Off the Shelf

Off the Shelf: December events at Maxwell Library

Submitted by Rena Brower

Art exhibit

The Collective and Diverse Work of CNY Photographers

Running through Dec. 27

CNY Photographers is a group of photo enthusiasts from the Central New York area with one common goal—to make photographs for the sheer enjoyment of photography. Sandi Cannellos, Raven Cornellius, Joe Cosentino, Tracey Green, Debbie Gunther, Lisa Hackley, Anne Marie Hayden, Michael Herd, Wyatt Kyle, Sue Morison, Sandi Patnode, and Janet Polech bring their diverse subjects and techniques to Maxwell Library this month to illustrate the artistic power of both amateur and professional photography. CNY Photographers is always looking to add new members and is open to photographers of every level. If you are looking for a group of like-minded people with a love for photography, find out more at meetup.com/CNY-Photographers or come to the opening reception on Dec. 5 at 6 p.m.

TBL Peer-Based Suicide Support Group

Tuesdays, Dec. 10, and 17, and Monday, Dec. 30, 6 to 7:30 p.m. Free. No registration.

Two Brothers’ Light is a non-profit organization that promotes suicide prevention and awareness. It holds peer-based support groups for individuals affected by suicide and other mental health issues. These meetings are free and open to anyone seeking information on suicide prevention and awareness, alternatives to suicide, or grief support for those affected by suicide. For more information, call 315-632-1996, or go to twobrotherslight.org.=

CNY Photographers Opening Reception

Thursday, Dec. 5, 6 to 7:30 p.m. Free. No registration.

The public is cordially invited to an opening reception for the CNY Photographers’ December show. This is an ideal time to meet members of the group of local photo enthusiasts and maybe walk away with some new photography tips. CNY Photographers is always looking to add new members and is open to photographers of every level.

Craft Class—Greeting Card Gift Boxes

Saturday, Dec. 7, noon to 2 p.m. Free. No registration. For adults. Presented by Corinne Kinane and Larry Young.

Make one or more small gift boxes from regular greeting cards. These are perfect for small but special gifts, from jewelry to gift cards. Each box takes just a few minutes to create, using cards, scissors, and tape. All supplies provided. Stop in and stay as long as you like.

Holiday Family Fun

Saturday, Dec. 7, 10 to 6 p.m. Free. No registration.

The Village of Camillus celebrates Christmas in the Village today from 4 to 7 p.m. with crafts, music, raffles, shopping, a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus, and fireworks! Maxwell Library will stay open until 6 p.m. so families can stop in for simple crafts all day and free family holiday movies after 2 p.m.

Maxwell Matinee

Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2 p.m. Call for title. 1980; PG; 1 hour and 45 minutes. Free. Registration preferred. For adults. Snacks provided.

In this classic romantic fantasy, Christopher Reeve is a playwright who travels back in time to find his true love, an actress played by Jane Seymour. Licensing laws prevent the publication of certain details, but you may call the library or go to the library website for the title. Seating is limited, so please reserve your place online or by calling 315-672-3661.

U.S. Census Job Fair

Tuesday, Dec. 10, 4 to 6 p.m. Free. No registration.

Office and field work is available for the upcoming 2020 US Census. Apply today for positions. Open to adults over 18 with US citizenship. 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.

Genealogy Roundtables

Wednesday, Dec. 11, 6 to 7:30 p.m. and Thursday, Dec. 12 1 to 3 p.m. Canadian genealogy. Free. Registration preferred. Join genealogist Amanda Perrine for Maxwell’s monthly Genealogy Roundtable. People 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 search north of the border.

Unraveling Yarns Book Club

Thursday, Dec. 12, 10:30 to noon. Free. No registration.

All book selections have a mystery or suspense theme. Bring your needlework and unravel a different plot each month. Stop in at Maxwell for a copy of this month’s book, Ian Rankin’s Even Dogs in the Wild, and a reading guide. Non-knitters are also welcome.

Craft Class—Winter Greeting Cards

Thursday, Dec. 12, 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. and 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Free. Registration required. For adults. Due to the popularity of this program, there are two sessions–sign up for either 4:30 or 5:30 p.m.

Make two beautiful layered cards with Alyson Esposito. There will be one all-occasion and one winter design. Complete the designs using rubber stamps and colored pencils and your choice of several holiday and all-occasion sentiments. All supplies provided. Each class is limited to ten participants.

Art Class for Kids

Saturday, Dec. 14, 11 to noon. Please bring $5 supply fee to class. Registration required. For ages 7 to 12. Presented by Kaley McHale.

Check online to see what this month’s project will be.

Safe Place to Game

Wednesday, Dec. 18, 4 to 6 p.m. Free. Registration preferred. For ages 7 to 18.

Safe Place to Game is a community program presented by TCGplayer where students and families can learn and play trading card games like Pokemon, Magic: The Gathering, and Yu-Gi-Oh.

HEAP Outreach for Seniors

Thursday, December 19, 10 to 1 p.m. Free. No appointment is necessary.

The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) is a program offered by New York State that assists people with their electric and heating bills. If you are at least 60 years old and meet the income guidelines, stop in at Maxwell Library and speak with a HEAP representative for further information, to pick up an application, or for help completing and submitting an application.

Tech Class—Digital Decluttering

Thursday, Dec. 19, 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Free. Registration preferred. You may bring your personal laptop, tablet, or phone.

Hundreds of unread emails, a desktop covered with icons, an important file that seems to have disappeared–these are some common forms of digital clutter. In December’s Tech Program at Maxwell, Tech Librarian Pete Schult looks at some ways to get on top of the clutter and make it so that you can find the things that are important to you whenever you need them.

Between the Lines Book Club

Monday, Dec. 30, 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, Marie Benedict’s “Carnegie’s Maid,” 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.

Mondays and Wednesdays, Dec. 4, 9, 11, 16, and 18, 10:30 to 11:15 a.m.

Sally’s Story Time, for preschoolers ages 3 to 5.

Tuesdays, Dec. 10, and 17, 10:30 to 11 a.m.

Preschool Story Time with Ms. Melissa

Thursdays, Dec. 5, 12, and 19, 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. Dec. 5—If Animals Went to School; Dec. 12—The Wheels on the…Uh-Oh!; Dec. 19—Click, Clack, Ho, Ho, Ho!

Tuesday Crafternoons

Tuesdays, Dec. 10, and 17, 3:30 to 7 p.m. For children ages 3 to 10.

Drop in at Maxwell to make the week’s planned craft or one of your own choosing. Dec. 10—Reindeer greeting card; Dec. 17—Hanukkah or Christmas craft.

Homeschool Family Fun

Monday, Dec. 9, 1 to 2:30 p.m. All ages.

Connect with other members of the homeschool community at this fun, casual hangout for homeschooling parents and their kids. There will be games, crafts, and more. Bring your ideas for what you would like to see offered and look for more programs to start soon.

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!

Library patrons may now borrow one of three OCPL Tech Backpacks from Maxwell. Each kit contains an HP Chromebook and charger, a Verizon hotspot and charger, and a quick start guide for using the equipment. For more information on lending procedures and equipment specifications, see Maxwell’s website or ask at the circulation desk.

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.

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 Tuesday and Wednesday, Dec. 24 and 25, and Tuesday and Wednesday, Dec. 31 and Jan. 1 for the holidays. 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.

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