Archives for COVID-19

COVID-19 Testing Sites

COVID-19 Testing Sites

What's the most popular reference question lately? It's where to go for COVID-19 testing. Here's our list of local testing sites. Please note that schedules and availability of testing varies across these locations and are subject to change. Make sure to check a location's website or call before visiting. You can also call the White Plains Coronavirus Hotline with related questions at (914) 681-2900. Do you know of another White Plains testing site not listed here? Or a change with any of the listed sites? Leave us a comment below or email tbaird@whiteplainslibrary.org so we can verify and update our
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July 27, 2022 10:00 am | by | 4 Comments
Categories: COVID-19, eNewsletter, Featured, Homepage, and Library News.
Tags: covid testing, covid-19, covid-19 testing, COVID19, and covid19 testing.

KnowlEDGE: Teen Services

KnowlEDGE: Teen Services

Welcome to KnowlEDGE, news and information about teens services at the White Plains Public Library. With cases of the Omicron variant dropping significantly and State mask restrictions being lowered we have made some changes in the Edge. The biggest change is video games. On Tuesdays you and your friends can come in and play the PS4, and on Thursdays you all can play the Nintendo Switch. Future changes are coming. Things to look out for are in-person programs with Kat, Austin, and Erik! More computers to use and easier printing. The biggest change will be enjoying snacks in the Edge
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March 16, 2022 9:32 am | by | No Comments
Categories: COVID-19, Events, Featured, Homepage Teens, Library News, and Teens.
Tags: Edge updates, KnowlEDGE, teen events, teen programming, teen services, teen services news, and The Edge.

Back to School: Alleviating Anxiety

Back to School: Alleviating Anxiety

Last year was, to put it mildly, obviously a not-as-expected school year. While things are hopefully looking better for the coming year, you and your children may have some concerns. On Wednesday, September 1st at 7:00 p.m. a panel of childcare and School District professionals will be on-hand to answer questions and discuss what to expect in this school year. During Back to School: Alleviating Anxiety and Concerns, our panelists will cover recurring themes of questions and concerns submitted below. Note: the panel will not be able to answer questions specific to individual children or families during the program. Join
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August 31, 2021 10:32 am | by | No Comments
Categories: COVID-19, Events, and Teens.
Tags: back to school, covid-19, COVID19, and school.

Library Reopening April 29th

Library Reopening April 29th

To read this text in Spanish, click here / Para español, haga clic aquí. We are very pleased that the Library reopened on Thursday, April 29th. A huge thanks goes to all of our patrons for their patience as we navigated this past year. Some facts about our service updates: We reopened with the exact same level of service we offered over the summer: Patrons are welcome to browse the first floor collections and check out material. Appointments are no longer required to visit the Trove. We will still be mindful of the number of people using the space at
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April 27, 2021 3:38 pm | by | 17 Comments
Categories: COVID-19, Director's Corner, Featured, Homepage, Homepage Kids, Homepage Teens, Kids, Library News, and Teens.
Tags: covid-19, COVID-19 update, COVID19, library hours, library reopening, and library services.

Browsing Suspended, Grab & Go Continues

Browsing Suspended, Grab & Go Continues

In response to the rising number of COVID-19 cases in Westchester County, the Library is suspending browsing in the building. This means there will be no access to our first floor collections or the Trove beginning Friday, November 27. We will continue to offer reference services via phone, text, and email. Our Grab & Go services have changed. To utilize Grab & Go pickup services, place items on hold through our catalog and you will be notified when they are available. Give us a call at 422-1490 when you are heading to the Library and we will place your items
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December 28, 2020 10:00 am | by | 4 Comments
Categories: COVID-19, Director's Corner, Featured, Homepage, Homepage Kids, Homepage Teens, Kids, Library News, and Teens.
Tags: building update, closures, coronavirus, covid-19, COVID19, library services, and library update.

COVID-19 Vaccine Scams

COVID-19 Vaccine Scams

The following information is taken from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Reports on the release of COVID-19 vaccines by the end of the year are promising, but plans for distribution are still being worked out. Here’s what we know currently: The vaccine from Pfizer/BioNTech has been authorized for Emergency Use while the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is moving towards finalizing the Emergency Use Authorization of Moderna’s vaccine. Additional vaccine manufacturers are expected to apply for FDA authorization in 2021. The distribution of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine to federal- and state-approved locations has begun. For most people living in the U.S.,
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December 18, 2020 10:08 am | by | No Comments
Categories: COVID-19, Evergreen, Featured, Homepage, and Library News.
Tags: covid scams, covid vaccine, covid-19, COVID19, scam, scams, vaccine, and vaccines.

December Daily Poetry

December Daily Poetry

Every 1st Wednesday for 16 years we Slam at the Library with an Open Mic, Open Slam, and World Famous Slam Poet Feature. We started this all on January 26, 2004. During the 2020 virus outbreak we are posting 1 poem a day from our archives until we can share our poetry in public and proximity again. December 11th: Isabella December 10th: Gustavo December 9th: Francesca December 8th: Esiyem December 7th: Cye December 6th: Brando December 5th: Anya December 4th: Adrianna December 3rd: Mikey December 2nd: Taye Vaughn December 1st: Beth
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December 2, 2020 4:57 pm | by | No Comments
Categories: COVID-19, Featured, Homepage, and Library News.
Tags: daily poem, poem a day, poetry, poetry slam, slam poetry, videos, and Zork.

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
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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.
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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.

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
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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.

Day of the Dead/Día de los Muertos Virtual Exhibit

Day of the Dead/Día de los Muertos Virtual Exhibit

The Day of the Dead, or Día de los Muertos, is based on ancient Aztec traditions. Originally celebrated at the beginning of August, this tradition was later adopted by the Catholic Church and became el Día de los Muertos. The Day of the Dead is primarily celebrated in Mexico, Central America, and in the South West of the United States. Ever more frequently, it is celebrated in cities of the United States that have large Mexican and Central American populations. The Day of the Dead is celebrated on November 1st and 2nd. These days are also known as Día de
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October 29, 2020 12:06 pm | by | No Comments
Categories: COVID-19 and Library News.
Tags: Day of the Dead, Day of the Dead Virtual Exhibit, Dia de los Muertos, Observances and Celebrations, and photos.

Register Now: Pause and Reflect Writing Workshop

Register Now: Pause and Reflect Writing Workshop

Pause…and Reflect: Stories from Your Side of the Window. Join us for this 8-session online creative writing workshop beginning October 6th. Through exercises and supportive evaluations, you’ll learn techniques that will help you get at the heart of your stories from the pandemic. At the conclusion of the workshop, you are invited to have your story recorded and preserved on film (see the last workshop's film below) to show us how, for all the distance, the walls and windows, the lack of touch, we are still intimately connected. This workshop welcomes all writing levels. Ultimately, these stories will become part
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October 1, 2020 1:03 pm | by | 2 Comments
Categories: Classes, COVID-19, Events, and Library News.
Tags: covid-19, COVID19, Documenting COVID-19, Pause and Reflect, and writing workshop.

Summer of Making Recap

Summer of Making Recap

Earlier this year, the Library was very happy to learn that Verisk Analytics would continue supporting our Summer of Making programs during the pandemic. We also received funds from Con Edison to support two weeks of afternoon programming this summer as well. This year we faced a big challenge: how to offer these programs virtually. The Library hired two Edge-ucators to run our virtual programs for teenagers. Carolina Melo grew up in White Plains and graduated from White Plains High School. She recently graduated from Parsons School of Design with an MFA. Michael Brand is a student at Iona College
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September 22, 2020 11:40 am | by | No Comments
Categories: COVID-19, Featured, Homepage Kids, Homepage Teens, Kids, Library News, and Teens.
Tags: Con Edison, STEAM, STEAM learning, STEM, Summer of Making, Verisk Analytics, and White Plains Library Foundation.

Homeschooling Reading List

Homeschooling Reading List

Many parents are choosing to homeschool their children this year given the current pandemic. To be clear, choosing to follow a full virtual model provided by your school district is NOT to be confused with homeschooling. Homeschooling is where you are completely responsible for both the curriculum and reporting your child’s progress to the state. Homeschooling is an involved process that must follow certain guidelines.  New homeschooling parents need resources to help them. We at the Library have many items available to make your journey easier.  In addition to physical titles in our Parenting section, we have many eBook and
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August 27, 2020 10:44 am | by | No Comments
Categories: Authors & Books, COVID-19, Featured, Homepage Family CV, Homepage Kids, Homepage Teens, Kids, Library News, and Teens.
Tags: at home learning, eBooks, Homeschool, homeschooling, parenting, parenting in a pandemic, staff picks, and staff recommendations.

Parenting in a Pandemic: The New School Year

Parenting in a Pandemic: The New School Year

Let’s face it, school is what is on every parent’s mind right now. With the official New York State announcement that schools may open according to district reopening plans and our schools recently publicizing their plans for the upcoming school year, it’s pretty much all parents can talk about.  The most up-to-date information on the reopening plans for White Plains Public Schools can be found here, including the recent announcement that a 100% remote learning option will be available for anyone who wants it. I have heard from so many people that if they don’t like the plans, they will
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August 14, 2020 10:46 am | by | No Comments
Categories: COVID-19, eNewsletter, Featured, Homepage Family CV, Homepage Kids, Homepage Teens, Kids, Library News, and Teens.
Tags: back to school, home school, Homeschool, Hybrid learning, parenting, parenting in a pandemic, pointers 4 parents, Remote learning, and school.

Documenting COVID-19: Uplifting Rocks

Documenting COVID-19: Uplifting Rocks

Photo and text submitted by Ro Munns on May 30, 2020. An anonymous White Plains resident painted “uplifting rocks” and sprinkled them around WP neighborhoods. When people were out walking they could see and enjoy them. I saw this one on Mamaroneck Ave not far from my home. It certainly helped to put things back into perspective! Submit your own experience.
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July 24, 2020 10:00 am | by | No Comments
Categories: COVID-19, Featured, Homepage, and Library News.
Tags: community art, covid-19, COVID19, Documenting COVID-19, photo, and white plains.

Documenting COVID-19: Houses of Worship

Documenting COVID-19: Houses of Worship

Below is a compilation of submissions from local houses of worship. Bethel Baptist Church eLights of Hope newsletter (PDF), March–May 2020, Volume 1. Submitted June 3, 2020. St. Matthew's Lutheran Church Submitted by Leah Warncke, Administrative Assistant, on June 9, 2020: Attached you will find a brief paragraph about our church during this time of COVID 19 shutdown and pictures/videos of St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church in White Plains gathering for worship virtually. Blessings Rev. Jonathan J. Recabarren St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church has served the people in the city of White Plains for 125 years. As we gather as one body to enrich
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July 16, 2020 1:10 pm | by | No Comments
Categories: COVID-19 and Library News.
Tags: covid-19, COVID19, Documenting COVID-19, Religious Organizations, and white plains.

Documenting COVID-19: PBA Volunteers

Documenting COVID-19: PBA Volunteers

Photo and text submitted by Paul Schwarz, MOWWP Board President. In March, at the beginning of the pandemic crisis, we had a knock at the door of our office at Meals on Wheels of White Plains. We were surprised to find two members of the White Plains police force. “Don't worry,” they said. “We're here as the PBA and we want to know if you need help.” Weeks later, as more and more of our volunteers declined to go out, we took them up on their offer. At the height of the crisis, for several weeks in May, members of
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July 10, 2020 10:00 am | by | No Comments
Categories: COVID-19, Featured, Homepage, and Library News.
Tags: covid-19, COVID19, Documenting COVID-19, Meals on Wheels, PBA, and white plains.