News Release

SYRACUSE — Martial arts expert Matthew Smith, headmaster of Juko-Ryu Toide and Martial Arts Center, will come to the Syracuse Public Library to talk about samurai history and culture. He will also perform a sword demonstration.

Smith is a sensei in Kobujutsu and holds high rankings in several different weapon systems. He has studied martial arts for 29 years. He noted, “I have a passion for self-mastery and for helping others reach their full potentials and to live empowered.”

This presentation will cover the different lengths of weapons the samurai carried and a look at these warriors’ vast history and culture, including their Bushido Code.

Shown is Matthew Smith, headmaster of Juko-Ryu Toide & Martial Arts Center. Photo provided by the library.

Ages 10 and older can attend this program from 2-3 p.m. Tuesday, June 20, in the downstairs meeting room. For information, contact young adult services librarian Michelle Parker at [email protected] or (574) 457-3022, ext. 2008.

Teen Summer Reading

Teens and young adults can join Color and Chill from 4-5 p.m. Wednesday, June 21, in the Rosalyn Jones Room. Pick from a variety of coloring sheets before spending the hour coloring, enjoying soothing music and munching on provided snacks.

Be prepared to take your palate on a tour of the world. During Taste of the World, teens will sample a selection of global foods from 2-4 p.m. Thursday, June 22, in the Rosalyn Jones Room. Brew City Roasting Company also will provide French pastries for this event. Since supplies are limited, be sure to sign up to attend. Register in person at the library or through the library’s online calendar.

The week will wrap up with yard games in the Community Roots outdoor space from 3-5 p.m. Friday, June 23.

Children’s Summer Reading Programming

Children, ages birth through 5, can join story time at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, June 21, in the downstairs meeting room. Besides enjoying stories, children will be able to play and create a new craft — a paper watermelon craft.

Fantastic Fridays will feature do-it-yourself music makers at 10:30 a.m. June 23, in the downstairs meeting room. Supplies are limited so plan to arrive early to get your ticket. SPL’s new ticketing system ensures programs do not exceed the amount of supplies available.

Adult Programming

Grab your works of fiction or poetry and join SPL’s The Workshop, an adult writing group. The group will meet at 1 p.m. Tuesday, June 20, in the downstairs meeting room, to share and also talk about all things writing. Writers at all stages of their writing journeys are welcome to attend.

Those interested in the natural world should attend In the Garden’s meeting a 1 p.m. Thursday, June 22, in the downstairs meeting room. The group will discuss “The Triumph of Seeds” by Thor Hanson, which is available at the library.

Closing

The Syracuse Public Library will close Monday, June 19, in observance of Juneteenth.