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Richmond Memorial Library

Friends of the Library Monthly Book Sale

By Samantha Stryker

The Friends of the Richmond Memorial Library are pleased to resume their monthly book sales! The sale is located in the Wilber-Fox room, downstairs at Richmond Memorial Library. An elevator is available. Please note that the use of price-scanning devices and software is only permitted during the hours of 4:00 pm - 6:30 pm

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Friends of the Library Monthly Book Sale

By Samantha Stryker

The Friends of the Richmond Memorial Library are pleased to resume their monthly book sales! The sale is located in the Wilber-Fox room, downstairs at Richmond Memorial Library. An elevator is available. Please note that the use of price-scanning devices and software is only permitted during the hours of 4:00 pm - 6:30 pm

Event Date and Time
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Friends of the Library Monthly Book Sale

By Samantha Stryker

The Friends of the Richmond Memorial Library are pleased to resume their monthly book sales! The sale is located in the Wilber-Fox room, downstairs at Richmond Memorial Library. An elevator is available. Please note that the use of price-scanning devices and software is only permitted during the hours of 4:00 pm - 6:30 pm

Event Date and Time
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Friends of the Library Monthly Book Sale

By Samantha Stryker

The Friends of the Richmond Memorial Library are pleased to resume their monthly book sales! The sale is located in the Wilber-Fox room, downstairs at Richmond Memorial Library. An elevator is available. Please note that the use of price-scanning devices and software is only permitted during the hours of 4:00 pm - 6:30 pm

Event Date and Time
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RML Friends Preview Book Sale

By Samantha Stryker

Join the Friends of Richmond Memorial Library for their quarterly member's only preview sale on Wednesday, September 1 from 5 pm - 7 pm. New members are always welcome! Join at the door and anytime the library is open. Membership starts at $5. Please note: price scanning equipment and software are not permitted at quarterly preview sales.

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Reel Discussions at Richmond Memorial Library

By Howard B. Owens

Welcome Back!  Come view the movie and join us for a group discussion afterward.  Yes, you did read that correctly!  On Thursday, August 26th at 6:00 pm, we will be showing the movie is “This Beautiful Fantastic”.  When Bella Brown, a reclusive young woman is threatened with eviction unless she gives her garden a makeover, she sets to work watched by her scornful and curmudgeonly next-door neighbour, Alfie.  For more information, call the library at 343-9550 or log onto www.batavialibrary.org.

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Richmond announces return of Books Sandwiched In

By Press Release

Press release:

Richmond Memorial Library is excited to announce the return of a hallmark program, Books Sandwiched In, on Wednesdays in September. Books Sandwiched In is a book review program; each week, a speaker will review a book, followed by discussion and Q&A. 

The Books Sandwiched In committee has planned the Fall 2021 series in memory of Bob Knipe, who served on the committee for many years, presenting several times as a reviewer. Bob, a community advocate and friend to many, passed after a brief illness in February 2021. 

“One of our committee members had the idea to develop a series in Bob’s memory and we couldn’t think of a more fitting tribute,” shares Samantha Basile, Community & Adult services librarian and program coordinator. “Bob was an avid reader and a friend to the library and this community in so many ways. We feel humbled to honor him through this program that he dedicated his time and talent to over the years.”

Each session will feature a book about a topic that Bob was passionate about, presented by someone who knew him well. Selections range from a book about puns to highlight Bob’s delight in the English language, to a book about music and the brain, which encompasses his talent as a musician and love of learning.

The programs take place from 12:10 pm – 1 pm every Wednesday in September in the Gallery Room at Richmond Memorial Library, 19 Ross St, Batavia. Refreshments will be served. You do not need to read the books in order to attend- all are welcome!

This series will include a 50/50 cash raffle at each session, with proceeds going to Bob’s family to donate to causes of their choosing in his memory.  Enter for a chance to win a door prize at each session- a copy of the 2021 Richmond Reads book, The Music of Bees by Eileen Garvin! 

The line-up: 

Wednesday, September 1: Dr. Greg Van Dussen will review The Pun Also Rises: How the Humble Pun Revolutionized Language, Changed History and Made Wordplay More Than Some Antics by John Pollack. 

Wednesday, September 8: Tammy Hathaway will review Think Again: The Power of Knowing What You Don’t Know by Adam Grant. 

Wednesday, September 15: David Blake will review Death is but a Dream: Finding Hope and Meaning at Life’s Endby Dr. Christopher Kerr.

Wednesday, September 22: Barbara Meyer will review Musicophilia: Tales of Music and the Brain by Oliver Sacks.

Wednesday, September 29: Jay Gsell will review Saving America: 7 Steps to Make Government Deliver Great Results by Mark Aesch.

Books Sandwiched In is generously sponsored by the Friends of Richmond Memorial Library.

Richmond Memorial Library is located at 19 Ross St in the City of Batavia. Find us online at batavialibrary.org. 

Richmond Friends honor 2020 and 2021 volunteers

By Howard B. Owens

Sue Chiddy was honored Saturday as the 2020 Friend of the Year by the Friends of the Richmond Memorial Library and Jerianne Barnes was honored for 2021 in a COVID-delayed celebration at the library.

Chiddy moved to Batavia in 1982 and learned about the Richmond Library by taking her five children there. A retired teacher, she has worked at GCC and has been involved in the planning and organizing of "The Tale of Three Counties," is on the Books Sandwiched in committee, helping bring in speakers, and she is part of the library reading group. She is also a member of the Richmond reads program. She enjoys gardening and has helped in the upkeep of the Library garden.

"I have enjoyed all of the opportunities the library has afforded us. It's been my pleasure to bring books and exciting new programs to the community of Batavia."

Barnes got her first paid library job at Prendergast Public Library in Jamestown, NY in 1956.  Jerianne and her husband Larry along with their young daughter arrived in Batavia in 1968.   In 1975, she received a Masters in Library Science from the University at Buffalo. She served as a school librarian and media specialist. Her volunteer work at Richmond has focused on reference, local history, and genealogy.  She also delivers books for the Library Visits program.

"Working here is a labor of love," Barnes says. "This is the icing on the cake, it's sweet and I am grateful."

Photos and information by Alecia Kaus/Video News Service.

Group photo: Jessica Ecock Rotundo/VP Board of Directors, Bob Conrad/Library Director, Sue Chiddy, Jerianne Barnes, and Kathy Zipkin/Pres. Friends of the Richmond Library

Author Visit at Richmond Memorial - James Alan Ross

By Samantha Stryker

To ensure the award-winning series debut "Whispers in Black Willow" was as haunting as possible, author James Alan Ross set out to experience what his character,  Dylan Klaypool, would: real ghosts. A string of paranormal investigations, including the world famous Rolling Hills Asylum in East Bethany, New York resulted in the capturing of extraordinary paranormal evidence. James will read from his novel and share audio and visual evidence   gathered on these haunting expeditions.

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RML Book Discussion

By Samantha Stryker

Join us to discuss Afterlife by Julia Alvarez on Wednesday, September 8 at 9 am or Monday, September 13 at 6:30 pm. If you haven't attended discussion before, please register at batavialibrary.org/calendar.

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RML Book Discussion

By Samantha Stryker

Join us to discuss Afterlife by Julia Alvarez on Wednesday, September 8 at 9 am or Monday, September 13 at 6:30 pm. If you haven't attended discussion before, please register at batavialibrary.org/calendar.

Event Date and Time

Richmond Reads Committee reveals 2021 title for community reading on July 8

By Press Release

Press release:

Join the Richmond Reads Committee on Thursday, July 8 at 7 p.m. to celebrate the reveal of the 2021 title selection! 

Richmond Reads is a community one book program that began in 2019 at Richmond Memorial Library. Each year, a committee reads dozens of titles and selects a work of fiction to share with the community. Programs and discussions are then created around the selected title.

Prior selections include "Southernmost" by Silas House and "Nothing More Dangerous" by Allen Eskens. 

“This program is already developing into a tradition here at Richmond,” said program coordinator and librarian Samantha Basile. “We’re so encouraged and excited by the support we have from the community.

"The committee is looking forward to revealing the title, which we believe holds the note of hope that everyone is seeking after a long year.” 

The reveal program will take place outside at the library, pending good weather, with a rain location in the Reading Room. The event will include refreshments, the title reveal, and a special guest reader who will read from the first chapter of the book.

Copies of the title will be available for sale for $15, cash or check made out to The Friends of the Richmond Memorial Library, and the library will have plenty of copies to borrow. Copies will also be available to purchase at the library until the virtual author visit in October. 

Registration is requested at: http://batavialibrary.org/richmond-reads

The author will visit virtually on Thursday, Oct. 21 at 7 p.m.!

More programs and book discussions will be announced throughout the summer.

Summer reading programs begin June 25 for children and adults at Richmond Memorial Library

By Press Release

Press release:

Richmond Memorial Library invites patrons of all ages to take part in Summer Reading! This year’s theme is animals, with the slogan of “Tails and Tales.” Beginning June 25, children and adults can take part in reading challenges for a chance to win prizes.

The Children's Room at the Richmond Memorial Library is excited to continue its annual Summer Reading Program this summer from June 25 to Aug. 14.

New this year will be reading tracking using Beanstack. As a computer website or a mobile app, Beanstack will help readers track their minutes read, remind them of milestone prize pickups, and engage readers with fun activities to earn an additional end prize.

Children’s Room staff will gladly help families register on Beanstack when the program is available starting June 24. Watch the Children’s Room page on the website for updates. 

Summer reading for adults? Yes, please! Summer Reading BINGO will begin on Friday, June 25 and go through Aug. 21. Complete challenges like reading outside, listening to an audiobook and watching a documentary for a chance to win weekly and grand prizes.

Grand Prizes include a Book Lovers’ Basket, an 8gb Kindle Paperwhite and a piece of book art by a local artist! Weekly prizes will include gift cards and goodies from local establishments.

Registration begins in person at the library and online at batavialibrary.org at 9 a.m. on Friday, June 25.

The adult program is open to anyone 17 years of age or older with a valid library card. Complete rules and information will be provided with registration. Those registered for adult summer reading by July 7 will be entered for a chance to win one of ten copies of our 2021 Richmond Reads book (title to be revealed on July 8)!

In-person programming is back! All children’s programs will be held outdoors, including an All Ages Story time, Lunch Bunch, a Middle School Fidget Trading Club, and Family Fun Fridays. Adult programs include the Richmond Reads Title Reveal on July 8, book and film discussions and more!

Please visit the library website to continue to check for upcoming activities as they are available. For more information, visit http://www.batavialibrary.org or call (585) 343-9550.

Friends of Richmond Library announce return of book sale June 19, also donations now accepted

By Press Release

Press release:

The Friends of Richmond Memorial Library are pleased to announce the return of the book sale! The Friends will host a special sale on Saturday, June 19 from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the library.

This is the first sale since the coronavirus pandemic began, so the Friends are relaunching in a big way with plenty of new items to choose from!

There will be spaces set up in the Gallery Room, the Wilber-Fox Memorial Room and the Reading Room to browse for books.

“It’s been more than a year and we’re very excited to safely resume our sales,” said Friends of the Library Board President Kathy Zipkin. “The Friends sale has become a staple in the community, and we’re grateful for everyone’s support and patience. We know many people have been holding onto their books to donate!”

With the return of the book sale, the Friends gratefully accept your donations of gently used or new books and DVDs, BluRay, and CDs in good condition.

Before bringing your books for donation, the library asks you to consider:

  • Is there significant wear and tear, such as a broken binding, or loose, torn, or missing covers or pages?
  • Is there mold or mildew? Books with mold or mildew often smell musty and are discolored or spotted.
  • Is there water damage or staining?
  • Do the books have a strong odor such as cigarette smoke?

If you answered “yes” to any of the above questions, the library will not be able to make use of your donation.

Other types of materials that are not needed are textbooks and encyclopedias.

Donations are accepted anytime the library is open, Monday – Thursday, 9 a.m. - 9 pm, and Friday and Saturday 9 am – 5 pm. For very large donations (more than four boxes at a time) the library asks you to call ahead to (585) 343-9550, ext. 3.

Please place all donations in the bin located in the lobby. The library requests that you do not place donations in the book drop or on the loading dock.

All proceeds from the Friends of the Library sales benefit the Friends, who use the funds for library advocacy and programming. Payments for sale items can be made by cash or check.

Richmond Memorial Library continually provides access to physical and virtual resources and services that meet the educational, informational and recreational needs of its diverse community in a safe and comfortable environment. 

Richmond Memorial Library is located at 19 Ross St in the City of Batavia.

Two candidates vie for one trustee seat at Richmond Memorial Library

By Press Release

Press release:

For the second year in a row, the Richmond Memorial Library has prepared a budget that will require no increase in the tax levy.

Prior to the 2020-21 fiscal year, tax levy increases had been kept under 2-percent annually (well under the allowable Tax Cap and national rate of inflation) despite 7-percent increases to the minimum wage, fluctuating health insurance costs, and a greater share of New York’s pension liability. 

Because there is no tax levy increase to vote upon, there will be no budget vote – only the Trustee Election for one vacant seat on the Richmond Memorial Library board. The two candidates for this seat are Odilia Coffta and Catrina “Cat” Lasher.

Meet the Candidates!

Odilia Coffta -- I am the data administrator for the New York State Migrant Education Program. As the mother of two young girls, ages 5 and 10 weeks, I often visit the library and take advantage of all the great books, materials, and activities available in the children’s department. I am originally from Guatemala and have a master's in Public Administration from the University of Pittsburgh. I want to join the Board because I believe libraries are a great resource for the community. I love the library and want to serve and support it as best as I can. (submitted bio)

Catrina “Cat” Lasher -- I grew up in Northern California and moved to New York eight years ago. I am a mother to two children ages 7 and 4 who keep me busy with running them to hockey, dance, and piano, in addition to volunteering at their schools. I’m a returning adult student at SUNY Empire College in the Community and Human Services department. I am the Birthday Party & Special Event coordinator at the Batavia YMCA, in addition to other roles I perform there. In the past, I coordinated a Free Forest School chapter in Genesee County and managed Batavia’s Buy Nothing group. Since childhood, libraries have been an important resource for me. These days I use the library to support my reading habit. My children and I ride our bikes to the library on a weekly basis in the summer. I’m very grateful to have such a wonderful place in our community. Some of my favorite things about our library are the craft programs and the Seed Library. I would like to become a library trustee because I believe that libraries support strong communities. As a library trustee, one of my top priorities would be to support access and inclusivity for all community members regardless of race, gender, orientation, age, socioeconomic status, or ability. (submitted bio)

The Trustee Election to fill one vacant seat on the Richmond Memorial Library Board of Trustees will take place on Thursday, May 6 at Richmond Memorial Library from 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. It is located at 19 Ross St. in the City of Batavia.

Applications for absentee ballots are available at Richmond Memorial Library. If the ballot is to be mailed to the voter, the application must be received at the Richmond Memorial Library by 5 o’clock on April 27th. If the ballot is to be delivered personally to the voter, the application may be received up to 5 p.m. on May 3rd.

Residents of Batavia City School District who are citizens of the United States, 18 years or older, and are registered voters may vote on this year’s Trustee Election.

Note: Information excerpted from the Richmond Memorial Library 2021-2022 Budget Newsletter, which can be found in full on the library's website or at the library. 

The library is now open regular hours for limited services, including browsing and checking out materials, limited computer use, photocopying, faxing and placing holds on materials. Please observe all signage and policies when you enter the library! Information about upcoming programs can be found on our website at batavialibrary.org.

Richmond Memorial Library continually provides access to physical and virtual resources and services that meet the educational, informational and recreational needs of its diverse community in a safe and comfortable environment.

Museum of Bad Art Presents: MOBA 101

By Samantha Stryker

Richmond Memorial Library will host a virtual art talk on Tuesday, May 18 by The Museum of Bad Art. The Museum Of Bad Art collects, exhibits, and celebrates art that will be seen in no other venue. Since 1993, they have collected art from thrift stores, yard sales, sidewalk trash, and even the artists who create it.

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Adult Book Discussion at RML

By Samantha Stryker

Richmond Memorial Library will host a discussion of The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune on May 3 at 6:30 pm and May 12 at 9 am. Both discussions will take place in person at the library and participants should expect to wear an appropriate face covering at all times. Space is limited and registration is required. To register for the discussion, visit batavialibrary.org

 

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Richmond Memorial Library Mystery Discussion

By Samantha Stryker

Join us on Monday, April 26 at 6:30 pm for a virtual Mystery Readers' Monday Discussion of "The Thursday Murder Club" by Richard Osman. "In a peaceful retirement village, four unlikely friends meet weekly in the Jigsaw Room to discuss unsolved crimes; together they call themselves The Thursday Murder Club. Elizabeth, Joyce, Ibrahim and Ron might be pushing eighty but they still have a few tricks up their sleeves." 

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Richmond library virtual book discussion

By Samantha Stryker

Join us on Monday, April 5 at 6:30 p.m. to discuss Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia. Copies will be available at the library a month before the discussion in regular print and on OverDrive as an eBook. The only requirement to attend is to read the book. Please register in order to receive the information for the Zoom meeting! 
All are welcome but you must have a Zoom account to participate. Register at https://forms.gle/2xZdEysbeyMjKgD26

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