Children’s librarian, Emilia Layne, poses with tools that children and their families will use to action paint during Syracuse Public Library’s Family Fun Night from 5-6 p.m. Tuesday, July 8, in the Community Roots outdoor space. Photo by Sarah Wright.

News Release

SYRACUSE — Wear clothes that you don’t mind getting messy and come to the Syracuse Public Library for action painting from 5-6 p.m. Tuesday, July 8. In the library’s Community Roots outdoor space, children and their families will experiment with paint and use unique “brushes” to create works of art. Participants can also splash, throw or pour paint randomly on their canvas.

Jackson Pollock, a leading force behind the abstract expressionist movement, made action painting famous. Children and their families will express themselves on the canvas — there are no rules, only doing what speaks to them.

Teens And Children Can Learn Dance

Teens and children will learn dance moves from former dance teacher Angie Schwartz during two summer sessions. The teen session is from 12:30-1:30 p.m. Thursday, July 10, in the downstairs meeting room. Children will have the same opportunity from 10:30-11:30 a.m. Friday, July 11, in the Community Roots outdoor space.

Avoid Fraud And Scams Like A Pro

Led by Brian Burnett, a longtime technology industry professional and experienced financial coach of getfinancialcontrol.com, SPL’s free “How to Spot and Avoid Scams, Fraud and Identity Theft” workshop will help attendees recognize the red flags and walk away with actionable strategies to better protect themselves and their loved ones.

Participants will also learn: How scammers manipulate trust and emotion to trick you; the latest scam tactics using AI and deepfakes; steps to take if you’ve been targeted or compromised; and tools for securing your personal and financial data.

RSVP for this workshop, which will occur from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Thursday, July 10, in the library’s downstairs meeting room, at https://tinyurl.com/splscamprogram.

Children

Story time explores new stories at 10:30 a.m. Monday, July 7, in the downstairs meeting room. Children will also paint their air-dry clay creations from the previous week.

Children, ages 6-12, will paint like Michelangelo did in the Sistine Chapel — on their backs — from 2-3 p.m. Thursday, July 10, in the downstairs meeting room. Sarah Wright will share a little about Michelangelo and his work while children paint on canvas strapped to the underside of a table.

Teens

One spot has opened for the teen sushi candy making program. Teens will use Rice Krispies and candy to make a tasty dessert from 3:30-4:30 p.m. Monday, July 7, in the Rosalyn Jones Room. Register at https://tinyurl.com/splcandysushi.

Teen writers can join a cozy write-in from 3:30-4:30 p.m. Friday, July 11, in the Rosalyn Jones Room. Bring your latest project to work on or start something new. There will be writing prompt books for those who need a little inspiration. The library will also provide snacks and lemonade.

Adults

Players of all skill levels — including learners — are invited to Syracuse Public Library’s mahjong tables at 10 a.m. Mondays in the Rosalyn Jones Room and at 1 p.m. Wednesdays in the downstairs meeting room. Teens are welcome to attend the Monday session.

Roaming Readers will meet at 10 a.m. Friday, July 11, at the WACF Between-the-Lakes Preserve, 5793 E. Pickwick Drive, Syracuse, for a walk. This is the perfect chance to share books you have enjoyed.

The all-ages chess club meets from 4-5 p.m. Friday, July 11, in the downstairs meeting room.

For programming information, visit syracuse.lib.in.us or call (574) 457-3022.