Posts by Kristen, Adult Librarian

Author Seth Zuiho Segall in Conversation

Author Seth Zuiho Segall in Conversation

Conversation with Author Seth Zuiho Segall and Rabbi Les Bronstein Tuesday, December 5th, at 7:00 p.m. Auditorium Come to this dynamic conversation to hear about Zen priest and clinical psychologist Seth Zuiho Segall's new book, The House We Live in: Virtue, Wisdom and Pluralism. He will be interviewed by Rabbi Les Bronstein of Congregation Bet Am Shalom in White Plains. About The House We Live In: Virtue, Wisdom, and Pluralism The values of liberalism, pluralism, and democratic governance are under sustained attack from right-wing Christian fundamentalists, white ethnonationalists, and economic populists. At the same time, liberal democracies are failing at
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November 28, 2023 1:35 pm | by | No Comments
Categories: Authors & Books, Book Discussion, Events, Featured, Homepage, and Library News.
Tags: author talk, Rabbi Les Bronstein, and Seth Zuiho Segall.

Short Story Discussion Series: Fall 2023

Short Story Discussion Series: Fall 2023

Join Librarian Barbara Wenglin to explore compelling selections from the rich anthology, New York Stories, ed. by Diana Secker Tesdell, (Everyman’s Pocket Classics, c2011). These vibrant and varied works by acclaimed authors provide a colorful vision of “the city that never sleeps” in all its grittiness and glamour “from high life, low life, nightlife, and everything in between.” A copy of the book is on hold at the Hub/Reference Desk for reading in the Library with circulating copies available to borrow through the catalog. Zoom Register Here for full series and attend when you can! Thursdays from 2:00 – 4:15
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November 18, 2023 1:00 pm | by | No Comments
Categories: Authors & Books, Book Discussion, Events, Featured, Homepage, and Library News.
Tags: Barbara Wenglin, book groups in Westchester, book groups in White Plains, Short stories, short story book discussion series, and short story discussion groups.

Masterwork Conversations Perform 10/29

Masterwork Conversations Perform 10/29

Back by popular demand as the Friends of the White Plains Public Library's musical offering this fall, Masterwork Conversations will perform a concert on Sunday, October 29th in the Auditorium at 2:00 p.m. Matthew Harrison and Vlada Yaneva perform Art as Antidote to AI. “Art like this is an antidote to AI’s artificial mashups, and demonstrates that all the processed data in the world still needs some ineffable spark of creation to rise above mere machine reproduced patterns. We find in art ourselves, the essence of our humanness, and as we listen we draw closer to ourselves and each other.”
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October 22, 2023 3:45 pm | by | 1 Comment
Categories: Library News.
Tags: Masterwork Conversations, musical performances, and performing arts.

Terry Kessler Schwarz: “Impressions” Exhibit

Terry Kessler Schwarz: “Impressions” Exhibit

Terry Kessler Schwarz Impressions Art Solo Exhibit On display in the Museum Gallery from September 22nd through December 12 In her upcoming drawing and painting exhibition Impressions, Terry Kessler Schwarz will be presenting drawings and paintings of nature focusing on land, sky, water and city life. TERRY KESSLER SCHWARZ is a painter, calligrapher, illustrator, photographer and teacher.  She received her BFA from Syracuse University and MFA in printmaking/painting from the School of the Museum of Fine Arts, Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts.  She has also trained at Tyler School of Art (Temple University) in Italy, Rochester Institute of Technology, Parsons School
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September 19, 2023 12:54 pm | by | 1 Comment
Categories: Events, Featured, Gallery, and Homepage.
Tags: art, art and artists, art exhibit, gallery, and Terry Kessler Schwarz.

Iranian Women Speak

Iranian Women Speak

Caroline Reddy is a Children’s librarian at White Plains Public Library. Her work has appeared in Active Muse, Calliope, Clinch, CulturalDaily, Grey Sparrow, Starline, and Tupelo Quarterly Review among others.  In the fall of 2021, her poem “A Sacred Dance” was nominated for the Best of The Net prize by Active Muse. A native of Shiraz, Iran, Caroline’s work has also appeared in the anthology Iranian Women Speak (IHRAF)  to raise awareness for #ZanZendegiAzadi, #WomenLifeFreedom movement, in Iran. Her first manuscript Shake the Atmosphere to Reclaim an Empty Moment is forthcoming with Pierian Springs Press. For more information please click
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September 6, 2023 9:20 am | by | No Comments
Categories: Authors & Books, Director's Corner, Featured, Homepage, and Library News.
Tags: author interview, Caroline Reddy, Iran, Iranian Women Speak, and Meet the Staff.

White Plains After Hours for Grades 9-12

White Plains After Hours for Grades 9-12

Friday, June 2nd marked the launch of a new citywide initiative aimed at offering dedicated spaces and events in the evening for White Plains residents in grades 9-12. The Library came together with various City departments and White Plains based organizations after local teens expressed an urgent need for a place to hangout in the evening. White Plains Teen After Hours is a collaboration between ArtsWestchester, the City of White Plains, El Centro Hispano, White Plains Recreation & Parks, the White Plains Youth Bureau, and the White Plains Public Library.   Below is our upcoming schedule. We have more events
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August 19, 2023 1:20 pm | by | No Comments
Categories: Events, Featured, Homepage, Homepage Teens, Library News, and Teens.
Tags: After Hours, events for teens in White Plains, White Plains After Hours, and White Plains teen after hours.

Staff Summer Reads

Staff Summer Reads

Looking for an exciting book to read on a plane or train, listen to on a car trip, or just enjoy at home? Checkout one of our staff recommendations below. We've got something for everyone – mysteries, memoir, graphic novels, fantasy, cookbooks, and more! Do you have a summer reading you'd like to share? Leave us a comment below. Adult Fiction Portrait of a Thief by Grace D. Li Library Catalog A blockbuster action heist adventure that's also an examination of the pressures faced by the children of immigrants, Chinese American identity, the fears and questions that college students face
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June 7, 2023 10:00 am | by | No Comments
Categories: Authors & Books and Library News.
Tags: staff picks, staff recommendations, and summer reads.

Short Story Film Discussion

Short Story Film Discussion

Join White Plains Librarian and Fulbright Scholar Barbara Wenglin via Zoom to explore compelling selections from the rich anthology, Stories of Fatherhood, edited by Diana Secker Tesdell (Everyman’s Pocket Classics, c2014).  In varied settings and cultures, the collection gathers more than a century of timeless stories about having, becoming, loving and losing fathers. A copy of the book is on hold at the Hub/Reference Desk for reading in the Library with circulating copies available to borrow through the catalog. Zoom Register Here for full series and attend when you can! Thursdays from 2:00 – 4:15 p.m. June 15 Zoom Film
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May 19, 2023 10:00 am | by | No Comments
Categories: Library News.
Tags: Barbara Wenglin, book groups in Westchester, book groups in White Plains, Short stories, short story book discussion series, and short story discussion groups.

2023 Foundation Gala Photos

2023 Foundation Gala Photos

The White Plains Library Foundation hosted its first gala in several years, attracting a strong showing of Library supporters. Held on Saturday, March 25th, the Gala, entitled Celebrating the Freedom to Read, addressed censorship and book banning. After dinner on the Library's first floor, attendees headed to the auditorium to honor White Plains resident Oren J. Teicher, former CEO of the American Booksellers Association, Board member of National Coalition Against Censorship, and 2019 recipient of the National Book Foundation’s Literarian Award for Outstanding Service to the American Literary Community. In keeping with the theme, the Foundation also welcomed special guest
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March 29, 2023 10:32 am | by | No Comments
Categories: Events, Homepage Foundation, Library Foundation, and Library News.
Tags: 2023 Foundation Gala, 2023 Library Gala, 2023 White Plains Library Gala, Foundation Gala, white plains, White Plains Library Foundation, and White Plains Public Library Gala.

“The Gratitude Project” Exhibit

“The Gratitude Project” Exhibit

Artist: Hilda Green Demsky “The Gratitude Project” Painting and Poetry Exhibit Interpretive oil paintings inspired by responses of 36 United States Poets Laureate to The New York Times inquiry “What people in their State would be thankful for” during the Covid pandemic. Demsky's exhibit will be on display in the Library's Gallery from April 3rd through May 25th, with an opening reception on Saturday, April 15th, from 2:00–4:00 p.m. Demsky will also give an Artist's Talk on Sunday, April 23rd at 3:00 p.m. This exhibit is part of the Library's celebration of National Poetry month. When thirty-six United States poets
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March 27, 2023 1:00 pm | by | No Comments
Categories: Gallery and Library News.
Tags: art exhibit, art exhibit in white plains, art gallery, covid-19, Hilda Green Demsky, national poetry month, Observances and Celebrations, and poet laureates.

Women’s History Month Books & Films

Women’s History Month Books & Films

Celebrate Women's History Month with one of our staff selected books and films. See our staff curated Libby list here. Books She Came to to Slay: The Life and Times of Harriet Tubman by Erica Armstrong Dunbar Library Catalog: Print / CD Audiobook Libby: eBook / Audiobook National Book Award nominee Erica Armstrong Dunbar presents a fresh take on this American icon blending traditional biography, illustrations, photos, and engaging sidebars that illuminate the life of Tubman as never before. Not only did Tubman help liberate hundreds of slaves, she was the first woman to lead an armed expedition during the
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March 1, 2023 9:00 am | by | No Comments
Categories: Authors & Books and Library News.
Tags: Observances and Celebrations, staff picks, staff recommendations, Women's History, and womens history month.

Kanopy Goes British

Kanopy Goes British

Looking for some of the best of British programming? We know how popular British TV series are, especially mysteries. So we’re very happy that the streaming video collection Kanopy is adding many new titles from the BBC Studios. To access the new BBC Studios collection, just go here. What will you find? The Inspector Lynley series, the classic Father Brown, the very popular Death in Paradise, Maigret, and more. Plus science fiction, thrillers, and comedy. So make a good strong cup of PG Tips, crack open a box of shortbread biscuits, and let it snow!
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February 28, 2023 10:00 am | by | No Comments
Categories: Featured and Library News.
Tags: BBC Studios, Kanopy, mysteries, streaming TV, and television.

Homework Help and Resume Assistance

Homework Help and Resume Assistance

Are you looking for a tutor for your child? Do you need help preparing for college entrance exams? Maybe you need assistance writing a resume or looking for a new job? With Tutor.com you can get expert assistance with all of the above and much more at no cost to you with your White Plains library card. Here are just a few of the resources available through Tutor.com: Connect with a live tutor on a variety of subjects from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Submit a paper for review – tutors will get back to you in 12 hours. Drop
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February 14, 2023 2:46 pm | by | No Comments
Categories: Evergreen, Featured, Homepage, Homepage Kids, Homepage Teens, Kids, Library News, and Teens.
Tags: homework help, job search help, library resources, resume help, tutor.com, tutoring, and tutors.

Celebrate Black History Month

Celebrate Black History Month

From novels to genealogy workshops, dance performances to films, and storytimes to memoirs, we've got scores of ways to help you celebrate Black History Month. For a list of recommended reads for children, see Raquel's dazzling list of nonfiction picks here. Events Black History Month StoryWalk February is Black History Month. Come view the Library’s StoryWalk featuring Molly, By Golly!: The Legend of Molly Williams, America’s First Female Firefighter by Dianne Ochiltree, illustrated by Kathleen Kemly. In addition to the StoryWalk, there will be some photos related to the history of firefighting in White Plains on display. The StoryWalk will
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February 1, 2023 10:00 am | by | No Comments
Categories: Authors & Books and Library News.
Tags: Black art, Black History, black history month, library events, Observances and Celebrations, staff picks, and staff recommendations.

AARP Foundation Tax-Aide

AARP Foundation Tax-Aide

Volunteers from AARP will prepare taxes free of charge on select dates beginning February 1st through April 17th. Appointments are required. Just one appointment is needed. To make an appointment, call 914-348-3467 or email 500177589@aarpfoundation.org (please note: if you call and leave a message, when the call is returned the number will not say AARP so please pay attention to the above number and answer the call). At your scheduled appointment time, please bring the following: 1. Copy of last year's federal and state tax return 2. W-2 forms showing income from your employer 3. 1099-R forms showing pension or
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January 24, 2023 10:25 am | by | 7 Comments
Categories: Events, Featured, Homepage, and Library News.
Tags: AARP Foundation Tax Aide, AARP Tax Aide, tax help, tax prep, and tax preparation.

Lunchtime Meditation 2023

Lunchtime Meditation 2023

Our popular Lunchtime Meditation series returns to Zoom this January. This wellness program includes brief beginning instruction followed by meditation. No experience is needed. A variety of guest instructors will lead the program from 12:00–12:45 p.m. on the following Wednesdays: January 25: Sharon Lewis February 1: Seth Segall February 8: Daniel Lauter February 15: Sharon March 1: Seth March 8: Andrea Deierlein March 15: Russ Michel March 22: Sharon March 29: Dan Cayer April 12: Seth April 19: Andrea April 26: Sharon May 3: Andrea May 10: Seth May 17: Sharon May 24: Dan June 7: Seth June 14: Andrea
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January 18, 2023 9:36 am | by | No Comments
Categories: Events, Featured, Homepage, and Library News.
Tags: lunchtime meditation, lunchtime meditation at the library, Meditation, meditation classes in White Plains, mindfulness, Wellness, wellness classes in white plains, Wellness programs, and Wellness Wednesdays.

Most Popular 2022 Checkouts

Most Popular 2022 Checkouts

Below is a list of the 2022 top five most popular fiction, nonfiction, films, children's books, and YA titles based on the number of times they've been checked out from our collection. We told you what our staff loved last year, well, here's what was most popular among your fellow Library patrons. I'm sure you'll notice a few trends – our patrons really love Colleen Hoover, memoirs, Dog Man, and Disney! Fiction The Lincoln Highway by Amor Towles (Library Collection / Libby) It Ends With Us by Colleen Hoover (Library Collection / Libby) Verity by Colleen Hoover (Library Collection / Libby)
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January 17, 2023 1:58 pm | by | No Comments
Categories: Authors & Books, Featured, Homepage, and Library News.
Tags: book recommendations, books, end of year lists, film, patron favorites, top checkouts, and tv.

Short Story Discussion: January 2023

Short Story Discussion: January 2023

Join White Plains Librarian Barbara Wenglin via Zoom to explore compelling selections from the rich anthology, Stories of Fatherhood, edited by Diana Secker Tesdell (Everyman’s Pocket Classics, c2014), along with discussion of a related film. If you haven’t registered yet for fall series, use Zoom Registration Link for January sessions. Program is supported by the Friends of the Library. All are welcome, including newcomers Stories of Fatherhood A copy of the book is on hold at the Hub Desk for reading in the Library along with circulating copies available to borrow through the catalog. Thursdays from 2:00 – 4:15 p.m.
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January 12, 2023 2:23 pm | by | 3 Comments
Categories: Library News.
Tags: Barbara Wenglin, book groups in Westchester, book groups in White Plains, Short stories, short story book discussion series, and short story discussion groups.

Banned Books Photobooth

Banned Books Photobooth

Get caught reading a Banned Book in the Library's Lobby! Take a “mugshot” holding your favorite banned or challenged book with our “crime” sign in front of our backdrop. Post your selfie to social media using the hashtag #WPFreedomtoRead OR upload your photos to our website here. We'll add your “mugshots” to this page and our gallery as they come in. We'll also have a pop-up photobooth at upcoming #WPFreedomtoRead events where staff can take your photo. “Mugshot” Gallery:
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December 31, 2022 11:26 am | by | No Comments
Categories: Authors & Books, Events, Featured, Homepage, and Library News.
Tags: #WPFreedomtoRead, banned books, Banned Books Photobooth, Banned Books Week, and library staff.

Grab & Go Kit: YearCompass Journal

Grab & Go Kit: YearCompass Journal

All kits have been taken. If you'd like to print out your own copy or complete a digital version, visit YearCompass here. Reflect on the past 12 months with YearCompass, a journaling activity looking back on the last year, and working on planning your year ahead. Grab & Go Kits including one printout booklet and a colored pen will be available on a table in the lobby starting Wednesday (12/14) afternoon. Supplies are limited and available first-come, first served.  
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December 14, 2022 10:00 am | by | 2 Comments
Categories: Library News.
Tags: journaling, new year's resolutions, and YearCompass.