Monthly Archives March 2021

Financial Literacy for Middle Graders

Financial Literacy for Middle Graders

Tuesdays: April 6, 13, 20, & 27, from 5:00-6:00 p.m. Local student, Varun Bansal, will teach a four-part workshop on financial literacy for students in grades 4-8. Financial literacy is a passion of Varun’s and he is happy to share everything he has learned with younger students to get them on the path to financial wellness. He will be covering basic concepts of earning, spending, and saving, how to develop better money habits, basics of investing, banking, credit, and debit cards – how to open bank accounts, the difference between checking and savings accounts, card options, interestrates, borrowing, etc., and
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March 30, 2021 4:51 pm | by | No Comments
Categories: Events, Featured, Homepage Kids, Homepage Teens, Kids, Library News, and Teens.
Tags: edge events, financial literacy, The Edge, The Trove, and trove events.

Stand Against Racism

Stand Against Racism

This year, the Library is a sponsor of the YWCA's annual campaign Stand Against Racism. The theme is “Racism is a Public Health Crisis,” something we all witnessed this past year and which has been driven to the forefront of our national consciousness partly by the twin pandemics of COVID-19 and racial injustice. Understanding and addressing systemic racism from a public health perspective is crucial to eliminating racial and ethnic inequities, and to improving opportunity and well-being across communities. You can show your commitment to eliminating racism by participating in this year’s Stand Against Racism campaign in several different ways.
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March 29, 2021 4:50 pm | by | No Comments
Categories: Director's Corner, Events, Featured, Homepage, and Library News.
Tags: Antiracism, covid-19, COVID19, public health, Racism, Stand Against Racism, and YWCA.

Earth Day

Earth Day

Celebrated each year on April 22, Earth Day is a time to think more mindfully about caring for our planet. Earth Day brings awareness to the environmental issues that can be hazardous to the planet as well as our livelihood and health. Learning about Earth Day and caring about our environment allows us to take small actions. Recycling, reusing shopping bags, composting, and carpooling are small ways that we can protect our planet and ourselves. By raising awareness we can begin to see the interconnectedness of all living things and work together within our own communities, and globally. To celebrate
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March 29, 2021 4:41 pm | by | No Comments
Categories: Library News.
Tags: children's programs, Earth Day, Grab & Go kits, Observances and Celebrations, programs, staff picks, staff recommendations, and sustainability.

Meet Authors Laurie Ruettimann and Lindsey Pollak

Meet Authors Laurie Ruettimann and Lindsey Pollak

Authors Laurie Ruettimann & Lindsey Pollak in Conversation Thursday, April 22nd 7:00–8:00 p.m. Click here to register for this virtual event. White Plains Public Library, Bedford Hills Free Library, Harrison Public Library, and Book YaYa present: CNN's top business coach Laurie Ruettimann, author of Betting on You: How to Put Yourself First and Take Control of Your Career, in conversation with New York Times bestselling writer and leading business expert Lindsey Pollak, author of Recalculating: Navigate Your Career Through the Changing World of Work. Betting On You: How to Put Yourself First and (Finally) Take Control of Your Career (Library
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March 28, 2021 9:33 am | by | No Comments
Categories: Library News.
Tags: author event, book discussion, Book Ya Ya, business, career panel, Laurie Ruettimann, Lindsey Pollak, and meet the author.

U.S. Citizenship Application Process

U.S. Citizenship Application Process

Understanding the Process of Becoming a U.S. Citizen This program has been rescheduled to Tuesday, May 04th at 2:00 p.m. Registration is required; click here to register. Officer Shyconia Burden will be discussing the naturalization application process. What the eligibility requirements are before you apply and how you may qualify for any exceptions and accommodations. She will answer any questions about citizenship and the naturalization process.
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March 25, 2021 11:54 am | by | No Comments
Categories: Library News.
Tags: adult events, citizenship, events, naturalization, U.S. citizenship, and workshops.

April Events for Younger Kids

April Events for Younger Kids

Some great regular events for younger children take place all month long. See below for times and access. Note: All youth-focused virtual programs require a registered Zoom account. Creating an account is free and easy at http://zoom.us/signup. Grab & Go: Kits Grab&Go: Kits are fun and educational activities to do at home. Kits are available in a variety of age ranges throughout the month, including AtoZ and special themed PreK level Kits. Dates that new Kits are available for pickup can be found on our online calendar. Trove Storytimes Ages 2-6, families Tuesdays, 11:00 a.m. – April 6, April 13,
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March 24, 2021 10:00 am | by | No Comments
Categories: Authors & Books, Events, Featured, Homepage Kids, and Library News.
Tags: April 2021, children's events, dance, kids, live music, music, performances, programs, storytime, The Trove, trove, and trove events.

Autism Acceptance Month

Autism Acceptance Month

April 2nd is World Autism Awareness Day, and the month of April has been deemed Autism Acceptance Month. Let’s Light it Up Blue and support acceptance and inclusion of people with autism! Unfortunately, despite its prevalence in today’s society, many people still don’t understand this spectrum disorder. So what is Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)? It is a range of conditions typically characterized by challenges with social skills and communication difficulties. It affects 1 in 54 children in the United States today. Since it is a spectrum, people with autism can range anywhere from needing significant support in everyday life to
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March 24, 2021 10:00 am | by | No Comments
Categories: Authors & Books, Featured, Homepage Kids, Homepage Teens, Kids, Library News, and Teens.
Tags: Autism, Autism Acceptance Month, book recommendations, children's books, Observances and Celebrations, picture books, staff picks, staff recommendations, and YA books.

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. What is it about The Gingerbread Man? Why does this story appeal so much? There are so many aspects of the original tale that are just odd, strange and dark, once you stop to think about them (why, really, were the Old Man and Old Woman baking the Gingerbread Man?). Ultimately, it’s a cautionary tale about not trusting strangers,
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March 24, 2021 10:00 am | by | No Comments
Categories: Authors & Books, Featured, Homepage Kids, Kids, and Library News.
Tags: children's books, fairy tales, Peculiar Picks, staff picks, and staff recommendations.

National Poetry Month

National Poetry Month

To celebrate National Poetry Month, I will highlight some wonderful poetry books that are colorful, educational, and delightful. These books portray poetry as a fun way to play with words. Among them, you’ll find a little boy who notices that poetry is in nature and everyone, a poem about a bug show, and a celebration of the joy and imagination of childhood. These books are a magnificent treat if you love to read! Poetry is also a wonderful way to learn about stanzas, form, imagery, and word play. If your child is interested in exploring creative writing, join librarians Kat
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March 24, 2021 10:00 am | by | No Comments
Categories: Authors & Books, Featured, Homepage Kids, Kids, and Library News.
Tags: children's books, national poetry month, Observances and Celebrations, Poetry Month, staff picks, and staff recommendations.

Dive Into Diversity: The Power of Music

Dive Into Diversity: The Power of Music

White Plains is a wonderfully diverse community! Parents, children and teens have expressed an interest in titles that reflect the diversity in the community, and Ashley, Kathlyn, and Raquel's “Dive Into Diversity” column will spotlight noteworthy children's and teen titles that are inclusive, diverse and multicultural to fulfill that interest. Ashley's portion is aimed at readers in grades 4-6. Music is powerful and can connect us to others. These days, I find myself listening to old favorite bands and remembering the times when we all could see live shows. Until that happens again, here are some suggestions of books about
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March 23, 2021 10:00 am | by | No Comments
Categories: Authors & Books, Featured, Homepage Kids, Kids, and Library News.
Tags: children's books, Dive into Diversity, staff picks, and staff recommendations.

Dive into Diversity: Environmental Activism in Children’s Picture Books

Dive into Diversity: Environmental Activism in Children’s Picture Books

The protection of our planet and its resources is a global concern, and activists worldwide have been and continue to work on saving the planet from environmental destruction – including our younger generations. An interesting site for kids and educators about kid environmental activists and activism that is worth exploring is Young Voices For the Planet, founded by author and illustrator Lynne Cherry who is well-known for her rain forest classic, The Great Kapok Tree. Gathered here are noteworthy picture books (both stories and nonfiction) that are about environmental activists who have helped and are helping to save our world.
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March 23, 2021 10:00 am | by | No Comments
Categories: Authors & Books, Featured, Homepage Kids, Kids, and Library News.
Tags: activism, Dive into Diversity, Earth Day, environmentalism, Observances and Celebrations, picture books, staff picks, and staff recommendations.

Dive into Diversity: YA Books in Verse

Dive into Diversity: YA Books in Verse

In 2021, my Dive into Diversity posts about young adult books will focus on a different genre each month. I’ll highlight books with characters that represent a range of experiences and identities. I’ll also feature #ownvoices authors, or authors who share an aspect of their characters’ identity, as much as possible. This month, in preparation for Poetry Month, I’m highlighting novels (and one memoir) in verse. I love reading books written in this format. In addition to being quick reads, they’re often beautifully written and convey emotion in a unique way. Clap When You Land by Elizabeth Acevedo Grades 10
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March 23, 2021 10:00 am | by | No Comments
Categories: Authors & Books, Featured, Homepage Teens, Library News, and Teens.
Tags: Dive into Diversity, national poetry month, novels in verse, Observances and Celebrations, Poetry Month, staff picks, staff recommendations, teen books, and YA books.

House of Fear: Discussion and Author Event

House of Fear: Discussion and Author Event

Does your child enjoy a good scare? Are they a fan of the spookier things in life? Do they love graphic novels? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then your kid would be totally interested in our upcoming virtual book discussion! On Wednesday, April 28th at 4:30 p.m., we will be meeting to chat about House of Fear: Attack of the Killer Snowmen and Other Stories by James Powell and Jethro Morales. We’re thrilled to announce that author James Powell will be joining us for a Q&A session after the discussion! This program is open to those
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March 19, 2021 10:00 am | by | No Comments
Categories: Library News.
Tags: author event, book discussion, Edge event, House of Fear, James Powell, meet the author, and Trove event.

Celebrate National Poetry Month

Celebrate National Poetry Month

April is National Poetry Month and we're celebrating with the return of Zork's Open Mic and with a feature performance by Bobby Sanchez! Poetry Open Mic Wednesday, April 7th 7:00–9:00 p.m. Celebrate National Poetry Month with the return of Zork's Open Mic! In lieu of the First Wednesday Poetry Slam, we'll be hosting an open mic with pre-registration this month to try and accommodate as many poets as possible. To register to perform, send your name (how you'd like to be introduced), email address, and a short 60-word bio to kthornton@whiteplainslibrary.org. If you know the title of the poem you'll
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March 18, 2021 10:19 am | by | No Comments
Categories: Library News.
Tags: Bobby Sanchez, national poetry month, Observances and Celebrations, open mic, poetry, Poetry Open Mic, slam poetry, White Plains Library SLAM, and Zork.

March-April Break Week

March-April Break Week

The Library has some awesome events planned during Spring Break Week, March 29th – April 1st! Note: for events taking place within Zoom, a free registered Zoom account is required to access the Library’s youth programs. Get a Zoom account here. I Will Dance – Storytime & Author Visit with author Nancy Bo Flood Monday, March 29, 11:00 a.m. Ages 2-6 Access the program here. Award-winning author Nancy Bo Flood virtually visits the library to read from her book, I Will Dance. More information here. 3D Design & Printing Monday, March 29 – Thursday, April 1, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00
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March 18, 2021 10:00 am | by | No Comments
Categories: Authors & Books, Events, Featured, Homepage Kids, Homepage Teens, Kids, Library News, and Teens.
Tags: author visit, children, children's events, edge events, Spring Break, teen events, teens, and trove events.

Learn About Ancient Rome!

Learn About Ancient Rome!

Learn about Ancient Rome! Grades 1-6, Teens Museums with Marisa will take you back in time to Ancient Rome for a fun and fact-filled series of archaeological explorations! Note: a free registered Zoom account is required to access the Library’s youth programs. Get a Zoom account here. Discovering Ancient Rome Monday, March 29 at 3:30 p.m. Access the program here Learn about the history and archaeology of one of Ancient Rome. Gladiators and Secrets of the Colosseum Tuesday, March 30 at 3:30 p.m. Access the program here Learn about fearsome gladiators and battles in the most famous arena of all
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March 18, 2021 10:00 am | by | No Comments
Categories: Events, Featured, Homepage Kids, Homepage Teens, Kids, Library News, and Teens.
Tags: children's events, kids, March 2021, The Trove, and trove events.

Storytime & Author Visit: Nancy Bo Flood

Storytime & Author Visit: Nancy Bo Flood

I Will Dance – Storytime & Author Visit with author Nancy Bo Flood Monday, March 29, 11:00 a.m. Ages 2-6 Access the program here. Note: a free registered Zoom account is required to access the Library’s youth programs. Get a Zoom account here. Award-winning author Nancy Bo Flood virtually visits the library to read from her book, I Will Dance. I Will Dance is the story of young Eva, who has cerebral palsy, and learns that nothing can keep her from her dream of dancing. Celebrating diversity and inclusion, confidence, belonging and following one’s dreams, I Will Dance is a
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March 17, 2021 2:13 pm | by | No Comments
Categories: Authors & Books, Events, Featured, Homepage Kids, Kids, and Library News.
Tags: author visit, children's events, meet the author, Nancy Bo Flood, storytime, and trove events.

Transgender Day of Visibility Event

Transgender Day of Visibility Event

The Power of Visibility: Contributions to History by Transgender and Gender Non-Conforming Women Wednesday, March 31st 7:00–8:30 p.m. Click here to register. In honor of both Women's History Month and March 31st being International Transgender Day of Visibility, The LOFT LGBTQ+ Community Center invites you to an informative and interactive event highlighting the contributions made to history by women of trans and GNC experience. From the Zuni leader We'wha to Biden nominee Dr. Rachel Levine, utilizing archival multimedia footage we will present both about the individual themselves and the context of history which made their journey notable. Join us for
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March 16, 2021 5:33 pm | by | No Comments
Categories: Authors & Books and Library News.
Tags: adult events, gender non-conforming, International Transgender Day of Visibility, LGBTQ+, Observances and Celebrations, presentations, staff picks, staff recommendations, The LOFT, transgender, and womens history month.

Reads Revisited: Little Women

Reads Revisited: Little Women

For my ninth birthday, my beloved grandparents gave me a beautiful hardcover illustrated copy of Louisa May Alcott’s, Little Women (Library Catalog / OverDrive). I was ecstatic as I was an avid reader and my grandmother told me specifically about how much she loved the book as a young girl. I will never forget that I ran through those 643 pages in only three days. My memories of it are nothing but fond. As I sat down to reread it for this column, I had a very different experience. First, I happened to be at work, so I grabbed a
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March 16, 2021 10:00 am | by | 2 Comments
Categories: Authors & Books, Featured, Homepage Kids, Kids, and Library News.
Tags: children's literature, Little Women, Louisa May Alcott, and Reads Revisited.