bestsellers. Copies of this month’s selection, David Grann’s “Killers of the Flower Moon,” and reading guides are available at the desk. Everyone is welcome.
Ongoing programs for kids and teens (all free; no registration unless otherwise noted):
Stories with Sally, for the under-3 crowd and a participating adult.
Wednesday, Aug. 14, 10:30 to 11:15 a.m.
Preschool Story Time with Ms. Melissa
Thursday, Aug. 15, 10:30 to 11 a.m. For children ages 3 to 5 with a parent or guardian.
This fun story time helps preschoolers develop early literacy skills and fosters curiosity. Come and enjoy stories followed by a simple craft. Younger (and older) siblings are welcome. Aug. 1—“Pete the Cat and the Missing Cupcakes.” Aug. 8—“How Do Dinosaurs Say Good Night?” Aug. 15—“Chicka Chicka Boom Boom.”
1000 Books Before Kindergarten
To promote reading to newborns, infants, and toddlers as well as to encourage parent and child bonding through reading, the 1000 Books Foundation has issued a challenge to parents to read 1000 books to their children before kindergarten. Stop in at Maxwell Library to get your first reading log and informational materials, and start reading.
With OverDrive and Hoopla, great entertainment is only a click away on your computer or mobile device. We have ebooks, audiobooks, magazines, music and videos, with new titles added daily. It’s easy, fun, and free! Call to set up a help session.
Get tech savvy by attending Tech Librarian Pete’s monthly classes. Catch up on what you missed with Handouts and Other Resources through the Digital tab on our website.
Your library card is the key to amazing free online encyclopedias, newspapers, magazines, archives, tutorials, and courses. Go to the Digital tab on Maxwell’s website, or to onlib.org/research/databases.
Ask about the variety of digital devices available for borrowing or in-library use.
Sign up for Maxwell’s monthly e-newsletter through our website, Facebook page, or at the circulation desk.
See upcoming events and register as needed through our online events calendar.
You can support Maxwell Library online through the PayPal Donate feature on our website.
Being a Friend of Maxwell is a great way to support the library. The group sponsors library programs and fundraising events. Click the Friends tab on maxwellmemoriallibrary.org for news and updates of meetings and special events.
Are you planning on visiting a New York State or an Onondaga County park? Borrow a NYS Empire Pass or an Onondaga County Park Pass from Maxwell Library before your trip. Both passes are available on a first-come, first-served basis to patrons over the age of 18 with OCPL library accounts in good standing. They may be checked out for three days, and must be returned in person at Maxwell. Call or stop in for more details.
Maxwell Memorial Library is located at 14 Genesee St., Camillus. The library is open Monday through Thursday, 10 to 8 p.m.; Friday, 10 to 5 p.m.; Saturday, 10 to 3 p.m.; closed Sundays. Closed Saturday, Aug. 31 through Monday, Sept. 2 for Labor Day. Please call 315-672-3661 for additional information about any of our programs, visit our website at maxwellmemoriallibrary.org, like us on Facebook, or find us on Instagram and Twitter @maxmemlib.
