Archives for Library News

We're Almost Back to Normal

With the opening of The Edge on December 14th, phase one of the renovation is almost done. So what’s new? First off, the book drop on the exterior of the building, has re-opened, and will remain open 24/7/365. That was the one part of the renovation that made people the unhappiest, so it’s good to have it back. Thanks for your patience! Two, we have moved the Fiction, Mystery, Science Fiction, and Graphic Novel collections back to the left-hand side of the building, past The Edge. You will also find the New Book section, located at the beginning of the
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Categories: Homepage and Library News.

An Afternoon of Klezmer with Kapelye

Back by popular demand! Enjoy a spirited and nostalgic musical journey, with Old World traditions and New World influences. Featuring Ken Maltz on clarinet, Peter Sokolow on keyboards and vocals, and Marty Confurius on bass. The performance will take place on Sunday, December 8 at 1:30pm and again at 3:30pm in the Library Auditorium. This program is brought to you by the Friends of White Plains Public Library. Kapelye, now in its 25th year of recording and touring worldwide, is one of the original bands responsible for the renewed interest in klezmer music. Kapelye's popular appeal over the years has
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Categories: Homepage and Library News.

How to Make Dubstep

Learn how to produce Dubstep like the pros do on an iPad! Novice musicians and Dubstep fans alike will learn how to create songs at The Edge in December every Thursday from 4:30-5:30pm. Teens will discover how to use modern iPad audio applications and sound like modern professionals. For teens only. No registration or equipment is required, limit of 9 students based on arrival time. Bring headphones if possible.
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Categories: Classes, Homepage, Library News, and Technology.

Virtual Computing

Have you ever seen a computer inside a computer? With VirtualBox, a free virtualization product from Oracle, you can install and use an isolated Operating System (OS) within another. Teens are welcome to join this class on December 3rd and December 10th from 5-6pm to find out how. Students will use library equipment in order to install a virtual Linux OS called “ArtistX” and learn all about it. For teens. No registration or equipment is required, limit of 10 students based on arrival time.  
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Categories: Classes, Events, Homepage, Library News, and Technology.

FREE English as a Second Language Classes

Learn English FREE at the Library! The White Plains Public Library, in partnership with Westchester Community College, is pleased to again offer classes in spring 2014. Classes are offered mornings, evenings and weekends, and focus on speaking, listening, reading and writing English. Registration dates for the upcoming semester: Friday, December 6 from 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. Saturday, December 7 from 1:00-3:00 p.m. Monday, December 9 from 5:00-7:00 p.m. Wednesday, December 18 from 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. For additional information, please contact Westchester Community College at 914 606-5656. We hope you'll join us!
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Categories: Classes and Library News.

Alice – 3D computer programming

Children at the White Plains Public Library can learn the basics of computer programing with Alice 2.3, a computer application developed by Carnegie Mellon. By designing 3D animations and video games of their very own, 4th, 5th and 6th graders will be executing essential computer commands – thanks to the work of the Alice Team at Carnegie Mellon. Children are encouraged to join any of the upcoming sessions in The Trove on 11/18, 12/2, and 12/16 from 4:30-5:30p.m. Tickets will be distributed at 4:00 p.m. There is a limit of 10 children, so be sure to arrive early to get a
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Categories: Classes, Homepage, and Library News.

Library Construction Update

Our new teen library, The Edge, is progressing right on schedule. Attendees of our gala got a sneak peek on November 2—some photos are included here—but anyone coming into the library can get a glimpse of The Edge from the lobby. By now, all the infrastructure is finished, and the next two weeks will be spent installing the furniture, including the shelving, and setting up the technology. Late in November, we expect the “great wall” to come down and the fiction collection—along with the new books—to move back to the Martin Luther King side of the building. What about the
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Categories: Director's Corner, Homepage, and Library News.

Multi-Sensory Storytime on Saturday, November 16 at 10:30 a.m.

Join staff from the Kiyoko Brown Lekotek Center for a storytime designed for all abilities and attention spans. It is recommended for children on the autism spectrum as well as other children with disabilities. Children from 3 to 6 years old with a caregiver are welcome to register for this program beginning on November 2 – please register in person in The Trove. The program will be repeated on December 21.
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Categories: Events, Homepage, and Library News.

Learn How to Make Personalized Cards and Flyers with Microsoft Publisher 2007

Want to create your own personalized birthday cards, holiday cards, or party invitations?  How about designing a flyer for your tag sale or an event your club is sponsoring? Learn how at our hands-on class, Introduction to Microsoft Publisher 2007, on November 14 from 10:15 to 11:45 a.m. Registration is required, but only takes a minute:  Go to our Computer Classes calendar, then click on the class name on the calendar and fill out the brief form. You’ll be publishing your own cards and flyers before you know it!
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Categories: Classes, Homepage, and Library News.

Website Design Class for Teens: Create a Distracted Driving Website

Are you interested in learning website design or how to build a website? In this class we will cover Internet research, web design and building to create a site on the dangers of distracted driving. The site will be uploaded to the Internet so everyone can see it. There will be a launch party at the end. For teens ages 12-18. Wednesdays, October 30-December 4 (except November 27), from 4:30-6:00 PM
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Categories: Classes, Homepage, and Library News.

Library Foundation's 8th Annual Fall Gala Saturday, November 2

The Library Foundation will hold its Fall Gala, Saturday, November 2, 7:00-10:00 p.m., at the Library.  As our major fall fundraiser, the event supports a wide range of Library programs and resources that promote literacy, education, job readiness, personal enrichment and more. Join us to celebrate three outstanding advocates for youth development:  Shinnyo-en Foundation, Frank Williams, Jr., and Yuki Itoh Haynes. This year's event features a sneak peek of The Edge and a fabulous silent auction! Individual tickets are $125, and include a wine & cheese reception, elegant buffet supper, and dessert. For more information and to RSVP, click here,
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Categories: Events, Featured, Homepage, and Library News.

Celebrate Diwali with Us!

Learn about Indian culture in this children's program! Join us to celebrate Diwali with our Indian community. Also known as “Festival of Lights”, Diwali is a Hindu festival that celebrates the triumph of good versus evil. The Library will hold a celebration on Sunday, October 27 at 2:00 p.m. Enjoy Indian dancing, crafts, and food generously donated by Royal Palace Restaurant. Thanks to the Kumar Family for all their help organizing this event. (Photo By Ashish Kanitkar [CC-BY-SA-2.0], via Wikimedia Commons)
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Categories: Events, Featured, Homepage, and Library News.

Volunteer GED Tutors Needed

According to the US Census, 90,000 adults in Westchester do not have high school diplomas. The Office of Community Connections at the Westchester Library System is seeking volunteers to help GED seekers of all ages improve their skills and prepare for the exam. Opportunities are available in White Plains as well as several other communities throughout Westchester. Volunteers must be able to commit to a minimum of three hours per week throughout the year. Volunteers must be comfortable using technology and working with diverse learners. Training and support will be provided on an ongoing basis. If interested, contact Elena Falcone
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Categories: Featured, Homepage, and Library News.

White Plains Youth Bureau Accepting Applications for Youth of the Year Award

The White Plains Youth Bureau is now accepting applications for its Youth of the Year Award. The Award is given annually to a graduating high school senior from either a public or private school. The award recognizes outstanding volunteer service and contributions to making a difference in the City of White Plains. The award recipient must be a City of White Plains resident. Service activities may include tutoring, helping the elderly, conducting food and clothing drives, fund raising for charitable programs, organizing community events, mentoring and coaching, etc. The deadline for nominations is October 18, 2013. Nomination forms may be
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Categories: Featured, Homepage, and Library News.

The History and Future of Video Games

The progression of technology is seemingly exponential, especially with regard to electronic gaming. In “The History & Future of Video Games,” a class consisting of three independent sessions on October 2, October 9, and October 23 at 3:30 p.m., teens are exposed to video games of the past and present in order to imagine the video games of the future. Each session is one hour in length and open to teens, no registration required. There is a limit of 10 gamers, with admission based on arrival time. In the final week we look at the history and future of FPS
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Categories: Classes, Featured, Homepage, Library News, and Technology.