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
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. 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.
After April 15, users with devices running Android OS 7.1.0 or earlier will be required to update their operating system or switch to another supported device to continue using OverDrive services. Starting the week of March 25, impacted Libby users will see a message to update their OS or switch to another supported device to continue using the app. This message will include steps for how to use a setup code to easily copy their library cards, loans, holds, and tags to another device.
In an email announcing this change, Overdrive stated, "We apologize for the inconvenience this will have on users with impacted devices. This change is necessary to uphold OverDrive’s standards of security and patron privacy and our commitment to delivering a quality experience to all libraries and their users." The same email noted that usage on Android OS 7.1.0 and earlier has been declining and accounts for approximately 1.5% of all OverDrive users, with Libby users being the most impacted. Note that Google has also discontinued support for these earlier versions of the Android OS. Each year, the Lilly Center Art Contest invites 4th-12th grade students from across Kosciusko County to submit their creative depiction of our local waterways. Artists with winning entries receive cash prizes and the privilege of having their artwork on display in public spaces throughout the county. 2023-24 Lilly Center Art Contest: Memories at the Lake
The 2023-24 contest is open for submissions! Please leave artwork with Ariel Wagner at the Lilly Center, located at 806 Connection Circle, Winona Lake, IN. All artwork is due no later than Thursday, March 28, 2024. Prizes will be awarded for First ($100), Second ($75), and Third ($50) places. Winners are selected in each of the following grade categories: 4th/5th/6th, 7th/8th, 9th/10th, 11th/12th. Winning pieces will be exhibited in public spaces and made into a collection of greeting cards. Contest Rules Artwork is evaluated by the Grace College art department. They’re searching for overall creativity, artistic merit and depiction of the theme, but to make sure your piece passes every test, follow these guidelines. (We’d hate for your artwork to be removed from the contest on a technicality!)
This is important: No artwork depicting invasive species (i.e. trumpeter and tundra swans are acceptable, mute swans are not) will be considered! Native plants, animals and landscapes only, please. Finally, the submission form must be attached to the back of the entry. Use the Artwork Description to reflect on how your artwork imagines life at the lake in the past or the future. We look forward to seeing how you inspire your community to preserve its natural history! That’s it! Artwork is returned to students after the judging process, unless the artwork is among the winning pieces. Winning selections will be returned at the art contest ceremony. ![]() The winners of Webster Community Library and Syracuse Public Library’s second annual Teen Art Contest were announced during the open house. Pictured from left are Julia Stover, grades eighth through nineth, third place; Allie Stahly, grades eighth through nineth, first place; Arabella Kitson, grades sixth through seventh, second place; and Evelyn Oest, grades sixth through seventh, first place.
Not pictured are Elynna Weaver, sixth through seventh, third; Elizabeth Iden, eighth through nineth, second; Annabelle Davis, 10th-12th, first; Grant Krull, 10th-12th, second; and Margot Sprankle, 10th-12th, third. (Photo by Sarah Wright)
North Webster Community Public Library and Syracuse Public Library hosted their second annual Teen Art Contest Open House on the evening of Friday, Jan. 26, recognizing the talents of 20 participating teen artists.
During the event, 106 visitors browsed artwork at the North Webster library while listening to SPL’s Rebekah Sceniak play violin and enjoying snacks provided by both North Webster’s and Syracuse’s Friends of the Library. Eleven volunteer judges, who are all local artists, reviewed each art piece and artist statement before casting their ballots to select winners in each of the three age brackets. Winners in grades sixth through seventh were Evelyn Oest, first; Arabella Kitson, second; and Elynna Weaver, third. In the grades eighth through nineth category, winners were Allie Stahly, first; Elizabeth Iden, second; and Julia Stover, third. For grades 10th-12th, winners were Annabelle Davis, first; Grant Krull, second; and Margot Sprankle, third. The People's Choice winner was Grant Krull with his Weldedhead Whopper sculpture. Winners received gift cards of varying increments, with first place each getting $100 gift cards. The second annual Teen Art Contest was sponsored by the North Webster Friends of the Library and Syracuse Friends of the Library and organized by Hanna Kunkel, NWCPL young adult librarian, and Michelle Parker, SPL assistant director. Art pieces will be displayed at North Webster Community Public Library from Jan. 27 through Feb. 10 and at the Syracuse Public Library from Feb. 12-24. All participants can pick up their art starting Feb. 26 at the library they marked as their “home library” on the entry form. New materials constantly arrive at Syracuse Public Library, and we are receiving new young adult titles soon to wrap up 2023 and bring in 2024. Here is the list of what to expect! Please note some titles may arrive later than their release dates.
|
Archives
February 2025
Categories
All
WowbraryNews From the Stacks![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
|