Tuesday Topics showcases some of Monroe County Library System/Rochester Public Library Director Patty Uttaro’s favorite things. Patty retires in February, after a career dedicated to the library.
Patty Uttaro is known for her “leading locally” approach, leveraging library resources for maximum community impact. In a recent tribute, Rochester Mayor Malik Evans commended Patty’s innovative vision, noting that under her leadership “we have taken libraries to the next level, [setting] the new standard for New York State.”
In lieu of retirement gifts, please consider donating to the Harold Hacker Fund for the Advancement of Libraries, in Patty’s honor. The fund supports innovative projects/programs at member libraries of the Rochester Regional Library Council (RRLC) and throughout the Monroe County Library System (MCLS) and OWWL System (serving Ontario, Wayne, Wyoming, and Livingston counties); as well as professional development for staff working in those member libraries. Donate
January 7
Patty Uttaro will launch the series with a talk about Central Library’s signature juried Art of the Book & Paper exhibit. The exhibit was Patty’s idea, initially held in celebration of the 100th anniversary of the Rochester Public Library in 2011. The show now includes work from all over the world. Register
January 14
Tonia Burton, Children’s Services Consultant for the Monroe County Library System, will talk about the importance of early literacy, and will highlight related Library programs such as Raising a Reader and Talking is Teaching. Register
January 21
Jennifer Byrnes will talk about the Library’s role in the new county-wide digital equity initiative, which includes expanded technology, programming, and services throughout the Monroe County Library System. Byrnes is the head of Central Library’s Business Insight Center and the project lead for the digital equity initiative. Register
January 28
Shalis Worthy, Central Library’s Historical Services Coordinator, will present a talk “Viewing the Past in the Present: An Exploration of the Local History and Genealogy Division.” Register
Watch Cathy Kyle’s presentation on the Lyell Branch (and forthcoming Mobile Library)
Watch Bruce Tehan’s presentation on the Arnett Branch
Watch Sarah Lehman’s presentation on the Lincoln Branch and the Toy Library
Watch Johanna Buran and Mark Hafer’s presentation on the Maplewood Branch
Jeff Bostic, Central Library’s Digital Media Associate for the imagineYOU Digital Media Learning Lab gave an overview of the Lab’s major components: Music Production, Video Production, Digital Art, Photography, and eSports.
View/download Jeff’s PowerPoint presentation
Jay Osborne shared his experience (via Zoom) working in the Rochester Public Library’s Technology Center, and the essential role his division has in empowering some of the city’s neediest residents.
Antoine Ajani McDonald, Librarian in Central’s Local History & Genealogy Division, provided an overview of how the Library helps to foster Equity and Justice in our society with diverse cultural community representation in programs and services, including Central’s Archive of Black History and Culture Project.
Our Winter 2022 series was online only. We focused on RPL’s critical role in fostering Children’s Literacy, Jobs and the Economy, and Equity and Justice.
Our Winter 2021 series was online only. We focused on racial equity and the role of Libraries throughout the pandemic. Our roster included new content as well as relevant past programs. Please note: only the 3 talks on racial equity/inclusion are on this playlist; relevant past programs aren’t cross-referenced.
