named programs · 10 · from sources
What they call their work
1,000 Books Before Kindergarten
Early literacy program encouraging parents to read 1,000 books to their child before kindergarten to promote reading readiness.
Book Clubs
Hosts multiple book discussion groups across the library system for adults, teens, and specialized interests including graphic novels and true crime.
English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)
Offers English language instruction and conversation practice for non-native speakers.
GED Preparation
Provides resources and support for adults pursuing a high school equivalency diploma.
Literacy Program
Offers one-on-one tutoring and educational support for adult learners with low literacy levels.
Local History & Genealogy
Specialized research center at the Central Library offering extensive collections on regional history and family genealogy.
Makerspace
Offers access to technology and tools such as 3D printers, coding kits, and creative software for public use and learning.
Online Learning Center
Provides access to digital learning platforms including LinkedIn Learning and Brainfuse for academic and career development.
Read to a Therapy Dog
Children improve reading skills and confidence by reading aloud to certified therapy dogs in a relaxed setting.
Summer Reading Program
Annual program encouraging children, teens, and adults to read during summer months with themed activities and incentives.
activities · 8 groups
What they do
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Summer and Seasonal Reading Programs 2 activities
- Foster reading engagement through book clubs and reading programsHosts regular book club meetings and circulates book club kits (12 paperbacks and a reader’s guide) for six-week checkouts. Runs the Reading Dragons summer reading program with reading incentives such as mythical creature cards and bonus event cards.
- Host educational and cultural events for children and familiesOrganizes interactive summer reading events featuring performances and hands-on activities in science (fossils, rocks), art (Everson Museum collaborations), music and dance (Ghanaian drums, African drumming), magic, circus arts (juggling, poi), bubble science, reptile encounters, paleoart, and gaming expos (RetroGameCon).
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Early Literacy Promotion 1 activity
- Deliver early literacy programming for children and familiesRuns the 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten program, offering free registration, a starter book, reading incentives (stickers, toys, books), and a book bag upon completion to encourage family reading before school entry.
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Accessible Reading Materials Production and Distribution 1 activity
- Ensure accessible library services for people with disabilitiesProvides adaptive technologies at the Central Library to support access to library resources for individuals with disabilities.
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Workforce Readiness Training 1 activity
- Offer career and employment support servicesProvides job seekers with access to employment and career resources to support workforce development and job readiness.
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Digital Literacy Training and Technology Access 1 activity
- Promote digital literacy and computer skills trainingOffers one-on-one and group computer classes from beginner to advanced levels, as well as access to online learning platforms with courses, test prep, and language learning tools at multiple library locations.
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Home Delivery and Curbside Pickup Services 1 activity
- Provide library materials and information servicesOffers access to books, audio/visual materials, and interlibrary loan services for patrons across Onondaga County. Includes delivery by U.S. mail for eligible residents unable to visit in person.
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High School Equivalency Preparation 1 activity
- Support adult education and literacy programsProvides GED/TASC preparation through in-person study groups, online independent study, and scheduled help times. Offers English language learning resources including conversation groups (in-person and via Zoom), material selection assistance, and access to books and audio/visual materials for adult learners.
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Uncategorized 1 activity
- Provide personalized reader advisory servicesOffers tailored book recommendations to patrons through the Reader's Corner service.
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financials · form 990 · fy2024
revenue
Total revenue$78K
Contributions & grants$38K49%
Program service revenue$8K11%
Investment income$31K41%
Other revenue$0
expenses
Total expenses$110K
Program expenses62%
Admin / overhead38%
Fundraising0%
Salaries & benefits$0
Grants paid out$0
Largest expense lineOther
balance sheet
Total assets$1.07M
Cash$284K
Investments$700K
Liabilities$0
Net assets$1.07M
Liquid reserves107.3 mo
3 years on record · 2020–2024 · YoY revenue +23.9%
leadership · form 990 part vii · fy2024
Who runs it
board members · 11
- CHRISTINA ONDRAKO CPA — TREASURER
- DESAREE DIXIE — BOARD MEMBER
- EDWARD KOCHIAN — SECRETARY
- ESTABAN GONZALEZ — BOARD MEMBER
- JILL HURST-WAHL — BOARD MEMBER
- LYNNORE FETYKO — BOARD MEMBER
- MARIA MAHAR — BOARD MEMBER
- MARY BILBO COUGHLIN — BOARD MEMBER
- SAM EDELSTEIN — PRESIDENT
- SVETLANA DYER — BOARD MEMBER
- TIMOTHY MULVEY — VICE PRESIDENT
relationships · 39
Who they work with
- Baldwinsville Public Library Partner — Participating library in the 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten program
- Beauchamp Branch Partner — Participating library in the 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten program
- Betts Branch Partner — Participating library in the 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten program
- BookBrowse Partner — Partners with BookBrowse to offer online book discussions and resources for book groups.
- Brainfuse HelpNow Partner — Partners with Brainfuse to offer online academic support through HelpNow
- Central Library Partner — Participating library in the 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten program
- Community Library of DeWitt & Jamesville Partner — Participating library in the 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten program
- Elbridge Free Library Partner — Participating library in the 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten program
- Everson Museum of Art Partner — Collaborates on hands-on art-making activities during the summer reading program.
- Everson Museum of Art Partner — Collaborates on summer art education events featuring museum collections and hands-on activities.
- Fayetteville Free Library Partner — Participating library in the 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten program
- Hazard Branch Partner — Participating library in the 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten program
- LaFayette Public Library Partner — Participating library in the 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten program
- LinkedIn Learning Partner — Provides access to LinkedIn Learning as an online learning resource for patrons
- LinkedIn Learning Partner — Provides access to online classes and video tutorials through a partnership with LinkedIn Learning (formerly Lynda.com).
- LiteracyCNY Partner — Collaborates with LiteracyCNY to host an online adult English language conversation group via Zoom.
- Liverpool Public Library Partner — Participating library in the 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten program
- M&T Charitable Foundation Funder — Provides financial support for Jeff the Magic Man's summer events.
- M&T Charitable Foundation Funder — Provides financial support for summer reading events.
- M&T Charitable Foundation Funder — Provides financial support for the Benjamin Berry Circus Arts program.
- M&T Charitable Foundation Funder — Provides financial support for the Bubblemania summer events.
- Marcellus Free Library Partner — Participating library in the 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten program
- Maxwell Memorial Library Partner — Participating library in the 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten program
- NOPL at Brewerton Partner — Participating library in the 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten program
- NOPL at Cicero Partner — Participating library in the 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten program
- NOPL at North Syracuse Partner — Participating library in the 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten program
- New York State Talking Book and Braille Library Partner — Referenced as a separate but related service for residents unable to use standard print materials.
- Onondaga Free Library Partner — Participating library in the 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten program
- Paine Branch Partner — Participating library in the 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten program
- Petit Branch Partner — Participating library in the 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten program
+ 9 more
strategies · 4
How they approach the work
Named approaches extracted from this org’s sources. Where others share an approach, follow it to see the full set of orgs running it.
- Community-Engaged Lifelong Learningmethodology: community-engaged_learningBy offering hands-on, interactive, and culturally relevant programming in local library spaces, the library fosters sustained community engagement and lifelong learning because experiential participation increases motivation, retention, and personal connection to learning.
- Equitable Access Through Flexible Delivery Modelsmethodology: flexible_access_modelBy providing alternative access methods such as mail-based services and virtual practice groups, the library ensures equitable participation for individuals with disabilities, chronic illness, or language barriers because removing physical and social barriers enables consistent engagement regardless of personal circumstances.
- Incentive-Based Engagement for Literacy Developmentmethodology: incentive_based_engagementBy using card-based incentives and event-linked rewards, the library encourages consistent reading habits among children and teens because tangible recognition reinforces positive behaviors and increases program persistence.
- Self-Directed Learning with Targeted Supportmethodology: self_paced_with_supportBy combining self-paced learning opportunities with optional academic or technical assistance, the library supports diverse learner needs because autonomy increases motivation while just-in-time support ensures progress and reduces frustration.