On Saturday, November 23 from 2 p.m. – 3:30 p.m., the University of Akron’s NASA Robotics team will return to the Cuyahoga Falls Library a “bug bot” class at the Cuyahoga Falls Library.
Students in grades five through eight are invited to join the UA Robotics Team as they present a hands on activity creating a simple circuit. The circuit composed of a battery, switch and motor will be glued to a piece of Styrofoam that the students can decorate.
“Library staff, parents and students alike are thrilled that the University of Akron’s NASA Robotics Team was able to partner with us again,” says Missy Littell, who organized the program and also leads the library’s tech team. “This type of event is well-received in our community as students have a strong desire to learn the technology of our future in robotics, coding, augmented reality, 3D printing and the maker movement. We strive to be a continued resource for STEM growth and educational development in technology.”
Cuyahoga Falls Library to Present Authors at the Falls in October
On Saturday, October 12, the Cuyahoga Falls Library will host an all-day event featuring writing programs and author presentations.
Writers, book lovers and literacy fans can spend the day at the Cuyahoga Falls Library for a series of three programs. The day will kick-off at 9:30 a.m. with Susan Behon sharing her experience with the pros and cons of both sides of the publishing business – self-publishing vs. traditional publishing house. Behon will discuss her experience with finally “making it” as a writer when obtaining her first publishing contract and how her views changed concerning what constitutes success in the world of writing. For lunch, participants can pack or plan to stroll down Front Street for plenty of great dining options.
In the afternoon, participants will learn how to make paper in a one hour papermaking with pulp painting and sponge pressing class presented by Morgan Art of Papermaking, Conservatory and Educational Foundation.
Authors at the Falls will conclude with author Mindy McGinnis, an Edgar-award winning novelist whose books span many genres. McGinnis will speak about her writing, answer audience questions, and sign books for sale.
“We are excited to offer our second installment of Authors at the Falls event this October,” says Jennifer Reynard who leads adult programming at the Cuyahoga Falls Library. “We are looking forward to offering a unique day of programming around the craft of writing.”
For more information on Authors at the Falls, visit www.cuyahogafallslibrary.org/calendar. Registration is requested and participants are welcome to attend as many sessions as they wish.
On October 2, 2019, Mayor Don Walters presented the Cuyahoga Falls Library a $10,383 Energy Efficiency Rebate for the library’s recent major overhaul of LED lighting. Board President Mike Dunton and Library Director Valerie Kocin accepted the rebate on behalf of the library.
Board President Mike Dunton spearheaded the cost-savings project. “The benefits of the LED retrofit will have a noticeable impact on the library’s operating budget for years to come,” said Mike Dunton.
The 6 week project occurred this past summer when all 1,694 lights & fixtures at the library were replaced. As an all-electric building, the library estimates a cost savings of over $17,500 annually with an anticipated 5 year payback on the project.
The LED retrofit was also important to the library for improved sustainability. Replacing traditional light fixtures with LED provides a 60-70% increase in energy efficiency and ensures fixtures are built with safe materials that do not require special handling during the product’s lifespan.
“We are continually seeking ways to be more fiscally responsible and good stewards of taxpayer dollars. The completion of this project and the savings it will provide for the library will have a positive impact for taxpayers and the environment.” said Valerie Kocin, Director.
The Cuyahoga Falls Library is grateful to patrons for their patience as these updates were completed and appreciates the support from the City of Cuyahoga Falls to make this rebate project possible.
To learn more about the Cuyahoga Falls Library visit www.cuyahogafallslibrary.org. Information on the Cuyahoga Falls Energy Efficiency programs can be found at www.cityofcf.com/departments/electric.
Cuyahoga Falls Library Hosts MANHATTAN SHORT Screening
Filmgoers in Cuyahoga Falls will unite with audiences in over 400 cities spanning six continents to view and judge the work of the next generation of filmmakers from around the world when the 22nd Annual MANHATTAN SHORT Film Festival screens at the Cuyahoga Falls Library on 9/28/2019 2:00 PM – 4:30 PM, 10/2/2019 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM and 10/6/2019 2:00 PM – 4:30 PM
MANHATTAN SHORT is the only event of its kind. The Final Ten screen simultaneously across the world during a one-week period, with the Best Film and Best Actor awards determined by ballots cast by the audiences in each participating venue. By virtue of their selection by MANHATTAN SHORT, each short film is automatically Oscar-qualified.
MANHATTAN SHORT continues to be a premier showcase for female directors with five of the Final Ten films directed by women, including one from Iran. This year’s Final Ten represent an extraordinary range of film genres that includes intimate dramas, spine-tingling suspense, and hilarious comedies, as well as genre surprises like a pair of science fiction films and one that focuses on tennis. “A narrative short film on sports is as rare as a centaur sighting,” notes Pia Andell, director of The Match.
All Final Ten short films become Oscar-qualified, meaning they will be automatically eligible for an Academy Award nomination by screening for a week at the Los Feliz 3 Cinemas in the county of Los Angeles in Hollywood from Sept 20 to Sept 26.
You Be the Judge! Which of these Final Ten short films is the best? That’s up to a worldwide audience to decide. Cinema-goers across the United States and around the globe will become instant film critics as they are handed a ballot upon entry that allows them to vote for the Best Film and Best Actor. MANHATTAN SHORT is the ultimate audience award that salutes the creative talents of both directors behind the camera and actors in front of it. Votes will be sent through to MANHATTAN SHORT HQ with the winner announced at ManhattanShort.com on Monday Oct 7, at 10AM EST.
The library has launched a completely new mobile app for improved customer service. The new app has all the functions of the previous app plus some very exciting new features. The app is still undergoing final testing so stay tuned for updates as we work out small issues.
Digital Library Card – authenticate your Cuyahoga Falls Library card in the app and use this mobile version of your card at check-out! The Cuyahoga Library App is the only digital card accepted throuhg our system to protect patron privacy and security.
New & On Order – View the popular New & On Order lists so you can be one of the first to place holds or checkout the newest materials.
Study Rooms – Quickly reserve a study room on your device
ISBN Scan – Out at a bookstore and wondering if the library has the book you are interested in? Scan the ISBN barcode from your app to search the catalog for that specific material!
*Coming Soon* – Renew a Library Card from your device! Eventually you will need to stop by the library, but this new feature will allow easier online application submissions and renewals.
Email or Call – get in touch with the library by quickly selecting the call or email icons at the bottom of the app screen.
In addition:
Access your account to view checkouts, holds and fines
We are excited to announce that our LED Installation is finished! This article explains why the retrofit was important to the library for a more sustainable and energy efficient building. Thank you for your patience as we worked to complete this update.
The library will be closed Wednesday, April 24 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. for a Staff and Volunteer Training/Appreciation Day.
In addition, the library catalog system will be down for maintenance beginning at 11:00 a.m. Functions such as “My Account,” digital checkouts, renewals and holds, and some databases will be unavailable during this time. Patrons will still be able to check out materials from the library using their physical library cards, but not their driver’s licenses. The library catalog should be back up sometime that evening.
The Cuyahoga Falls Library and Ballet in the City are collaborating to build an important connection between literacy and performance art. Jessica Wallis, CEO & Founder of Ballet in the City, approached the library with the idea to collaborate back in December after receiving an anonymous grant for educational outreach.
“I grew up in Cuyahoga Falls and the library was my second home,” said Wallis. I developed a deep passion for ballet through reading stories of successful ballerinas at the library. It was through reading that I realized ballet could be a viable career path.”
Wallis’ appreciation of literacy and the library gave her the idea for a dance infused storytime. In this unique partnership, Wallis and her staff at Ballet in the City will be offering three ballet programs throughout the year. The program series, Books to Ballet, will feature books about dance that address themes like self-confidence, gender stereotypes, inclusivity and diversity. Wallis and her team will bring the books to life through movement, music and interactive lessons of ballet fundamentals. The program will be geared towards girls and boys ages 6-12. Additionally, participants will be eligible to gain free tickets to Ballet in the City’s presentation of The Ashley Bouder Project with prima ballerina Ashley Bouder and fellow dancers of the New York City Ballet at E.J. Thomas Hall in October. The library and Ballet in the City plan to develop programs for a variety of audiences following the Books to Ballet series.
“We are excited to demonstrate the unique ways literacy can shape lives,” said Cuyahoga Falls Library director, Valerie Kocin. “Our team is always seeking opportunities to provide interactive and engaging programming for all ages and interests. Ballet in the City is a wonderful example of the way the library opens doors.”
To commemorate the ongoing relationship, through the grant funding, Ballet in the City will be gifting a rare, signed print of ballerina Ashley Bouder by renowned photographer of the New York City Ballet, Paul Kolnik, to the library on April 26 at 5:30 p.m. Books to Ballet are slated for May 7 at 6:30 p.m., June 20 at 2 p.m. and September 28 at 2 p.m.
