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Richmond library budget vote and trustee election is all day on Thursday, May 4

By Billie Owens

The Richmond Memorial Library's budget vote and trustee election takes place from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Thursday, May 4th.

Rebecca Long is running unopposed.

Voting takes place in the Library's Gallery Room.

Any registered voter residing in the Batavia City School District is eligible to vote.

The library is located at 19 Ross St.

Five free classes on exploring your family history to be offered at Richmond library

By Billie Owens

Press release:

A free series of five classes on exploring your family history will be offered at Richmond Memorial Library on Tuesdays beginning Oct. 4.

Classes start at 6 p.m. and run weekly through Nov. 1.

Have you ever wondered about your ancestors -- who they were, where they came from, or what you have in common with them?

This is an excellent opportunity to start a geneology search and explore your family history.

Contact the library at 343-9550 to register.

Richmond library to dedicate Roy Mason paintings in honor of the late Ted & Rosemary Surowka

By Billie Owens

Richmond Memorial Library, 19 Ross St., Batavia is hosting a Reception and Dedication Ceremony on Wednesday, June 29 at 6:30 pm. 

All are invited to the dedication of the library’s Roy Mason paintings in memory of the late Ted and Rosemary Surowka, commemorating their many years of service to the Batavia City Schools and the Richmond Memorial Library.

A performance by the musical group “Folk ‘o the Road” will follow. More information is available in the library and at www.batavialibrary.org.

Mark Your Calendar: Celebrity impersonator Lucine Kauffman will read at special library story time April 26.

By Billie Owens

The Richmond Memorial Library is proud to announce Dolly Parton's Imagination Library!

The Imagination Library brings the excitement of books to every child, from birth to age 5, by mailing an age-appropriate book to directly to them, in their home, in their very own name, to keep, forever! Playing with books in the home at a very young age is the best preparation to have for a lifetime of reading and learning.

So join us for a special story time at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 26. Celebrity impersonator Lucine Kauffman will read, entertain and delight children of all ages, while library staff register kids up to age 5 for the book delivery service. Refreshments will be served.

Series of classes on exploring your family tree offered at Richmond library

By Billie Owens

Have you ever wondered about your ancestors? Who they were, where they came from, or what you have in common with them? Now is the time to start your search at Richmond Memorial Library.

A series of five free classes on exploring your family history will be offered at the library this spring.

They will be held on Tuesdays, March 29 through April 26, beginning at 6 p.m.

Please contact the library at 343-9550 to register for the geneology class series.

The library is located at 19 Ross St. in the City of Batavia.

Fall Story Times announced for Richmond library in Batavia

By Billie Owens

Press release:

These are the days/times for Fall Story Times at Richmond Memorial Library, located at 19 Ross St. in the City of Batavia. Please come in or call to register beginning Oct. 5th.

Toddler Story Times (walkers to 3 years old)

Tuesdays @ 10:30 a.m.
Wednesdays @ 10:30 a.m.

Preschool Story Times (3 to 5 years old)
Thursdays @ 10:30 a.m.

PJ Story Time (open to children of all ages)
Thursdays @ 6:30 p.m.

Registration begins for Fall Story Times at Richmond Memorial Library

By Billie Owens

Fall Story Times at in Richmond Memorial Library Children's Room will begin the week of Oct. 13. Registration will begin Monday, Oct. 5. The library is located at 19 Ross St. in the City of Batavia. Hours are Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m..

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Reel Discussion at Richmond library: 'Spare Parts' -- real-life drama about undocumented Mexican students in a robot-building contest

By Billie Owens

Richmond Memorial Library, 19 Ross St., Batavia

Event:  Reel Discussions

Date & Time:  Wednesday, Sept. 2nd, at 6 p.m.

Come view the movie and join us for a group discussion afterward. This month’s movie is “Spare Parts.” It's a true-life story about four undocumented Mexican American students, two great teachers, one robot-building contest.

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Reel Discussion at Richmond library: 'Birdman' starring Michael Keaton

By Billie Owens

Richmond Memorial Library, 19 Ross St., Batavia

Event:  Reel Discussion

Date & Time:  Thursday, Aug. 27th at 6 p.m.

Come view the movie and join us for a group discussion afterward. This month’s movie is “Birdman.” Michael Keaton heads an all-star cast in this riveting story of a former superhero film star grappling with dwindling fame, an estranged daughter, theater critics and inner demons.

For more information, call the library at 343-9550 or log onto www.batavialibrary.org

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Reel Discussion at Richmond library: 'American Sniper'

By Billie Owens

Sponsor:  Richmond Memorial Library, 19 Ross St., Batavia

Event:  Reel Discussions

Date & Time:  Thursday, July 23rd at 6 p.m.

Come view the movie and join us for a group discussion afterward. This month’s movie is “American Sniper." Navy SEAL Chris Kyle is sent to Iraq with only one mission to protect his brothers-in-arms. However, his reputation is also growing behind enemy lines. He is also facing a different kind of battle on the home front. But upon returning to his wife and kids, Chris finds that it is the war he can't leave behind.

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Historian Larry Barnes gives free talk on the Brisbane family at Richmond library

By Billie Owens

Sponsor: Richmond Memorial Library, 19 Ross St., Batavia

Event: Meet the Brisbanes: Talk by Larry Barnes

Place: Richmond Memorial Library

Date & Time: Monday, July 20 at 7 p.m.

City Historian Larry Barnes will present “Meet the Brisbanes,” a free talk at Richmond Memorial Library. The Brisbane Family was one of the earliest families in Batavia and was filled with interesting, although eccentric, personalities. As we “Escape the Ordinary” this summer, find out how these Batavians led extraordinary lives.

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Children's Room Summer Reading Club matinee movie at Richmond library -- 'The Incredibles'

By Billie Owens

Event:  Children’s Room Summer Reading Club Movie -- "The Incredibles"

Place:  Richmond Memorial Library

Date & Time:  Thursday, July 16th at 2:30 p.m.

Come view the movie and join us for a group discussion afterward. The movie for this Children’s Room Summer Reading Club Movie is “The Incredibles.” An action-packed, animated adventure about the mundane and incredible lives of a house full of superheroes. For more information, call the library at 343-9550 or log onto www.batavialibrary.org

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Adult Summer Reading Club edition of Reel Discussions at Richmond Library -- 'The Avengers'

By Billie Owens

Sponsor:  Richmond Memorial Library, 19 Ross St., Batavia

Event:  Adult Summer Reading Club Edition of Reel Discussions

Date & Time:  Thursday, July 9th at 6 p.m.

Come view the movie and join us for a group discussion afterward. The movie for this Adult Summer Reading Club Edition of Reel Discussion is “The Avengers.” Marvel makes cinematic history as it unites the super hero team of a lifetime. For more information, call the library at 343-9550 or log onto www.batavialibrary.org

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Meet 'Erie Canal Sal' in theatrical presentation at Richmond Library on Saturday

By Billie Owens

Written and submitted by Kelly March, of Youth Services, for the Richmond Memorial Library.

The Batavia Richmond Memorial Library will be hosting actress, storyteller, playwright, author and illustrator Gretchen Murray Sepik, at 11 a.m. on Saturday, June 6, when she will be presenting, "Erie Canal Sal."

The program is a theatrical characterization of Sal McMurray, an Irish cook working on a packet boat traveling the Erie Canal in the year 1840.

The program combines Irish folk tales and facts about the canal that are true -- in a very broad sense. You'll laugh while you learn about one of the engineering wonders of the world.

The program will be followed by a book signing of Gretchen's book "Erie Canal Sal."

Gretchen was born in Mercer, Pa., and was raised in the country where she and her brother, Greg, would spend hours playing in the woods and fields that surrounded their home.

"I guess I'm the result of my father's storytelling and my mother's boundless imagination," says Gretchen.

Her father, Michael, worked in a mill and could tell the best stories about the Pennsylvania coal mines, railroads and horses. Her mother, Jinny, was a singer and encouraged her to sing songs, learn nursery rhymes and she always had a box of old clothes for Gretchen to dress up in.

"My mother was the greatest influence in my life and was responsible for guiding me toward my life's work. She was my best friend. Before I was old enough to go to school my mother would ask me each morning who I wanted to be for the day. I could be anybody."

Gretchen jokingly says that she never knew her real name until she started the first grade.

"I've always loved to play 'dress up' and by doing theatrical characterizations I can play 'dress up' for the rest of my life."

Gretchen says her husband, photographer and designer, Walter A. Jakubowski, is her source of strength as he has supported her in all of her crazy ideas; some successful and some not. He also suggests programs, which she should develop, including "Mary Jemison" and "Susan B. Anthony."

"Walt is always saying things that make me laugh. I tell him I'm going to write a book entitled, 'The World According to Walt', or 'How to Achieve a Waltered State of Consciousness.' He's my reservoir of ideas for material and programs."

Sepik majored in modern dance at Point Park College in Pittsburgh, where she also studied acting and writing.

She has performed with the Paddy Toon Modern Ensemble in Pittsburgh, with the Rochester Philharmonic's "Phil Revue" with mime troupe, Flash in the Pan. Gretchen studied with the Bottom of the Bucket, but, currently Garth Fagan Dance, and worked with them as a rookie.

"My storytelling started when a teacher's aide asked me to come into her school and do storytelling. I was too shy to tell stories as myself so I developed Naomi Brown from the Blue Ridge Mountains to tell the stories of Brer Rabbit for me. Storytelling helped me overcome my shyness."

Gretchen does her form of storytelling across New York State and into Pennsylvania and was the cofounder and director of the Flight of Fancy Experimental Theatre (F.O.F.) and is a performance artist working with Young Audiences of Rochester and Young Audiences of Western New York. She presents 200 to 300 programs a year. In 2004, she was honored by Young Audiences of Western New York for her work with students and her commitment to learning through the arts.

The Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council awarded Gretchen a grant in 2009 to adapt her script of, “Erie Canal Sal," into a children’s book, which she also illustrated. The book is now available for sale.

Sepik lives in Albion with her husband, Walter, golden retriever/husky Bud, labradoodle Rigley and the cat, named Jinn Chin Lee, in an old 1830s cobblestone house full of antiques and curbside finds. The house is surrounded by flower, herb and organic vegetable gardens.

"I have a great love and respect for nature and I hope that through some of my storytelling I might be able to awaken that love in others."

Along with Naomi Brown and Sal McMurray, Gretchen also portrays Mary Jemison, a white woman who, as a young girl, was captured by the Shawnee Indians and given to the Seneca Indians. She lived the rest of her life among the Senecas and when offered her freedom chose to remain with her Seneca family and friends whom she loved. Mary is buried at Letchworth State Park, which is situated on land she once owned and a statue erected in her honor is located at the council grounds.

Gretchen does a characterization of 19th Century women's rights leader Susan B. Anthony who not only speaks of life in the 1800s, but also comments on current issues.

She also portrays much-loved children's author and illustrator, Beatrix Potter, who narrates "The Tale of Peter Rabbit" and "The Tale of Mrs. Tittlemouse" incorporating the audience into the story.

"I think storytelling is one of the most wonderfully creative art forms because it allows each person to be who they are and use what talents they have to tell a story. If a person can sing, let them sing, if a person can dance, let them dance, if a person can juggle, let them juggle; as each storyteller weaves a story, their own unique individuality adds to the tapestry of the tale they tell. When performing in schools my goal is to awaken children to the joy of learning, the joy of life and the joy of who they are.”

As one child so aptly put it, “someone finally got me to like history.”

Gretchen's new project is "Mother Nature" who will be dispelling the myths and misconceptions that have plagued humanity for centuries. This program will be done in a stand-up comedic style for adult audiences.

Adult Book Discussion of 'All the Light We Cannot See' by Anthony Doerr

By Leslie DeLooze

The Adult Book Discussion Group will meet at Richmond Memorial Library, 19 Ross Street, Batavia on Wednesday, May 6 at 7:45 a.m. to discuss “All the Light We Cannot See” by Anthony Doerr.  The Evening Book Discussion will be held the same day, May 6 at 6:00 p.m.  Copies of the book are available at the front desk.  For more information, call the library at 343-9550, ext. 8 or visit www.batavialibrary.org.

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Film 'Jersey Boys' at Richmond Library

By Billie Owens

Come view the movie and join us for a group discussion afterward. This month’s movie, “Jersey Boys," is loosely based on the life and times of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons.

Host:  Richmond Memorial Library, 19 Ross St., Batavia

Event:  Reel Discussions

Date & Time:  Thursday, March 19th at 6 p.m.

For more information, call the library at 343-9550 or log onto www.batavialibrary.org.

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Hiram Kasten hosts viewing of film classic 'Sunset Boulevard' at Richmond Library

By Billie Owens

Event:  Billy Wilder Movie Series

Place:  Richmond Memorial Library

Date & Time:  Wednesday, March 4th at 6 pm.

Join us for another Billy Wilder movie hosted by Hiram Kasten. Gloria Swanson as Norma Desmond, an ageing silent film queen, and William Holden as the struggling writer who is held in thrall by her madness, created two of the screen’s most memorable characters in "Sunset Boulevard." Winner of three Academy Awards, directed by Billy Wilder’s orchestration of the bizarre tale is a true cinematic classic.

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View 'The Fortune Cookie' at Richmond Library, hosted by professional comedian Hiram Kasten

By Billie Owens

Sponsor:  Richmond Memorial Library, 19 Ross St., Batavia

Event:  Billy Wilder Series

Place:  Richmond Memorial Library

Date & Time:  Monday, Jan. 5, at 6 p.m.

Come view the movie with professional comedian, Hiram Kasten, as he presents “The Fortune Cookie” directed by Billy Wilder and starring Jack Lemmon and Walter Matthau, then join in a group discussion afterward. For more information, call the library at 343-9550 or log onto www.batavialibrary.org.

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Creativity Session with James Burns of Display Development at Richmond library

By Billie Owens

Press release:

At its core being a maker, means you like to create. To create you need to be creative. We are all creative beings from birth. As we age, creativity is sometimes lost to pressures, schooling or jobs that need us to be purposeful, to complete tasks, and not be creative.

Rediscover your creativity by learning how to switch from your purposeful mode to your creative mode, and back again. This one hour seminar will have activities and real world examples of innovation and creativity for art, science, and business.

Join us at the Richmond Memorial Library Saturday, Nov. 8th at 1 p.m. for a Creativity Session led by James Burns of Display Development. This session is perfect for teens and adults. Registration is recommended; call 343-9550 or online through the library Web site at www.batavialibrary.org

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