Southeast Steuben County Library

300 Nasser Civic Center Plaza

Corning, NY 14830

(607) 936-3713

 

Read the latest Library news in

The CIRCULATOR

 

Scattered Leaves

Read the online literary magazine of the
Torn Page Writers Group

 

 

 

 

Corning Inc. Headquarters, Corning, NY

 The Hornby Museum & Hornby Historical Society

Campbell Central School

Lindley Community Church

The Conhocton River in Coopers Plains

The Caton Grange

The Depot Museum, Village of Painted Post, Town of Erwin

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November 30, 2006

See our online catalog: Click here!

Holiday Gifts for Bibliophiles

You can give great holiday gifts and support the Southeast Steuben County Library at the same time. Proceeds from sale of items in our display case will benefit library programs and our many free services, and help us purchase new books & materials.

Please show you care about your Library. Do your holiday shopping here! Click here for our online catalog.

Our Display Case is in the main lobby. The Circulation Department staff will be happy to help you with your purchase.

Comments & Questions email: turnerb@stls.org


The Fallbrook plant in 1950. (Corning Incorporated Archives)

November 29, 2006

Photo Slide Show: click here

Images of the Fallbrook plant

Recently, the press reported that Corning Incorporated would demolish its Fallbrook plant on Tioga Avenue, Corning, NY beginning in December 2006. The plant is shown above in a 1950 aerial photo, with the Pressware plant.

We thought there would be interest in viewing photos of the Fallbrook plant and its workers, including two images of the plant under construction. Photos and notes were supplied courtesy of Corning Incorporated Archives. These images should not be reproduced without permission.

The Fallbrook plant manufactured fiberglass, glass tubing, television tubes and more. It first opened in 1930 and quickly reached output of $814,688 in fiberglass in 1937, according to Corning and the Craft of Innovation, by Margaret Graham and Alec Shuldiner, 2001 (Oxford). 666.1 GRA

The Fallbrook Plant employed 150 people when it closed in 2002, according to The Leader (Nov. 16, 2006).

We would like to thank Corning Incorporated Archives for making these images available.

Click here to view images

Comments & Questions email: turnerb@stls.org


November 28, 2006

New budget supports libraries

Steuben County legislators yesterday approved a $165-million budget that included $90,000 (total) in funding for libraries in 2007. This was a $15,000 increase over past funding levels for libraries in Steuben.

"We'd like to thank the Steuben County Legislature for its continuing support and for approving this increase," said Southeast Steuben County Library Director Lise Gilliland.

Director Gilliland and other librarians turned out at the budget session in Bath to lobby for increased support for libraries in the county. Total funding for libraries in Steuben County amounts to less than one-tenth of one percent of the 2007 budget.

"Please thank your legislator for supporting libraries in Steuben County," Gilliland said.

Comments & Questions email: turnerb@stls.org


November 22, 2006

This bird is no turkey

Kazul is King of the Dragons, and she's a girl. In the Enchanted Forest of Patricia Wrede, author of Dealing with Dragons, dragon kings can be male or female. In this tale, the first in Wrede's series, The Enchanted Forest Chronicles, Kazul and Princess Cimorene team up to thwart the plans of an evil Society of Wizards.

Recently, Corning Children's Center parents, instructors and pre-schoolers teamed up to create a slightly scaled-down replica of Kazul. The paper mache sculpture is now on display in the Children's Department at the Southeast Steuben County Library.

According to Miss Sara of the Corning Children's Center, 107 Arthur Street, parent Chris Glick built the wood and chicken-wire frame and everyone else pitched in to create what must be the friendliest and most stately dragon south of the Finger Lakes.

Library Children's Outreach Specialist Sue McConnell - pictured with Kazul in the Children's Department, above - visits the Corning Children's Center on Mondays. She said she was delighted when she heard that Kazul would be available for display here.

McConnell said the Corning Children's Center plans to set up a tri-fold display in the Children's Department with images of Kazul's construction.

We would like to thank the Corning Children's Center for Kazul. She is sure to delight children and adults for weeks to come.

Comments & Questions email: turnerb@stls.org


November 22, 2006

Free arts & music event, Nov. 25

Regionally based young-adult author/illustrator Tina Field Howe and poet Andrei Guruianu will read from their works during an arts event and exhibit opening at The Arts of the Southern Finger Lakes Gallery at 32 West Market Street in Corning on Saturday, Nov. 25. The exhibit spotlights the paper-cutting art of Svetlana Baldwin. Baldwin practices the art of Vitenanka, a Ukrainian method of paper cutting that produces intricate, lace-like compositions. Much of Baldwin’s work in this exhibit focuses on the local area, mixing familiar landmarks with nature and the area’s geography. The opening reception for Baldwin's exhibit will be held from 4 – 6 pm.

Local acoustic/folk/pop/rock musician Ben Borkowski will perform from 4 – 5 pm, followed by guitarist Mike Lese of Corning, from 5 – 6 pm.

Howe will read from her new book, Alysa of the Fields - Book One in the Tellings of Xunar-kun, from noon to 2 pm. Her novel is available as a PDF download and in paperback.

Guruianu, who is on the faculty of Ithaca College, has written Days When I Saw the Horizon Bleed, a collection of poems and short stories. He will read from his work from 2 pm to 4.

All events on Nov. 25 are free and open to the public. Additional information is available by calling The ARTS at (607) 962-5871 ext 223.

Comments & Questions email: turnerb@stls.org


November 21, 2006

AIDS Quilt now on display

Two wall-sized sections of the AIDS Memorial Quilt are currently on display at the Southeast Steuben County Library. According to the NAMES Project Foundation, the AIDS Memorial Quilt is the "largest ongoing community arts project in the world." Each section of Quilt measures approximately twelve feet square, and usually consists of eight individual three foot by six foot panels sewn together. Virtually every one of the more than 40,000 colorful panels that make up the Quilt memorializes the life of a person lost to AIDS.

On World AIDS Day, November 30, 2007, Corning Vicinity Faith Communities and Corning Community College (CCC) will hold a Service of Remembrance in the CCC Triangle Lounge from 12:45 pm to 1:45. At this "gathering of concerned persons to share music and words to strengthen ongoing efforts to stop AIDS and Keep the Promise," AIDS Certified Registered Nurse Mindy McDonald will speak. McDonald is a graduate of the CCC Nursing Program and a Sister of St. Joseph of Peace. The public is invited.

For AIDS facts from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in the U.S., where one adolescent is infected with HIV every hour, visit this link.

Comments & Questions email: turnerb@stls.org


November 20, 2006

Outside the Library:

Signs of winter fun, so soon?

It is true. Ice skating season has begun in Corning. Some of us can't wait for the skating rink to open in Nasser Civic Center Plaza, outside the library. Many of us merely shiver at the thought of colder temperatures and - shall we face it square on? - snow. Whatever attitude we take toward the weather, watching kids having fun learning to skate is always a delight.

The City of Corning Department of Parks & Recreation has put out a brochure detailing winter programs for 2006/7, including its hockey and open public skating hours. Open skating is for everyone, young and old. You can pick up the brochure in our Children's Department.

Comments & Questions email: turnerb@stls.org


November 17, 2006

Amnesty + food drive:

Fines waived if books returned

For the first two weeks in December, the Southeast Steuben County Library will waive fines for overdue books and other library materials. The amnesty applies only to books and materials returned from December 1 to December 15, 2006, no matter how long overdue. To qualify for the fines waiver, you must also bring in at least one canned or dry-goods food item. The Library will donate the food collected to a local food pantry.

If you bring in five or more food pantry items, you will be eligible for a drawing for a free gift. It's our way of saying thanks for returning your overdue books (at last!) and for donating to a worthy cause.

Patrons in good standing are encouraged to contribute to the Library food drive. Those who bring in food items will be eligible for the drawing. (Bring in five items and you qualify for a row of gift drawing tickets.)

The fines amnesty ends on December 15. The food drive continues until December 22. The Amnesty + Food Drive gift drawing will take place on December 22. Please do not bring in food items before December 1.

The Southeast Steuben County Library Amnesty/Food Drive follows on the heels of a similar Amnesty/Food Drive at the Hammondsport Library. When we heard about the idea, we liked it so much we decided to do it ourselves.

Please help make this drive a success by bringing in your overdue materials and non-perishables for the food pantry.

Comments & Questions email: turnerb@stls.org


November 17, 2006

Mrs. Claus to visit the Library

We know it is not yet even Thanksgiving, but we thought parents and children would like to know that Mrs. Claus plans to visit the Children's Department for a pre-holiday program on Saturday, December 9 from 1 pm to 2:30. Children and parents will enjoy stories with Mrs. Claus, ornament making with Santa's elves, cookie decorating and letter-writing to Santa. Mrs. Claus intends to hand-deliver these letters to Mr. Claus, according to the Children's Department. Caroling in the library is also planned.

We hope you and your children will join us for pre-holiday fun and learning. For additional information, please call (607) 936-3713 ext 503.

Comments & Questions email: turnerb@stls.org


November 16, 2006

Free Films @ the Library

For those of you who don't know, the Southeast Steuben County Library has a site license that allows us to show feature films. This license, along with a digital projector, a large pull-down screen in the Laura Beer Community Room and high-quality speakers, lets us present these DVD movies in a theater-style setting.

Free films are shown on selected Fridays at 7 pm. Doors open at 6:45. We provide free popcorn. It is a great way to start your weekend.

This Friday, November 17, we will show a highly acclaimed foreign film: The Big Animal. (2000) In Polish with English subtitles; directed by Jerzy Stuhr. A camel abandoned by a circus turns up in a small town. Not rated. 73 minutes.

For upcoming films, consult the calendar of events in the right-hand column of The Circulator main page, or click on this link. We've changed our lineup for December, so don't forget to check.

See you at the movies!

Flu shots are free, for some

The Steuben County Office for the Aging will hold a flu shot clinic at South Corning Town Hall on November 27 from 9:30 am to 10:30. Pneumonia and tetanus shots are also available. If you are a senior citizen with Medicare Part B, bring your card and the flu shot is free. Those aged 60 and older are asked to donate $30 for a flu shot. Those under age 60 must pay $30 for the flue shot. Pneumonia shots cost $45; Tetanus shots cost $20. You must be older than 18 to receive immunization at the Office for the Aging clinic. Contact the Office for the Aging at (607) 936-4661 with your questions.

Comments & Questions email: turnerb@stls.org


B. Turner photos

Laura Cotton, exhibit curator of "Worlds Within: The Evolution of the Paperweight," opening at CMoG's 2300° on Thursday, Nov. 16.

November 14, 2006

When form transcends function:

Paperweight art evolves at CMoG

When the Corning Museum of Glass (CMoG) commissioned renowned glass artist Josh Simpson to create his largest "Megaplanet," his first 100-pound glass world - or, looked at from a functional perspective, a paperweight suited for a giant bureaucrat - it came as no surprise that curators there would mount a new exhibit featuring many of the 1,000 paperweights in the museum's collection.

Nearly 200 of these glass art objects will be featured at CMoG later this week through March 18, 2007. The exhibit traces the evolution of the paperweight and includes exquisite traditional examples created by Baccarat, Clichy, St. Louis and Pantin during the classic period in the mid-1800s, when French manufacturers were all the rage, to contemporary studio glass works by Simpson, Tarsitano, D'Onofrio, Satava, and Recko.

"Half of the objects in the exhibit are not made to hold paper," explained Laura Cotton, the show's curator. "I wanted to put a spotlight on what is being done now," she said. "Today, paperweight artists tend to describe their works as orbs or Megaplanets or flamework encasements."

"I tend to think that we should just let the artists use their own terminology (to describe what they do)," Cotton said.

Traditionally, paperweights were carefully crafted microcosms ... encapsulations of representational glass figures or designs within solid glass. The glass dome, acting as a lens, would at once magnify and minimize aspects of the figure within, Cotton explained. Today, many paperweight makers have left recognizable forms behind and instead create non-representational art objects that capture the interplay of light and color and movement, frozen in time as the glass hardens.

Other contemporary artists featured in the
exhibit, including flameworker Paul Stankard, celebrate traditional forms, such as flowers, with non-traditional encasements. Simpson's Megaworlds, in contrast, are recognizable, yet surreal; not entirely representational.

Cotton said contemporary paperweight makers were influenced by the studio glass movement of the 1960s, when glass artists left the factory setting for smaller studios. "Up until the 60s, most paperweights miniaturized and magnified a design, giving the illusion that there is a real object trapped in the glass."

Today, the paperweight can be an art object in-itself, unencumbered by function; something to assist us in discovering worlds within.

"Worlds Within: The Evolution of the Paperweight" opens Thursday, November 16, from 5:30 pm to 7:30 as the focus of CM0G's 2300° event. Admission to the museum is free during the event, which will feature a hot glass demonstration by Josh Simpson, music by "Thousands of One," and much more.

For complete information on the opening and 2300°, click here. For more about the paperweight exhibit, click here.

Comments & Questions email: turnerb@stls.org


November 13, 2006

More books for children, please!

Ever since 1919, during the week before Thanksgiving, libraries, educators, booksellers and children have celebrated Children's Book Week, a festival of imagination and wonder. The theme for this year's Children's Book Week is "More Books, Please!" Full-size versions of the poster, at left, by Jules Feiffer are available from the Children's Book Council, sponsor of the national celebration, at this link.

The best way to celebrate Children's Book Week at home is to obtain great books for your children to read, or to read together. The American Library Association and its Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC) has compiled the following list of Current Notable Children's Books for younger readers. Look for these books in the Children's Department, in our online catalog and in your favorite bookstores. The list includes book descriptions by the ALSC:

Agee, Jon. Terrific. illus. Hyperion/Michael di Capua. In this winningly illustrated picture book, grumpy Eugene Mudge anticipates the worst about a windfall trip to Bermuda and utters a sarcastic “terrific.” After he befriends a talking parrot, “terrific” takes on a whole new meaning.

Arnold, Katya. Elephants Can Paint Too! illus. Simon & Schuster/Anne Schwartz. Armstrong uses color photographs to compare the artistic processes of students in very different art classes – one for children in New York City, another for elephants in Thailand.

Arnold, Tedd. Hi! Fly Guy. illus. Scholastic/Cartwheel. A beautiful friendship begins when Buzz the boy, proves that a fly can be one smart pet. This slim, reader-friendly tale has a robust humor and wacky cartoon art featuring an eye-popping cover. A 2006 Geisel Honor Book.

Beaumont, Karen. I Ain't Gonna Paint No More! Illus. by David Catrow. Harcourt. Based on the tune “It Ain’t Gonna Rain No More,” this picture book elicits giggles and audience participation as the young narrator paints his body. Catrow’s colorful illustrations are perfectly SPLAT-worthy.

Bloom, Suzanne. A Splendid Friend, Indeed. illus. Boyds Mills Press. In a playful text and picture-book format perfect for emergent readers, a persistent goose wins the affection and friendship of a preoccupied polar bear. A 2006 Geisel Honor Book.

Del Negro, Janice. Willa and the Wind. Illus. by Heather Solomon. Marshall Cavendish. Willa Rose Mariah McVale confronts a magical wind and outwits a thieving innkeeper, in a humorous original story inspired by a Norwegian folktale.

DiCamillo, Kate. Mercy Watson to the Rescue. Illus. by Chris Van Dusen. Candlewick. Meet Mercy, family pet and porcine wonder! Read and find out how her love for buttered toast saves the day during a family emergency.

Ehlert, Lois. Leaf Man. illus. Harcourt. Ehlert arranges a variety of colorful fall leaves on die-cut pages to create a stunning landscape for the travels of imaginary wind-blown characters.

Graham, Bob. Oscar's Half Birthday. illus. Candlewick. Oscar’s Dad, Mom and four-year-old sister can’t wait for his first birthday so they celebrate with a picnic at six months. Amusingly detailed watercolors depict the very real relationships of a mixed-race family in an urban environment.

Grey, Mini. Traction Man Is Here! illus. Knopf. Traction Man comes equipped with combat boots, battle pants, a deep-sea diving suit and fluorescent flippers, but can he overcome the ignominy of an all-in-one knitted green romper suit with matching bonnet?

Guy, Ginger Foglesong. Siesta. Illus. by René King Moreno. Greenwillow. Two children gather necessities for their backyard siesta. Brightly hued illustrations and a patterned narrative in Spanish and English reiterate color concepts, ending with a canción/song sung under a multicolored carpa/tent created by a manta/blanket.

Hicks, Barbara Jean. Jitterbug Jam: A Monster Tale. Illus. by Alexis Deacon. Farrar. Though the mixed-up monster-fears-boy theme is familiar, this charming picture book distinguishes itself with a folksy, quirky-sweet story, exquisite artwork, and an innovative design that includes comic-strip elements.

Juster, Norton. The Hello, Goodbye Window. Illus. by Chris Raschka. Hyperion/Michael di Capua. In a sunny portrait of familial love, a little girl talks about her experiences visiting her grandparents’ house. Raschka’s illustrations, which resemble the spontaneous drawings of young children, perfectly mirror the guileless young narrator’s exuberant voice while creating a surprisingly sophisticated visual experience. The 2006 Caldecott Medal Book.

Karas, G. Brian. On Earth. illus. Putnam. This large format nonfiction picture book explains the science of the Earth’s revolution around the Sun, the tilt of its axis, and its gravitational pull. Stunning artwork visually represents each concept.

Kerley, Barbara. You and Me Together: Moms, Dads, and Kids Around the World. illus. National Geographic. In this companion book to A Cool Drink of Water, Kerley takes children on a photographic journey to meet moms, dads, and kids all around the world.

Mora, Pat. Doña Flor: A Tall Tale about a Giant Woman with a Great Big Heart. Illus. by Raúl Colón. Random/Knopf. Written in poetic language and saturated with the flavors, smells, and folkways of America’s southwest, this captivating tall tale brings life to an engaging, original character, whose love and concern for her neighbors fills the story with joy. The 2006 Belpré Illustrator Medal Book and a 2006 Belpré Author Honor Book.

Muth, Jon J. Zen Shorts. illus. Scholastic. In Muth’s story of inquisitive siblings who befriend a wise panda and learn three lessons, luminous watercolors and starkly contrasting Asian-inspired brush paintings elegantly convey gentle, timeless messages about self-knowledge and acceptance. A 2006 Caldecott Honor Book.

Park, Linda Sue and Julia Durango. Yum! Yuck! A Foldout Book of People Sounds. Illus. by Sue Ramá. Charlesbridge. Yum can be geshmak, leckah, nam-nam or bah-bah, depending upon the spoken language. Images of children enjoying treats open a nearly wordless story containing 22 languages with words for ha-ha, yikes, a-choo, yuck, boo-hoo, wow, and hurrah.

Priceman, Marjorie. Hot Air: The (Mostly) True Story of the First Hot-Air Balloon Ride. illus. Simon & Schuster/Anne Schwartz. Energetic lines and rich watercolors animate this aerial adventure over 18th-century France, which combines spare text, dynamic design, and masterful perspective to illuminate the high jinks of three animals swept up in the winds of history. A 2006 Caldecott Honor Book.

Richardson, Justin and Peter Parnell. And Tango Makes Three. Illus. by Henry Cole. Simon & Schuster. When two male penguins make a nest together in the Central Park Zoo, a zookeeper provides them with an egg, and the penguins raise baby Tango as their own. This winning picture book, awash in icy blues, is based on an actual event.

Rohmann, Eric. Clara and Asha. illus. Roaring Brook. Clara should be falling asleep, but instead she soars through the night with her imaginary friend, a fish named Asha.

Rylant, Cynthia. Henry and Mudge and the Great Grandpas. Illus. by Suçie Stevenson. Simon & Schuster. In four simple, joyful chapters, Henry and his sweet-natured dog experience a memorable visit with Great-grandpa Bill and his buddies at the “grandpa house.” The 2006 Geisel Medal Book.

Sayre, April Pulley. Stars Beneath Your Bed: The Surprising Story of Dust. Illus. by Ann Jonas. Greenwillow. What could be more surprising than the fact that that ordinary dust is made up of bits of stars and dinosaurs and seals’ eyelashes? This beautiful picture book makes the most of the essential grandeur of dust.

Seeger, Laura Vaccaro. Walter Was Worried. illus. Roaring Brook. Watching a storm develop, Walter is worried, while succeeding characters are shocked, then delighted as the sun comes out. In a graphically striking work, Seeger rearranges the letters that spell her characters’ reactions to shape their expressive faces.

Shannon, George. White is for Blueberry. Illus. by Laura Dronzek. Greenwillow. In an unconventional, fresh and entertaining concept book, full-color paintings offer an intriguing introduction to ten colors while stimulating a closer look at nature.

Silverman, Erica. Cowgirl Kate and Cocoa. Illus. by Betsy Lewin. Harcourt. Humorous repartee and fluid watercolor paintings set the tone and mood for new readers as they follow plucky Kate and her beloved horse along the trail for a day of adventures. A 2006 Geisel Honor Book.

Van Leeuwen, Jean. Amanda Pig and the Really Hot Day. Illus. by Ann Schweninger. Dial. It’s too darn hot. Hot as a fried egg, hot as toast, hot as oatmeal. In four simple, linked tales, Amanda Pig tries an assortment of kid-friendly strategies to cool off. Cartoony pencil drawings heightened with fruit-toned watercolors make this accessible story as refreshing as a cool breeze. A 2006 Geisel Honor Book.

Willems, Mo. Leonardo the Terrible Monster. illus. Hyperion. Trying very hard to be scary, Little Monster looks for the most scaredy-cat kid to practice on.

Winthrop, Elizabeth. Squashed in the Middle. Illus. by Pat Cummings. Henry Holt. Daisy, the middle child in a boisterous African-American family, cannot get anyone’s attention until she leaves the house. Clever design and boldly colorful artwork enhance the lively story.

The ALSC Current Notable Children's Books list also includes books for older children. See the entire list at this link.

Comments & Questions email: turnerb@stls.org


November 10, 2006

Reference resources:

Veterans and Veterans Day

November 11, 2006 is Veterans Day, a national commemoration that has been observed in one form or another since November 11, 1919, when President Wilson proclaimed the first Armistice Day, recalling the agreement between the Allies and Germany at the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of November, 1918, ending the hostilities of World War I.

Click on the underlined link to view President George W. Bush's proclamation declaring Veterans Day 2006.

For Veterans and Veterans Day resources and resource links from the federal Department of Veterans Affairs, click here.

See and hear veterans' stories, and other first-hand accounts collected in the Library of Congress (LOC) Veterans History Project. The Veterans History Project was created by Congress and signed into law by President Clinton in 2000. In the House of Representatives, Congressman Amo Houghton was one of the key legislative sponsors. The focus of the collection is on oral histories of US veterans of:

- World War I (1914-1920)
- World War II (1939-1946)
- Korean War (1950-1955)
- Vietnam War (1961-1975)
- Persian Gulf War (1990-1995)
- Afghanistan and Iraq conflicts (2001-present)

Following the Revolutionary War, the term "veteran" began to come into use in the U.S. to describe those who had served as soldiers, according to Answers.com and Roget's II: The New Thesaurus, Third Edition, Houghton Mifflin Company. "Starting with the American Revolution, the federal government has provided veterans with pensions, land, hospital care, and preference in hiring, the particular benefits depending on the temper of the times and the lobbying of the veterans themselves," according to the entry.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, there were 24.5 military veterans living in the U.S. in 2004. 1.7 million of these were women. The average annual income for veterans, in 2005 adjusted dollars, was $33,973. In 2005, the poverty rate for veterans was $5.8 percent. For other veterans facts, consult this Census Bureau link.

On Veterans Day, we honor veterans and fallen soldiers. As of November 9, 2006, there were 2,838 U.S. military fatalities resulting from the ongoing Iraq War, with 4 others awaiting confirmation by the Department of Defense. Non-mortal casualties totaled 46,137, with 21,572 of these classified as wounded.

Combined U.S., U.K. and other Coalition member-nation fatalities for the war were 3,082, according to the Iraq Coalition Casualty Report. This figure excludes Iraqi Security Forces casualties and civilian casualties.

According to figures amassed from combined news sources by the Iraq Body Count Project, a minimum of 46,915 civilians have been reported killed as a result of the war in Iraq.

Comments & Questions email: turnerb@stls.org


November 9, 2006

Young authors' Webzine grows

New work has been added this week to Scattered Leaves, the literary Webzine of the Torn Page Writers Group. With four original poems by long-time group member Justin Mathews, plus a new essay by Eddie Kindler, Scattered Leaves now includes 22 short stories, essays and poems by 10 authors ranging in age from 12 on up to "graduate" members now attending college.

Scattered Leaves is funny; it's sad; it's filled with adventure, science fiction, fantasy and stark realism. It's as varied as the authors who contribute to it. We hope you will read their work today. To discover what the newest literary magazine in the Southern Tier is all about, click on the Scattered Leaves hyperlink box in the left-hand column of this page.

The Torn Page Writers Group meets every other Thursday at 7 pm in the Library. Torn Page members are self-motivated writers who share their work in a cafe-style setting. Prospective new members are encouraged to email examples of their original work to Brad Turner, the group facilitator. Use the "Comments & Questions" link at the end of this article or copy & paste the email address into your Web-based mail handler.

Scattered Leaves is produced by the Southeast Steuben County Library with the assistance of AmeriCorps Kids First Initiative and the Institute for Human Services.

Comments & Questions email: turnerb@stls.org


November 8, 2006

Ads spawn free textbook flap

As college textbook prices continue to spiral upwards, students and their instructors look to alternatives, including a growing number of free online texts. Many of these texts carry advertising. Critics claim advertising is a distraction to students. One portal to free online textbooks is Textbook Revolution (TBR), a website maintained by student volunteers. There are links to more than 200 free textbooks on TBR. Some texts are available to download as PDFs.

According to TBR, the portal "exists for two reasons. First, it offers one-stop shopping for students and teachers looking for free textbooks and related materials. Second, it promotes the need for and availability of these resources." TBR does not publish textbooks, it provides links to free online textbooks, some of which are supported by advertising.

For an even-handed analysis of the advertising support controversy, read this October 13, 2006 article by Elizabeth Owuor of the Christian Science Monitor. Click here for her article.

Comments & Questions email: turnerb@stls.org


Friends of the Library, SSC Book Sale Coordinator Nancy Doutt

November 7, 2006

Book Sale tallies success

General election results are not yet in. Voting was still underway earlier today in the Library's Laura Beer Community Room and throughout the entire U.S. Even so, we have some encouraging figures to report.

This year's autumn Friends of the Library, SSC Book Sale took in $19,600, according to sale coordinator Nancy Doutt. "It certainly was another successful sale, " Doutt said. "You can't turn up your nose at $19.6 thousand." Proceeds from the semi-annual sale benefit the Southeast Steuben County Library.

Doutt said there were "far more" books donated to the Friends this season than usual, but indicated an unusual percentage of these were books that no one wants, including hardcover books older than five years in business, economics and law, and very old fiction without collector interest, such as book club editions from the 1950s. That being said, literary classics are always in demand, Doutt indicated.

Donating to Friends book sales is a great way to re-circulate your books, as well as support the Library. Even so, if your donated books prove of no interest to buyers, the Friends must pay to have them hauled way, and in our area, only paperbacks are recyclable.

Doutt urged thoughtful donors to consider carefully whether books earmarked for donation will be of interest to others. "We know that some people just can't bear to throw their books away," Doutt sympathized.

Doutt praised the many volunteers who make the sale possible. "They are absolutely wonderful," she said. "We have as many as 10 volunteers who work all day (for a week) to set up the sale." Others, including Jill and Tom Palmer, work throughout the year collecting and sorting books for the sale.

Thanks were also extended to the East Corning Fire Hall and its volunteer firefighters for providing the space for the sale and helping direct traffic during the busiest hours.

If you wish to donate books to the spring book sale, please bring them to the book donation slot at the Library garage, off Pearl Street.

Comments & Questions email: turnerb@stls.org


November 6, 2006

Gaia Girls wins award

The National Outdoor Book Award (NOBA) was given to Gaia Girls - Enter the Earth Nov. 3, at the National Conference on Outdoor Recreation and Education held at Boise State University in Idaho. The children's book - the first in a planned series - was written by local author Lee Welles and illustrated by her sister, Ann Hameister. Gaia Girls - Enter the Earth was originally introduced to the public during an author event at the Southeast Steuben County Library on Nov. 12, 2005. It has since garnered wide acclaim.

The NOBA Foundation, Idaho State University and the Association of Outdoor Recreation and Education sponsored the awards program. “I was at the Rochester Children’s Book Festival and didn’t find out until that evening,” said Welles. “After all the hours spent ... writing, editing and promoting Enter the Earth, it felt great to jump up and down and run around in celebration!”

New theater company launched

A new theater company has been launched in Corning. With the support of Elks Lodge No. 1071, the Antlers Community Theatre (ACT) will present The Odd Couple as its first production. The show will open on March 1, 2007, and run through March 9 in the Banquet Room of the Lodge. The company will be led and directed by J. Patrick Arndt, a veteran of more than 100 professional and community theatrical productions. The new company seeks volunteer actors, a stage manager and associated theater personnel. Contact impresario Arndt at irishacre96@msn.com if you would like to participate in this production.

Comments & Questions email: turnerb@stls.org


November 6, 2006

Author to talk here, Nov. 18

First-time novelist Matthew J. Duffin will talk about his new murder mystery, Lieutenant ABLS, here on Saturday, November 18 at 1 pm in the Laura Beer Community Room. Duffin, a Painted Post resident, has created a novel set in Philadelphia during the summer of 1993. Police Lieutenant Matt Gallagher chases a vigilante-bomber through the streets of the City of Brotherly Love as the Phillies march to the playoffs.

Duffin subsidized publication of his novel through RoseDog Books. It is available for sale online as an e-book at this link. Printed copies will be available at the author event.

Comments & Questions email: turnerb@stls.org


November 1, 2006

New reference resources:

NY power, money and gas

The New York Power Authority (NYPA) is the largest state-owned public utility in the United States. Established in 1931 through legislation signed by Gov. Franklin D. Roosevelt, NYPA supplies inexpensive electric power - mostly generated in hydro-power and nuclear-power plants - to public facilities (including the New York City subway system) and businesses throughout the state.

This year marks the 75th anniversary of this quasi-governmental organization. NYPA has produced a 40-page, handsomely-illustrated "autobiography" entitled, Bold Dream...Shining Legacy: A History of the New York Power Authority, plus an accompanying DVD. This publication dwells on NYPA's high points in history. Nevertheless, it does not ignore many of the controversies surrounding NYPA's establishment and growth in a state dominated by corporate-run 'public' utilities.

This new resources is available at the Reference Desk.

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Also at the Reference Desk is a copy of the new Comprehensive Annual Financial Report of the State of New York. Its 177 pages cover the fiscal year ending March 31, 2006. Additionally, we have a shorter state Financial Condition Report (25 pages) covering the same period. If you want to see how your state tax dollars are being spent, this is a resource you will want to consult.

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For those interested in monitoring natural gas transmission in our local area, developers of the Empire Connector Project have issued a supplement to the existing environment report on the 78-mile project that will run from the Rochester area to near Corning, affecting properties along State Route 14A.

The Empire Connector Project will link the existing Buffalo-to-Syracuse Empire State Pipeline to the proposed Millennium Pipeline Project, the first phase of which would run from Corning to Suffern, NY.

The Final Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement for the overall Northeast (NE)-07 Project - which includes the Empire Connector Project and the Millennium Phase I Project as well as other projects - is available on CD at the Reference Desk.

If you are interested in reading this report or other public documents related to the Connector project, please visit the Reference Desk.

Arab-Israeli conflict is talk topic

Two local organizations will sponsor a public talk, Roots of the Arab-Israeli Conflict, presented by Dr. Ziva Giliya on Thursday, November 9 at 7:30 pm in the Laura Beer Community Room.

Born in Iran and raised in Israel, Dr Giliya is executive director of the Elmira Jewish Community Center. The talk is sponsored by Peaceful Gatherings and the Corning Vicinity Faith Communities.

Children's movie, Cars, Nov. 10

The Children's Department will present an animated feature film, Cars, in the Laura Beer Community Room on November 10 at 1 pm. The Pixar/Disney production runs 124 minutes. Rated G. Free. All ages welcome. Children under age 8 must be accompanied by an adult.

The Circulator enters 2nd year

The online news magazine of the Southeast Steuben County Library marks its 1st anniversary today. The Circulator was first published on November 1, 2005. It has grown to include more than 210 articles, 1,057 external links, more than 250 images, six audio-visual digital clips and an audio file, all of which are accessible in The Archives (scroll down the right-hand column of the main page).

The Circulator will publish next by 5 pm on Monday, November 6. Its principal producer has a few days off.

Comments & Questions email: turnerb@stls.org


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