In celebration of National Poetry Month, Professors Lee Schlesinger of Purchase College and Eleanor Ehrenkranz of Pace University will present free programs at the Library.

Dr. Schlesinger returns  on Sunday, April 7, from 2-4 PM, with a talk on ”The Power of Poetry and Literature in Troubled Times.” Dr. Schlesinger defends the value and meaning of poetry and literature in our stressful, technology-driven world, with examples of enduring works.

Dr. Schlesinger is an Associate Professor of Literature in the School of Humanities at Purchase College where he received the SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching. In addition to teaching, he has lectured widely throughout the region, including prior lectures at White Plains Library. Professor Schlesinger holds a Ph.D. in Literature from Yale University and a B.A. from Brandeis University.

Dr. Ehrenkranz of Pace University will read from and discuss her recently published anthology, “Explaining Life: The Wisdom of Modern Jewish Poetry – 1960-2010,” on Thursday, April 25, from 2-3:30 PM.  Her collection features American, Israeli and Yiddish poets ― including Stanley Kunitz, Yehuda Amichai, Louise Gluck, Marge Piercy and Robert Pinsky ― dealing with themes of love, loss, war, family relationships and renewal.  Regarding Ehrenkranz’s book, actress Tovah Feldshuh commented: “Eleanor Ehrenkranz’ anthology encapsulates the agony of the Middle East in distilled images that pierce the heart.”

At Pace, Dr. Ehrenkranz teaches critical reading and writing with a focus on film. She received a Ph.D. in English Literature from New York University where she also taught. She has lectured extensively on Jewish literature throughout Westchester County and currently writes book reviews for Jewish Book World.

We hope you'll join us for one or both of these interesting programs.