Posts by Joshua, Manager of Youth Services

Have a Spooktacular October 2022

Have a Spooktacular October 2022

I love October: the weather, the foliage, the crunch of leaves underfoot, and, of course, Halloween and all it entails. From the spooky to the macabre; the decorations and the costumes; the tricks and treats – it’s my favorite time of the year. Here’s some great programs, reading lists and resources to help you have a spooktacular October filled with skele-tons of fun. On October 15th, at 11:00 a.m., Master Storyteller Jonathan Kruk brings Spooky (But Not Too) Scary Stories to children and their families! Afterward, children 10+, teens, and adults can join Kruk for The Legend of Sleepy Hollow
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October 1, 2022 5:00 am | by | No Comments
Categories: Authors & Books, Events, Homepage Kids, Kids, Library News, and Teens.
Tags: Day of the Dead, day of the dead celebration in white plains, Dia de los Muertos, halloween, Halloween Books, Halloween events in Westchester, Halloween events in White Plains, Halloween Movies, Observances and Celebrations, October, Spooktober, and westchester day of the dead celebration.

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. My last Peculiar Picks featured the title Yeti, Turn Out the Light! Here’s a big list featuring bigfoots (bigfeet?), sasquatch(es?), and yeti(s?). The Boy Who Cried Bigfoot by Scott Magoon Library Catalog / hoopla In this variation on the classic “Boy Who Cried Wolf” tale, young Ben regularly tells tall tales of seeing bigfoot, and when no one believes
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September 26, 2022 9:27 am | by | No Comments
Categories: Authors & Books, Featured, Homepage Kids, Kids, and Library News.
Tags: Bigfoot, children's books, children's literature, Peculiar Picks, picture books, Sasquatch, staff picks, staff recommendations, and Yeti.

Chamber Music of the American Revolution

Chamber Music of the American Revolution

Ministers of Apollo present: Chamber Music of the American Revolution Wednesday, September 28th, 6:30 p.m. All Ages Library Auditorium The 250th anniversary of the American Revolution is coming up and we are starting to celebrate the birth of our country early! Come listen to Ministers of Apollo perform authentic instrumental and vocal music that was popular during the period 1775-83 and learn more about how the music illustrates the lives of people during the conflict. Making use of period clothing, cosmetics and instrumentation, you will be educated, entertained and transported back to the American Revolution. About Ministers of Apollo The
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September 19, 2022 11:30 am | by | No Comments
Categories: Library News.
Tags: all ages event, Chamber Music, children's event, Ministers of Apollo, music, music event in White Plains, music in White Plains, and The Trove.

September Programs for Younger Kids

September Programs for Younger Kids

Some great regularly occurring programs for younger children take place all month long, in-person, at the Library.  Check the online calendar or ask in the Trove for specific locations for each event. Check out our Autumn StoryWalk featuring Full of Fall by April Pulley Sayre on the Library Plaza from Thursday, September 1st – Wednesday, November 30th, 2022.  More information here. Storytime! Ages 2-6, Families Tuesdays, 11:00 a.m. – September 13, September 20, September 27 Thursdays, 11:00 a.m. – September 8, September 22 Saturday, 2:00 p.m. – September 10 Books, songs and fun with Trove librarians! Move & Groove with
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September 7, 2022 3:04 pm | by | No Comments
Categories: Events, Featured, Homepage Kids, Kids, and Library News.
Tags: children's events, dance, kids, live music, music, performances, programs, September 2022, storytime, The Trove, trove, and trove events.

Talk Like a Pirate Day

Talk Like a Pirate Day

AVAST ME HEARTIES! September 19 is International Talk Like a Pirate Day, celebrated annually since 1995. Stop by the Trove and grab a piratical read or check out our list of Swashbuckling Reads! Need some help with that scurvy pirate lingo or want some ideas for things to do to get into the scallywag spirit? Check out our blog post on Seafaring Activities!
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September 1, 2022 10:00 am | by | No Comments
Categories: Authors & Books, Featured, Homepage Kids, Kids, and Library News.
Tags: Observances and Celebrations, pirate books, staff picks, staff recommendations, and Talk Like a Pirate Day.

Music and Puppets with Jumpin’ Jamie

Music and Puppets with Jumpin’ Jamie

Friday, 2:00 p.m.: 8/12 Children, Families. Library Plaza / Rain Location: Library Auditorium. Join “Kindie Rock” musician Jumpin' Jamie and a cast of puppet friends for singing, dancing, and an “ocean adventure”! Jumpin' Jamie has performed thousands of shows for audiences as varied as birthday parties for 12 people to stadiums for 12,000. Jumpin' Jamie's debut album “Kookie” was released in 2018 and features appearances from members of They Might Be Giants, the late Peter Tork, and over 40 other guests. It features the song “Ghost In My House” which has been ranked by Yahoo, TimeOut NY, Good House Keeping,
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August 12, 2022 9:00 am | by | No Comments
Categories: Library News.
Tags: events for kids in White Plains, Jumpin' Jamie, summer events in White Plains, summer programs, and white plains.

Pirates Lost at Sea! – 8/4, 2pm (PreK-Gr.5)

Pirates Lost at Sea! – 8/4, 2pm (PreK-Gr.5)

Talewise presents Pirates Lost at Sea! Thursday, 2:00 p.m.: 8/4 Children, families. Library Plaza / Rain Location: Library Auditorium. Ahoy there, mateys! Set sail on swashbuckling and hilarious STEM-filled piratical adventure about a crew of quirky pirates marooned on a desert island. With mutiny and high-tide looming, they must rescue their salty captain and find a way to repair their ship before all hope is lost … at sea! Throughout the story, explore the incredible science behind clouds, physical and chemical changes, air pressure, and more! Volunteers from the audience will help conduct several hands-on science experiments that ‘ARRR’ sure
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August 4, 2022 11:26 am | by | No Comments
Categories: Library News.
Tags: events for kids in White Plains, summer events in White Plains, summer programs, and white plains.

Great Podcasts for Kids 7

Great Podcasts for Kids 7

Summer isn’t over yet, and vacation is a great time for podcasts! I have some more great recommendations for you below, but be sure to also check out the previous Great Podcasts posts. All of these podcasts should be available on any service you use to listen to podcasts, such as Apple Podcasts, Apple Music, Spotify, Stitcher, Google Podcasts, etc. Some, however, may be available only through the link provided. If you have some additional great podcast recommendations, leave them in the comments below! Podcast Potpourri The Children’s Hour Kids Public Radio Broadcast first on stations across the country, then
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August 4, 2022 11:24 am | by | No Comments
Categories: Featured, Homepage Kids, Kids, and Library News.
Tags: Great Podcasts, Great Podcasts for Kids, podcasts, staff picks, and staff recommendations.

Jedi Academy – 8/2, 2pm (Kids, Families)

Jedi Academy – 8/2, 2pm (Kids, Families)

Tuesday, 2:00 p.m.: 8/2 Grades 1-6. Library Plaza / Rain Location: Library Auditorium. Calling all Vaders, Space Princesses and Wookies. Come learn the ways of the Jedi and access the Force within! Featuring slapstick, magic, puppetry, bubble-play and cartoon-like sound effects Jedi Academy! allows children the chance to live out their Star Wars dreams. Be sure to wear your Star Wars inspired outfit! This program is made possible through support from NewYork-Presbyterian Westchester Behavioral Health Center.
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July 25, 2022 9:15 am | by | No Comments
Categories: Library News.
Tags: events for kids in White Plains, Star Wars, star wars events, summer events in White Plains, summer programs, and white plains.

The Jester Jim Show – 8/3, 2pm (Kids, Families)

The Jester Jim Show – 8/3, 2pm (Kids, Families)

Wednesday, 2:00 p.m.: 8/2 Children, families. Library Plaza / Rain Location: Library Auditorium. “This is not your ordinary juggling show!” Juggling, spinning iPads, beat boxing, amazing tricks and lots of laughs. With a trunk full of props and a looping machine, Jester Jim takes the stage and starts his show. Young and old will be glued to his every sound as he performs his amazing beatbox intro. Kids and adults alike will be talking about Jester Jim's wild antics for weeks. This program is made possible through support from NewYork-Presbyterian Westchester Behavioral Health Center.
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July 25, 2022 9:05 am | by | No Comments
Categories: Library News.
Tags: comedy show for kids, events for kids in White Plains, Jester Jim, summer events in White Plains, summer programs, and white plains.

Summer Programs 2022 – Kids, Teens, Families

Summer Programs 2022 – Kids, Teens, Families

We are looking forward to welcoming the White Plains community back to the Library for a summer filled with amazing programs and events! Note: any virtual/hybrid programs use Zoom and a free, registered Zoom account is required to participate. Create a free Zoom account here: http://zoom.us/signup. Summer Reading at White Plains Public Library: 6/27 – 8/19 Summer Reading at the Library kicks off Monday, June 27 and runs through Friday, August 19. Reading activity will be logged online with READSquared. Learn all about Summer Reading 2002 and sign up here. Storytime Saturdays, 2:00 p.m.: 7/2, 8/6 Tuesdays, 11:00 a.m.: 8/2/2022,
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July 24, 2022 11:15 am | by | 1 Comment
Categories: Library News.
Tags: book discussion, children's programs, dance, music, performing arts, STEAM, STEM, summer 2022, summer programs, summer reading, teen programs, The Edge, and The Trove.

Summer Reading 2022

Summer Reading 2022

Summer Reading at the White Plains Public Library starts Monday, June 27 and will run through Friday, August 19.  Logging reading over the summer will again be online this year via the READsquared platform through either the READsquared website or the READsquared app (available here: iOS and Android).           Lectura de Verano 2022 Find information on the great lineup of programs and events for kids, teens and families in July and August here. Get Started! Register and login to READsquared. Individual youth participants can register as themselves, or parents and caregivers can register all of their
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July 17, 2022 10:00 am | by | 2 Comments
Categories: Authors & Books, Events, Featured, Homepage Kids, Homepage Teens, Kids, Library News, and Teens.
Tags: activities for children in White Plains, books, children, children's books, children's events, children's programs, families, library programs, Library programs for teens, programs for kids, Read Squared, reading, storytime, summer 2022, summer programs, summer reading, summer reading game, teen events, teens, The Edge, and The Trove.

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. The characters in these stories just want to get a good night’s sleep. It’s Only Stanley by Jon Agee Library Catalog / hoopla The Wimbledon family is trying to sleep… Noises, smells, and more keep waking them up. It’s only their dog Stanley, doing increasingly strange things… but why is he doing them? Good Night Owl by Greg Pizzoli
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July 14, 2022 11:00 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, staff picks, and staff recommendations.

Great Podcasts for Kids 6

Great Podcasts for Kids 6

It’s summer time! Perhaps you have a long car trip coming up or want to keep your kids engaged in some fun and educational content, well, podcasts are great for that! Check out these recommendations below, but be sure to also peruse the podcasts previously recommended. All of these podcasts should be available on any service you use to listen to podcasts, such as Apple Podcasts, Apple Music, Spotify, Stitcher, Google Podcasts, etc. Some, however, may be available only through the link provided. If you have some additional great podcast recommendations, leave them in the comments below! Podcast Potpourri The
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July 13, 2022 10:41 am | by | No Comments
Categories: Featured, Homepage Kids, Kids, and Library News.
Tags: Great Podcasts, Great Podcasts for Kids, podcasts, staff picks, and staff recommendations.

Celebrate African Dance, Drumming, & Storytelling

Celebrate African Dance, Drumming, & Storytelling

Wednesday, 7:00 p.m.: 7/20 Children, Teens, Families, Adults Library Plaza / Rain Location: Library Auditorium. West African dance tells a story. Chiku Awali African Dance, Arts & Culture, Inc. performs and teaches African dances. In all African cultures, dances are participatory. Chiku Awali will share the beauty and magic of these types of dances, and the audience is encouraged to join in these celebratory dances. Alongside the dancing, the griot will enchant the audience with tales of Anansi the Spider. Chiku Awali is a combination of Swahili and Ibo that means charterer and joy. Thus, the name represents the joy
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July 2, 2022 9:30 am | by | No Comments
Categories: Library News.
Tags: African Dance, Chiku Awali, dance, dance in white plains, music, music in White Plains, storytelling, and summer programs.

Pirate School

Pirate School

Tuesday, 2:00 p.m.: 7/19 Grades K-6. Library Auditorium. Ahoy me hearties! America's premiere swashbuckling family variety act is a madcap school for ‘good pirates.' Featuring slapstick, magic, puppetry, bubble-play and cartoon-like sound effects, Pirate School allows kids to live out their dreams of seafaring adventure. Come in your best pirate garb!   This program is made possible through support from NewYork-Presbyterian Westchester Behavioral Health Center.
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June 30, 2022 9:00 am | by | No Comments
Categories: Library News.
Tags: library programs, magic show, pirates, programs for grades 1-6, programs for kids, puppet show, and summer reading.

FIESTA! with Flor Bromley

FIESTA! with Flor Bromley

Thursday, 2:00 p.m.: 7/7 Children, Families Library Plaza / Rain Location: Library Auditorium. FIESTA! is a multicultural musical celebration! Kids and families will join in the fun as they learn about different musical genres through dance, storytelling and songs, traveling with Flor Bromley to the countries where the rhythms were born. This is not your typical children’s concert, it’s a whole family fiesta! This program is made possible through support from NewYork-Presbyterian Westchester Behavioral Health Center.
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June 23, 2022 10:00 am | by | No Comments
Categories: Events, Featured, Homepage Kids, Kids, and Library News.
Tags: Activities for children in Westchester, activities for children in White Plains, children, children's events, children's programs, dance, events in the Trove, Flor Bromley, music, and trove events.

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. No real theme today, just a selection of funny Peculiar Picks! What Animals Really Like by Fiona Robins Library Catalog / hoopla This zany picture book features a cacophonous animal chorus that fails to live up to its conductor’s expectations when the animals refuse to perform the parts expected of them, instead demonstrating what they really like to do.
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June 9, 2022 10:00 am | by | No Comments
Categories: Authors & Books, Featured, Homepage Kids, Kids, and Library News.
Tags: children's books, children's literature, dragons, Peculiar Picks, picture books, staff picks, and staff recommendations.

Tiny Tales: I Love All of Me

Tiny Tales: I Love All of Me

Tiny Tales are short “bite-sized” song and story videos. Watch one for a short early literacy break, or a few for a whole storytime! You can find our entire collection of Tiny Tales videos right here! Today’s video features Trove librarian Caroline presenting I Love All of Me by Lorie Ann Grover, illustrated by Carolina Búzio. Tiny Tales are made possible with support from the White Plains Library Foundation.
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June 7, 2022 10:00 am | by | No Comments
Categories: Featured, Homepage Kids, Kids, and Library News.
Tags: library storytime recording, library storytime video, online library storytime, storytime, The Trove, Tiny Tales, video, videos, virtual library storytime, westchester libraries, westchester library storytime, white plains library, and white plains new york.

Navigating by the Stars

Navigating by the Stars

From April 1st through June 30th, the Harriet Tubman – Journey to Freedom sculpture by Wesley Wofford will be on display in Renaissance Plaza in downtown White Plains. In conjunction with this historic visit by the sculpture, the Library and many other community partners organized events related to Harriet Tubman, the Underground Railroad, and more. Find the full listing of the community-wide programs and events here. Navigating by the Stars Tuesday, May 17th, 6:00 p.m. (virtual) Grades 4+, Teens, Adults Have you ever wondered how ancient people told time? Or traveled from point A to point B without a smartphone
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May 17, 2022 9:00 am | by | No Comments
Categories: Events and Library News.
Tags: adults, all ages, Black History, children's events, edge events, events, events for families in White Plains, events for kids in White Plains, families, Harriet Tubman, Harriet Tubman sculpture, library events, live music, Observances and Celebrations, STEAM, STEAM activities, STEM, teens, trove events, White Plains events, and White Plains Harriet Tubman Events.