Library Updates
2023 Murray L. Bob Education Initiative
2023 Murray L. Bob Community Education Initiative
The library is excited to announce our 2023 Murray L. Bob Community Education Initiative lineup. The program brings community organizations to the library to conduct classes and run programs. This initiative honors former director of the Prendergast Library and the Chautauqua-Cattaraugus Library System, Murray L. Bob.
In 2023, the library will partner with Infinity Visual and Performing Arts, Pearl City Clay House, Jamestown Public Market, and Children’s Music Studio.
Please note: All listed events take place at the library.
Registration is required for some events, and will open approximately three weeks prior to the event. Keep an eye on our Facebook page for the most up-to-date information on each event, and call (716) 484-7135 Ext. 226 with any questions.
Events with Infinity and Pearl City Clay House
Boro for Visible Mending, Tuesday, March 14th 5:00-7:00pm Registration required.
Are you interested in the visible mending trend, but don’t know where to start? Learn boro inspired patching at this program led by artist Deb Eck.
All-Ages Drumming, Weekly every Thursday July 6th-August 17th 11:00am-12:00pm
Join Infinity on the library’s front lawn for an all-ages drum circle! This collaborative and creative program will take place on the following dates: 7/6, 7/13, 7/20, 7/27, 8/3, 8/10, 8/17 from 11:00am-12:00pm.
Artistic Photos with Just a Smartphone, Tuesday, May 9th 5:00-7:00pm Registration required.
Looking to take better photos with your smartphone? Join local photographer Cathy Panebianco for “Artistic Photos with Just a Smartphone.” This free class will help you get better results photographing with your smartphone by learning the basics: settings, techniques, lighting for exposure, and composition. We will also learn more about the Snapseed app to better edit your photograph, and discover more about a few other cool photo apps to bring your photos to the next level. Just bring your smartphone and your imagination!
Eco-Dyeing, Tuesday, July 18th 5:00-7:00pm Registration required.
Learn how to create and utilize natural dyes for a beautiful product at this program led by Deb Eck.
Paper Making, Tuesday, September 12th 5:00-7:00pm Registration required.
Learn the process and art of making paper at this program led by Deb Eck.
Recycled Book Binding, Tuesday, November 14th 5:00-7:00pm Registration required.
Turn an old book into a new piece of art at this recycled book binding program led by Deb Eck.
Events with Jamestown Public Market
Jamestown Public Market programs are partially supported through a grant from the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation.
Transforming “Food Waste,” Thursday, March 30th 5:00-7:00pm
In this class we will explore how we can utilize parts of fruits and vegetables we usually think to throw away, from carrot tops to potato skins! We will also touch on ways to reduce food waste, be it in the kitchen or compost!
SNAP-Ed and Cornell Cooperative Extension will be present to offer free cooking demos and samples related to what we will be discussing.
Cooking Fun with Fresh Herbs, Tuesday, May 16th 5:00-7:00pm
In this class we will learn all about herbs! How to grow them easily at home, identify them at the local community garden or nursery, and how to incorporate them into easy and delicious meals. We will smell, taste and enjoy various herbs that grow well in WNY such as cilantro, sage, parsley and basil.
SNAP-Ed and Cornell Cooperative Extension will be present to offer free cooking demos and samples related to what we will be discussing.
Shopping Local in the Winter Months, Monday, October 16th 5:00-7:00pm
Are you as sad as we are when the local farmers market ends, and the abundance of fresh produce is no more? In this class we will learn how to best preserve some of the fall harvest, while also discussing ways to support local farmers during the ‘winter’ season, from purchasing meat in bulk to how to find local products all year long!
SNAP-Ed and Cornell Cooperative Extension will be present to offer free cooking demos and samples related to what we will be discussing.
Nutrition Benefits 101, Thursday, December 7th 5:00-7:00pm
In this class we will be joined by local community advocates who can assist you with applications for SNAP benefits, as well as explore the various nutrition benefits available to individuals, families and seniors that you can use to both shop local and stretch your food budget!
SNAP-Ed and Cornell Cooperative Extension will be present to offer free cooking demos and samples related to what we will be discussing.
Events with Children's Music Studio
Music Exploration, Monday, January 30th 11:00am and 1:00pm
For ages 6 and under and their caregivers. Children will sing, dance, and explore basic instruments during this free class.
Music Exploration, Weekly, every Monday 7/10-8/28 at 10:30am Registration required.
For ages 6 and under and their caregivers. Children will sing, dance, and explore basic instruments during these free classes. This program takes place on the following dates: 7/10, 7/17, 7/24, 7/31, 8/7, 8/14, 8/21, 8/28.
Other Programs
Fairy/Dinosaur Gardens for Ages 6-12, Friday, July 14th 2:00-3:00pm Registration required.
Make a magical fairy terrarium or prehistoric dinosaur terrarium at this free program! Children 8 and under must be supervised by an adult. 1 kit per registered child.
Related programs: Adults can register to make a fairy garden on 8/19. Teens can make a fairy garden during a special session of Teen Crafting on 5/16. For more information, call (716) 484-7135.
