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News From the Library
December 4, 2025
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Special Event: Calling All Grown Ups! Come Play With Us
Join us on Saturday, December 13, 1:00 pm to rediscover the joy and importance of play at any age with Playing for Keeps: The Upside of Downtime, a lively and thought-provoking documentary that explores how play supports creativity, connection, and well-being throughout life.
Join us at 1:00 pm for some lighthearted fun and games — a chance to unwind, laugh, and reconnect with your playful side, followed by a screening of the film (62 min) at 2:00 pm. After the film, stay for a discussion with Dr. Andy Bell, Westchester County Department of Community Mental Health and Janet Donat, MSEd, Outreach Assistant: Family and Re-Entry Services Westchester Library System.
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And did you know New Rochelle’s favorite fictional resident, Dick Van Dyke, turns 100 this year? His advice for a long life? He commits to being playful. In a recent New York Times interview he said that playfulness “gives you a sense of fun and freedom,” no matter how you feel physically. Van Dyke looks for moments during the day to be playful, whether it’s chances to crack jokes or to make a toddler laugh in the supermarket line.
Andrei Cojocaru
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Big Sale: The Perfect Holiday Gifts Are at the Library Now
Don't procrastinate on holiday shopping. Stop by the Library on Friday, December 5 and Saturday, December 6, 10:00 am - 4:00 pm. and see what perfect gifts AND bargain treasures you can find in our Friends Bookstore, Shelves and Carts.
The Friends is a great source of gently-used hardcover and paperback books of every genre - including best sellers, children's books, gift-quality books, and more. The Friends regular hours are Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, 10:00 am - 4:00 pm.
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Knit One. Purl Two
Join us on Friday, December 5, 11:00 am - 1:00 pm for a drop in knitting class with professional knitter Stephanie Lieberman Paley. Bring a project you are working on or start something new if you wish. Stephanie will be here to guide you through your project.
All levels welcome. You must bring your own supplies. Drop in. FREE!
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Friday Night Concert: Wayne Henderson
Join us for an unforgettable night of jazz on Friday, December 5, 7:00 pm when Wayne Henderson brings his group to the stage with a new twist to another stellar jazz performance that you won't want to miss. Truly a fan favorite, Wayne Henderson is no stranger to the Ossie Davis Theater having performed here over 25 times since 2019.
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Gentle/Beginner Yoga
Join us for our next Gentle/Beginner Yoga class on Saturday, December 6, 9:45 - 10:45 am. This class is ideal for beginners of all ages and anyone seeking a gentle, grounding practice. The sequence is designed to ease the body into wakefulness, tone the body, and calm the mind. While the structure below serves as a guide, the pace and emphasis may vary depending on the students and the flow of the class.
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Civics Class for Citizenship
Join us on Saturday, December 6, 11:00 am for NPRL's Civics Class, designed help to prepare students for the U.S. citizenship or naturalization exam and interview. Instruction is provided in the areas of government, current events, test-taking strategies, and interview skills, that build confidence and familiarity of the interview process.
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Sunday Afternoon Concert Series: Juilliard Cello & Piano Recital
Experience a stirring performance on Sunday, December 7, 2:00 pm by two outstanding doctoral candidates from The Juilliard School: Elena Ariza on cello and Baron Fenwick on piano. Their program will highlight:
Lili Boulanger – Three Pieces for Cello and Piano; Ludwig van Beethoven – Cello Sonata No. 4 in C Major, Op. 102 No. 1; Claude Debussy – Cello Sonata
Presented by Young Musicians of Westchester.
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The Basics of Medicare Coverage Options
It's Medicare Open Enrollment time. Bilingual Medicare Advisor, Mercedes Stagnaro of Wellcare will be at the Library on Monday, December 8, 10:00 am - 12:00 pm to answer your questions about Medicare coverage options. Drop in. FREE.
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Multi Level Yoga
For those seeking a more challenging practice with broader variations, the Dharma Multilevel class includes both gentle modifications and more advanced options, join us on Monday, December 8, 6:15 - 7:45 pm.
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Qi Gong
Our next Qi Gong class will be on Tuesday, December 9, 10:00 am. Energy (chee) and gentle body movement (gong) for healing the body, mind and emotions.
Gentle exercises are easy to learn. Drop in. FREE.
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Mah Jongg Open Play: Fall Schedule
Join us! One Crak. Two Bam! The next Tuesday evening session is December 9, 5:45 - 7:45 pm. The next Thursday afternoon session is December 11, 1:00 - 3:00 pm. Bring your skill, luck and fellow Mah Jongg enthusiasts. All welcome.
This program is for players of all levels.
Open play will continue in December on 9, 11, 16, and 18) 2026 dates TBD.
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Join Our Community of Sewing Enthusiasts
Love to sew and looking to meet others who share your passion? We’d love to have you!
Our open sewing sessions on Wednesdays (10:30 am – 12:30 pm, or 12:30 – 2:30 pm on select days) offer more than just access to our state-of-the-art Necchi sewing machines—they’re a welcoming space to connect, create, and build community. This week's session was hopping! Join us for our next session on Wednesday, December 10, 10:30 - 12:30 pm.
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NEW! Acoustic String Open Jam Session
Looking for other musicians to play with in an informal and judgement-free environment? Come join our new monthly acoustic string instrument jam session! Our next session is Saturday, December 13, 3:00 pm. Bring your guitar, ukulele, mandolin, banjo, etc. and join together with other like-minded aspiring musicians to share your love of music and song.
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Coffee & Spice - Dessert and a Gift! (Virtual Program)
Holiday gatherings are in full swing - are you prepared?
Join us virtually on Tuesday, December 16, 11:00 am for this virtual cooking class presented by Big Flavors from a Tiny Kitchen. You'll learn how to make a deliciously decadent Italian tiramisu - a make-ahead dessert that will be the hit of any party! We'll also be making a homemade spice blend that's perfect for holiday gifting.
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Concerts in Motion presents: A Winter Concert
featuring Jordan Shapiro and Ric Becker
Join us on Tuesday, December 16, 1:30 pm to celebrate the season with an afternoon of winter-inspired music performed by multi-instrumentalists Jordan Shapiro (accordion, piano, guitar, voice) and Ric Becker (trombone, voice). Enjoy beautiful melodies and lively rhythms that capture the warmth and spirit of winter. Free and open to all!
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Offsite Movie Matinee Series: Dirty Dancing (1987)
We are taking the Library out to the community! Join us on Thursday, December 18, 1:00 pm at the JCC of Mid-Westchester, 999 Wilmot Road, Scarsdale, for a free screening of Dirty Dancing, starring Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey, a classic coming-of-age movie with a legendary romance! NRPL Adult Services Library and Film historian Chris Poggiali will lead a post-screening discussion.
Presented in partnership with the JCC of Mid-Westchester
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Adult Art Workshop: Handmade Wrapping Paper
Join us on Thursday, December 18, 10:00 am for our next adult art workshop. It is the perfect time to make wrapping paper printing with stencils on gel plates - take home something beautiful and unique. Drop in. All materials provided.
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Brighten Your Holidays With Books
‘Tis the season for some reading! Make the holidays bookish and bright with this selection of holiday favorites.
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Rudolph's-Red Nosed Romp: From New Roc City to Memorial Plaza
Join in the fun on Saturday, December 6, 2025 for a fun Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer Parade. Gather at 4:15 pm at Downtown REC, 29 LeCount Place, 2nd floor to get your red nose and antlers - and then march (procession begins at 4:30 pm) from New Roc City to Memorial Plaza for the Chamber of Commerce's Annual Holiday Lighting. (NOTE: This event does NOT take place at the Library)
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Kiddie Concert with Robert the Guitar Guy
Children ages 2 to 5 yrs will have a blast singing, dancing & celebrating with favorite music performers Robert the Guitar Guy on Wednesday, December 10, 11:00 am. Be sure to join us for the last kiddie concert of the season!
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Susie Sunshine presents Rhymes, Stories, and Songs for Toddlers! (at HCL)
Don't miss the last Susie Sunshine visit on Thursday, December 11, 10:30 am at Huguenot Children's Library. Children 18 months - 3 years will have a sunny side up good time with rhymes, stories, songs, puppets and more.
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Tween Book Club Discussion
Tweens ages 9-12 years are invited to join us for the next Tween Book Discussion on Tuesday, December 16, 4:30 pm to discuss Plain Jane and the Mermaid by Vera Brosgol.
Registration for each discussion begins four weeks before each discussion date. The first 10 registrants will be given a free copy of the book! Register by calling 914-813-3716 or visiting the Desk in the Children’s Room at the Main Library.
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Mark Your Calendars for December Vacation Break Fun
December is almost here! Go on a Staycation at the NRPL Children's Room, Friday December 26 - Wednesday, December 31! Mark your calendar for all the vacation week fun we have planned. From Gingerbread Houses and Nutcracker Tap Dance to Live Owls, a Puppet Show, Winter Crafts and even a Magical Noon Year's Eve Party - the NRPL Children's Room will be sure to make your holidays bright.
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FREE Homework Help
Elementary students receive FREE assistance with school assignments and reading practice courtesy of Monroe University student tutors. This is a drop-in program and space may be limited. First come, first served.
| | Check out what's happening at Main and HCL in the links below. We look forward to seeing your smiling faces. | | COMPUTER CLASSES and TECHNOLOGY ASSISTANCE | |
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Computer Classes
File Management
Join us on Saturday, December 6, 10:00 am to learn how to organize and manage your personal information (username/password) on your phone, MS Word and Google Docs.
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Introducción al Uso de Microsoft & Google Docs
Únase a nosotros el lunes 8 de Diciembre a las 5:00 pm para aprender a crear un documento simple, editar y darformato al texto, corregir la ortografía, ajustar losmárgenes, guardar, imprimir y abrir archivos en Microsoft Word y Google Docs.
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Create Your Own Flyer
Join us on Saturday, December 13, 10:00 am to learn to create a flyer to promote an event, provide information, or sell items.
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Introduction to Microsoft Word & Google Docs
Join us on Monday, December 15, 5:00 pm to learn how to create a simple document, edit and format text, correct spelling, adjust margins, save, print open files in Microsoft Word & Google Docs.
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FREE Tech Help
Having trouble using your smartphone or other device? Free tech help is available at New Rochelle Public Library. Our Digital Navigators are trained guides that can assist you with a variety of tech needs. Make an appointment with a Digital Navigator at NRPL by clicking below.
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Cyber Week
In honor of Cyber Monday, we created a "Cyber Week" themed display and book list. Check out some of our best science-fiction titles centering around cyberspace with the most interesting fictional stories of the cyberpunk future! Or take a look at our computer-based non-fiction books for all your new and old devices' needs.
And don't forget you can also always enroll in any of our weekly in-person computer classes, and get one-on-one help with your devices by making an appointment with one of our digital navigators.
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Bodhi Day
Monday, December 8th is known as the day that Siddhartha Guatama, the Buddha, achieved enlightenment. Take a look of our selected books to gain a deeper understanding of Buddhism.
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Celebrate Jewish Book Month
Jewish Book Month traces its origins to Fanny Goldstein’s 1920s creation of "Jewish Book Week." In 1925, Jewish communities across the country adopted the week-long celebration, timing the events to coincide with Shavuot. In 1940, the event was shifted to the month before Hanukkah, when it is still observed today. Check out our selection of books for Jewish Book Month and our display on the first floor of the Main Library.
Coming Soon! Keep an eye out for exciting new programming, including a new book discussion group, in 2026 presented as part of the Yiddish Book Center’s Public Libraries Program, in partnership with the ALA and funded by the Lilly Endowment, Inc.
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Brown Bag Book Club for December: Red at the Bone by Jacquline Woodson
Join us on Tuesday, December 9, 12:00 pm, for a librarian-led book discussion about Red at the Bone, by Jacqueline Woodson.
Newcomers welcome. A supply of the book to be discussed is available to borrow from the first floor hold shelf. Drop in.
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Please note: In consideration of other students in our classes, PLEASE
- Refrain from wearing perfumes, or other strong scents to class.
- Arrive on time. Late arrivals are disruptive to a class in session.
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NRPL Knitting Club
Friday, December 5, 11:00 am - 1:00 pm
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Gentle/Beginner Yoga
Saturday, December 6, 9:45 - 10:45 am
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Chair Yoga
Monday, December 8, 12:30 - 1:30 pm
Wednesday, December 10, 1:00 - 2:00 pm
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Job Search Coach
Monday, December 8, 5:00 - 6:30 pm
On the first Monday of each month, our Job Search Coach will lead a workshop on a specific job search- related topic. The next workshop is Monday, October 6. Learn more about and register for workshops here.
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Multilevel Yoga
Monday, December 8, 6:15 - 7:45 pm
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Qi Gong
Tuesday, December 9, 10:00 -11:00 am.
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Mah Jongg Open Play: Evening Session
Tuesday, December 9, 5:45 - 7:45 pm
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Open Sewing for Experienced Sewists
Wednesday, December 10, 10:30 am - 12:30 pm
| | What's Happening in the Teen Room? | | |
Creative Cards for a Cause
Get in on the action and join us for our next hands-on card-making workshop on Monday, December 8, 4:30 - 6:00 pm presented with NeuroFirst, a student-led nonprofit focused on brain health and community connection.
Teens are invited to craft uplifting cards that will be donated to memory care homes, hospitals, and rehabilitation centers. Earn community service hours and have fun! Learn more.
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Vinyl Sticker Week
For Tweens and Teens entering grades 6-12. Stop by and enjoy vinyl sticker week, Monday December 8 - Friday, December 12, 3:00 pm - closing! We've got a wide collection of stickers for your to look through and pick up your favorites while supplies last! No registration required. Just drop-in.
On Wednesday, December 10, 3:00 pm - closing, we'll be making Vinyl Sticker Pencil Holders
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Save the Date!
Stop by the Teen Room on Wednesday, December 17, 3:00 - closing for Christmas Cookie Decorating. Drop in, no registration required!
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We've got lots of ways for teens to connect. From Giant Jenga and Jigsaw Puzzle Night, to Game and Watch and Video Game Tournaments, there's something for every interest. Check out our Teen calendar for a full listing of all Teen events that take place daily in the Teen Room.
All programs are open to students entering grades 6-12.
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Trinity Church
A colorized photograph of Trinity Church (1899)
The Archive of the New Rochelle Public Library is a unique resource of documents relating to the history of New Rochelle. Our Archive is a repository of historical resources such as institutional and civic records, personal papers, and audiovisual materials. In 2023, the entire Photography Collection of the Archive was properly organized and described by our staff Archivist. This collection of over 15,000 photographic images portrays the city in penetrating detail from early public photography of the 1860s to modern digital photos.
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In Memoriam: Remembering Two Inspiring Friends
We are saddened to share the loss of two remarkable members of our extended library family, Jim Swinehart and Mildred Gladwin. Though neither were staff, their presence and passion were woven into the fabric of the New Rochelle Public Library.
Jim Swinehart was a steadfast champion of our work and a long-time member of the New Rochelle Public Library Foundation Board. A true lifelong learner and creator, Jim remained vibrant and active well into his later years, even publishing a collection of his own poetry to celebrate his 90th birthday. His dedication to the library’s future and his creative spirit will be deeply missed.
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Mildred Gladwin brought peace, vitality, and connection to our community as a beloved yoga instructor. Starting as a student herself, she went on to guide others for years, teaching her popular classes at the library until the age of 84. Her students remember her not just for her instruction, but for the warmth and inspiration she brought to every session.
We are grateful for the light they both shared with us.
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Board of Trustees Meeting
The next Board of Trustees meeting will take place on Thursday, December 11, 7:30 pm in the Ossie Davis Theater at the Main Library, 1 Library Plaza, New Rochelle. View agenda here.
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Coming Soon! New Rochelle Art Association 2025 Adolph Grant Award Show
The New Rochelle Art Association presents the Adolph Grant Show, December 8, 2025 - January 9, 2026. It is named after Adolph Grant, who was a patron of the NRAA, and a successful businessman who was very active in civic affairs as Chairman of the Zoning Commission and as a Rotarian. At the NRAA's first Sketch Exhibition in 1921, he pledged an annual $50 prize for the best sketch. By the year 1932, the award was given for the best work of 2-dimensional art by a New Rochelle artist, and has remained with stipulation to the present.
Today, the award is $100 which is awarded to the best 2-D work by a New Rochelle resident, and the Best In Show Award. Ribbons will also be awarded in each category.
NRAA Award Show Reception - Sunday December 14th, 3:00 - 4:30 pm
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FREE Downtown Holiday Parking
In continuation of a holiday tradition and to promote holiday shopping in New Rochelle, the city will offer two hours of free parking downtown throughout December 2025.
The free two-hour parking will be available in designated municipal surface lots and on-street parking areas from Dec. 1, 2025, through Dec. 31, 2025, between 9 am and 9 pm
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World Through Fiction Community Book Club
Join this monthly book club and connect with other readers who enjoy learning about other places, people and time. We'd love to see you at the next meeting on Tuesday, December 9, 6:00 pm at the New Rochelle Public Library. The group will be discussing What You are Looking For is in the Library, by Michiko Aoyama. There is still time to check the book out from the Library (print copies on hold across from the reception desk). It's a quick, easy and uplifting read.
Save the date for the next meeting on Tuesday, January 13, 6:00 pm, when the group will be discussing The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah.
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Bee-Line to Run Holiday Service on Christmas
For the first time in its history, Westchester County’s Bee-Line Bus System will operate service on Christmas. On Thursday, December 25, the Bee-Line will operate on a Sunday schedule for both fixed-route and ParaTransit riders.
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Let's Get Social
Follow us on Facebook and Instagram to be among the first to know about upcoming programs, events, library services and more. And be sure to take photos at library events and tag us @nrpubliclibrary
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1 Library Plaza
New Rochelle, NY 10801
914-632-7878
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