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LPL Civics Hub: Home

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (Jan, Feb, Mar, 2025) | Sustainability (Apr, May, Jun, 2025)

Invitation to the Community

Welcome to the Liverpool Public Library Civics Hub. Through the hub, the library aims to provide a nonjudgmental, nonpartisan approach to civic topics being discussed in our communities. We hope to encourage understanding through providing our community members with accurate information and the opportunity to learn and consider a topic. We ask that individuals approach topics with an open mind emphasizing kindness and compassion.

What is Civics?

Civics is the study of the rights and duties of citizenship, as well as the functioning of government and the role of individuals within a society.

Engaging with and understanding civics empowers individuals to actively participate in their communities and make informed decisions that benefit society. It helps foster a sense of responsibility and awareness about the roles people play in maintaining and improving their communities and governments.

What is Information Literacy?

Information literacy is a set of abilities requiring individuals to “recognize when information is needed and have the ability to locate, evaluate, and use effectively the needed information.” (American Library Association. Presidential Committee on Information Literacy)

Being information literate includes the ability to distinguish fact from fiction—an essential skill given the proliferation of misinformation and disinformation (Source: American Library Association)

Upcoming Sustainability Programs at LPL

Underground Fungal Networks and the Wood Wide Web

The revolutionary finding by Suzanne Simard that the trees in the forest are connected to each other by a fungal web, and that they are sharing nutrients and more via that web has been big news!  But …

Date:
Thursday, Apr 10, 2025
Time:
7:00pm - 8:00pm
Location:
Carman Community Room, Carman Community Room
Categories:
Science

Grow, Learn, and Give Back to the Earth

Join us for an exciting hands-on program where you’ll plant your own seed, discover what it takes to help it grow, and learn about the important role plants play in keeping our Earth healthy!  Registe…

Date:
Thursday, Apr 17, 2025
Time:
2:00pm - 3:00pm
Location:
Studio@LPL, Studio@LPL
Categories:
Nature

Adventures in the Kitchen: Brady Farms

Love talking about, preparing, and eating food? Join like-minded foodies in this new and creative program focused on all things food and food-adjacent.   This evening we will meet at Brady Farms to t…

Date:
Thursday, Apr 17, 2025
Time:
6:30pm - 8:00pm
Location:
,
Categories:
Cooking

Civic Saturdays: Sustainability & Climate Science

Introducing Liverpool Public Library's Civics Hub! The Civics Hub is an interactive space designed to learn and engage with the library's quarterly civic topic.  In the lobby, library staff and volun…

Date:
Saturday, Apr 19, 2025
Time:
10:00am - 12:00pm
Location:
Lobby, Lobby
Categories:
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Trending Topics

Books and Beyond: "Finding the Mother Tree" - Special Day!

Join us in exploring the world of nonfiction as it relates to the important topics of today.  Each month we will choose a nonfiction title, read and discuss not only the book but also the deeper impac…

Date:
Monday, Apr 21, 2025
Time:
5:30pm - 6:30pm
Location:
Collaborate@LPL, Collaborate@LPL
Categories:
Book Clubs Trending Topics

Forest Bathing at Beaver Lake Nature Center

Let's celebrate Earth Day! Gwen McCarroll will lead participants in a forest bathing experience. Forest Bathing is a practice that involves immersing oneself in the atmosphere of a forest to promote r…

Date:
Tuesday, Apr 22, 2025
Time:
11:00am - 12:00pm
Location:
,
Categories:
Health & Wellness In the Community Nature

Plant Swap & Earth Day Fun

Join us for a fun-filled day celebrating Earth! Take part in LPL's Plant Swap and Exchange—bring a cutting to share and take one home to grow. Test your knowledge with our engaging plant trivia, and s…

Date:
Tuesday, Apr 22, 2025
Time:
6:00pm - 7:00pm
Location:
Carman Community Room, Carman Community Room
Categories:
STEAM Trending Topics

Arbor Day Tree Walk

Join other nature lovers for this informative walk looking and identifying trees in the Liverpool area. Madeleine Desrochers will lead the walk. Desrochers earned her Masters from SUNY ESF with a focu…

Date:
Friday, Apr 25, 2025
Time:
2:00pm - 3:00pm
Location:
,
Categories:

Keep Calm & Craft On: Upcycling Stations and Craft Supply Exchange

Celebrate your love of crafting at this informal program.  The program varies each month and may feature a monthly crafting demonstration or a hands-on project.  This month we will honor our planet b…

Date:
Monday, Apr 28, 2025
Time:
6:30pm - 7:30pm
Location:
Studio@LPL, Studio@LPL
Categories:
Create

Green Teens: Recycled T-Shirt Scrunchies

Let's upcycle with style. Turn one or more of your old t-shirts into scrunchies, no sewing required! Charms, elastic bands, and sustainable fun provided. Please bring (at least) one old shirt to the …

Date:
Tuesday, Apr 29, 2025
Time:
6:00pm - 7:00pm
Location:
Studio@LPL, Studio@LPL
Categories:
Create

Civic Saturdays: Sustainability & Climate Science

Introducing Liverpool Public Library's Civics Hub! The Civics Hub is an interactive space designed to learn and engage with the library's quarterly civic topic.  In the lobby, library staff and volun…

Date:
Saturday, May 17, 2025
Time:
10:00am - 12:00pm
Location:
Lobby, Lobby
Categories:
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Nature Science Trending Topics

Secrets of the Lake Walk

Join an educator on a guided hike around Green Lakes to learn its secrets. Why is the lake green? How is it a rare lake? What unusual life live in its depths? This is a two-mile walk on a flat crushed…

Date:
Wednesday, May 21, 2025
Time:
2:00pm - 3:30pm
Location:
,
Categories:
Nature

Books and Beyond: "The Serviceberry : Abundance and Reciprocity in the Natural World"

Join us in exploring the world of nonfiction as it relates to the important topics of today.  Each month we will choose a nonfiction title, read and discuss not only the book but also the deeper impac…

Date:
Thursday, May 22, 2025
Time:
5:30pm - 6:30pm
Location:
Sargent Meeting Room, Sargent Meeting Room
Categories:
Book Clubs Trending Topics

Environmental Design: EarthShips and More!

Chad DeVoe, of OCM BOCES, will discuss innovative sustainability practices, focusing on upcycling, carbon sequestration, and the construction of Earthships. Participants will gain insights into eco-fr…

Date:
Thursday, May 22, 2025
Time:
7:00pm - 8:00pm
Location:
Carman Community Room, Carman Community Room
Categories:
History Trending Topics

Teen Green: Sustainable Gardening for Teens

Teen gardeners of all experience levels are invited to learn about gardening with native plants and sustainable practices in mind.  Presented by Janet Allen of the Habitat Gardening in CNY chapter of…

Date:
Tuesday, May 27, 2025
Time:
6:00pm - 7:00pm
Location:
Sargent Meeting Room, Sargent Meeting Room
Categories:
Gardening Nature Science

Screening Civics: Exploring Society Through Film

Join us for a viewing and discussion of the film "Feeding Tomorrow".  Up against a broken food system suffering from ecosystem destruction; climate change; health epidemics; and inequality; a brave g…

Date:
Friday, Jun 13, 2025
Time:
2:00pm - 4:00pm
Location:
Sargent Meeting Room, Sargent Meeting Room
Categories:
Movies Nature Science

Let's Talk! Sponsored by Books & Beyond

Books & Beyond will host a conversation group this month in lieu of their regular book club.   At this meeting, we will talk about Sustainability and Climate Science. Come together with others in the…

Date:
Thursday, Jun 26, 2025
Time:
5:30pm - 6:30pm
Location:
Sargent Meeting Room, Sargent Meeting Room
Categories:
Book Clubs Trending Topics

Upcoming DEI programs at LPL

Adults with Disabilities Craft Day!

Crafting is a special event designed to celebrate the creativity and talents of adults with disabilities. This gathering provides a welcoming space where participants can explore their artistic abilit…

Date:
Thursday, Apr 10, 2025
Time:
2:00pm - 3:00pm
Location:
Studio@LPL, Studio@LPL
Categories:

Bilingual Story and Crafts

Join us for a family story time in the Studio followed by a book themed craft and interactive stations!  Miss Gabi will be joining us for a Bilingual Story Time!…

Date:
Thursday, Apr 10, 2025
Time:
6:30pm - 7:30pm
Location:
Studio@LPL, Studio@LPL
Categories:
Story Time

ADHD and Me, A Support Group for Kids with ADHD

This monthly gathering offers children ages 5-10 with ADHD an opportunity to meet other children while engaging in fun activities and sharing their experiences.  We will have a parent/educator present…

Date:
Saturday, Apr 12, 2025
Time:
1:00pm - 3:00pm
Location:
Carman Community Room, Carman Community Room
Categories:
Health & Wellness

Adults with Disabilities Hangout

Join Ms. Edina in a sensory-friendly environment for tabletop games, arts and crafts, and more!…

Date:
Monday, Apr 14, 2025
Time:
1:00pm - 3:00pm
Location:
Carman Community Room, Carman Community Room
Categories:
Games & Gaming

Deaf History Month with WholeMe Inc

Deaf History Month is a celebration that honors the rich heritage, culture, and contributions of the Deaf community throughout history. This presentation will explore key historical milestones, discus…

Date:
Wednesday, Apr 16, 2025
Time:
6:30pm - 7:30pm
Location:
Studio@LPL, Studio@LPL
Categories:
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) History

American Sign Language Club

The best way to learn a new language is by using it! Join other ASL learners to practice fingerspelling, develop vocabulary, and converse in sign language. Participants must already be familiar with t…

Date:
Wednesday, Apr 23, 2025
Time:
6:30pm - 7:30pm
Location:
Studio@LPL, Studio@LPL
Categories:
Language

Voices and Votes: Family Book Club

Imagine a world where a woman couldn't buy a home, had no rights to her own children, and couldn't even cast a vote.  This is the situation in the United States until the early 1900's, when a group of…

Date:
Tuesday, Apr 29, 2025
Time:
6:00pm - 7:00pm
Location:
Carman Community Room, Carman Community Room
Categories:
Book Clubs Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) History New @LPL

Senior Resource Fair

Mix and mingle and learn about the many great services out there for seniors! Join us at our annual Senior Fair where local organizations serving seniors will be on hand to answer questions and provid…

Date:
Friday, May 2, 2025
Time:
1:00pm - 3:00pm
Location:
Carman Community Room, Carman Community Room
Categories:
Community Event @ LPL

Haudenosaunee Storytelling for Children

Story telling is an essential part of Haudenosaunee culture. It isn’t just about telling stories, it’s a positive way to teach the beliefs and values the Haudenosaunee hold. Through each story the lis…

Date:
Tuesday, May 6, 2025
Time:
6:00pm - 7:30pm
Location:
Sargent Meeting Room, Sargent Meeting Room
Categories:

American Sign Language Conversation Hour

Practice your ASL conversation skills in a relaxed environment. For people with basic ASL conversation abilities and beyond. PLEASE NOTE: This is not a formal, sequential class.     …

Date:
Wednesday, May 7, 2025
Time:
6:30pm - 7:30pm
Location:
Studio@LPL, Studio@LPL
Categories:
Language

Adults with Disabilities Craft Day!

Crafting is a special event designed to celebrate the creativity and talents of adults with disabilities. This gathering provides a welcoming space where participants can explore their artistic abilit…

Date:
Thursday, May 8, 2025
Time:
2:00pm - 3:00pm
Location:
Studio@LPL, Studio@LPL
Categories:

Bilingual Story and Crafts

Join us for a family story time in the Studio followed by a book themed craft and interactive stations!  Miss Gabi will be joining us for a Bilingual Story Time!…

Date:
Thursday, May 8, 2025
Time:
6:30pm - 7:30pm
Location:
Studio@LPL, Studio@LPL
Categories:
Story Time

Voices and Votes: Freedom for All

Onondaga Historical Association's Bob Searing will talk about The National Convention of Colored Men that took place in Syracuse on October 4th, 1864. Voices and Votes is a Museum on Main Street (MoM…

Date:
Thursday, May 8, 2025
Time:
7:00pm - 8:00pm
Location:
Carman Community Room, Carman Community Room
Categories:
History

Adults with Disabilities Hangout

Join Ms. Edina in a sensory-friendly environment for tabletop games, arts and crafts, and more!…

Date:
Monday, May 12, 2025
Time:
1:00pm - 3:00pm
Location:
Carman Community Room, Carman Community Room
Categories:
Games & Gaming

May is Mental Health Awareness Month

Make some memories this Monday in May at Maker Club where we will make a few crafts to can take home. …

Date:
Monday, May 12, 2025
Time:
6:30pm - 7:30pm
Location:
Studio@LPL, Studio@LPL
Categories:
Create

We are all Connected

Join us for an exciting program where we’ll discover how democracy works in the Haudenosaunee nation and their influence on the democracy of the United States! By exploring symbols used by the Haudeno…

Date:
Tuesday, May 13, 2025
Time:
6:00pm - 7:30pm
Location:
Carman Community Room, Carman Community Room
Categories:

ADHD and Me, A Support Group for Kids with ADHD

This monthly gathering offers children ages 5-10 with ADHD an opportunity to meet other children while engaging in fun activities and sharing their experiences.  We will have a parent/educator present…

Date:
Saturday, May 17, 2025
Time:
1:00pm - 3:00pm
Location:
Carman Community Room, Carman Community Room
Categories:
Health & Wellness

55+: Voices & Votes Exhibit

Join us for this visit to the Voices and Votes Exhibit located at the Ska Nonh Great Law of Peace Center. Meet at 6680 Onondaga Parkway, Liverpool Voices and Votes is a Museum on Main Street (MoMS) …

Date:
Monday, May 19, 2025
Time:
2:00pm - 3:00pm
Location:
,
Categories:
History

American Sign Language Conversation Hour

Practice your ASL conversation skills in a relaxed environment. For people with basic ASL conversation abilities and beyond. PLEASE NOTE: This is not a formal, sequential class.     …

Date:
Wednesday, May 21, 2025
Time:
6:30pm - 7:30pm
Location:
Studio@LPL, Studio@LPL
Categories:
Language

Five Senses Series with the Alzheimer's Association

Join us as we explore a season through sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch. Observing the world with our senses bolsters our cognitive function and mental health!  This program is intended for tho…

Date:
Friday, May 30, 2025
Time:
10:00am - 11:00am
Location:
Sargent Meeting Room, Sargent Meeting Room
Categories:

Adults with Disabilities Hangout

Join Ms. Edina in a sensory-friendly environment for tabletop games, arts and crafts, and more!…

Date:
Monday, Jun 9, 2025
Time:
1:00pm - 3:00pm
Location:
Carman Community Room, Carman Community Room
Categories:
Games & Gaming

American Sign Language Conversation Hour

Practice your ASL conversation skills in a relaxed environment. For people with basic ASL conversation abilities and beyond. PLEASE NOTE: This is not a formal, sequential class.     …

Date:
Wednesday, Jun 4, 2025
Time:
6:30pm - 7:30pm
Location:
,
Categories:
Language

Adults with Disabilities Craft Day!

Crafting is a special event designed to celebrate the creativity and talents of adults with disabilities. This gathering provides a welcoming space where participants can explore their artistic abilit…

Date:
Thursday, Jun 12, 2025
Time:
2:00pm - 3:00pm
Location:
Studio@LPL, Studio@LPL
Categories:

American Sign Language Conversation Hour

Practice your ASL conversation skills in a relaxed environment. For people with basic ASL conversation abilities and beyond. PLEASE NOTE: This is not a formal, sequential class.     …

Date:
Wednesday, Jun 18, 2025
Time:
6:30pm - 7:30pm
Location:
,
Categories:
Language

Adults with Disabilities Hangout

Join Ms. Edina in a sensory-friendly environment for tabletop games, arts and crafts, and more!…

Date:
Monday, Jul 14, 2025
Time:
1:00pm - 3:00pm
Location:
Carman Community Room, Carman Community Room
Categories:
Games & Gaming

ADHD and Me, A Support Group for Kids with ADHD

This monthly gathering offers children ages 5-10 with ADHD an opportunity to meet other children while engaging in fun activities and sharing their experiences.  We will have a parent/educator present…

Date:
Saturday, Jun 21, 2025
Time:
1:00pm - 3:00pm
Location:
Carman Community Room, Carman Community Room
Categories:
Health & Wellness

Past Civic Programs at LPL

Adults with Disabilities Craft Day!

Crafting is a special event designed to celebrate the creativity and talents of adults with disabilities. This gathering provides a welcoming space where participants can explore their artistic abilit…

Dates:
Thursdays, Jan 9, Feb 13 & March 13, 2025
Time:
2:00pm - 3:00pm
Location:
Studio@LPL, Studio@LPL
Categories:
 

Bilingual -Family Story and Crafts

Join us for a family story time in the Studio followed by a book themed craft!  Miss Gabi will be joining us for a Bilingual Story Time!…

Dates:
Thursdays, Jan 9, Feb 13 & March 13, 2025
Time:
6:30pm - 7:30pm
Location:
Studio@LPL, Studio@LPL
Categories:
Story Time

Adults with Disabilities Hangout

Join Ms. Edina in a sensory-friendly environment for tabletop games, arts and crafts, and more!…

Dates:
Mondays, Jan 13, Feb 10 & March 10, 2025
Time:
2:00pm - 4:00pm
Location:
,
Categories:
Games & Gaming

Adults with Disabilities Read-A- Loud

Let's read together! Each month we will read one or more books out loud together. After reading, we will do a craft or activity based on the topic. This month we will read the book "The Mix-Up" by L…

Dates:
Wednesday, Jan 15, Feb 19, & March 19, 2025
Time:
10:00am - 11:00am
Location:
Sargent Meeting Room, Sargent Meeting Room
Categories:
Book Clubs

Civic Saturdays: Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Introducing Liverpool Public Library's Civics Hub! The Civics Hub is an interactive space designed to learn and engage with the library's quarterly civic topic.  In the lobby, library staff and volun…

Date:
Saturday, Jan 18, 2025
Time:
10:00am - 12:00pm
Location:
Lobby, Lobby
Categories:
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Trending Topics

Sensory Friendly Film: Toy Story

Join us for this sensory-friendly film, Toy Story, in which a cowboy doll is profoundly threatened and jealous when a new spaceman action figure supplants him as the top toy in a boy's bedroom. The li…

Date:
Friday, Jan 24, 2025
Time:
10:00am - 12:00pm
Location:
Carman Community Room, Carman Community Room
Categories:
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Movies

Books and Beyond: "Conditional Citizens"

Join us in exploring the world of nonfiction as it relates to the important topics of today.  Each month we will choose a nonfiction title, read and discuss not only the book but also the deeper impac…

Date:
Thursday, Jan 30, 2025
Time:
5:30pm - 6:30pm
Location:
Collaborate@LPL, Collaborate@LPL
Categories:
Book Clubs Trending Topics

The End of Syracuse's 15th Ward

The 15th Ward was a section of the City of Syracuse that sat between downtown and the University Hill area.  Much of the largely African-American neighborhood was destroyed to make way for the constru…

Date:
Thursday, Jan 30, 2025
Time:
7:30pm - 8:30pm
Location:
Carman Community Room, Carman Community Room
Categories:
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) History

Books and Beyond: "Between the World and Me"

Join us in exploring the world of nonfiction as it relates to the important topics of today.  At this discussion we will read and discuss "Between the World and Me" by Ta-Nehisi  Coates Each month w…

Date:
Thursday, Feb 27, 2025
Time:
5:30pm - 6:30pm
Location:
Sargent Meeting Room, Sargent Meeting Room
Categories:
Book Clubs Trending Topics

Determining if News is Accurate

Try to answer the 5 'W's when evaluating news sources:

  • Who - Who wrote the article or created the content? Is that person or group reputable? Who are the sources?
  • What - What is the content trying to tell you? What evidence does the authoring party provide? Is it an op-ed or opinion piece? Does the article or source stay on topic? Is the topic relevant?
  • When - When was the article or source published? Is it still current?
  • Where - Where was the article or story originally published? Is the publishing site legitimate and reputable?
  • Why - Why did the authoring party create the article? Why did the content creator choose the platform to publish it? Why was it (or wasn't it) peer-reviewed? Was it written to be coercive or manipulative? Was the content made to be inflammatory or provocative?
  • How - How did the content creator choose to create and publish it? How did you find the content? Was there AI involvement?

Ad Fontes Media Bias Chart

This chart shows accuracy and political leaning of news outlets

Source = Ad Fontes Media

Don't miss out on content in this LibGuide! Click on the DEI tab to learn more about what DEI is, and then use the menu to dig deeper.

GIF image showing the cursor hover over and click on links from the top navigation menu.

Survey

Please take our 6-question survey about LPL's Civics Hub to help us understand what worked and we can do better!