April 2023 Newsletter

April showers bring Gene Kelly! Take a walk down memory lane in The Bronx. Bring the kids to the Library for activities during Spring Break including a very special Story Time and display featuring a Ukrainian folktale. For details about this and much more, please see below.

Programs with a πŸ’» icon will be on Zoom and programs with a πŸ› icon will be held at the Library.

Adult Programs and News

Bird-Watching Backpacks just in time for Earth Month!

Celebrate Earth Month by checking out the newest addition to our "Library of Things" -- our bird-watching backpacks! We have one for adults and one for kids which includes binoculars and various guides to help you identify birds as well as flora and fauna. Visit the Library to check one out.

Ayurvedic Approaches

Join us for a series of health lectures from Dr. Somesh N. Kaushik! This month's session will cover allergies and asthma.

Practiced in India for more than 5,000 years, Ayurveda is a comprehensive system of medicine. It emphasizes a preventive and holistic approach. To learn more about Dr. Somesh and to register, please click here.

Tuesday, April 11, 7-8 pm πŸ’»

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Crafty Adults: Felt Flowers

Join us in April as our resident artist, Sara Mallach, shows us how to bring spring into your home with felt Lupin flowers. All materials will be provided. If you have a hot glue gun at home, please bring it with you. If not, we have a few to share. Glue sticks will be provided.


This event will take place in-person at the Library and registration is required. To register please click here. Sign up early, as space and supplies are limited.

Monday, April 17, 7:30-8:30 pm πŸ›

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Birding 101 with Saw Mill River Audubon

With images, sounds, and video clips of local birds, learn (or review) the basics of finding and identifying birds year-round, where to go birding locally and how to grow your birding skills with this presentation from Saw Mill River Audubon Executive Director Anne Swaim.

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This program takes place on Zoom and registration is required. To register please click here.

Thursday, April 20, 7-8 pm πŸ’»

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Gene Kelly: Singing and Dancing in the Rain

April showers bring Gene Kelly! One of the most engaging and influential dancers to ever set a tap shoe in Hollywood, Kelly came at a time when movie dance was basically just a showcase for elegant partners in motion. Within a few years he had transformed not only the nature of male dancing but also the crucial role of the camera in making dance come alive on the big screen. This presentation by Brian Rose will survey Kelly’s extraordinary achievements, and examine his enduring impact on Hollywood dancing.

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This program takes place on Zoom and registration is required. To register please click here.

Thursday, April 27, 7- 8 pm  πŸ’»

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The Bronx: The Way It Was with Steve Samtur

Back by popular demand, Steve Samtur, editor and publisher of Back in the Bronx magazine for 24 years and author of three books on The Bronx, will be visiting the Library with his 90-minute PowerPoint presentation. He will show over 450 vintage photos, vintage videos, and dozens of Bronx celebrity interviews (Regis Philbin, Chazz Palminteri, Robert Klein, Rita Moreno, and many more)! No registration required. Walk-ins welcome.

Saturday, April 29, 1-2 pm πŸ›

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English as a Second Language (ESL) for Intermediate Students

Come to the Library to practice your English by joining our ESL classes.


This class is intended for low-intermediate to advanced students who are learning English as a second or foreign language. (No beginners please!)


Our teachers are Pelham resident, EJ Sepp who has taught ESL for 20 years, and is the co-author of English Express New York: A Cultural Reading & Writing Text for English Language Learners and Joanne Orr who is a former teacher and lifelong Pelham resident.


These classes are walk-ins that do not require preregistration or attending all sessions, but please arrive on time.

Mondays April 3, 10, 17, 24, 6:15-7 pm πŸ›

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Adult Hybrid Book Clubs

The After-Dark Book Club will meet on Thursday April 13 at 7:30 pm to discuss The Henna Artist by Alka Joshi and on May 4 at 7:30 pm to discuss This Time Tomorrow by Emma Straub.


The 2nd-Friday Book Club will meet on April 14 at 10:30 am to discuss The Book of Eels: Our Enduring Fascination With the Most

Mysterious Creature in the Natural World by Patrik Svensson and on May 12 at 10:30 am to discuss The Lions of Fifth Avenue by Fiona Davis.


Book Clubs are currently meeting both in person at the Library and on Zoom. This is subject to change. Please check our website for updates.

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To join, email pelhamlibrary@wlsmail.org. For more information about the 2nd-Friday Book Club click here and for the After-Dark Book Club click here.

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Origami Display

We have a beautiful display of origami in our Carol Place vestibule. The art is made by a prisoner named Michael S. who is currently in solitary confinement serving a 47-95 year sentence. Below is part of his story. Please stop by the Library to read more of his story, observe his art, and if you feel inclined write him a note in our guest book.

"I was born 11/12/1960 in Pittsburgh, PA. I grew up running from everyone and everything, seeking at every turn, anything that would allow me to feel something other than how I felt. From an early age, I disliked writing and could never draw. But any time I had a chance to apply my artistic creativity, as long as the medium had more than one dimension - I was adept at them all. Several years ago, a prisoner from general population came one night to demonstrate some origami. What I've never been able to do on paper with a pen, pencil or paintbrush, I've learned since then, to be able to do with paper and my hands. I hope you enjoy my collection."

-Michael S.

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Children's News and Events

So, Let's Sew with a New Format

Our super-popular sewing class just for kids ages six and up is back! This is a very high-demand program, and there are a lot of folks who haven't been able to get into a class yet. We want to be fair and make sure that as many kids as possible have a chance to attend a sewing class, which is why we are separating the classes into "Newcomers" (those who HAVE NEVER attended our sewing classes in 2022-2023) and "Returning Students" (those who HAVE attended a class in 2022-2023). No exceptions, please.


Attendance is capped at six children, but a waitlist will be kept. If you are interested, please email Tasha at ngross@wlsmail.org. You MUST include your/your child's name and age, and your phone number. You will receive a confirmation. Register soon, as space and supplies are limited!

  • Thursday, April 20, 5-6:30 pm (newcomers) πŸ›
  • Thursday, April 27, 5-6:30 pm (returning students) πŸ›

 

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DIY Birdfeeders

Make a bird feeder for your favorite feathered friend. In person at the Library. No registration required. Ages four and up.

Monday, April 3, 3:30-4:30 pm πŸ›

The Mitten: Story Time and Display

Join us for a very special Story Time with Pani (that's how we say "Mrs." in Ukrainian!) Luba. We'll hear her tell the Ukrainian folk story, "The Mitten" and Aesop's fable, "The Grasshopper and the Ants". Afterwards take a close look at the beautiful displays she and her husband created for each story. You will also decorate your own paper mittens! This program is for adults and children ages four and up. First come, first served.

Tuesday, April 4, 1-2 pm πŸ›

Paracord Bracelets

Make a colorful and handy paracord bracelet. In person at the Library. No registration is required. For children ages eight and up.

Wednesday, April 5, 3:30-4:30 pm πŸ›

Raised Salt Painting

Ever wondered what adding salt to paint does? Then hop aboard the STEAM train (science plus art!) with a simple raised salt painting activity for kids! Even if you aren’t the crafty type, you will be sure to enjoy this fun art activity that is guaranteed to both mesmerize and yield beautiful results. No registration required. For children ages four and up.

Thursday, April 6, 1-2 pm πŸ›

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"Stained-Glass" Craft for Teens

Let the colors shine!

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Join us in creating a faux stained-glass masterpiece. Turn a boring coloring page into a beautiful stained-glass picture. (Leave your paintings to dry over-night at the Library then pick up the next day). This program is for teens ages 12 and up. Registration is required. To register email Kathy (kpalovick@wlsmail.org)

Friday, April 7, 3:30-4:30 pm πŸ›

Recycled Sun Catchers with Natalya Khorover

Wondering what to do with your plastic trash and old CDs? Join us to turn plastic bottles, old CDs, soda can tabs, and other materials destined for the landfill, into a beautiful display of sun catchers! If you can, feel free to bring your own plastic bottles with caps, soda can tabs, old CDs and DVDs, broken plastic, funky old yarn and ribbons, and anything that looks interesting and cannot be recycled.


This craft is for kids ages four and up. First come, first served.

Tuesday, April 11, 3:30-4:30 pm πŸ›

JLP Story Time and Craft

This month the Junior League of Pelham will be at the Library reading The Snail and the Whale by Julia Donaldson. They will show us how to make zoo animal beaded necklaces. Please note that this is a family program that requires adult supervision and is geared towards children ages four to six. We recommend registering in advance here.

Wednesday, April 12, 3:30-4:15 pm πŸ›

Earth Day Trivia with Pelham Eliminates Plastics (PEP)

Join the amazing high school volunteers from Pelham Eliminates Plastics (PEP) for a presentation and fun, interactive Earth Day trivia game for kids! One brave participant will win a prize. Pelham Eliminates Plastics (PEP) is an all-kid crew with a mission to end the use of single-use plastics in our town and beyond. No registration required.This program is for children ages eight and up.

Saturday, April 15, 1-1:30 pm πŸ›

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Story Time with Pelham Middle School

Join us for this very special Story Time offered by Pelham Middle School students as part of their community project. No registration required. This program is geared towards children ages four to eight.

Saturday, April 15, 2-2:30 pm πŸ›

Outdoor Story Time

Join us for our popular Story Time for infants and toddlers outside on our front lawn. Story Time is designed to enhance early literacy skills and features diverse children's books in which all children can see themselves represented... plus we have a lot of fun! Please bring a blanket or lawn chair to sit on. Story Time will be held outdoors throughout the year, but will be cancelled on days when the temperature is below 40 degrees Fahrenheit (4.4 C) at 9:30 am, or if it is raining. Cancellations will be posted on our website at the top of our homepage. You may also call the Library when we open at 10 am to inquire.

Every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday from 10:30-11 am πŸ›

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The Library would like to thank the Friends of the Town of Pelham Public Library for program support.

Hours and Services

Current Library Hours are as follows:

  • Monday: 1 pm-8 pm
  • Tuesday: 10 am-5 pm
  • Wednesday: 10 am-5 pm
  • Thursday:10 am-8 pm
  • Friday: 10 am-5 pm
  • Saturday: 10 am-4 pm


  • The library building is open to patrons for browsing and checking out materials. Computers, printer, and study areas are also available to patrons. Social distancing and wearing masks is greatly appreciated.
  • We also continue to offer contactless, curbside pickup (you can place holds using the Westchester Library System app or through our online catalog.)
  • You can visit our digital library and select ebooks, audiobooks through Overdrive (including the Libby App) and Hoopla or stream movies through Kanopy.
  • Our librarians are always available to answer reference questions, give book recommendations, and provide technology help. Notary services are generally available during Library open hours. Please call in advance to confirm.
  • Please call the library at 914-738-1234 or email pelhamlibrary@wlsmail.org with any questions.
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