Monthly Archives September 2016

Local History: Slum Clearance

Local History: Slum Clearance

The words “urban renewal” are never far from the lips of anyone familiar with White Plains' history over the past 60 years. But what exactly do we mean when we use the phrase “urban renewal?” Most people use the words to describe the transformation of the area bordered on the east and west by Mamaroneck Avenue and the train tracks and on the north and south by Barker Avenue and Post Road, respectively. The term itself comes from the mid-1950s when the language of policy, legislation, and city planning took on a progressive tone that left behind the moralizing sensationalism
Read More

September 30, 2016 10:00 am | by | No Comments
Categories: Local History and Uncategorized.
Tags: Brookfield Street, chamber of commerce, city planning, daily reporter, downtown, local-history, slum clearance, urban development, urban planning, urban redevelopment, Urban Renewal, water street, white plains collection, white plains history, and winchester street.

Poetry Slam @ Grace Church on 10/5

Poetry Slam @ Grace Church on 10/5

While the Library undergoes renovations, our 1st Wednesday Poetry Slam and Open Mic is moving to Grace Church for October and November! Just like our slams at the Library, please register between 6:30 and 7:00 PM for the Open Mic or the Slam. Slam poets should bring one original poem of up to 3 minutes. Registration closes promptly at 7, and the program starts shortly thereafter. October's guest poet is Taylor Steele. Steele is a Bronx-born, Brooklyn-based writer and performer. Her work can be found at such esteemed publications as Apogee Journal, Drunk in a Midnight Choir, Rogue Agent, Blackberry:
Read More

September 26, 2016 5:00 am | by | No Comments
Categories: Events.
Tags: events, Foundation, grace church, poetry slam, Taylor Steele, and Zork.

Local History: Woman’s Club Trolley Tour

Local History: Woman’s Club Trolley Tour

Welcome to the White Plains Public Library's local history blog. While the library is undergoing renovations and we are unable to host as many in-person local history programs in the library, this blog will be the place to learn about White Plains history and discover interesting items from the White Plains Collection. Of course, you can still contact me to set up research appointments! I want to use this post to highlight a creative and well-researched project put together by two White Plains residents, Woman's Club of White Plains Past-President Mary Ann Boustead and Publicity Chairperson Colleen Fay. To commemorate
Read More

September 23, 2016 10:39 am | by | No Comments
Categories: Local History.
Tags: community history, historical research, history, local-history, trolley tour, white plains collection, white plains history, and Woman's Club.

The Art of Local History: Collage Night

The Art of Local History: Collage Night

Our first local history collage night was a success! Children's Librarian Raquel Cavalcanti and I teamed up for a night of stories, crafting, and history. When we found extra local history books published by the White Plains Historical Society had damaged bindings, we asked if we could put them to use as collage materials. The Historical Society agreed, and a program was born! Examples of the boxes our crafters made are below.    
Read More

September 23, 2016 9:48 am | by | No Comments
Categories: Local History.
Tags: all ages, art, children, collage night, families, local history, The Trove, white plains historical society, and white plains history.

The Hub Groundbreaking was a Success

The Hub Groundbreaking was a Success

We hosted a “virtual” groundbreaking on Wednesday, September 7 for our upcoming adult library, The Hub. The first floor renovations will include:  enhanced and expanded technology; comfortable seating to relax and read; more space for informal and formal learning; improved meeting and classroom space; a new community room for programs and events; and a wonderful café in the heart of White Plains. “Through the creation of the The Trove children's library, The Edge teen space and now The Hub, as well as their innovative programming and offerings, the White Plains Public Library has proven that libraries are as relevant and important today
Read More

September 16, 2016 2:15 pm | by | No Comments
Categories: Events.
Tags: adults, Foundation, fundraising, renovation, and The Hub.

Book ‘Em Goes Historical

Book ‘Em Goes Historical

Our mystery book group, Book ‘Em, facilitated by Library Director Brian Kenney, will be going back in time this season–from Ancient Rome to colonial India to Belfast in the '80s–as they read some of the finest crime fiction, each of which is first in a series. The first session is Wednesday, September 21 and we will be discussing The Strangler Vine by M. J. Carter.  A forthcoming flyer will include all the titles for the next 9 months of discussions. Refreshments will be served. All meetings will be held in Room A on the second floor from 2:30-4:00 p.m. For more information,
Read More

September 14, 2016 5:00 am | by | 2 Comments
Categories: Events.
Tags: adults, books, and mystery.

The Art of Local History: Collage Night 9/21

The Art of Local History: Collage Night 9/21

Help us put some old local history books to good use at a family night/local history event in the Trove on Wednesday, September 21, from 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM! We'll provide all the supplies you need to create a collage using historical pictures from books that tell the story of White Plains. Part arts and crafts, and part local history, we'll use both sides of our brains to learn while creating. Special thanks to the White Plains Historical Society for the donation of books. Check out their website here.
Read More

September 10, 2016 10:03 am | by | No Comments
Categories: Events, Kids, and Local History.
Tags: arts & crafts, collage, local-history, The Trove, white plains historical society, and white plains history.

How To Write a Business Plan

How To Write a Business Plan

Join us on Tuesday, September 13 at 1:30 p.m. to learn how to write a successful business plan from a specialist. A clear and compelling business plan provides you with a guide for building a successful enterprise focused on achieving your personal and financial goals. It can also help persuade others, including lenders, to invest in your vision. Presented by the Small Business Administration.
Read More

September 10, 2016 9:43 am | by | No Comments
Categories: Events.
Tags: Small business.

Board Meeting Documents for September 14th, 2016

Board Meeting Documents for September 14th, 2016

Approved Library Board Meeting Minutes 09-14-16 09-14-16 Combined Agenda Documents 09-14-16 Library Board Agenda Agenda Item #1 – 07-13-16 Regular Library Board Minutes Agenda Item #2 – Budget Report – July 2016 Agenda Item #3 – Claim List 26 Agenda Item #3 – Claim List 1 Agenda Item #3 – Claim List 2 Agenda Item #3 – Claim List 3 Agenda Item #4 – Adult Services Report – July 2016 Agenda Item #4 – Adult Services Report – August 2016 Agenda Item #4 – Assistant Directors Report July-August 2016 Agenda Item #4 – Children's Monthly Report – July 2016 Agenda
Read More

September 9, 2016 2:21 pm | by | No Comments
Categories: Trustee Documents.

People & Stories Oral History Project: Jazz Fest 2016 Pt. 3

People & Stories Oral History Project: Jazz Fest 2016 Pt. 3

We are thrilled to continue our partnership with ArtsWestchester, The City of White Plains, and the White Plains Business Improvement District on White Plains Jazz Fest 2016! Below is a third set of clips from the People & Stories Oral History Project. Each of the clips below includes stories and music from musicians who live locally, but have performed all over the world. Tom Van Buren, of ArtsWestchester, co-produced the interviews. Check out the Jazz Fest 2016 webpage for tickets and more information about all the great music happening September 20-25, 2016 in White Plains. Here’s a link to our
Read More

September 7, 2016 3:06 pm | by | No Comments
Categories: Local History and Oral History.
Tags: ArtsWestchester, jazz, Jazz Fest, Jazz Fest 2016, local history, music, oral history, People & Stories, and white plains history.