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Community Reads

Community Reads

What better time than now to share what you're reading? Everyone’s looking for book recommendations right now, and we have many to share in our newsletter, but we thought we could share as a community on social media. So snap a photo of what you’re reading, use the hashtag #WPPLreads and tag us on Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook and we'll share and discuss. Facebook: @WhitePlainsPublicLibrary or comment here. Instagram: @whiteplainslibrary Twitter: @whiteplainslib or reply to our thread here.
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March 23, 2020 10:07 am | by | No Comments
Categories: Authors & Books, eNewsletter, Evergreen, Featured, Homepage, and Library News.
Tags: book recommendations, community reads, and social media.

Stuck at Home: Teens Edition

Stuck at Home: Teens Edition

Some of the sites listed here may be offering some content free of charge or may be offering free access currently in response to the virus, but will move to a charge model again in the future. Please take care when using these sites to avoid unwanted charges. Online Reading from the Library These resources require a library card to access. Libby: Access an abundance of digital materials, including eBooks for teens from the Library’s catalog. Comics Plus: Do your teens like comics? A great selection of e-comics, including many popular titles, available online. Freading: Another resource for accessing YA
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March 20, 2020 5:02 pm | by | No Comments
Categories: eNewsletter, Evergreen, Featured, Homepage Family CV, Homepage Teens, and Teens.
Tags: online learning, resources, safe at home, stuck at home, and teens.

Music-Themed Picture Book Read-Alouds on Libby

Music-Themed Picture Book Read-Alouds on Libby

Some of you may ask what is Libby? Libby is an easy-to-use app that allows you to borrow eBooks and digital audiobooks with your library card for free. Libby has thousands of Adult, Teen, and Children’s titles that you can borrow using your iPad, tablet, or phone by downloading the app from your app store. One of my favorite types of content available on Libby are the Read-Alouds that with their narration and word highlighting make them perfect to share with pre-readers and beginning readers. For fun, I have highlighted 3 of my favorite Read-Alouds that share the subject of
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March 19, 2020 2:52 pm | by | No Comments
Categories: Authors & Books, eNewsletter, Evergreen, Featured, Homepage Kids, Kids, and Library News.
Tags: libby, music, picture books, and read-alouds.

Battle of the Books Inspired Reading List

Battle of the Books Inspired Reading List

As part of the book selection committee for Westchester’s Battle of the Books trivia competition, I spent January and February reading and considering books for the 2020 reading list. Librarians across Westchester nominated titles for the teen division and I tried to read as many as possible. While this year’s reading list hasn’t yet been finalized, I had so much fun with the nominated titles that I wanted to share a few of my favorites. These are all available in eBook format through Westchester Library System. Hot Dog Girl by Jennifer Dugan Libby: eBook only A very light summer romance
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March 19, 2020 11:53 am | by | No Comments
Categories: Authors & Books, eNewsletter, Evergreen, Featured, Homepage Teens, Library News, and Teens.
Tags: battle of the books, digital audiobooks, eBooks, hoopla, libby, and young adult fiction.

Storytimes at Home

Storytimes at Home

Just because you’re stuck at home (and can’t get physical books from the Library) doesn’t mean storytime can’t take place. While screen time has always been a concern, perhaps that concern could be let slide to get great books read-aloud to your child. Check out these resources for online storytimes. Some are from the Library’s resources and others are hand-selected by Trove librarians. From the Library Daddy-Daughter Storytime with White Plains Public Library’s Youth Services Manager, Josh Carlson. Morning and Evening Storytimes from Trove Librarians on Tuesdays and Thursdays starting April 7. Bedtime Stories for Teens and Adults with Edge
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March 17, 2020 2:21 pm | by | No Comments
Categories: eNewsletter, Featured, Homepage, Homepage Family CV, Homepage Kids, and Kids.
Tags: eBooks and storytime.

Talkin’ Tech: Modern Multilinguals

Talkin’ Tech: Modern Multilinguals

Let’s talk about technology. Since the invention of the wheel, tools have become more and more complex – and today it can be hard to keep up! In the “Talkin' Tech” column, we will discuss the ever-changing trends in the modern digital arena. From artificial intelligence to Zuckerberg, join Austin in examining all things tech from our vantage point in the 4th industrial revolution: the imagination age! Have you ever wanted to try your hand at coding? Coding, or computer programming, is the way we talk to computers and tell them what to do. It is like learning a second
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March 17, 2020 1:11 pm | by | No Comments
Categories: eNewsletter, Evergreen, Featured, Homepage Kids, Homepage Teens, Kids, Library News, and Teens.
Tags: coding, digital technology, STEAM, and STEM.

Reading Around the World: Irish Culture

Reading Around the World: Irish Culture

With Tata's “Reading Around the World” book picks, younger patrons and their families will enjoy reading about the different cultural celebrations around the world. Easy holiday Picture Books and easy Folklore stories will introduce young readers to the world outside the U.S. Simply click on a title or cover to place it on hold. Irish lore and traditions are cherished by all. The contributions of our Irish immigrants have carved a path into our very identity. Enjoy these titles full of wit, humor and tradition. And may we all enjoy the luck of the Irish! PICTURE BOOKS The Leprechaun Under
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March 17, 2020 1:10 pm | by | No Comments
Categories: Authors & Books, eNewsletter, Evergreen, Featured, Homepage Kids, Kids, and Library News.
Tags: book recommendations, Irish folklore, Reading Around the World, and St. Patrick's Day.

Online Tutoring

Online Tutoring

If your schooling and learning support options have been affected by COVID-19, remember—as always—Tutor.com is available to help. Students will be able to connect with tutors from 9:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, until June 15. Access for free through our website here: https://whiteplainslibrary.org/trove/tutor-com-info/
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March 14, 2020 11:34 am | by | No Comments
Categories: Evergreen, Featured, Homepage, Homepage Kids, Homepage Teens, Kids, Library News, and Teens.
Tags: education, learning, school, tutoring, and tutors.

Cancellation Updates

Cancellation Updates

Program Cancellations: Check back here for updates All Programs and Events Suspended through March 31st As a precaution to help limit the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) and support the City of White Plains' efforts to promote social distancing, the White Plains Public Library has suspended all programming and events through March 31. The Library will remain open during our regular hours. The Westchester Library System is suspending all loans between libraries for the foreseeable future. We believe this is in the best interest of our staff, patrons and the public health of the County. This means our patrons will no
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March 12, 2020 12:12 pm | by | No Comments
Categories: Events, Featured, Homepage, Homepage Kids, Homepage Teens, and Library News.
Tags: cancellation, coronavirus, events, and programs.

Letter from the Library Director

Letter from the Library Director

Dear Library Patrons, As you know, Westchester County is experiencing an outbreak of the Novel Coronavirus, also known as COVID-19. A respiratory illness, it is spread from person to person and is occurring in countries around the world. The White Plains Public Library is committed to the health and well-being of both the public and the Library’s staff. At present, there is no change in our hours, operations or procedures. However, we are taking some preparatory steps: Throughout the Library, you will find hand sanitizers. There are wall-mounted sanitizers in the Lobby, the Café, the Edge, and on the second
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March 5, 2020 4:44 pm | by | 1 Comment
Categories: Director's Corner, Evergreen, Featured, Homepage, Homepage Kids, Homepage Teens, and Library News.
Tags: coronavirus.

Coronavirus [COVID-19] Facts

Coronavirus [COVID-19] Facts

The Library has gathered a list of trusted sources to provide factual information on the virus and steps to protect yourself. Bookmark these sites and return to them regularly for information you can trust: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC] will provide updated information as it becomes available, in addition to updated guidance. Local information from the Weschester County Department of Health. Information from the New York State Department of Heath. World Health Organization‘s continuous updates with helpful information for individuals and the workplace. Information from the National Library of Medicine. Go to “Statistics and Research” for numbers
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March 5, 2020 2:18 pm | by | No Comments
Categories: Director's Corner, eNewsletter, Evergreen, Featured, Homepage, Homepage Kids, Homepage Teens, and Library News.

Board Book Bonanza: Women’s History Month

Board Book Bonanza: Women’s History Month

“Board Book Bonanza” highlights the wealth of excellent board books being published for babies and young preschoolers for parents and caregivers to share with their little-ones. It's never too early to have fun and learn about science, art, history, and so much more! Recently, authors and illustrators have created a variety of collective biographies and biographies for babies with age-appropriate content. Here are some notable board book biographies of women to celebrate Women’s History Month: Dream Big, Little One by Vashti Harrison “Harrison offers an uplifting celebration of black leaders from the past and present. The subjects include scientists, artists
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March 2, 2020 10:00 am | by | No Comments
Categories: Authors & Books, Featured, Homepage Kids, Kids, and Library News.
Tags: board book bonanza, board books, and womens history month.

Teen Book Review: Sick Kids in Love

Teen Book Review: Sick Kids in Love

Below you'll find a book review of new or upcoming titles submitted by teens in the Edge. If you'd like to place a hold on the book being reviewed, click on the title or cover. Sick Kids in Love by Hannah Moskowitz Review: Isabel meets Sasha in a hospital. They both have illnesses. From the start Sasha is blunt about his feelings for Isabel but she has a no dating policy. Its overall seeing them develop their relationship and how their families and illnesses affect them. At points Isabel was a little annoying too much but Sasha was sweet and
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March 2, 2020 10:00 am | by | No Comments
Categories: Authors & Books, Featured, Homepage Teens, Library News, and Teens.
Tags: book review, by teens for teens, Hannah Moskowitz, and teen book review.

African Folktales

African Folktales

The African continent is home to many peoples and cultures. This sample covers only 6 diverse peoples from Africa, leaving many more to explore. Whet your appetite with these stories and visit the Trove to find many more. Enjoy! Mrs. Chicken and the Hungry Crocodile, by Won-Ldy Paye “A clever chicken outwits a hungry crocodile by convincing the reptile that she is her sister. This trickster tale is smart and funny. It comes from the Dan people of Liberia and this illustrated version is perfect for a younger audience.”—School Library Journal Beautiful Blackbird, by Ashley Bryan “Because they don't have
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February 28, 2020 2:06 pm | by | No Comments
Categories: Authors & Books, Evergreen, Featured, Homepage Kids, Kids, and Library News.

African American Tradition

African American Tradition

The African American tradition of storytelling helps bring together collective experiences and wisdom through well-known characters and stories as in the ones selected here. Enjoy these stories of hope, humor, kindness, cleverness, and more. Jump! The Adventures of Brer Rabbit, by Joel Chandler Harris “The folktales collected by Harris from former slaves at the end-of-the-century constitute a valuable contribution to African American folklore. The illustrations, full-page portraits of the character and their antics, are in pen-and-ink and watercolors. They match the text in humor and vigor.”—School Library Journal The Headless Haunt and Other African-American Ghost Stories, by James Haskins “A
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February 27, 2020 4:24 pm | by | No Comments
Categories: Authors & Books, Evergreen, Featured, Homepage Kids, Kids, and Library News.
Tags: african american tradition, black history month, children's books, folk tales, ghost stories, Observances and Celebrations, and storytelling.

Girl Power in Picture Books

Girl Power in Picture Books

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. Raquel's portion is aimed at readers up to Grade 3. A good web resource for book ideas to celebrate Women’s History Month is the A Mighty Girl website, which “features over 3,000 girl-empowering books.” Here are a few of the great picture books for young readers to celebrate Women’s History
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February 27, 2020 10:00 am | by | No Comments
Categories: Authors & Books, eNewsletter, Evergreen, Featured, Homepage Kids, Kids, and Library News.
Tags: picture books and womens history month.

Peculiar Picks: Narwhal and Jellyfish Series

Peculiar Picks: Narwhal and Jellyfish Series

Peculiar picks are a selection of odd, funny, interesting, curious, moving, irreverent, and otherwise wonderfully awesome, but perhaps not well known, reads. Picture books for younger readers and their grown-ups, handpicked by the Library's Youth Services Manager, Joshua Carlson. Many of the books in this column are ones that my wife and I have read with our daughter. Our experiences of trying to find books to keep up with her insatiable love of books, while also keeping us interested in reading them, lead to a lot of the choices in this column. The Narwhal and Jellyfish books by Ben Clanton
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February 27, 2020 10:00 am | by | No Comments
Categories: Authors & Books, eNewsletter, Featured, Homepage Kids, Kids, and Library News.
Tags: Ben Clanton, book recommendations, Peculiar Picks, and picture books.

Pointers 4 Parents: The Breaking News

Pointers 4 Parents: The Breaking News

Lauren's “Pointers 4 Parents” column features tips, tricks, and resources for caregivers with a specific focus on children with special needs. In light of all the terrible news that we see daily, be it on the news, social media, or in real life, here are some resources to help you talk to your children. Caroline Knorr of Common Sense Media suggests tips for talking to kids about violence, crime, and war at different ages. Common Sense Media is an amazing online resource for parents in general, not just for this topic. It gives parents information about nearly everything media related
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February 27, 2020 10:00 am | by | No Comments
Categories: Authors & Books, eNewsletter, Evergreen, Featured, Homepage Kids, Kids, and Library News.
Tags: book recommendations and pointers 4 parents.

New Book Group: Facts, Not Fiction

New Book Group: Facts, Not Fiction

New to the Library is “Facts, Not Fiction,” a discussion series centered around three nonfiction books. White Plains resident Mark Tracten—the U.S. representative of Great Britain’s Crown House Publishing (which he formerly headed along with Brunner/Mazel Publishers)–will lead the discussion. Here is the schedule: ♦ March 12: The Boys in the Boat, by Daniel James Brown (Penguin Books, 2013). ♦ April 9: The Lost City of the Monkey God, by Douglas Preston (Grand Central Publishing, 2017). ♦ May 14: 1776, by David McCullough (Simon & Schuster, 2005). The Thursday discussions will be in the Library’s first-floor Community Room at 6:00
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February 17, 2020 9:00 am | by | No Comments
Categories: Authors & Books, eNewsletter, Events, Featured, Homepage, and Library News.
Tags: book discussion, book groups, and Nonfiction book group.