Local History Stories

I’ve always been interested in history of any kind – national, international of local history.

In relation, my mother’s family has lived in our area for a number of generations. In keeping with that idea here’s a short little local history story! My maternal grandmother’s grandfather was a fellow by the name of Thomas Lawrence. Thomas was born in Ely, England and immigrated to the U.S. in 1871. He came to Corning shortly after he arrived in this country and founded a successful plumbing business. He went on to found the water works in the City of Corning, working out of the old brick building that use to border Denison Park and where Rite Aid is today, right across the street from Dunkin’ Donuts.

That is a snap shot of a page of my family history, and if you’re like me and you find history stories to be interesting – why not share your stories with the extended library family?

We’ve got narrative recording equipment at the library, part of our Makerspace, that allows us to record people telling stories – if you’ve got a story you can come in and be recorded and then either take the recording with you to share with your family and friends or both take a copy with you and allow us to post your story on our Corning History blog and add a copy to the library’s collection.

And if you prefer to write a story instead of recording one, you can do that too! I’ve got a binder all ready to put new local history stories in.

So if you like to tell local history stories let us know – we like those stories too!

Have a great day!

Linda, SSCL

P.S. Did you know you can scan photos and slides to create a digital family history album or use the Cricut machine to create a cool cover for a hand made family history album if you prefer print and actual photos to digital ones?  You can! There is equipment in Creation Station that will assist you in doing just that! For details ask the staff or reply to this posting.

Digital Literacy Programs & Makerspace Hours: March 28 – April 2, 2016

Creation Station (Makerspace) Hours
Monday, March 28 & Wednesday, March 30: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Tuesday, March 29 & Thursday, March 31: 5:00 PM – 7:30 PM

Creation Station is our makerspace in the library. Come in and make something incredible. Makerspace projects that will be available to be created at the Southeast Steuben County Library include:

• 3 D Printer created projects*
• Computer created projects
• Sewing projects*
• Scanning projects (slides, photos & documents)
• Art projects*
• Scrapbooking projects*
• Drawing

All Patrons interested in using the Creation Station will be required to receive training before using the space. Projects that require training are only accessible upon staff availability.

*Some projects will require a small fee for materials.

Note: Creation Station hours will be changing as of April 1! The new hours will be posted to our blogs later this week.

Digital Photo Slideshow: Back in the 20th century families used to gather to watch images of birthdays and family vacations projected onto living room walls. Nowadays almost all of us use digital cameras, but family slideshows don’t have to be a thing of the past. Using Microsoft PowerPoint we can create exciting slideshows with added music, and even video, and they can be viewed on our TVs and shared in a variety of ways, including online. Please bring a flash drive or CD with your photographs. We encourage you to bring your own laptop if you have Microsoft PowerPoint 2007 or newer, otherwise we are happy to provide laptops for everyone. To register for this program call the library at: 607-936-3713 x 502. You can also register by sending an email to: DIGLIT@STLS.ORG

Date/Time: Thursday, March 31, 2016, Time: 2:00 – 4:00 pm

Programs On Deck for Next Week:

The Online Library: In the 21st Century a public library offers more than onsite access to books, DVDs and the Internet. Today public libraries offer patrons access to digital books, audiobooks, videos, magazines, interactive learning materials and special research resources 24/7 via computers, tablets and smartphones. This program will offer an overview of the digital library materials SSCL patrons can checkout and access from wherever they are at any time of the day or night. To register for this program call the library at: 607-936-3713 x 502. You can also register by sending an email to: DIGLIT@STLS.ORG

Date/Time: Tuesday, April 5, 2016, Time: 1:00 – 3:00 p. m.

Also Available:

Free Digital Literacy Appointments: If you need help in learning how to use a computer, tablet, e-reader or smartphone, or, if you want to learn how to use the equipment in our makerspace, Creation Station, you can make an appointment with a member of our Digital Literacy Services staff at a time that is convenient for you and we’ll show you the basic operating ropes!

To make a free technology appointment call the library at 607-936-3713 x 502 or send an email to us at the following address: DIGLIT@STLS.ORG

All library programs are made possible by the Friends of the Library.

Adult Services, Digital Literacy & Makerspace Events, January 25 – 30, 2016

Makerspace Hours
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM JAN 25 & JAN 27
5:00 PM – 7:30 PM JAN 26 & JAN 28

Creation Station is our makerspace in the library. Come in and make something incredible. Makerspace projects that will be available to be created at the Southeast Steuben County Library include:

3 D Printer created projects*
Computer created projects
Sewing projects*
Scanning projects (slides, photos & documents)
Art projects*
Scrapbooking projects*
Drawing

All Patrons interested in using the Creation Station will be required to receive training before using the space. Projects that require training are only accessible upon staff availability. *Some projects will require a small fee for materials. Programs are made possible by the Friends of the Library.

Coffee, Tea & English
10:00 AM – 11:30 AM JAN 26, 2016
This is an informal, relaxed time to practice every day English conversation, share cultures and make new friendships.

Special programs or guests will also be scheduled from time to time.

Farther Along The Artists Way: based on Walking in this World by Julia Cameron
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM JAN 26, 2016
Exploring and refining your creative process by reaching higher and going deeper. This is a 12 week course, the intermediate level, a continuation of The Artist’s Way. Book recommended but not necessary – a few copies will be available on a first come, first served basis. Please call (607) 936-3713 ext. 502 to sign up. Tuesdays at noon, January – March

Books Sandwiched In presented by the Friends of the Library, SSC.
12:10 PM – 1:00 PM JAN 27, 2016
The Boys in the Boat Reviewed by Daniel James Brown

Corning Area Writer’s Group
6:00 PM – 8:00 PM JAN 28, 2016
Inject some socialization into your solo writing time by join the library’s Adult Creative Writers Group for conversation, inspiration and feedback on writing projects. No sign up is required. This group meets every Thursday from 6-8 pm. On the third Thursday of the month the group meets in the library. For more information, please call Adult Services Director Michelle Wells at (607) 936-3713 ext 209 or email wellsm@stls.org.

Digital Literacy Appointments: If you need help in learning how to use a computer, tablet, e-reader or smartphone, or, if you want to learn how to use the equipment in our Makerspace, Creation Station, you can make an appointment with a member of our Digital Literacy Services team at a time that is convenient for you and we’ll show you the basic operating ropes!

Have a great week!

Linda, SSCL

Adult Services, Digital Literacy & Makerspace Events January 18 – 23, 2016

Makerspace Hours
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM JAN 18 & JAN 20
5:00 PM – 7:30 PM JAN 19 & JAN 21

Creation Station is our makerspace in the library. Come in and make something incredible. Makerspace projects that will be available to be created at the Southeast Steuben County Library include:
• 3 D Printer created projects*
• Computer created projects
• Sewing projects*
• Scanning projects (slides, photos & documents)
• Art projects*
• Scrapbooking projects*
• Drawing

All Patrons interested in using the Creation Station will be required to receive training before using the space. Projects that require training are only accessible upon staff availability. *Some projects will require a small fee for materials. Programs are made possible by the Friends of the Library.

Coffee, Tea & English
10:00 AM – 11:30 AM JAN 19, 2016
This is an informal, relaxed time to practice every day English conversation, share cultures and make new friendships.

Special programs or guests will also be scheduled from time to time.

Farther Along The Artists Way: based on Walking in this World by Julia Cameron
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM JAN 19, 2016
Exploring and refining your creative process by reaching higher and going deeper. This is a 12 week course, the intermediate level, a continuation of The Artist’s Way. Book recommended but not necessary – a few copies will be available on a first come, first served basis. Please call (607) 936-3713 ext. 502 to sign up. Tuesdays at noon, January – March

Books Sandwiched In presented by the Friends of the Library, SSC.
12:10 PM – 1:00 PM JAN 20, 2016
Go Set A Watchman by Harper Lee
Reviewed by Georgia Verdier

Spin A Yarn!
6:00 PM – 8:00 PM JAN 21, 2016
Bring in a knitting or crochet project you are working on, get instructions or help or use club materials to make something for a greater good. For more details, call (607)936-3713. All skill levels welcome.

Corning Area Writer’s Group
6:00 PM – 8:00 PM JAN 21, 2016
Inject some socialization into your solo writing time by join the library’s Adult Creative Writers Group for conversation, inspiration and feedback on writing projects. No sign up is required. This group meets every Thursday from 6-8 pm. On the third Thursday of the month the group meets in the library. For more information, please call Adult Services Director Michelle Wells at (607) 936-3713 ext 209 or email wellsm@stls.org.

Have a great week!

Linda, SSCL

Adult Services, Digital Literacy & Makerspace Events January 11-16 2016

Makerspace Hours

10:00 AM – 12:00 PM JAN 11 & JAN 13

5:00 PM – 7:30 PM JAN 12 & JAN 14

Creation Station is our makerspace in the library. Come in and make something incredible. Makerspace projects that will be available to be created at the Southeast Steuben County Library include:
• 3 D Printer created projects*
• Computer created projects
• Sewing projects*
• Scanning projects (slides, photos & documents)
• Art projects*
• Scrapbooking projects*
• Drawing

All Patrons interested in using the Creation Station will be required to receive training before using the space. Projects that require training are only accessible upon staff availability. *Some projects will require a small fee for materials. Programs are made possible by the Friends of the Library.

Coffee, Tea & English
10:00 AM – 11:30 AM JAN 12, 2016
This is an informal, relaxed time to practice every day English conversation, share cultures and make new friendships.

Special programs or guests will also be scheduled from time to time.

Books Sandwiched In presented by the Friends of the Library, SSC.
12:10 PM – 1:00 PM JAN 13, 2016
Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates
Reviewed by Deborah Joseph

Corning Area Writer’s Group
6:00 PM – 8:00 PM JAN 14, 2016
Inject some socialization into your solo writing time by join the library’s Adult Creative Writers Group for conversation, inspiration and feedback on writing projects. No sign up is required. This group meets every Thursday from 6-8 pm. On the third Thursday of the month the group meets in the library. For more information, please call Adult Services Director Michelle Wells at (607) 936-3713 ext 209 or email wellsm@stls.org.

Teen Tech Fridays: Touchscreen Gloves
3:30 – 5:00 PM JAN 15, 2016
Enter the world of e-textiles when we create a pair of touch screen compatible gloves for the chilly months of winter. Work with conductive yarn to transform a pair of your own gloves, or start from scratch with a provided pair.

Teens and tweens ages 10 and up can learn about different kinds of technology. Have fun with science!

Sign up by calling (607)936-3713 ext. 503 or email cranek@stls.org.

Free Friday Film
7:00 – 8:30 PM JAN 15, 2016
Above Suspicion (1943): All’s fair in love and war, especially in World War II movies that combine both elements into romantic thrillers like They Met in Bombay, Arise My Love and this film starring Joan Crawford and Fred MacMurray. It’s 1939 and British intelligence needs to reconnect with a missing agent on the Continent who has details of a secret Nazi weapon. Enter newlyweds Frances and Richard Myles, who agree to forsake their European honeymoon for an even more adventurous foray into espionage. So off they go into a world of cryptographs, disguises, code words, shadowy rendezvous and the Gestapo. The result is “rattling good melodrama. A lovely compound of cryptic clues and unknown dangers” (Theodore Strauss, The New York Times)
Run Time: 90 minutes. Not rated.

Have a great week!

Linda, SSCL

Southeast Steuben County Library Adult Services, Digital Literacy & Makerspace Events Week of January 4, 2016

Makerspace Hours
3:00 PM – 5:00 PM JAN 4 & JAN 6
5:00 PM – 7:30 PM JAN 5 & JAN 7

Creation Station is our makerspace in the library. Come in and make something incredible. Makerspace projects that will be available to be created at the Southeast Steuben County Library include:
• 3 D Printer created projects*
• Computer created projects
• Sewing projects*
• Scanning projects (slides, photos & documents)
• Art projects*
• Scrapbooking projects*
• Drawing

All Patrons interested in using the Creation Station will be required to receive training before using the space. Projects that require training are only accessible upon staff availability. *Some projects will require a small fee for materials. Programs are made possible by the Friends of the Library.

Coffee, Tea & English
10:00 AM – 11:30 AM JAN 5, 2016
This is an informal, relaxed time to practice every day English conversation, share cultures and make new friendships.

Special programs or guests will also be scheduled from time to time.

Books Sandwiched In presented by the Friends of the Library, SSC.
12:10 PM – 1:00 PM JAN 6, 2016
Dale Wexell will review “Crooked,” by Austin Grossman. The Friends of the Library annual meeting will follow this book talk.

Computer Security & Privacy Workshop with DJ Dates
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM JAN 7, 2016
DJ will discuss encryption and script blocking. This class will also help attendees gain insight on how to safely travel around their computer and the Internet.

Spin a Yarn!
6:00 PM – 8:00 PM JAN 7, 2016
Bring in a knitting or crochet project you are working on, get instructions or help or use club materials to make something for a greater good. For more details, call (607)936-3713. All skill levels welcome.

Corning Area Writer’s Group
6:00 PM – 8:00 PM JAN 7, 2016
Inject some socialization into your solo writing time by join the library’s Adult Creative Writers Group for conversation, inspiration and feedback on writing projects. No sign up is required. This group meets every Thursday from 6-8 pm. On the third Thursday of the month the group meets in the library. For more information, please call Adult Services Director Michelle Wells at (607) 936-3713 ext 209 or email wellsm@stls.org.

Torn Page Writer’s Group
6:30 PM – 8:00 PM JAN 7, 2016
For teens and young adults. Read your writing or just chat with other writers about writing and books. For details, email chigamac@stls.org.

Have a great week!

Linda, SSCL

Adult Services, Digital Literacy & Makerspace Events December 21, 2015 – January 2, 2016

Holiday Closings: The library will be closed on December 24, December 25 and January 1. We will also be closing at 2:00 p. m. December 31. We will be open our regular hours on the other days including being open our regular Saturday hours of 10:00 a. m. to 4:00 p. m. on Saturday, December 26 & Saturday, January 2.

Makerspace Hours
3:00 PM – 5:00 PM Dec 22, 2015
3:00 PM – 5:00 PM Dec 29, 2015

New hours, and expanded, Creation Station hours will begin January 4, 2016.

Creation Station is our makerspace in the library. Come in and make something incredible. Makerspace projects that will be available to be created at the Southeast Steuben County Library include:
• 3 D Printer created projects*
• Computer created projects
• Sewing projects*
• Scanning projects (slides, photos & documents)
• Art projects*
• Scrapbooking projects*
• Drawing

All Patrons interested in using the Creation Station will be required to receive training before using the space. Projects that require training are only accessible upon staff availability. *Some projects will require a small fee for materials. Programs are made possible by the Friends of the Library.

Corning Area Writer’s Group
6:00 PM – 8:00 PM Dec 23, 2015
Inject some socialization into your solo writing time by join the library’s Adult Creative Writers Group for conversation, inspiration and feedback on writing projects. No sign up is required. This group meets every Thursday from 6-8 pm. On the third Thursday of the month the group meets in the library. For more information, please call Adult Services Director Michelle Wells at (607) 936-3713 ext 209 or email wellsm@stls.org.

Corning Area Writer’s Group
6:00 PM – 8:00 PM Dec 30, 2015
Inject some socialization into your solo writing time by join the library’s Adult Creative Writers Group for conversation, inspiration and feedback on writing projects. No sign up is required. This group meets every Thursday from 6-8 pm. On the third Thursday of the month the group meets in the library. For more information, please call Adult Services Director Michelle Wells at (607) 936-3713 ext 209 or email wellsm@stls.org.

Have a great holiday season!

Linda, SSCL

Adult Services, Digital Literacy & Makerspace Events: Week of December 14, 2015

Makerspace Hours
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM Dec 14, 2015
3:00 PM – 5:00 PM Dec 15, 2015
5:00 PM – 7:30 PM Dec 17, 2015
Creation Station is our makerspace in the library. Come in and make something incredible. Makerspace projects that will be available to be created at the Southeast Steuben County Library include:
• 3 D Printer created projects*
• Computer created projects
• Sewing projects*
• Scanning projects (slides, photos & documents)
• Art projects*
• Scrapbooking projects*
• Drawing

All Patrons interested in using the Creation Station will be required to receive training before using the space. Projects that require training are only accessible upon staff availability. *Some projects will require a small fee for materials. Programs are made possible by the Friends of the Library.

Coffee, Tea & English
10:00 AM – 11:30 AM Dec 15, 2015
This is an informal, relaxed time to practice every day English conversation, share cultures and make new friendships.

Special programs or guests will also be scheduled from time to time.

iPad Basics Workshop:
1:00 PM – 2:30 PM Dec 15, 2015
Our iPad Basics Workshop offers new iPad owners an overview of how to use the iPad; and includes a discussion of useful suggested apps in categories that iPad owners might enjoy. The iPad app categories discussed include: News, Entertainment, Sports, Cooking, Games, Books, Weather and more!

3D Printer Program: Holiday Ornaments:
6:00 PM – 7:30 PM Dec 15, 2015
This program will include a brief 3 D Printer presentation and then attendees will create their own customized 3 D Printed ornaments.

Note: Since 3 D Printing takes a while ornaments will have to be picked up at a later date.

Corning Area Writer’s Group
6:00 PM – 8:00 PM Dec 17, 2015
Inject some socialization into your solo writing time by join the library’s Adult Creative Writers Group for conversation, inspiration and feedback on writing projects. No sign up is required. This group meets every Thursday from 6-8 pm. On the third Thursday of the month the group meets in the library. For more information, please call Adult Services Director Michelle Wells at (607) 936-3713 ext 209 or email wellsm@stls.org.

Spin a Yarn!
6:00 PM – 8:00 PM Dec 17, 2015:
Bring in a knitting or crochet project you are working on, get instructions or help or use club materials to make something for a greater good. For more details, call (607)936-3713. All skill levels welcome.

Free Friday Films: Auntie Mame
7:00 PM – 9:00 PM Dec 18, 2015
When young, impressionable Patrick Dennis’ millionaire father dies, the boy is left in the care of his only living relative–his flamboyant, extravagant, devil-may-care … and never, never dull Auntie Mame. New York during the Jazz Age–Despite the best efforts of estate executive Dwight Babcock (Fred Clark) to rear Patrick (Jan Handzlik and Roger Smith) as a boring, stuffy aristocrat, the boy is swept into Mame Dennis’ (Rosalind Russell) world of parties, flappers and the most eccentric, entertaining, intelligent set of friends anywhere. Through the stock market crash, a marriage to a rich Southerner and his death while scaling the Alps, Mame’s whirlwind approach to life opens Patrick’s eyes to endless possibilities. MPAA Rating: Not Rated. Run Time: 143 minutes

Have a great week!

Linda, SSCL

Adult Services, Digital Literacy & Makerspace Events November 28 – December 6, 2015

Makerspace Hours
3:00 PM – 5:00 PM Dec 1, 2015
5:00 PM – 7:30 PM Dec 3, 2015

Creation Station is our makerspace in the library. Come in and make something incredible. Makerspace projects that will be available to be created at the Southeast Steuben County Library include:
• 3 D Printer created projects*
• Computer created projects
• Sewing projects*
• Scanning
• Art projects*
• Scrapbooking projects*
• Drawing

All Patrons interested in using the Creation Station will be required to receive training before using the space. Projects that require training are only accessible upon staff availability. *Some projects will require a small fee for materials. Programs are made possible by the Friends of the Library.

On Saturday, November 28 the library is open our regular Saturday hours of 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM so drop in while you’re out and about!

Note on Monday, November 30, 2015 – The library is closed for rug cleaning and staff training.

Coffee, Tea & English
10:00 AM – 11:30 AM Dec 1, 2015
This is an informal, relaxed time to practice every day English conversation, share cultures and make new friendships.

Special programs or guests will also be scheduled from time to time.

Corning Area Writer’s Group
6:00 PM – 8:00 PM Dec 3, 2015
Inject some socialization into your solo writing time by join the library’s Adult Creative Writers Group for conversation, inspiration and feedback on writing projects. No sign up is required. This group meets every Thursday from 6-8 pm. On the third Thursday of the month the group meets in the library. For more information, please call Adult Services Director Michelle Wells at (607) 936-3713 ext 209 or email wellsm@stls.org.

Spin a Yarn!
6:00 PM – 8:00 PM Dec 3, 2015:
Bring in a knitting or crochet project you are working on, get instructions or help or use club materials to make something for a greater good. For more details, call (607)936-3713. All skill levels welcome.

Free Friday Films: Tim’s Vermeer (2014)
7:00 PM – 9:00 PM Dec 4, 2015
Tim Jenison, a Texas-based inventor, attempts to solve one of the greatest mysteries in all art: How did Dutch master Johannes Vermeer manage to paint so photo-realistically 150 years before the invention of photography? Spanning a decade, Jenison’s adventure takes him to Holland, on a pilgrimage to the North coast of Yorkshire to meet artist David Hockney, and eventually even to Buckingham Palace. The epic research project Jenison embarks on is as extraordinary as what he discovers. MPAA Rating: PG-13. Run Time: 80 minutes.

Saturday, December 5, 2015 – Happy Birthday to the Southeast Steuben County Library!

Create Christmas Gift Tag Mini Albums
1:00 PM – 3:00 PM Dec 5, 2015
Space is limited. Sign up by calling (607)936-3713. Tarren Young will lead the class through completion of your own beautiful art journals suitable as gifts. All materials provided. Light refreshments offered.

Library Birthday Party: You’re Invited!
5:00 p. m. – 9:00 p. m. Dec 5, 2015
Happy 15th Birthday to the Southeast Steuben County Library!
Join us in Celebrating 15 Years we’ll be offering:
Crafts for Kids
Costumed Characters
Theater Workshop Premiere
Prizes and Birthday Presents!
Fine Forgiveness Week (Dec 1 – 5)
Hot Chocolate & Birthday Cake

Have a great day,

Linda, SSCL

Local History Mystery Photos November 20, 2015

Hi everyone, here is a new quartet of Local History Mystery Photos!

As is usual if you click on the individual photos you get a larger view.

LH 75-0701

Local History Mystery Photo 1:

This photo is of a boy reading what appears to be a newspaper sometime in the past in the Corning area. Our archival information is scant for this photo is simply is listed as being donated by the Corning Painted Post Historical Society and that the date of the photo is c. 1900

So our mystery questions are: A. Where was this photo taken?, B. Who is the little boy in the photo? And what type of even was going on that day — a parade perhaps?

LH 75-0703

Local History Mystery Photo 2: 

This photo shows five young women apparently graduating from a local school c. 1900 — which school they graduated from remains a mystery!

Mystery question 1 for this photo is just that! A. Does anyone know which school these young women attended? and mystery question 2 is: Does anyone recognize any of the women in the photo?

LH 175-0791

Local History Mystery Photo 3: 

Our third mystery photo is of a parade! And our mystery questions are:

A. Does anyone know anything about the parade (i.e. when it was held and for what occasion).

B. Where was the parade held? (Does that look like an unpaved a pre-railroad and highway Denison Parkway in Corning?

Local History Mystery 4:

Our final Local History Mystery Photo for this week has a one word listing in our archival record — it simply says “Biplane.”

Our mystery questions for this photo then are:

A. Where and when was this photo taken?

B. Does anyone know anything about the plane, or this type of plane?

&

C. Does anyone recognize any of the men in the photo?

And remember you too can scan your photos and slides and make a digital family history album, that can be shared on line with family and friends, at the library!

And if you prefer a print family album we can help you with that too! Creation Station, the SSCL Makerspace, features a color printer as well as a Cricut machine so you can make a really fancy paper family history album if you want to!

Check it out & have a great weekend!

Linda, SSCL