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Author: Taryn Taylor

  • Venture Down Under Through Sounds of the Didgeridoo

    Prepare to be transported to the fantastic and wild world of Australia through the culturally rich music of the didgeridoo! Didgeridoo Down Under celebrates the instrument and its otherworldly sound. Founder, Darren Liebman, shares how the DDU show is an energetic fusion of Australian music, culture, puppetry, comedy, and interactive storytelling that’s perfect for kids and families.

    Darren discussed his passion for entertainment, education, and motivational storytelling with me.

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    What is it about Australia and the didgeridoo as an instrument that excites you? How do you share that with kids? 

    I was born in South Africa, but many of my relatives live in Australia, and I’ve visited many times. The didgeridoo has been played for at least 1,500 years by Australia-native Aboriginal people, making it a culturally significant instrument that creates an otherworldly sound. Plus, it’s heaps of fun to play, especially the variety of animal sounds that can be created with it. We use the didgeridoo and various percussion instruments to play mostly high-energy rhythms that get the audience hopping and grooving. The music connects with the audience and open channels of communication that enhance every other aspect of the show.

    The DDU Show is much more than music. It includes culture, comedy, character building, storytelling, and audience participation. It’s interactive, educational, motivational, and super fun for all ages. You’ll learn about Australian sea creatures, the Great Barrier Reef and more, all while moving & grooving to the pulsing rhythms of the didgeridoo! 

    What do you and your crew enjoy most about performing for kids & teens at the library? 

    We appreciate that performing gives us a platform to share our beliefs and positive messages about treating others with kindness, tolerance, and respect, and protecting the planet. We wake up every day with passion, drive, and purpose to contribute positively to our communities and planet. We do what we love, and we love what we do. It is a privilege to be able to perform for – and hopefully inspire – every audience.

    This year’s summer reading theme is Oceans of Possibilities. How do you incorporate this theme into your performance? 

    DDU is perfect for the 2022 SRP theme “Oceans of Possibilities” because Australia is home to the Great Barrier Reef and countless unique marine creatures, some of which we talk about during the show. We always promote environmentalism and protecting the oceans. 

    —

    Don’t miss Didgeridoo Down Under on Wednesday, June 22 at the Xenia and Fairborn community libraries!

  • Magic and Sea Creatures and Storytime, Oh My!

    Experience the wonderful world of magic with Jim Kleefeld during his of Oceans of Fun Show at GCPL this June! Former kindergarten teacher and self-proclaimed book lover, Jim encompasses interactive magic, humor, and storytelling to dazzle his audience.

    I had the chance to discuss this year’s show with Jim.

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    What made you want to pursue magic and performing?

    I have always loved magic since I was a 7-year-old cub scout, and I found a knack for it that was easier and more fun for me than football, gardening, or swimming. I’ve turned my childhood passion into a fun career!

    What is your favorite part of doing magic for children?

    I absolutely live for the laughs and smiling faces I see at every show! Nothing beats that wide-eyed look of surprise and wonder that only comes from the young and innocent belief that “magic” might be real.

    Having performed at libraries in the past, what do you love about the Summer Reading Program and how do your shows incorporate the yearly theme (Oceans of Possibilities)?
    This is my 52nd consecutive year of creating a new themed show for Summer Reading Clubs all over Ohio. What I love most about libraries is that they bring self-selecting audiences. The kids who come to watch are not forced to come – they really want to be there. Since I return to so many of the same libraries year after year, I love putting together a new show each year, and the library themes give me a great starting point for tricks and ideas.  

    What should our patrons expect when they attend one of your magic shows this summer?

    At my Oceans of Fun Magic Show, kids and parents can expect lots of laughs, many moments of pure wonder, and a few big surprises. One thing I always love to do is include special humor for the adults to enjoy – some of the fun goes right over the kids’ heads, but those moments are really designed to ensure the parents have a good time too. For my younger audience, each child will learn a magic trick that they can perform for their friends and family. I’ll teach them the trick at the show, then give them each the prop they’ll need to perform the trick at home!

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    Experience the fun at Jim Kleefeld’s Oceans of Fun Magic Show on June 20th at the Fairborn community library and June 21st at the Beavercreek and Winter’s-Bellbrook community libraries.

  • Hoot and Holler for Owls at the Library

    An owl doing a program for a group of Cub Scouts during an offsite program.

    See Ohio-native owls live in action this summer at your library! GCPL is hosting the Glen Helen Raptor Center for their Only Owls presentation, where they show off three amazing owls. Learn what makes these birds masters of the night as Raptor Center staff reveal the owls’ unique adaptions in real time. 

    Raptor Center Director Rebecca Jaramillo discussed their programs and why it’s important to learn about birds of prey.

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    Your Only Owls presentation allows patrons to meet three Ohio native owls; what should patrons expect to learn from this program

    Typically, we bring an Eastern Screech Owl, a Barn Owl, and a Great Horned Owl though sometimes we will substitute a Barred Owl in, depending on how everyone’s feeling that day. You can find pictures here of our owls along with the stories of how they came to be in the center’s care. I never know which exact birds until that day since we monitor and assess each bird every day for willingness to participate in programming.

    What is you and your staff’s favorite part about educating people about birds of prey?

    I always say that the purpose of education is to ignite people’s inner superhero and encourage them to learn about the world around them. At the end of the day, I don’t much care if they like owls, or tigers, or plants, or spiders, as long as they find some living thing that they can connect to, then use their superpowers to learn about and protect that piece of the Earth. If we all do that, then the world will be in good hands. 

    What, in your opinion, is the biggest takeaway you want people to understand about raptor conservation and why it’s important here in Southwestern Ohio?

    A young great horned owl being reunited with its wild parents using an artificial nest (laundry basket).

    Raptors are a part of our ecosystem and are connected to it in ways that benefit humans more than we realize. They are tremendously important in keeping rodent and insect populations under control. When we use poisons to get rid of mice or insects, we need to remember that those poisons enter into the greater food chain and end up causing harm to animals that are our allies in the fight against these pests.

    —

    Rebecca went on to share that the Raptor Center is open to visitors daily! Their summer hours are 9 a.m. – 7 p.m., and she encourages people to come learn how they can help take care of the native birds.

    Get ready to have a hooting good time at Only Owls happening at the Cedarville and Jamestown community libraries on June 8!

  • Taking the Digital World by Storm – You Got This!

    With technology constantly advancing, digital literacy is a vital skill to have. Maybe you need to learn computer basics, transition to a virtually based job, or simply keep up with your family Zoom meetings; whatever the reason, don’t let that computer keep you from what you want. Don’t worry, though, the library has you covered!

    Being able to take advantage of computer technology can begin right here at your community library. All you have to do is talk to your librarian, and they can introduce you to our newest online resource, Northstar Digital Literacy Assessments. Northstar focuses on what are known as basic digital literacy skills – from using a mouse to searching on the internet and using email to more advanced skills like using websites to learn new skills, searching for jobs online, or keeping up with friends and family on social media.

    I had the chance to chat about Northstar with Tamar Kreke, GCPL’s Adult and Technical Services Coordinator, about why this is such an amazing resource for you.

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    Why is digital literacy so important in today’s day & age?

    Well first off, let’s define digital literacy. Digital literacy refers to having the skills you need to live, learn, and work in a society where communication and access to information is increasingly through digital technologies like internet platforms, social media, and mobile devices. In other words, it means that you know what to do and how to navigate on a computer and other digital devices.

    In today’s modern world there simply is no going back; everything is increasingly dependent on technology. Digital literacy is vital, but you don’t need to worry because your local librarians are here to help! Patrons now need to be able to navigate in the digital world, and you don’t need to feel intimidated by the online world because your librarians have resources like Northstar to help you.

     

    Knowing our patrons, what do you think the need for a resource like Northstar Digital Assessments is in Greene County – what makes you excited now that it’s available?

    There are many different reasons why patrons might need to or want to improve their digital literacy. They may need to fill out online job applications, learn new skills for work, they may be going back to school, enjoy lifelong learning, want to keep up with their family and friends on social media, or start a small business.

    Our librarians love providing one-on-one assistance to our patrons, and we are so excited to be able to offer patrons this robust tool that they can use at their discretion to assess and build their skills. Northstar is a great resource to support staff in helping and in patrons helping themselves. You may feel apprehensive about your computer skills, but come into your local library, ask your librarian for help, and we can go from there. No one should feel intimidated by computers or learning digital skills – these skills are now accessible to you and the GCPL staff are more than happy to guide you with online resources like Northstar to get you where you want to be!

     

    What are some of the benefits Northstar offers our patrons? How can they apply what they learn on Northstar to their everyday lives?

    The first benefit that comes to mind is confidence! You may feel as though, you don’t know what you’re doing when it comes to computers, but you don’t give yourself enough credit – you got this! Northstar is ideal for people who have a relatively low level of digital literacy skills; you don’t have to know anything about computers or the internet to start. Northstar has three main areas of learning: essential computer skills, essential software skills, and using technology in daily life. It is all wonderfully organized and is truly practical, helpful information and training to anyone wishing to learn.

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    Tamar went on to say that several of our community libraries also offer Tech Tips for Seniors’ programs as well. These in-person programs would complement Northstar well for those looking to really bolster their computer skills.

    Access your Northstar learner account today with your library card today.

  • Make Your Small Business Dreams Come True at Spark Place

    Thinking about starting a small business and need affordable signage, stickers, and other marketing materials? Cynthia Stemple, or Cymp as her friends call her, did too when she started up a now Greene County Staple – Coffee Hub. So, when Cymp needed signage on a budget, she turned to Spark Place at the Xenia Community Library.

    I had the chance to chat with Cymp about GCPL’s makerspace and why it’s so helpful for her as a small business owner.

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    Can you give us a little backstory on the origin of Coffee Hub in Greene County?

    I love coffee with a passion, and after moving to Xenia in 2012, I noticed that there was a need for a local, specialty coffee shop in Xenia. I filed the coffee shop away with my many other business ideas, until one day I got a call wanting to know if I was interested in starting a coffee shop in partnership with a community restaurant One Bistro. From there, the idea for Coffee Hub Xenia was born, and after getting professional training, being offered a great space right in the heart of downtown, and connecting with other coffee aficionados in the area, I opened Coffee Hub Xenia in July 2017. God gives us opportunities, and we walk through those doors…the next opportunity being opening a new Coffee Hub location in Centerville.

    What are some projects you have worked on at Spark Place?

    I’ve made Coffee Hub stickers, banners, buttons, mugs, big vinyl stickers of our logo for shops, trailers, and more!

    How have these projects benefited your small business?

    Spark Place allows me to create great signage for a super reasonable price, which is so helpful for us as a small business. Plus, it’s just fun to be able to create! Thanks to these projects I have met such wonderful people at the library and Spark place, and it’s always fun to connect with others in the community. I tell people about Spark Place all the time, and I am so happy my tax dollars go to such a wonderful space!

    Do you have any future projects you plan to work on at Spark Place? Yes, soon I’ll be making vinyl stickers for our coffee truck we are building out, and a big logo for inside the new Centerville location. It’s great to know that I can continue to utilize Spark Place as my business grows, and I think having a makerspace available to library patrons is a wonderful way to spark creativity for all makers out there!

    —

    Cymp goes on to give Spark Place a glowing review and recommends it to small business owners and individuals alike. Make sure to check out Coffee Hub and be on the lookout for their newest location coming to Centerville!

    Make an appointment at Spark Place today to find numerous tools and technology to invent, build, and create your latest project! Visit GreeneLibrary.info/sparkplace/ to learn more or call (937) 736-7092.

  • The Best Part of Spark Place is YOU!

    Take on your newest creative project at Greene County’s very own makerspace Spark Place! First things first, if you don’t already know, a makerspace is a place where you’ll find tools and technology for community members to share as they invent, build, and create. Spark Place has all the make-whatever-your-heart-desires tools, and the staff are knowledgeable and ready to help while you work on your project.

    Laser engraved photo of the Bacher family made at Spark Place.

    This Maker’s Week we’re highlighting this amazing space, and a patron who frequents it with her family. Cyrill Bacher and her family love using Spark Place and want you to love it too! I had the chance to discuss Spark Place with Cyrill including some of the projects she’s worked on there.

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    What is the best part about having accessibility to a makerspace in Greene County?

    What is the best part about Spark Place? Every single thing is the best part. I mean that too. We started going to Spark Place after the pandemic hit and our family decided to home school. So, my kids and I needed a space where we could make art that made us smile. It was really intimidating for us at first because you just feel like you’re going to break everything, but the employees there are so great at teaching you about the machines, the software, how to use each machine that we felt like we could make anything.

    What are some projects you and your family have worked on at Spark Place? What excites you guys about the makerspace?

    We usually come up with fun ideas like using artwork my kids made or family pictures and transform them into cool projects using the tools at Spark Place like sublimated mugs (heat transferring art onto the outside of a mug), wood, t-shirts, 3D printing, laser engraved leather belts, wallets, glass, wood, pencils. We’ve made stickers as well.  

    The most exciting part about Spark Place is hearing my kids say, “Mommy my friend’s birthday is next week. He’s really into Pokémon – I need to make him this!” Since we have started coming there, we do not buy presents; Instead, we make presents. Every holiday, birthday, event involves us thinking of what makes people happy, then coming to Spark Place and figuring out how to make it. Then we get to physically hand them the object that we think brings them joy. It’s so nice to come there and see artists so excited about what they are making because they know it’s going to make people smile so big. It’s the happiest place ever! 

    Do you have any future projects you plan to work on at Spark Place?

    Future projects are never ending. This past Christmas we made gifts for about 25 of my family members. My face hurt from smiling so hard! I want to sublimate photos on a blanket since I haven’t done that yet.  

    What are some encouraging words you would give to a patron that may be on the fence about using Spark Place?

    Just set up an appointment. Once you get here there’s going to be so many people that will help you make sure you can succeed at whatever project you’re thinking about making. You’re going to fall in love with this place!

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    See the gallery below to view some of the cool projects Cyrill and her family have made at Spark Place. Maybe some of their projects will inspire your next project!

    Make an appointment at Spark Place today to find numerous tools and technology to invent, build, and create your latest project! Visit GreeneLibrary.info/sparkplace/ to learn more or call (937) 736-7092

  • Sew From the Heart

    At the library, we encourage you to pursue your passions, learn new skills, and have fun doing it! We strive to provide all the right resources to allow you to take on any new endeavor, and this May we’re embracing the mantra “Try Something New.”

    The McWilliams Family!
    From left to right: Zachary, Toby, Joshua, Anna

    Meet Anna McWilliams – Anna, an Alaska native, found her way to Greene County with her husband Toby, and they have been here for 12 years now. They have two boys, Zachary (age 7) and Joshua (age 5). Her youngest son, Joshua, was born with Achondroplasia, also known as dwarfism.

    A Fairborn Community Library patron, Anna crossed paths with Ms. Jeri and soon realized she could learn to alter her son Joshua’s clothing at the library.

    I had the chance to discuss what made Anna want to try something new at the library and what it means to her and her son.

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    What inspired you to attend one of Ms. Jeri’s sewing workshops? What type of sewing project were you working on?

    I saw Ms. Jeri with a sewing machine at the desk and struck up a conversation. I asked her about recommendations for learning to hem Joshua’s pants and shirts. She gave me some tips and told me about the sewing workshop, and I signed up.

    The reason for my interest in sewing/alterations is that Joshua was born with Achondroplasia (dwarfism). Although dwarfism is rare, Achondroplasia is the most common form. Some of the physical aspects of Achondroplasia include short arms and legs, typical-length torso, and a larger head.

    During the workshop, Ms. Jeri taught me how to measure, pin, and sew a new hem on Joshua’s jeans, and how to move the cuff on one of Joshua’s favorite shirts. I was so excited to see these altered clothes on Joshua! The shirt looked like it had been made just for him.

     

    The clothing industry is known for typically catering to specific body types. Have you had trouble in the past finding clothes that properly fit Joshua?

    Joshua in a shirt his mom Anna altered for him. The sleeves are just his size!

    Yes, Joshua’s unique physique (short arms, short legs, and a typical-length torso) makes clothes shopping a bit of a challenge. We buy clothes that fit his waist and torso, then we roll the cuffs on his pants, long-sleeve shirts, and jackets.

    At age 5, Joshua doesn’t seem to mind that his pants and shirt cuffs are rolled. But as he gets older, having clothes that properly fit him could become more important to him. And I want to be ready with the sewing skills needed.

     

    You told one of our librarians that being able to hem Joshua’s clothes made you feel empowered. Can you expand on this and tell us why is this seemingly small act to an outside person so important to you and your family?

    I think it comes down to being able to do something helpful for Joshua.

    Having a child with physical differences like dwarfism can feel overwhelming at times. Most things in life (clothes, furniture, sinks, toilets, playground equipment, door handles, light switches, etc.) are made for average-height people. So, as his mom, it’s easy to only see the challenges Joshua faces or will face in the future.

    Being able to hem his pants and shirts may seem like a small thing, but it feels empowering to know that I can learn how to make his clothes fit him.

     

    Can you describe your experience with Ms. Jeri and why it was so impactful for you?

    I feel grateful to Ms. Jeri for showing me that I can learn new things, like hemming clothes, by just taking that first step! Her workshop was fun and stress-free.

    As a bonus, I realized that once I got sewing, it was a calming activity – something we could all use more of, right?

    —

    Anna went on to recommend Ms. Jeri’s sewing workshops to those at all sewing skill levels. The library fosters a wonderful community for beginners and experts alike, all there to help each other with different sewing projects.

    Ms. Jeri hosts virtual and in-person sewing workshops for all ages every month at the Fairborn Community Library – sign up for one of her programs here!

    This May, try something new at your community library – you won’t know how much a new skill may impact you and your loved ones until you try! 

  • Discover your Family History at the Library

    In the spirit of trying something new this May, why not try your hand at genealogy? GCPL has resources for genealogy researchers of all skill levels. The Greene County Room on the Second floor of the Xenia Community Library holds one of the largest collections of local history and genealogy information in Southwest Ohio. GCR partners with the Greene County Chapter of the Ohio Genealogical Society each month for researchers to come together and share.

    I had the chance to discuss researching your own genealogy with Ohio Genealogical Society’s Greene County Chapter President Katie Scott.

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    Can you tell us a little bit about the Greene County Chapter of the Ohio Genealogical Society and your monthly meeting – like the meeting happening May 7?

    Founded in 1980, our chapter meetings focus on sharing ideas, information, methods, and best practices in genealogy. Our meetings are held on the 1st Saturday of the month (except July) at 1:30 p.m. in the Greene County Public Library in Xenia. We have a Zoom link as well if people would prefer to join us virtually. We start with a short business meeting, break for snacks, and then listen to a guest speaker.  A calendar of events is located on our website here.

    Our meeting on May 7th will be special – we will be celebrating our Chapter’s 42nd anniversary and getting reacquainted with old and new members now that we are able to gather in person again. We are asking all attendees to bring a photo of themselves when they were a baby, young child, teen or young adult and we will try to guess who the person is and share memories about the photo. We will also talk about our current research, what roadblocks we may have, and anything significant they would like to briefly share about their research in the last couple years that we have been mostly isolated from each other.

     

    What encouraging words would you give to those just starting their genealogical journey?

    It can seem a bit overwhelming when first starting your family research – especially if you are trying to decipher DNA connections. While it is easy to get distracted by new hints and records, try focusing on one branch/family at a time.

     

    What are some good resources available to genealogy newbies?

    Most genealogy newbies probably default to Ancestry.com, but there are many free options for researching your family history. One of the best is www.FamilySearch.org run by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Lehi, Utah, the site is completely free and has more than 14.3 billion searchable names and images from historical records from ancestral homelands all over the globe.

     

    How does your organization utilize the Greene County Room?

    Mostly, we promote the GCR and its resources at our meetings. We have had staff as guest speakers at meetings and during our Beginning Genealogy seminar we take students up to the room for a tour. We also coordinate with the GCR to offer special educational seminars like Beginning Genealogy and Using Online Resources. 

    —

    Katie also emphasized that you do not need to have Greene County ancestors or even live in Greene County to come to meetings or be a member. She says that meeting with people who share your same interest and passion will help you upgrade your skills, get one-on-one help with research, and you can meet new friends!

    Find the list of online genealogy resources GCPL provides for you here.

    OGS Greene County Chapter Treasurer and Education Committee Chair, Diana Nelson. She was presenting at a recent Beginning Genealogy course that we host in conjunction with the Greene County Room.

  • End the School Year Strong with Level Up Homework Help!

    With the end of the school year right around the corner, now is the best time to get test prep, beneficial study habits, and homework help at your community library through the free tutoring program Level Up.

    Meet Michelle Newsome! Michelle tutors at the Fairborn Community Library, and she taught high school chemistry for 21 years before becoming a current chemistry professor at Wright State University.

    I had the chance to discuss Level Up with Michelle.

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    What made you want to tutor at GCPL?

    I have noticed that the educational experiences of some of my students, due to COVID, is not up to the standard I expect. I know that is happening to all teachers. Students are not prepared because online learning was hard. I wanted to help fix that gap in learning. 

    To you, what makes Level Up tutoring such an important library program for the community?

    This program gives families a support system. Students and parents need help keeping up with schoolwork, fixing the gaps in learning that were missed in the COVID experience. This program provides parents with experts in education that can help their child.

    What is a success story you’ve seen through Level Up?

    We have a 3rd grade girl who comes at least once per week. She has received awards for attendance in the program. When she started, we were working with her on her math homework. It was a struggle because the concepts were building on multiplication and eventually division. It became evident that she did not know her multiplication math facts. That became our focus. I am happy to report we are now at mastery for all but the 8 and 9’s.  We are working on those! Her reading has also progressed to chapter books instead of easy readers.  We love working with this young lady. 

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    When it comes to academic success, your library is here to help you LEVEL UP! Find tutoring times at your community library at https://greenelibrary.info/levelup/.

    This program is supported by the State Library of Ohio with federal funds from the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

  • Level Up Tutors Guide Your Students to Academic Success!

    At the library, our Level Up tutors are qualified to help Greene County students of all academic levels. Whether your student attends one session or 10 sessions, the Level Up tutors will help your student achieve their academic goals.                                                                  

    Meet Kirsten Gum! Kirsten tutors at the Fairborn Community Library and taught at Fairborn Intermediate for five years. She taught two years in fifth grade and three years in fourth grade.

    I had the chance to discuss Level Up with Kirsten.

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    What made you want to tutor at GCPL?

    I took this year off from teaching to be at home with my son. Tutoring is a great way for me to get back into the “classroom” and help the kids in our community while still being able to stay home with my son during the day. 

    To you, what makes Level Up tutoring such an important library program for the community?

    Level Up is a great program for all students, from those who may have gaps in learning due to COVID, to those who struggle with certain subjects, or simply those who need a little extra help on homework.

    What’s a student success story you can share?

    I have had the privilege of helping a second-grade boy from Fairborn schools. He struggles with phonics and reading. We have been working on vowel sounds and blends. He has improved greatly over the last three months. He is now to the point where he is correcting himself without being prompted. 

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    When it comes to academic success, your library is here to help you LEVEL UP! Find tutoring times at your community library at https://greenelibrary.info/levelup/.

    This program is supported by the State Library of Ohio with federal funds from the Institute of Museum and Library Services.