Archives for Teens

Battle of the Books Inspired Reading List

Battle of the Books Inspired Reading List

As part of the book selection committee for Westchester’s Battle of the Books trivia competition, I spent January and February reading and considering books for the 2020 reading list. Librarians across Westchester nominated titles for the teen division and I tried to read as many as possible. While this year’s reading list hasn’t yet been finalized, I had so much fun with the nominated titles that I wanted to share a few of my favorites. These are all available in eBook format through Westchester Library System. Hot Dog Girl by Jennifer Dugan Libby: eBook only A very light summer romance
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March 19, 2020 11:53 am | by | No Comments
Categories: Authors & Books, eNewsletter, Evergreen, Homepage Teens, Library News, and Teens.
Tags: battle of the books, digital audiobooks, eBooks, hoopla, libby, and young adult fiction.

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.

Talkin’ Tech: Modern Multilinguals

Talkin’ Tech: Modern Multilinguals

Let’s talk about technology. Since the invention of the wheel, tools have become more and more complex – and today it can be hard to keep up! In the “Talkin' Tech” column, we will discuss the ever-changing trends in the modern digital arena. From artificial intelligence to Zuckerberg, join Austin in examining all things tech from our vantage point in the 4th industrial revolution: the imagination age! Have you ever wanted to try your hand at coding? Coding, or computer programming, is the way we talk to computers and tell them what to do. It is like learning a second
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March 17, 2020 1:11 pm | by | No Comments
Categories: eNewsletter, Evergreen, Homepage Kids, Homepage Teens, Kids, Library News, and Teens.
Tags: coding, digital technology, STEAM, and STEM.

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, Homepage, Homepage Kids, Homepage Teens, Kids, Library News, and Teens.
Tags: education, learning, school, tutoring, and tutors.

Teen Book Review: Sick Kids in Love

Teen Book Review: Sick Kids in Love

Below you'll find a book review of new or upcoming titles submitted by teens in the Edge. If you'd like to place a hold on the book being reviewed, click on the title or cover. Sick Kids in Love by Hannah Moskowitz Review: Isabel meets Sasha in a hospital. They both have illnesses. From the start Sasha is blunt about his feelings for Isabel but she has a no dating policy. Its overall seeing them develop their relationship and how their families and illnesses affect them. At points Isabel was a little annoying too much but Sasha was sweet and
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March 2, 2020 10:00 am | by | No Comments
Categories: Authors & Books, Homepage Teens, Library News, and Teens.
Tags: book review, by teens for teens, Hannah Moskowitz, and teen book review.

Women in STEM

Women in STEM

All of the remaining programs are canceled this month. Take part in programs celebrating Women in STEM to celebrate Women's History Month throughout March. Women in STEM Film series: Thursday, March 5 at 6:00 p.m.: Gravity (PG-13, 91 mins.) Tuesday, March 10 at 6:00 p.m.: Hidden Figures (PG, 127 mins.) Thursday, March 12 at 6:00 p.m.: Contact (PG-13, 153 mins.) Tuesday, March 12 at 6:00 p.m.: Amelia (PG, 111 mins.) Tuesday, March 24 at 6:00 p.m.: Temple Grandin (PG, 110 mins.) Thursday, March 26 at 6:00 p.m.: Arrival (PG-13, 116 mins.) Tuesday, March 31 at 6:00 p.m.: Gorillas in the
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February 24, 2020 2:52 pm | by | No Comments
Categories: eNewsletter, Events, Kids, Library News, and Teens.
Tags: film series and STEM.

Life Hacks: Journaling

Life Hacks: Journaling

Erik‘s Life Hacks column gives teens advice on adulting. Journaling is a really great way to keep track of ideas, reminders, emotions, decisions, and goals. Keeping a journal will help you organize your life, relieve stress and remember important events. Here are some tips to get you started and things to write about: • Buy a cheap notebook, no need to make this an expense early on. • Keep it with you, or have it easily accessible. • Set time at the end of the day to write. It’s important to jot things down all throughout the day, but set
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February 14, 2020 2:48 pm | by | No Comments
Categories: Evergreen, Homepage Teens, Library News, and Teens.
Tags: adulting, journaling, and life hacks.

Dive Into Diversity: Black History for Teens

Dive Into Diversity: Black History for Teens

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. Kathlyn‘s portion is aimed at readers in grades 7-12. Black Enough: Stories of Being Young & Black in America, edited by Ibi Zoboi Grades 9 and up “No collection could represent the entire spectrum of blackness, however, the presence of trans, Afro-Latinx, and physically disabled characters is missed: a clarion
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February 14, 2020 2:26 pm | by | No Comments
Categories: Homepage Teens, Library News, and Teens.
Tags: black history month, Dive into Diversity, Observances and Celebrations, teen books, and young adult fiction.

Doing Good in the Edge: Project Linus

Doing Good in the Edge: Project Linus

Kathlyn's “Doing Good in the Edge” column highlights projects from the Do Gooders teen community service group agencies and organizations in the community Doing Good. The Allstate Foundation supports the Do Gooders in their work. Sewing handmade blankets for Project Linus has been one of the Edge’s longest-running service projects, even before the Do Gooders community service group formed. Project Linus is a nationwide, volunteer-led organization that collects handmade blankets and distributes them to children in hospitals and shelters. Adele Shapiro, Chapter Coordinator for Project Linus in Westchester, says the handmade blankets bring warmth, love, and security to children in
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January 30, 2020 12:00 pm | by | No Comments
Categories: eNewsletter, Events, Evergreen, Library News, and Teens.
Tags: community service, Do Gooders, Project Linus, and volunteers.

Con Edison Maker Camp for Teens

Con Edison Maker Camp for Teens

Our first School Break Mini-Camp held at the end of December was a great success. Teens worked with Ashley Perez (engineering major at the University of Buffalo), and Louis Grassi (student at White Plains High School). They worked on a variety of projects showing different ways of creating energy, from bio-fuels to solar panels and wind turbines to perpetual motion. Our second School Vacation Maker Camp—held February 18-21—will focus on Robotics. Teens will participate in a variety of no tech to hi tech activities that will teach basic skills in Engineering, Coding, Design Thinking, and Computational Thinking. Some of the
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January 30, 2020 12:00 pm | by | No Comments
Categories: eNewsletter, Events, Homepage Teens, Library News, and Teens.
Tags: Con Edison, Maker Camp, science, STEAM learning, STEM, STEM learning, and teen programs.

Black History Month

Black History Month

Take part in programs celebrating Black History Month throughout February. Black History Month Film series: Feb. 2, 2:00pm: Remember the Titans (PG, 114min) Feb. 4, 6:30pm: To Kill a Mockingbird (NR, 129 min) Feb. 5, 6:30pm: Dreamgirls (PG13, 129min) Feb. 6, 6:30pm: 42 (PG13, 128min) Feb. 8, 2:30pm: Queen of Katwe (PG, 124min) Feb. 9, 2:00pm: The Wiz (G, 133 min) Feb. 11, 6:30pm: Hidden Figures (PG, 127min) Feb. 13, 6:30pm: Selma (PG13, 128min) Feb. 16, 2:00pm: Ruby Bridges (NR, 120min) Feb. 18, 6:30pm: Red Tails (PG13, 124min) Feb. 19, 6:30pm: Spider-Man: Into the Spider-verse (PG, 117min) Feb. 20, 2:00pm:
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January 30, 2020 9:40 am | by | No Comments
Categories: eNewsletter, Events, Kids, Library News, and Teens.
Tags: black history month, children's events, film screenings, Observances and Celebrations, programs, storytime, and teen programs.

2020 American Library Association Youth Media Award Winners

2020 American Library Association Youth Media Award Winners

Below find a selection of this year’s ALA Youth Media Award winners which represent the year’s best works for children and teens. The full list of this year’s winners, as well as video of the award ceremony, can be found here. John Newbery Medal for the most outstanding contribution to children's literature: New Kid written and illustrated by Jerry Craft. Newbery Honor Books: The Undefeated written by Kwame Alexander and, illustrated by Kadir Nelson Scary Stories for Young Foxes written by Christian McKay Heidicker and illustrated by Junyi Wu Other Words for Home written by Jasmine Warga Genesis Begins Again
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January 29, 2020 3:10 pm | by | No Comments
Categories: Authors & Books, Evergreen, Homepage Teens, Kids, Library News, and Teens.
Tags: ALA Youth Media Awards.

Book Reviews by Teens, for Teens

Book Reviews by Teens, for Teens

Below you'll find a book review of new or upcoming titles submitted by teens in the Edge. If you'd like to place a hold on the book being reviewed, click on the title or cover. Author: David Yoon Title: Frankly in Love Review: One of my favorite books of the year! It’s more than just a cute romance. It talks about race, a complicated family dynamic, academic standards and with humor as a plus. We get diverse characters throughout the book too! Everyone should read it! A 5 out of 5 star read. David Yoon has brilliant writing and I
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January 22, 2020 9:00 am | by | No Comments
Categories: Authors & Books, Library News, and Teens.
Tags: book review, by teens for teens, David Yoon, and teen book review.

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, Homepage, Homepage Kids, Homepage Teens, Kids, Library News, and Teens.
Tags: best books of 2019, book recommendations, books, staff picks, and staff recommendations.

Macmillan, eBooks, and Access

Macmillan, eBooks, and Access

If you are looking for a new eBook published by Macmillan and can’t find it in our collection, it’s because the publisher, Macmillan, has taken the unprecedented act of limiting public library access to their eBooks. In response, the White Plains Public Library has decided to suspend the acquisition of all eBooks published by Macmillan. Macmillan, one of the country’s five largest publishers, includes such well-known brands as Farrar, Straus & Giroux, St. Martin’s Press, Picador, Tor, and more. This fall, Macmillan announced that it would make eBooks available to libraries under a new model: a library may purchase one
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November 20, 2019 2:54 pm | by | 2 Comments
Categories: Authors & Books, Director's Corner, eNewsletter, Evergreen, Homepage, Homepage Kids, Kids, Library News, and Teens.
Tags: eBooks, Macmillan, and publishers.

A Year in Review

A Year in Review

Sometimes it's good to pause and take a look at where you've been—and where you're going. In June, at the end of the Library's fiscal year, we put together a Year in Review that summarizes many of the changes the Library has gone through in the past year, from the completion of The Hub, the opening of the Everyday Healthy Cafe, to new programs and services. Download and view the PDF here, or if you prefer to read in print, pick up a copy the next time you are in the Library. Thanks go to the Mayor and Common Council
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September 4, 2019 3:12 pm | by | No Comments
Categories: Director's Corner, eNewsletter, Evergreen, Homepage, Kids, Library News, and Teens.
Tags: annual report.

Fall Do Gooders Schedule

Fall Do Gooders Schedule

Thanks to everyone who volunteered at the Library this summer! Overall, 80 volunteers completed 661 hours of community service in the Trove and the Edge in July and August. Our Do Gooders group made 55 dog toys for the Paws Crossed Animal Rescue center in Elmsford, 15 baby blankets for Project Linus, 128 paracord bracelets for military charity Operation Gratitude, four ziploc bags full of earrings for a women’s shelter, and countless birthday cards and placemats for Meals on Wheels. Thank you to the Allstate Foundation for the continued support of our various volunteer programs for teens. We can't wait
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August 30, 2019 2:14 pm | by | No Comments
Categories: Director's Corner, eNewsletter, Events, Library News, and Teens.
Tags: Do Gooders and teen volunteers.

Donations for Children & Teen Events

Donations for Children & Teen Events

The Trove and Edge are asking for donations of items to be used in their upcoming programs. All items need to be in good condition. Donations can be brought to the Trove any time during our hours of operation. Items needed: Barbies, Kens, and similar sized dolls, as well as doll clothes that fit those dolls Matchbox or Hot Wheels type cars Action Figures – any kind Board Games and RPG manuals Construx, Mega Blox, KNEX, always accepting LEGOs
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July 15, 2019 4:32 pm | by | No Comments
Categories: eNewsletter, Events, Evergreen, Homepage, Homepage Kids, Homepage Teens, Kids, Library News, and Teens.
Tags: donations.

Citywide School Art Show

Citywide School Art Show

Join student artists and their families for a reception celebrating the art of White Plains City School children, grades K-12, on the second floor of the Library on Thursday, May 30th, from 5:00-7:00 p.m. This event is free and open to the public. The exhibit will be on display through June 6th. (Images below are from last year's art show.)  
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May 24, 2019 9:30 am | by | No Comments
Categories: eNewsletter, Events, Gallery, Kids, Library News, and Teens.
Tags: art exhibit, art reception, citywide school art show, and student art.