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February Programs for Younger Kids

February Programs 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. In addition to the regular programs listed below, be sure to check out the programs during the February school break week, many of which are open to younger children or children of all ages! 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
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January 27, 2021 10:00 am | by | No Comments
Categories: Events, Featured, Homepage Kids, Kids, and Library News.
Tags: children's events, dance, January 2021, kids, live music, music, performances, programs, storytime, The Trove, trove, and trove events.

The Library Boogie Puppet Show

The Library Boogie Puppet Show

The Library Boogie Puppet Show Wednesday, February 17 at 11:00 a.m. Children, families, ages 3-8 Access the event here Note: a free registered Zoom account is required to access the Library’s youth programs. Get a Zoom account here. Tom Knight has been delighting children and their grown-ups with his original, interactive, musical puppet show since 1988. The Library Boogie celebrates reading with original hand-made puppets, catchy songs, and lots of audience participation. For ages 3-8. Learn more about Tom Knight’s puppet shows and how he crafts them. This program is supported by the White Plains Library Foundation.
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January 27, 2021 10:00 am | by | No Comments
Categories: Library News.
Tags: children's events, music, performance, puppet show, Tom Knight, and trove events.

Space: the Cosmos for Kids Dance Party

Space: the Cosmos for Kids Dance Party

Tuesday, February 16 at 11:00 a.m. Children, families, all ages welcome Access the event here Note: a free registered Zoom account is required to access the Library’s youth programs. Get a Zoom account here. Turtle Dance Music returns for a virtual out-of-this-world dance party and show! Audience members will meet aliens from outer space, travel through black holes, discover the different characteristics of the eight planets, sing karaoke, participate in a rap battle about the sun and learn about the differences between revolution and rotation. Each song is accompanied by hands-on, visual, and sensory experiences designed to help kids learn
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January 27, 2021 10:00 am | by | No Comments
Categories: Library News.
Tags: children's events, dance, music, performances, space, The Trove, trove events, and Turtle Dance Music.

Learn about Ancient Egypt!

Learn about Ancient Egypt!

Museums with Marisa will take you back in time to Ancient Egypt 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. The Great Pyramids and the Giza Plateau Tuesday, February 16 at 3:30 p.m. Grades 1-6, Teens Access the program here Learn about the history and archaeology of one of Ancient Egypt’s most well-known sites, The Pyramids of Giza. What’s Up, King Tut? Wednesday, February 17 at 3:30 p.m. Grades 1-6, Teens Access the program here Learn about that most famous
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January 27, 2021 10:00 am | by | No Comments
Categories: Events, Featured, Homepage Kids, Homepage Teens, Kids, Library News, and Teens.
Tags: ancient egypt, edge events, egypt, events, history, King Tut, mummies, museums, pyramids, The Edge, The Trove, and trove events.

Dive Into Diversity: Let’s Get Cooking!

Dive Into Diversity: Let’s Get Cooking!

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. During this time of the year when it’s so cold out, one of my favorite things to do is relax on the sofa with a cup of hot cocoa, cookies, and a good book. With these stories that have elements of
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January 26, 2021 10:00 am | by | No Comments
Categories: Authors & Books, Featured, Homepage Kids, Kids, and Library News.
Tags: children's books, children's literature, Dive into Diversity, staff picks, and staff recommendations.

Multicultural Children’s Book Day

Multicultural Children’s Book Day

Multicultural Children’s Book Day (MCBD) will be celebrated on January 29th, 2021. According to its founders, MCBD “is an online and offline celebration that attracts thousands of supporters, educators, parents, caregivers, book reviewers, and quality authors and publishers who join forces to shine the spotlight on diversity in children and YA literature.” The founders effectively define the important key points of what makes an excellent multicultural book for children in their website article, “What is a Multicultural Book?” To celebrate Multicultural Children’s Book Day, I have gathered together notable picture book biographies that highlight diverse people in history and today
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January 26, 2021 10:00 am | by | No Comments
Categories: Authors & Books, Featured, Homepage Kids, Kids, and Library News.
Tags: children's books, Dive into Diversity, Multicultural Children's Book Day, Observances and Celebrations, picture books, staff picks, and staff recommendations.

Dive into Diversity: YA Science Fiction

Dive into Diversity: YA Science Fiction

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. For January, we’ll start off with science fiction books, including adventures in outer space, humanoid robots, and questions about the multiverse. Sia Martinez and the Moonlit Beginning of Everything by Raquel Vasquez Gilliland Grades 9 and up OverDrive; Library Catalog I added this book to my To Read list
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January 26, 2021 10:00 am | by | No Comments
Categories: Authors & Books, Featured, Homepage Teens, Library News, and Teens.
Tags: Dive into Diversity, science fiction, staff picks, staff recommendations, YA Fiction, and young adult books.

Bridgerton Forever!

Bridgerton Forever!

Did you bingewatch Netflix's Bridgerton in one weekend and are now impatiently awaiting season two? If so, why not cozy up with a readalike or watch another sizzling period drama? Below we've collected a few recommendations for similar books, shows, and films to tide you over until the spring. Should you wish to get a sneak peak at what Lady Whistledown will get up to next, you can read or listen to the Bridgerton novels here on OverDrive. Books Bringing Down the Duke and A Rogue of One's Own by Evie Dunmore Library Collection OverDrive & Libby “A bright, penniless
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January 26, 2021 10:00 am | by | No Comments
Categories: Authors & Books, Featured, Homepage, and Library News.
Tags: Bridgerton, fiction, film, historical fiction, period dramas, period piece, regency era, romance novels, staff picks, staff recommendations, and television.

STEAM Picture Books: Engineering

STEAM Picture Books: Engineering

In this monthly STEAM series, I will highlight some wonderful picture books that fall under a STEAM category: Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics. For the month of January we will be concentrating on engineering books, including biographies, how to build a backyard, construction and building blocks, along with books on tools. These picture 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 STEAM websites for kids. Future Engineer by Lori Alexander, illustrated by Allison Black Library Catalog This fun and playful
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January 25, 2021 10:00 am | by | No Comments
Categories: Authors & Books, Featured, Homepage Kids, Kids, and Library News.
Tags: picture books, staff picks, staff recommendations, STEAM, STEAM activities, STEAM at home, STEAM books, STEAM learning, and STEM.

Grab & Go STEAM Kit: Magic Ice

Grab & Go STEAM Kit: Magic Ice

White Plains Public Library’s Grab & Go STEAM kits are a great way to unplug and be creative while learning about a STEAM concept. Youth Services Librarian Caroline Reddy has put together a fun STEAM activity for Grades 4-8 that allows you to experiment with the freezing temperature of water. In the past, Caroline has used ice and salt to make her own ice cream as a summer STEAM project. For the winter, you can try creating this “magic” ice and amaze your family. This kit will be available for pickup outside the Library's main doors on Monday, January 25.
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January 25, 2021 9:00 am | by | No Comments
Categories: Featured, Homepage Kids, Homepage Teens, Kids, Library News, and Teens.
Tags: Grab & Go kits, STEAM, STEAM kits, STEAM learning, and tutorials.

Announcing the 2021 Project LIT Book List

Announcing the 2021 Project LIT Book List

Since becoming a Project LIT chapter last summer, we’ve enjoyed reading and discussing Project LIT books with kids and teens. Last month, we were thrilled to see the announcements of new titles in the 2021 Project LIT book list. We’re excited to share the list with you!  You can find the new Project LIT book lists for Middle Grade and Young Adult, as well as the lists from previous years, on our Reading Lists page. Highlighted below are a couple titles from the new selections that are of particular interest to our librarians. Stay tuned for future book discussions and
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January 23, 2021 4:43 pm | by | 2 Comments
Categories: Authors & Books, Featured, Homepage Kids, Homepage Teens, Kids, Library News, and Teens.
Tags: children's books, Project Lit, Project Lit Chapter, Project Lit Community, and teen books.

Who is Amanda Gorman?

Who is Amanda Gorman?

Perhaps, like me, you were awestruck during the inauguration on January 20. Not just by the glass-ceiling shattering of Kamala Harris, the transfer of power and workings of democracy, the pomp and circumstance, the (mostly) excellent fashion, but primarily by the words of the young poet, Amanda Gorman.  Or, perhaps, you saw her during the opening of Super Bowl LV on February 7, a strikingly different, yet powerful, opening to the sporting event.  However you've come across her, perhaps you want to know more about who she is – her amazing story and her brilliant artistry. A self-proclaimed “Wordsmith. Change-maker,”
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January 21, 2021 11:53 am | by | No Comments
Categories: Authors & Books, Featured, Homepage, Homepage Kids, Homepage Teens, Kids, Library News, and Teens.
Tags: Amanda Gorman, inauguration, national poetry month, national youth poet laureate, poet, poet laureate, poetry, Poetry Month, poets, and writers.

Upcoming Kids & Tweens Book Discussions

Upcoming Kids & Tweens Book Discussions

We’re excited to announce a few upcoming book discussions we’re hosting for kids and tweens! We’ll be having another virtual Project LIT Kids Book Discussion on Wednesday, January 13th at 4:30 p.m. We’ll be reading New Kid by Jerry Craft. Children in 4th, 5th, and 6th grade are invited to join us for a discussion as well as a trivia game. Please use this link to register! You can place a hold on the print book using our catalog here. If you prefer the eBook, you can find it on Hoopla or OverDrive. This book is also available as an
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January 21, 2021 10:00 am | by | No Comments
Categories: Library News.
Tags: book club, book discussion, book group, book groups, kids book club, Project Lit, and Project Lit Community.

Inauguration Day

Inauguration Day

Today, January 20, 2021, Joe Biden becomes the 46th President of the United States of America. President-Elect Biden arrives at the Capitol at 11:00 a.m. EST, with various ceremonies following, with the official Oath of Office at 12:00 p.m. EST.  The inauguration can be seen on any major news source and is streaming live on many sites online. Below, find some resources, activities, and articles for families and children to learn more and take part in the day's events. Our White House: an Inaugural Celebration for Young Americans – for the first time, an inaugural celebration for kids, featuring Keke
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January 20, 2021 10:11 am | by | No Comments
Categories: Library News.
Tags: inauguration, inauguration day, joe biden, kamala harris, Observances and Celebrations, president, United States, and vice president.

Winter/Spring Short-Story Discussion Series

Winter/Spring Short-Story Discussion Series

Join White Plains Librarian Barbara Wenglin via Zoom to explore compelling stories from the exciting, rich and bold anthology used last fall: 100 Years of the Best American Short Stories Edited by Lorrie Moore and Heidi Pitlor (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2015) Marking the centennial of the Best American Short Stories annual series, this collection celebrates the diversity of the genre and the American experience from 1915-2015. Available in print collection through our Catalog and as an eBook in Hoopla, as well as OverDrive and Libby. Thursdays from 2:00 – 4:15 p.m. on Zoom Selected stories deal with dramatic, often unsettling
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January 19, 2021 1:00 pm | by | 2 Comments
Categories: Authors & Books, Homepage, and Library News.
Tags: book discussion, book groups, Short stories, short story, and Short Story Book Discussion.

Reads Revisited: Charmed Life

Reads Revisited: Charmed Life

Reads Revisited is a blog series where Trove and Edge Librarians revisit some of their favorite childhood stories. In today's column, Edge Librarian Erik Carlson revisits book one of the Chrestomanci series, Charmed Life (Catalog) by Diana Wynne Jones. Did you ever wonder where J.K. Rowling got all of her ideas from? Charmed Life has magical castles, powerful necromancers, bad witches and wizards, and an orphaned boy who has no idea that he has magical powers. I have always been a big fantasy fan. Diana Wynne Jones and Ursula K. LeGuin were two of my favorite authors growing up. When
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January 19, 2021 10:00 am | by | No Comments
Categories: Authors & Books, Featured, Homepage Kids, Kids, and Library News.
Tags: Charmed Life, children's books, children's literature, Reads Revisited, staff picks, and staff recommendations.

College Workshops

College Workshops

The Library will be hosting two college admissions workshops on Zoom this January. The third and final workshop with College Wise will be on Wednesday, January 6, at 6:00 p.m. This presentation provides an overview of the different components of the college application and highlights ways student can make their application shine. Registration is required, you can register here. On Tuesday, January 19, at 7:00 p.m., Ron Feuchs from Stand Out For College will discuss strategies for applying to college in the age of COVID-19.
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January 19, 2021 10:00 am | by | No Comments
Categories: Events, Featured, Homepage Teens, Library News, and Teens.
Tags: College Readiness, teen events, and teens.

Grab & Go Grades 7-12 Kit: Paper Chain Wall Hanging

Grab & Go Grades 7-12 Kit: Paper Chain Wall Hanging

Which Craft? Wednesday has been phased into Grab ‘n Go Craft Kits! Instead of finding materials around the house, teens in grades 7-12 can pick supplies up at the table outside the Library's main entrance, 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. This month we're using making a brightly colored paper chain wall hanging. The kit includes a wooden dowel, string, and strips of paper in ombre sunset colors. You’ll need to provide tape (or a stapler, or
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January 19, 2021 10:00 am | by | No Comments
Categories: Featured, Homepage Teens, Library News, and Teens.
Tags: arts and crafts, Grab & Go, Grab & Go kits, and teen kits.

February Project LIT Book Club for Teens

February Project LIT Book Club for Teens

Calling all middle and high school students for a monthly virtual book club for teens. Each month, join librarians Kat and Lauren to discuss a Project LIT book and compete against friends in a mini trivia game. On Friday, February 5 at 6:30 p.m., we’ll discuss Solo by Kwame Alexander and Mary Rand Hess. A novel in verse, Solo is a quick read. At the beginning of the story, Blade’s trying to convince his girlfriend’s parents that he won’t follow in the footsteps of his rock star, drug addict father. When he discovers a family secret, he heads off to
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January 15, 2021 10:00 am | by | No Comments
Categories: Library News.
Tags: book discussion, book group, book groups, Project Lit, and teen book club.

Celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day

Celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day

This year, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day will be celebrated on Monday, January 18th, 2021. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was born on January 15th, 1929 and his legacy is profound – perhaps now more than ever. “As a child, I remember studying Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. only from one perspective—the man who had a dream. Without a deep understanding of Dr. King, I lacked the ability to apply some of his profound principles to my life. Years later as an adult, I read his autobiography and was amazed at the depth of his personhood. Out of this
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January 15, 2021 9:47 am | by | No Comments
Categories: Featured, Homepage Kids, Homepage Teens, Kids, Library News, and Teens.
Tags: children's books, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Observances and Celebrations, staff picks, staff recommendations, and YA books.