Goodbye, book drop!
For the last several years, the Library has maintained a curbside book drop. Located at the entrance to the cutaway, in front of the Library, it allowed patrons to return material without having to leave their car.
You will find that the drive-up book drop is gone for two reasons. One, every year or two a driver has plowed into it. If it was a dent I wouldn’t mind—we could repair that—but these accidents have left the book drop completely inoperable. To purchase a new one costs thousands of dollars, funds that we would rather spend on Library materials.
Two, the book drop was also the cause of minor traffic jams on Martine Avenue, as drivers wanting to park in the cutaway would lineup as someone, parked in front of the book drop, searched in the glove compartment, looked under the seats, moved the dog, rifled through their briefcase, and checked the trunk for the DVD they meant to return and was certain they’d taken with them.
But here’s the good news: We have not one but two book drop slots that are located on the front of the Library, to the left of the entrance. They’re open 24 hours a day, every day of the year. You do have to get out of the car to access them and I realize for some patrons that may be a hardship. At the same time, it should make traffic through the cutaway a lot easier.
Brian Kenney |
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Puppet Playtime with Nicola Rose
 Actress and puppeteer Nicola Rose will bring her repertoire of interactive games, songs and stories to the Library for a 7:00 p.m. performance in the Trove on Wednesday, March 7. “’Puppet Playtime’ is a series of short vignettes—games and stories—for toddlers and pre-schoolers,” she says. “I will be handing out scarves, toys and musical instruments so that the kids can play along with me. They will be very much involved.”
The Bronx-based Rose is a Columbia University graduate and received a master’s degree in theater from the Sorbonne in Paris, where she studied for two years. She is an accomplished independent film producer and director (most of her work is for grown-ups), with Creative Block, about a young artist and puppet-maker, having won awards at the Mindfield Film Fest in Los Angeles and at the Spotlight Short Film Awards in Atlanta. Puppets were also central to her Web TV series Callie & Izzy.
Puppetry for kids is a passion that Rose got from watching the late Shari Lewis. ”Shari is a role-model because she connected with children so brilliantly. Lamb-Chop’s Play-Along on PBS was a favorite program of mine when I was growing up, and Shari made her characters seem so real. That’s my goal, too.”
“Puppet Playtime” is sponsored by the White Plains Library Foundation.
Steve Cohn
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This Week in White Plains
Looking to have a fun time with the whole family this weekend? Check out Moon Mouse presented by Lightwire Theater at the White Plains Performing Arts Center this Sunday, March 4 at 2:00 p.m. For tickets visit wppac.com
Join Marvin the mouse on the space adventure of a lifetime; a trip to the surface of the moon on his homemade rocket, where he meets a strange cast of misfit creatures, learns of infinite peril and awesome beauty. Will Marvin make his dreams come true and bring him the glory and acceptance he craves?
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2018 is the Year of the Dog!
The dog, one of the 12 symbols of the Chinese zodiac, is revered for his loyalty, honesty, and devotion. The following are some books from our collection that celebrate The Hound and the special human-canine bond. Ask our librarians if you are interested in more recommendations.
 Craig & Fred : a Marine, a Stray Dog, and How They Rescued Each Other by Craig Grossi [B Grossi]
Deployed as an intelligence collector to Afghanistan, Grossi is befriended by a stray dog a fellow marine names Fred. Friendly and self-assured, Fred accompanies the troops on some missions, watches over the wounded and, most of all, becomes the steady, calming companion to Craig as he navigates the difficult return home, acknowledging his PTSD and grief over losing two men in his platoon and trying to make sense of civilian life. Crisply written, with a painfully clear picture of the war many are still fighting.
 A Dog’s Life by Peter Mayle [Fiction]
Provence from a dog’s perspective. Boy, a large shaggy dog, tells us about his life—with its sights, sounds and especially smells—in hilarious detail. He has much to say about his adopted family’s household, France, behavior and manners, cats, food, and such. “Notes on the Human Species”, naturally, is his concluding chapter. Includes witty illustrations by Edward Koren.
 Good dog. Stay. by Anna Quindlen [818.54 Q]
Both short and sweet, this book recounts the life and death of Beau, black labrador and beloved Quindlen family pet. Of course, it is about much more. “Besides, when I talk about him I’m really talking about me, about us, about our family, about our life together,” Quindlen writes. With black and white photos of dogs of all shapes and sizes.
 Pack of Two : The Intricate Bond Between People and Dogs by Caroline Knapp [636.7088 K]
A shepherd mix from the pound, Lucille, enters recovering alcoholic Knapp’s life after her parents’ deaths, bringing her companionship and unconditional love. “Living with a dog is like being followed around 24 hours a day by a mute psychoanalyst,” the Knapp writes. “Feelings float up from inside and attach themselves to the dog, who will not question their validity, or hold up your behavior to scrutiny, or challenge your perceptions.” Part memoir and part exploration of the literature and cultural attitudes about dogs. A snapshop of Lucille precedes each chapter.
 Timbuktu by Paul Auster [Fiction]
Mr. Bones, faithful companion to the quite-mad vagabond Willy G. Christmas, is also “patient, loyal self-sacrificing, and loving, a veritable doggy bodhisattsva intent on bringing cheer to as many lonely people as he can before he moves on to the next world, Timbuktu, and rejoins his master.” Booklist, March 1999. A poignant novel.
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Monthly Poetry Slam
What's a Poetry Slam? Poetry slam is the competitive art of performance poetry. It emphasizes writing and performance, encouraging poets to focus on what they’re saying and how they’re saying it. Poems often blend personal, political, humorous and artistic content. Attending a Poetry Slam is an interactive experience because audience reaction (and judging) is part of the format. Performers aren’t shy about sharing their emotions and there are no restrictions on language.
The Library has been hosting monthly Poetry Slams for over 12 years. The program usually takes place at the library, but we’ve also met at a local church, book store and other community locations. Our Slam is moderated by nationally recognized slam poet, educator, and White Plains resident Eric ZORK Alan and he’s welcomed guest  slammers from all over the country.
Our next Poetry Slam will be held on Wednesday, March 7. Sign-up starts at 6:30 p.m. and the event runs from 7:00-9:00 p.m. For more info, contact Ben Himmelfarb at bhimmelfarb@whiteplainslibrary.org
Left: March's featured guest poet, R.J. Walker.
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March 2018 LibraryReads
Here are the top ten books published this month that librarians across the country love.
 Let Me Lie by Clare Mackintosh
Published: 3/13/2018 by Berkley
“For readers who enjoyed Mackintosh’s I Let You Go and I See You, you most certainly will enjoy her latest suspenseful thrill ride. Anna has been struggling to get on with her life after her parents’ suicides when she starts to receive clues that maybe her parents did not carry out the heinous act that everyone believed they committed.” – KC Davis, Fairfield Woods Library, Fairfield, CT
 The Broken Girls by Simone St. James
Published: 3/20/2018 by Berkley
“Parallel narratives, one set in Vermont 1950 and the other in Vermont 2014, are woven together in this intricate mystery. Timely themes of violence toward women and abuses of power resonate throughout. A well-crafted and unsettling tale for fans of Gothic horror and female centered thrillers.” – Kate Currie, Hennepin County Library, Minneapolis, MN
 The Flight Attendant by Chris Bohjalian
Published: 3/13/2018 by Doubleday
“Cassie Bowden is a flight attendant with a drinking problem. Rock bottom comes when she wakes up in a hotel room in Dubai with a dead man next to her. Warning: do not read this on a plane!” – Marika Zemke, Commerce Township Public Library, Commerce Township, MI
 Sometimes I Lie by Alice Feeney
Published: 3/13/2018 by Flatiron Books
“For fans of the recent psychological thrillers, The Woman In the Window and The Wife Between Us, comes another one that will keep you on your toes. I felt like I needed a whiteboard to keep track of the twists and turns.” – Robin Beerbower, Salem Public Library, Salem, OR
 Burn Bright by Patricia Briggs
Published: 3/6/2018 by Ace
“The latest installment in the Alpha and Omega series. The tension between humans and werewolves is ramping up and Charles and Anna are becoming more deeply involved in Pack business. For readers who enjoy Ilona Andrews and Kelly Armstrong.” – Shana Harrington, Las Vegas Clark County Library District, Las Vegas, NV
 Sunburn by Laura Lippman
Published: 2/20/2018 by William Morrow
“Polly leaves her husband and child while on a beach vacation and winds up in a small town in Delaware with almost nothing. She gets a job at the local bar and starts a relationship with Adam, someone who seems to have landed in the town by accident as well. As the novel progresses, we learn of Polly’s past and soon you won’t know what to believe. Sunburn is a twisted novel that will suck you in.” – Annice Sevett, New Hanover County Public Library, Wilmington, NC
 Every Note Played by Lisa Genova
Published: 3/20/2018 by Gallery/Scout Press
“Richard is a successful concert pianist who has contracted ALS and now his right arm is paralyzed. His wife Katrina takes on the role of reluctant caretaker. Theirs is a marriage filled with secrets, blame, loneliness and disappointment. The book is beautifully written and visceral in its description of the progression of ALS. Most moving to this reader was both characters’ impassioned relationship to music.” – Maggie Holmes, Richards Memorial Library, North Attleborough, MA
 Girls Burn Brighter by Shobha Rao
Published: 3/6/2018 by Flatiron Books
“A beautiful tale of survival despite overwhelming destructive forces all around. After her mother’s death, Poornima is left to care for her siblings and father until her arranged marriage. When a free spirited Savitha enters, Poornima begins to imagine a different life. Told in alternating perspectives, the girls’ ambition keeps them going through unimaginable trials.” – Darla Dykstra, Mid-Continent Public Library, Independence, MO
 Alternate Side by Anna Quindlen
Published: 3/20/2018 by Random House
“This book really captures contemporary New York, the increasing disparity between the wealthy Manhattanites and those who work for them and live in the outer boroughs, and the obsessive search for parking. The title hits exactly the right tone as 'alternate side' has several meanings in this novel.” – Rosemarie Borsody, Lee Library Association, Lee, MA
 Tangerine by Christine Mangan
Published: 3/27/2018 by Ecco
“This novel brings to mind Hitchcock. This is the story of two women, friends in college, until an accident drives a wedge between them. Years later, Alice is living in Tangier with her husband when Lucy shows up. A twisted tale told in alternating points of view.” – Terri Smith, Cornelia Habersham County Library, Cornelia, GA
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Photo of the Week
Left: A teen playing Cube Quest at Tabletop Game Tuesday in the Edge. Photo by Staff.
We want your photos! In each issue of This Week on Martine we will feature one patron submitted photo that was taken in White Plains. To submit your photography for a chance to be featured, visit our photo submission page, upload one of your photos and fill out our form with a short description of the photo and your name.
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