Somers Library
 
Newsletter 
February 2020
 
 
Keys to the Past .... Gateway to the Future
80 Primrose Street
Route 139 & Reis Park
Somers, NY 10589
914-232-5717
email: [email protected]  
 
Beginning February 3, 2020 
Our New Hours Will Be as Follows:
Sun - 1pm - 5 pm 
Mon  10am - 5pm
Tue 1 0am - 8pm
Wed 10am - 8pm 
Thurs 11am - 8pm 
Fri 10am - 5pm 
Sat 10am - 5pm 

 
Director's Corner

The Somers Public Library is expanding hours starting Monday, February 3rd, 2020!

The Library will be open seven days a week as follows:

Sundays 1pm - 5pm
Mondays 10am - 5pm
Tuesdays 10am - 8pm
Wednesdays 10am - 8pm
Thursdays 11am - 8pm
Fridays 10am - 5pm
Saturdays 10am - 5pm (Summer hours are 10am - 3pm)

The new hours are a result of the generous support of Supervisor Rick Morrissey and the Somers Town Board, and the hard work of the Somers Library Board and Director. The Somers Library will be open an additional 10 hours a week, a total of 52 hours a week.

Be on the lookout for additional evening and weekend programming for adults, children and teens. For more information check our website: www.somerslibrary.org

Andrew Farber
Library Director

 
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.   Our programs are funded by the Friends of the Somers Library.

Basic Computer Help by Appointment. 
Do you need help using your computer? Would you like to learn more about how to work with word documents, spreadsheets, email, etc.? Please call the library to set-up an appointment with a knowledgeable volunteer who will meet with you at the library.  We encourage you to bring your own laptop or tablet to the library to use to practice. For more information or to make arrangements, please call the library (Reference Desk). 

Senior Benefits Information Center. Every Wednesday, 1/2 - 12/18, 10:00 am - 1:00 pm  (No meeting on 11/27). Click here
for more information.

Free Career and Educational Counseling. The Somers Library in conjunction with WEBS Career and Educational Counseling Service is once again offering a free eight-week career counseling seminar for adults this spring called "Managing Your Career in Changing Times". WEBS helps participants assess themselves, explore career options, obtain career and educational information, find out about the latest trends in resumes and job search, and develop a career plan. The program is geared to those who are unemployed, changing careers, reentering the workforce or returning to school. The nineteen-hour workshop consists of an orientation session (required), eight group sessions, and one individual session with a career counselor. The Somers Library is one of three public libraries in the county participating in the WEBS project. Sponsored by the Westchester Library System, WEBS has counseled more than 40,000 adults in the Westchester area. Those who wish to attend the program must call WEBS at 674-3612 before or on February 24th to register. Places will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis.

Tuesday Creative Writing Class .  Tuesday, February 4 from 11-12:30.  Class will meet on consecutive Tuesdays until May 5 (2/4, 2/11, 2/18, 2/25, 3/3, 3/10, 3/17, 3/24, 3/31, 4/7, 4/14, 4/21, 4/28, & 5/5). Want to exercise your brain?  Join our Creative Writing Group where each week you will be challenged with new and creative ideas to write about. Feedback from other writers and editing of your pieces will help you to develop your own writing style. The class will be led by Jo Ann Francella, a columnist for The Somers Record.  Class size is limited to 12, so please call the Somers Library at 232-5717 to sign up now.

Poetry Workshop for Adults. Thursdays, January 9 - June 25, 11:00 am - 12:30 pm. Beginner and experienced poets "will hold these truths to be self-evident" that all poems can be created using trial and error, and serendipity along with learning the processes of craft in this poetry workshop. Discover your muse as Thea Schiller introduces an established poem, leads discussions and creates in-class writing exercises, leaving time to write and share each week. Participating members will be encouraged to expand their repertoire of poems.

Race Amity of Northern Westchester & Putnam. Sunday, 2/9, 2:00 - 4:00 pm. Please join us for our monthly discussion as we work to advance cross-racial and cross-cultural amity to impact the public discourse on race.  Our monthly meetings feature speakers, screenings, and presentations where discussions are aimed at educating one another on who we really are. We are all One Human Family! No registration necessary. Refreshments will be served.

Your Estate: Planning for the Unexpected . Wednesday, February 26, 6:30 - 8:00.  It's a topic that people tend to put off or ignore, but one of the most important things you can do is to develop a sound estate plan.  Join us to hear strategies and challenges commonly encountered in estate planning and actions you can take. The presenters Judi McAnaw, Financial Advisor from Edward Jones; Kirsten Stoppel, Counselor-at-law and Jeffrey Nook, Wealth Management Consultant from Saybrus Partners will be available to answer questions. 

Social Security Workshop. Tuesday, February 25, 7:00 - 8:00 pm. Presenter Paul M. Petrone, CFP, CPA and a Social Security, Retirement Income & Tax Specialist will discuss the following: ~ When & How Should I Claim Social Security Benefits?  ~ Do I file at Age 62, Full Retirement Age or 70? ~ The 3 Big Costly Common Social Security Mistakes ~ Spousal & Survivor Benefits ~ A Valuable Claiming Strategy - Still Available ~ Where Do People Go for Social Security Advice? ~ How Can You Maximize Your Social Security Dollars? ~ What Will You Collect? This program is geared to adults who are single, married, divorced or widowed, particularly those aged 60-70.

Ongoing Programs

Monday Writers Workshop with Linda Spear.
Mondays, 
4/6-6/22, 10:30 am - 12:00 pm.  
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 to 12. 
 
Tuesday Creative Writing Class. 
2/4-5/5, 11:00 am-12:30 pm. 
Join our Creative Writing Group where each week you will be challenged with new and creative ideas to write about. Feedback from other writers and editing of your pieces will help you to develop your own writing style. The class will be led by Jo Ann Francella, a columnist for The Somers Record.  Class size is limited to 12.
 
Westchester Writers Workshop.
1/2-6/18, 6:30 - 8:30 pm.
A group for writers and poets to help with  writer's block, feedback on your memoir, short story, novel, or poem, need some editing or polishing tips for your texts and/or want to share in the love of writing with fellow writers. We are the original peer review  writers group with no fees, no dues, and many chances to showcase your talents. Meets every 1st & 3rd Thursday.
 
Journalism Workshop.
1/16-4/9, 1:00-2:30 pm.
Join us to learn how to present information so your readers can form their own opinion and make clear decisions. During this workshop, the following topics will be discussed: The art of journalism, What journalists actually do, & Skills of a good journalist. The group is led by Linda Spear, journalist, author and workshop facilitator.  Space is limited to 12. Meets every Thursday.
 
Somers Library Book Club:   Meeting dates - Fridays:  2/14, 3/13, 4/17, 5/8  & 6/5, 2:30 - 4:00 pm. This Somers Library sponsored book club is led by Diana Cunningham, who, in consultation with the Somers adult reference library, Tara Ferretti will select the books to be discussed at each meeting. . The books will be based on currency, not on best-seller lists. Any Somers library user can register/attend and copies of books discusses will be reserved for club members.The upcoming books to be discussed 2/14: House of Broken Angels by Luis Alberto Urrea; 3/13: The Warmth of Other Suns: The Epic Story of America's Great Migration by Isabel Wilkerson. Space is limited to 20 people and registration is required; please register online at www.somerslibrary.org or call 914-232-5717. Please include your email address in your registration.

Poetry Workshop for Adults at the Somers LibraryThursdays, 1/9 - 6/25, 11:00 - 12:30 pm. Thea Schiller introduces an established poem, leads discussions and creates in-class writing exercises, leaving time to write and share each week. Participating members will be encouraged to expand their repertoire of poems. Register online at www.somerslibrary.org or call 914-232-5717.

Knit and Crochet ClubEvery Friday, beginning 1/10, 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! No registration required.

Cold Weather Art with Judika. Mondays 2/3, 2/10, & 2/24 (Snow Date - 3/2) from 10:30 am - 12:30 pm. On cold winter days, warm up with us for some art by experimenting using acrylics, watercolor, water soluble oil pastels or 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). 

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.              
  Ongoing Events
Teen Anime Club  - Every Wednesday* through June 3, 2020 from 3:00 - 4:30 pm.  *(No meeting on 10/16, 11/27, 12/25, & 1/1). Join us in the Somers Library to watch anime from Crunchyroll on our big screen TV and hang out with friends! New members welcome! For teens 7th grade - 12th grade. No registration necessary.  
kids_with_art_supplies.jpg
Children's Events

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

***

February Programs**- see website for dates/times:

History Club Story Time!
Tuesdays:  Jan 28, Feb 11, Feb 25, Mar 10
3:30-4:15

***

Valentine's Day- Drop In to make a card!
Saturday Feb 8
10:00-4:00

***

Homework Help with SHS Sophomore Hannah Roth:
Monday Feb 3, 10
3:00-4:45

***

Model Magic Valentine's Day Craft**(during Feb break)
with Art Teacher Wendy Podell
Saturday, Feb 15 from 10:30-1:30

***

Scratch Art **(during Feb break)
with Art Teacher Wendy Podell
Tuesday Feb 18
10:30-11:30

***

Drop-In Craft- Celebrate Carnavale (during Feb break)
Wednesday, Feb 19
Make a mask craft~ 10:00-4:00

***

Drop-In Craft- Design a Dragon (during Feb break)
Thursday, Feb 20
In celebration of 'Tell a Fairy Tale Month'
Dragon craft 10:00-4:00

***

Play & Clay for Toddlers and their Caregivers**(during Feb break)
(takes place of Toddler Time on Feb 20)
with Art Teacher Wendy Podell
Thursday, Feb 20
10:30-11:15
OR
Friday, Feb 21
(takes place of Toddler Time on Feb 21)
10:30-11:15

***
Sunday Story Times- NEW!
with Librarian Diana Cunningham
Sunday, Feb 16 & 23
2:00-2:45 in the Children's Room

***

For Parents**~

Do you want to increase reading and creativity in your home?  Attend a series of workshops- see dates below.  
You will take a children's book and create an art project from it.  This hour-long workshop will show you how!

Led by Lynn Cukaj~ Art Therapist and Teacher

Dates: 
Mondays : February 10; March 9 and 
Tuesday:   April 28.
Time:  7:00-8:00pm


**These programs require pre-registration- register here..


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

See website for specific dates and further detailswww.somerslibrary.org

1,000 Books Before Kindergarten**:
See Vicki,  Beth or Diana to easily sign-up and receive a packet to begin the 
wonderful journey of reading to your child. 
 Each packet contains a reading folder; adult bookmark; child's bookmark and a sticker.  
Come into the library to receive a sticker for each 100 books you read!

**Preschool Story Time-
for ages 4-5 years old without caregiver
Tuesdays @ 1:00pm
Dates:  Feb 4, 25 (no program Feb 11, 18) 

* *K- 2 Book Clubs~ 
Kindergarten will meet Mondays: Feb 3, 24 (no club Feb 10, 17)
1st Grade will meet Tuesdays: Feb 4, 25 (no club Feb 11, 18)
2nd Grade will meet Wednesdays: Feb 5, 26 (no club Feb 12, 19)
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~
Grade 3:  Feb 6
Grade 4th/5th Combined:  Feb 13
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.
Feb 4, 11, 25 (no program Feb 18)
      
**Toddler Story Time for children ages 2-3 with caregivers @ 10:30:
Thursday:  Feb 6, 13, 27 (no program Feb 20 but Play & Clay will take place- see details above)
OR
Friday:  Feb 7, 14, 28 (no program Feb 21 but Play & Clay will take place-see details above)

**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 thank Mancini Realty for their donation of this month's flowers.


Art Gallery

Photographs by Christy Hicks:   February 1 - 29, during library hours.
Since she was young, local photographer Christy Hicks always felt connected to nature and thrived in being outdoors. She studied design at Cazenovia College and worked many years as visual merchandiser. This passion continues through her photographs. She believes "Art doesn't let people out it lets them in." Her featured exhibit is called (Nature at its best), in which she has photographed animals, flowers, the forest, moon and the moments in life that are forever changing, including the seasons. She hopes you enjoy looking at her work as much she loves sharing it!

News from the
Friends of the Somers Library
"What in the world would we do without our libraries?"
   -Katherine Hepburn
 
Today's libraries are so much more than buildings with books! "The mission of the Friends of the Somers Library is to provide support for the needs of a contemporary library....to fund programming and resources not provided in the operating budget."
 
Watch for notices of the many programs we fund for children, teens and adults.  Join us for a concert, play, writing workshop, Race Amity program, art class, etc.!  If you haven't already, please consider making a donation to our annual appeal.  Your participation will help to keep our library relevant and vibrant.  If you have not already received a mailing, you can pick up an appeal brochure  on the front desk of the library.  Donations of any amount can be sent to the Friends care of Somers Library, P O Box 443, Somers, NY 10589 or via PayPal at [email protected].   Any questions can be sent to [email protected] .  
 
  February Race Amity of Northern Westchester and Putnam.  Sunday, February 9, 
2:00-4:00 PM. Please join us for our monthly discussion as we work to advance cross-racial and cross-cultural amity to impact the public discourse on race.  Our monthly meetings feature speakers, screenings, and presentations where discussions are aimed at educating one another on who we really are. We are all One Human Family! No registration necessary. Refreshments will be served.
From the Somers Library Foundation...
We need books and volunteers!
The Foundation is preparing for the  2020 annual book sale.  We need books and volunteers to make sure that it goes as smoothly as possible!
 
Books can be dropped off inside the library, by the Community Room, any time the library is open. We accept both adult and children's hard cover and trade books, but no regular paperbacks. Books should all be in excellent condition (they should not have tears or be marked up/highlighted).
 
Volunteers are needed now through the last weekend of April, when the sale will be held. People can volunteer for an hour or two at a time, a few hours each week, or for as much time as they can spare. Books will need to be sorted, organized, and then stored. There will be a variety of different jobs available at the sale, including sorting books by type and genre, moving books from storage to the library and setting them up before the sale begins, managing cash registers, assisting customers in locating books, and keeping books orderly.
 
If you're interested in volunteering or have any other questions, please contact us using the contact form.

Somers Library Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.
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