Mary Nelson organized the first Back-to-School Barbecue 15 years ago as part of an effort to reduce violence in her neighborhood. Besides the school supplies, she treated children and their families to a full scale outdoor barbecue. In 2002, the first year the event was held, there were 850 youths and their parents in attendance. Every year thereafter, the event has grown in record numbers. In 2016, over 26,000 youths and their families attended. School supplies, backpacks and clothing will be given away to all youths who attend from grade levels Pre-K to College. Event will open with a youth parade.

Zoo to You is back for the 2017 summer reading program. The world of reading comes alive with this fun and educational program that will bring you face-to-face with exciting zoo animals. Get hands-on with the zoo’s one-of-a-kind animal artifacts, ask a professional zoo educator your animal questions, and learn how you can make a difference to wildlife. Made possible in part by a state grant secured by Senator John A. DeFrancisco.

Create your very own launcher and then come outside, weather permitting, to shoot mini marshmallows at your friends! For ages 5 and up.

Always wondered how engineers and architects make skyscrapers? Design your own building or structure using toothpick and gumdrops! For ages 5 and up.

Enjoy a newly released family film. Free popcorn provided while you watch. For ages 5 and up.

Funk Fest 2k17 will be held from 4 to 10 p.m. Sept. 2 at the New York State Fair at the Experience Stage and will feature Steve Arrington, former lead singer of Slave. Event is free with paid admission to the NYS Fair and will include additional performances by regional artists.

Nutrition educator Holly Adams from the Food Bank of Central New York will present a program on healthy eating on a budget, easy ways to eat more produce and meal planning. This program will take place at Central’s first-floor Community Room.

Interviewing - Beyond the Basics with CNY Works will take place at 11 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 7, at Hazard Branch Library, 1620 W. Genesee St. A representative from CNY Works will discuss the important “do’s and don’ts” when interviewing for a job. Register in advance by calling (315) 435-5326.

Meet the artist of this month's art exhibit, "The Billboards We Make Of Ourselves by Andrea Hall," at 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 9, at Beauchamp Branch Library. 
Hall's work consists of photographs of T-shirts that are meant to show the eclecticism of human thought and beliefs in the 21st century. She believes wearing a T-shirt or piece of clothing that directly states what we believe is an opportunity to inspire the wearer to action.