SPL’s adult book club will read “A Love Song for Ricki Wilde” by Tia Williams in February. Set against the backdrop of modern Harlem and Renaissance glamour, “A Love Song for Ricki Wilde” is a swoon-worthy love story of two passionate artists drawn to the magic, romance, and opportunity of New York, and whose lives are uniquely and irreversibly linked.
The discussion occurs at 1 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 27, in the downstairs meeting room. Copies of the novel are available at the Syracuse Public Library. A digital e-book and audiobook may be available on the Libby app. For information or to recommend a future book club pick, email Emilia at [email protected].
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The Friends of the Syracuse Public Library are holding a special fundraiser in February: A Blind Date With a Book. Embark on a romantic rendezvous with a gently used book — title unknown — from Feb. 1-28, or while supplies last. Each uniquely wrapped book is $10 and comes with hidden surprises inside. These books could also make a fabulous gift for fellow book lovers. All proceeds go to support the library.
Like other Hoosier libraries in the Evergreen consortium, Syracuse Public Library has quietly been working on its new ASPEN library catalog for its patrons to use. Patrons can sign in to it with their Evergreen account at syracuse.evergreenindiana.org. ASPEN allows for better filtering of search results and will even show you what is available on the Libby and Hoopla apps. Watch for Sarah’s videos introducing ASPEN and its features on the library’s social media accounts! (The first one is below!) February is National Library Lovers Month, a celebration of book lovers and frequent library dwellers. In this digital age, one might question the importance of libraries; after all, through online retailers, you can have a book shipped to you in two days or appear on your digital device instantly — of course, at a price. Libraries remain gateways to knowledge that are not barred by a price tag. In fact, libraries are one of the few places people can enter without the expectation of having to buy something. Even Starbucks recently rolled back the use of its space or restrooms without making a purchase.
Libraries are much more than books. They offer community through free programming, early education opportunities, quiet meeting areas, helpful librarians and outreach. Libraries also connect people of all economic backgrounds to technology and so many other resources. In 2024, 5,245 people attended the Syracuse library’s programs. The library made 160 deliveries to homebound patrons who cannot visit. Its public computers were used 3,058 times, allowing people to apply for jobs, file taxes, fill out important documents, conduct business or simply stay in touch with friends and family. Syracuse-Turkey Creek Township Public Library has seen a 24.25% increase in checkouts from 2022 to 2024. In 2024, its patrons checked out a total of 89,810 materials — that figure is greater than the entire population of Bloomington, Ind., which was 78,840 people in 2023, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Children alone checked out 33,297 books! Of that total, digital material checkouts through the Libby and Hoopla apps made up only 26.71% — or 23,810 — of SPL’s total borrows. Our hotspots also remain popular with 246 borrows. During its first full year, our new board game collections saw 128 borrows. Syracuse Public Library continues to seek new ways to engage and support the community in its endeavors of lifelong learning. In celebration of National Library Lovers Month, library staff have created “little staff libraries” filled with books they love and recommend. Patrons are encouraged to browse their little libraries and check out their contents with their library cards. Also, watch the library’s social media pages for an upcoming Library Lovers giveaway. We'll also have special bookmarks with librarian recommendations and to-be-reads. For those who live in Syracuse or Turkey Creek Township, there has never been a better month to sign up for a library card and find your community. On Monday, Oct. 28, Arkos Design of Mishawaka returned to the Syracuse Public Library for a follow-up to September’s building project workshop. Arkos representatives shared two potential concepts for staff, board of trustees’ members, and Friends of the Library to view. Both concepts show the possibility of a 14,568-square-foot library structure on the 705 N. Dolan Drive. The concepts feature study spaces, meeting rooms that could be accessed after library hours, a central circulation desk, a quiet reading space, and more.
Attendees were able to provide feedback on the concepts for future refinements. Going forward, there will be additional meetings where the community will be encouraged to attend. Currently, community members can ask to see the concepts at the adult and children desks. The concepts are not final designs. This October, the library is partnering with the Syracuse-Wawasee Historical Museum and Indiana Humanities to hold a traveling community artifact exhibit. Community members can loan local artifacts and heirlooms to this exhibit, including photos, locally found fossils, locally made items, etc. These items will be displayed at the library from Oct. 7-11 (during library hours) before going to the museum from Oct. 11-21 (Click here for the museum's hours).
Items must be brought to the library by Friday, Oct. 4, with a brief postcard-sized description. We ask that contact information also be included After the exhibit wraps up, items can be picked up at the library starting Tuesday, Oct. 22. This program is made possible through a grant from the Indiana Humanities. One State / One Story: All That She Carried is presented by Indiana Humanities in partnership with the Indiana Center for the Book and the Indiana State Library as part of Indiana Humanities’ Advancing Racial Equity Project, supported by Lilly Endowment. On Sept. 24, Syracuse Public Library closed for a library design workshop for board of trustee members, Friends of the Syracuse Public Library, and staff. The workshop examined what elements could fit in a new library built on the Dolan Street Property. Attendees were encouraged to dream during the session, and there were some cool features, including a business center with a laminator; a fenced in space for children to enjoy; a meeting space that the public could use (including after library hours); and private study rooms. Becky’s Garden could also be expanded and feature a calming walkway. There would also be outdoor spaces designed for different age groups — adults, too!
There are no finalized designs. The architects at Arkos Design will take information gleaned at the workshop and further refine it. SPL will hold additional meetings that will be open to the public. Watch for news on SPL’s website. As the project develops, follow its progress at https://www.syracuse.lib.in.us/building-project.html. Free Fairfield summer library cards are back at the Syracuse-Turkey Creek Township Public Library from May 1-Aug. 1! These cards are made possible by the Fairfield Schools Literacy Fund, created by an anonymous donor who wanted to stop the summer slide for students living in the Fairfield Schools district. Families and children can sign up for a card any time from May 1-Aug. 1, with cards all expiring on Aug. 31. Who Qualifies?Children, ages birth to entering 12th grade in 2024, who live in either Benton, Clinton, or Jackson townships. The Fund is only available to children. What If We Homeschool?Home-schooled children who live in Benton, Clinton, or Jackson townships also qualify for a free summer library card. What Do We Need To Bring?Families will need to bring proof of their residence in Benton, Clinton, or Jackson townships. This can be an updated driver's license, or a photo ID and utility bill. Children, 13 and older, can sign up upstairs. Younger children should sign up downstairs. To sign up for a library card without an adult, you must be at least 18 years old. If you're younger than 18, you will need an adult with you. What Services Do We Receive With A Fairfield Card?You can check out materials (excluding hotspots) from the Syracuse Public Library and other Evergreen Libraries (like North Webster, Ligonier, Milford, etc.) and access digital apps like Libby and Hoopla!
Becky's Garden will come to life in May! SPL's In the Garden group welcomes the entire community to help it create this memorial garden at 1 p.m. Thursday, May 23, in Community Roots outdoor space. This native plant memorial garden will honor long-time Syracuse Public Library librarian Becky Brower's passion for the natural world, particularly native plants and pollinators. Through its creation, we will continue to spread awareness for the valuable role played by native plants and hopefully encourage a greater appreciation for them within the community. The Becky's Garden web page will chronicle the garden's progress and provide educational resources for those wanting to learn more about its plants and native plants and animals in general, Plant DonationsFor the planting, In the Garden is seeking specific native plant donations. Group members have compiled a list of plants (see the PDF below) that will be accepted. Those interested in donating a plant from the list can email what they have to Sarah Wright at [email protected]. Space is limited, and we want to fit in as many people as possible. We will organize donations and let everyone know which of their plants we will be taking prior to the planting. Plants labeled with Becky's garden will be donated by Becky's husband, Michael, from their personal garden. ![]()
Bringing Plant DonationsPeople can bring the plants In the Garden has confirmed they want to the library either a few days before the planting (May 23) or on the day of the planting. Please be sure to email Sarah so we know what to expect. Rock DonationsIn the Garden is also seeking rock donations to create bee habitats for our native burrowing bees like the bumble bee! Once again, email Sarah and let us know what you have.
The Friends are partnering with the Knights of Columbus for a Bingo Fundraiser on Saturday, April 20, at Knights of Columbus Hall, 414 Sycamore St., Syracuse. Doors open at 5 p.m. with regular bingo starting at 6:30 p.m. Cost is $25 for a game packet. Food is available to purchase. Cash only. Must be 18 and older for admittance. Proceeds go to Friends of the Syracuse Library to support the library.
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