Snakes, lizards and salamanders! These animals might look scary to some people but we think they are “toad-ally” awesome!  Bring the whole family to the Kate Gleason Auditorium at the Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County, located at 115 South Avenue for a free program entitled ZooMobile: Dry Scales and Slimy Skin. This program will be held at 2:30 pm on February 4, 2012. This program has something for everyone. Snakes, lizards and salamanders! These animals might look scary to some people but we think they are “toad-ally” awesome! Learn about reptiles and amphibians and how to tell the difference between them. Call the Children’s Center at 428-8150 for more information. The building is accessible to the disabled. Sign interpretation can be arranged by calling 428-8150 or 428-8023 [TDD] one week in advance.

Sonja Livingston, Author of Ghostbread, a memoir of growing up poor, fatherless, white and Catholic, as one of seven children in the bleak neighborhoods of Buffalo and Rochester, the towns along Lake Ontario, and an Indian reservation during the 1970s.  In Ghostbread, Livingston reveals the daily challenges poverty-stricken young children face. Her thoughtful testimony sheds new light on a tragic predicament that now affects not only lower-income families, but the entire nation. - Booklist

Stop by the computer lab at Central for technical assistance with resumes and online forms and job applications.  

Sustainability is increasingly finding its way into boardroom and classroom discussions alike.  We hear terms like "sustainable”, “green” and “eco” used everywhere these days. But what do they really mean? What do “green” products and sustainable communities actually look like? Why should we care? Join Enid Cardinal, Senior Sustainability Advisor to the President at RIT, for a discussion about this growing trend. She will answer these questions and others as she explores the role of sustainability in today’s society. The discussion will end with a look at sustainability in higher education and how Rochester Institute of Technology is working to address these global challenges. Speaker: Enid Cardinal, Senior Sustainability Advisor to the President at RIT

Stop by the computer lab at Central for technical assistance with resumes and online forms and job applications.  

Stop by the computer lab at Central for technical assistance with resumes and online forms and job applications.  

Tale of a father who struggles to bond with his estranged son Gabriel, after Gabriel suffers from a brain tumor that prevents him from forming new memories.  Show time is 2 PM. Movie goers are welcome to bring their own snacks or visit our new Tim Hortons restaurant.

The Occupy movement began in the summer of 2011.  The first US Occupy communities began on Wall Street and in San Francisco in September. By the end of November 2011 the Occupy movement is believed to have communities in over 2,600 towns and cities worldwide, with more than 600 in the United States-including Rochester. Claiming to represent 99% of the population, the movement has primarily been directed against economic and social inequality, but what does that really mean? Who are the 99% that Occupy signs refer to, and who is the 1%? What specifically is being protested against, and has an alternative vision for social and economic equality come out of the movement? Speaker: Colin O’Malley, Organizing Director, Metro Justice

Stop by the computer lab at Central for technical assistance with resumes and online forms and job applications.  

Stop by the computer lab at Central for technical assistance with resumes and online forms and job applications.  

Gertrude and Isabel Herdle carried the reins of the Memorial Aft Gallery for 50 years, after the death of their father who was the first director until his death in 1922. The Gallery archives have the complete correspondence from their trips abroad from 1921-1981. A part of the Rochester's Rich History series.  

The Arts Division of the Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County will feature a different artist once a month with its Caution! Artist at Work! series.  One Monday evening a month, between 6 and 7:45 pm, we will host a different local artist or musician who will be working on a piece right in the Arts Division.  Patrons are welcome to stop by and observe an artist creating or a musician playing.  On February 20, artist Marilynne Lipshutz will be demonstrating the art of bead making.  Examples of her work will also be on display in the Arts Division during the month of February.  We hope you will stop by to see our local talent at work!

Syracuse artist Ty Marshal will talk about his project recreating the “Cardiff giant” unearthed behind a barn on a farm near Syracuse in 1869.  Ty will talk about Central New York’s history as a creative community and how religious fundamentalism has affected modern culture in upstate New York and throughout the nation. We’ll also take a look at the origin of arts and entertainment (notably “pop culture”) in the United States, and how arts and culture serves as an economic engine. Speaker: Ty Marshal, Artist

Andrew "Ender" Wiggin thinks he is playing computer simulated war games; he is, in fact, engaged in something far more desperate.  

The result of genetic experimentation, Ender may be the military genius Earth desperately needs in a war against an alien enemy seeking to destroy all human life. The only way to find out is to throw Ender into ever harsher training, to chip away and find the diamond inside, or destroy him utterly. Ender Wiggin is six years old when it begins. He will grow up fast.

Our discussion group meets from Noon - 1:00,  Rundel Auditorium, 3rd floor
Central Library’s Rundel Building. Refreshments will be provided.

Group Moderator:  Carol Moldt
Librarian, Central’s Literature Division
For more information call 428-8375
Link to Poster

Listen to a story and meet a rabbit and an owl,  The Wegmans’ Zoomobile is bringing animals that will complement a story at a fun Beasts and Books program. Kids 3-8 are invited to learn about the animals and where they live and hear the story. Come to the Kate Gleason Auditorium of the Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County, located at 115 South Ave., at 2:30 pm on Wednesday February 22. This free program is cosponsored by the Children’s Center and the Friends and Foundation of the Rochester Public Library; there is no registration, so bring all your friends and family. The building is accessible to the disabled. Sign interpretation can be arranged by calling 428-8150 or 428-8023 [TDD] one week in advance.

Join us for a dynamic, interactive performance of traditional African rhythms and percussion instruments.  Afrikuumba Drum and Dance offers a fascinating, fun interactive performance of traditional African rhythms, drums and dancing.  They are coming to the Kate Gleason Auditorium, located in the Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County at 115 South Avenue at 2:30 pm on Thursday, February 23. This free program will appeal to people of all ages and is sponsored by the Children’s Center. There is no prior registration, so plan on bringing the whole family. The building is accessible to the disabled. Sign interpretation can be arranged by calling 428-8150 or 428-8023 [TDD] one week in advance.

A distinguished member of our community is out for an evening walk in his suburban neighborhood when a police car pulls up next to him and the police officer questions his presence in the neighborhood. Why was he stopped?  Racial profiling is illegal. Yet it happens, creating friction between the police and the communities they are sworn to protect and serve. Our panel will discuss racial profiling in our community, its consequences and what hope there might be to move beyond it. Panel: Chief James Sheppard, head of the Rochester Police Department; Reverend Lawrence Hargrave, Interim Pastor, Outreach Ministeries Asbury First United Methodist Church; Tony Jordon, Manager for the City of Rochester Department of Recreation and Youth Services

The traditional doors to the publishing world are not closing. They're just not open as wide as they once were. Today's writer needs to research the market and know what publishers are really looking for.  And you need to hand in a manuscript that is as good as you can make it.

Steven Huff, Director of Adult Education at Writers & Books, will discuss avenues to publication (including new and non-traditional formats), and discuss the sort of classes and/or mentoring that can help turn the struggling writer into a first-time author.

This free program is sponsored by the Literature & Media Division.

Registration for this free program is required.  Register by calling 428-8375 or register online

Please register by February 29th.

For additional information, please contact:
Carol Moldt, 428-8375

There is an old saying about people talking about the weather when they don’t have anything else to talk about.  But in Rochester we know better. Join us for a lively noon hour with Scott Hetsko as he brings his passion about the weather to the Central Library. Speaker: Scott Hetsko, Chief Meteorologist, News 8 and Fox First

Tim Burton directs 19-year-old Alice as she returns to the magical world from her childhood adventure, where she reunites with her old friends and learns of her true destiny: to end the Red Queen's reign of terror.  Show time is 2 PM. Movie goers are welcome to bring their own snacks or visit our new Tim Hortons restaurant.

Sponsored by the Friends & Foundation of the Rochester Public Library.  

Sponsored by the Friends & Foundation of the Rochester Public Library.  

Sponsored by the Friends & Foundation of the Rochester Public Library.  

Jim Kennard will talk about finding the "Milan" and show video footage of the sunken schooner. Copies of the book that Jim co-authored, Legend of the Lake, will be available for sale and signing after the presentation. A part of the Rochester's Rich History series.  

Sponsored by the Friends & Foundation of the Rochester Public Library.  

Are you a baker who loves to read, or are you someone who occasionally has to eat your words?  Perhaps you simply enjoy the unexpected? In any case, the 3rd Annual Edible Books Festival and Competition! will be held at the Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County on Saturday, March 31, 2012. Click here for the entry form, or email friends@libraryweb.org (please include "Edible Books Festival" in the subject line). Drop-off time for entries is 12:30-1:00 pm on March 31, the day of the competition.

Ilie Ruby, Author of The Language of Trees (set in the Finger Lakes region of Canandaigua), which examines the tremulous bonds between parents and children, lovers and friends, and restless spirits—both living and dead.  It is a story that will make you believe that the spirits of those we love watch over us, that people can heal each other, and that if you can truly forgive yourself, the world will return to you all of your forgotten dreams.

Make a healthy snack; receive a token for the Farmers’ Market, and more!  Families with children aged 2-10 are invited to enjoy Healthy Hero’s Free Family Fun Activity: Eat Well, which is sponsored by the Children’s Center. On Monday April 9, 2012 at 2:30 a volunteer from the Center for Community Health will lead us in activities and provide recipes that will give you great ideas to help your family eat well. Each family will receive prizes including a token for the Farmers’ Market. Although there is no charge for this program to be held in the Kate Gleason Auditorium of the Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County, located at 115 South Ave., registration is required. Call 428-8150 or stop in at the Children’s Center. The building is accessible to the disabled. Sign interpretation can be arranged by calling 428-8150 or 428-8023 [TDD] one week in advance.

Magical Entertainer Richard McClendon II mixes amazement and wonder with magical illusions to make your mind and brain work.  The Children’s Center is proud to be able to bring an exciting, new magician to the Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County.  Magical Entertainer Richard McClendon II mixes amazement and wonder with magical illusions to make your mind and brain work, and is coming to the Kate Gleason Auditorium to present his show, An Afternoon of Magic with RW Magic, at 2:30pm on Thursday April 12, 2012. There is no registration for this free program that welcomes people of all ages, so please bring your friends, neighbors, and family. The building is accessible to the disabled. Sign interpretation can be arranged by calling 428-8150 or 428-8023 [TDD] one week in advance.

Cynthia Howk will talk about the many projects of the Landmark Society that have helped preserve and promote the historic resources of our area. A part of the Rochester's Rich History series.  

Star race car Lightning McQueen and his pal Mater head overseas to compete in the World Grand Prix race. But the road to the championship becomes rocky as Mater gets caught up in an intriguing adventure of his own: international espionage.  Show time is 2 PM. Movie goers are welcome to bring their own snacks or visit our new Tim Hortons restaurant.

A nature documentary centered on two cat families and how they teach their cubs the ways of the wild.  Show time is 2 PM. Movie goers are welcome to bring their own snacks or visit our new Tim Hortons restaurant.

A young girl from South Los Angeles tries to make it to the National Spelling Bee.  Show time is 2 PM. Movie goers are welcome to bring their own snacks or visit our new Tim Hortons restaurant.

Be the first to hear about the most recent issue of "Rochester History". The author will present a talk about the subject and will be available to sign copies after the presentation. Copies will be on sale for $4.00 A part of the Rochester's Rich History series.  

After semi-truck driver Teri Horton bought a large splatter painting for her friend for $5, she was forced to sell it in her own garage sale when her friend said she had no place for it. Eventually someone commented on the painting stating it might be an original Jackson Pollock. This documentary follows Teri, her son, and a forensics specialist as they attempt to prove to the world, or more specifically the art community, her painting is a true Jackson Pollock.  Show time is 2 PM. Movie goers are welcome to bring their own snacks or visit our new Tim Hortons restaurant.

Mary Jewett Telford was a Civil War nurse from Rochester. This year marks the 150th anniversary of the Civil War. A part of the Rochester's Rich History series.  

Ralphie has to convince his parents, teachers, and Santa that a Red Ryder BB gun really is the perfect gift for the 1940's.  Show time is 2 PM. Movie goers are welcome to bring their own snacks or visit our new Tim Hortons restaurant.

Enjoy some tea while you make an accordion scrapbook to fill with your holiday memories. Registration is required. Registration will be open December 1st-12th. A part of the Rochester's Rich History series.