Dear Community Member:

Welcome to our first Census newsletter: Be Counted, White Plains. We’re less than two months away from the Census arriving in people’s mailboxes!

First of all, please share this newsletter. Forward to anyone in White Plains who may be interested. They can sign up here.

In mid-March, homes across the country will begin receiving invitations to complete the 2020 Census. Once the invitation arrives, participants should respond in one of three ways: online, by phone, or by mail.

April 1 is Census Day. When completing the Census, participants will include everyone living in their home on April 1, 2020.

And remember, everyone should complete the Census, children and adults, citizens and non-citizens.

Contact Us: It’s Easy
Eileen McClain (Planning) and Brian Kenney (Library) are co-chairs of the committee. Questions,  thoughts, or suggestions? Write to us at Census@whiteplainsny.gov. Or call us: 422-1300 (Eileen) and 422-1406 (Brian).

In the next issue of the newsletter, we’ll address the questions you send in.

One of the challenges of the Census is that there is so much information being produced. We’ve waded through the literature and the two flyers below will help answer most people’s questions. We’ve included the English and Spanish versions in PDF format. You can post these, hand them out, or include them with a newsletter.

But remember, the Census Bureau is providing information in a total of 59 languages, including Lithuanian, Somali and American Sign Language! So if you need literature in other languages, let us know and we’ll find them for you.

Census 101: What You Need to Know
Census 101: What You Need to Know (in Spanish)
The 2020 Census and Confidentiality
The 2020 Census and Confidentiality (in Spanish)

Maybe the best way for you to get the word out is our 30-second video from the Mayor. Check out our video collection here and include them on your website or share them on social media.

Have a new or novel idea for spreading the word? Share it with us.

The White Plains Public Library is prepared to help citizens complete the Census seven days a week, every hour that we are open. We have technology that meets all the requirements regarding security and confidentiality, and our staff has also been trained to help people access the Census. For those who want to complete the Census online, but lack the technology or skills, send them to the Library! It’s the easiest way to get counted.

If folks threw out their mailing—and lack the code to enter on the Census website—send them to the Library. Based on their address, we should be able to get them counted.

Is your organization having an event in April? A coffee hour after a church service, for example. Or a health fair. Then consider including Census Completion as part of the event. We will happily lend two Chrome Books and a Hotspot (which provides Internet access). We’ll even include some technological expertise if you need it. Give Brian a call if you want to set something up.

The U.S. Census Bureau is recruiting to fill hundreds of thousands of temporary positions across the country to assist with the 2020 Census count. Go here for more information.

Please note that the Library is closed today, Wednesday, February 12th for Lincoln's Birthday. We will reopen with regular hours from 10:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m. tomorrow, February 13th.

We will also be closed on Monday, February 17th for President's Day and will reopen with regular hours from 10:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 18th.

Our external book drop, located to the left of our main entrance, will remain open for anyone looking to return materials while we're closed.