Ulysses’ Library Bash aims to strengthen community ties

The Ulysses Philomathic Library will host its annual Big Library Bash Sept. 13, hoping to attract the community’s interest and reinforce the bridges built between the library and local municipalities that rely on the library’s services. 

The Saturday event, which marks the 44th annual library meeting, will take place at the library on East Main Street in the village of Trumansburg from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Library officials say they hope that the event continues to strengthen ties among neighbors and build a sense of community around learning.

In prior years, the meeting has been held in November around election time, when voters can decide on the library’s board of trustees. Board President Rob Montana said that the decision to move the meeting to September is due to dwindling attendance. 

“The library board has traditionally hosted a candlelight dinner on the first Saturday of November as its required annual meeting,” Montana said in a press release. “In recent years, however, that event has seen smaller gatherings, and there was a desire to reimagine an event in a way that made it more accessible to a larger segment of the community.”

The meeting, billed as a free, family-friendly event for all ages, is meant to allow more families to come out earlier in the day who would otherwise not make it out on a Saturday night. 

“We had a fantastic group of board members who gave this some real thought, and have put a lot of time and energy into creating a fun way for people to connect with the library and others in the community,” Montana said in a press release.

The event will also feature live music from local band Peregrine, a face painting booth, a magic show, snacks, sweet treats and tastings, as well as important library updates from Montana and Library Director Laura Mielenhausen.

“We want people to see everything we have to offer and generate excitement,” Montana said in an interview. “We’re hoping that families come out and enjoy the fun that’s happening. We hope that, really, patrons of all ages are able to come.”

Montana said that the library is an incredible community resource for the area.

“It really serves as a community center during the daytime,” he noted. “We have patrons coming in and using the space, and it’s more of a quieter atmosphere after school. It’s really a gathering place for kids. On the weekends, we get a lot more families that come out on Saturdays when we’re open. We’re just lucky to have that community resource, and we’re hoping by having the event at this time [there will be] a lot more people to see what kind of resource it is for the community.”

One aspect of past annual meetings — the election of board members — will still occur in November, with balloting taking place at the library.

The Ulysses Philomathic Library Board of Trustees comprises five to 25 members, each serving a three-year term. The board is always seeking active community members to replenish its ranks. Board meetings are held on the third Tuesday of the month. If interested in serving on the board, contact Montana at rmontana@trumansburglibrary.org.

The library will also host its bimonthly art exhibit with an artist’s reception on Sept. 27 from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The current showcase, running all of September and October, features the works of artist Dianne Lynn.

Lynn, a graduate of Trumansburg Central School District, is a longtime art teacher. She has taught more than 8,000 students.

“As you look at these collages you might see depth or other qualities you can name. These collages are made from mono printed papers and arranged in ways I find aesthetically pleasing,” Lynn said in her artist statement published on the library website. “I push patterns and textures together that compliment or blend until I have a sense that they are complete. Whatever you sense is correct. I hope you enjoy.”

For more information about the Ulysses Philomathic Library, its programs and services for the community, visit www.trumansburglibrary.org.