A bookbinding class held as part of the Murray L. Bob Education Initiatives

The James Prendergast Library will present a photography class in May as part of the Murray L. Bob Community Education Initiative.

Local photographer and Infinity instructor Cathy Panebianco will lead “Artistic Photos with Just a Smartphone” at 5:00 p.m., Tuesday, May 9 at the library. The class will offer participants an opportunity to improve cellphone photography skills by learning the basics: settings, techniques, lighting for exposure, and composition.

A smartphone is needed for the class. To register, call (716) 484-7135 Ext. 226.

The Jamestown Public Market will be at the library with Cornell Cooperative Extension’s SNAP-Ed program on May 16th from 5:00-7:00PM for “Cooking Fun with Fresh Herbs.” Attendees will learn how to grow herbs at home, identify them at the local community garden or nursery, and incorporate them in to easy and delicious meals. Participants will be able to smell, taste, and enjoy various herbs that grow well in WNY such as cilantro, sage, parsley, and basil. This program is supported in part through a grant from the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation.

Additional Bob programs are scheduled throughout the year. Children’s Music Studio will hold Music Exploration classes in July and August for kids ages 6 and under and their caregivers. Children will sing, dance, and explore basic instruments during these free classes.

To learn more about the Murray L. Bob Community Education Initiative and find a full list of events, visit prendergastlibrary.org/bob-programs.

The special event features DVDs for sale at $2.00.

The library’s regular book sale is ongoing during all library hours. During the regular sale, DVDs are $3.00-$5.00, hardcover books are $2.00 and paperback books are $1.00. Proceeds from the book sale support library operations.

For more information, call the Information Desk at (716) 484-7135 ext. 226 or visit prendergastlibrary.org

The event will run during regular library hours today through Saturday, March 4.

All books are half off during the quarterly sale with adult hardcovers being priced at $1.00, adult paperbacks at $.50, and all children’s books are $.50. Paper bags can be filled with books for just $10.00.

The library is open from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Saturday.

For more information, call the Information Desk at (716) 484-7135 ext. 226 or visit prendergastlibrary.org

Lisa French

The 2022 Murray L. Bob Lecture will focus on food insecurity.

The annual lecture will be held from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. tonight at the James Prendergast Library.

Community Outreach and Programming Manager Jennifer Champ said it will feature Field and Fork Network Co-Founder and Executive Director Lisa French, who will be joined by Jamestown Public Market Director Linnea Haskins, “She’ll be addressing different aspects of food insecurity and what they do to combat, and foster a sustainable food system. And joining her, of course, will be Linnea who has worked closely with them to start the ‘double-up food bucks’ program here through the Jamestown Public Market and the Mobile Market. And she’ll talk about how that has had an impact on the Jamestown community in particular.”

No registration is needed for the free event and it will feature a reception after the presentation.

For more information, visit www.prendergastlibrary.org

James Prendergast Library Community Outreach and Programming Manager Jenn Champ tells us about the speakers and topics of the annual Murray L. Bob Lecture that will take place December 1, 2022.

The free class runs from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 8 at the library.

Participants will learn basic methods of food storage including reducing food spoilage, maintaining nutritional value, texture and flavor of foods, and preserving via freezing and canning.

No registration is required.

This class is being funded through a grant from the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation.

State Senator George Borrello trying out one of the reading nooks at the Livonia Library in April 2021

The James Prendergast Library has received a nearly $215,000 grant for renovations at the library.

State Senator George Borrello announced the Prendergast Library was awarded the funding from the state Public Library Construction Grants.

He said the funding will enable libraries to better meet the needs of their patrons by increasing accessibility and modernizing facilities while reducing operating costs. The awards are from $34 million in capital funds allocated by the Legislature for public library construction and renovation as part of the 2022-23 state budget.

The Prendergast Library will use $214,984 to replace the entire H-VAC system, upgrade its computer system and install a patio and outdoor walkway for outdoor programs.

Other libraries in Chautauqua County that received construction grants include the Lakewood Memorial Library which will receive $194,868 to renovate its bathrooms to current standards, replace its roof and upgrade its HVAC system.

The Patterson Library in Westfield will receive $5,427 to replace old, outdated fluorescent and halogen lighting with energy efficient LEDs.

And the Ripley Public Library will receive $33,481 to upgrade its windows, plumbing, heating and Air Conditioning; and carpet.

Library Community Outreach and Programming Manager Jenn Champ said the event is not meant to be a jump-scare kind of tour, “You’re going to come, you’re going to have a tour guide, you’re going to go through the library which will be decorated with different scenes from books, and you’ll meet characters from the books. And there will be actors that give a little monologue and you’ll hear little stories about the library. So it’s a really fun way to bring the season to life, but also using the idea of literacy, books, and the magic of libraries.”

She said some characters could be frightening for younger children, and tours are geared for those ages 8 and older.

Champ said tickets are only $1 and are available for sale now through the circulation desk, “So, we are selling tickets for time slots. Tours are on the hour at 3, 4, and 5. Then we have a break, but then they’re on again at 7, 8, and 9. So, as of right now we’ve sold over 100 tickets almost, so we’re excited about that. So, we do encourage you to buy a ticket ahead of time for a slot that you’d like to come on. There’s limited space on the tour so that’s why we’re asking you to buy a ticket ahead of time.”

Champ said the library will be closed on Saturday, October 22 so that volunteers, including members of Cummins Engine and Jamestown High School, can decorate and set up for the event.

She added that people who attend are encouraged to come in costume.

For more information about the event, contact the library at 716-484-7135, ext. 258, or email reference@prendergastlibrary.org.

WRFA’s Julia Ciesla-Hanley visited the James Prendergast Library to talk to Community Outreach and Programming Manager Jenn Champ about Autumn and Halloween activities happening at the library in October.

Jamestown High School Class of 1970 presents donation to James Prendergast Library

The Jamestown High School Class of 1970 has presented a $3,500 donation to the James Prendergast Library. The donation will support educational programming at the library.

Library Director Anne Greene said the funding will go toward expanding programs such as Community Days, Summer Reading in the Park, and Crafting and Community.

For more information about the Prendergast library, visit prendergastlibrary.org.