THE PATHFINDER 1 SPRING 2014

JobNow Assists .....................2

Early Literacy ........................2

3-D Printing .........................3

Summer Reading .................3

Community Connections .....4

Wyoming County ................4

Wayne County .....................5

Ontario County....................6

Livingston County ................7

Spring 2014

New York State Legislature Boosts Library Aidby Cassie Guthrie, Executive Director

On March 31 the Legislature and Governor agreed on a 2014/15 budget which includes a statewide restoration of $5 million in library aid. The $5M represents the legislature “adding back” the $4M from last year that the Governor cut, and increasing last year’s funding by $1M.

Although this amount falls short of our legislative goal, it does represent the third year in a row that state aid to libraries has been increased, and it tells me that our advocacy efforts are working. Phone calls, emails, and visits do make a difference and I’d like to once again thank everyone who took action through a phone call, email, letter or legislator visit.

This year 50 Pioneer advocates (an increase of 5% from last year) traveled to Albany and met with their individual legislators: Senators Patrick Gallivan, Michael Nozzolio, Ted O’Brien and Catharine Young, and Assemblymen David DiPietro, Brian Kolb, Bill Nojay and Bob Oaks.

Pioneer advocates from Livingston and Wyoming counties met with Senator Gallivan in his Albany offi ce during the New

York Library Association’s 2014 Library Advocacy Day.

Ontario Public Library representatives with Senator Nozzolio

50 Pioneer advocates rode this year’s bus to Albany for Library Advocacy Day

on February 26.

Our Senators and Assemblymen recognize that library systems maximize local tax dollars and create economies of scale that benefi t the communities they represent. Our Pioneer legislators have been very accessible to us, both in district and during our annual trip to Albany.

SPRING 2014 2 THE PATHFINDER

JobNow Assists Local Job Seekers

Early Literacy Focus in 2014Early literacy is an important component of what a public library offers to parents and their young children. Dr. Deb Dyer, Assistant Professor of Education at Keuka College, spoke with over 20 Pioneer youth services staff on January 10 about how to provide purposeful and engaging learning experiences for young children. Using examples of fi ction and non-fi ction book pairings, Dyer spoke of the key role public libraries play in developing early literacy skills.

As a complement to Dr. Dyer’s training, New York State announced in March the launch of an early literacy website called DaybyDayNY, designed to engage families and very young children in reading, learning and public libraries.

The site is available through Pioneer member libraries’ websites, and two libraries will be incorporating the site into their story time programming. Bloomfi eld Public Library plans to use the daily story, featured on the website, at the beginning of story time while parents and children are arriving. Marion Public Library plans to use the story at the end of story time to keep children occupied while library staff talks to parents about the importance of early literacy.

Updater Software Allows for Easier Computer MaintenanceKeeping library computer software up to date is a time consuming task. Pioneer has taken steps to make that task easier for our member libraries with PLS Updater. By using Updater, libraries are able to more quickly install or update programs including Firefox, Chrome, Java, Flash Player, Adobe Reader and Shockwave. “What normally would have taken me 3+ hours to ensure our computers were up to date, now takes me approximately half the time,” said Kelsy Hibbard-Baker, Librarian at Geneva Public Library.

This allows member library staff to spend less time updating computers and more time serving patrons!

JobNow, an online resource to assist job seekers or those who want to take their career to the next level, is available to Pioneer patrons through a New York State Adult Literacy Grant. JobNow is a real-time online resume and job interview coaching resource. All that is needed is internet access to log on and connect with a carefully-screened job coach who will offer resume feedback, interview coaching, job search resources and other career tips. A patron can submit his or her resume at any time of day through the JobNow Resume Lab and a job coach will send it back within 24 hours with detailed feedback and suggestions for improvement. The service is available seven days a week and coaching sessions are available in English or Spanish from 2 – 11 p.m.

By offering this service to local job-seekers, the public library is enhancing and complementing the services offered by other community agencies helping residents fi nd employment or start a business. Online job coaching is a great addition to the many job-related resources already being provided by public libraries.

JobNow was heavily promoted this past fall through library staff training conducted in all four counties, as well as through an extensive media campaign. In the chart below you see how many of our patrons used this service for the past several months.

THE PATHFINDER 3 SPRING 2014

Pioneer Libraries Gear Up for Summer ReadingIn March, Pioneer youth services staff came together to share craft and program ideas for this year’s statewide children’s Summer Reading theme “Fizz, Boom, Read.”

Pioneer was chosen as a pilot site for this year’s 4-H STEM/NYS Library System Summer Reading Partnership Program. Bonnie Peck (from 4-H) led participants in hands-on training for implementing STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) activities for the “Fizz, Boom, Read” program. Activities fell into 3 categories: “Fizz - The Power of Lightning” (think weather), “Boom - the Power of Vibration” (think sound) and “Fizz - Boom - Power” (think electricity). A book was identifi ed for each category, along with hands-on science activities.

3-D Printing Attracting Interest at Local Pioneer Libraries3-D printing is attracting a lot of attention at two local Pioneer libraries. Walworth-Seely Public Library and Phelps Community Memorial Library have recently purchased 3-D printers, allowing patrons to bring their on-screen computer creations to life. Both are part of a growing group of public libraries making 3-D printers available to the public, often as part of a “maker lab” environment.

Jeff Davignon, Director at Walworth-Seely Public Library, describes the 3-D printer’s popularity as a boon to the library and a benefi t for library patrons. “Our community has responded very positively to this service. They’re learning math, engineering and science skills,” he said.

A recent program at Walworth-Seely resulted in the creation of a 3-D “robo hand,” a prosthetic model of a human hand. What would normally cost between $5,000 and $15,000 for a professional prosthetic, can be printed on a 3-D printer for under $10 (health insurance normally pays for only one prosthetic). A prosthetist happened to be in the audience during the program and is volunteering her time to make the hand fi t a local 10-year old patron who is in need of a prosthetic hand.

“It was an unexpected connection. But that’s what the library does – it brings people together,” Davignon said.

At Phelps Community Memorial Library, 3-D printing is a new addition to their STEAM Lab – a “makerspace” dedicated to learning and exploring Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math.

Purchased as part of funding secured by Senator Nozzolio, the 3-D printer is a star in the STEAM lab, where all ages come together to create with technology. In addition to a 3-D printer, the new space features a variety of tools and technology to fuel creativity including: a scanner, keyboard, easels, large printer for posters, mat cutter for home picture framing, circuitry sets, paper crafting tools, laptops and tablets, a microscope and science equipment, photography resources, sewing and quilting machines, a Minecraft server and more.

“The library of tomorrow is no longer simply a warehouse for books. The STEAM Lab provides community members of all ages with a place where curiosity and interests can be fulfi lled…where learning can be fun,” Phelps Community Memorial Library Director Leah Hamilton stated.

STEAM lab participants create a paper craft at the Phelps Community Library.

“Mad Scientist” Mary Ferris, Wood Library Children’s Librarian, shares ideas with youth services staff for science-related summer reading programs.

Over 30 youth services staff gathered for this year’s annual summer reading workshop, sharing ideas for promoting summer reading in their libraries.

SPRING 2014 4 THE PATHFINDER

Attica Arcade Bliss

Wyoming County

Seuss-Day at the Arcade Free Library!During February break readers explored the world of Dr. Seuss through story, a scavenger hunt and colorful creations.

Stevens Memorial Community Library’s story hour kids went on a trip with their new cars!

The Eagle Free Library’s 2014 “March Into the Library” series presented Gary Murphree’s “POP Goes the Music” funded by an Arts Council for Wyoming County Decentralization Grant. Also pictured are paintings and sculpture from Wyoming artists in an Arts Council satellite gallery.

Community Connections DirectoryAs part of our state mandated library service to those jailed and incarcerated, Pioneer publishes “Community Connections.” This human services directory is for people returning to Ontario, Wayne, Wyoming and Livingston counties from prison and jail. This directory assists in connecting individuals with agencies and support networks upon release. Services listed in the directory include:

• Counseling

• Education

• Employment

• Food and Clothing

• Health Concerns

• Housing

• Legal Concerns

• Substance Abuse

• Transportation…and more

In addition, Pioneer provides weekly delivery and access to the OWWL catalog with borrowing privileges to the 5 state correctional institutions in our system (Attica, Butler, Groveland, Livingston and Wyoming).

Did You Know?

THE PATHFINDER 5 SPRING 2014

Wayne County

Macedon

Williamson Palmyra

Ontario

Lyons

“Cookbooks & Coffee” celebrated the Ontario Public Library’s Centennial with host Chet Fery, otherwise known as “The Breadman.” A retired teacher, Chet shared inspiring and humorous stories in his quest to deliver kindness among strangers. With recipes and techniques, freshly baked warm and fragrant bread slices, and a free loaf of wheatberry bread to take home, Chet met his goal with our 40 guests on this bright February morning.

Over 130 people drove, walked or galloped to the Williamson Free Public Library for “Take Your Child to the Library Day” on February 1. The morning kicked off with a presentation on “Horses 101” conducted by Wayne County 4-H, then children of all ages delighted in a visit from miniature horse Phantom, followed by a horse-themed scavenger hunt in the library. Mark’s Pizzeria donated pizza gift certifi cates and the Davis Family Riding Stables of Williamson donated a free riding lesson as raffl e prizes for the event. The day showcased the many talents of our area youth through teen-led programming and kids assisting their peers by providing hints during the scavenger hunt.

The kids loved our guest story reader at Pajama Story Time at the Macedon Public Library!

The Palmyra Community Library hosted a Downton Abbey tea in anticipation of the premiere of Season 4 of the popular PBS television series. Participants, some dressed in period hats, enjoyed a traditional afternoon English tea, complete with cucumber sandwiches, scones and lavender shortbread.

“Take Your Child to the Library Day“ at Lyons Public Library was very successful with 23 children and almost as many adults in attendance. Activities included a scavenger hunt, computer games, coloring sheets, bookmarks to color, and the creation of Valentine’s Day cards for senior citizens at Lyons Manor. There was also birthday cake to celebrate author birthdays in February.

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SPRING 2014 6 THE PATHFINDER

Ontario County

Bloomfi eld

Bristol

Canandaigua Gorham

Kevin Doran, news anchor from WROC TV Channel 8, and his cameraman stopped by the Bloomfield Public Library on February 4 to present a Golden Apple Award to Literacy Volunteer tutor Mary Ellen Lyon. Mary Ellen and her student BJ meet at the library every week for 2 hours of intensive work. BJ nominated his teacher for the award to show his gratitude for teaching him to read and write. BJ’s goal was to learn to read so he could read to his four children and is now able to do that. In the background of the photo you can see the new graffi ti chalk board wall in the new teen space at the Bloomfi eld Public Library.

On February 1st the Bristol Library celebrated national “Take Your Child to the Library Day”. We had 103 people visit our library for a variety of children’s activities, a visit from Congressman Chris Collins, refreshments, and to buy tickets for our basket raffl e, which raised over $600!

Wood Library trustees and New Chapter Capital Campaign donors react to Wood Library’s new building addition at a special preview reception on January 30, 2014. The $1.7 million project features a new elevator and lobby, new community meeting room, new work spaces, new restrooms, and popular materials library. Comfortable seating and self-checkout terminals were added. The project helped to create more space for the children’s and teen areas.

Photo credit: Michele Kisly

Gorham Free Library hosted the Wildlife Educator’s Coalition who brought several animals for show and tell. Everyone had a roaring good time!

Balloon artist Walt Crum stands in front of the balloon sculpture he designed to celebrate February being “Love Your Library Month” as well as to greet families who visited the library on “Take Your Child to the Library Day.”

Red Jacket

THE PATHFINDER 7 SPRING 2014

Livingston County

Avon Nunda

Livonia

Wadsworth

Ferrets, and rabbits, and skinks, OH MY! The Avon Free Library played host to a host of animals when the Wildlife Educators Coalition brought their furry (and some not-so-furry) friends for a visit during February break. It was just one of several popular programs for our young patrons and parents.

On October 26, 2013 there were 17 Cub Scouts from Pack #77, as well as 5 Girl Scouts, 5 Boy Scouts and 14 adults who raked leaves for Bell Memorial Library. Even though it was a cold and blustery day, everyone had fun and enjoyed pizza and hot chocolate, compliments of the library. This has become a regular event in the fall and the library is very appreciative for everyone’s help.

Karin Fires from the Wildlife Educators Coal it ion and Hiawatha vis ited the Wadsworth Library during the elementary school’s winter break.

On January 21st, the Livonia Public Library participated in the New York Library Association’s SNAPSHOT NY: A Day in the Life of a Library. We had a fantastic turnout and patrons provided us with dozens of quotes about why they love their local library to take to Albany for Advocacy Day!

a cooperative public library system serving Ontario, Wayne, Wyoming and Livingston Counties

585-394-8260 fax 585-394-1935 http://www.pls-net.org

Non-Profi t OrgUS Postage

PAIDPermit No. 1031Rochester, NY

Pioneer Library SystemStaff:Phil Curtis, CustodianPat Finnerty, Consultant Librarian/ Outreach Coordinator Cindy Gardner, Business & Personnel Mgr.Cassie Guthrie, Executive DirectorJeanne Hayes, Administrative AssistantHeidi Jensen, Outreach AssistantAdam Keuer, Library Systems TechnicianRon Kirsop, Consultant LibrarianLauren Moore, Assistant DirectorKathryn Riedener, ILS/CatalogingSpecialistLindsay Stratton, Library Automation Services ManagerBob Wicksall, Computer Network Services ManagerAaron Zsembery, Library Systems AnalystDrivers:Bill DawsonPete DawsonFrank FogleWilliam PorterKeith SandersSteve SpinaPat Sullivan

Board of Trustees:Carolyn Meisel, President Joanna Whelan, Vice President Cornelia Schade, Treasurer Anne Mancilla, Corresponding Secretary Mary Ellen DarlingPat EdwardsJohn LesterCarolyn LyonsChristine Ryan

The Pathfi nder is available online at the PLS website. The Pathfi nder is published bi-annually: spring and fallArticles & Editing: Pat FinnertyLayout & Design: Jeanne HayesPrinted: The Printing Center, Geneva, NY

Search OWWL, Pioneer’s online catalog and circulation system. Named for the four counties it serves (Ontario, Wayne, Wyoming and Livingston), OWWL provides 21st century information services for the Pioneer Library System service area.

http://owwl.org