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Stress, Anxiety, Your Child, and COVID-19

Stress, Anxiety, Your Child, and COVID-19

By Josh Carlson, Manager of Youth Services. Is it all getting to be a bit much? Trying to balance #WFH; home learning; shared space; concern about safety, health, wellbeing; social distancing – the list goes on. Do you feel like your children are driving you insane? If online memes and videos are anything to go by, families went crazy within one day of being at home together. Take a deep breath. This pandemic has impacted everyone’s lives immeasurably, but consider the disruption to your child’s life: routines, school, activities, friendships, and their mental and emotional health. Your child may not
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April 1, 2020 3:52 pm | by | No Comments
Categories: Featured, Homepage, Homepage Kids, Kids, and Library News.
Tags: anxiety and covid-19.

April Wellness Programs

April Wellness Programs

Now more than ever, you may feel the need to center yourself and relieve stress. Join us for one or more of our virtual Wellness programs. Practitioners from a variety of backgrounds–Zen, Reiki, Alexander Technique, Yoga–will be leading Lunchtime Meditation programs on Wednesdays at Noon. Evening programs will cover Reiki, Mindfulness practice, and the Breath-Body-Mind Technique. To join, click on the Zoom link the day of the program. (You may wish to join a few minutes early to get the technology part sorted out.) Contact Christiane Deschamps with any questions. FOR ADULTS Lunchtime Meditation @ the Library Wednesdays 12:00-12:45 p.m.
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April 1, 2020 3:39 pm | by | No Comments
Categories: Events, Featured, Homepage, Homepage Teens, Library News, and Teens.
Tags: Meditation, mindfulness, reiki, Wellness, and Wellness programs.

Kanopy Films: Comedies

Kanopy Films: Comedies

Kanopy is a video streaming service that you can access from home with your White Plains Public Library card. With Kanopy, you can choose from thousands of movies, documentaries, foreign films, and more. And starting this month, users can watch up to 20 films instead of the usual 10! In this blog post, we’re going to take a peek at some of the movies Kanopy offers, this time focusing on Comedy. Hunt For The Wilderpeople Runtime: 102 mins Year: 2016 Rated PG-13 Starring: Julian Dennison, Rachel House, Rhys Darby, Rima Te Wiata, Sam Neill Language: English Directed by acclaimed New
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April 1, 2020 2:24 pm | by | No Comments
Categories: Featured, Homepage, and Library News.
Tags: comedies, film recommendations, and Kanopy.

Virtual Museum Visits

Virtual Museum Visits

While local museums may be closed (meaning our museum pass program is temporarily unavailable), many of them have virtual tours and other programs you can experience from the comfort of your own home. Take a virtual trip to one of our participating museums listed below: Boscobel House and Garden Highlights of the House, the Collection and the Gardens and Grounds. Children’s Museum of Manhattan Videos, sing-a-longs, games and so much more for you to do together with your family. Cooper Hewitt Museum View collection online. Videos on interviews with designers, public programs and stories from behind the scenes. Frick Collection
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April 1, 2020 12:00 pm | by | No Comments
Categories: eNewsletter, Featured, Homepage, Homepage Kids, Kids, and Library News.
Tags: museums.

PandemiComic

PandemiComic

Calling all writers and artists! White Plains Public Library is collecting comic strips that illustrate a day in the life of social distancing. We're accepting submissions from adults, kids, and teens. Check out the prompts below for your age group. KIDS/TEENS: Here are some things to think about… How are you learning from home? Is it interactive/fun? Have you picked up any new hobbies like cooking, reading, playing a new game? How are your caretakers/siblings/relatives dealing with the pandemic? What are some pros and cons of spending so much time with family? Aside from the big stuff, what unexpected changes
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April 1, 2020 10:00 am | by | 1 Comment
Categories: eNewsletter, Featured, Homepage, Homepage Kids, Homepage Teens, Kids, Library News, and Teens.
Tags: art, comic submissions, comics, kids, and teens.

3D Printers Donated to Hospital

3D Printers Donated to Hospital

Dr. Stephen Erosa from St. John’s Riverside Hospital in Yonkers reached out to Westchester libraries with a call to action. Dr. Erosa has started a 3D printer farm at the hospital and asked Westchester Libraries to contribute their machines. He will be printing out pieces for face guards for hospital staff and essential workers. The White Plains Public Library stepped up and donated its two 3D printers, the Ultimaker 2+ extended and the Flashforge Creator Pro, along with six rolls of filament to help out the cause. On Thursday, Librarian Erik Carlson picked up the equipment and met with Dr.
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March 31, 2020 4:07 pm | by | No Comments
Categories: Director's Corner, eNewsletter, Featured, Homepage, and Library News.
Tags: 3D Printers, 3d printing, Con Edison, covid-19, Edge, and The Edge.

Learn a New Skill with Lynda.com

Learn a New Skill with Lynda.com

By Kristen Thornton-De Stafeno, Marketing & Adult Services Librarian (kthornton@whiteplainslibrary.org) Want to become a photographer? Graphic Designer? Guitarist? Well, the possibilities are endless with Lynda.com. A White Plains library card is necessary to get started; login with your card number and pin in order to access the links below. Lynda.com is great for learning a new skillset, brushing up on the latest version of software you're already familiar with, or even taking steps to start a new career. Below I explore some of the different learning paths, stand alone tutorials, and tips to make the most of your free Lynda.com
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March 23, 2020 1:30 pm | by | No Comments
Categories: eNewsletter, Evergreen, Featured, Homepage, and Library News.
Tags: lynda.com, online learning, and tutorials.

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: Staff Picks

Stuck at Home: Staff Picks

Stuck at home with kids and teens due to the virus? The White Plains Public Library has you covered with these suggestions from Josh Carlson, Manager of Youth Services. 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, Storytimes and Read Alouds from the Library These resources require a library card to access. Libby: Access an abundance of digital
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March 17, 2020 3:32 pm | by | No Comments
Categories: eNewsletter, Homepage, Homepage Family CV, Homepage Kids, Homepage Teens, Kids, Library News, and Teens.
Tags: online learning, online resources, safe at home, and staff recommendations.

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.

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.

March 14th Gala Postponed

March 14th Gala Postponed

In response to guidance that recommends social distancing to minimize the spread of , COVID19, the White Plains Library Foundation is postponing its March 14th Gala. The Foundation made this decision out of an abundance of caution and concerns about the evolving circumstances in Westchester County. Thank you for the incredible outpouring of support for the Foundation’s 25th Anniversary. We look forward to celebrating with you (and Erik Larson) at a future event, details to follow. Questions? Please contact Nancy Rubini, WPLF Executive Director, at nrubini@whiteplainslibrary.org or 914-422-1495. We’ll also be in touch about getting guests their copies of The
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March 9, 2020 10:28 am | by | 4 Comments
Categories: Director's Corner and Homepage.
Tags: COVID19, Erik Larson, gala, and postponed.

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.

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.

Changes to Trove Time and Mother Goose

Changes to Trove Time and Mother Goose

Mother Goose Play Time, the Trove’s early literacy program for little ones up to 24 months with a caregiver, and Trove Time, our storytime and socialization/play program for ages 2-4 with their caregivers, are two of our most popular programs. The demand for the Mother Goose program has far exceeded its current once per week scheduling, so in February some changes will be taking place. Mother Goose Play Time is now Trove Time: Tiny Tots and will take place on both Monday and Friday mornings at 10:30 a.m. It will be the same early literacy rich program with songs, finger
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January 27, 2020 5:06 pm | by | No Comments
Categories: eNewsletter, Events, Featured, Homepage, Homepage Kids, Kids, and Library News.
Tags: Mother Goose, Trove Time, and Trove Time: Tiny Tots.

Weekly Tech Topics

Weekly Tech Topics

Keeping up with the rapid pace of modern technology is not easy. Luckily, starting Monday nights in January you'll have the chance to learn about the latest digital trends from our Digital Media Specialist, Austin Olney. In these one-hour, weekly sessions, a variety of topics relating to the so-called “Fourth Industrial Revolution” will be broken down. From self-driving cars to bitcoin, join in on learning something new! The January & February schedule of topics are listed below. Registration is recommended; click on the date(s) you wish to attend to register online, or call us at (914) 422-1480. Programs run from
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January 27, 2020 10:13 am | by | No Comments
Categories: Classes, Events, Featured, Homepage, and Library News.
Tags: computers and technology.

Slow Reading Spring Session

Slow Reading Spring Session

Library users may wonder about one of our newest reading groups: Slow Reading. “Slow reading describes my practice of looking at a text very closely in order to appreciate nuances of language and hence of meaning,” says Ellen Lambert, author (The Face of Love: Feminism and the Beauty Question) and White Plains resident, who holds a Ph.D. in English from Yale University. Lambert taught literature at Manhattan’s Dalton School for over 25 years (and intends to start a tutoring service for high school students.) “In our discussions of short fiction, we often read particular passages out loud. We then examine
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January 16, 2020 11:15 am | by | 4 Comments
Categories: Authors & Books, Events, and Homepage.
Tags: book discussion and slow reading.

2019 Staff Picks

2019 Staff Picks

The White Plains Library Staff have assembled their picks for the year, featuring cookbooks, DVDs, music, audiobooks, and plenty of plain old books. It's a wonderfully wide-ranging list, full of lots of surprises, and should help with your holiday shopping or just some entertainment for yourself. Enjoy! Below you'll find a list with links to the catalog or resource where they're available (simply click on the title) as well as a blurb on why staff enjoyed it. Gluten-free Baking at Home by Jeffrey Larsen (Cookbook) “Why I liked it: Because of the mix of classic recipes like carrot cake and
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December 11, 2019 3:30 pm | by | No Comments
Categories: Authors & Books, eNewsletter, Evergreen, Featured, Homepage, Homepage Kids, Homepage Teens, Kids, Library News, and Teens.
Tags: best books of 2019, book recommendations, books, staff picks, and staff recommendations.