Posts by Kathleen Degyansky, Assistant Director

White Plains Youth Bureau Accepting Applications for Youth of the Year Award

White Plains Youth Bureau Accepting Applications for Youth of the Year Award

The White Plains Youth Bureau is now accepting applications for its Youth of the Year Award. The Award is given annually to a graduating high school senior from either a public or private school. The award recognizes outstanding volunteer service and contributions to making a difference in the City of White Plains. The award recipient must be a City of White Plains resident. Service activities may include tutoring, helping the elderly, conducting food and clothing drives, fund raising for charitable programs, organizing community events, mentoring and coaching, etc. The deadline for nominations is October 18, 2013. Nomination forms may be
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October 17, 2013 7:00 am | by | No Comments
Categories: Featured, Homepage, and Library News.
Tags: teens.

Library Reads – A new nationwide list for book lovers

Library Reads – A new nationwide list for book lovers

Every day our library staff share books they love with our patrons. Now, you can reach beyond the White Plains Public Library walls to find out what books librarians in the rest of the country can’t wait to share. LibraryReads – a new program, launching today, harnesses the value of “library staff picks” into a single nationwide discovery tool, a monthly list of ten newly released must-reads. To discover the first list, visit the Library Reads website at libraryreads.org
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August 1, 2013 7:00 am | by | No Comments
Categories: Featured, Homepage, and Library News.
Tags: adults and books.

Then and Now — A Virtual Exhibit

Then and Now — A Virtual Exhibit

Then and Now is an online exhibit in celebration of the American Library Association's Preservation Week, observed by libraries nation wide, April 21-27. Preservation Week was created in 2010 because some 630 million items in collecting institutions require immediate attention and care. Eighty percent of these institutions have no paid staff assigned responsibility for collections care; 22 percent have no collections care personnel at all. Some 2.6 billion items are not protected by an emergency plan. As natural disasters of recent years have taught us, these resources are in jeopardy should a disaster strike. Personal, family, and community collections are
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April 22, 2013 7:00 am | by | No Comments
Categories: Events, Featured, Homepage, and Library News.
Tags: all ages, collection, local history, and services.

Soles 4 Souls

Soles 4 Souls

You may have noticed the box for shoe donations in the Library lobby. The City of White Plains is participating in the Soles 4 Souls campaign through Monday, April 29. Your gift of footwear is important to children and adults around the world. Footwear can help eliminate the spread of disease through the foot as well as help children obtain an education as many schools have footwear requirements to attend. When you take time to recycle your footwear, you are in fact changing lives. Help us make a difference by donating new or used shoes of any kind. Learn more
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April 16, 2013 7:00 am | by | No Comments
Categories: Featured, Homepage, and Library News.
Tags: all ages.

Creative Writing Program for Adults 55+

Creative Writing Program for Adults 55+

In partnership with The Bristal Assisted Living and the Westchester Library system, White Plains Public Library is pleased to present “Share, Shine, Celebrate!”, creative writing instruction for adults 55+. Explore your life stories with actor/playwright/educator Frank Ingrasciotta. No prior writing experience is necessary. Participants attend six sessions at The Bristal and two at the Library. Participants must register for all 8 sessions. You must provide your own transportation to The Bristal. Dates: April 9 (Bristal), 16 (Bristal), 23 (Library), 30 (Bristal), May 7 (Bristal), 14 (Bristal), 21 (Library), 28 (Bristal) Times: 2 – 4 p.m. Call the Reference Desk at
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April 4, 2013 7:00 am | by | No Comments
Categories: Classes, Featured, Homepage, and Library News.
Tags: adults, classes, seniors, and workshops.

Immigration Workshop

Immigration Workshop

The Pace Community Law Practice will hold a two-hour presentation about immigration law on Saturday, March 9, from 1:00-3:00 p.m. Workshop topics include family-based and humanitarian-based immigration remedies, such as: the new 601A waiver; Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA); asylum; and marriage filings. The session will provide a general overview of the New York State and federal public benefits for which non-citizens are eligible. After the presentation, the Pace Community Law Practice staff will be available for a general question and answer period. Any recent changes in immigration law before the presentation will also be briefly discussed. The new
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February 28, 2013 7:00 am | by | No Comments
Categories: Classes, Featured, Homepage, and Library News.
Tags: adults, citizenship, classes, and workshops.

Citizenship Workshop — Presented by Westchester Community College

Citizenship Workshop — Presented by Westchester Community College

On Saturday, February 16, from 1 p.m.-4 p.m., the White Plains Public Library will host a free citizenship workshop. This workshop will present an overview of the U.S. citizenship test; how it is set up and what is on it. It will also include an overview of the free test preparation materials that are available to the public. Participants will become familiar with the civics and English portions of the exam and will do some practice for both sections. The workshop is designed both for those who have already applied for U.S. citizenship and for those who are planning to
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February 6, 2013 7:00 am | by | No Comments
Categories: Classes, Featured, Homepage, and Library News.
Tags: adults, citizenship, classes, and workshops.

Wishful Shrinking

Wishful Shrinking

If your New Year's resolution to lose weight has hit a snag, join us for inspiration and motivation on Tuesday, January 22nd, at 7 p.m. for “Secrets of Weight Management”. This informative workshop will be presented by Stacey Lynn Jackson, M.S., a registered dietician from Shop Rite, White Plains. Ms. Jackson will provide tips and strategies to help you get on track and stay there. “Secrets of Weight Management” is the third program in the New Year, New You series.
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January 15, 2013 7:00 am | by | No Comments
Categories: Events, Featured, Homepage, and Library News.
Tags: adults and workshops.

Have a Good Mental Health Day — Everyday!

Have a Good Mental Health Day — Everyday!

Join Scott Trefny, Senior Rehabilitation Therapist from The NewYork-Presbyterian/Westchester Division, for a lecture on Wednesday, January 16 at 7 p.m. Taking a 24/7 approach, this program guides participants in creating a schedule including sleep, personal needs, and recreation to insure a positive mental health day, everyday. Scott M. Trefny received his Masters in Psychology from City College, and Masters in Counseling from Western Connecticut. He has worked in the mental field for 23 years. He trained as a behavioral specialist with adolescents and developmentally disabled people, and has special training in cognitive behavioral therapy interventions. He is currently working as
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January 9, 2013 7:00 am | by | No Comments
Categories: Classes, Featured, Homepage, and Library News.
Tags: adults, classes, and workshops.

New Year, New You!

New Year, New You!

Most people give up on their New Year's resolutions within the first few weeks of the new year. Be the exception to the rule by visiting the Library in January for a series of four programs to help you keep them this year. Wednesday, January 9, 7pm How to Quit Smoking for the Very Last Time! Presented by Visiting Nurse Services in Westchester, Inc. Wednesday, January 16, 7pm Have a Good Mental Health Day Everyday: The 24/7 Plan Presented by New York-Presbyterian/Westchester Division Tuesday, January 22, 7pm Secrets of Health & Weight Management Presented by Shop Rite of White Plains
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December 28, 2012 7:00 am | by | No Comments
Categories: Events, Featured, Homepage, and Library News.
Tags: adults, classes, and workshops.

Free Citizenship Classes

Free Citizenship Classes

The Library is hosting free citizenship classes beginning the week of January 8. Classes will cover information needed to pass the test, basic test-taking skills and preparation for the English language section of the test. The class is free but space is limited and registration is required. Students must be at least 21 years old. Registration: Thursday, January 3, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. OR 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. Classes meet on: Tuesdays, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m., Tuesday, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. OR Thursdays, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. This class is offered in partnership with Southern
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December 19, 2012 7:00 am | by | No Comments
Categories: Classes, Featured, Homepage, and Library News.
Tags: adults, citizenship, and classes.

Hooked Rugs of Mary Parker

Hooked Rugs of Mary Parker

The hooked rugs of fiber enthusiast Mary Parker will be on view in the Museum Gallery at the White Plains Public Library from Monday, December 3, 2012 to Friday, January 11, 2013. Ms. Parker’s work is inspired by the past and present of Westchester and Putnam Counties. Hooked highlights include local historic sites and cemetery “folk art,” as well as other work from traditional to contemporary. Rug hooking has been called the one truly original folk art of America and Ms. Parker’s work carries forward the tradition of expression through this 19th century craft. Folk art expert, William C. Ketchum,
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December 17, 2012 7:00 am | by | 2 Comments
Categories: Featured, Gallery, Homepage, and Library News.
Tags: all ages, art, and gallery.

Hooked Rugs of Mary Parker

Hooked Rugs of Mary Parker

The hooked rugs of fiber enthusiast Mary Parker will be on view in the Museum Gallery at the White Plains Public Library from Monday, December 3, 2012 to Friday, January 11, 2013. Ms. Parker’s work is inspired by the past and present of Westchester and Putnam Counties. Hooked highlights include local historic sites and cemetery “folk art,” as well as other work from traditional to contemporary. Rug hooking has been called the one truly original folk art of America and Ms. Parker’s work carries forward the tradition of expression through this 19th century craft. Folk art expert, William C. Ketchum,
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December 11, 2012 7:00 am | by | No Comments
Categories: Homepage.
Tags: all ages, art, and gallery.

Upcoming Math Programs for Kids and Parents

Upcoming Math Programs for Kids and Parents

The White Plains Public Library is pleased to present two math programs next week. For Kids: Mixing in Math for Grades 3 – 6, December 4, 4:30 p.m. Math is all around us! Join us for math games in The Trove. Play, have fun, and keep your math skills sharp. For Parents: The New Math Curriculum, December 3, 7:00 p.m. Lisa Weber, K – 12 Mathematics Coordinator for the White Plains Public Schools, will provide an overview of the new elementary school math curriculum including demonstrations and hands-on activities. Join us for these educational and informative sessions.
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November 27, 2012 7:00 am | by | No Comments
Categories: Events, Featured, Homepage, and Library News.
Tags: adults, children, and The Trove.

Can you read this?

Can you read this?

More than 30 million Americans over the age of 16 cannot read, write, or speak English at the 5th grade level. They struggle with even the simplest transactions of daily life, and most job opportunities are closed to them. Can you imagine what life would be like if you couldn’t: •Read the label on a medicine bottle? •Decipher directions? •Help your child with homework? •Fill out a job application? One-on-one, small group and classroom instruction from properly trained and certified volunteers and professional instructors can turn individual lives around. If you, or someone you know, has a few free hours
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November 23, 2012 7:00 am | by | No Comments
Categories: Featured, Homepage, and Library News.
Tags: adults, literacy, and services.

White Plains Building Department Fast-Tracks Permits

White Plains Building Department Fast-Tracks Permits

The City of White Plains Building Department is fast-tracking the permit approval process for homeowners and businesses who come in for a permit to address storm-related damage. Residents and businesses that have work done should make sure they receive a City of White Plains Building Department Certificate of Compliance upon completion of the work. Without this certificate, there is no way for the resident or business to know for certain that the work was completed properly and to code. The Building Department is available to answer questions about the permit process for electrical, plumbing, building and sign permits, Monday –
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November 20, 2012 1:18 pm | by | No Comments
Categories: Featured, Homepage, and Library News.
Tags: adults and City of White Plains.

The Consulate General of Mexico Returns

The Consulate General of Mexico Returns

The Consulate General of Mexico will be processing passports and consular IDs for their citizens at the Library on Tuesday, November 27th through Friday, November 30th, 10am — 1:30pm. A limited number of appointments are available each day. To make your free appointment, use MEXITEL: – Phone 1-877-639-4835 – Online at http://sreweb.mexitel.com.mx/mexitel_web/ More information on requirements can be found at the Mexican Consulate website.
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November 15, 2012 7:00 am | by | No Comments
Categories: Events, Featured, Homepage, and Library News.
Tags: adults, español, and services.

Business Program for Hispanic Entrepreneurs

Business Program for Hispanic Entrepreneurs

The New York State Small Business Development Center at Manhattanville College will host an event at the White Plains Public Library on Monday, October 22, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Directed towards the Hispanic community, in honor of Hispanic Heritage month, the goal of this program is to provide information and guidance to the community regarding starting a business. A number of high level Westchester government officials will also be in attendance. For more information, contact the New York State Small Business Development Center at 914-323-5362.
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October 15, 2012 7:00 am | by | No Comments
Categories: Events, Featured, Homepage, Library News, and Uncategorized.
Tags: adults, business, and career.

Westchester Multicultural Children's Book Festival

Westchester Multicultural Children's Book Festival

The 1st Annual Westchester Multicultural Children's Book Festival comes to the White Plains Public Library on Saturday, October 13th from 11:00 a.m. through 4:00 p.m. The free, all day festival will offer innovative, entertaining, and fun-filled programs for children, parents, teachers, and all advocates for children. The heart and soul of the festival are our magical and inspiring authors: Jerry & Gloria Pinkney Wade & Cheryl Hudson Eric Velasquez Mayma Raphael George O'Connor Jerry Craft Sudipta Bardhan Quallen Marie Roker-Jones Yona Zeldis McDonough Candi Sparks Ginger Pate Nick Bruel Hanna Erhlich Mark Weston Torrey Maldonado Danette Vigilante Mary O'Keefe Jason
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October 8, 2012 7:00 am | by | 1 Comment
Categories: Events, Featured, Homepage, Library News, and Uncategorized.
Tags: all ages, books, children, families, and parents.

The Art of Bob and Berenice Pliskin

The Art of Bob and Berenice Pliskin

Artists Bob and Berenice Pliskin mount a retrospective exhibit of their work on view through November 16th in our Museum Gallery. Ms. Pliskin's work features paintings on silk. Mr. Pliskin displays his photography. Meet the artists at a reception on Sunday, October 14th, at 2 p.m. Ms. Pliskin will give a demonstration of the painting on silk technique on Wednesday, October 24 at 7 p.m. (Picture at left: Beach at Vernazza by Bob Pliskin)
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October 2, 2012 7:00 am | by | No Comments
Categories: Events, Featured, Gallery, Homepage, Library News, and Uncategorized.
Tags: adults, all ages, art, and museum gallery.