Archives for Teens

Five Years of Teen Services: A R-Edge-rospective

Five Years of Teen Services: A R-Edge-rospective

This month marks the fifth anniversary of the Edge, the Library’s teen space. Before the Edge opened, there was only a small collection of materials for teens in the Library, and with a staff of only one teen librarian we held just one program each week. Not surprisingly,  few teenagers used the Library. Since opening the Edge in December 2013,  the number of teens who come to the Library has grown immensely. Our Young Adult collection has expanded in print and electronic formats to meet the needs and interests of teenagers.  We offer innovative and creative programs for teens throughout
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December 12, 2018 4:28 pm | by | No Comments
Categories: Director's Corner, eNewsletter, Evergreen, Featured, Library News, and Teens.

We’re Fine Free!

We’re Fine Free!

We want kids to read. So we are eliminating one of the biggest impediments kids face: late fees on children’s and young adult materials. A public library’s most important responsibility is to develop readers. And research has shown that having books in the home is a critical factor in becoming a reader. But the sad fact is, too many young people can’t borrow books because of outstanding fines. But even though we are removing fines, kids and their caregivers will still be responsible for returning all library material—or else risk having their account suspended. How this works: We expect all
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June 15, 2018 11:56 am | by | No Comments
Categories: Evergreen, Featured, Homepage, Kids, Library News, and Teens.

Library Receives Grant to Develop Youth Coding Programs

Library Receives Grant to Develop Youth Coding Programs

White Plains, New York – October 31, 2017: White Plains Public Library announced today that they have received a $25,000 grant from the American Library Association (ALA) to design and implement coding programs for young people. White Plains Public Library is one of 28 libraries around the country to receive a grant from Libraries Ready to Code, an initiative of ALA sponsored by Google, which promotes computer science (CS) and computational thinking among youth. “At their essence, public libraries spark creativity, ignite the imagination, and encourage learning through play and experimentation,” said Library Director Brian Kenney. “This grant will give
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November 1, 2017 11:48 am | by | No Comments
Categories: Library News and Teens.

What’s Battle of the Books?

What’s Battle of the Books?

The Trove and the Edge are busy preparing for an epic battle taking place this fall…the Battle of the Books! Teams of children and teens at libraries all over Westchester are busy reading the same sets of books and practicing trivia questions. They’ll come together in October for a reading-based trivia tournament. Two teams will represent White Plains at this year’s battle: the Raging Pages (grades 4-6) and Team KnowlEDGE (grades 6-10). Battle of the Books is designed to encourage a love of reading and to expose kids and teens to diverse reading material. This year, titles range from classic
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October 5, 2017 9:00 am | by | No Comments
Categories: Kids and Teens.
Tags: battle of the books and The Edge.

Chess Club Comes to the Trove

Chess Club Comes to the Trove

Chess teaches us to think, visualize, problem solve, strategize and take risks. Play the game that spans cultures and generations. By learning chess, one of the oldest and most fascinating of games, you can make a friend and learn a little sportsmanship. The Chess Club meets Monday nights at 6:30 p.m.in the Trove. Ages 7 and up—teens, adults and grand masters—are welcome. No registration required.
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September 26, 2017 1:45 pm | by | 6 Comments
Categories: Events, Kids, and Teens.

College Readiness Workshop Series Begins Sept. 27

College Readiness Workshop Series Begins Sept. 27

Next week marks the start of the Edge's College Readiness Workshop Series, run in partnership with The City of White Plains, Westchester Library System, Tomorrow’s Genius, and the New York State Department of Financial Services. The series will cover five key topics for students and their families: SAT vs. ACT, College Applications, the College Essay, College Financing, and College Repayment: SAT vs. ACT (September 27) – These two entrance exams, while similar, have subtle differences that can help you best showcase your academic skills. Learn how to choose between the two, and how to think about the optional essay. College
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September 21, 2017 9:35 am | by | No Comments
Categories: Events, Library News, and Teens.
Tags: College Readiness.

The Edge Launches New Community Service Group for Teens

The Edge Launches New Community Service Group for Teens

On Monday, September 18, the Edge, the White Plains Public Library’s teen library, will hold its first Volunteer Interest Meeting for the “Do Gooders,” a new community service group for teens. “Do Gooders” follows the announcement that The Allstate Foundation awarded the White Plains Public Library a $25,000 grant for teen programs through “Good Starts in the Edge.” With the launch of “Do Gooders,” teens can earn volunteer hours for school or clubs, or just work to make a difference in their community. The library will provide resources and assist the teens in planning their own projects, such as learning
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September 14, 2017 9:28 am | by | No Comments
Categories: Events and Teens.
Tags: teens, The Allstate Foundation, and The Edge.

Resources to Help You Understand Health and Safety Risks Associated with the Use of VR

Resources to Help You Understand Health and Safety Risks Associated with the Use of VR

Unfortunately, there are risks associated with the use of VR (Virtual Reality) and AR (Augmented Reality) headsets. Some of the risks are fairly obvious: bumping into objects, tripping over wires, etc. Other risks are not so obvious and may either be latent in their effects (for example, vision impairment) or may trigger dizziness, nausea or even a seizure. The fact is, the technology is so new that health and safety research needs to catch up with it. Because of the risks associated with the use of VR, the Library requires that a liability release form is signed prior to trying
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September 6, 2017 5:11 pm | by | No Comments
Categories: Kids, Technology, and Teens.

Workshop on Paying for College

Workshop on Paying for College

Middle school students and their families are invited to a free workshop on the evening of May 2nd from 7- 8:30 pm in The Edge. Join us for pizza and the opportunity to learn about college scholarships and financial aid. You'll be introduced to FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) and other resources so that in a few years when its time to apply, you'll be more prepared to start the process. Thanks to support from The Allstate Foundation, this program is presented through a collaboration with Latino U College Access. For more information, please call 914-839-0535.
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April 10, 2017 4:12 pm | by | No Comments
Categories: Events and Teens.

Makers Wanted!

Makers Wanted!

Become a Maker Corps Member and lead a summer of making in The Edge at the Library!  The White Plains Public Library, in partnership with Argus Information and Advisory Services, has been accepted to be a Maker Corps site this summer, which means that all summer long we will be holding STEM-related workshops and mini-camps. Are you a maker, a DIY enthusiast, an artist, or interested in new and emerging technologies?  The Library needs to hire two people as Maker Corps Members that are interested in the Maker movement, want to work with teens, and build an innovative and exciting
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March 31, 2017 4:31 pm | by | No Comments
Categories: Library News, Technology, and Teens.
Tags: DIY, education, Maker, Maker Corps, STEM, summer, teens, and The Edge.

Safe Driving PSA 2016

Safe Driving PSA 2016

The number one cause of death to teenagers is car accidents. With this in mind, teens at the White Plains Public Library worked together to create a video about the dangers of distracted driving. Using animation and audio talents, the result was this year's Safe Driving Public Service Announcement (PSA) on YouTube. The project was made possible by the efforts and contributions from the Allstate Foundation, dedicated to the important mission of teaching youngsters not to text and drive and to be knowledgeable of the law. The teens are proud of their work, as they should be.  
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December 14, 2016 5:00 pm | by | No Comments
Categories: Technology and Teens.

Battle of the Books in the Edge

Battle of the Books in the Edge

All tweens and teens entering grades 6-10 in September 2016 are invited to join The Edge team for the Battle of the Books competition! Teams from libraries throughout Westchester will compete by answering trivia questions based on five different books. Participants will read the pre-selected books over the summer, attend team meetings in the fall, and compete (as a team) in the Westchester Library System Battle of the Books tournament. The tournament takes place on Saturday, October 15, at Ossining High School. Team practice will be held on Wednesday afternoons at 4:30 p.m. in the Edge Media Lab, beginning on August
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August 22, 2016 5:00 am | by | No Comments
Categories: Authors & Books, Events, and Teens.
Tags: battle of the books, books, reading, teens, and The Edge.

Maker Camp 2016

Maker Camp 2016

Teens, be part of Maker Camp 2016, a worldwide, online camp sponsored by Make: and Google. We meet every Wednesday starting July 13 at 2:00 p.m. Each week we will be working on a different project and then sharing photos and videos with other campers around the world. This summer's themes are: Things That Go, Mechanical Wonders, Way-out Sound, Sci-fi, Games and Farmstead. No registration, just pop-in for a session.
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July 6, 2016 9:37 am | by | No Comments
Categories: Classes, Technology, and Teens.
Tags: technology, teens, and The Edge.

Summer TV Production Camp 2016

Summer TV Production Camp 2016

Our TV production camp is back with 2 sessions this summer that run from June 27-July 8, and August 8-August 18, 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. Students entering grades 6-9 in the Fall can come and learn all aspects of creating a short news segment for the Global Ambassadors REACT News station, and eat snacks while doing so. Taught by teachers from White Plains schools, students will learn how to write scripts, interview, film and edit a short video. Space is limited, visit the Library's calendar to sign your children up today.
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June 18, 2016 9:46 am | by | 4 Comments
Categories: Classes and Teens.
Tags: teens, The Edge, tv production, and workshop.

Resume Workshop for Teens

Resume Workshop for Teens

Prepare yourself for the summer job hunt with this workshop taught by Pace University career counselor Susan Eisman on Thursday, May 19 at 7:00 p.m. You'll learn how to present yourself during the job search, starting with creating a resume that showcases your experience. You'll also hear valuable advice for a successful job interview and learn about networking.  This workshop is open to teens in grades 7-12; space is limited so registration is recommended. This event is supported by The Allstate Foundation. 
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May 4, 2016 5:00 am | by | 2 Comments
Categories: Classes and Teens.
Tags: jobs, teens, and The Edge.

Allstate Safe Driving Open House for New Drivers

Allstate Safe Driving Open House for New Drivers

Join us on Saturday, April 23 from 2:00 – 4:00 PM for our next open house for new drivers. There will be information in English and Espanol for new drivers as well as performances by the White Plains High School Song Writers Club. Other clubs from the high school will be here with information on some of the projects they have been doing this school year. This program was funded by a grant from the Allstate Foundation to the White Plains Library Foundation.
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April 18, 2016 5:00 am | by | No Comments
Categories: Events and Teens.
Tags: allstate, driving, Foundation, teens, and The Edge.

Introduction to Babysitting Class

Introduction to Babysitting Class

Saturday, May 7, 12:00-4:00 p.m. Looking to earn some spending money babysitting this summer? Sign up for this four-hour class taught by instructor Amanda Tucker, a kindergarten teacher with degrees in early childhood education. You'll learn interviewing tips, communication skills, ages and stages of young babies and toddlers, safety and first aid tips, and how to feed and care for children. At the end of the class, there will be a simple test and certificates will be distributed.  This event is open to teens in grades 6-12; registration is required. Light snacks will be provided. Bring paper and pencil, and a
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April 13, 2016 5:00 am | by | 2 Comments
Categories: Classes and Teens.
Tags: classes, teens, The Edge, and workshops.

Poetry Slam with Desiree Dallagiacomo on Dec. 2nd

Poetry Slam with Desiree Dallagiacomo on Dec. 2nd

Our exciting Poetry Slam series continues on December 2nd at 7:00 p.m. with an Open Mic, Poetry Slam, and performance from guest poet Desiree Dallagiacomo.  As always, our Slam will be hosted by Eric ZORK Alan. Desiree Dallagiacomo ranked 3rd at the 2014 Individual World Poetry Slam, 3rd at the 2015 Women of the World Poetry Slam, 3rd at the 2014 National Poetry Slam, and she is a Pushcart Prize nominee. She has traveled the country teaching and performing poetry. She has been a guest instructor at dozens of universities, including Dartmouth, Vanderbilt, and Columbia University. Her work has been
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November 25, 2015 5:00 am | by | No Comments
Categories: Authors & Books, Events, and Teens.
Tags: adults, all ages, desiree dallagiacomo, Library Slam, poetry, poetry slam, teens, and Zork.

Battle of White Plains on YouTube

Battle of White Plains on YouTube

We are happy to present “The Battle of White Plains” in honor of the 239th anniversary of the battle, which occurred in October 1776. This video is an overview of the Battle of White Plains and the larger Invasion of New York in 1776, one of the largest engagements of the American Revolution. Learn how the newly formed Continental Army fought under the command of George Washington to prevent the British Army from taking over the Hudson Valley.  The British hoped to cut in the colonies in half at the Hudson Valley, and the Battle of White Plains was an
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October 20, 2015 4:09 pm | by | No Comments
Categories: Local History and Teens.
Tags: battle of white plains, local history, Revolutionary War, The Edge, white plains historical society, white plains history, and youtube.