• Home
  • Library Info
    • About >
      • Our Mission
      • Our History
      • Board of Trustees
      • Meet Our Staff
      • The Friends
      • Becky's Garden
    • Building Project
    • Policies and Procedures
    • Services >
      • General
      • Technology
      • Historical Research
      • Requests and Recs
    • Calendar
    • FAQ
  • Departments
    • Children
    • Young Adults
    • Adults
  • Catalog/My Account
  • News
  • Links
  • Summer Reading
SYRACUSE PUBLIC LIBRARY
  • Home
  • Library Info
    • About >
      • Our Mission
      • Our History
      • Board of Trustees
      • Meet Our Staff
      • The Friends
      • Becky's Garden
    • Building Project
    • Policies and Procedures
    • Services >
      • General
      • Technology
      • Historical Research
      • Requests and Recs
    • Calendar
    • FAQ
  • Departments
    • Children
    • Young Adults
    • Adults
  • Catalog/My Account
  • News
  • Links
  • Summer Reading

SPL News

Indie Lens Pop-up Comes To Syracuse Library

5/14/2025

0 Comments

 
Woman reading in library
Special Collections at the Boston Public Library (Photo Credit Lucie Faulknor)
​INDEPENDENT LENS announced the launch of the new season of Indie Lens Pop-Up, the long-running screening series that brings people together for community-driven conversations around its thought-provoking documentaries.
The Syracuse Public Library will host  the documentary “Free for All: The Public Library” from 5:30-7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, May 28, in the downstairs meeting room.

Filmmakers Dawn Logsdon and Lucie Faulknor turn the cameras on America’s beloved public institution — the library — and the dramatic human stories unfolding within it.

After the film, we’ll hold a Q&A session with SPL Executive Director Kim Blaha and SPL Assistant Director Megan Daumen. Blaha will also share updates on the library's building project.

Brew City Roasting Company will provide lemonade and pastries during this special event.

0 Comments

Fairfield Cards Available For 2025

5/12/2025

0 Comments

 
A Falcon, an Evergreen Indiana library card and an open book
​Starting May 1, Fairfield Community Schools children and home-schooled children in Benton, Clinton and Jackson townships, will be able to come to the Syracuse Public Library and register for a free summer library card, thanks to an anonymous donor who created the Fairfield Literacy Fund.
In 2025, families will share one card. Teens can have their own card if they are the only child in the family. This change is to allow us to stretch the Fairfield Literacy Fund further. This program is for children, preschool through 12th grade for the 2025-2026 school year.

​To register, parents should bring proof of residency in one of the three townships. All summer library cards expire on Aug. 31. The last day to register for a card is Aug. 1.

0 Comments

Bingo Fundraiser Announced By Friends

4/10/2025

0 Comments

 
Picture
The Friends of the Syracuse Public Library will partner with the Knights of Columbus once again to hold a Bingo Fundraiser!
Doors will open at 5 p.m. on Saturday, May 3, at the Knights of Columbus building, 414 S. Sycamore St., Syracuse, IN. Bingo will start at 6:30 p.m. Players must be 18 years or older and are encouraged to arrive early to grab a seat. Additionally, three bonanza games will be played before 6:30 p.m.

The session costs $22. A full kitchen will also be available all night, serving hamburgers or brats with chips and desserts for only $3.

Attendees are also encouraged to bring children's glue sticks or acrylic craft paint to receive chances to win door prizes!
Your browser does not support viewing this document. Click here to download the document.
0 Comments

An Open Letter to the Community from Library Director Kim Blaha

4/8/2025

0 Comments

 
Picture
To our patrons, neighbors, and friends throughout Turkey Creek Township,
On behalf of the Syracuse-Turkey Creek Township Public Library, its staff, and Board of Trustees, I want to share a significant development affecting both your hometown library and libraries nationwide.
 
On Friday, March 14, the White House issued Executive Order #14238, calling for the elimination of the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), the nation’s only federal agency for America’s libraries. This executive order defunds an independent federal agency charged with providing financial support for books, databases, digitization programs, resource sharing, and training for library workers everywhere. IMLS funding is not merely a line item in a budget; it is a lifeline that supports critical library infrastructure and programs that benefit every resident.

Syracuse-Turkey Creek Township Public Library receives support from IMLS through the Indiana State Library. The services directly impacted by the elimination of IMLS include:
  • INSPIRE: A statewide collection of databases providing access to invaluable research materials. These databases are essential for Indiana schools and workforce development.
  • Evergreen Indiana: A collaboration of Indiana libraries that empowers materials sharing especially in rural areas and provides efficient technology services including a shared catalog system and access to collections that facilitate interlibrary loan.
  • Info Express: A vital courier service that facilitates the rapid and cost-effective transportation of Evergreen Indiana and interlibrary loan materials across the state.
  • WorldCat: A global cataloging database that enables libraries to share resources, improving efficiency and access to information.
  • Indiana Digital Library (Libby): A statewide digital library providing eBooks, eAudiobooks, and digital magazines.
  • Books and Materials for the Blind and Visually Impaired: Ensures individuals with visual impairments and print disabilities can obtain accessible reading materials and resources.
  • Indiana History Digitization: Preserves Hoosier history through databases including Indiana Memory and Hoosier Chronicles.
  • LSTA Grants: The Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) was signed into law September 30, 1996 as part of the Museum and Library Services Act. IMLS distributes federal funds to individual states for the purposes of increasing the use of technology in libraries, fostering better resource sharing among libraries, and targeting library services to special populations.
  • Office of Professional Development: Provides training for library directors, staff and library board members throughout the state.
Libraries are places where anyone can access the information and resources they need to thrive. The executive order calling for the elimination of IMLS funding would decimate essential services, limiting access to information, educational resources, and community support that public libraries provide. This impacts everyone.

Community members have asked what they can do or to learn more about these actions. Current information can be obtained at the Indiana Library Federation website: https://www.ilfonline.org/advocacy.

As a rule, the Library does not involve itself in politics. A staunch commitment to neutrality informs our mission to strengthen our community and enrich lives by providing equitable and impartial access to information and opportunities to learn, explore, inspire, and connect. However, this recent executive order calling for the elimination of the IMLS represents a significant financial threat to library services nationwide.

Sincerely,
Kim Blaha
Executive Director
Syracuse-Turkey Creek Township Public Library
0 Comments

Seed Library Now Available!

3/7/2025

0 Comments

 
Picture
Syracuse Public Library's seed library is now available upstairs! Each family can “check out” 10 seed packets — only 1 packet per seed variety (ex. one type of carrot). These are checkouts that you don't have to worry about returning.

Don’t have a library card? You can still “check out” seeds; we have a special library card for the seed library.
0 Comments

March Adult Book Club Pick

3/7/2025

0 Comments

 
The Woman They Could Not Silence book cover
SPL’s adult book club will read “The Woman They Could Not Silence” by Kate Moore. 
Braving the confines of an oppressive mental asylum, Elizabeth Packard defied all odds as she fought for her freedom and the rights of countless other women confined against their will. With relentless determination, she became a voice that resonated across the nation, igniting a movement for change.

The discussion occurs at 1 p.m. Thursday, March 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. The e-book is also on Hoopla.

For information or to recommend a future book club pick, email Hanna at [email protected].
0 Comments

February 08th, 2025

2/8/2025

0 Comments

 
A Love Song For Ricki Wilde Book cover
​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].

0 Comments

Catch Your Date Before They're Gone!

2/7/2025

0 Comments

 
Wrapped gently used books
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.
0 Comments

Hello, ASPEN! SPL's New Catalog

2/6/2025

0 Comments

 
Syracuse Public Logo and waves behind it
​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!)

0 Comments

Happy National Library Lovers Month!

2/6/2025

0 Comments

 
Sarah Wright and her Snoopy WWI flying ace little library
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.
0 Comments
<<Previous

    Archives

    June 2025
    May 2025
    April 2025
    March 2025
    February 2025
    November 2024
    September 2024
    August 2024
    July 2024
    May 2024
    April 2024
    March 2024
    February 2024
    January 2024
    December 2023
    November 2023
    September 2023
    August 2023
    July 2023
    June 2023
    May 2023
    April 2023
    March 2023
    February 2023
    January 2023
    December 2022
    November 2022
    October 2022
    September 2022
    August 2022
    July 2022
    June 2022
    May 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021

    Categories

    All
    Adult Programming
    Becky's Garden
    Building Project
    Children's Books
    Children's Department
    Children's Programming
    Closings
    Community Events
    Digital Resources
    Feasibility Study
    FOL News
    Libby
    National Library Week
    New Materials
    OverDrive
    Picture Books
    Programming
    Reading Challenge
    SPL News
    Staff Picks
    Teen Programming
    Volunteer
    YA Books

    RSS Feed

    E-Newsletter Sign-up

    Wowbrary

    For free weekly emails of our latest books, movies, and music, enter your email address:

    News From the Stacks

    spl_june2025.pdf
    File Size: 4849 kb
    File Type: pdf
    Download File

    spl_apr2025.pdf
    File Size: 5840 kb
    File Type: pdf
    Download File

    spl_march2025.pdf
    File Size: 4440 kb
    File Type: pdf
    Download File

    spl_feb2025.pdf
    File Size: 5833 kb
    File Type: pdf
    Download File

    spl_dec24jan25.pdf
    File Size: 3776 kb
    File Type: pdf
    Download File

    spl_nov2024.pdf
    File Size: 5531 kb
    File Type: pdf
    Download File

    spl_oct2024.pdf
    File Size: 5498 kb
    File Type: pdf
    Download File

    spl_sept2024.pdf
    File Size: 3076 kb
    File Type: pdf
    Download File

    spl_aug2024.pdf
    File Size: 3530 kb
    File Type: pdf
    Download File

Syracuse-Turkey Creek Township Public Library
115 East Main Street
Syracuse, IN

HOURS

Monday: 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Tuesday: 12-8 p.m.
Wednesday: 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Thursday: 12-8 p.m.
Friday: 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Saturday: 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Sunday: Closed

CONTACT US

Phone: (574) 457-3022
​Fax: (574) 457-8971

QUICK LINKS

My Account
Card Policies
FAQ
Meet the Staff
​Calendar
​News
​
Summer Reading 

FOLLOW US

Syracuse Public Library Sailboat Logo
  • Home
  • Library Info
    • About >
      • Our Mission
      • Our History
      • Board of Trustees
      • Meet Our Staff
      • The Friends
      • Becky's Garden
    • Building Project
    • Policies and Procedures
    • Services >
      • General
      • Technology
      • Historical Research
      • Requests and Recs
    • Calendar
    • FAQ
  • Departments
    • Children
    • Young Adults
    • Adults
  • Catalog/My Account
  • News
  • Links
  • Summer Reading