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SOMERS LIBRARY NEWSLETTER

SEPTEMBER 2024

Director's Corner


We have had another marvelous and busy summer here at the Somers Library. It was so wonderful to see patrons of all ages enjoying our programs and library spaces as well as participating in the summer reading programs. The library is now gearing up for the fall with some newly added programs in the works as well as the return of some annual and popular programs. Kindness week and Craft-a-gift will be amongst the programs returning this year along with Senior Mondays continuing into the fall! Patrons will also get to experience Barry Pirro the Connecticut Ghost hunter, a cooking class with Korean Spirit & Culture Promotion Project and revamp on some children's programs.


I look forward to seeing everyone at our amazing programs as well as continuing to use the abundance of services the Somers Library provides. Visit our website and calendar for more information.


Last but not least, I would like to wish the students of Somers the best of luck for the new school year! May it be full of exciting discoveries, curiosities, wonder and countless opportunities.


With Kind Regards,

Jessica Veissy, Library Director

Our programs are supported by the

Friends of the Somers Library

through our patrons' generous contributions.

September Programs

Adult Programs & Events

Online Calendar

Please register on our calendar or call the library for assistance.

Senior Monday! Brooklyn Boomer: Growing Up in the Fifties

Monday, September 9 at 1 PM - 2 PM

Available to attend either In-Person or Virtually via Zoom.

The recollections of the presenter’s middle-class childhood in Brooklyn during the 1950s detailing seminal cultural events of that era including the advent of television, fast-food restaurants, big cars with fins; desegregation and the white flight to the suburbs; rock and roll, beatniks, hula hoops, The Kinsey Reports, the Cold War, McCarthyism, Playboy, and much more. Part memoir, part social history, Brooklyn Boomer offers a captivating portrait of Brooklyn and America in the mid-twentieth century.

Westchester Wordsmiths – Adult Poetry Group

Starting September12th

On the second & fourth Thursdays of the month, September through November, 6 – 7:45 PM

Calling all poets! Somers Library now offers a bi-monthly poetry workshop designed to develop your poetic skills through instructional lessons, engaging activities, and collaborative feedback. Join us to hone your craft, learn new techniques, and share your creations with fellow poets or at monthly open mic events. This supportive group emphasizes growth, mastery, and the celebration of our vibrant poetic community.

Senior Monday! Senior Trivia!

Monday, September 16 at 12:30 PM – 2 PM

Join us for a Trivia program for Seniors (55+)!

You can come with a group of four participants or we will add you to a group…after all, four heads are better than one.

Each participant must sign up individually.

Questions will cover sports, politics, entertainment and history from the era you know!

Key Timing: Planning for Driving Retirement - AAA

Monday, September 16 at 5 PM - 6 PM

A Virtual Presentation,

This interactive online workshop was developed by AAA Northeast to help older adults, caregivers, and family members plan for driving retirement. The Key Timing resource contains:

  • Data and statistics about senior driving.
  • Advice for caregivers to be able to start a conversation about driving retirement.
  • General driving assessment tools.
  • State-specific driving assessment information.
  • State-specific transportation options and information.
  • Information to help prepare for driving retirement.

Register on our online calendar or call reference and join us!

Creative Writing Group for Adults

Tuesdays, Starting September 17th - December 3rd, 10:30 AM - 12 PM

9/17, 9/24, 10/1, 10/8, 10/15, 10/22, 10/29, no class 11/5, 11/12, 11/19, 11/26, 12/3

Registration opens September 3rd at 1 PM.

Want to exercise your brain and have fun doing it? Join our Creative Writing Group where each week you will be challenged with new and creative ideas to write about. Feedback from other writers in the class and editing of your pieces will help you to develop your own writing style.

Classes will begin Tuesday, September 17 and will end on December 3. The class will be led by Jo Ann Francella, a columnist for The Somers Record. Class size is limited. This class is limited to Somers Library patrons only.

Somers Library Book Group meets to discuss “Demon Copperhead” by Barbara Kingsolver

Hybrid, Friday, September 20 at 2:30 – 4 PM

Available to attend either in person or virtually via Zoom

Demon Copperhead is a story of a boy born to a teen-age single mother in a single-wide trailer, with no assets beyond his dead father’s good looks and copper-colored hair, a caustic wit, and a fierce talent for survival. “In a plot that never pauses for breath, relayed in his own unsparing voice, he braves the modern perils of foster care, child labor, derelict schools, athletic success, addiction, disastrous loves, and crushing losses.” Charles Dickens’ David Copperfield was an inspiration to the author in writing this book. Kingsolver transposed his epic novel to her own place and time, including his faith in the transformative power of a good story.

This Library-sponsored book group is led by Diana Cunningham, Librarian, who selects the books to be discussed, chosen in consultation with Tara Ferretti, Head of Public Services, with feedback and suggestions from the group. Registration is limited to 20 participants. Copies of the book to be discussed are available on a first-come, first serve basis.

Senior Monday! Craft Ojo de Dios

Monday, September 23 at 1 - 2 PM

This month we are making Ojo de Dios ornaments using wool and sticks to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month. Traditionally these ornaments bring good luck or protection for the person they are made for.

YA Author Reading - Mae by Axel Martens

Tuesday, September 24 at 5 - 6 PM

Mae - Death's Youngest Daughter

In a Dark Fantasy Adventure Blurring the Lines Between Good and Evil

 

Axel Martens has always been drawn to the shadowy corners of fantasy, where heroes aren't perfect and villains have their own stories. Drawing inspiration from the stark beauty of Iceland and the haunting castles of Scotland, his debut novel, Mae: Death's Youngest Daughter, is a fascinating journey into the gray areas between good and evil. Join us at the Somers Library for a reading by the author himself!

The Author

           Born in Germany, Axel grew up as the fourth of five siblings who sparked his lifelong love for the kinds of stories that lurk in the shadows, now settled in Thornwood, NY, Axel fills his days with coding for Google and his nights weaving tales about the gray areas between good and evil. When not exploring the world of his imagination, he enjoys creative projects like video editing and graphic design. His debut novel, Mae: Death's Youngest Daughter, follows a young witch on her quest for revenge. But like the mysterious Norns, Axel has a wicked sense of humor and loves to take his readers on a roller coaster of suspense and surprise into a world of witches & Vikings, vengeance & hope.

The Novel

In a Dark Fantasy Adventure Blurring the Lines Between Good and Evil. Mae is a dark witch, and she hates it. Her world shattered when the duke's men slaughtered her family, and a vile curse transformed Mae into a monster who must kill humans to stay alive. On the island of Heillaður, where witchcraft is outlawed after a brutal Viking invasion, Mae pursues her vendetta from the shadows, driven by a relentless thirst for vengeance. When her ambush fails and the duke escapes, Mae meets Jarne, a teenage boy determined to liberate their homeland. Mae spares his life, and hope ignites. The witch vows to use her cursed magic to achieve Jarne's dream. Yet every violent act pushes her closer to becoming the very evil she'd set out to destroy. If Mae can't break her curse, will the curse consume her soul?

 

https://www.project-witchcraft.com/

Otaku Club

Sunday, September 29 at 3 PM – 5 PM

If you are interested in anime, manga, comics, video games, and all things “otaku,” come hang out with like-minded people! We host watch parties and movie nights and talk about the newest series! Meetings are held at Somers Library between 3 - 5 PM the last Sunday of every month! We also occasionally plan outings for food, book store runs or to movie screenings when available! Snacks are provided! Members should be 18 or older. Suggestions and ideas for future meetings are always welcome. We look forward to seeing you!

Threads and Yarns

Fridays at 10:30 AM - 12 PM

Join us on Friday mornings with your fiber art handiwork of any kind! Bring your knitting, crochet work, embroidery, cross-stitch, quilting or anything that uses thread or yarn! You'll find good company, craft advice and time to finally work on your project. All levels are welcome from beginner to yarn wizard. No registration needed.

iPhone

Your Tech Coach: One-on-one Assistance for Adults

Schedule your 30-minute appointment on our online calendar

Whatever piece of technology is giving you difficulties, feel free to come into the library to better understand the growing world of electronics with staff member Juan Carlos. He has helped numerous patrons over the years with issues regarding laptops, tablets, smartphones, social media, internet browsing and so much more! He also offers virtual appointments over Zoom to help with tech too big to carry into the building such as printers or desktop computers. Make your appointment on our online calendar or with the reference desk. The library is here to help.

Appointments Calendar

Teen & YA Programs & Events

Online Calendar

Please register on our calendar or call the library for assistance.

Tween STEM: Crunchy Continents

Wednesday, September 18 at 3:45 – 4:45 PM

Learn how Earth’s tectonic plates interact in this delicious activity! We will be modeling tectonic plates’ movements using frosting and graham crackers to understand how Earth’s landscape can change over time. We will be providing the materials for this program. Grades 4-7.

Teen Snacks Around the World – Great Britain

Monday, September 23 at 3:45 - 4:45 PM

Our very popular snack program returns! Teens sample the cookies, chips, crackers and candy that are being eaten in other countries. Each month you will have to sign up anew and this month our snacks are coming from Great Britain! We cannot take responsibility for any food allergies.

YA Author Reading - Mae by Axel Martens

Tuesday, September 24 at 5 - 6 PM

Mae - Death's Youngest Daughter

In a Dark Fantasy Adventure Blurring the Lines Between Good and Evil

 

Axel Martens has always been drawn to the shadowy corners of fantasy, where heroes aren't perfect and villains have their own stories. Drawing inspiration from the stark beauty of Iceland and the haunting castles of Scotland, his debut novel, Mae: Death's Youngest Daughter, is a fascinating journey into the gray areas between good and evil. Join us at the Somers Library for a reading by the author himself!

The Author

           Born in Germany, Axel grew up as the fourth of five siblings who sparked his lifelong love for the kinds of stories that lurk in the shadows, now settled in Thornwood, NY, Axel fills his days with coding for Google and his nights weaving tales about the gray areas between good and evil. When not exploring the world of his imagination, he enjoys creative projects like video editing and graphic design. His debut novel, Mae: Death's Youngest Daughter, follows a young witch on her quest for revenge. But like the mysterious Norns, Axel has a wicked sense of humor and loves to take his readers on a roller coaster of suspense and surprise into a world of witches & Vikings, vengeance & hope.

The Novel

In a Dark Fantasy Adventure Blurring the Lines Between Good and Evil. Mae is a dark witch, and she hates it. Her world shattered when the duke's men slaughtered her family, and a vile curse transformed Mae into a monster who must kill humans to stay alive. On the island of Heillaður, where witchcraft is outlawed after a brutal Viking invasion, Mae pursues her vendetta from the shadows, driven by a relentless thirst for vengeance. When her ambush fails and the duke escapes, Mae meets Jarne, a teenage boy determined to liberate their homeland. Mae spares his life, and hope ignites. The witch vows to use her cursed magic to achieve Jarne's dream. Yet every violent act pushes her closer to becoming the very evil she'd set out to destroy. If Mae can't break her curse, will the curse consume her soul?

 

https://www.project-witchcraft.com/

Visit the Teen's Page

Children's Programs & Events

Online Calendar

Please register on our calendar or call the library for assistance.

Playdates at the Library

Wednesdays, September 11, 18 & 25 at 10:30 - 11:30 AM

Join us at the library for a playdate! We’ll have toys, arts and crafts (self-guided), books & music for children to enjoy while parents/guardians get a chance to meet and mingle. No registration necessary.

Drop in LEGO Club

Thursdays, September 12 & 26 at 4 – 5 PM

Our popular LEGO club is back! Come to the Children’s Room and make a themed creation or get creative and use your imagination. Your creations will go on display in the library for all to see until the next club meeting for your next LEGO build! DUPLO & LEGOs - Great for ages 3 & up. No registration necessary.

Read with a Therapy Dog!

Saturdays, between 11 AM - 12 PM

September 14 for Sunny Boy &

September 21 for Hank

The Somers Library is happy to welcome therapy dogs this month in the Children’s Room! We will be having Sunny Boy from Therapy Dogs International and Hank from Paws for a Cause. Children will get to read for 15-minute increments. Sign up registration opens the first of the month. Best for readers ages 5+.

Hispanic Heritage Storytime with Mr. Alan

Tuesdays, September 17 through October 15 at 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM

Come to Somers Library and celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with Mr. Alan the children’s librarian! All throughout Hispanic Heritage Month we will be reading stories and singing songs all while learning Spanish together. Best for ages 3 and up.

Tween STEM: Crunchy Continents

Wednesday, September 18 at 3:45 – 4:45 PM

Learn how Earth’s tectonic plates interact in this delicious activity! We will be modeling tectonic plates’ movements using frosting and graham crackers to understand how Earth’s landscape can change over time. We will be providing the materials for this program. Grades 4-7.

Pajamarama Story Time!

Thursday, September 19 at 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM

Join us for a Story Time with Local Author Julie Gonzalez, as she shares with us her latest picture book, Pajamarama! Come in pajamas to listen to this fun bedtime story, as well as Julie's first book, How Could a Bear Sleep Here? Participants will also have a little bedtime snack and do a simple craft. For children ages 4 to 7 with a caregiver.

Kids Snacks Around the World - UK

Tuesday, September 24 at 3:45 PM - 4:30 PM

The very popular kids program returns! In this program, you can sample the cookies, chips, crackers and candy that kids are eating in other countries. In September, we will be sampling snacks from the United Kingdom! We cannot take responsibility for any food allergies. For ages 7-11.

Children under 10 must be accompanied by an adult in the building.

Visit the Kid's Page

Artist of the Month: Rose marie James

On Display for all of September & October

Reception on Thursday, September 12 at 5 - 7 PM


CONNECTION

Oils On Canvas by Rose Marie James

 

Rose’s paintings are botanical abstractions. Inspired by the natural world, these paintings reach out to discover more intriguing relationships. This exhibit is about connection. All living things have a relationship–connection–to each other. Looking at art we connect to that which we can relate. We experience the world in a personal way.

 

In this exhibit, Rose explores the connection between the creative and the natural world. The work here is both “botanical” and abstract. These oils reach beyond just the natural world to a place more imaginative, where color, line, shape and direction are reflections of this artist’s vision. There is movement in her subjects that appears as bold swashes of color with line guiding us around the work to discover new visual paths. Working with a pallet knife these visions come to fruition.

 

When art speaks to our souls, it offers us so many possible emotions: serenity, joy, excitement, sadness to name a few. Rose wants the viewer to find Connection.

Somers Library Foundation

AUGUST 2024

The Somers Library Foundation is a private, nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that raises funds to support projects that beautify, modernize and enrich the offerings and capabilities of the Somers Library, our community’s intellectual and cultural center.


“Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on Earth.” — Muhammad Ali


The Somers Library relies on public and private funding. The Town of Somers provides the Library’s annual operating budget, but this alone will not deliver the new programs, innovative services and advanced technologies Somers residents have come to expect from their Library. To tackle needs beyond the Library’s annual budget, the Foundation was formed in 2011 and serves as the Library’s philanthropic partner, raising private gifts and seeking grants to support the Library’s strategic priorities.


“As you grow older, you will discover that you have two hands — one for helping yourself, the other for helping others.” — Audrey Hepburn


Like you, we want our Library to continue to spark imagination, inform inquisitive minds and create lifelong learners. 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.


“The broadest, and maybe the most meaningful definition of volunteering: Doing more than you have to because you want to, in a cause you consider good. ” – Ivan Scheier


There are many ways to help the Foundation spark enthusiasm and spread the word about all the Somers Library has to offer. Consider giving some of your time, energy and talents to the Foundation for the benefit of the Library. 


“The unselfish effort to bring cheer to others will be the beginning of a happier life for ourselves.” — Helen Keller


Please consider volunteering to support the Foundation (https://somerslibraryfoundation.org/we-love-volunteers/) or one of the many other fantastic area charitable organizations. You won’t regret it.

Friends of the Somers Library

AUGUST 2024

Summer is over, school is starting, and things at the library aren’t cooling down, they are heating up.


The Friends of the Library gives funding for the wonderful programs that our great staff has been planning. Check the library calendar for details of all the upcoming programs for all ages. Whether you are bringing a child to story time, attending a teen program, or visiting one of the Senior Monday events, you are benefitting from the generosity of our community.


Monthly Race Amity gatherings return beginning on September 9. On Sunday, October 19, we will present Chekhov’s Uncle Vanya, performed by the Red Monkey theater group. A surprise concert is being planned that features a member of our talented staff – watch for details. The Etsy Artisan Fair returns on Saturday, November 2 and a holiday concert with John Fiscella and Friends is planned for December.


This Fall, the Friends will launch our annual appeal. When you receive our mailing, or pick up our flier at the library, please be generous. We rely on your donations to continue to offer the programs and services that you enjoy. Friends really do make ALL the difference.

Visit our Calendar
Visit our Main Page

Our programs are supported by Friends of Somers Library

through our patrons' generous contributions.