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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Archives for Library News
Outdoors with Kids
As spring approaches, we are all getting ready to reemerge into the great outdoors and hopefully get our children excited to be away from those screens we tend to rely on in colder weather. Below, find some great reads to help you in that endeavor. First and foremost, for those of us that are hesitant to let our children explore outside, check out Dirt Is Good: The Advantage of Germs for Your Child’s Developing Immune System, by Jack Gilbert and Rob Knight (Library Catalog). These scientists explain in a surprisingly straightforward and accessible way the advantages of exposing children to
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Resources for Caregivers
Being the main caregiver for a loved one can be challenging for a variety of reasons, so it's important to know where to turn when you need assistance, or to simply feel heard. Check out these recommended resources compiled by Adult Services Librarian Sharon Rothman. BOOKS Already Toast by Kate Washington Library Collection / Libby The story of one woman’s struggle to care for her seriously ill husband—and a revealing look at the role unpaid family caregivers play in a society that fails to provide them with structural support. Floating in the deep end: how caregivers can see beyond Alzheimer's
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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. Who doesn’t love penguins? Here’s four Peculiar Penguin Picks. Vampenguin by Lucy Ruth Cummins Library Catalog I’d heard the term “penguin suit” for a tuxedo or black dinner jacket before, but had never once thought of a vampire, such as Dracula, as wearing a penguin suit, but once you do, as Lucy Ruth Cummins must have, the potential for
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Battle of the Books Club: April, May and June
Join librarians Kat and Lauren for a new book club this spring. We'll meet each month for a book discussion and a game, in the beloved Battle of the Books (BOB) trivia format. Read some awesome books and then team up with your friends to show off your book knowledge in a fast-paced tournament. The May and June editions of the program will feature the official books for this summer’s 2022 Battle of the Books tournament. We're currently recruiting team members for our Battle of the Books team this summer, open to teens entering grades 6-12 in fall 2022. If
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Genealogy: the 1950 Census
Genealogy: What to Expect from the 1950 Census Tuesday, March 15th 7:00–8:00 p.m. Click here to register. Presented by Alan Steinfeld. After 72 years, the 1950 Census will be made public on April 1st. Come find out why this is a big deal for historians, genealogists, sociologists and the like. This presentation will address these and other questions: What questions did they ask? Why did they keep it private for 72 years? Am I in it and how do I find out? Why do we have a census anyway? This program is made possible with support from the White Plains
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March 2022 LibraryReads
Here are the books published this month that librarians across the country love. Four Aunties and a Wedding by Jesse Q. Sutanto Library Collection: Print “The Chan family is back! Meddy Chan is getting married, and the wedding planners are perfect–until Meddy overhears the wedding photographer talking about murdering someone at the reception. Her aunties spring into action, setting into motion a series of madcap misadventures intended to save Meddy's special day. A charming combo of close-knit family, humor, and light mystery; great for fans of Mia P. Manansala and Jade Chang.”—Nanette Donohue, Champaign Public Library, Champaign, IL A Brush
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Irish Lore and Folklore
In March, we celebrate Ireland – the Emerald Isle – famous for its luscious green landscapes and friendly people, an island full of enchantment and mystery, inhabited by Leprechauns, Fairies, Pookas, and Banshees. You could attend a Saint Patrick’s Day parade and later find yourself in a room full of shamrocks and friends telling stories of Finn McCool, Jamie O’Rourke, or even a Goat King! However you decide to celebrate Ireland & Irish heritage – FÁILTE! (Welcome!) Leprechauns & Irish Lore Grab & Go Kits will be available on March 7th, while supplies last. Shamrocks, harps, and shillelaghs: the story
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Women in STEAM
For Women’s History Month, I will highlight some wonderful books that fall under a STEAM category: Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics. In celebrating Women’s History Month we will review a mixture of books, including biographies of an aviator, a mathematician and a Cherokee aerospace engineer. These books can be found in our print collection at The Trove and on Libby. At the end of the post, you'll also find some fun and educational websites for kids. Suggested Reads: Libby Loves Science by Kimberly Derting and Shelli R. Johannes Library Catalog / Libby Libby is a precocious child who loves
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Tiny Tales: P-I-Z-Z-A
Tiny Tales are short “bite-sized” song and story videos. Watch one for a short early literacy break, or a few for a whole storytime! You can find our entire collection of Tiny Tales videos right here! Today’s video features Trove librarian Lauren presenting “P-I-Z-Z-A,” a delicious song to the tune of “B-I-N-G-O.” Tiny Tales are made possible with support from the White Plains Library Foundation.
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Grab & Go Kits for Grades 7-12: Creative Doodling
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, February 21st in the Library lobby. This month we're practicing some creative doodling. The kit includes paper, a fineliner pen, and a set of markers. You may also want to use some different pens and coloring utensils from around the house. We'll follow a
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Project LIT Book Club for Kids & Tweens
Wednesday, March 9th 4:30–5:45 p.m. Click here to register. Join librarians Ashley and Caroline for a virtual book discussion and trivia game for 4th to 8th graders! We will be reading the graphic novel version of The Crossover by Kwame Alexander and Dawud Anyabwile. We will provide a free copy of the book for the first five individuals to register for the discussion. When the books are available, we will email to arrange pickup; please list an email address when registering. You can place a hold on the print book with your library card using our catalog here. If you
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Hollywood’s Golden Age of Self-Censorship
Tuesday, March 22nd 7:00–8:00 p.m. Click here to register. From the 1930s to the 1960s, Hollywood censored itself. The Production Code is often remembered as a quaint document that ensured married couples slept in separate beds on screen. But the Production Code was a more complex contract between Hollywood and its diverse global audience. It led filmmakers to create a code for representing sex, violence, and extreme politics. And it helped Hollywood navigate the depression, the rise of Nazism, Soviet communism, World War II, the Cold War, and the Sixties. In late 1960s, Hollywood could no longer make films to
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Middle Grade Pick of the Month
Middle grade is a term that refers to books written for readers between the ages of eight and twelve. In this column, Ashley will recommend great books for children in this age group! The Sea in Winter by Christine Day Libby hoopla Library Catalog This is author Christine Day’s second middle grade novel but it’s the first story of hers that I’ve read. I now definitely want to read her first book, I Can Make This Promise, as well as Ancestor Approved: Intertribal Stories for Kids, the anthology that she contributed to! I really loved The Sea in Winter and
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New Young Adult Fiction
Despite the supply chain chaos that seems to have followed us into 2022, we’re still frequently ordering and receiving new books for our collection. I love ordering new books for the Edge–reading the reviews, seeing what popular authors come up with next, or finding out about an upcoming sequel to an old favorite. Read on to find out about some of the new YA fiction titles coming to our shelves this month. At the End of Everything by Marieke Nijkamp Grades 9 and up Library Catalog “The young adults who inhabit private company–run Hope Juvenile Treatment Center in rural Arkansas
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Girl Power Picture Books
Gathered together here to celebrate Women’s History Month are noteworthy picture books written by diverse authors of great girls celebrating themselves and others, sharing family traditions, and reveling in both small and large accomplishments. I recommend as a great resource for Women’s History Month the National Women's History Museum. The museum’s resources include interesting online exhibits, digital classroom resources, Brave Girl Virtual Storytimes, and more. Enjoy sharing these with your young feminists of all genders! K-3 Women's History Grab & Go Kits will be available Monday, March 7th while supplies last. Laxmi’s Mooch by Shelly Anand, Nabi H. Ali &
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Children’s Titles to Celebrate Black History Part 2
Veronica Chambers writes in her New York Times article, How Negro History Week Became Black History Month and Why It Matters Now, ”Why does Black History Month in particular, and the study of Black history overall, still matter so much? ‘There’s no question that history is and continues to be a battleground. The origin stories that we tell matter a great deal for where we set the bar and how we set the bar going forward,’ noted Professor Jones, of Johns Hopkins. ‘So when you talk about people like Carter G. Woodson, these are men who knew that if you
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Parenting Collection: Friendship
Given that February is commonly referred to as the month of love, it seems like a good time as parents to talk to our children about friendship, sharing, and empathy. In that vein, here are some great books from our Parenting collection that focus on these topics. A Little SPOT of Giving: A Story About Sharing and Generosity by Diane Alber Find me on the Library Catalog! Other books in this series can be found here. This book is part of a series called Inspire To Create A Better You! They are all great books to use with your children.
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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. I’ve mentioned my enjoyment of the works of Dan Santat on several previous occasions. So here are four more works either illustrated by or written and illustrated by Dan Santat. These books were all huge hits with my six-year-old daughter, especially Little Fox and the Wild Imagination (which became a great read together as she read Little Fox’s parts
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February Break Week Programs
Some great events are taking place during the week of February school break, 2/22-2/25. Some of these programs require pre-registration, so be sure to check the “more info” or our online calendar. Note: a free registered Zoom account is required to access the Library’s youth programs. Get a Zoom account here. For Younger Kids and Families Virtual Storytime Tuesday, February 22, 11:00 a.m. Ages 2-6 Join the program here. Stories, songs and fun with a Trove librarian. Turtle Dance Music presents: The Winter Wonderland Music, Bubble and Comedy Show! Thursday, February 24, 11:00 a.m. Children, families, all ages More info.
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