Sarah Wright poses with her “little staff library,” which features a certain World War I flying ace on his trusty Sopwith Camel. Many staff members will have little staff libraries dispersed through the library during February, featuring their reading recommendations. Photo provided by Sarah Wright.

News Release

SYRACUSE — February is National Library Lovers Month, a celebration of book lovers and frequent library dwellers. In this digital age, one might question the importance of libraries; after all, through online retailers, you can have a book shipped to you in two days or appear on your digital device instantly — of course, at a price. Libraries remain gateways to knowledge that are not barred by a price tag. In fact, libraries are one of the few places people can enter without the expectation of having to buy something. Even Starbucks recently rolled back the use of its space or restrooms without making a purchase.

Libraries are much more than books. They offer community through free programming, early education opportunities, quiet meeting areas, helpful librarians and outreach. Libraries also connect people of all economic backgrounds to technology and so many other resources.

In 2024, 5,245 people attended the Syracuse library’s programs. The library made 160 deliveries to home-bound patrons who cannot visit. Its public computers were used 3,058 times, allowing people to apply for jobs, file taxes, fill out important documents, conduct business or simply stay in touch with friends and family.

Syracuse-Turkey Creek Township Public Library has seen a 24.25% increase in checkouts from 2022 to 2024. In 2024, its patrons checked out a total of 89,810 materials — that figure is greater than the entire population of Bloomington, which was 78,840 people in 2023, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Children alone checked out 33,297 books. Of that total, digital material checkouts through the Libby and Hoopla apps made up only 26.71% — or 23,810 — of SPL’s total borrows. Our hotspots also remain popular with 246 borrows. During its first full year, our new board game collections saw 128 borrows.

Syracuse Public Library continues to seek new ways to engage and support the community in its endeavors of lifelong learning.

In celebration of National Library Lovers Month, library staff have created “little staff libraries” filled with books they love and recommend. Patrons are encouraged to browse their little libraries and check out their contents with their library cards. Also, watch the library’s social media pages for an upcoming Library Lovers giveaway.

For those who live in Syracuse or Turkey Creek Township, there has never been a better month to sign up for a library card and find your community.

Upcoming Events

Mahjong continues to meet at 1 p.m. on Mondays and Thursdays each week. Everyone is welcome at the mahjong tables, including learners.

Teens in grades 6-12 can join SPL’s Teen Advisory Board and help plan future activities and programs at the library. TAB will meet from 4-5 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 4, in the Rosalyn Jones Room. To apply, fill out the Google Form located at https://tinyurl.com/SPLTeenAdvisory.

Children can attend storytime and homeschool class at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 5, in the children’s department. Preschoolers will listen to picture books, play games and create a letter-themed craft. Meanwhile, home-schooled children will begin a new science unit, starting with the chemistry of slime.

Young adult video gaming runs from 4-7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 6, in the Rosalyn Jones Room. Play the Nintendo Switch with fellow gamers while enjoying provided snacks.