Registration is open now!
You can begin recording your reading on June 29.
More information at the ReadSquared site.
Summer Reading Program
Category: Adults
Tax season
Maxwell Library again has a selection of Federal and New York State forms available.
Unfortunately, we do not have tax preparation services. Some libraries that do are listed at OCPL’s Tax Assistance Sites page.
The Camillus Senior Center may also have slots for tax prep available.
Winter Reading 2026
Read from January 2 through February 28
Hand in your BINGO cards by March 2
Free
No registration
One program for kids and teens, one for adults.
Cards are available at the library or you can print out your own from our website.
Read books that fit with categories on our BINGO cards, turn in the cards at the library, and be automatically entered in a drawing for one of several nice prizes at the end of the Challenge.
Teens & Kids Bingo Card
2025 Summer Reading Programs: Color Our World
Maxwell’s summer reading programs for Kids/Teens and for Adults have begun!
The programs run from June 30 through August 22.
Go to the ReadSquared site where you can register and then log your reading.
Programs:
- Kids (entering Pre-K through Grade 5 in September)
- Teens (entering Grades 6 – 12 in September)
- Adults (18+)
Each book, ebook, audiobook, or eaudiobook counts, and the more you read, the greater your chances to win one of our great prizes!
Tech Program: Is Ethical AI Possible?
Saturday, June 21, 2025
Thinking systematically about the risks of AI requires two lines of thinking. First of all, we have to establish what it is we want and don’t want. Secondly, we then have to find the most effective ways of imposing our preferences.
— Richard E. Susskind
AI (so-called) may be inevitable. Certainly generative AI and other technologies for making associations within large collections of data are here already, and tech cheerleaders push the claim that there’s nothing we can do to stop the tech.
The question, as Humpty Dumpty told us, is Which is to be master. Mr. Dumpty, of course, was presuming that an individual could control language, and we recognize that claim as absurd since we use language within a speech community which no individual controls. Indeed, language may even be beyond the control of its community. But is AI beyond community control?
The intent for this month’s program is that it be a discussion of how individuals can use AI while remaining true to their own ethical codes and how the human community can control AI in order to make it work for the community as a whole. We’ll look at issues in ethics, environmental responsibility, the economy, government, and whatever issues participants bring.
2025 Summer Reading Programs: Color Our World
Maxwell’s summer reading programs for Kids/Teens and for Adults will be starting soon!
The programs run from June 30 through August 22, but you can register at ReadSquared starting June 1. Then, starting June 30, log your reading at the same website.
On the ReadSquared site, you’ll see information about and links to register for the appropriate program:
- Kids (entering Pre-K through Grade 5 in September)
- Teens (entering Grades 6 – 12 in September)
- Adults (18+)
Each book, ebook, audiobook, or eaudiobook counts, and the more you read, the greater your chances to win one of our great prizes!
Watch for more information on our website and in our newsletter.
Taming the Beast: Dealing with Techno-Distraction
Saturday, April 19, 2025
Techno-distraction,… digital distraction,…. We all have an idea of what those terms might mean, even when we first encounter them. They’re that quagmire of potential side quests that tempt us away from the task that we sat down at the computer (or with the device) to accomplish, hoping (vainly?) that tech would make our task simpler.
English Conversation Group for Today Cancelled
Tuesday, October 24
5:30 to 7:00 PM
We are sorry for the inconvenience. Our English Conversation Group is cancelled today, October 24.
We will see you on November 7.
Tech Program: Are You for Real?
Saturday, September 21, 2024
A meeting that never took place, given that Victoria wasn’t born until George Washington had been dead for 19 years.
Ever since the early days of photography, people have manipulated photos to create faked images. Now, digital photography and AI have helped both to make it easier to create fakes and to create more convincing fakes.
In this program we’ll look at some digital tools and some low-tech tips and techniques to help determine whether an image is real or fake.
Tech Help Tuesdays
Tuesday, July 23
1:30 to 3:30 PM
Each Tuesday, Pete — Maxwell’s tech librarian — has an open session for patrons to drop by and get help with technology issues and problems.
No registration needed.
Can’t make it on Tuesday? Call Pete at 315-672-3661 to set up an appointment or email him at pete@maxwellmemoriallibrary.org
English Conversation Group
Tuesday, July 23
11:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Do you want to improve your English? We’re offering FREE English conversation groups at Maxwell Library with Literacy CNY. Tuesdays from 11 AM to 1 PM, July 16 through August 27.
Registration encouraged.
Register for each session individually.
Between the Lines Book Club
The Maid
Monday, July 22
2:00 to 3:30 PM
Registration required
This month’s book is The Maid by Nita Prose.
You can read more about the book at Kirkus Reviews.
English Conversation Group
Tuesday, July 16
11:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Do you want to improve your English? We’re offering FREE English conversation groups at Maxwell Library with Literacy CNY. Tuesdays from 11 AM to 1 PM, July 16 through August 27.
Registration encouraged.
Register for each session individually.
Tech Help Tuesdays
Tuesday, July 16
1:30 to 3:30 PM
Each Tuesday, Pete — Maxwell’s tech librarian — has an open session for patrons to drop by and get help with technology issues and problems.
No registration needed.
Can’t make it on Tuesday? Call Pete at 315-672-3661 to set up an appointment or email him at pete@maxwellmemoriallibrary.org
Cribbage and More
Wednesday, July 10
12:00 to 2:00 PM
Free
Register for each session separately
Registration preferred
Have you always wanted to try this game of card strategy, counting skills, and luck? Did you used to play, but need a refresher? Is it your favorite game, and you’d like to help other people learn it? Well, this is your chance!
Maxwell Library has an informal group for cribbage players of all skill levels. We have a few cribbage boards and extra playing cards on hand, but feel free to bring your favorite set so more can play. Experienced players are encouraged to come and share their expertise.
You do not need to attend every session, but the more you play, the better you’ll get. Cribbage is mostly played by two people, but three people and teams of four may also play.
Ten Keys to Kitchen Remodeling Success
Strategies to Help You Maximize Your Return on Investment and Maintain Your Sanity
Tuesday, July 16
6:00 to 7:00 PM
Registration required
Learn ten simple keys that will save you time, money, and headaches when you remodel your kitchen. Ignore them and you’re likely to begin a downward spiral toward out-of-control spending and missed deadlines. With the budget blown and the schedule shot, it’s also likely you’ll be… shall we say… grumpy? But it doesn’t have to be that way. Join us for this free one-hour presentation and learn key strategies to keep you on the road to a smooth and successful kitchen remodel.
This is the third of a three-part series on kitchen remodeling. You do not need to attend all three sessions. Please register for each session separately.
Lena McGuire is a professional kitchen and bath designer and owner of Spoca Kitchen & Bath LLC, a design / build firm located in Camillus. She is an active member of the Central New York Chapter of the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) and the Greater Camillus Chamber of Commerce. She has worked with hundreds of homeowners to design and install kitchens and baths in Onondaga and Cayuga counties since 2009.
Adult Craft Class: Greeting Cards
Craft Class for Adults
Make 2 beautiful greeting cards with Alyson Esposito. Complete the designs using rubber stamps and colored pencils and your choice of several sentiments.
All supplies provided.
Tech Help Tuesdays
Tuesday, July 9
1:30 to 3:30 PM
Each Tuesday, Pete — Maxwell’s tech librarian — has an open session for patrons to drop by and get help with technology issues and problems.
No registration needed.
Can’t make it on Tuesday? Call Pete at 315-672-3661 to set up an appointment or email him at pete@maxwellmemoriallibrary.org
Artists’ Reception
Camillus Seniors
New date
Thursday, July 25
5:30 to 7:30 PM
Free and open to the public
Tonight’s opening reception is free and open to the public, and provides an excellent opportunity for you to meet the students and their instructor, and perhaps to embark on your own personal study of art.
Tech Help Tuesdays
Tuesday, July 2
1:30 to 3:30 PM
Each Tuesday, Pete — Maxwell’s tech librarian — has an open session for patrons to drop by and get help with technology issues and problems.
No registration needed.
Can’t make it on Tuesday? Call Pete at 315-672-3661 to set up an appointment or email him at pete@maxwellmemoriallibrary.org
Maxwell Matinee
The Boys in the Boat
Tuesday, July 9
2:00 to 4:30 PM
Registration required
The Boys in the Boat
2023
PG-13
123 minutes
The Boys in the Boat is a sports drama based on the #1 New York Times bestselling non-fiction book written by Daniel James Brown. The film, directed by George Clooney, is about the 1936 University of Washington rowing team that competed for gold at the Summer Olympics in Berlin. This inspirational true story follows a group of underdogs at the height of the Great Depression as they are thrust into the spotlight and take on elite rivals from around the world.
Unraveling Yarns Mystery Book Club
Dead Girl Running
Monday, July 8
5:00 to 6:00 PM
Registration preferred
This month’s selection is Dead Girl Running by Christina Dodd.
You can read more about the book at Kirkus Reviews.
Second Look Book Club
Under the Whispering Door
Tuesday, July 2
5:30 to 6:30 PM
Free
Registration required
This month’s book is Under the Whispering Door by TJ Klune.
You can read more about the book at TJ Klune’s Website.
Cribbage and More
Wednesday, July 3
12:00 to 2:00 PM
Free
Register for each session separately
Registration preferred
Have you always wanted to try this game of card strategy, counting skills, and luck? Did you used to play, but need a refresher? Is it your favorite game, and you’d like to help other people learn it? Well, this is your chance!
Maxwell Library has an informal group for cribbage players of all skill levels. We have a few cribbage boards and extra playing cards on hand, but feel free to bring your favorite set so more can play. Experienced players are encouraged to come and share their expertise.
You do not need to attend every session, but the more you play, the better you’ll get. Cribbage is mostly played by two people, but three people and teams of four may also play.
Tech Help Tuesdays
Tuesday, June 25
1:30 to 3:30 PM
Each Tuesday, Pete — Maxwell’s tech librarian — has an open session for patrons to drop by and get help with technology issues and problems.
No registration needed.
Can’t make it on Tuesday? Call Pete at 315-672-3661 to set up an appointment or email him at pete@maxwellmemoriallibrary.org
Raised Bed Gardening
Wednesday, June 26
6:00 to 7:00 PM
Registration required
Learn how to plan and get the most from small space gardens from a Cornell Cooperative Extension Master Gardener. You will also learn a bit about vertical gardening, square foot gardening, and companion planting.
This is the final installment in Maxwell’s biweekly series on home gardening presented by Cornell Cooperative Extension of Onondaga County. Register for each session you are interested in separately.
Between the Lines Book Club
The First Ladies
Monday, June 24
2:00 to 3:30 PM
Registration required
This month’s book is The First Ladies by Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray.
You can read more about the book at BookBrowse
Maxwell at the Canal
Tissue Paper Suncatcher
Saturday, June 22
12:00 Noon to 2:00 PM
For all ages
Free
No registration
Join Jenny, Maxwell’s Director, at the Camillus Erie Canal Sims’ Store Museum to make a Tissue Paper Suncatcher, perfect for celebrating the return of summer. Actual craft design will vary from the photo.
Drop-in anytime between noon and 2.
All supplies provided.
The Museum is located at 5750 Devoe Road in Camillus.
Using AI Tools
Saturday, June 15, 2024
Make It @ Maxwell
Farmers Market Tote
Saturday, June 22
10:15 to 11:15 AM
For adults ages 18 and up
Free
Registration required
Decorate a cute, sustainable tote bag, perfect for all your trips to the farmers market.
All supplies provided.
Adult Craft Class: Greeting Cards
Craft Class for Adults
Make 2 beautiful greeting cards with Alyson Esposito. Complete the designs using rubber stamps and colored pencils and your choice of several sentiments.
All supplies provided.
Don’t Break the Bank!
Determining What It Will Cost and How to Pay for Your Kitchen Remodel
Tuesday, June 18
6:00 to 7:00 PM
Free
Registration required
Remodeling a kitchen is one of those BIG things you do maybe only once in your lifetime. And getting it right means setting a budget and sticking to it no matter how much or how little you have to spend.
Good design can be achieved on any budget – but only you know what you want to spend on a new gas range. Is it $500 for a basic Hotpoint model, $1500 for an upscale GE Profile, or do you have your heart set on a $15,000 luxury La Cornue? You can cook and bake with any of them, but you have to choose which is right for you.
Knowing your budget upfront will put you in the best position to make wise purchasing decisions. In this presentation you’ll learn four quick and easy methods to set your realistic budget in less than 15 minutes. And once you’ve learned how to set that budget, we’ll go over how to spend it (and not spend it) so you get what you want without breaking the bank. We’ll also discuss some of the many ways to pay for your remodel.
This is the second of a three-part series on kitchen remodeling. You do not need to attend all three sessions. Please register for each session separately.
Lena McGuire is a professional kitchen and bath designer and owner of Spoca Kitchen & Bath LLC, a design / build firm located in Camillus. She is an active member of the Central New York Chapter of the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) and the Greater Camillus Chamber of Commerce. She has worked with hundreds of homeowners to design and install kitchens and baths in Onondaga and Cayuga counties since 2009.
Tech Help Tuesdays
Tuesday, June 18
1:30 to 3:30 PM
Each Tuesday, Pete — Maxwell’s tech librarian — has an open session for patrons to drop by and get help with technology issues and problems.
No registration needed.
Can’t make it on Tuesday? Call Pete at 315-672-3661 to set up an appointment or email him at pete@maxwellmemoriallibrary.org
Cribbage and More
Wednesday, June 12
12:00 to 2:00 PM
Free
Register for each session separately
Registration preferred
Have you always wanted to try this game of card strategy, counting skills, and luck? Did you used to play, but need a refresher? Is it your favorite game, and you’d like to help other people learn it? Well, this is your chance!
Maxwell Library has an informal group for cribbage players of all skill levels. We have a few cribbage boards and extra playing cards on hand, but feel free to bring your favorite set so more can play. Experienced players are encouraged to come and share their expertise.
You do not need to attend every session, but the more you play, the better you’ll get. Cribbage is mostly played by two people, but three people and teams of four may also play.
Natural Methods of Weed Control
Wednesday, June 12
6:00 to 7:00 PM
Free
Registration required
More and more people are seeking ways of controlling garden problems that don’t rely on human-made chemicals. Find out why, and learn how to have a healthier yard for you and your family as well as for plants and wildlife from a Cornell Cooperative Extension Master Gardener. This is part of Maxwell’s biweekly series on home gardening presented by Cornell Cooperative Extension of Onondaga County. Register for each session you are interested in separately.
Tech Help Tuesdays
Tuesday, June 11
1:30 to 3:30 PM
Each Tuesday, Pete — Maxwell’s tech librarian — has an open session for patrons to drop by and get help with technology issues and problems.
No registration needed.
Can’t make it on Tuesday? Call Pete at 315-672-3661 to set up an appointment or email him at pete@maxwellmemoriallibrary.org
Introduction to Gong Fu Cha
Basics of Chinese Tea
Tuesday, June 11
6:00 to 7:30 PM
For adults
Registration required
Are you a tea drinker who would like to take your tea drinking experience to another level? Join International Tea Academy certified tea hobbyist A.E. André to explore the Chinese Gong Fu Cha tradition of brewing tea with mindfulness, to maximize the flavor in every sip!
The Gong Fu Cha method creates a deeper appreciation of tea, while harmonizing the traditions of tea culture, with a way of enjoying tea that is satisfying to the soul.
In this introductory session, you will:
- Become acquainted with the history of Chinese tea
- Explore the differences in tea types
- Learn about proper brewing temperatures and leaf to water ratios
- Be introduced to brewing vessels and equipment
Come to this beginner’s experience of the ancient tradition of Chinese tea with your host André, and experience the Gong Fu Cha ritual firsthand with a delicious tea!
Tech Program: Using AI Tools
Saturday, June 15
12:00 Noon to 1:00 PM
Registration required
Handout from the class
The notion of computer intelligence has been around since even before Alan Turing first described his Imitation Game, and 74 years later we are now seeing many computer applications—generative AI in particular—hyped with claims that they have made AI ready for prime-time.
This program’s focus will be on how to use some of these tools effectively, but doing that will necessarily involve talking about some of their weaknesses and ethical gray areas.
Cribbage and More
Wednesday, June 5
12:00 to 2:00 PM
Free
Register for each session separately
Registration preferred
Have you always wanted to try this game of card strategy, counting skills, and luck? Did you used to play, but need a refresher? Is it your favorite game, and you’d like to help other people learn it? Well, this is your chance!
Maxwell Library has an informal group for cribbage players of all skill levels. We have a few cribbage boards and extra playing cards on hand, but feel free to bring your favorite set so more can play. Experienced players are encouraged to come and share their expertise.
You do not need to attend every session, but the more you play, the better you’ll get. Cribbage is mostly played by two people, but three people and teams of four may also play.
Maxwell Matinee: Ordinary Angels
Tuesday, June 11
2:00 to 4:30 PM
Registration required
Ordinary Angels
2024
PG
116 minutes
Hilary Swank stars in Ordinary Angels, inspired by the incredible true story of a hairdresser who single-handedly rallies an entire community to help a widowed father save the life of his critically ill young daughter.
Tech Help Tuesdays
Tuesday, June 4
1:30 to 3:30 PM
Each Tuesday, Pete — Maxwell’s tech librarian — has an open session for patrons to drop by and get help with technology issues and problems.
No registration needed.
Can’t make it on Tuesday? Call Pete at 315-672-3661 to set up an appointment or email him at pete@maxwellmemoriallibrary.org
Summertime (and the readin’ is easy)
July and August
Maxwell has summer reading programs for all ages!
Relax and Read!
Summer reading for adults 18 and older
July 1 through August 17
Read a book or listen to an audiobook to enter the prize drawing. Each book equals 1 entry. Digital counts, too, so now’s a good time to use Libby and Hoopla!
Register for the program on READsquared starting June 1. You can log your reading progress from July 1 through August 17. You’ll do this through READsquared once you’ve set up your free account, but we promise that it’s easy, and we are happy to help you if needed. READsquared is also where you will select which prizes you’d like to try to win.
You may put your name in for as many prizes as you want to try for, for as many times as you have points available. Winning participants in the random drawing at the end of the Relax and Read program may only win 1 prize.
Adventure Begins at Your Library
Kids and teens (PreK through 12th grade)
July 1 through August 14
For every 20 minutes you read, you can enter your name into one of our raffle jars for the drawings at the End of Summer Reading Party. You can also select a small prize each time you come to the library to fill out your raffle tickets!
Register for the program on READsquared starting June 1. You can log your reading progress from July 1 through August 14.
Second Look Book Club
One True Loves
Tuesday, June 4
5:30 to 6:30 PM
Free
Registration required
This month’s book is One True Loves by Taylor Jenkins Reid.
You can read more about the book at its Web page.
Unraveling Yarns Mystery Book Club
Monday, June 10
5:00 to 6:00 PM
Registration preferred
This month’s selection is A Most Agreeable Murder by Julia Seales.
You can read more about the book at BookBrowse.
Tech Help Tuesdays
Tuesday, May 28
1:30 to 3:30 PM
Each Tuesday, Pete — Maxwell’s tech librarian — has an open session for patrons to drop by and get help with technology issues and problems.
No registration needed.
Can’t make it on Tuesday? Call Pete at 315-672-3661 to set up an appointment or email him at pete@maxwellmemoriallibrary.org
Kitchen Remodeling 101
The Remodeling Process from Start to Finish
Tuesday, May 21
6:00 to 7:00 PM
Registration required
From the moment you decide you won’t put up with… an outdated kitchen… broken cabinet doors.. ugly pink countertops… a dysfunctional layout… whatever it is that makes you decide you want a change for the better, you’re probably considering a kitchen remodel. But do you know what’s involved? How to get started? What it will cost? How long it will take? Where to get advice?
If you’d like to learn what to expect when you take on a kitchen remodeling project, join us for an informative overview of the entire kitchen remodeling process from design inspiration to completed installation.
This is the first of a three-part series on kitchen remodeling. You do not need to attend all three sessions. Please register for each session separately.
Lena McGuire is a professional kitchen and bath designer and owner of Spoca Kitchen & Bath LLC, a design / build firm located in Camillus. She is an active member of the Central New York Chapter of the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) and the Greater Camillus Chamber of Commerce. She has worked with hundreds of homeowners to design and install kitchens and baths in Onondaga and Cayuga counties since 2009.
Tech Help Tuesdays
Tuesday, May 21
1:30 to 3:30 PM
Each Tuesday, Pete — Maxwell’s tech librarian — has an open session for patrons to drop by and get help with technology issues and problems.
No registration needed.
Can’t make it on Tuesday? Call Pete at 315-672-3661 to set up an appointment or email him at pete@maxwellmemoriallibrary.org
Between the Lines Book Club
The Homewreckers
Monday, May 20
2:00 to 3:30 PM
Registration required
This month’s book is The Homewreckers by Mary Kay Andrews.
You can read more about the book at Kirkus Reviews.
Invasive Plants
Wednesday, May 22
6:00 to 7:00 PM
Registration required
If you have ever had to do battle with garlic mustard in your yard, you won’t want to miss this program. A Cornell Cooperative Extension Master Gardener will discuss the history and identification of, as well as vital information on dealing with, these not so welcome additions to our gardens and landscapes. This is part of Maxwell’s biweekly series on home gardening presented by Cornell Cooperative Extension of Onondaga County. Register for each session you are interested in separately.
Tech Help Tuesdays
Tuesday, May 14
1:30 to 3:30 PM
Each Tuesday, Pete — Maxwell’s tech librarian — has an open session for patrons to drop by and get help with technology issues and problems.
No registration needed.
Can’t make it on Tuesday? Call Pete at 315-672-3661 to set up an appointment or email him at pete@maxwellmemoriallibrary.org