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 swright@syracuse.lib.in.us.

The scenery outside of the library looks different to the south! Don & Sons Excavating demolished 701 N. Harrison St. for the Syracuse Public Library Monday, Dec. 13.

Originally purchased by the library in January 2021, the property presented exciting opportunities for the library and its offerings, which are now being explored through a feasibility study by Arkos Design.

The feasibility study will examine potential improvements to library's building and grounds. By its conclusion, architects with Arkos Design will present the most viable options that will benefit library operations and the local community.

In particular, the Syracuse Public Library wants to provide greater accessibility for patrons and offer needed meeting spaces, including small study rooms.

The process kicked off in November with a design charrette (read more here). This meeting brought Arkos Design architects together with library staff members, board of trustees members, and Friends of the Syracuse Public Library to brainstorm.

Since then, architects have continued to refine potential options.

While the feasibility study process continues, the demolition will save library money on utilities. Stayed tuned for more details about the Syracuse Public Library's future plans.