Tioga County’s libraries lead the way 

“Libraries Lead” is the theme of the sixtieth anniversary of National Library Week, which takes place April 8 through April 14.  

Part of the Finger Lakes Library System (FLLS), a cooperative library system chartered by New York State in 1958 that serves 33 public libraries in five counties, eight Tioga County libraries within the system including Apalachin, Berkshire, Candor, Newark Valley, Nichols, Owego, Spencer and Waverly, all encourage the community to visit and check out the abundance of offerings at each location.  

National Library Week was created in the 1950’s when research indicated Americans were spending less time reading and more time in tune with the radio and watching television. Today, competition comes in the form of the World Wide Web and electronic devices, however libraries in Tioga County are finding that they are gaining popularity.

Finger Lakes Library System Executive Director, Sarah Glogowski, commented, “Today, libraries are used more than ever, and with the availability of electronic services, patrons still use the library, but in a different way.”

According to Glogowski, Tioga County libraries have consistently seen an increase in library visitors. Attendance for library programs has increased 24 percent, while early literacy programs are up 33 percent, and, an astounding 107 percent gain has been seen in children’s summer reading programs. In addition, the number of registered borrowers has grown, and web visits have increased 292 percent, which is roughly equivalent to about 40,000 per year.

Glogowski explained, too, that libraries have evolved into more like community centers with fun and relevant programs and activities for all ages, and are also a safe place for kids and teens.  

Glogowski said, “We are actively listening to what community members want and need.”

All Tioga County libraries are celebrating National Library Week by having an Amnesty Day on April 12 for all patrons that have outstanding fines. Tuesday, April 10 is National Library Workers Day, a time to thank library staff, and National Library Week is an opportunity to get a library card, too.  

Chris Brewster, director of the Waverly Free Library, added, “Waverly will offer a week-long amnesty period, which means any patrons returning materials in good-enough condition to re-shelve will have their fines waived. This has been a successful program in the past and we expect that to continue.”

Brewster also shared that the Waverly location is showcasing a “History of the Waverly Free Library” for public display, which will include old artifacts and newspaper clippings.

Meredith Gallaro, director of the Coburn Free Library in Owego, explained that Owego is celebrating all month long.  A decorating contest called, “I Love My Library” starts off the week, and a special edition Toddler Storytime took place on April 11 along with Literary Lego’s at 4 p.m. on April 13.

In addition, on each Wednesday in April Owego will feature book reviews of prominent community members. Local author, Karen Bernardo is scheduled for a book signing at 6:30 p.m. on April 19. Two popular draws, an Acrylic Painting workshop is planned on April 21 at 1 p.m., and Turbo returns with a PAWS to Read edition on April 13 from 4 to 5 p.m. 

Fran Miller, director of the Berkshire Free Library, explained that a special interactive program designed to understand and identify signs of drug use will be delivered by CASA-Trinity on April 25 at 6:30, and is designed for parents, grandparents or caregivers of teens.  

April storytime sessions in Berkshire are focused on springtime, and where children will learn about nature and help plant seeds for the library garden.  Berkshire’s craft group meets Friday afternoons at 3:30 p.m., and welcomes anyone working on a project along with others who are looking for inspiration.

In Apalachin, Library Director Cathy Sorber explained that their newly renovated building was filled to capacity at a recent yoga class, and another event scheduled on April 21, the Mother / Daughter Tea Party, received an overwhelming amount of reservations. Yoga classes will be held each Thursday evening in April starting at 6:30 p.m. and another popular activity, Lego’s, will be held Thursday, April 26 at 6:30 p.m. Crafters are welcome on two Tuesdays, April 10 and 24 at 1 p.m. In addition, book discussions continue at the Apalachin Library, and a special program recognizing Autism Awareness Month is scheduled on Monday, April 23 at 6:30 p.m.  

For information about any of the Tioga County libraries within the Finger Lakes Library System, browse www.flls.org; or contact them by phone, find them on Facebook, or browse the individual websites: Apalachin Library, 719 Main St., Apalachin, NY, (607) 625-3333, www.apalachinlibrary.org; Berkshire Free Library, 12519 State Rte. 38, Berkshire, N.Y., (607) 657-4418, www.berkshirefreelibrary.org; Cady Library, E. River Rd., Nichols, N.Y., (607) 699-3835, www.cadylibrary.org; Candor Free Library, 2 Bank St., Candor, N.Y., (607) 659-7258, www.candorfreelibrary.org; Coburn Free Library, 275 Main St., Owego, N.Y., (607) 687-3520, www.coburnfreelibrary.org; Spencer Library, Main St., Spencer, N.Y., (607) 589-4496, www.spencerlibrary.org; Tappan-Spaulding Memorial Library, Rock St., Newark Valley, N.Y., (607) 642-9960, www.tsmlibrary.org; or Waverly Free Library, 18 Elizabeth St., Waverly, N.Y., (607) 565-9341, www.waverlyfreelibrary.org.