Archives for Foundation

What’s the buzz? Library Foundation hosts Adult and Teen Spelling Bee fundraiser to benefit The Trove!

What’s the buzz? Library Foundation hosts Adult and Teen Spelling Bee fundraiser to benefit The Trove!

Join us Friday, February 27, 7 p.m. at the HIGHLANDS MIDDLE SCHOOL AUDITORIUM for our first-ever Adult & Teen Spelling Bee. Have some fun watching teams of adults from community organizations and book groups and teens from White Plains High School test their spelling skills! Doors open at 7 p.m., Bee starts at 7:30 p.m. Snow date Friday March 6. Admission $5 payable at door. Kids under 6 free. Raffle drawing and refreshments available for purchase. Proceeds will support new technology for The Trove, our amazing children's library, celebrating its 10th birthday this year. Our celebrity emcee is Lawrence Otis
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February 23, 2015 6:00 am | by | No Comments
Categories: Events, Homepage, and Library News.
Tags: all ages, Foundation, fundraising, and The Trove.

“This Month on Martine” eNewsletter Debuts

“This Month on Martine” eNewsletter Debuts

Recently, we sent our inaugural e-newsletter, “This Month on Martine,” to Library patrons who have shared their email addresses with us.  A monthly publication, it will feature upcoming Library events as well as news about Foundation-sponsored programs. We're attaching a pdf copy of the first issue so you can get an idea of what it looks like–the email version will have links to the Library calendar, feature articles, and more.  If you'd like to be on the email list for our next issue, please contact lhollahan@whiteplainslibrary.org. December Newsletter
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January 12, 2015 11:48 am | by | 1 Comment
Categories: Events, Homepage, and Library News.
Tags: all ages, Foundation, and newsletter.

New Westchester Symphony performs Seasonal Favorites Sunday, Dec. 14, 3 p.m.

New Westchester Symphony performs Seasonal Favorites Sunday, Dec. 14, 3 p.m.

Join New Westchester Symphony Orchestra in a free concert of seasonal favorites including Anderson's “Sleigh Ride,” Tchaikovsky's “Waltz of the Flowers,” Williams' “Greensleeves,” a Hanukkah sing-along and Handel's Hallelujah chorus.  White Plains resident Raphael Forte, tenor, and conductor Benjamin Niemczyk, baritone, will perform Bizet's opera duet “Au Fond du Temple Saint.” More information at www.newsymphony.org. Refreshments following the concert. This program is free but seating is limited. To ensure the comfort and safety of patrons, tickets will be given out 30 minutes before the program starts. Sponsored by the White Plains Library Foundation, 914-422-1495. The New Westchester Symphony Orchestra (NewWSO) offers amateur
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December 11, 2014 6:00 am | by | No Comments
Categories: Events and Homepage.
Tags: adults, all ages, children, concert, families, and Foundation.

Library Foundation Fall Gala November 8 Honors Three for their Inspiring Service

Library Foundation Fall Gala November 8 Honors Three for their Inspiring Service

Please join us for the Foundation's Ninth Annual Fall Gala, “Stories to Inspire Us,” on Saturday, November 8, 7:00-10:00 p.m., as we honor Philip I. Kent, White Plains native, outstanding media executive, and generous Library supporter; the Friends of the WPPL, the all-volunteer group that has served the Library for 67 years; and Latino U College Access, a non-profit organization that provides college readiness services to first-generation high school students in Westchester. At the Gala, we will also kick off a year-long 10th Birthday celebration of The Trove, our amazing children's library. Tickets to this fundraising event are $125, and
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October 29, 2014 6:00 am | by | No Comments
Categories: Events, Featured, Homepage, and Library News.
Tags: Foundation, fundraising, and gala.

Library Construction Update

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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November 11, 2013 7:00 am | by | No Comments
Categories: Director's Corner, Homepage, and Library News.
Tags: Foundation, renovation, and teens.

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

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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October 25, 2013 7:00 am | by | No Comments
Categories: Events, Featured, Homepage, and Library News.
Tags: Foundation, fundraising, and gala.

Venessa Marco Performs at White Plains Library Poetry Slam

Venessa Marco Performs at White Plains Library Poetry Slam

Our Poetry Slam & Open Mic program this Wednesday at 7:00 p.m. features Venessa Marie Marco, a member of the 2013 Nuyorican National Slam Team, which placed third in the National Poetry Slam in Boston in August. She is an Afro-Caribbean writer who recently moved to New York to pursue her education in creative writing and anthropology. Come hear Venessa and share one of your poems with us. The program starts with an open mic session, and ends with a poetry slam, with our guest’s performance in between. To take part in the open mic or slam, please register at
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September 7, 2013 7:00 am | by | No Comments
Categories: Events, Featured, Homepage, and Library News.
Tags: adults, Foundation, poetry, and poetry slam.

Exciting New Technology Program for Teens

Exciting New Technology Program for Teens

The White Plains Public Library is proud to announce the first in what is expected to be a series of exciting new technology programs geared specifically for teens:  Hacker Academy:  How to create and program your own computer.  In this course, consisting of four one and a half hour sessions from July 11 through August 1, teens will be introduced to the world of small board computers as well how to hack them to boot and use Linux.  Provided for each of the 10 participants in the course is an Android-based computer, specifically the APC 8750 from VIA Technologies, Inc.
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July 23, 2013 7:00 am | by | No Comments
Categories: Classes, Featured, Homepage, and Library News.
Tags: classes, computers, Foundation, technology, teens, and workshops.

Library "breaks ground" for The Edge, our new teen space!

Library "breaks ground" for The Edge, our new teen space!

Over 80 community members joined Mayor Thomas Roach at the Library’s official groundbreaking ceremony on June 24 to kick off construction of The Edge, our new 3,000 sq. ft. space for teens.  The Edge will be built this summer and fall as part of Phase I of the Library’s first floor renovations, a three-year capital project of the City of White Plains with major support from the White Plains Library Foundation. At the groundbreaking, a group of ceremonial “book movers” led by Mayor Roach pushed book carts loaded with Young Adult books off the floor, clearing the space to begin renovations. To read more about
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July 11, 2013 7:00 am | by | No Comments
Categories: Events, Featured, Homepage, and Library News.
Tags: Foundation, teens, and The Edge.

The Dangers of Distracted Driving

The Dangers of Distracted Driving

Teens and parents, join us for a vital program about preparing teens to be safe drivers and making the roads safer for everyone. Our panelists, Jim Fatigate, driving educator, PAS Auto School, and Susan Brownbill-Vega, Westchester County Assistant District Attorney, will talk about the risks of distracted driving, now the leading cause of teen traffic fatalities. Wednesday, May 29, 6:30-8:00 p.m. Part of the Allstate Readiness Series. Teens attending will be eligible for a raffle prize drawing and community service credit. Refreshments will be served.
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May 20, 2013 7:00 am | by | No Comments
Categories: Library News.
Tags: Foundation, parents, and teens.

Slamming to Make the Team

Slamming to Make the Team

The library will be holding our Poetry Slam Finals on Wednesday, May 15, at 6:30 p.m. The winners of this competition will make up our official 2013 White Plains/ Westchester Poetry Slam Team. Our team  – the only one in Westchester County recognized by Poetry Slam International  – plans to compete in the 2013 National Poetry Slam in Boston this August. Poets who have participated in three of our slams since last June and finished in the top three in at least one of them qualify to compete, but we can’t have a slam without an audience – which is
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May 8, 2013 7:00 am | by | No Comments
Categories: Events, Featured, Homepage, and Library News.
Tags: adults, Foundation, poetry, and poetry slam.

The Basics of Insurance, Saving and Investing

The Basics of Insurance, Saving and Investing

Join us on May 14 at 7 p.m. for “The Basics of Insurance, Saving & Investing.” You will gain strategies to help you achieve your financial goals and learn how insurance, saving, and investing contribute to your personal and family financial health. Presented by financial educator Lew Tischler. Tischler has spent the past 30 years helping people understand banking, finance, credit, cash flow, and how to apply common sense to solve everyday practical problems. All are welcome, and refreshments will be served. Part of the Allstate Readiness Series.
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May 7, 2013 7:00 am | by | No Comments
Categories: Classes, Featured, Homepage, and Library News.
Tags: adults, classes, Foundation, and workshops.

Chess with White Plains Chess Master Joshua Colas

Chess with White Plains Chess Master Joshua Colas

Test your chess skills against a Master, on Saturday, April 27, 2-4 p.m., for students in grades 3-8. White Plains High School freshman Joshua Colas is the youngest African-American chess master in history. He will talk about how he got started playing chess and about his experiences in international competitions. Then he'll play simultaneous games against up to 15 opponents! Everyone is welcome to listen to Joshua and watch the matches. Registration is only for those who want to play chess (grades 3-8). Registration opens April 15, please call The Trove at 422-1476. Sponsored by the White Plains Library Foundation.
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April 19, 2013 7:00 am | by | No Comments
Categories: Events, Featured, Homepage, and Library News.
Tags: all ages, children, Foundation, and The Trove.

Pianist Brian Lam to Perform at the 14th Annual Clarice Wilson Memorial Concert

Pianist Brian Lam to Perform at the 14th Annual Clarice Wilson Memorial Concert

Even if you didn't know Clarice Wilson (music specialist at the Library from 1974-1999) the annual concerts held in her memory are worth attending. Mrs. Wilson supported gifted young artists at the beginning of their careers and this year's performance continues in that spirit by featuring a very talented young pianist, Brian Lam. A native of Hong Kong, Fung Yuen (Brian) Lam started playing the piano at age four. He is presently a scholarship piano performance major at Brooklyn College Conservatory of Music, City University of New York, where he studies with Adam Kent. In 2006, he became the youngest
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April 12, 2013 7:00 am | by | No Comments
Categories: Events, Featured, Homepage, and Library News.
Tags: concert, Foundation, and music.

Allstate Readiness Series Personal Finance Workshop: Credit Cards, Credit Scores, and Debt Management

Allstate Readiness Series Personal Finance Workshop: Credit Cards, Credit Scores, and Debt Management

Gain control of your finances!  Join us Tuesday, April 16, at 7 p.m. for an interactive workshop on the different types of debt and credit cards being offered, and how they can help you manage your finances. You'll learn about credit bureaus, credit reports, and your credit score. We'll discuss strategies to pay down credit card debt and get out of debt. Presenter: Financial Educator Lew Tischler.. Part of the Allstate Readiness Series. Free admission. Refreshments available.
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April 10, 2013 7:00 am | by | No Comments
Categories: Classes, Featured, Homepage, and Library News.
Tags: adults, Foundation, and workshops.

Financial Goals and Personal Budgeting Techniques – Allstate Readiness Series Personal Finance Workshop I

Financial Goals and Personal Budgeting Techniques – Allstate Readiness Series Personal Finance Workshop I

Join us Tuesday, March 19, at 7 pm for the first session of our spring Personal Finance Workshop series. Financial awareness is becoming increasingly more important in every person's life.  The first step to becoming financially aware is to understand what goes into making a personal budget.  This seminar presented by financial educator Lew Tischler gently walks you through the process of personal budgeting and financial goal setting. Sponsored by a grant from The Allstate Foundation. Future events in this series: Workshop II:  Credit Cards, Credit Scores, and Debt Management–Tuesday, April 16 Workshop III: Basics of Insurance, Savings, and Investing–Tuesday, May 14
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March 18, 2013 7:00 am | by | No Comments
Categories: Classes, Featured, Homepage, and Library News.
Tags: adults, classes, Foundation, and workshops.

Mini Golf in the Library: "Tee Off for Education"

Mini Golf in the Library: "Tee Off for Education"

On Saturday, March 16, experience the Library in a “hole” new way, as the Library is transformed into a miniature golf course!  Kids and adults get to play in two separate events, a free family fun afternoon and an adults-only evening fundraiser “19th hole” party.  Families and kids ages 3-11 can drop by anytime from 1-4:30 p.m. to play mini golf, and see the Balloon Man create amazing balloon animals.   To ensure the comfort and safety of patrons, timed tickets will be given out on a first-come, first-served basis, beginning at 12:30 pm, in the Museum Gallery.  Refreshments will be
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March 8, 2013 7:00 am | by | No Comments
Categories: Events, Featured, Homepage, and Library News.
Tags: adults, all ages, children, families, Foundation, and fundraising.

Library Foundation Presents New Video: "Transforming Lives, Every Day"

Library Foundation Presents New Video: "Transforming Lives, Every Day"

Libraries measure public service by collecting lots of data–number of books borrowed, hours of computer usage, how many people attend programs, etc. But numbers alone don't tell the story of how the Library helps people learn, build a career, find community, get inspired, have fun, and move on in their lives. The White Plains Library Foundation recently produced a video, “Transforming Lives, Every Day”, in which some of our patrons shared powerful stories of how the Library has benefited them, and we are proud to share it with you. Click here to view.
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February 26, 2013 7:00 am | by | No Comments
Categories: Featured, Homepage, and Library News.
Tags: all ages, Foundation, and youtube.

Library Foundation Presents New Video: "Transforming Lives, Every Day"

Library Foundation Presents New Video: "Transforming Lives, Every Day"

Libraries measure public service by collecting lots of data–number of books borrowed, hours of computer usage, how many people attend programs, etc.  But numbers alone don't tell the story of how the Library helps people learn, build a career, find community, get inspired, have fun, and move on in their lives.  The White Plains Library Foundation recently produced a video, “Transforming Lives, Every Day”, in which some of our patrons shared powerful stories of how the Library has benefited them, and we are proud to share it with you.  Click here to view.                
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January 25, 2013 7:00 am | by | No Comments
Categories: Featured, Homepage, and Library News.
Tags: all ages, Foundation, and youtube.

Ben Figueroa Performs at 1st Wednesday Poetry Slam

Ben Figueroa Performs at 1st Wednesday Poetry Slam

Come hear Ben “Broken English” Figueroa at our January 2 Poetry SLAM and Open Mic. Ben, the Poet Laureate of Union City, New Jersey, is a self-taught writer, poet, and stage performer. He has headlined shows at Howl Festival, The Bowery Poetry Club, Art House Productions, Louder Arts, and several New Jersey colleges and universities. Figueroa is currently the slammaster and host of Jersey City Slam, which he founded in 2009. If you’d like to take part in our open mic or slam, please sign up at 6:30 p.m. Registration closes promptly at 7 p.m., and the program starts shortly
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December 27, 2012 7:00 am | by | No Comments
Categories: Events, Featured, Homepage, and Library News.
Tags: adults, Foundation, and poetry slam.