Archives for Kids

Free Comic Book Day

Free Comic Book Day

While Free Comic Book Day (usually celebrated on the first Saturday of May each year) has been postponed due to the virus, and the Library is unable to host our usual big celebration with fun activities and comics to give away thanks to Aw Yeah! Comics in Harrison, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t enjoy some comics at home! To get your comics fix, I do encourage you to check in with your local comic book shops (Find yours here!). Many are doing great virtual events, offering deals on comics to get physical books to you at home by pulling titles
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April 30, 2020 1:26 pm | by | No Comments
Categories: Authors & Books, eNewsletter, Featured, Kids, Library News, and Teens.
Tags: comics, Free Comic Book Day, graphic novels, and Observances and Celebrations.

Cinco de Mayo

Cinco de Mayo

Cinco de Mayo, or the fifth of May, is a holiday that celebrates the date of the Mexican army’s May 5, 1862 victory over France at the Battle of Puebla during the Franco-Mexican War. Enjoy these books about the holiday and more books that celebrate Mexican culture. Books About Cinco de Mayo/May 5th: Celebra el Cinco de Mayo con un jarabe tapatío, by Alma Flor Ada, F. Isabel Campoy (Spanish) (OverDrive) Marco’s Cinco de Mayo, by Lisa Bullard (Hoopla) Cinco de Mouse-O!, by Judy Cox (Audio-Book) (Hoopla) Cinco de Mayo, by Rachel Grack (Hoopla) Cinco de Mayo, by M.C. Hall
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April 30, 2020 1:08 pm | by | No Comments
Categories: Authors & Books, eNewsletter, Featured, Homepage Kids, Kids, and Library News.
Tags: Cinco de Mayo, eBooks, Observances and Celebrations, staff recommendations, and virtual book display.

Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month

Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month

May is Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month, “celebrating the achievements and contributions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in the United States….The month of May was chosen to commemorate the arrival of the first Japanese immigrants to the United States on May 7, 1843, and to mark the anniversary of the completion of the transcontinental railroad on May 10, 1869. The majority of the workers who laid the tracks were Chinese immigrants.”—APAICS Here is a list of eBooks, Audiobooks, and a Graphic Novel celebrating Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month. All these books can be found on OverDrive on
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April 30, 2020 11:54 am | by | No Comments
Categories: Authors & Books, eNewsletter, Featured, Homepage Kids, Kids, and Library News.
Tags: Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month, eBooks, Observances and Celebrations, OverDrive, staff recommendations, and virtual book display.

STEAM at Home: Phases of the Moon

STEAM at Home: Phases of the Moon

The First Friday in May is National Space Day. To celebrate, you and your family can create a fun activity that is also tasty! For a Phases of the Moon Craft you will need a pencil, strips of paper (to write down the phases of the moon), a marker, paper towel, paper/regular plates and cream filled cookies to twist open. Twist off all the cookies and practice math skills by explaining that you now have eight cookies to create your craft. Start with The New Moon by scraping the cream off. Explain that a New Moon is when the moon
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April 30, 2020 10:00 am | by | No Comments
Categories: eNewsletter, Kids, and Library News.
Tags: Observances and Celebrations, phases of the moon, Space Day, STEAM activities, and STEAM at home.

Virtual Table Top Gaming Programs

Virtual Table Top Gaming Programs

Do you miss playing fun games with your friends at the library? Join Ashley and Erik from the Trove and the Edge to play virtual table top games! Before our first program, please have your parent or caregiver help you create a free online account on boardgamearena.com. Note: Boardgamearena.com does have a for-pay premium service. Please take care when creating your account to not incur any unwanted charges. We will host the game on Zoom and play the games on boardgamearena.com. We’ll play Kingdomino, Solo, and Sushi Go! For children and teens in grades 4 and up! Our first session
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April 30, 2020 10:00 am | by | No Comments
Categories: eNewsletter, Events, Featured, Homepage Kids, Homepage Teens, Kids, and Library News.
Tags: events, programs, and Virtual Table Top Gaming.

May the Fourth Be With You!

May the Fourth Be With You!

May 4 is Star Wars Day! Youth Services librarians have a variety of great things to celebrate. Star Wars kids eBooks and music Star Wars YA eBooks May the Fourth Be With You – Josh’s Picks STEAM at Home: Origami Yoda STEAM at Home: Pool Noodle Lightsabers STEAM at Home: Toilet Paper Roll Star Wars Characters For more Star Wars fun, check out: Star Wars Uncut – Fans were given 15 second segments from the films and created their own remixed versions of Episode IV: A New Hope and Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back Star Wars Kids Activities from
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April 29, 2020 1:23 pm | by | No Comments
Categories: Authors & Books, eNewsletter, Kids, Library News, and Teens.
Tags: eBooks, May the 4th Be With You, May the Fourth Be With You, Observances and Celebrations, staff recommendations, Star Wars, and STEAM.

May the Fourth Be With You: Josh’s Picks

May the Fourth Be With You: Josh’s Picks

Here’s a list of interesting and different Star Wars related content to help you celebrate May the Fourth! Plastic Galaxy – The Story of Star Wars Toys (movie on Hoopla) Star Wars toys helped to redefine toys and merchandising forever. Learn more about their origins, collectability and more in this interesting documentary. Are You Scared, Darth Vader? By Adam Rex (available on Hoopla, Overdrive, and Libby) This hilarious picture book is fun for kids, but possibly even more fun for their Star Wars fan parents. Music Inspired by Star Wars and Other Galactic Funk by Mecco (music on Hoopla) A
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April 29, 2020 10:36 am | by | No Comments
Categories: Authors & Books, eNewsletter, Featured, Homepage Kids, Homepage Teens, Kids, Library News, and Teens.
Tags: digital materials, eBooks, May the 4th Be With You, May the Fourth Be With You, Observances and Celebrations, staff recommendations, and Star Wars.

STEAM at Home: Origami Yoda

STEAM at Home: Origami Yoda

I had never seen Star Wars until my freshman year in college. My roommate, Elizabeth, decided that we needed a marathon. So it began-my introduction to The Force, Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia, Chewbacca, Obi One Kenobi, Han Solo, Jabba the Hut, R2D2, Darth Vader, Ewoks and many phrases that everyone is familiar with: “Help me, Obi-Wan Kenobi. You're my only hope.” and “May the Force Be With You.” I also became fascinated with Joseph Cambell’s “The Hero's Journey,” from his seminal work, The Hero With a Thousand Faces, which George Lucas used as inspiration for creating Star Wars. If you’re
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April 29, 2020 10:00 am | by | No Comments
Categories: eNewsletter, Featured, Homepage Kids, Homepage Teens, Kids, Library News, and Teens.
Tags: craft, May the 4th Be With You, May the Fourth Be With You, Observances and Celebrations, Origami, Star Wars, STEAM, STEAM at home, and yoda.

Star Wars Kids Titles

Star Wars Kids Titles

“Star Wars Day, May 4, celebrates George Lucas' Star Wars. It is observed by fans of the media franchise. Observance of the commemorative day spread quickly through media and grassroots celebrations. The date was chosen for the pun on the catchphrase ‘May the Force be with you' as ‘May the Fourth be with you'. Even though the holiday was not created or declared by Lucasfilm, many Star Wars fans across the world have chosen to celebrate the holiday. It has since been embraced by Lucasfilm and parent company Disney as an annual celebration of Star Wars.” Origami Yoda Series, by
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April 29, 2020 10:00 am | by | No Comments
Categories: Authors & Books, eNewsletter, Featured, Homepage Kids, Homepage Teens, Kids, Library News, and Teens.
Tags: children's literature, May the 4th Be With You, May the Fourth Be With You, Observances and Celebrations, and Star Wars.

STEAM at Home: DIY Lightsabers

STEAM at Home: DIY Lightsabers

May the Fourth Be With You! In this fun project, we will make some DIY Lightsabers, safe for bopping each other with and having duels (of the fates)! Just don’t bop too hard. Materials Needed Pool noodles or long paper tubes (such as wrapping paper tubes or a few paper towel tubes taped together) Duct tape Sharpie/indelible markers Scissors or a utility knife For paper tube lightsabers, you may also want: paint, construction paper, scotch tape and glue in order to make your lightsaber blade have a color My daughter and I made our two lightsabers from one pool noodle
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April 29, 2020 9:36 am | by | No Comments
Categories: eNewsletter, Featured, Homepage Kids, Kids, and Library News.
Tags: May the 4th Be With You, May the Fourth Be With You, Observances and Celebrations, Star Wars, STEAM activities, and STEAM at home.

eBooks to Help Children Understand COVID-19

eBooks to Help Children Understand COVID-19

This crisis is difficult for everyone to comprehend. Children, especially, may be having a hard time understanding what is going on – what the virus is, why we are isolating at home, and how to deal with their anxieties and fears. Below are some free downloadable ebooks that talk about what the pandemic is and responses to it. Rainbows in Windows – A Book about Big Imaginations, Big Feelings, and Sheltering in Place During a Pandemic. Link also includes a video of Donald Sutherland reading the book. Coronavirus: A Book for Children St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital Learn About Coronavirus
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April 28, 2020 10:29 am | by | No Comments
Categories: Authors & Books, COVID-19, eNewsletter, Featured, Homepage Kids, Kids, and Library News.
Tags: children's literature, coronavirus, covid-19, and eBooks.

Haitian Heritage Month

Haitian Heritage Month

“Haitian Heritage Month is a nationally recognized month and an opportunity for individuals including Haitians and lovers of the Haitian culture to celebrate the rich culture, distinctive art, delicious food and learn the traditions of Haiti and its people.”—Haitian Heritage Museum Get to know Haiti, its people, and its culture with these books available on Overdrive and Hoopla. Enjoy! Behind the Mountains, by Edwidge Danticat (Available on Overdrive) Eight Days, by Edwidge Danticat (Available on Overdrive) Mama’s Nightingale, by Edwidge Danticat (Available on Overdrive, as eBook and Audiobook) Sélavi, That is Life, by Youme Landowne (Available on OverDrive and Hoopla)
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April 27, 2020 10:00 am | by | No Comments
Categories: Authors & Books, Featured, Homepage Kids, Kids, and Library News.
Tags: children's literature, Haiti, Haitian Heritage Month, Observances and Celebrations, and virtual book display.

Virtual Open Mic for Kids & Teens

Virtual Open Mic for Kids & Teens

“Perhaps the mission of an artist is to interpret beauty to people—the beauty within themselves.”—Langston Hughes To celebrate National Poetry Month, On Thursday April 30, the Library will host a Virtual Open Mic for kids and teens. This event will take place from 5:00 to 6:30 p.m. If you have submitted poetry please join in to read your poems! Attend the program by accessing Zoom with this link on 4/30. Writing is a solitary activity, and as we are socially distancing it can become even more solitary and lonesome if we don’t have a place to share our work collectively.
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April 24, 2020 4:44 pm | by | No Comments
Categories: Kids, Library News, and Teens.
Tags: national poetry month, poetry, and virtual open mic.

Graphic Novels and Chapter Books in Spanish

Graphic Novels and Chapter Books in Spanish

Practice your Spanish with these fun Graphic Novels and Chapter Books from our digital resources. Have fun! ¡Bravo!: Poemas Sobre Hispanos Extraordinarios, by Margarita Engle (OverDrive) El Diario de Anne Frank, by Anne Frank (OverDrive) Ciudades de Papel, by John Green (OverDrive) Diario de Greg 2: La Ley de Rodrick, by Jeff Kinney (OverDrive) Diario de Greg 3: Esto es el Colmo, by Jeff Kinney (OverDrive) Diario de Greg 4: Días de Perros, by Jeff Kinney (OverDrive) Diario de Greg 5: La Horrible Realidad, by Jeff Kinney (OverDrive) Diario de Greg 6: ¡Sin Salida!, by Jeff Kinney (OverDrive) Diario de
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April 24, 2020 1:11 pm | by | No Comments
Categories: Authors & Books, Featured, Homepage Kids, Homepage Teens, Kids, Library News, and Teens.
Tags: children's literature, graphic novels, spanish books, virtual book display, and YA literature.

May Virtual Book Bunch Events

May Virtual Book Bunch Events

Deb and I hope y’all had fun reading and discussing Sal and Gabi Break the Universe by Carlos Hernandez during our last virtual Book Bunch program. We can’t wait for our next two virtual Book Bunch events! Please feel free to bring your own snack to each program. Wednesday, May 6th from 4:30 – 6:00 p.m. we will discuss Flora & Ulysses by Kate DiCamillo. Unlimited eBook copies are available via Hoopla, but it's also available as an eBook and digital audiobook on OverDrive. Kids of any age who have read the book are welcome to join us but we
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April 23, 2020 3:25 pm | by | No Comments
Categories: Authors & Books, eNewsletter, Featured, Kids, and Library News.
Tags: book bunch, book discussion, and virtual book bunch.

Sora Access to Library eBooks

Sora Access to Library eBooks

Did you know that White Plains students can access White Plains Library ebooks via their school Sora account? They can thanks to a new partnership between the Westchester Library System and Southern Westchester BOCES. All your student needs to do this is enter their school ID/credentials in the Sora app they already have, and voila! You can borrow age appropriate content from the White Plains Public Library’s eBook collection. In order to search the Library’s collection of eBooks, you simply need to add the Library to your Sora account. Add Westchester Library System as a library, if it is not automatically
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April 23, 2020 10:00 am | by | No Comments
Categories: Authors & Books, eNewsletter, Featured, Homepage Kids, Homepage Teens, Kids, Library News, and Teens.
Tags: eBooks, Sora, and white plains schools.

Arab-American Heritage Month

Arab-American Heritage Month

April is Arab-American Heritage Month! To celebrate, I invite you to read or listen to some of the following picture and chapter books on either Hoopla or OverDrive! The Arabic Quilt: An Immigrant Story by Aya Khalil and illustrated by Anait Semirdzhyan For children in kindergarten to grade 2. Hoopla: Audio OverDrive: eBook “The story highlights the role of a supportive and creative teacher and the importance of instilling acceptance in children…The story ends with a powerful poem with a compelling message of taking pride in one’s mother tongue.” –School Library Journal Yo Soy Muslim: A Father's Letter to His
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April 22, 2020 3:41 pm | by | No Comments
Categories: Authors & Books, eNewsletter, Featured, Homepage Kids, Kids, and Library News.
Tags: Arab-American Heritage Month, Observances and Celebrations, staff picks, and staff recommendations.

We Miss You!

We Miss You!

This week is National Library Week, and while we can't quite celebrate in the usual fashion this year, we still wanted to do a little something to celebrate. So in that spirit, our staff wanted to take this time to let you know that we miss you! Now maybe you can let us know what you miss most about visiting the Library. Leave us a comment below, send your messages and photos to kthornton@whiteplainslibrary.org, or let us know on social media.     Though the building may be closed, we're still offering reference assistance, virtual programs, and new content on
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April 22, 2020 11:34 am | by | 8 Comments
Categories: Director's Corner, eNewsletter, Featured, Homepage, Homepage Kids, Homepage Teens, Kids, Library News, and Teens.
Tags: library staff, National Library Week, and staff message.

STEAM at Home: Earth Day

STEAM at Home: Earth Day

Earth Day is here, a day to work collectively to celebrate the planet we call home and improve the environment. Even though we are isolating ourselves, we can recycle, plant and garden, and make sure not to litter (especially masks and gloves!). Now, more than ever, small acts of love and kindness can make the world a better place. We can also spend time with our family and teach them how to become more self-sufficient and sustainable. For example, you can create a fun Earth Day tree STEAM project by using found items such as twigs, lentils, dry beans, rice
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April 22, 2020 10:00 am | by | No Comments
Categories: eNewsletter, Featured, Homepage Kids, Kids, and Library News.
Tags: Earth Day, everyday STEAM, Observances and Celebrations, STEAM, STEAM activities, and STEAM at home.

Celebrate Earth Day

Celebrate Earth Day

Today is the 50th anniversary of Earth Day! Earth Day was first celebrated in 1970 and it is now celebrated annually on April 22 in over 193 countries as a way to show support for environmental protection. You can celebrate at home with: A project for adults and kids learning how to sustainably grow your own vegetables from scraps. Checking out some of Trove Librarian Raquel’s awesome recommendations for Earth Day eBooks on Hoopla or Overdrive/Libby! Taking part in Which Craft? Wednesday: Earth Day edition. Join Edge Librarian Erik to learn how to upcycle used snack bags into a decorative
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April 22, 2020 10:00 am | by | No Comments
Categories: eNewsletter, Featured, Homepage, Homepage Kids, Homepage Teens, Kids, Library News, and Teens.
Tags: Earth Day, Observances and Celebrations, and STEAM activities.