News From the Library
May 29, 2025
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Dear New Rochelle Community,
As your Library Director, I have the privilege of witnessing the many ways our city comes together to celebrate progress, share ideas, and shape a better future for all. This month, I had the honor of attending two powerful events that speak directly to New Rochelle’s values, aspirations, and collective spirit.
First, the 10-Year Anniversary Celebration of My Brother’s Keeper (MBK) on May 12th was an inspiring reminder of what can be accomplished when a community invests in its youth - particularly .. Read more
| | State of the City, May 8, 2025 | | | My Brother's Keeper 10 Year Celebration, May 12, 2025 | | |
Summer Sunday Hours Begin This Sunday, June 1
The Library will be closed on Sundays beginning Sunday, June 1 - August 31.
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HCL Walkway Renovation in Process - And Many Brick Tiles Saved!
The renovation of the Huguenot Children's Library walkway in underway. We are pleased to share that many of the brick tiles were salvaged. Learn more about the renovation and retrieving your brick tiles here.
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Special Film Screening and Discussion: Free for All: The Public Library
We are excited to present a special screening of the powerful documentary, Free for All: The Public Library next Thursday, June 5, 6:00 pm, which tells the story of how public libraries shaped a nation and remain a beloved sanctuary for Americans today. Details and registration below.
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Gentle Yoga Continues This Saturday, May 31
Join us on Saturday, May 31, 1:00 pm for a Dharma Gentle – Easy Beginner Level / Restorative yoga class led by Tere Yogi.
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.
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Jump Start Your Job Search Workshop: Job Search and Social Media
Join us on Monday, June 2, 6:30 pm to learn about the importance of social media in your job search. It’s not all about the look, it is about an employable image.
- Check your web presence
- Leveraging LinkedIn, creating the profile using the tools
- Other social media; Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, X
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Memoir Writing Workshop
Join us in this 4-session workshop on Tuesdays, June 3 - 24, 11:00 am - 1:00 pm and start the journey of telling your unique story!
Many of us want to share our story. Sometimes it’s just for family, sometimes it’s for the world. Writing a memoir can be an exciting, fun, and transformative journey. Whether you’ve already begun writing, have a story in mind, or are still exploring ideas, this workshop will focus on the craft of memoir writing, gaining valuable tools to help you shape your narrative into the best it can be.
No writing experience is needed, and sharing your work is entirely optional. Memoirs are circulated before each session. There is no in-class reading or writing. Register by emailing
Please contact Rachel at RachelLevine55@gmail.com to register.
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Cooking Demonstration: BBQ Side Dish & Tropical Mocktail (Virtual)
Looking for some inspiration to add a little color to your next BBQ? Join us virtually on Tuesday, June 3, 6:00 pm to make 2 fantastic accompaniments that are perfect alongside your favorite grilling recipes. We’ll be making a mayo-free Calabrese potato salad with green beans and potatoes as well as a tropical guava cooler mocktail.
Feel free to cook along in your own kitchen or just watch, ask questions, and talk about food! Registration required. Recipes will be shared with registrants prior to the program.
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Mah Jongg Open Play: Two Options
Our next Tuesday evening open play session is on Tuesday, June 3, 5:45 - 7:45 pm.
Additional Tuesday evening sessions will take place on June 3, 10, 17 and 24
Our hope is to provide a space where players can join together for a weekly game. This program is for experienced players of all levels.
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Join us on Thursday afternoons, 1:00 - 3:00 pm, in the Ossie Davis Theater, for 'Open Play Mah Jongg' Our next session is June 5. Join for any or all sessions.
Additional Thursday afternoon sessions will take place on June 5, 12, 19, and 26
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Film Screening and Discussion: Free for All: The Public Library
Join us on Thursday, June 5, 6:00 pm for a screening of Free for All: The Public Library, followed by a panel discussion.
Free for All tells the story of the quiet revolutionaries who made a simple idea happen. From the pioneering women behind the “Free Library Movement” to today's librarians who service the public despite working in a contentious age of closures and book bans, meet those who created a civic institution where everything is free and the doors are open to all.
The screening will be followed by a panel discussion with New Rochelle Public Library (NRPL) Director Eugenia Schatoff, Executive Director Westchester Library System Terry Kirchner, Lifelong Educator, and Author Dr. La Ruth H. Gray, and NRPL Trustee Tatiana Infante. New Rochelle Public Library Foundation Board Member Theresa Kump Leghorn will moderate the discussion.
Join us for light refreshments following the discussion.
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VROOM Film Series Finale: Special Film and Talkback with Documentary Filmmakers
Join us on Saturday, June 7, 2:00 pm for a special event for the final installment in the NRPL VROOM! Film Series. NRPL librarian and film historian Chris Poggiali welcomes filmmakers Brian Darwas and Jennifer Carchietta for a discussion following screenings of their documentaries This is Long Beach (2013) and Three Mile (2015).
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Celebrate Juneteenth: My Life is Not My Own, by Lucinda Carr
Step into the life of Harriet Tubman on Friday, June 13, 7:00 pm, a woman whose courage and unwavering dedication to justice reshaped American history. In this one-woman drama, through Lucinda Carr’s compelling portrayal, audiences will experience the trials and triumphs of Tubman’s extraordinary journey—from her escape from slavery to her pivotal role in the Underground Railroad, and her enduring legacy as a beacon of hope and resilience.
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Calpulli Mexican Dance Summer Workshops at NRPL Now Registering
Join the fun and excitement of learning authentic Mexican dance this summer! Sign up to participate in our Calpulli Dance workshops, beginning Thursday, July 10 - August 7. We have separate workshops for ages 5-7, 8-13, and Teens/Adults.
In addition to learning traditional dance movements and choreographies, participants will learn the history and background of each dance, and perform in the finale of our International Music and Dance Festival on Tuesday, August 12.
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Celebrate Pride Month: Rainbow of Reading
June is Pride Month, and we're hosting a fabulous, fun-filled storytime with Drag Story Hour Westchester on Saturday, June 7, 10:00 am. There will be books, songs and a craft with special guest Angel Elektra that celebrates inclusion, diversity and individuality. Intended for children 3 - 8 years old and their families.
Tickets are required to attend. One ticket per family. A child must be present to receive a ticket and to participate in the program. Tickets can be picked up from the Children’s Room beginning at noon the day of the program. Space is limited. First come, first served.
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Celebrate LGBTQIA/Pride
Love is Love! To celebrate Pride, we’ve put together a list of books that includes characters who are part of the LGBTQ community. The list also features books with queer families, important LGBTQ figures and historical moments, introduces the idea of living beyond gender stereotypes & so much more.
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New Children's Booklist: Phonics and Decodables
Phonics and decodable books help build literacy skills for the earliest of readers. When visiting the Main Library's Children's Room, they can be found mostly in our Early Reader section and indicated with a yellow dot above the book's spine label.
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Wag Your Tale Returns in June!
Our Wag Your Tale program will be on "paws" next week, but will return on Monday, June 2, 4:00 - 6:00 pm and will run on Mondays through June 23.
Elementary school students can practice their reading skills and build self-esteem with Izzy, a story loving and certified therapy dog from the Good Dog Foundation and R.E.A.D.® Foundation.
Call us or sign up at the desk for a 10 minute slot on the day of the program. First come, first served. Space is limited to six children per session.
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Celebrate National Smile Month at Huguenot Children's Library
Join us on Tuesday, June 3, 10:30 am at Huguenot Children's Library when author and dental hygienist Joanne Roos visits us to read from her book, Who Visits Me from A to Z, talk about dental health and share some goodies to celebrate National Smile Month. Ages 0-5.
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Girl Scout Read-Aloud & Craft
Join Girl Scout Troop 2446 on Saturday, June 7, 2:00 pm as they read favorite stories & lead kids in a fun craft activity. Ages 4- 7.
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Tween Book Club Discussion: Ben Yokoyama and the Cookie of Doom by Matthew Swanson
Join us on Tuesday, June 10, 4:30 pm for snacks, trivia, and to chat about this month’s book club pick, Ben Yokoyama and the Cookie of Doom by Matthew Swanson
Registration required. 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.
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Save the Dates!
Our Spring Session of Children's programs at the Main Branch has ended, but we have some great special events coming up! Mark your calendars for:
African Storytelling, Thursday, June 19, 11:00 am in celebration of Juneteenth
Color Our World: Summer Reading Kickoff Party, Saturday, June 21, 10:00 am to celebrate and begin our Summer Reading Challenge
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Homework Help is Back!
Our amazing tutors Ana and Jordan from Monroe College are back at NRPL through the end of June to help your children with school assignments and reading practice -at no cost to you!
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Learn what's coming up in the Children's Room and at Huguenot Children's Library. We have lots of great programs planned to educate and engage children of all ages.
| | TECHNOLOGY ASSISTANCE AND COMPUTER CLASSES | |
Social Media
Join us on Saturday, May 31, 10:00 am to learn the basics and functions of social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.
| Click here to see all upcoming computer classes. Register in advance to secure a spot. (Note: If class is full, you may still come to the library to see if any spots are open the day of the program due to last minute cancellations. ) |
Computer Class: Introducción al Uso de Microsoft & Google Docs
Únase a nosotros el lunes 9 de junio 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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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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Celebrate LGBTQ+ History: Stonewall National Monument Ranger Talk (Virtual)
Saturday, June 14, 2:00 pm
Self Care 101
Monday, June 16, 6:00 pm
Adult Art Workshop: Blossoming with Monet: 3D Garden Collage Workshop
Thursday, June 19, 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Concerts in Motion Friday Afternoon Concert
Friday, June 20, 2:00 pm
Friday, June 20, 7:00 pm
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Pride Month
Pride Month is a month-long observance dedicated to the celebration of LGBTQ pride, commemorating the contributions of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) culture and community. Pride Month is observed in June in the United States, coinciding with the anniversary of the 1969 Stonewall riots, a series of gay liberation protests. Check out this list curated by Maureen in recognition of Pride Month.
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National Garden Week 2025
While we may not enjoy the damp weather, our gardens are soaking up the benefits! National Garden Week is celebrated June 1- 7. It's a time for National Garden Clubs to encourage community pride, raise awareness of the benefits of gardening, encourage participation, and celebrate the beauty and productivity of gardens. Take a look at these books for gardening inspiration and start digging!
The New Rochelle Public Library Archives houses a collection of the administrative records, scrapbooks, and meeting minutes of the Garden Club of New Rochelle. Learn more about the collection here.
But there is more! The NYS Library is hosting The Roots of Flower City: Horticulture, Empire, and the Remaking of Rochester, New York virtually on Wednesday, June 4, 12:00 - 1:00 pm. Learn more and register.
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Brown Bag Book Club: The Marriage Portrait by Maggie O'Farrell
Join us on Tuesday, June 10, 12:00 pm for a librarian-led book discussion. Newcomers welcome. A supply of the book to be discussed, The Marriage Portrait by Maggie O'Farrell, 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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Job Search Coach
Monday, June 2, 5:00 - 7:30 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, April 7. Learn more about and register for workshops here.
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Chair Yoga
Monday, June 2, 12:30 - 1:30 pm
Wednesday, June 4, 1:00 - 2:00 pm
(Note: There will be no class on Monday, June 23)
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Open Sewing for Experienced Sewists
Wednesday, June 4, 10:30 am - 12:30 pm
Our NRPL sewists are working on a group quilt to donate to a local organization that serves families in need. Come join in this community effort.
| | What's Happening in the Teen Room? | |
Destress!
For tweens and teens in grades 6 - 12. Unwind from exams at NRPL on Monday, June 2, Tuesday, June 3 and Friday, June 6, 4:00 - 5:00 pm! Join us for restful activities including coloring mandala's, listening to calming music, and getting into a state of relaxation. Snacks and drinks will be provided!
No registration required; just drop in!
Get Crafty!
Stop by the Teen Room on Wednesday, June 4, 3:00 - 6:00 pm to make your own Custom Graduation/Summer Button!
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Intro to 3D Printing
Tweens and teens in grades 6 - 12 are invited to drop by the Teen Room on Saturdays, May 31 and June 7, 1:00 - 3:00 pm to create a 3D printed object from start to finish! Learn how to make your item on TinkerCAD and watch as it gets built in real-time! Then take your project home to enjoy.
No registration. Just drop-in!*
* Note: We recommend you drop-in as early as possible to make your item and allow time to print your project. Otherwise, completed projects may have to be picked up at a later time.
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Get A Jump Start on Your College Essay
Summer is the perfect time to write college essays. Join us on Saturday, June 7, 11:00 am - 12:00 pm for a fun and collaborative essay writing workshop with Anthony from Bespoke Education. Whether you are looking to get started or to check in to make sure you're writing the best essay possible, this workshop will guide you through the process of crafting a breakthrough personal essay.
Space is limited. Please preregister.
| | Check out our Teen calendar for a full listing of all Teen events that take place daily in the Teen Room. | |
Ray Blue: 1950- 2025
We are deeply saddened by the passing of Ray Blue, an extraordinary saxophonist and cherished friend of the New Rochelle Public Library. Ray and his ensemble graced our stage many times over the years, sharing his immense talent and uplifting spirit with our community. He will be sorely missed, but his music and legacy will live on.
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Coming in June: History Restored - Black Entrepreneurship
In recognition of Juneteenth, delve into New Rochelle’s entrepreneurial legacy at this Lincoln Park Conservancy–curated exhibit on display June 2 - 26 in the Lumen Winter Gallery. Wander through decade-by-decade displays that spotlight pioneering Black-owned shops, salons, diners, and tech startups—from the early 1900s through today’s business innovators. Discover archival photographs that trace how these enterprises shaped our city’s cultural and economic landscape.
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New Rochelle Council of Community Services Annual Celebratory Breakfast
The New Rochelle Council of Community Services invites you to join in celebrating Community Champions Lisa Burton, Nina Shawn Gainor, and Sharon Weeks at a festive breakfast on Friday, June 6, 8:30 am at the Davenport Mansion.
In addition, NRCCS will award scholarships to three local high school students.
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Mark Your Calendars for Thomas Paine Day
Celebrate New Rochelle’s second City-designated Thomas Paine Day on Sunday, June 8, 3:00 to 6:00 pm.
All are invited to the Thomas Paine Memorial Building, 983 North Avenue to enjoy a variety of spoken word and musical events including a preview of the new collected writings of Thomas Paine, selected poems of Thomas Paine, Tutti Bravi Productions - selections from the musical: Common Sense: The Story of Thomas Paine, and music by the Brian Carter Jazz Quartet
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NRPL Calendar
For a full listing of all NRPL events, visit our online calendar.
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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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