May 2024

From the Stacks

The Library’s early literacy program continues to make a difference to Bedford Hills youngsters and their families and this month Early Literacy Coordinator Rachel Izes is once again offering Ready, Set, Kindergarten!, a series to help kids and their caregivers prepare for kindergarten.

In this special four-week series, May 7, 14, 21, and 28, preschoolers entering kindergarten in the fall enjoy stories and activities specifically designed to enhance early learning skills and social/emotional development. Caregivers receive tips and other library resources to prepare children for what to expect - and what’s expected of them - when they get to school.

Learn More & Register Here

Early literacy is not about learning to read; rather, it involves laying a strong foundation so that when children are taught to read, they are ready. In Bedford Hills preschoolers with working parents, those with limited financial resources, and those who are English language learners, all need support to ensure that they do not fall behind before they begin school.

The Early Literacy Initiative was launched in 2017 with a five-year grant from Bedford Hills resident and philanthropist David Worby. In that time the program has gone from strength to strength, offering a range of now-popular programs such as Laptime for Pipsqueaks and Little Folks & Friends Storytime, popular bilingual programs, and even yoga for preschoolers. Parenting networking and parent and caregiver seminars and resources round out the program.

“Inequality on all stages begins with the education of our kids. We wanted to try and increase the learning experience for all children and thereby afford them opportunities otherwise unavailable,” said Mr. Worby, who funded the initiative its first five years.

“Libraries are hubs of early literacy development - and lifelong learning,” said Ms. Izes who has coordinated events for the program since its inception. “I especially love facilitating connections between parents and caregivers who are often eager for adult conversation and child rearing support.”

A little-known part of the Early Literacy initiative involves strategic partnerships with childcare centers and community organizations, including Neighbors Link, which seeks the healthy integration of immigrant families to the area.

Each year, Bedford Hills Library staffers present a series for the Adelante Juntos (Parent Child Together) program including Los Cuentos (The Stories) for the kids and sharing bilingual library resources and guidance for the parents. The series culminates in a visit to the Library.

Many families new to the area are thrilled to learn what extensive and helpful services the libraries offers - and that it’s free for residents.

Welcome New Staff & Trustees

Professional Librarians

for Children and Adults

The Library is pleased to welcome children’s librarian Jennifer Peralta, who will oversee the programs and services for children and families.

Jennifer comes to us from Avenues the World School in NYC where as a librarian for six years, she developed a diverse collection of children's literature, led book groups, reading initiatives and workshops, and organized book fairs and author visits – skills she will be bringing to our library.

Her education includes MLIS and MS Art History & Design coursework at Pratt Institute and a BA in Fine Arts & Art History from Stonehill College.

Since moving to Bedford Hills almost two years ago, Jennifer has become familiar and impressed with the Library, regularly attending events with her children.

“Jennifer brings a creative vision, professional library experience, and skills that will enhance our leadership as we embark upon an exciting time of change.” said executive director, Mary Esbjornson.

She joins a highly qualified team at Bedford Hills Free Library. Katherine Whymark, librarian for adult programs & services, joined the staff in 2022 after receiving her Masters in Library Science degree and working as a reference librarian at The Field Library in Peekskill and volunteer at the Friends of the Chappaqua Library. Esbjornson said, "She quickly made a mark reorganizing areas of the adult library, expanding digital resources, and leading new book groups and tech workshops."

Thank You To Retired Librarians

Last year, Vicki Kriegeskotte retired after 27 years of service in the Children’s Room and Eileen Baer, librarian for the adult collection, retired after more than 40 years.

“Our community loves its librarians, and many have expressed how much these long-time staffers were appreciated for their friendly and steadfast service,” said Esbjornson. We thank them for their contribution and wish them all the best in their well-deserved retirement!

New Trustees

The Library is also pleased to welcome Annie C. Bai (right) and Claudia Neary to the Library board of directors, adding extensive volunteer work and legal talent to the depth of the board’s expertise,

Annie is a lifelong library volunteer and non-profit organizer. She has been a Bedford resident for more than 20 years and a leader in community organizations such as the Westmoreland Sanctuary, Katonah 5K, West Patent Elementary School Association, and BCSD Elementary BikeRun. By trade, Annie is an NYU Law and Berkeley educated attorney specializing in technology, privacy, cybersecurity, consumer protection, and artificial intelligence governance. By destiny, she is the proud parent of five sons and step-sons, along with two dogs.

Claudia is an attorney and advocate. Prior to being a solo practitioner, she was a commercial litigation associate at Bleakley, Platt & Schmidt, LLP in White Plains. She chaired the Diversity Committee and served as a board member for the Westchester Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. Claudia also sits on the Boards of the Wolf Conservation Center in South Salem, and the Hunts Point Alliance for Children. She provides pro bono legal work to those in need and volunteers her time at Bedford Hills Women’s Correctional Facility, the Bedford Historical Society, and at her children’s schools, Blair Academy and Bedford Village Elementary School. Claudia is married and has five children.

Annie and Claudia join longtime board members Terrie Paladino Viola, president; S. Heide Shilstone, vice-president; Susan Kane, treasurer; and Nathalie Strauel, secretary.

“Our library serves the largest and most diverse population within the town of Bedford, and our goal is to ensure that our Board reflects this," said President, Terrie Paladino Viola. "We are pleased to welcome such thoughtful, dedicated individuals who represent a broad range of personal and professional experience.”

Teens Invited to Join our Team

The Library is inviting applications for our Teen Team Leadership Program.

The program is designed to provide meaningful support to the library while benefiting volunteers. Teens help with the many events scheduled for the summer and other tasks like shelving books or assisting younger patrons. The team also act as advisors, offering feedback and ideas about how our library may be an attractive hub for young adults.

Fox Lane grad Katya Juarez was among the first Teen Team cohort, starting the summer before her freshman year. She liked it so much she stayed on throughout high school.

Katya volunteered mostly in the Children’s Library. “I love kids and really enjoyed helping with all the events,” she said. Katya chose to spend about five hours a week at the library; more during the summer and school breaks.

"The library experience helped me to get to know different families and feel more closely tied to the community.”

Now about to graduate Middlebury College with a degree in International Politics and Economics, Katya says her experience at the library was a big part of her college application process. “In fact my main profile in my college application was about my volunteer activities.”

Teen Team Leadership Program applications are accepted through May 31 for volunteer positions available in the summer and fall.

More Info & Application

Featured Events & Services

Culture Passes Available!

Did you know that the Library offers free passes to wonderful cultural organizations in our area? Passes to museums, gardens, and even parks, are available for free for library card holders. Reserve your pass on our website. Information on other museums is also available.

Stories & Stretches - Family Yoga Storytime

Saturday, May 18, 12:30-1 pm

Led by Lindsay Fletcher

Ages 3 – 5

Children are introduced to books, songs, simple poses and mindfulness activities in this program for preschoolers and their grown-ups.

Crafting a Memory Keepsake

Saturday, May 18, 10-11 am

via Zoom

Led by writer Misty Yarnall

Adults

Explore your life through writing and other arts, focusing on a different topic each month. Bring the supplies of your choice, which might include paper, sketchbooks, scrapbooks, photos, or an old or new memento.