Monthly Archives November 2020

Teen Volunteering Opportunities

Teen Volunteering Opportunities

Almost everything about the 2020-21 school year is different, and that includes earning community service hours. With library services restricted by safety concerns, we’re offering community service credit to teens who review YA books for our website. This month, I’d also like to highlight a few volunteer opportunities from Volunteer New York! that would be great for teens. I’m focusing on opportunities that can be done virtually, contact-free, or outdoors, and ideally with minimal supplies. Follow the link to the Volunteer New York! post for each opportunity to make sure you get all the relevant information. Thank You Cards for
Read More

November 30, 2020 12:56 pm | by | No Comments
Categories: Featured, Homepage Teens, Library News, and Teens.
Tags: staff picks, teen volunteers, teens, and Volunteer! New York.

STEAM Picture Books: Science

STEAM Picture Books: Science

In this new monthly STEAM series, I will highlight some wonderful picture books that fall under one area of STEAM [STEAM = Science Technology Engineering Art Mathematics]. For the month of November we are starting with science. These books include diverse biographies, books about the solar system, chemistry, physics, environmental science (my personal favorite!), and even a scientific parody on Goodnight Moon. These picture books can be found in our print collection at The Trove and on OverDrive. At the end of the post, you'll also find some fun and educational STEAM websites for kids. What Miss Mitchell Saw by
Read More

November 30, 2020 10:00 am | by | No Comments
Categories: Authors & Books, Featured, Homepage Kids, Kids, and Library News.
Tags: picture books, staff picks, staff recommendations, STEAM, STEAM books, and STEM.

Local Food Pantries

Local Food Pantries

Below is a list of active local food pantries. Schedules vary and some may close temporarily due to COVID-19, so be sure to call and confirm before visiting. Greenburgh/Elmsford Cap Food Pantry Call for free food and groceries. 32 Manhattan Avenue White Plains, New York 10607 (914) 761-6605 Mt Hope AME Zion Church 65 Lake St # C, White Plains, NY (914) 948-6372 Ridgeway Alliance 465 Ridgeway, White Plains, NY 10605 (914) 949-3714 Tuesdays 4-6 p.m. Fridays 4-6 p.m. First Baptist Church 456 North Street White Plains, NY 10605 (914) 949-5207 El Centro Hispano Operating from the Post Road School
Read More

November 24, 2020 2:33 pm | by | No Comments
Categories: COVID-19, Featured, Homepage, and Library News.
Tags: food bank, food pantries, and food pantry.

Grab&Go Kits for Adults

Grab&Go Kits for Adults

Grab&Go Kits for adults–because we also need to unplug from our screens, relax, and have fun! Each month, we will prepare a packet that will include instructions and supplies. (A few basics can be found at home.) Kits will be available in the blue Grab&Go box outside our main entrance while supplies last. This month's kit: making a Gratitude Journal. Available beginning Friday, November 20th. Just in time for Thanksgiving. Look out for kits in the coming months on making a zen garden (stress relief!), and, of course, something for Valentine's Day in February.
Read More

November 19, 2020 10:56 am | by | 1 Comment
Categories: COVID-19 and Library News.
Tags: crafts, Grab and Go Kits, Grab&Go Kits, journaling, self care, tutorials, and Wellness.

Peculiar Picks

Peculiar Picks

Peculiar Picks are a selection of odd, funny, interesting, curious, moving, irreverent, and otherwise wonderfully awesome, but perhaps not well known, reads. Peculiar Picks are books for younger readers and their grown-ups, handpicked by the Library's Youth Services Manager, Joshua Carlson. There are many, many versions of The Three Little Pigs — from traditional retellings, to ones with other animals such as fish and sharks, to ones with other things like trucks or tamales, to, of course, several versions that tell how badly the wolf was maligned in the original tale. This being Peculiar Picks, however, I wanted to pick
Read More

November 19, 2020 10:00 am | by | No Comments
Categories: Authors & Books, Featured, Homepage Kids, Kids, and Library News.
Tags: children's books, children's literature, Peculiar Picks, picture books, and The Trove.

New 3D Printer and Design Workshop

New 3D Printer and Design Workshop

In March 2020, at the very onset of the COVID crisis when healthcare workers needed PPE, the Library donated its two 3D printers to a “mask farm” at Riverside Hospital in Yonkers. Thanks to our partnership with Con Edison, we’ve been able to replace both of the printers and expand printing programs and services at the Library. Our newest acquisition is a Prusa SL1 3D printer, our first SLA printer. SLA (stereolithography) printing is fairly new to desktop 3D printing. The process uses a liquid resin and solidifies it layer by layer using UV light and an LED display making
Read More

November 19, 2020 10:00 am | by | No Comments
Categories: Library News.
Tags: 3D design, 3D printer, 3d printing, Con Edison, edge events, events, kids, middle grade, teens, and trove events.

Hotspots Móviles

Hotspots Móviles

La Biblioteca brinda un programa de préstamos de Hotspots que tienen acceso a un servicio ilimitado de Internet de alta velocidad en cualquier lugar que Sprint brinde cobertura de datos. Conecte hasta diez dispositivos a la vez, incluidos equipos de escritorio, portátiles, tabletas, teléfonos inteligentes, etc. Perfecto para quienes no tienen acceso al Internet en casa, se van de vacaciones o se llevan sus negocios de viaje. Los Hotspots están disponibles para miembros con  tarjetas de la Biblioteca Pública de White Plains por un período de préstamo de 7 días. Se puden reservar con hasta un mes de anticipación, por
Read More

November 18, 2020 12:57 pm | by | No Comments
Categories: Español.

December Project LIT Book Club for Teens

December Project LIT Book Club for Teens

Calling all middle and high school students for a monthly virtual book club for teens. Each month, join librarians Kat and Lauren to discuss a Project LIT book and compete against friends in a mini trivia game. On Friday, December 4th at 4 p.m., we’ll discuss Scythe by Neal Shusterman. Scythe was my favorite Battle of the Books selection of all time; even my husband read the series, which is saying something. In this near-future science fiction tale, humanity has conquered death. To control population size and preserve resources, a group of public servants known as Scythes are charged with
Read More

November 18, 2020 11:23 am | by | No Comments
Categories: Library News.
Tags: book clubs, Project Lit, Project Lit Chapter, Project Lit Community, teen book club, and teens.

It’s Cookie Time! Staff Recipes & Cookbooks

It’s Cookie Time! Staff Recipes & Cookbooks

With holidays coming up, it’s the perfect time to think about cookies. While you might not be able to hold your usual cookie swaps this year, we thought we would take the time to share some well-loved family recipes from our staff in the hopes that it would inspire you to try out new recipes. Whether you're baking for yourself, your family, or sending goodies to loved ones, let us know what recipes you're making this year. Comment below, or tag us on Instagram at @whiteplainslibrary, or use the hashtag #WPPLcooks on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter. Below you'll find a
Read More

November 18, 2020 10:54 am | by | No Comments
Categories: Authors & Books, COVID-19, Featured, Homepage, Homepage Kids, Homepage Teens, Kids, Library News, and Teens.
Tags: cookbooks, cookies, cooking, holidays, recipes, staff picks, staff recommendations, and virtual cookie swap.

She Writes: Historical Novels

She Writes: Historical Novels

This month's collection of titles for our “She Writes” series focuses on historical novels. Had it with 2020? Transport yourself to a different time and place with historical fiction all written by women! Below you'll find available formats, but we also have a curated list with additional titles in OverDrive that you can checkout here. Find last month's post on nonfiction science here. Half of a Yellow Sun by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie Library Collection: Print OverDrive and Libby: eBook and audiobook “When the Igbo people of eastern Nigeria seceded in 1967 to form the independent nation of Biafra, a bloody,
Read More

November 16, 2020 1:28 pm | by | No Comments
Categories: Authors & Books, Featured, Homepage, and Library News.
Tags: book recommendations, books by women, She Writes, staff picks, staff recommendations, women authors, and women writers.

Grab&Go Grades 7-12: Yarn Pumpkins

Grab&Go Grades 7-12: Yarn Pumpkins

Which Craft? Wednesday has been phased into Grab ‘n Go Craft Kits! Instead of finding materials around the house, teens in grades 7-12 can pick supplies up from the Library lobby, then follow along with the instructional video below to make the project. Or, you can find the materials around your home and follow the video to make the project. This month we're making another gourd-themed fall decor item: yarn pumpkins. The kit includes orange yarn, two pipe cleaners (yellow and green), a balloon, Elmer's glue, and a plastic fork. We'll be following the instructions from this post from the
Read More

November 16, 2020 11:12 am | by | No Comments
Categories: Library News and Teens.
Tags: arts & crafts, crafts, crafts at home, fall crafts, Grab&Go Kits, The Edge, and tutorials.

Creative Writing for Middle Grades

Creative Writing for Middle Grades

National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) is celebrated every November and encourages writers of all ages to pledge to write 50,000 words, or a novel, in one month. In the spirit of encouraging creative writing, White Plains Public Library will present a series of virtual creative writing sessions for children grades 4-8 at 4 p.m on Wednesdays November 4th, 18th and 25th. Instead of focusing on a specific word count, or finishing an entire novel, we will dive into the structure of stories, have fun with fanfiction, discuss personal experience with NaNoWriMo and provide free writing time using fun prompts as
Read More

November 16, 2020 10:00 am | by | No Comments
Categories: Events, Featured, Homepage Kids, Kids, and Library News.
Tags: creative writing, NaNoWriMo, trove events, virtual events, writing workshop, and youth writing workshop.

Reads Revisited: The Trumpet of the Swan

Reads Revisited: The Trumpet of the Swan

Reads Revisited is a blog series where Trove and Edge Librarians revisit some of their favorite childhood stories. In today's column, Edge Librarian Kathlyn Carroll revisits The Trumpet of the Swan (Catalog) by E. B. White. I was so excited when Ashley came up with the idea for this series of blog posts re-examining a favorite childhood book. I immediately thought of Trumpet of the Swan by E. B. White, which I read over and over again in early elementary school. I was a serial re-reader; on trips to the school media center, my second grade teacher began requiring me
Read More

November 16, 2020 10:00 am | by | No Comments
Categories: Authors & Books, Featured, Homepage Kids, Kids, and Library News.
Tags: children's books, children's literature, E. B. White, Reads Revisited, staff picks, and staff recommendations.

Board Meeting Documents for November 18th, 2020

Board Meeting Documents for November 18th, 2020

Approved Library Board Meeting Minutes – 11-18-20 Combined-Agenda-11-18-20 11-18-20 Library Board Agenda Agenda Item #1 – 10-14-20 Regular Library Board Minutes Agenda Item #2 – Budget Report – October 2020 Agenda Item #3 – Claim List 3 Agenda Item #4 – Adult Services Report – October 2020 Agenda Item #4 – Assistant Directors Report- October 2020 Agenda Item #4 – Collection Management Report – October 2020 Agenda Item #4 – Community Outreach Report – October 2020 Agenda Item #4 – Digital Media Specialist Report – October 2020 Agenda Item #4 – Library Systems Report – October 2020 Agenda Item #4
Read More

November 13, 2020 11:59 am | by | Comments Off on Board Meeting Documents for November 18th, 2020
Categories: Trustee Documents.

Grab&Go: Tripod Catapult

Grab&Go: Tripod Catapult

STEAM Monday has been phased into Grab ‘n Go Craft Kits! Instead of finding material around your home, you can pick those materials up from the Library, then follow along with an instructional video for making a project. Our first project is a Tripod Catapult. You can pick up the materials with instructions from the Library and use the video to follow along. Or you can find the materials around your home and follow the video to make the project. How Is This Working? The most important part of a catapult is it’s base. For this catapult we made a
Read More

November 10, 2020 2:58 pm | by | No Comments
Categories: Featured, Homepage Kids, Homepage Teens, Kids, Library News, and Teens.
Tags: Grab and Go Kits, Grab&Go Kits, STEAM, STEAM learning, and tutorials.

Grab&Go Kits

Grab&Go Kits

The Library will now feature a variety of Grab&Go Kits that families can take home to enjoy. Librarians in the Trove and Edge are compiling several types of kits that will provide families with wonderful opportunities to unplug and engage in activities that stir the imagination and provide at-home learning and fun. Kits will be available outside our main entrance while supplies last. In October and November we will begin regularly offering the following kits for pick up on a varied schedule. The first day a kit will be available to pick up will be marked in our online calendar.
Read More

November 10, 2020 10:00 am | by | 6 Comments
Categories: Featured, Homepage Kids, Homepage Teens, Kids, Library News, and Teens.
Tags: activities, arts & crafts, at home learning, Grab&Go Kits, STEAM, STEAM at home, and STEAM kits.

Virtual Chess Club

Virtual Chess Club

During the past few months, the Library has launched a group for all youth interested in the game of chess. It is a chance for children and teens, stuck at home, to play the game they love and also an opportunity to learn strategy and discuss tactics. With the Lichess platform, available on smartphones and computers, participants can play matches with one another and participate in group challenges. Players of all levels are welcome to join in on the fun! Join the Library Chess Club by attending any of the following sessions: Thursday 10/22/2020 5:00 p.m. – 5:45 p.m. Register
Read More

November 9, 2020 5:06 pm | by | No Comments
Categories: Library News.
Tags: chess club and virtual chess club.

Fall Short-Story Discussion Series

Fall Short-Story Discussion Series

Join Librarian Barbara Wenglin to explore compelling stories from an exciting, rich, and bold new anthology: 100 Years of the Best American Short Stories Edited by Lorrie Moore and Heidi Pitlor (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2015) Marking the centennial of the Best American Short Stories annual series, this collection celebrates the diversity of the genre and the American experience from 1915-2015. Available in print collection through our Catalog and as an eBook in Hoopla, as well as OverDrive and Libby. Thursdays from 2:00 – 4:15 p.m. on Zoom The selected stories with varied settings deal with intriguing and edgy romantic relationships. Please
Read More

November 8, 2020 11:16 am | by | 2 Comments
Categories: Library News.
Tags: book discussion, book group, Short stories, and Short Story Book Discussion.

Hoopla Bonus Borrows

Hoopla Bonus Borrows

Due to popular demand, Hoopla Bonus Borrows are back for the month of November, starting November 1 and running through November 30! How it works: When you borrow a Bonus Borrows title during the month of November you will be debited ZERO borrows from your monthly hoopla borrows. In addition to these titles, you will also continue to have access to hoopla's full collection of over 950,000 eBooks, audiobooks, movies, TV shows, music, comics, and more. The collection will be free from 11/1/20 to 11/30/20. Click here to view the entire Bonus Borrows collection. Read on below for some staff
Read More

November 4, 2020 1:13 pm | by | No Comments
Categories: Library News.
Tags: book recommendations, film recommendations, hoopla, hoopla Bonus Borrows, staff picks, and staff recommendations.

Stamped Book Discussions for Children and Teens

Stamped Book Discussions for Children and Teens

This fall, join the Youth Services department for a series of events surrounding the Library’s city-wide reading initiative, One Book, One White Plains. We'll be reading Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You by Jason Reynolds and Ibram X. Kendi. The book is available in regular print, large print, and CD audiobook from our physical collection and as a digital audiobook and eBook from OverDrive and Libby. To give teens more time to read the book, we've postponed our teen book discussion of Stamped. The book club has been rescheduled for Monday, November 9th, at 4:30 p.m. We’ll discuss the book and
Read More

November 2, 2020 10:00 am | by | No Comments
Categories: Library News.
Tags: Antiracism, book discussion, book group, Ibram X. Kendi, Jason Reynolds, One Book One White Plains, Racism, Sachi Feris, and teen book club.