Friday Morning Games for Seniors

Senior Citizens are invited to get together with other seniors at the Library to play their favorite board games. The summer game mornings began on Friday, August 1 and will continue on Friday, August 29 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Come by yourself or come with friends. There is no registration for this program, and the Library supplies the games. This program is a joint venture of the Friends of the Garden City Public Library and the Library’s programming department. For further information, please contact Laura Flanagan at 742-8405.

Labor Day Weekend

The Library will be closed Saturday, August 30 through Monday, September 1 for Labor Day. Check the Library Hours page for a more complete schedule.

Art League's Fall Show

The Art League of Nassau County will present a mixed media “Fall Show” in the Library’s gallery and showcases from August 29 to September 28. View oil paintings, pastels, watercolors, sculpture, and much more.

The Art League of Nassau County, founded in 1925, is the oldest art league on Long Island. Present membership is approximately 150. The League’s objectives include: bringing into helpful cooperation those who are interested in all the visual arts; stimulating public interest by various programs; encouraging art education and awakening civic consciousness to the value of beauty in the community. Through these objectives, the League has achieved a reputation of esteem and prestige throughout Long Island and the Metropolitan area. Many nationally prominent artists are among its members. At monthly meetings, the League continues to offer informative and inspiring demonstrations by notable guest artists.

Installation and removal dates are subject to change. Funding for gallery and showcase exhibits is provided by The Friends of the Garden city Public Library.

News From the Children's Room

It’s not too soon to be thinking about the fall. The librarians have been busy working on planning the fall programs. Flyers are available in the Children’s Room. Story times will be returning, as well as book discussions and other programs. We encourage you to visit the Children’s Room to find out what the Library has planned for the coming school year.

Registration for fall story times begins on Saturday, September 6 at 9:00 a.m. in the Children’s Room or online.

The Library hosted eight book discussions for children this summer as part of the “Catch the Reading Bug” summer reading program. Two book discussions per grade were held for children entering grades two, three, four, and five. Book discussions for children in grades two through five will continue during the school year.

Registration for fall book discussions will take place only in person in the Children’s Room beginning Saturday, September 6 at 9:00 a.m.

Congratulations to all the winners and to all who participated in the Summer Reading Club! We had an enthusiastic group of readers this summer. Six hundred and eighty-five children were registered in the summer reading club. Children in Grades K-5 read over 1,050 books. Story times, book discussions, and craft programs were all very well attended this summer. Attendance at these programs totaled 1,660 - a new record for the summer!

Children who completed three or four activities and won at least one prize were invited to the final shows. The "Caterpillar Club" show, “Mr. S and His Hip Rockin’ Music,” was held on August 5. The "Catch the Reading Bug" final show, “Robert Roger's Puppet Show Bugtown Follies” was held August 6.

The winner of the final guessing game guessed the amount of 270 puzzle pieces and won the 4 puzzles. The actual amount was 240. Congratulations!

On Saturday, September 13, the Children’s Room will feature a safety movie for the whole family at 3:30 p.m. No registration is required.

An important new lecture series for parents, sponsored by the Children’s Department, will begin this September at the Library. On Tuesday, September 23 at 7:30 p.m., Parents for Megan’s Law will present “Apple of My Eye I - A Child Sexual Abuse Prevention Program." The program, which will provide tips on how parents and caregivers can protect children against sexual abuse, was developed by Laura A. Ahearn, executive director of Parents for Megan’s Law and the Crime Victims Center. Although the program is sponsored by the Library’s Children’s Department, this special program is open to all Garden City parents, regardless of the ages of their children. Tickets are required and will be distributed starting September 13 at 9:00 a.m. in the Children’s Room. This program is open to Garden City residents only.

Please check the Calendar of Events and the Children's Room page for upcoming events and registration dates. Funding for these programs has been provided by the Friends of the Garden City Public Library. Priority for registration and participation is given to children who are Garden City Public Library cardholders.

Old Cell Phones

Are you replacing your cell phone? If so, don’t throw it away. Instead, please bring your old cell phone to the Circulation Desk at the Library. The donated phones will be given to the Garden City Police Department’s cell-phone program to be reworked to assist victims of domestic violence, persons with disabilities, and senior citizens as 911 calling devices. In addition, these cell phones may be donated to the Cell Phones for Soldiers program, which provides prepaid calling cards for U.S. soldiers overseas. For more information, call Tom Witt, acting library director, at 742-8405.

Safety and Wellness Program

The Garden City Police Department has a Safety and Wellness Program for seniors. The program is available to all Garden City senior citizens and/or residents who have serious medical conditions. Residents who wish to take advantage of this special program for seniors are put on a list and asked to call the Police Department daily. If the resident fails to check in with the Police Department, the Department will call the resident and if there is no answer, a police officer will be sent to check on the resident. Any resident who wishes to participate in this program may call the Garden City Police Department at 465-4100 to request an application. Those who are interested can also visit the Library and pick up an application at the Reference Desk.

Memorial Day Citations & LIRR Electrification Exhibit

Memorial Day proclamations from Nassau County Executive Thomas R. Suozzi and New York State Governor David A. Paterson are currently on display on the lower level of the Library. This year Memorial Day, May 26, 2008, coincided with the centenary of the electrification the Long Island Railroad’s Hempstead branch on May 26, 1908. The exhibit also includes historic photos and a plaque commemorating this important railroad event. The plaque will ultimately be housed at the Garden City train station.

Seniors Connections to Host Fall Series

This fall, Senior Connections will hold a series of informative and interesting public forums on topics related to life in the senior years. Senior Connections has been operating a variety of programs and services at the Library since 1985 - for 23 years. The three programs for seniors will be conducted in the large meeting room on the Library’s lower level, and refreshments will be served. An elevator is available.

The Library will host the first in the series of Senior Connections public forums, “Disaster: Emergency Preparedness” on Tuesday, September 16, at 1:30 p.m. Fayola T. Creft and Ann DeSimone of the Office of Emergency Management will discuss different types of natural disasters and how seniors can prepare for them.

The second forum will be held on Tuesday, October 21 at 1:30 p.m. Assemblyman Thomas McKevitt will speak to seniors about health-care proxies, the EPIC Drug Program, Medicare Part D, and other topics.

The third program focusing on the importance of humor will be held on Tuesday, November 18 at 1:30 p.m. Melissa Atkinson, LCSW will discuss the many benefits of laughter as part of the healing process.

For more information on the upcoming forums or Senior Connections services, please call the Library at 742-8405.

“The 75^th”

Enjoy a free one-act play, “The 75^th,” by Israel Horovitz at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 18. Cooky and Lenny Klein will star as the performers in this delightful, heartwarming comedy, which is about the 75^th reunion of Wakefield High School. A number of guests are expected, but only two show up. They barely remember each other and, due to their advanced years, have difficulty remembering anything else very accurately. Through their reminiscences, the audience will get to know these people while they develop an attraction to each other, proving you’re never too old to fall in love.

Cooky, a retired public school principal and fourth runner-up in the 2005 Ms. NY Senior America Contest, and Lenny, a retired high-school chemistry teacher, have been performing on Long Island for more than 40 years. The Kleins most recently appeared as Muriel and Herbert in “I’m Herbert” as part of Township Theatre Group’s touring trio of one-acts, “Seeing Ourselves.”

The performance will be approximately one hour. No tickets are required. This public program is funded by the Friends of the Garden City Public Library. Seating and parking are limited and on a first-come, first-served basis.

What's up for Young Adults

Presenter Terry Parrett was unable to be at the Library on July 28, forcing a last-minute cancellation. Anyone who was signed up for this program gets priority registration at the rescheduled "Teen Boss Workshop." Mr. Parrett will be at the Library on Saturday, September 20, from 3:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. As originally advertised, this workshop will explore how a young person can become a junior entrepreneur, with tips on how to start, promote, and determine what to charge for goods and services offered in your business. All attendees will receive a CD-ROM packed with goal-setting and planning material, sample advertising and marketing pieces, ideas for different types of teen businesses, and more. The workshop is limited to 30 participants. began July 14. Inquiries to get on the list for September are being accepted now.

In September, the Young Adult Department, with the sponsorship of the Friends of the Garden City Public Library, will be hosting a series of workshops on college admissions and funding. These workshops are open to students and their parents. Registration begins September 2 for the first workshop, “How to Write a Winning College Essay,” conducted by Dr. Martha Maloof on Wednesday evening, September 17 from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., with questions and answers until the Library closes at 9:00 p.m. The second workshop, “How to Beat the High Cost of College,” conducted by Barry Fox will be on Wednesday evening, September 24 from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., with time for questions and answers at the end. The third and final college workshop, “SAT Workshop for Parents and YAs,” conducted by Steve Rosner of Kaplan will be held on Wednesday evening, October 1, beginning at 7:30 p.m. This presentation will last for one hour and will be followed by questions and answers.

Tuesday, October 7 is the long-awaited date for registration for the fall "Babysitting Workshop." The two sessions will be after school on October 28 and November 5.

October 12-18 is Teen Read Week (TRW). The 2008 theme is “Books With Bite.” To kick off the celebration, the Young Adult Department will be hosting a free choice "Yak & Snack." This will be held on Tuesday, October 14 at 7:00 p.m. This is the evening following the Columbus Day weekend. All YAs are invited to come and have a bite with friends and the librarian and tell others about their favorite book or books. Registration begins September 22.

At the close of TRW, Saturday, October 18, Christine Rissanen will be conducting a food workshop, “Edible Haunted Houses.” Registration begins October 4.

The Library’s newly enlarged and renovated Young Adult Room is now open. The YA Computer Center, which was part of the Library’s renovation project, is now in operation. There are four computers reserved for patrons in Grades 6-12 at the west end of the YA Room. There is also a laser printer and a sign-up station for reserving the next-available computer when all are in use. The computers are available during normal Library hours unless no one is available to supervise. This insures that the computers are used only by the appropriate age group.

Each machine is equipped with Internet Explorer (which is always filtered), Powerpoint, Publisher, and Word. YAs who need Excel may use it in the new adult Computer Lab on the lower level. As in the adult Computer Lab, there is a three hour time limit on use per day, and a limit of five pages of free printing. Additional printing can be purchased at the Circulation Desk for 5¢ per page up to 20 additional pages. YAs are invited to use the new Computer Center and should register at the front desk. Anyone under 17 years of age should have a parent sign a consent form.

Have you tried Live Homework Help yet? Those who have used it report that it is a life saver. The tutors are helpful and instructive. Frustration over a homework problem is cured in less than half an hour. Click on the link, log in with your Garden City Public Library card number, and you are on your way to solving those homework dilemmas.

For more information on these and future programs check the Young Adult page, the Calendar of Events, the Library newsletter, the newspapers, and our flyers. Funding for these programs has been provided by the Friends of the Garden City Public Library. Any Young Adult program requiring registration is for Garden City Public Library cardholders in Grades 6-12 only. Registered participants must be present at the time the program is scheduled to begin. We regret that, after that time, their places may be given to people on the waiting list.

Lecture on Tiffany & Art Nouveau

Professor Thomas Germano of Farmingdale State College will give a free visual lecture “Louis Comfort Tiffany & the Art Nouveau Style” at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 25. The art of Tiffany will be presented in the context of the Art Nouveau movement. Learn how Tiffany started out as a painter before he became interested in glassmaking. Hear about the Tiffany Glass Furnaces located in Queens, NY and his own 84 room house, “Laurelton Hall,” in Oyster Bay. See beautiful images of his stained-glass windows, lamps, and a range of interior decorations including enamel and pottery. (Please note: "Tiffany and the Gilded Age" is on view at the Nassau County Museum of Art, Sept. 21, 2008 – Jan. 4, 2009.)

Thomas Germano holds a Masters Degree in Fine Art from Yale University with a concentration in painting. His studio is located in East Norwich. He has shown his paintings throughout the USA and abroad and has numerous pieces in public and private collections. Mr. Germano is currently a Professor in the Visual Communications Department at Farmingdale State College as well as the Coordinator of International Studies in Art History. This public program is funded by the Friends of the Garden City Public Library.

Seated Aerobics is Back!

The Library is happy to offer again the very popular "Seated Aerobics." What better way to have fun while exercising … SEATED AEROBICS! All classes are choreographed to enjoyable music. This is a complete workout, from head to toe. Remember to wear comfortable clothes! There is no registration and all are welcome. So join us Fridays, September 26 and October 3, 10, 17, 24 & 31 at 10:30 a.m. For further information, please contact Laura Flanagan at 742-8405.

Lunch Bag Book Talk

Researched with the mind of a skilled genealogist, told with the words of a gifted storyteller, and written with a magical pen, The Heretic’s Daughter is a masterful account of the life of Sarah Carrier, daughter to Martha Carrier: WITCH. The Heretic’s Daughter is raw, honest, and completely captivating. Kathleen Kent takes what would seem to be a familiar subject and gives it a fresh, new perspective, moving us through a wrenching gamut of emotions as she does so. This book is made even more poignant because its author, Kathleen Kent, is a tenth generation descendant of Martha Carrier. So become a part of the lively discussion at the "LunchBag BookTalk" on Wednesday, October 1 from 12:00 noon to 2:00 p.m. Registration begins Monday, September 15. Registration is limited to Garden City residents and must be done in person. For further information, please contact Laura Flanagan at 742-8405.

Friends of the Library Book Discussion

Erik Larson’s engrossing account of the Chicago World’s Fair of 1893, Devil in the White City, will be discussed on Wednesday, October 1. Bestselling author Larson writes a vivid account of the tragedies and triumphs of the world’s fair. The book reads like a novel but is a factual account of the fair and the mass murderer who lurked within it. The discussion, which will be moderated by Gloria Weinrich, will take place from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 noon in the Library’s small meeting room on the lower level and is limited to 20 participants. No registration is necessary. Copies of the book will be available beginning September 2 at the Reference Desk.

Don’t be Victimized by Identity Theft

Identity theft is the fastest-growing white-collar crime in the United States. A representative from the New York State Attorney General’s Office will present a program on Thursday, October 9 at 10:00 a.m. offering valuable information to help you from becoming a victim. It will include the most up-to-date tips for consumers on protecting themselves and what to do if one does become a victim. Registration for "Protecting Yourself Against Identity Theft" begins on Monday, September 29 and is open to all. For further information please contact Laura Flanagan at The Garden City Public Library 742-8405.

Shania Twain Tribute Concert

Rob & Patty Walsh will perform a free tribute concert to Shania Twain on Sunday, October 19 at 2:00 p.m. Enjoy an hour of best-selling hits by the ultimate country/pop female singer-songwriter, Shania Twain. Learn about her life and career while hearing songs like “Man, I Feel Like a Woman,” “You’re Still the One,” “From This Moment On,” and “That Don’t Impress Me Much.”

Rob & Patty were the first-place winners of Lincoln Center’s Midsummer Night Swing dance competition in July 2007. This show will treat the audience to a lively swing dancing demo. Rob & Patty met on the dance floor on Patty’s birthday in July 2003, and it was instant magic. They were on stage together within weeks and have been making beautiful music together ever since. They were married on March 31, 2006 and share the same careers as elementary-school teachers. They have performed at many local venues, including charity events, fairs and festivals, public libraries, and playhouses.

This public program is funded by the Friends of the Garden City Public Library. Seating and parking is limited and on a first-come first-served basis. No tickets are required.

Antique Books & Autographs 101

Antique books! Clouded in a veil of myth and mystery. A subject feared by many collectors and dealers alike. But don't let that scare you! Eddie Costello presents the basics of this fascinating yet most frustrating subject in a style that is easy to understand and yes, fun too. Plus, collectors are fascinated with autographs as well. The very thought that the hand of Lincoln, Mozart, or Elvis signed that sheet of paper is exciting, to say the least! You may bring any one item for a free appraisal. It does not have to be a book or an autograph. So register, then go home and put a reminder on your fridge, because you won’t want to miss this opportunity to be informed on this most intriguing subject Sunday, October 26 at 2:00 p.m. Registration begins Sunday, October 19 and is for Garden City residents only. For further information please contact Laura Flanagan at 742-8405.

Multimedia Program on Nicaragua

Travel photographer Doug Going will present a multimedia program: “Nicaragua . . . A La Orden!” on Thursday, October 30 at 2:00 p.m. Stunning photography, richly authentic music, and an in-depth narration combine to deliver an emotionally charged adventure. Hear the calls from colorful markets, venture into dense tropical jungles, and “experience” volcanoes to beaches. Overshadowed by its tourist-mecca neighbor to the south, Costa Rica, and still plagued by its own tumultuous political past, Nicaragua is all too often overlooked by travelers. But this makes for a more genuine experience and a greater sense of adventure - all the more reason to go! And above all else that Nicaragua has to offer is the warm, welcoming pride of its people. Come along on this journey and enjoy the essence of Nicaragua that is “A La Orden!” This public program is funded by the Friends of the Garden City Public Library. No tickets are required.

Library Director Retires After 32 Years

Library Director Alan Roeckel retired June 21 after working more than three decades at the Garden City Public Library. Library staff, former employees and retirees joined with the Library Board of Trustees and village officials to honor Mr. Roeckel at a retirement dinner on June 26.

Mr. Roeckel joined the staff on January 5, 1976 as an assistant reference librarian and then became a reference librarian, head of adult services, and acting director. He became director of the Library in 1987. Thomas Witt, assistant director, will be acting director of the Library.

Take an Audio Book Along for the Ride

Have you “heard” a good book lately? The Library has a new Audio Visual Center on the lower level, which houses new and bestselling fiction and nonfiction audiobooks. Patrons are invited to browse the collection for books on CD and cassette and for Playaway digital audio books to enjoy this summer at the pool, the beach, or on a car trip. Families can share a classic or listen individually to an audiobook in their favorite genre. There are mysteries, biographies, even foreign language instructional audio materials. Whether plans call for a day trip or a week away, take an audiobook along for the ride this summer.

Summer Reads on Display

The Library invites patrons to browse the display area for books to read this summer. The displays located adjacent to the Circulation Desk feature both fiction and non-fiction books that have been selected for summer interests. Readers will discover “sizzling summer reads” to enjoy at the pool or beach. In addition, patrons can browse displays for books with suggestions about ways to spend the summer.

Whether plans call for outdoor summer projects, recreation, vacation getaways, or entertaining family and friends, there are books on display at the Library to help you make the most of the season. Baseball fans can find books about America’s favorite pastime, including a solid collection about both New York teams. If your goals include learning more about how to stay healthy, browse the wellness display for books on diet, exercise, and other health issues. Why not catch up with a classic this summer or spend some time reading to plan your future finances or a career change? Visit the Library’s display area and check out all the summer reads.

Free Passes to Five Museums

Through the generosity of the Friends of the Garden City Public Library, the Library is offering free passes for its cardholders to five museums. The museum passes allow entry to the American Museum of Natural History, the Guggenheim Museum, the Metropolitan Museum, the New York Botanical Garden, and Old Westbury Gardens. The Guggenheim Museum pass includes reciprocal membership with the Brooklyn Museum, and the New York Botanical Garden pass has reciprocal benefits with Planting Fields Arboretum.

Museum passes may be reserved in advance and checked out by an adult (18 years and older) Library cardholder in good standing who has signed a Museum Pass Agreement. Reservations will be taken up to one month in advance of the desired date, subject to availability on a first-come, first-served basis. Reservations must be done in person at the Reference Desk and will not be taken over the phone.

One pass per museum per household may be borrowed within a six month period. The passes may be borrowed for three days and must be returned by one hour before the Library closes on the day the pass is due.

Further information about the Library’s policies governing the museum passes is included in the borrower’s Museum Pass Agreement. In addition, patrons should call the individual institution directly for hours, parking, and directions, and for the rules governing the use of the museum pass.

The Library’s museum-pass program offers adults and children alike the opportunity to explore the wealth of art and culture located close to home. Patrons can enjoy visiting the wide variety of New York City and Long Island cultural institutions available through the museum-pass program. For more information, visit the Library or contact the Reference Desk at 742-8405.

Database News

In the past year, we added a number of electronic services to our database collection, including Auralog Tell Me More, Career Cruising, Home Improvement Reference Center, ElderCare, Literature Criticism Online, Live Homework Help, NextReads, and Price It! Antiques & Collectibles. Sorry to say, the additions can’t go on forever, and we have had to cancel some subscriptions that were less heavily used or overlapped others in subject coverage. The cancellations are: Books in Print, Facts on File Issues and Controversies and World News Digest, Gale Science Resource Center, and Wilson Biographies Illustrated Plus.

For a full listing of electronic services by subject area, pick up a copy of the "Tap the Hidden Web" brochure at the Reference Desk or see the Online Databases page. Most are accessible both in the Library and at home. Enter the barcode number from your Garden City Public Library card when prompted.