Ellicottville Memorial Library Shares Full February Lineup of Programs and Events
Family fun, learning programs, a tribute event, and an Indigenous storytelling mural highlight a busy month at the library
Pictured: A mural currently on display at the Ellicottville Memorial Library features a Haudenosaunee theme, illustrating the Sky Woman creation story, a foundational narrative describing the origin of Turtle Island, or North America.
ELLICOTTVILLE - February is shaping up to be a busy and heartfelt month at the Ellicottville Memorial Library, with a full slate of family programming, activities, special events, and a community remembrance.
Kicking off the month, the library will host a Memorial Celebration for Sis Signore this Saturday, February 7th from 5:00-6:00pm. Sis, who passed away on May 30, 2025, was a beloved figure at the library for nearly 50 years, generously donating her time in countless ways - from storytime and fundraising to community events and hands-on support. In true Sis fashion, the celebration will feature a simple and joyful Pepsi reception, inviting community members to share memories and honor her legacy. Donations collected will support the Sis Signore President’s Fund, benefiting the Ellicottville Memorial Library.
“Sis will be missed by the Ellicottville Library staff and board members as well as our entire community,” said Laura Flanagan, Library Director. “We greatly appreciate all the time Sis donated to the library for close to 50 years! Whether she was reading stories for storytime, fundraising for the new library, attending meetings, helping to clean the building - both inside and out, cooking hot dogs at the Pro-Am, or helping during Fall Festival, she was there with a smile on her face and ready and willing to work. To say that she was an active and dedicated board member is an understatement. Your presence on Feb. 7th to celebrate Sis means more than words. We hope to see you there!”
Families are also invited to take part in Take Your Child to the Library Day, which the library has expanded into a multi-week celebration running from Saturday, February 7th through Saturday, February 21st. Children can enjoy “Minute to Win It” games, a scavenger hunt, craft projects, and a coloring contest. New this year, children who complete all four activities will be entered into a drawing for a Lego set, adding an extra incentive to explore all the library has to offer.
Young readers will have a special treat during winter break when the library hosts a Dr. Seuss-themed Green Eggs and Ham program on Wednesday, February 18th at 9:30am, in place of regular storytime. The event will feature Mike Morton and his live animal presentation, complete with chickens - including one that lays green eggs - while teaching children about eggs and chickens through the lens of the classic Dr. Seuss story.
Weekly Story Time with Dr. Kate continues Wednesdays at 9:30am, with February themes including Love, Valentine’s Day, Green Eggs and Ham, and Pink. For adults, Crafts with Cathy takes place on Tuesdays from 2:00-3:00pm, offering hands-on creative projects such as paper quilling, diamond dot art, heart-shaped bookmarks, and felting.
Book lovers will want to mark their calendars for the library’s Book Sale, happening February 13-14th from 10:00am-5:00pm, with the sale continuing through March 7th during regular library hours. Proceeds from the sale directly support library operations.
Visitors to the Ellicottville Memorial Library this month will also notice a temporary, movable mural on display that brings Indigenous storytelling and public art together in a powerful way. Sponsored by the New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA) through its CHARM initiative, the mural is part of a regional effort to engage rural communities through accessible public art. The project was completed in partnership with the Southern Tier West Regional Planning and Development Board, with the Seneca Salamanca Chamber of Commerce serving as one of the organizing partners.
The mural at the Ellicottville Memorial Library features a Haudenosaunee theme, illustrating the Sky Woman creation story, a foundational narrative describing the origin of Turtle Island, or North America. The artwork depicts Sky Woman falling from the sky world and being aided by animals who work together to help her survive before land existed. Turtle offers his back as a resting place, while several animals attempt to bring earth from beneath the water. Ultimately, it is the muskrat who succeeds, emerging with a paw of soil that allows Sky Woman to create land.
Library staff hope to host a future presentation exploring the story and symbolism behind the mural in greater detail, with plans to share dates and times in an upcoming newsletter. The mural offers library visitors a meaningful opportunity to engage with Indigenous culture, storytelling, and art while reinforcing the library’s role as a place for learning, reflection, and community connection.
Rounding out the month, the library continues to add new titles to its collection, with recent releases from authors including Brad Meltzer, Danielle Steel, Colleen Hoover, Laura Dave, Demi Winters, and Alice Feeney.
The Ellicottville Memorial Library is located at 6499 Maples Road and is open Monday, Thursday, and Friday from 10:00am-5:00pm; Tuesday and Wednesday from 10:00am-8:00pm; and Saturday from 10:00am-5:00pm. For more information, visit the library’s website at ellicottvillelibrary.org or call 716-699-2842.