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Richmond Memorial Library

Workshop on teaching preschoolers about music and movement

By Billie Owens

Teachers, caregivers and librarians are invited to a workshop conducted by Betsy Zahniser, creator of "The Music Box: Songs, Rhymes and Games for Young Children."

It will be held from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Oct. 24 at Richmond Memorial Library, located at 19 Ross St. in the City of Batavia. Phone 343-9550.

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Photos: Butterfly release at the Richmond Memorial Library

By Howard B. Owens

Lindsay Kuhn, of Smoke Ridge Organics and Butterflies, visited the Richmond Memorial Library on Friday afternoon for the children's summer reading program. Kuhn brought with her a box of butterflies -- 55 of them stored in wax envelopes ready for release into the wild by the children. After about a 20-minute talk on the different kinds of butterflies, why they're important to the environment and their life cycles, each child was given a butterfly to release.

Batavia Daily News publisher shares thoughts on book about the future of journalism

By Howard B. Owens

As part of the Richmond Memorial Library's regular series, "Books Sandwiched In," the publisher of the Batavia Daily News spoke today about his assigned book: "The Death and Life of American Journalism," by Robert W. McChesney and John Nichols.

As Turnbull explained, the book examines why commercial journalism has declined in the United States and what might be done about it.

The authors take the position that robust journalism is essential to a functioning democracy, and if there are fewer reporters and fewer media outlets, the public will be less informed and more susceptible to be misled by the government.

The book opens with some sobering statistics about circulation declines for newspapers (broadcast news is hardly mentioned in the book) and correctly notes that the declines started well before the advent of the web.

While the authors place some blame on free online news and loss of revenue to sites such as Craigslist, the real problem, according to McChesney and Nichols, is corporate journalism.  

Conglomerates, not merely chains, that owe a greater allegiance to shareholders than readers, started depending on higher and higher profit margins in the 1990s, leading to cuts in news rooms and a decline in journalistic quality at many newspapers.

Not satisfied with the 15 percent profit margins many family owned newspapers maintained throughout most of the 19th and 20th centuries, shareholders and CEOs beholden to them upped the ante to 30 and 35 percent profit margins.

The explosion of the Internet only added to the woes of newspapers with an abundance of free content -- most of it supplied by newspapers -- and competitors that robbed newspapers of vital classified advertising revenue. The recession made things worse, and in 2009 more than 15,000 newspaper employees lost their jobs.

If journalism is going to be saved, according to McChesney and Nichols, it won't come from a free-market approach with Internet entrepreneurs inventing a new news industry, and it won't come from the government allowing newspapers to form a cartel to protect their interests.

Instead, the authors argue that the solution is some form of government subsidy -- from vouchers for readers to direct handouts -- and the ability of newspaper ownership groups to more easily form nonprofit entities.

As Turnbull notes, even the authors acknowledge none of these solutions are perfect. They're all expensive, and Turnbull indicated he didn't see politicians -- or the public -- supporting subsidy solutions.

"The authors make a really strong argument at the end of the book that subsidies are not only necessary, but worth it," Turnbull said. "I think when you look at this book, it's not really a blueprint for the future of journalism, but a series of talking points."

While Turnbull didn't offer up his own version of what the future of journalism will look like, he did express concern that it isn't possible yet for a news operation the size of the Daily News to generate enough revenue online from advertising sales.

Turnbull is also skeptical that readers will pay for their news online. While there are various experiments in "pay walls" being conducted by newspapers around the country, Turnbull noted that none have yet proven successful.

Meanwhile, Turnbull said, subscription fees for the print newspaper are an important part of the Daily's revenue pie.

"Almost everybody reads everything on the Internet," Turnbull said. "And like I said, we can’t find a way to make money on that."

In an audience of mostly retirees, they all indicated they are avid Daily News readers.

"You're my favorite group (to speak to)," Turnbull said with a smile, and one audience member piped up with, "The day’s not complete without a good solid reading of the Batavia Daily News."

UPDATE: Tom Turnbull sends along a couple of clarifications. Regarding the quote "Almost everybody reads everything on the Internet," Turnbull said. "And like I said, we can’t find a way to make money on that." 

Turnbull said to be clear we should note that comment was in response to somebody in the audience talking about the media habits of the "younger generation." Also, " we can't find a way to make money on that yet."

Ranzenhofer announces grant for Richmond Memorial Library

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

New York State Senator Michael H. Ranzenhofer has announced that Richmond Memorial Library will receive $3,500 in funding from the Public Library Construction Grant Program for a replacement window in the Children’s Room. 

“This grant will serve as a reinvestment in Richmond Memorial Library in the City of Batavia and will ultimately allow existing patrons and future generations to enjoy all the services the library has to offer,” Senator Ranzenhofer said.

The grant funds are from $14 million in capital funds for public library construction provided in the 2010 State Budget. Grants can pay up to a maximum of 50 percent of total eligible project costs and libraries must provide funds to pay for the remaining costs of the project. 

New York’s public libraries are in need of renovation and upgrading. A recent survey showed a documented need for public library construction and renovation projects totaling more than $2.5 billion. More than 40 percent of the public library buildings in communities across New York are over 60 years old. Many of New York’s local public libraries are unable to accommodate users with disabilities, are energy inefficient, cannot provide internet and computer and other electronic technologies to users because of outdated and inadequate electrical wiring. 

Project activities and expenditures eligible for grants from the $14 million Public Library Construction Grant Program include the renovation and/or rehabilitation of existing space, including roof replacement, purchase and installation of alternative energy resources and new HVAC systems, windows, doors, and lighting systems, electrical upgrades, and construction of new or replacement of old walkways and parking lots.

Library budget, with tax increase, approved by voters

By Howard B. Owens

Voters approved a new budget for the Richmond Memorial Library on Tuesday that increases the tax rate for Batavia property owners from $1.48 to $1.51 per $1,000 of assessed value.

The budget passed by a vote of 223 yes votes to 120 no votes.

The total budget is $1,320,649 with a tax levy of $1,166,749.

The budget included a 2-percent salary increase for the libraries 14 full-time and six part-time staff members.

Currently, the library serves more than 22,000 cardholders and more than 188,600 visitors per year.

Dana Charters was re-elected to the Library Board of Trustees with 299 votes.

Richmond Library budget vote and trustee election

By Daniel Crofts

The Richmond Memorial Library, at 19 Ross St. in Batavia, will hold its budget vote and Board of Trustees election today from noon until 9 p.m.

All residents of the Batavia City School District are eligible to vote. Voting will take place in the library's Gallery Room.

Call the library at 343-9550 for more information.

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Richmond Memorial Library budget vote and trustee election is tomorrow

By Daniel Crofts

The Richmond Memorial Library, at 19 Ross St. in Batavia, will hold its budget vote and Board of Trustees election tomorrow from noon until 9 p.m.

All residents of the Batavia City School District are eligible to vote. Voting will take place in the library's Gallery Room.

The results of the election will be posted tomorrow. Call the library at 343-9550 for more information.

Informational meeting about fall literary tour in New England

By Billie Owens

There's going to be an informational meeting at 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 10, at Richmond Memorial Library regarding the upcoming New England Authors Literary Tour.

This tour is being presented by six area public libraries and will take place Oct. 21-23 in Massachusetts. That's during the peak of beautiful, colorful autumn leaves and will include stops at major literary and historic sites in Massachusetts.

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'Surly Sal the Erie Canal Cook' is guest at Woolly Book Worms group

By Billie Owens

The final meeting of the school year for the Woolly Book Worms is set for 10 a.m. Saturday, May 14, in the Children's Room of Richmond Memorial Library.

This is a book discussion group for students in grades 3 to 5 and their favorite adult.

On May 14th, the group will discuss "Erie Canal Sal" by Gretchen Murray Sepik. She is a local author and storyteller who will be attending the meeting to portray her historical costumed narrative of "Surly Sal the Erie Canal Cook."

After her performance, Sepik will lead the book discussion and sign books.

Please register adults and students online at <http://www.batavialibrary.org/>

Discussion titles are available at the Children's Room desk. For more information call the library at 394-9550, ext. 4 or consult the Web site. The library is located at 19 Ross St. in the City of Batavia.

Photo: Nancy Mortellaro, 2011 'Friend of the Library'

By Howard B. Owens

On Friday afternoon, Nancy Mortellaro was honored at the Richmond Memorial Library as the 2011 Friend of the Library.

Mortellaro praised her fellow friends and called them her "virtual Facebook," noting that unlike the real Facebook, she gets to see her friends face-to-face every day.

Mortellaro was honored for her diligent and long-standing support of the library.

Roseanne Cash's memoir is topic of 'Books Sandwiched In'

By Billie Owens

"Books Sandwiched In" is set for 12:10 to 1 p.m. on Wednesday May 4 at Richmond Memorial Library. Bill Pitcher will review “Composed” a memoir by Roseanne Cash, daughter of the late country superstar Johnny Cash.

The Friends of the Library sponsor this free lunchtime review series. Bring your lunch; coffee, tea and cookies are provided. All welcome.

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

For more information, call the library at 343-9550, ext. 8, or log on to www.batavialibrary.org.

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April's Reel Discussion at Richmond Library

By Billie Owens

April's Reel Discussion at Richmond Memorial Library begins at 6 p.m. Thursday, April 28, and this month's movie is the Academy Award winner, "The King's Speech."

Candidates for president and prime minister choose to run, but kings rarely have a choice. Such was the case for Prince Albert, known by family members as "Bertie," whose stutter made public speaking difficult.

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Richmond library announces spring programs for tots

By Billie Owens

The Spring series of Story Time programs at the Richmond Memorial Library, Batavia, begins on Monday, April 4. Here's the line-up:

  • Toddler Time --  10:30 a.m. Tuesdays (walkers – 3 years)
  • Tiny Tots Early Risers -- 9:30 a.m. Wednesdays (walkers – 3 years)
  • Tiny Tots -- 10:30 a.m. Wednesdays (walkers -- 3 years)
  • Preschool Party --  10 a.m. Thursdays (ages 3 through 5)
  • Baby Bounce  -- 11 a.m. Thursdays (pre-walkers)
  • Pajama Primetime --  6:30 p.m. Thursdays (all ages)

To register for one of these sessions, or to get more information, call the library at 343-9555, ext. 4, or stop in at the Children's Room desk during library hours: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekends.

Parents may also register online. The Web address is www.batavialibrary.org/

Group size is limited so register early.

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

Nancy Mortellaro named Richmond library's 'Friend of the Year'

By Billie Owens

Nancy Mortellaro has been named the 2011 Richmond Memorial Library Friend of the Year.

Friends of the library will host a public reception in the Gallery Room at 3:30 p.m. on Friday, April 15 and the award presentation will be at 4 p.m.

The annual award recognizes an individual or group whose interest and support of the library has been exceptional.

Consideration is given to people who generously give of their time and talent to help with library-sponsored programs, or who have worked toward promoting the mission of the library within the community.

Mystery lovers to discuss 'Holmes on the Range'

By Billie Owens

The Mystery Lovers' Mondays Book Discussion group meets at 7 p.m. on Monday, April 18 at Richmond Memorial Library.

Attendees will discuss “Holmes on the Range” by Steve Hockensmith. Copies of the book are available at the library’s front desk.

For more information, call the library at 343-9550, ext. 8, or log onto www.batavialibrary.org. The library is located at 19 Ross St. in the City of Batavia.

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Book release party for Julia Spencer-Fleming fans

By Billie Owens

Are you one of Julia Spencer-Fleming’s fans who can’t wait for her next book to be published? Join us at the Richmond Memorial Library for a “Book Release Party” celebrating the publication of Julia’s newest mystery, "One Was a Soldier." 

The event starts at 6 p.m., Tuesday, April 12 and will include a live chat with the author herself, themed refreshments, a grand prize, and copies of the book to purchase.

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Mini photo album class for adults

By Billie Owens

A photo album class for adults will be offered from 6 to 8 p.m. on Monday, April 11, at Richmond Memorial Library in Batavia. It's at 19 Ross St.

“Explosion Book Mini Album” is a class that teaches you how to make a mini photo album. Jen Reardon will be teaching it.

Registration is required and a materials fee of $5 is due at the time of registration.  Participants need to bring scissors, scrapbook tape or other adhesive, two photos to be cut into squares and six more photos to be cut into triangles.

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Reel Discussion - 'The Secret of the Kells'

By Billie Owens

This month's Reel Discussion movie at the Richmond Memorial Library is "The Secret of the Kells."

It will be shown at 6 p.m. on Thursday, March 24. The library is location at 19 Ross St. in the City of Batavia.

The setting of the film is the Eighth Century, a perilous time when Viking raiders threatened to destroy Irish civilization. Since his parents were killed by Vikings, 12-year-old Brendan has lived within the walled monastery of Kells under the stern eye of his uncle, Abbot Cellach.

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Paper-crafting class for adults

By Billie Owens

Richmond Memorial Library, 19 Ross St., Batavia is presenting a paper-crafting program for adults from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 22.

Learn how to embellish a three-dimensional decorative birdhouse with papers and other trims in a class taught by Jennifer Cascell. Registration is required and a materials fee of $5.50 is due at the time of registration.

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Traditional Irish music concert for adults

By Billie Owens

Richmond Memorial Library, 19 Ross St., Batavia is presenting “Traditional Irish Music with Rich Conroy” at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 15.

This free concert for adults will include many favorite Irish tunes. More information is available at the library, by calling 343-9550, ext. 2, and at www.batavialibrary.org.

 

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