Somers Library
 
Newsletter 
April 2019 
 
 
Keys to the Past .... Gateway to the Future
80 Primrose Street
Route 139 & Reis Park
Somers, NY 10589
914-232-5717
email: [email protected]  
 
Hours
Mon, Tue, Wed 10am - 5pm 
Thurs 11am - 8pm 
Fri 10am - 5pm 
Sat 10am - 5pm 
Sun - CLOSED 
 
Director's Corner

ONGOING ISSUES WITH THE CATALOG

Thank you for your patience during the migration to a new library system. We are aware of several issues that are currently affecting patrons throughout the county.
  • Some patron's passwords/pins have not correctly transferred to the new system. If you are unable to access your account online please call or come into the Somers Library and we can reset your password/pin.
  • The hold system is still experiencing problems. Some holds may not appear on your account. The Westchester Library System is aware of this and is currently restoring the missing holds. Unfortunately we are unable to restore the holds ourselves.
  • Lastly, if you already have the WLS app, please simply delete the app off your device and re-install it and re-enter your login credentials to get access to the information on the app.
Thank you! We appreciate your patience!
  
Andrew Farber 
Director
 
Our Programs Are Funded By the Friends of the Somers Library.

Adult Events  
* FOR ALL adult programs, call the library at 914-232-5717 or register using our  Online Calendar for upcoming events. All programs take place at the Somers Library unless otherwise noted. Registration required for most programs. 

Senior Benefits Information Center:   Every Wednesday, through December 18, 2019, 10:00 am - 1:00 pm  (No meeting on 11/27). Senior Benefits Information Centers (SBICs) help older adults 60 and over and those caring for the elderly achieve a better understanding of Medicare health plans and prescription drug coverage. Information is provided about different types of government programs. Meet with trained counselors in a private setting to get information about:  Medicare, Medicare Advantage, and Medigap supplement plans; Part D prescription drug coverage; Medicare savings plans for low-income seniors; Financial benefit programs such as Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP), & food stamps (SNAP).  You will be able to meet with trained counselors in a private setting. No appointment is necessary. If you can't visit the library in person, you can leave a message on the SBIC helpline at 914-231-3260 or email us at [email protected] with your name, number, a time to call between 9am-5pm and whether your interest is in Medicare services or other benefits. 
 
Monday Evening Non-Fiction Book Club. Mondays, 4/1, 5/6, 6/10, 7/8, 8/12, 9/9. 10/7, 11/4, & 12/9 from 6:30 - 8:30 pm. Please join us for the Non-Fiction book club at the Somers Library! We will be concentrating on history, biography, technology, astronomy, computers and science. In the future, members will choose the books to be read. For our first meeting on April 1st, we will discuss Eric Larsen's The Devil in the White City . For the May meeting, we will discuss The Wordy Shipmates by Sarah Vowell.  Cookies will be served.  Space is limited to 15.

Monday Writers Workshop. Mondays, April 1, 8, 15, 22, 29; 5/6, 13, 20; 6/3, 10, 17, 1:00 am - 2:30 pm. If there is a book in you, a memoir, a fictional recounting of a time in your life or an  historical tome, there is no greater time to preserve your written words in a class with other students who are exploring an idea, a work in progress, or a chapter in their life. Bring your ideas, pen and paper (or laptop) so that within a few short weeks you will have  developed the strategies to become a lifelong writer. People of all skill levels are welcome. Space is limited, so register early!

TED TALK:  Environment - Global Warming & Climate Change.   Thursday, April 4th from 1:00 - 3:00 pm.  Join host Eugene Ritchie in a discussion after viewing two TED talk speakers who will speak on a this topic. Each program consists of diverse speakers with short presentations of 10 and 20 minutes long. Speakers for this date are Katharine Hayhoe: The Most Important Thing You can do to fight Climate Change: Talk About It" and Chad Frischmann: "100 Solutions to Reverse Global Warming."   Upcoming Topics are: May 2 - Business - Globalization and Leadership. June 6 - Human Relations - Enhancing Personal & Professional Relationships.   Registration is required. 

How Music Works . Part I & II - Saturday, April 6 & Saturday April 13, 1:00 - 2:30 pm. How Music Works is a two-part discussion for music fans and beginning musicians who wish to understand the components of music and how these components fit together. Discussed will be: basics of chords and chord progressions, melody and harmony and the evolution of music. This is a flexible curriculum, and class interests and experience will play a part in dictating our direction. This program is designed for teens and adults. You do not need a knowledge of music to attend this class - only a desire to learn! Please resister for both sessions as they are presented in parts.

Race Amity Day Discussion Group: White Fragility. Sunday, April 7, 3:00 - 5:00. 
Join in thoughtful and relevant discussions that will refer to specific topics in the book White Fragility: Why It's So Hard for White People to Talk about Racism by Robin DiAngelo. The afternoon starts with light refreshments and mingling, followed by a discussion led by John Watson and Sven Thiessen.

Decorating Your Home to Sell. Monday, April 8, 6:30 - 8:00 pm. Come to this stress-free guide to preparing your home to sell quickly and for top dollar! Your instructors Susan Atwell and Denise Giordano will show you:
  • Top ten tried-and-true do-it-yourself home staging tips
  • What home buyers really want
  • The current climate of the Northern Westchester real estate market
  • How today's home sellers can edge out the competition

 

Bring you questions and enjoy this fun and interactive discussion. Registration is required.

 


Genealogy Workshop for Beginners . Saturday, April 13th from 11:00 - 12:30 pm. Have you ever wondered who your ancestors were? Do you wonder if you have family members you weren't aware you had?  Come to this workshop to discover your past and build your own family tree! Topics covered will be: ~How to get started, keep track and organize ~ Family stories and traditions ~ Charts and software programs ~ Collecting vital records ~ Online resources (including library resources, Ancestry.com, etc.), census, probate records and newspapers. Upcoming  Presentations: Genealogy Workshop - Beyond Beginner, 5/4 from 11-12:30 & Beyond Beginner Genealogy, 6/15 from 11-12:30.  

Dmitri Kolesnik Jazz Trio. Sunday, April 14, 2 - 4 pm. Back by popular demand! Liven up your Sunday afternoon! Come hear bassist and composer Dmitri Kolesnik along with Anthony Wonsey on piano and Brandon Sanders on drums for an afternoon of jazz. The trio will perform a mixture of standards and Kolesnik original compositions in a swinging modern jazz style. No registration required - first come, first seated.

Fact or Fake: Exploring the Role of Media in Politics . Thursday, April 25, 7:00 - 8:30 pm. Facebook, Twitter, CNN, Fox, newspapers, podcasts, blogs...are you mesmerized or overwhelmed by the variety and the volume? Come to this interactive workshop to discuss the state of media in the current political environment. Throughout the 90 minute workshop, presentation and group discussion topics will include media biases, spotting fake news, different ways to access news and the benefits of a comprehensive media diet. Moreover, we will discuss how technology has influenced the changing political environment like never before! Developed and sponsored by the League of Women Voters, this non-partisan workshop encourages all ages and backgrounds to participate.

Essentials of Online Health: Information for Older Adults. Friday, April 26, 12:00 - 1:30 pm, Snow date - March 15th. This workshop teaches older adults how to find, use and assess the online information you need. Learn about authoritative sources on health matters - from diseases and conditions to evaluation of doctors and hospitals; from drugs and supplements to Medicare management. Know where to start and what you can expect from these online tools. Discover sources worth mastering and practices that will keep you safe online. If you can, please bring your own laptops to the class. Registration is required.

Emergency Preparedness Program. Friday, April 26, 2:00 - 3:30 pm. With severe weather events becoming more frequent and extreme, it is more important than ever that New Yorkers are prepared for disasters. The NY Citizen Preparedness Training Program teaches residents to have the tools and resources to prepare for any type of disaster, respond accordingly and recover as quickly as possible to pre-disaster conditions. The training course will provide an introduction to responding to a natural or man-made disaster. Participants will be advised on how to properly prepare for any disaster, including developing a family emergency plan and stocking up on emergency supplies.

Ongoing Events

Knit and Crochet Club.  Fridays beginning January 11th from 10:30 am -12:00 pm. Join Kathy Neggers (facilitator) and other knitters and crocheters to enjoy working on individual projects together. Bring your project and supplies. Beginners are welcome! Just bring a pair of knitting needles or a crochet hook some yarn and learn the basics!

Spring Into Art. Mondays, 3/25, 4/1, 4/8, 4/29 & 5/6, 10:30 am - 12:30 pm. Experiment making art using water-soluble oil pastels and watercolor pencils! Students will learn about the versatile ways each medium can create great effects. No experience required - join us and have fun! Inspirational music will accompany your creative journey.  Suggested Supplies List: Multi-media paper - 98 lb or higher, Water cup, Soft brush, Pencil, Eraser, Water-soluble oil Pastels - Portfolio, AND/OR, Water-soluble pencils (Fantasia, Staedtler, Intense (Derwent). There is a $30 fee to be paid on the first day of class. Make checks out to Judika Lieberman. Registration is required.
Race Amity Day Discussion Group: White Fragility
Sunday, April 7, 3:00 - 5:00 pm


Teens
  Teen Events  
* For ALL teen and tween programs, please call us at 914-232-5717,  or register here for upcoming events. All programs will take place at the Somers Library unless otherwise noted. Registration required for most programs.                  
 
Teens & Tweens: Coding 101 in a Jiffy.  Wednesday, April 3rd, 6:00 - 7:00 pm.  
Are you ready to program? Did you know that every digital device uses a programming language, and that there are thousands of them? Discover how apps like Minecraft  and iTunes "speak" specific languages that a computer can understand, and learn how coding helps you "talk" to machines! You are welcome and encouraged to bring your own laptop. This program is for students grades 6 and up. Space is limited to 12 participants. Austin Olney is an educator, developer, and certified computer professional with teaching experience and hands-on field work in a variety of settings.
 
Decoupage: Art of Royalty with Judika. Thursday, April 4th, 2019 3:30 - 4:45 pm. Did you know that Marie Antoinette was the original decoupeur? Get into the mood for spring by creating beautiful boxes fit for royalty with artist Judika Lieberman!  This program is for students grade 6 and up. Space limited to 10 participants. 
 
VolunTEEN! People in Your Neighborhood. Tuesday, April 9th from 3:30 - 4:30 pm. Have a heart - do your part! Are you a team player that is interested in helping others? Help kick off National Volunteer week by creating no - sew snuggle blankets that will be distributed among patients at a local dialysis shelter. This program is for students grades 6 and up. Space is limited to 16 participants.
 
How to Pay for College Without Going Broke . Thursday, April 11th from 7:00 - 8:30 pm.  What is the difference between FAFSA and CSS? What is the best way to navigate the financial aid process? In this workshop, participants will learn about these topics and walk away with a better understanding of how loans play a part in the financial aid package. Open to parents of teens and tweens grades 6 and up.  
 
College Money Matters: Funding the Dream 101 . Wednesday, April 17, from 6:30 - 8:00 pm.  As the costs of funding higher education continue to rise, the process of understanding the funding process may seem daunting and full of pitfalls. Never fear, help and information are here! In this presentation, parents will learn more about developing a strategic college savings plan, discovering alternative funding pathways, and determining both pros and cons of current savings options. Open to parents of teens and tweens grades 6 and up.  
Presenters: Robert Scorrano is a financial services advisor for Prudential Insurance Company of America, and provides guidance on a wide range of topics to both families and business owners. A Somers resident, he and his team have offices both in White Plains and Somers.
 
Dr. Debra Hardy is an educational consultant whose primary focus is assisting prospective college students and their families achieve their dream college. As the former director of K - 12 guidance within the Somers school district, she has received state and national recognition with her work with students and families.
 
SAT Practice Exam With The Princeton Review. Saturday, April 20, 10:00 am - 2:00 pm.  Here is your opportunity to try your hand at the SAT without having to worry about the score going anywhere. After the test, participants will receive an extensive score-report and a personalized consultation to go over your scores and answer your questions! Please bring graphing calculator, pens, pencils, and water and snack bar (optional).  Please Note: If there are fewer than 25 registrants by the middle of April, this program may be canceled and the library will notify the registrants accordingly.  
 
ACT Practice Exam With The Princeton Review. Saturday, April 27, 10:00 am  - 2:00 pm. There is a difference between the SAT and the ACT, and some students do better on one over the other. Here is your opportunity to try your hand at the ACT without having to worry about the score going anywhere. After the test, participants will receive an extensive score-report showing you exactly where your strengths and weaknesses are, PLUS a personalized consultation to go over your scores and answer your questions! Please bring graphing calculator, pens, pencils, and water and snack bar (optional).  Please Note: If there are not enough registrants by the middle of April, this program may be cancelled and the library will notify the registrants accordingly.

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Ongoing Events  
Spring Dungeons and Dragons (D&D) Club . Alternating Saturdays on  4/6, 5/4 and 5/18, from 3:00 - 4:45 pm. Create your own world - join us to play Dungeons & Dragons! Familiarity with Dungeons and Dragons is encouraged, but not necessary. Grades 6 and up. Registration is required.
 
Magic the Gathering Club. Alternating Saturdays on  4/6, 5/4 and 5/18 from 12:30 - 2:45 pm. Join us to play the popular card game of Magic the Gathering! New players and beginners welcome! Grades 6 and up. Registration is required.
 
Winter/Spring Anime/Manga Club.
Wednesdays, from 3:15-4:30 pm on  4/3, 4/10, 4/17, 4/24, 5/1, /8, 5/15, 5/22, & 5/29. Join us  to watch anime from Crunchyroll on our big screen TV, eat snack, & to hang out with friends. This program is for teens entering 7th grade and up. Registration is required. 
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Children's Events

FOR ALL Children's programs, click on the Online Calendar to register,  or call the library at 914-232-5717.

***

April Specials:


Mindful and Artful Parenting with Art Therapist Lynn Cukaj!
1 more session~  Tuesday April 30.
Registration required- details here.

Story Time & Craft
Stories, fun, history and crafts!
With Doris Jane Smith- Somers Town Historian and Primrose Teacher
Tuesdays:  April 2; April 30
Best for ages 6+.
Registration is required- register here.

StoryWalk:  Friday April 12 to Friday April 26 (during library hours). Read  Mousetronaut  by Astronaut Mark Kelly as you walk around the outside of the library. Receive a cookie when you complete the story- courtesy of the Friends of Somers Library.

Sidewalk Chalk  from Friday, April 12 to Saturday, April 20. Visit the Children's Room to obtain chalk and then tap into your inner poet and write on the sidewalk leading to the library!

Puppet show  with Nicola Rose McEldowney during school break: Tuesday, April 16 from 3:00-3:45.
Learn some French words too!

Drop-In Craft  Wednesday, April 17 during school break: Wednesday during library hours. Use our materials and your imagination to create a craft!

Clay Workshop*  with Art Teacher Wendy Podell during school break:
Thursday, April 18 from 1:30-2:30. Best for ages 5+.
Registration required-  register here.

Play & Clay  with Wendy Podell: Thursday, April 25 from 10:30-11:15.
Best for ages 2+.

Play and Clay  with Wendy Podell: Friday, April 26 from 10:30-11:15.
Best for ages 2+.

*************

See website for specific dateswww.somerslibrary.org

PreSchool Story Time & Craft~ 
(for ages 4-5 years old~ without caregivers); 
Registration required~ minimum of 5 (five) registrants to run program.
Somers residents only
-Tuesdays 1:00-1:45 

K- 2 Book Clubs~
Kindergarten will meet Mondays
1st Grade will meet Tuesdays
2nd Grade will meet Wednesdays
Time:  3:30-4:15
*Children must be in the grade for which they are registering.  
Registration required.
Somers residents only.  
Vicki DiSanto (Children's Librarian) will run these book clubs.

Grades 3-5 Book Clubs~ 
Meeting day is Thursday from 3:45-4:45  
Bus transportation available- bus #K
Registration required. 
Somers residents only. 
Children must be in the grade for which they are registering.  
Beth Levine (Library Assistant) will run these book clubs.

Babytime for children ages 0-2 with caregivers on Tuesday @ 10:30.
      
Toddler Story Time for children ages 2-3 with caregivers @ 10:30:
Thursday
OR
Friday

Registration is now necessary, and you must have a Somers Library Card.

See the Story Time, Book Clubs and Program schedules  here.   

Bits and Pieces

Flowers 
The flowers that you see at the library are sponsored by the Friends of Somers Library and donated by local businesses. We thanks Mexican Shack  for donating this month's flower arrangement.

Art Gallery
April Artist:  Dawn Brown Photographs. April 1-31 during library hours.  Dawn Brown is a 30-year resident of Somers, where she lives with her husband, Doug. Dawn, a retired elementary school teacher, enjoys capturing her own personal angles of time through her camera's lens. She has exhibited her photographs in several Westchester County venues.

 
The Friends of Somers Library
Please join the Friends of the Somers Library at these upcoming Late March/April events:
 
M&M Productions Presents: "BOTANIC GARDEN"
Sunday, March 31st at 2:00 PM
 
Botanic Garden, a funny, poignant drama, is about a widow, Kate Goodman (Karen Quinn-Panzer), who is desperate to get out of a first date. She turns to the one person who can help: her deceased husband, Jake (Frank Panzer). Botanic Garden is an inventively constructed portrait of an imperfect marriage between people who always loved each other, even when they didn't get along. Scenes shift between the present and scenes from their marriage - scenes that will ring familiar to anyone married a long time. It is a fresh, engaging portrait of the intricacies of a long-term relationship. Unique and heartwarming, this play will charm the audience as it touches them, identifying with the story about the trials and joys of long-term relationships, loss and renewal.

The two-hander Botanic Garden premiered in 2008 at the Victory Garden Theater. The highly acclaimed production was directed by Academy Award-winner Olympia Dukakis. The play runs approximately 60 minutes without an intermission. No registration required; first come, first seated.
Location: Program Room
Dmitri Kolesnik Jazz Trio
April 14th, 2:00 PM
Back by popular demand! Liven up your Sunday afternoon! Come hear bassist and composer Dmitri Kolesnik along with Anthony Wonsey on piano and Brandon Sanders on drums for an afternoon of jazz. The trio will perform a mixture of standards and Kolesnik original compositions in a swinging modern jazz style. No registration required - first come, first seated.  
Location: Program Room
News from the Somers Library Foundation

In 1798, William Wordsworth wrote the poem Lines Written in Early Spring. "... Through primrose tufts, in that green bower, The periwinkle trailed its wreaths; And 'tis my faith that every flower; Enjoys the air it breathes ..." Spring is a time of rebirth. A chance to anticipate the coming pleasant weather and contemplate ways to seize the day.

If you've been thinking about volunteering for years or are looking for a better way to connect with the Somers Community, considering supporting the Somers Library Foundation. We want our Library to continue to spark imagination, inform inquisitive minds and help create lifelong learners (and maybe a world famous poet or two). Literate people make for literate communities and informed citizens improve the quality of life for all of us. The Foundation is committed to providing Somers with a modern and welcoming place to read and explore ideas, to connect with others, and to learn and grow.

So seize the day and support/volunteer/donate through the Somers Library Foundation. For more information about the many ways you can help, please visit our website or call us at (914) 361-9979.
Somers Library Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.
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