Archives for Featured

Grab & Go Craft Kits for Teens: Paper Beads

Grab & Go Craft Kits for Teens: Paper Beads

Which Craft? Wednesday has been phased into Grab & Go Craft Kits! Instead of finding materials around the house, teens in grades 7-12 can pick up a kit with project supplies at the Library, then follow along with the instructional video below to make the project. Or, you can find the materials around your home and follow the video to make the project. Kits are first come, first served, and will become available on Monday, April 19th. When you arrive at the Library to pick up a kit, just call 914-422-1490 and ask for the Grab & Go Craft Kit
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April 19, 2021 10:00 am | by | No Comments
Categories: Featured, Homepage Teens, Library News, and Teens.
Tags: arts and crafts, Grab & Go kits, and teens.

YTI Performing Arts Video Classes

YTI Performing Arts Video Classes

Courtesy of Youth Theater Interactions (YTI) in Yonkers, below is a selection of free performing arts video lessons in the categories of Acting, African Dance, African Drumming, Ballet, Keyboard, Music Theory, Tap and Vocals. These are video series of previous YTI virtual semesters. YTI has provided these video lessons to the Library free of charge to encourage the White Plains community to “Take a chance and learn a new form of artistic expression on your own schedule, and from the safety of your own home.” Acting Spring 2020 Virtual Class Series Fall 2020 Virtual Class Series African Dance Spring 2020
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April 14, 2021 10:00 am | by | No Comments
Categories: Classes, Featured, Homepage Kids, Homepage Teens, Kids, Library News, and Teens.
Tags: acting, ballet, dance, music, performing arts, theater, and Youth Theater Interactions.

Lynda.com is Becoming LinkedIn Learning

Lynda.com is Becoming LinkedIn Learning

Starting Wednesday, April 14th at 9:00 a.m., the Westchester Library System will begin migrating library patrons from Lynda.com to LinkedIn Learning. The migration is expected to complete in a few days. There will be no access during this process. After the migration is complete, you will be able to login using your library card number and PIN without needing to create a new profile. If you use Lynda.com and have never used the library card number and PIN access method before, your account information will not migrate. Before Wednesday at 9:00 a.m., your account must be accessed using your library
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April 13, 2021 3:17 pm | by | No Comments
Categories: Featured, Homepage, and Library News.
Tags: library resources, LinkedIn, LinkedIn learning, and lynda.com.

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 daughter and I love music. Jazzy mornings playing; sing-alongs in the car; country, classic rock, reggae, 80s and 90s cookouts and backyard fun; headbanging rock and punk after dinner dance parties; a 70s soul-funk-R&B soundtrack for baking and cooking… Music is a constant in our lives. Here are some picture books filled with positivity based on classic songs
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April 8, 2021 10:00 am | by | No Comments
Categories: Authors & Books, Featured, Homepage Kids, Kids, and Library News.
Tags: children's books, music, Peculiar Picks, staff picks, and staff recommendations.

The Importance of Wordless Books

The Importance of Wordless Books

“Wordless picture books are often quickly dismissed as being too easy. But they are a powerful tool in developing literacy skills. Understanding books without words involves interpreting the illustrations as there is no text to rely on. This promotes comprehension, vocabulary, and listening skills and an understanding of story structure and character development.”–Children's Library Lady Return, by Aaaron Becker Library Catalog A father and daughter duo embark on a great adventure. Spot the Cat, by Henry Cole Library Catalog An open window is Spot’s opportunity to experience a day full of adventures. Unspoken: a Story From the Underground Railroad, by
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April 7, 2021 9:04 am | by | No Comments
Categories: Authors & Books, Featured, Homepage Kids, Kids, and Library News.
Tags: children's books, picture books, staff picks, staff recommendations, and wordless books.

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.

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.

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.

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.

International Transgender Day of Visibility

International Transgender Day of Visibility

Each year, March 31st is celebrated as the International Transgender Day of Visibility. This is a day to honor the experiences and contributions of transgender and gender nonconforming people, and to recognize the discrimination they face. We’ve collected a bunch of children’s and YA books that reflect and celebrate a variety of transgender and gender nonconforming people. Find a collection of related titles on OverDrive here. The Human Rights Campaign Organization’s Welcoming Schools Project has a wealth of curriculum resources for teachers and parents. For further reading, I highly recommend their booklist: Great Diverse Children's Books with Transgender, Non-Binary and
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March 16, 2021 9:00 am | by | No Comments
Categories: Authors & Books, Featured, Homepage Kids, Homepage Teens, Kids, Library News, and Teens.
Tags: children's books, children's literature, International Transgender Day of Visibility, Observances and Celebrations, staff picks, staff recommendations, YA books, and YA Fiction.

STEAM Children’s Books: Math

STEAM Children’s Books: Math

In this new monthly STEAM series, I will highlight some wonderful picture books that fall under a STEAM category: Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics. In celebrating Women’s History Month we will review some wonderful math books, including biographies of mathematicians, picture and board books. These books can be found in our print collection at The Trove and on OverDrive. At the end of the post, you'll also find some fun and educational websites for kids. Nothing Stopped Sophie by Cheryl Bardoe and Barbara McClintock Library Catalog Sophie Germaine was unstoppable. During the French Revolution, when nothing seemed to be
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March 15, 2021 10:00 am | by | No Comments
Categories: Authors & Books, Featured, Homepage Kids, Kids, and Library News.
Tags: Observances and Celebrations, picture books, staff picks, staff recommendations, STEAM, STEAM books, STEAM learning, STEM, and womens history month.