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SOMERS LIBRARY NEWSLETTER
DECEMBER 2024
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A new year brings new beginnings! I am excited for another tremendous year at the library. The staff has been actively working on planning innovative programs, improving our existing offerings, and reorganizing the seating areas to better serve visitors who come to read, work, or meet. Stay updated by checking our calendar and weekly emails for information on services and programs. We have many exciting ideas planned for 2025 that we can't wait to share with you!
Also, starting in the new year, there will be very slight changes to library hours. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, we will be closing at 7:00pm instead of 8:00pm. On Saturdays, like our summer hours, will now be 10:00am to 3:00pm, all year round. We are actively seeking ways to conserve and save during a time when expenses have increased significantly. We assure our community that services will remain unaffected, and we will continue to provide outstanding services while introducing new and upcoming materials.
Finally, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to the Somers community. During my 23 years of experience in library services, I can confidently say that the love and support from the residents of Somers for the library is unparalleled. The kind words that the library staff receives each day are truly heartwarming and keep us motivated. We can't wait to see you on your next visit to the Somers Library!
Wishing you and your family a joyous holiday season and a very happy New Year!
Jessica Veissy, Library Director
Please take a moment to look through our newsletter for details on upcoming programs and additional information.
Visit our website www.somerslibrary.org.
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Our programs are supported by the
Friends of the Somers Library
through our patrons' generous contributions.
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Staff Holiday Party
We will be closing early on Friday, December 6 at 1 PM for a staff holiday party
Christmas
We will be closing early at 1 PM on Tuesday, December 24, and will be closed all day from Wednesday, December 25, through Thursday, December 26
New Years
We will be closing early at 1 PM on Tuesday, December 31
We wish all our patrons a happy and safe holiday!
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December Programs
Programs subject to change. See online calendar for the most up to date information and any last-minute changes.
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Egyptian Wonders in the Library
Tuesday, December 10
Senior Group at 2 PM
Kids Group at 3:45 PM
Adult & Teen Group at 5 PM
This engaging, illustrated and colorful presentation will bring us back in time to the land of the Pharaohs with your very own local museum educator! A mobile museum of authentic artifacts will be on display, and papyrus available for guests to take home. Register in your appropriate age group.
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Chinese MahJong: Learn and Play
Thursdays, December 5, 12 & 19 at 1:30 PM
New to the Chinese MahJong? Learn the basics of set up, play, and scoring or get tips and tricks to take your game to the next level.
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Cookbook Club
Thursday, December 5 at 6:30 PM
A delicious twist on your typical book club! Choose a recipe from the month’s chosen book, prepare it at home, and bring it to the meeting.
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Egyptian Wonders in the Library
Tuesday, December 10 at 2 PM for Seniors
This engaging, illustrated and colorful presentation will bring us back in time to the land of the Pharaohs with your very own local museum educator! A mobile museum of authentic artifacts will be on display, and papyrus available for guests to take home. Register in your appropriate age group.
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Egyptian Wonders in the Library
Tuesday, December 10 at 5 PM for Adults & Teens
This engaging, illustrated and colorful presentation will bring us back in time to the land of the Pharaohs with your very own local museum educator! A mobile museum of authentic artifacts will be on display, and papyrus available for guests to take home. Register in your appropriate age group.
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Craft-A-Gift
Saturday, December 14 at 12 PM
All crafts are quick and easy for even the most untalented crafter and for all ages. Come along for a fun afternoon making things for the people on your gift list. This event is free for all.
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Concert - Guitarist John Fiscella
Sunday, December 15 at 2 PM
Somers High School, Class of '86. He is a guitarist and music teacher who has been giving private lessons in Somers since 1990.
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Senior Monday - Cooking Demonstration
Monday, December 16 at 1 PM
Join the Library Board President, Barbara Tepper, as she demonstrates how to make her chicken soup with matzo balls. Get ready for the flu season and learn how to make this delicious dish.
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Rag Wreath Workshop for the Holidays
Tuesday, December 17 at 4 PM
This is an easy stress relieving craft which is perfect for those who enjoy working with their hands and making new friends. All you need to know is how to tie a knot!
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Otaku Club
Sunday, December 29 at 3 PM
If you are interested in anime, manga, comics, video games, and all things “otaku,” come hang out with like-minded people! Snacks are provided! Members should be 18 or older.
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Senior Monday – Noon Year’s Eve
Monday, December 30 at 11 AM
Come celebrate New Year’s Eve a little early! For all those who can’t stay up until midnight or just don’t feel like it, we will celebrate with live music, alcohol-free bubbly and a watch the ball drop at noon. Lots of fun and no exhaustion!
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Drop-In MahJong Club
Mondays & Fridays at 10:30 AM
Drop in to play MahJong with your neighbors. For anyone who loves the game and wants to meet new people.
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Threads and Yarns
Fridays at 10:30 AM
Join us with your fiber art handiwork of any kind! All levels are welcome from beginner to yarn wizard.
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Tech Coach: One-on-one Assistance for Adults
Schedule your 30-minute appointment today
Staff member Juan Carlos has helped numerous patrons over the years with issues regarding laptops, phones and so much more!
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Teen & YA Programs & Events | | | |
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Middle School Book Club - Epic Adventures and Enchanted Hearts
Meets on Tuesday, December 3 at 3:45 PM
Do you enjoy books with adventure and a dash of romance like Percy Jackson or Hunger Games? Then join this book club for Gr. 6-8 and read our next book, The Downstairs Girl by Stacey Lee.
Snacks provided and the bus goes from SMS to our front door.
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Teens & Healthy Treats
Thursdays, December 5, 12 & 19 at 3:45 PM
Each class, teens will cook easy and healthy snacks replacing bad ingredients like sugar with healthy alternatives. Sign up for each class separately.
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Egyptian Wonders in the Library
Tuesday, December 10 at 5 PM for Teens & Adults
This engaging, illustrated and colorful presentation will bring us back in time to the land of the Pharaohs with your very own local museum educator! A mobile museum of authentic artifacts will be on display, and papyrus available for guests to take home. Register in your appropriate age group.
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Craft-A-Gift
Saturday, December 14 at 12 PM
All crafts are quick and easy for even the most untalented crafter and for all ages. Come along for a fun afternoon making things for the people on your gift list. This event is free for all.
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STEM - Chilly Challenges
Monday, December 16 at 3:45 PM
Let’s have fun with challenges that incorporate building, teamwork and creativity. You will build the tallest snowman you possibly can and fashion a sled and a sledding run to see who goes the furthest.
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Rag Wreath Workshop for the Holidays
Tuesday, December 17 at 4 PM
This is an easy stress relieving craft which is perfect for those who enjoy working with their hands and making new friends. All you need to know is how to tie a knot!
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Craft & Chill for Teens
Every Friday from 2:30 - 4:45 PM
Every week we will roll out the maker’s cart with lots of craft supplies to make anything from diamond painting, jewelry, journals, and upcycled crafts. This is a drop-in program, no registration required.
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Children's Programs & Events | | | |
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Shake Your Sillies Out!
Tuesdays, December 3, 10, 17, 24 & 31 at 10:30 AM
Come children ages 18 – 48 months and get your body in gear to feel energized and have lots of fun with songs, musical instruments, stories and parachute fun!
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Playdates at the Library
Wednesdays, December 4, 11, & 18 at 10:30 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.
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Kids LEGO Club
Thursdays, December 5 & 19 at 4 PM
Come and join us for our popular LEGO club! 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.
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Read with Sunny Boy the Therapy Dog!
Saturday, December 7 between 11 AM – 12 PM
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. Best for readers ages 5+.
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December Holiday Storytime & Craft
Monday, December 9 at 4 PM
Join Children’s Librarian Renee and listen to a story and make a themed craft for the holiday season!
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Egyptian Wonders in the Library
Tuesday, December 10 at 3:45 PM for Kids
This engaging, illustrated and colorful presentation will bring us back in time to the land of the Pharaohs with your very own local museum educator! A mobile museum of authentic artifacts will be on display, and papyrus available for guests to take home. Register in your appropriate age group.
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3rd Grade Book Club
Wednesday, December 11 at 3:45 PM
Led by Renee Rauch, students meet after school to discuss a book that they’ve read in advance, make a craft or play a game. This month's book is The Chocolate Touch by Patrick Skene Catling.
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Craft-A-Gift
Saturday, December 14 at 12 PM
All crafts are quick and easy for even the most untalented crafter and for all ages. Come along for a fun afternoon making things for the people on your gift list. This event is free for all.
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STEM - Chilly Challenges
Monday, December 16 at 3:45 PM
Let’s have fun with challenges that incorporate building, teamwork and creativity. You will build the tallest snowman you possibly can and fashion a sled and a sledding run to see who goes the furthest.
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4th & 5th Grade Book Club
Wednesday, December 18 at 3:45 PM
Led by Alan Briones, students meet after school to discuss a book that they’ve read in advance, make a craft or play a game. This month's book is Save Me a Seat by Sarah Weeks & Gita Varadarajan
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Candy Gingerbread Houses
Friday, December 20 at 3:45 PM
Come join us as Ms. Jessica returns to lead us in decorating gingerbread houses! All materials will be provided. For ages 4 & up.
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Read with Hank the Therapy Dog!
Saturday, December 21 between 11 AM – 12 PM
The Somers Library is happy to welcome therapy dogs this month in the Children’s Room! We will be having Hank from Paws for a Cause. Best for readers ages 5+.
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Kids Movie Mondays!
Mondays, December 23 & 30 at 2:30 PM
Kids come to the library and enjoy a movie! See our online calendar for the movie-of-choice as we get closer to the day of screening.
No registration necessary.
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Artist of the Month: Candace L Winter
On Display for December
Artists' Bio
My work has always been about bold color, texture, telling a story, and honestly sometimes about nothing at all. I see artistic opportunity almost everywhere, recycling and repurposing the ordinary, unusable, and forgotten. Having always been a lover of the “process” of art, I began making paper using paints and a variety of mostly unconventional tools in the style of an artist, illustrator, and author I admire, Eric Carle. It has been a great way for me as a teaching artist to create murals with young children, without them actually “painting” on the walls. I love this way of working. When the children and I have completed these projects there are always many bits and pieces of beautiful handmade paper left over. Most would consider these scraps and throw them away. But no matter how small the piece, so much passion from all of the young artists went into its creation. It was this that led me to discover a new way to collage and deepened my love of color. It was also through experimentation while teaching that I surprisingly discovered the joy of making birds out of clay. Giving them personality through the expressions on their faces, body language, and putting them in all sorts of different scenarios. These “happy little birds” give me immense delight. The “Birds on Brush” series is a play on art versus craft, the credible versus utterly ridiculous. Because it’s not as important to be serious as it is to be serious about the important.
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Somers Library Foundation
DECEMBER 2024
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The Somers Library Foundation is an important nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing the Somers Library, which serves as a vital intellectual and cultural center for our community. The Foundation plays a crucial role in raising funds to support various projects aimed at beautifying, modernizing, and enriching the Library's offerings and capabilities.
One of the key opportunities for community members to contribute is through Giving Tuesday, on December 3, 2024. This day encourages individuals to give back to their community by making donations to organizations like the Somers Library Foundation. Donations can be made easily online via PayPal or by mailing a check to the Foundation's address, ensuring that every contribution, big or small, can make a difference.
In addition to financial support, the Foundation welcomes volunteers who are eager to help further its mission. Volunteering is a rewarding way to give back and support the Foundation and other charitable organizations in the area. As Mike McIntyre wisely stated, “Sometimes those who give the most are the ones with the least to spare.” This highlights the spirit of generosity that can be found in every community member.
By supporting the Foundation, you can help ensure that the Somers Library continues to thrive as a center for knowledge and culture in our community. Whether through a donation or by volunteering your time, your involvement can help shape the future of the Library and provide valuable resources for all residents.
Consider joining the effort to support the Somers Library Foundation and help enrich our community today!
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Somers Library Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit 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 -- Working for YOU to improve our Library. | |
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Friends of the Somers Library
DECEMBER 2024
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The Friends of the Library are grateful for the donations made in response to our appeal. Your donations fund the wide variety of terrific programs our staff schedule. Without these additional funds, the program list the library could offer would be very short indeed, since the town budget provides little for this.
We are excited to announce our partnership with Somers Super Deli's Meal Deals program. If you order a Meal Deal from Somers Super Deli during the week of December 16 – 20, a percentage of your order will come to us. Enjoy a delicious, easy meal during the busiest time of the year, and know that your purchase benefits our library too! Check their Facebook page for the menu.
Please also consider donating to the Giving Tuesday appeal we are hosting in collaboration with the library Foundation. This year we are hoping to raise funds to purchase computers so the staff can provide computer training to our patrons. Funds collected between Dec 2 and Dec 4 made to the link on the Foundation site will go toward their purchase.
On December 8 at 2 PM Race Amity will close its year with a program on Developing Resilience and Common Bonds. It will include the usual half hour of refreshments, a TED talk video by Dr. Gail Christopher and an opportunity to share. Please bring your poems, your prose, your artwork, your songs, your knitting - whatever you are moved to share - or just yourself, to spend a couple of hours getting to know and care for each other. In person at 2:00pm in the Somers Library or online at 2:30.
On Dec. 15 at 2 pm, we will host our popular holiday concert featuring John Fiscella. Come to celebrate the winter holidays and sing along. Seating is first come, first served. Light refreshments will be served.
We wish everyone a wonderful holiday and peace and happiness in the new year. See you in 2025!
The Friends of the Somers Public Library is a 501 c 3 volunteer organization chartered by the Regents of the University of the State of New York.
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Our programs are supported by Friends of Somers Library
through our patrons' generous contributions.
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