Yes, our beautiful building at 100 Martine is temporarily closed, but it turns out there are plenty of other ways we can keep the Library open and still serve White Plains. Join us on Zoom (thanks to support from the White Plains Library Foundation) with a variety of virtual events presented by Library staff and local experts. Find a full listing of events below with details on attending.
And don't forget, you can reach us Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at our new number 914-448-4859, by texting WPPL to 66746, or by emailing us anytime.
Ideas for programs or activities? Send them my way.
Take care,
Brian Kenney
Library Director
bkenney@whiteplainslibrary.org
Virtual Happy Hour
Fridays
5:00–6:00 p.m.
Join us for an afternoon of lively conversation over the news of the week.Attend the program by clicking the Zoom link for the specific date you wish to attend: 5/1, 5/8, 5/15, 5/22, & 5/29.
Saturday, May 2
4:00–5:00 p.m.
Come experience a soothing, immersive sound meditation with bowl master Daniel Lauter who plays crystal bowls and gongs, Tibetan and Himalayan bells, rain sticks, ocarina, and other instruments. The sounds will melt away your stress and leave you calmer and recharged. Lauter is an educator and Integrative Sound Specialist who teaches and performs throughout New York state. For more information, see www.meditationdj.com. Attend the program by accessing Zoom with this link on 5/2.
Mondays
7:00–8:00 p.m.
Join Andrei Bezzubikoff for Tarde de Ñ. Andrei will offer discussion topics in Spanish for each session, providing participants with the opportunity to practice pronunciation and meaning. Participants should speak Spanish at an intermediate to advanced level. Attend the program by clicking the Zoom link for the specific date you wish to attend: 5/4, 5/11, & 5/18.
Wednesdays
12:00-12:45 p.m.
Brief beginning instruction followed by meditation. No experience or special equipment needed.
Attend the program by clicking the Zoom link for the specific date you wish to attend: 5/6, 5/13, 5/20, & 5/27.
Healthy Co-Existence with Technology
Wednesday, May 6
7:00–8:00 p.m.
Using experiential exercises, Dan Cayer teaches how to stay balanced and thoughtful, even while staring at a screen. Get tips for mindfulness and body awareness that will help you become more focused and less frazzled. A certified Alexander Technique teacher and meditation practitioner, Cayer has led workshops throughout the country and in the United Kingdom. For more details, see dancayer.co. Attend the program by accessing Zoom with this link on 5/6.
Slow Reading Book Discussion
Monday, May 11
2:00–4:00 p.m.
Readings for each session, led by teacher and author Ellen Lambert, will be works of short fiction. Participants will study and discuss each story in detail, appreciating more fully what goes into making a great work of literature. Lambert has a Ph.D. from Yale in English and has taught high-school English at The Dalton School for over 25 years. For this session, please read “Someone Else Besides You,” “Fatherland,” and “Two Essays” by Viet Thanh Nguyen, taken from The Refugees, which is available in eBook from OverDrive and Libby. Attend the program by accessing Zoom with this link on 5/11.
Big Data & Online Privacy
Monday, May 11
6:00–6:45 p.m.
During the current pandemic, it is vital to maintain privacy online from “big brother,” “big tech,” and “big data.” Join Digital Media Specialist Austin Olney and get his best advice. Register in advance for this webinar here.
Book ‘Em: A Mystery Book Group
Wednesday, May 13
2:30–4:00 p.m.
Library Director Brian Kenney will lead a discussion of Anthony Horowitz's Magpie Murders. “Magpie Murders is a double puzzle for puzzle fans, who don’t often get the classicism they want from contemporary thrillers.”–Janet Maslin, The New York Times. Please borrow the eBook through Hoopla which has unlimited copies. It is also available through OverDrive and Libby. Attend the program by accessing Zoom with this link on 5/13.
Sound Healing & Tibetan Singing Bowls
Wednesday, May 13
7:00–8:00 p.m.
Explore the ancient, restorative potential of Tibetan singing bowls. Michelle Clifton shares an experience of beautiful sounds that can calm the mind and release tension. Clifton is a Master Sound Healer and massage therapist who incorporates singing bowls into her private practice. For more information, see sonicbowls.com. Attend the program by accessing Zoom with this link on 5/13.
Book Discussion: Stories of Motherhood
Thursday, May 14
2:00–4:15 p.m.
Join Librarian Barbara Wenglin as we continue our short-story series with selections from the anthology Stories of Motherhood (Everyman’s Pocket Classics, 2012). For this session please read “The Leap” by Louise Erdrich (p.267), an intriguing tale of a circus trapeze artist and her courageous acts which save the life of her young daughter. Story may also be available online, read aloud on YouTube. We will also explore “The Middle Drawer” by Hortense Calisher (p.279), where small treasures and family secrets are revealed after a mother’s death. This story can also be found in Calisher’s collection, In the Absence of Angels, as an eBook through Hoopla. All are welcome, including newcomers! Please register through Zoom here.
Book Chat
Saturday, May 16 & 30
6:00–7:30 p.m.
Do you want to share what you're reading or find your next read? Join us for some lighthearted conversation in our new Book Chat. There is no assigned reading, just share what you're thinking about your latest read, new releases, and favorite titles. Attend the program by accessing the Zoom link for the specific date you wish to attend: 5/16 & 5/30.
English Conversation Group
Monday, May 18
2:00–3:00 p.m.
Practice your English conversation skills in this online conference! Adults who speak English as a second language are welcome. Anyone who previously attended when the building was open, or who is interested in attending now can email Austin Duffy at aduffy@whiteplainslibrary.org.
The Future is Female Book Discussion
Monday, May 18
2:00–4:00 p.m.
We will discuss White Dresses: A Memoir Of Love and Secrets, Mothers and Daughters, in which journalist Mary Pflum Peterson tells the story of three generations of women and the white dresses they wore on their journey through losses and redemption…and the author’s struggle to save her mother from the grip of hoarding. Please borrow the eBook through Hoopla which has unlimited copies. It is also available through OverDrive and Libby. Attend the program by accessing Zoom with this link on 5/18.
Postponed
Need something to listen to while doing dishes? Digital Media Specialist Austin Olney will be breaking down his favorite “internet audio” resources.
Less Sugar, Better Health
Tuesday, May 26
7:30–9:00 p.m.
In the best of times, diet is important; in a pandemic it's especially so. Cutting back on added sugar is one of the positive things to do for yourself. Excess sugar has been linked to obesity and diabetes, among other illnesses. Pharmacist and wellness educator Dr. Cedrick Batchateu explains how to identify the hidden sugars in so much of our packaged and processed foods and how to make simple changes in diet to optimize our health. For more information on Batchateu, see www.drced.com/. Attend the program by accessing Zoom with this link on 5/26.
Book ‘Em: A Mystery Book Group
Wednesday, May 27
2:30–4:00 p.m.
Library Director Brian Kenney will lead a discussion of Death at La Fenice by Donna Leon. In the first book of the acclaimed Commissario Brunetti series, a conductor succumbs to cyanide at the famed Venice opera house Please borrow the eBook through Hoopla which has unlimited copies. Also available through OverDrive and Libby. Attend the program by accessing Zoom with this link on 5/27.
Morning Storytime
Tuesdays & Thursdays
11:00-11:30 a.m.
Stories and Songs for ages 2-6 with a Trove Librarian.
Attend the program by clicking the Zoom link for the specific date you wish to attend: 5/5, 5/7, 5/12, 5/14, 5/19, 5/21, 5/26, & 5/28.
Tuesdays
6:30-7:00 p.m.
Stories and Songs for ages 2-6 with a Trove Librarian.
Attend the program by clicking the Zoom link for the specific date you wish to attend: 5/5, 5/12, 5/19, & 5/26.
Monday, May 4 & 18
4:00–5:30 p.m.
Play Table Top Games online with Erik and Ashley. We will host the game on Zoom, and play the game on boardgamearena.com. Please create a free, online account on boardgamearena.com prior to the event. For grades 4 and up. Attend the program by clicking the Zoom link for the specific date you wish to attend: 5/4 & 5/18.
Wednesday, May 6
4:30–6:00 p.m.
Join The Trove's virtual book discussion group for 4th and 5th graders. Kids of any age who have read the book are welcome to join us but we recommend this title for those in 3rd through 7th grade. We will be reading Flora & Ulysses by Kate DiCamillo. Unlimited eBook copies are available via Hoopla, but it's also available as an eBook and digital audiobook on OverDrive and Libby. Bring your own snack!
Attend the program by accessing Zoom with this link on 5/6.
Afternoon Family Virtual Socialization
Thursdays
4:30-5:30 p.m.
Miss post-storytime socializing or just meeting up in the Trove with your young ones? Join a Trove librarian and caregivers and young kids, to just meet each other, hang out, chat, catch up and be (virtually) together, along with some fun songs or activities. Attend the program by clicking the Zoom link for the specific date you wish to attend: 5/7 & 5/14.
Morning Family Virtual Socialization
Mondays
11:00 a.m-12:00 p.m.
Miss post-storytime socializing or just meeting up in the Trove with your young ones? Join a Trove librarian and caregivers and young kids, to just meet each, hang out, chat, catch up and be (virtually) together, along with some fun songs or activities. Attend the program by clicking the Zoom link for the specific date you wish to attend: 5/11 & 5/18.
Tuesday, May 12
3:30–4:30 p.m.
In The Creative Breath, Miss Caroline will guide families on a visual meditation to self-discovery. We will focus on the present moment, breath, and the creative flow that follows using the theme of spring: renewal, letting go, life, and rebirth. Attend the program by accessing Zoom with this link on 5/12.
Tuesday, May 19
3:30–4:15 p.m.
During the current pandemic, many digital resources have been made freely available to youngsters. Join Digital Media Specialist Austin Olney in a roundup of the best ones. Register in advance here.
Thursday, May 21
2:00–3:00 p.m.
Dr. Kregenow will read from her book Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star, I Know EXACTLY What You Are and lead a family sing-a-long for mixed age groups, singing several different verses from her book and giving additional scientific information and visuals for each topic. Borrow Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star, I Know EXACTLY What You Are on Hoopla. Register in advance here.
Tuesday, May 26
3:30–4:40 p.m.
Mindfulness and meditation to ease stress and anxiety for parents with their children. Attend the program by accessing Zoom with this link on 5/26.
Wednesday, May 27
4:30–6:00 p.m.
Join The Trove's virtual book discussion group for 4th and 5th graders. Kids of any age who have read the book are welcome to join us but we recommend this title for those in 4th through 8th grade. We will be reading Dragon Pearl by Yoon Ha Lee. Unlimited eBook copies are available via Hoopla, but it's also available as an eBook on OverDrive and Libby. Bring your own snack! Attend the program by accessing Zoom with this link on 5/27.
Thursday, May 28
2:00–3:00 p.m.
Dr. Kregenow will read from her book ABCs of Space and lead a program for mixed age groups, providing additional scientific background information and visuals for each topic presented in the book. Borrow ABCs of Space on Hoopla. Register in advance here.
Saturday, May 30
5:00–6:30 p.m.
An open Virtual Mic Night that will allow for kids/teens who have submitted work to share through Zoom. Attend the program by accessing Zoom with this link on 5/30.
FOR TEENS
D&D for Teens
Friday, May 1, 8, 15, & 29
2:00–5:00 p.m.
For beginning and experienced adventurers, take part in a level 1 D&D campaign. For more information, to see if any spaces are available, and to sign up, email jcarlson@whiteplainslibrary.org.
Monday, May 4 & 18
4:00–5:30 p.m.
Play Table Top Games online with Erik and Ashley. We will host the game on Zoom, and play the game on boardgamearena.com. Please create a free, online account on boardgamearena.com prior to the event. For grades 4 and up. Attend the program by clicking the Zoom link for the specific date you wish to attend: 5/4 & 5/18.
Tuesday, May 5
4:00–5:00 p.m.
Sebastian Oddo and Dan Isenberg from Octagon will talk to teens about their careers in sports and entertainment marketing.
Attend the program by accessing Zoom with this link on 5/5.
Thursday, May 7
3:30–4:15 p.m.
Teens are welcome to participate in Austin Olney's fun live stream where he will be doing all sorts of Minecraft-related fun.
Register in advance here.
Friday, May 8
6:30 p.m.
A virtual book club meeting featuring a Battle of the Books title, Truly Devious by Maureen Johnson. Unlimited eBook copies are available via Hoopla, but it's also available as on OverDrive and Libby. Register in advance here.
Wednesday, May 13
4:00–5:00 p.m.
Join Mindfulness practitioner Cristina Ortiz for a variety of activities. Learn basic mindfulness skills to reduce stress, promote relaxation, connect with your energy, and balance your emotions. This program, supported by the Allstate Foundation, is for grades 6-12. Attend the program by accessing Zoom with this link on 5/13.
Thursday, May 21
3:30–4:15 p.m.
Teens are welcome to participate in Austin Olney's fun live stream where he will be featuring Roblox and Roblox Studio. Register in advance here.
Thursday, May 28
3:30–4:15 p.m.
Teens are welcome to participate in Austin Olney's fun live stream where he will be doing all sorts of Chess-related fun. Register in advance here.
Mindfulness for All
Monday, May 4
7:00–8:00 p.m.
Join Andrea Deierlein to explore mindfulness and its many benefits. Adults and teens welcome! Andrea is a graduate teacher of the International House of Reiki and practices and teaches throughout Westchester County. For more information, see https://www.thrivereiki.com/
Attend the program by accessing Zoom with this link on 5/4.
the lnk to the happy hour? toda//y
Hi Gallia, you can use this link at 5.
THERE WAS NO LINK TO MEDITTION
Hi Arline, did you click on the link for 5/20?