Becky Brower was a major proponent of lifelong learning at the Syracuse Public Library. She touched the lives of so many people who came through the library's doors with creative programs, an infectious sense of humor, and kindness. Her passing on Monday, June 19, left us all grappling with her loss.  Patrons and library staff are encouraged to write notes about Becky upstairs. Patrons and library staff are encouraged to leave memories of Becky on the bulletin board behind her desk upstairs in the library. We have provided slips of paper. Those wanting to leave digital thoughts are welcome to do so on the library's social media posts about Becky. Megan has also put together a memorial for Becky in the Main Street entry display case. It features Becky in her element, helming programs, encouraging learning, and interacting with people. Becky had many interests and passions, from the natural world to literature to coffee and tasty food. These are all highlighted there. The library will also hold a remembrance from 4-6 p.m. Monday, July 24, in Community Roots, as long as the weather cooperates. We will close the library early on that day so staff members can attend. Attendees will be able to share memories or other words about Becky. As planning continues, we will share more details in the future. SPL's In the Garden group is planning to create a native plants memorial garden in Community Roots for Becky, who was incredibly passionate about native pollinators and plants. We will share more details about this project as it gets underway.  Pictured is the display case featuring photos of Becky.
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Martial arts expert Matthew Smith, headmaster of Juko-Ryu Toide & Martial Arts Center, will come to the Syracuse Public Library to talk about samurai history and culture. He will also perform a sword demonstration.  Matthew Smith, Headmaster of Juko-Ryu Toide & Martial Arts Center Smith is a sensei in Kobujutsu and holds high rankings in several different weapon systems. He has studied martial arts for 29 years. Currently, Smith is a Hachidan/8th Dan in Juko-Ryu Toide-jutsu and the Division Head of Juko-Ryu Toide-jutsu for Juko-Kai International.
He noted, “I have a passion for self-mastery and for helping others reach their full potentials and to live Empowered.” This presentation will cover the different lengths of weapons the samurai carried and a look at these warriors’ vast history and culture, including their Bushido Code. Ages 10 and older can attend this program from 2-3 p.m. Tuesday, June 20, in the downstairs meeting room. For information, contact young adult services librarian Michelle Parker at [email protected] or (574) 457-3022, ext. 2008. 
Ages 10 and older won’t want to miss Jim Conley of Conley Backwoods Skills when he comes to the Syracuse Public Library to teach his “Call of the Wild Youth Outdoors Skills Course.” From 2-4 p.m. Friday, June 16, Conley will teach a variety of outdoor and survival skills depicted in some of the world’s best-selling outdoor-themed books, such as “Call of the Wild,” “The Hunger Games” and “Hatchet.”
From survival shelters and trail markers to rescue signals and knot tying, students will spend time outside learning outdoor skills. Conley shared, "I love reading and teaching outdoor skills and this course is a great way to engage kids with nature and books at the same time!" For information, contact young adult services librarian Michelle Parker at (574) 457-3022, ext. 2008. 
During June and July, register to solve the library’s travel-themed escape room. All ages are encouraged to team up to work out the clues and riddles in the Rosalyn Jones Room. Each team will have an hour to do so. Visit the Syracuse Public Library’s digital calendar — https://shorturl.at/cxJPT — to find available time slots. Once a desirable date and time is found, register for it through the calendar by clicking “register now.” Fill out the form with your contact information and the number of people within your party. Contact Parker at (574) 457-3022, ext. 2008, or [email protected] for information or to schedule on the phone or by email.
Syracuse-Turkey Creek Township Public Library will pull out all the stops to celebrate the launch of summer reading and the official opening of its new Community Roots outdoor space. The library invites the entire community to attend the special kickoff party on Friday, June 2. Children and teens can sign up for summer reading from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; those without library cards can also sign up. During the party, play outdoor games — including cornhole and the giant “Connect Four” — and decorate the sidewalk with chalk. Scratchers will be given away at sign-up, with children winning either prizes or raffle tickets. Attendees will also enjoy root beer floats while supplies last. At 11 a.m., the library will hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony for Community Roots (alongside the Syracuse-Wawasee Chamber of Commerce), which the public and project donors can attend. The Community Roots project started after the library purchased a property to its south and demolished the existing house in 2021. With support from the community, local businesses and a grant, the space has come to fruition in time for 2023’s summer reading program. Community Roots will provide an additional programming site for the Syracuse Public Library with its outdoor seating and 22-by-12-foot wood pavilion. When not in use for library programming, community members can enjoy it during the daytime hours as a peaceful retreat. The space also features a storage barn with a colorful mural honoring project donors. In the future, the library plans to include a community garden and other landscaping additions. The project’s barn, pavilion and benches were made possible by a grant from the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services, administered by the Indiana State Library. Following the ribbon-cutting ceremony, from 1-2 p.m., all ages can attend the Foamzilla foam party in the library’s staff parking lot. Those attending the party must wear shoes for safety reasons. For information, contact the Syracuse-Turkey Creek Township Public Library at (574) 457-3022 or email the library’s communications specialist, Sarah Wright, at [email protected]. Schedule At A Glance(All activities will occur in Community Roots and the staff parking lot, weather permitting.)
Community Roots Gallery
The Syracuse-Turkey Creek Township Public Library is pleased to once again offer free Evergreen Indiana library cards to children and their families living in the Fairfield Community Schools district. These cards are possible through the Fairfield Schools Family Literacy Fund, a grant created by an anonymous donor. This program's purpose is to prevent the "summer slide" that a long break from school can cause by providing access to library materials. Sign-up is now active and will run through Aug. 1. Who Qualifies?To qualify, children must be aged birth to those entering grade 12 in the fall. Children need not attend school to be eligible -- preschoolers and homeschoolers within Benton, Clinton, and Jackson townships are encouraged to sign up, too. Families with multiple children aged birth to 12 years old will only receive one card; however, children 13-18 are eligible for their own library cards. How Do I Sign Up?Families within Clinton, Jackson, and Benton townships can come to the Syracuse Public Library with their photo IDs and proof of address (such as a utility bill or other piece of mail) to register for these summer library cards. Qualifying teens under 18 will need an adult with them to sign up for their library card. What Do I Get With A Library Card?The summer library card gives the cardholder access to all Syracuse Public Library services and materials, excluding hotspots. You can also access our digital resources, including the Libby and Hoopla apps, which offer access to hundreds of e-books, audiobooks, magazines, TV shows, movies, documentaries, online classes, music, and more. Of course, families are also encouraged to join SPL for its many summer reading programs and activities! You need no library card to attend programs. When Do They Expire?Summer library cards expire Aug. 31. The Syracuse Public Library does offer nonresident library cards for one year or four months for those interested in maintaining a long-term library card.
For more information, call the library at (574) 457-3022. 
National Library Week occurs April 23-29, a time to celebrate libraries, library workers' contributions and promote library use and support. The theme for National Library Week 2023 is "There's More to the Story." It illustrates libraries' multiple roles that transcend books. The Syracuse Public Library offers books in different forms, including Vox books that read to children and books in Spanish. That is a small fraction of what the library provides. Patrons and community members of all ages have access to various programs all year-round. Need access to public computers, free Wi-Fi, or a printer, scanner or fax machine? These are all available to the community. Take-and-make crafts for children and teens can be picked up while visiting. Love puzzles? The Syracuse Public Library has a puzzle exchange where everyone can take and leave a puzzle.
To celebrate the week, the Syracuse Public Library will offer free card replacements from April 24-29. Can’t find your library card? Is your card in terrible shape? Now is your chance to replace it. Patrons can also leave a note about what they appreciate about the library. Submit your statement at the following link: shorturl.at/betyY. 
If you use the Libby app, there are some new titles waiting for you! The Syracuse Public Library has purchased the following digital e-books and audiobooks for our patrons to enjoy. Check them out on Libby today or place a hold. SPECIAL NOTE: Don't forget the OverDrive app will be officially discontinued May 1. If you haven't made the switch to the Libby app, do so now. The Libby app is available in the Google Play Store and Apple Store. If you use a Kindle, you can access the Libby App in your web browser at libbyapp.com. OverDrive Inc. is still working to get the Libby app listed in Amazon's app store.
You don't have to travel far for spring break fun this year. All weeklong, the Syracuse Public Library will offer a host of programs for children and young adults. Here is the rundown of what to expect the week of April 3-6 (the library will close Friday, April 7, for Good Friday)! ChildrenChildren, get ready! The children's department staff has come up with some fun plans for you! Here is what to expect:
Young AdultsMeanwhile, young adults (grades 6-12) have their own programs during the week:
 
New books are constantly arriving at the Syracuse Public Library, and there were some really good options for children of all reading levels in the last couple of deliveries! Browse below for a pretty comprehensive list of new titles in January and February. Then we highly recommend checking out a handful!
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