Monthly Archives August 2012

A Plan for the Library's Future

A Plan for the Library's Future

Interested in where the White Plains Public Library is headed the next few years? Then take a few minutes to look over our strategic plan. Many people in the White Plains community helped out with this plan, whether through interviews, focus groups, informal advice, or our morning-long planning retreat in May. Again, a big thanks to everyone for his or her time! A strategic plan is like a road map; it outlines the directions we will be taking, and the actions we need to take to reach our goals. This strategic plan covers the next three years, and is closely
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August 31, 2012 7:00 am | by | No Comments
Categories: Director's Corner, Homepage, and Library News.

Learn Spanish

Learn Spanish

¿No hablas español? Would you like to learn? This fall, we are pleased to be offering beginning Spanish conversation classes. In this class participants will be introduced to simple everyday usage of vocabulary, grammar and conversation. Classes meet every Monday and Wednesday from 7:00-8:30 p.m., starting Monday, September 24. The instructor, Naicy Petrill, is a native of Peru and currently teaching Spanish at Westchester Community College. She holds a New York State teaching certificate for Spanish and is very excited to partner with us in this new program. Space is limited. Register online or at the reference desk.   This program is funded by
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August 30, 2012 7:00 am | by | 2 Comments
Categories: Classes, Homepage, and Library News.
Tags: adults, classes, español, Foundation, and services.

Borrow Museum Passes for Free

Borrow Museum Passes for Free

Did you know that the Library offers free Museum Passes to the Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum, Bruce Museum, Children’s Museum of Manhattan, The Frick Collection, Intrepid Sea Air & Space Museum, Katonah Museum of Art, and Stepping Stones Museum For Children?  These passes are available to all White Plains Library cardholders over the age of 18 who are in good standing.  One pass may be borrowed at a time per family.  You get the pass for three days and 2 nights and passes cannot be renewed. You may sign up for a pass up to 30 days in advance either
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August 29, 2012 7:00 am | by | 6 Comments
Categories: Authors & Books, Homepage, and Library News.
Tags: all ages, Foundation, and services.

Free Citizenship Classes

Free Citizenship Classes

White Plains Public Library, in partnership with Southern Westchester BOCES, is pleased to offer free citizenship classes beginning Tuesday, September 11th. The classes will meet Tuesday and Thursday mornings, from 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. This class will prepare participants to take the United States Citizenship exam and will cover all parts of the process. Students will review the information needed to pass the exam along with basic test-taking skills. Students will receive instruction on the 100 citizenship questions and will also be properly prepared for the English language section of the test. The class is free but space is
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August 28, 2012 7:00 am | by | No Comments
Categories: Classes and Homepage.
Tags: adults, citizenship, classes, s, and services.

Michael Graham's Spring Valley Puppet Theater Returns to White Plains

Michael Graham's Spring Valley Puppet Theater Returns to White Plains

Favorite puppet show Spring Valley Puppet Theater will be here on Monday, August 27 with a performance at 2 p.m. for children going into kindergarten and older. Elementary school aged children will appreciate this show featuring two stories, The Three Wishes & The Wolf in Sheep's Clothing. The White Plains Library Foundation has funded this end of the summer celebration for all our readers. What would you do if a magical elf gave you three wishes? An interesting thought! Well, that's just what happened to Gretchen and Henry in Michael Graham's Spring Valley Puppet Theater production of The Three Wishes.
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August 27, 2012 7:00 am | by | No Comments
Categories: Events, Homepage, and Library News.
Tags: The Trove.

Yvonne Charles is Retiring

Yvonne Charles is Retiring

Circulation clerk Yvonne Charles is retiring after 35 years of providing service to the Library. Many patrons know Yvonne from their interactions at the check out desk. She will be missed by library staff and White Plains residents alike. Yvonne started working at the Library after being on maternity leave from another job. She only wanted a part time job, but soon got convinced to work full time. She loved the job, particularly working directly with the public. (For many people this is the most challenging part of working a check out desk. But Yvonne loved it!) She says that
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August 24, 2012 7:00 am | by | No Comments
Categories: Homepage and Library News.
Tags: retirement and staff.

A Back to School Tip for Parents

A Back to School Tip for Parents

For kindergarten and elementary school students, a library card should be part of the school supply list. The White Plains Public Library and The Trove give children library cards from birth because the librarians believe that reading aloud to a child is the best preparation for reading. (And studies support this.) Make a trip to The Trove part of your family routine. Every week or two come get some great stories to take home. Choose a program (or several) to attend. On August 29 and 30, we have planned many storytimes on the back-to-school theme. ¡Vamos a la escuela! at
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August 22, 2012 7:00 am | by | No Comments
Categories: Events, Homepage, and Library News.
Tags: español, reading, storytime, and The Trove.

Free Citizenship Classes

Free Citizenship Classes

White Plains Public Library, in partnership with Southern Westchester BOCES, is pleased to offer free citizenship classes beginning Tuesday, September 11th. The classes will meet Tuesday and Thursday mornings, from 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. This class will prepare participants to take the United States Citizenship exam and will cover all parts of the process. Students will review the information needed to pass the exam along with basic test-taking skills. Students will receive instruction on the 100 citizenship questions and will also be properly prepared for the English language section of the test. The class is free but space is
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August 21, 2012 7:00 am | by | No Comments
Categories: Classes, Homepage, and Library News.
Tags: adults, citizenship, classes, and services.

Tappan Zee Bridge Impact Study

Tappan Zee Bridge Impact Study

The Library recently received a copy of the Tappan Zee Hudson River Crossing Project Final Environmental Impact Statement and Section 4(f) Evaluation. These four massive binders examine the potential environmental effects of proposed alternatives for the Crossing Project, and where adverse impacts are identified, it discusses measures to reduce them. This report supports the Replacement Bridge Alternative as the preferred alternative. These documents are available for public review until September 4, 2012, after which time a Record of Decision will be issued.  Questions or comments should be emailed to Michael Anderson, NY State Dept of Transportation. To view these documents, simply
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August 20, 2012 7:00 am | by | No Comments
Categories: Homepage and Library News.
Tags: adults and hot local documents.

Comics with a French Flair

Comics with a French Flair

Did you enjoy TinTin or the Smurfs as a kid? Then you've already had  taste of Franco-Belgian comics, another distinct style of comics and graphic novels. As I've already covered, the Japanese have their own style, manga, which has influenced Korea's manwha and China and Hong Kong's manuha. In the United States, descendants of Jewish immigrants have heavily influenced American comics. Lest you think Europe is a comics wasteland, the French and Belgians have a history of “bandes dessinées” (translated as “drawn strips”), their own style of comics. Within the world of bandes dessinées there are distinct sub-styles – not
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August 15, 2012 7:00 am | by | No Comments
Categories: Authors & Books and Library News.
Tags: comics and graphic novels.

Legos at The Trove

Legos at The Trove

Lego enthusiasts should check out the display case just outside the Gallery on the second floor of the library. It contains sculptures designed and built by members of The Trove’s Lego Club. Children in grades 1 through 6 are invited to join in the building fun at the monthly meetings. Those who recently attended shared some of their thoughts about why they like to build with Lego blocks: “You can make different things … they’re pretty cool.” “It helps you be an architect.” “It could be creative.” “It’s unendable.” “I get to learn how to build stuff.” “They make me
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August 14, 2012 7:00 am | by | No Comments
Categories: Events and Library News.
Tags: legos and The Trove.

Dream Big Family Concert with Scott & Beth

Dream Big Family Concert with Scott & Beth

Did you ever go on a musical journey through books? Join Beth & Scott Bierko for a collection of funny and original songs adapted from children's books and folktales. This program encourages reading and an appreciation of diverse cultures. It is perfect for families and readers of all ages. The concert is on Monday, August 20 at 2 p.m. This concert funded by the White Plains Library Foundation is the celebration of the end of the summer reading game in The Trove.
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August 13, 2012 7:00 am | by | No Comments
Categories: Events, Homepage, and Library News.
Tags: Foundation, reading, summer, and The Trove.

Our Team at the Olympics of Slam — Nina gets a 10!

Our Team at the Olympics of Slam — Nina gets a 10!

The White Plains Library Slam team competed in two preliminary bouts at the 2012 National Poetry Slam in Charlotte NC on August 7 and 8. Seventy-two teams from North America are taking part in this five-day event. Although our team did not advance to the next round in the Nationals, which are truly the Olympics of slam poetry, first-time team member Nina Robins made a hit with her performance of her poem “Arrested.” Her score was 27.6 (out of a possible 30 points). One judge even gave her a perfect score of 10! Team member Bryan Roessel made it to
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August 11, 2012 1:28 pm | by | No Comments
Categories: Featured, Homepage, Library News, and Uncategorized.
Tags: adults and poetry slam.

White Plains Library Foundation Chosen for the STAR Initiative

White Plains Library Foundation Chosen for the STAR Initiative

Are you a public radio fan?  During August, listen for radio spots on WNYC AM and FM, and WQXR promoting the White Plains Library Foundation. We were selected under their STAR initiative program, which features three NYC metro area non-profit organizations each month. Or you can check us out on their websites. Go to http://www.wnyc.org/outreach/star/participants/  or http://www.wqxr.org/#!/outreach/star/. Posted on behalf of Libby Hollahan, Director of White Plains Library Foundation.
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August 10, 2012 7:00 am | by | No Comments
Categories: Homepage and Library News.
Tags: Foundation.

Learning from Irene — August 14, 7pm

Learning from Irene — August 14, 7pm

Building on the experience of Hurricane Irene, this program provides an opportunity to learn about coping with issues that may be lingering from that storm so as to be more prepared for future natural disasters. Activities will be demonstrated to improve techniques in resilience, coping, and relaxation. All ages are encouraged to attend the free program on Tuesday, August 14th, from 7-8pm. Presented by Project Hope, this program was created by the New York State Office of Mental Health. Project Hope offers free and confidential supportive counseling and public education services to disaster victims.
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August 9, 2012 7:00 am | by | No Comments
Categories: Events, Homepage, and Library News.
Tags: adults, all ages, classes, and preparedness.

Storywalk: Featuring a Story About Olympian Chris Paul

Storywalk: Featuring a Story About Olympian Chris Paul

Hey, Olympic basketball fans – Did you realize that this year’s Trove Summer Storywalk® is all about Chris Paul, member of the 2012 USA Men’s Olympic Basketball Team competing in London? He was also on the 2008 USA Olympic Basketball Team that won the gold medal in Beijing. Well if you can’t get enough of Olympic basketball, bring the whole family for a cool walk along The Trove’s Summer StoryWalk® in The Library Gallery. As part of this activity, first through sixth graders take a chance at winning a basketball. On your walk, you will enjoy an inspirational story based
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August 8, 2012 7:00 am | by | No Comments
Categories: Authors & Books, Events, and Library News.
Tags: reading, summer, and The Trove.

Our Collection: Something for Everyone

Our Collection: Something for Everyone

Ever wonder how books, DVDs, eBooks and other items are selected for your library? First, the White Plains Public Library, with staunch support from the City, is fortunate to have a healthy materials budget–even in these fiscally strained times. This allows us to build and maintain a large, up-to-date collection–with plenty of copies of high-demand titles such as “Gone Girl” by Gillian Flynn. Second, we have many librarians–each with different interests, expertise, and points of view–involved in chosing materials for you. They read reviews, follow the media, and are guided by your concerns and requests. This ensures a varied and comprehensive collection:
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August 7, 2012 7:00 am | by | No Comments
Categories: Authors & Books, Homepage, and Library News.
Tags: adults, books, collection, reading, and services.

What is Freading?

What is Freading?

Hint: it means eBooks from the Library without the wait! Freading is a new online service that allows White Plains Library cardholders to download eBooks to their favorite devices. (Except for the older Kindles. It does work with the Kindle Fire.) Freading offers over 11,000 titles in all genres and is particularly strong in Mystery, Romance, and Self-Help. You will find many Children’s titles there too. Freading does not have books from any of the “big six” publishers but does have a wide array of titles from some of the smaller presses like Algonquin, Kensington, and Poison Pen. Freading uses a
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August 3, 2012 7:00 am | by | No Comments
Categories: Authors & Books, Featured, Library News, and Uncategorized.
Tags: eBooks and Freading.