By Michelle Waltos
Librarian
Just over a year ago, a utilitarian computer lab inside the Northern Onondaga Public Library (NOPL) @ North Syracuse was reconceived as a space where people could participate in self-guided activities that would educate, inspire and engage. Dubbed “The Discovery Den,” the room received a mini-makeover and is now home to a Lego station, coloring table, film negative and slide converter and a stop-motion animator, as well as other activities that change on a rotating basis.
An outdoor patio was another a welcome addition last year at our North Syracuse branch. On a nice day, visitors can often be seen relaxing at the tables with their books and magazines, eating lunch or taking advantage of the library’s extended Wi-Fi service on their mobile devices.
NOPL @ Cicero also boasts a lovely outdoor space, better known as the LibraryFarm. Enjoy some sunshine on one of several benches built by Eagle Scout J. DeWolf and swap a book at the Little Free Library in the garden. The LibraryFarm is a great location for birding enthusiasts, where distinctive species like goldfinches and killdeer can be seen.
A Little Free Library built by Eagle Scout Brendan Rudd has also been installed up in the beautiful Riverfront Park that sits across the street from NOPL @ Brewerton. Sign the guestbook inside, sit at a picnic table, and watch the boats heading in and out of Oneida Lake. Afterwards, cross the street and come into the library and you’ll find another unique space: the Preservation Studio. Inside, you’ll find the latest technology to digitize your old photographs, slides and negatives, as well as convert your VHS to DVD. Learn more about the Preservation Studio by visiting nopl.org/pstudio.
Whether it’s inside or outdoors, the library is here to offer a place of refuge when you need some quiet, want to connect with others, learn something new or complete a project. Stop by the library and experience firsthand the great spaces NOPL has to offer.
