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News From the Library
March 28, 2025
| | DIRECTOR'S LETTER TO THE COMMUNITY:
PROTECT OUR LIBRARIES | | |
Important Update: Impact of Potential Federal Funding Cuts on NRPL
Dear Friends,
I am writing to bring an urgent matter to your attention that profoundly impacts the New Rochelle Public Library (NRPL) and libraries throughout New York State.
On March 14, 2025, an Executive Order advancing the elimination of the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) was signed. This move imperils millions of dollars in federal grants to New York State that currently fund the operation of our State Library and other critical library services.
The services impacted are not abstract concepts—they have direct, tangible implications for NRPL. We rely on these funds for essential programs such as our Summer Reading initiative and Capital Grants, which support critical facility improvements and special projects. The potential loss of this funding represents a significant threat to the resources that directly benefit our community.
The 2025 Legislative Session is in full swing and New York's library community needs your help to secure key budgetary and legislative wins in the coming months. With the Executive Budget and One House Budget Proposals out, state leaders have until April 1st, 2025 to finalize New York's FY 2026 budget. Now is the time for library supporters to ensure Governor Hochul, the Assembly, and the Senate make sure adequate funding for libraries makes the cut. Click here to contact your elected officials via email and take action now!
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Register Now for Sing Your Heart Out Adult Singers Spring Session
Music maestro Robert Puleo returns to lead the Spring 2025 “Sing Your Heart Out!” Workshop. The next session is Saturday, March 29, 9:30 am. Robert will continue to help participants attain the confidence required to sing, along with teaching aspiring singers how to select music appropriate for their voice, and--most importantly--how to have fun throughout the entire 'learning to sing' process! Sessions will take place in the Ossie Davis Theater. FREE!
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New Rochelle Plays Hollywood: The Man in the Moon (1991)
Our popular New Rochelle Plays Hollywood Film Series returns on Sunday, March 30, 2:00 pm. Our theme this Spring is "Film Career Beginnings. "
Our first film in the series is THE MAN IN THE MOON (1991); starring Reese Witherspoon, Sam Waterston, Tess Harper; directed by Robert Mulligan (99 minutes)
Reese Witherspoon makes a stunning debut at just 14 years old in this poignant coming-of-age drama. With a talent that shines beyond her years, she steals every scene in this heartfelt story of first love and family bonds.
New Rochelle Plays Hollywood is a film series presented by the New Rochelle Public Library. Prior to the screening, film aficionado Les Srager will introduce the history of the film and its creative personnel with a discussion period following the screening. Our Spring 2025 series is “Film Career Beginnings” featuring now-iconic actors in their very first roles. See the early performances that launched legendary careers!
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New!
The Creative Breath: Overcoming Writer's Block
Is writer's block keeping you from achieving your writing goals? This course, continuing on Monday, March 31, 6:00 - 7:30 pm, invites participants to tap into their imagination and demystify their intuition to assist them in becoming more skillful writers.
Each week we will begin with a meditation to ground ourselves. Afterwards we will explore different tools such as creative visualization (3/17), images from various magazines (3/24), gratitude photos (3/31), reading a favorite poem/reflection (4/7), presentation of final piece (4/28.)
Instructor: Caroline Reddy, a librarian at New Rochelle Public Library, a reiki Master and current facilitator of The Creative Breath at Poet’s House.
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Fungi in Your Garden: Backyard Mushrooms (Virtual)
Join us on Monday, March 31, 7:00 pm for a fascinating look at mushrooms in your yard.
In this virtual event, discover how fungi support plant health, create striking visual displays, and even serve as edible crops. Learn about their ancient origins, their vital role in ecosystems, and how some species can pose risks to trees. Whether you're a gardener or simply curious, this program will deepen your understanding of the hidden world of fungi.
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Presented by Taro Ietaka, Assistant Director of Conservation for Westchester County Parks.
Hosted by the New Rochelle Public Library in partnership with Healthy Yards New Rochelle
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Free Tax Assistance
Don't wait until the last minute to get free tax assistance at NRPL. AARP Tax Aides will be at the Library for another 5 sessions. Tax assistance continues next week on Tuesday, April 1 and Thursday, April 3, 9:00 am - 2:00 pm*.
Assistance will be provided on a first come, first served basis; no appointments will be available. Assistance will be provided on Tuesdays and Thursdays, through Tuesday, April 15, 9:00 am - 2:00 pm at the Main Library
*On some days, we may need to stop accepting new patrons earlier than 2:00 pm in order to finish all tax returns in the time available. Please plan accordingly.
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Trivia Night: Movies & Entertainment Edition
Join us on Thursday, April 3, 6:30 pm for an engaging community event!
Lights, camera, trivia! Think you know your movies? Put your film and entertainment knowledge to the test at our first-ever Movie & Entertainment Trivia Night! From classic Hollywood legends to modern blockbusters, this game is packed with all-original questions that will challenge even the biggest movie buffs.
Whether you're a casual viewer or a cinephile, grab your friends or come by yourself and join us for a fun-filled night of trivia, laughs, and maybe even a little friendly competition.
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Friday Night Jazz with Rocky Middleton
Join us on Friday, April 4, 7:00 pm in celebration of Jazz Appreciation Month. Enjoy the music of the Rocky Middleton Jazz Ensemble, performing classics from Duke Ellington, Miles Davis, and more. Experience the magic of America's greatest jazz legends live!
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Songcatchers Composers of the Future Concert
Join us on Saturday, April 5, 2:00 pm and experience the inspiring talents of tomorrow! This extraordinary concert features original compositions by young musicians, each expressing their unique vision of peace. Performed by the Songcatchers Orchestra and a professional bassist, this celebration of creativity and unity highlights the voices of a new generation. Join us for an unforgettable afternoon of music and hope!
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An Afternoon of Sonatas
Join us on Sunday, April 6, 2:00 pm to experience an extraordinary afternoon of music with violinist Daniel Rafimayeri and pianist Nabeel Hayek, two outstanding graduate students from the Juilliard School of Music. Together, they bring Romantic and Post-Romantic sonatas to life with exceptional artistry and emotion. Both musicians have earned acclaim and top honors in prestigious international competitions. Presented in partnership with Young Musicians of Westchester.
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Library Budget Informational Meeting
As we approach the upcoming library budget vote, on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, we invite New Rochelle residents to join us on Monday April 7 or Monday, May 5, 6:30 pm for an informative session with the Library Director and a member(s) of the Library Board of Trustees. This program will focus on the proposed budget for the coming year, how it will affect library services, and what it means for our community.
We are working on making the meeting accessible via Zoom. Check back next week for more information.
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Jump Start Your Job Search Workshop: Resumes and Cover Letters
Join us on Monday, April 7, 6:30 pm to learn about the keys to creating resumes and cover letters that get noticed, not buried.
- Resume formats
- Chronological and functional resumes
- How often should I update my resume?
- Cover letters that don’t get buried
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Intermediate Sewing Workshop: For Experience Sewists
Students will learn a 'sampler of sewing techniques' in this 3 session workshop, Saturdays, April 26, May 3 and 17, including installing regular and invisible zippers; making machine buttonholes; making sleeves and facings; using commercial and online sewing patterns; sewing darts; shaping with interfacing; fabric selection and working with challenging fabrics, gathering and seam finishes.
Registration is required. All students must be NRPL Library card holders in good standing and must commit to all 3 classes. This class is for experienced machine sewers only.
You may enroll for either the morning class, 9:30 am - 12:00 pm, or the afternoon class, 1:30 - 4:00 pm.
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Poet Biographies
Check out these books about the lives of poets available in New Rochelle and the Huguenot Children's Libraries.
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Fun Times for Babies and Toddlers
Join us in the Children's Room on Friday, March 28, 11:00 am for Toddler Time. Toddlers with their parents and caregivers will build literacy, motor and social skills through stories, songs and movement. Ages 18 months- 3 years
A joyful blend of books, music, fingerplays and props for babies and their caregivers is in store during Baby Rhyme Time, on Monday, March 31, 11:00 am. Playtime with toys follows afterwards. Ages newborn - 24 months.
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Tween Gaming
Tweens ages 9-12 are invited to come chill out with old friends and new to play video or board games at our next Tween Gaming session on Wednesday, April 2, 4:30 - 5:30 pm.
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Tween Book Club
Tweens ages 9-12 are invited to join us on Tuesday, April 8, 4:30 - 5:30 pm for snacks, trivia, and to chat about this month’s book club pick, Not Quite a Ghost by Anne Ursu.
Registration now open. 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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Sign Up Today.
Free Reading Screenings for Children in Grades K - 3
On Saturday, April 26, 9:00 am - 1:00 pm, trained teachers from The Windward School will screen children grades K-3 on reading and language skills. Families will learn about their child’s reading skill development, areas of need, and considerations for school and home.
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Homework Help
Our Monroe University student tutors are ready to help elementary students with school assignments and reading practice. Free. Drop in. First come, first served. Click here for the Winter 2025 schedule.
| | TECHNOLOGY ASSISTANCE AND COMPUTER CLASSES | | |
Computer Classes
Selling on eBay
Join us on Saturday, March 29, 10:00 am to learn how to sign up for Paypal and start selling on Ebay!
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Introduction to Microsoft & Google Docs
Join us on Monday, March 31, 5:00 pm to earn how to create a simple document, edit and format text, correct spelling, adjust margins, save, print open files in Microsoft Word and Google Docs.
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Tech Basics - Computer & Internet
Jon us on Saturday, April 5, 10:00 am to review the basics of using a PC and learn about navigating the internet.
| 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. ) | | |
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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Spring is in the Air: Let's Dig
What's almost as much fun as digging in the dirt? Planning to dig in the dirt! Grab an armful of garden design books and get inspired.
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Sweet 16
Get into the spirit of March Madness—not just with basketball, but with books! Whether you're a sports fan or just love a little competition, check out our curated book list featuring everything you want to know about the tournament.
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Brown Bag Book Club: The Fury by Michaelides
Join us on Tuesday, April 15, 12:00 pm for a librarian-led discussion about The Fury by Michaelides. A supply of the book will be available to borrow from the first floor hold shelf. Drop in. All welcome.
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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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Saturday Class! Gentle Mat Yoga*
Saturday, March 29, 1:00 -2:15 pm (Note new time for Saturday class)
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Chair Yoga:
Monday, March 31, 12:30 - 1:30 pm
Wednesdays, April 2, 1:00 - 2:00 pm
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Job Search Coach
Monday, March 31, 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, February 3. Learn more about and register for workshops here.
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Open Sewing for Experienced Sewists
Wednesdays, April 2, 10:30 - 12:30 pm
| | What's Happening in the Teen Room? | | |
Color My World
Drop by the Teen Room on Monday, March 31, 3:00 - 8:00 pm and help color an extra large coloring sheet together in celebration of National Crayon Day.
So Charming!
We'll be making Charm Bracelets on Wednesday, April 2. Come get creative with us!
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Playful Poetry
For tweens and teens in grades 6 - 12. Get creative and let your inner poet out during National Poetry Month! Learn how to make magnet poetry and blackout poetry with author Caroline Reddy. Join us for our first Magnet Poetry session on Friday, April 4, 4:00 - 5:00 pm
No registration required; just drop in!
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Learn How to Maximize Your Money!
April is Financial Literacy month and we've planned a great workshop, Be Money Smart, on Saturday, April 5, 10:00 - 11:30 am to help teens learn how to make the most of their hard earned money.
Whether saving for college, a car, new clothes or just a fun activity with friends, every teen will benefit from this interactive workshop led by an experienced financial literacy educator.
| | Check out our Teen calendar for a full listing of all Teen events that take place daily in the Teen Room. | | |
City of Glass: The History of Rose Hill Nurseries
Be sure to stop by this richly illustrated exhibit, which traces the history of the nationally renowned nursery that blossomed in New Rochelle in the latter part of the 19th century. Henry Siebrecht's Rose Hill Nurseries stretched for acres, from North Avenue to the Hutchinson River, with rows and rows of greenhouses, arboretums, lush beds of flowers, plants, and trees.
The "City of Glass", as it has been called, lured Manhattan socialites and celebrities, and it furnished home landscapes in the premier suburb that was New Rochelle. The exhibit is on display through March 29.
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Board of Trustee Open Position
The New Rochelle Public Library Budget Vote and Trustee Election will be held on Tuesday, May 20, 2025. This year, one Library Trustee seat becomes available for a term of five (5) years beginning on July 1, 2025 and ending June 30, 2030.
Prospective candidate packets for the vacant New Rochelle Public Library Trustee post are available at the Circulation Desk.
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Introduction to Family Nutrition
Cornell Cooperative Extension of Westchester County is offering FREE NUTRITION CLASSES to assist parents, grandparents, and guardians of resource-limited families who
have children 19 years or younger living at home make healthier food choices and improve their overall health.
The classes will take place on Mondays, April 7, 14, 21, 28 & May 5, 12 and 19 & June 2, 11:00 am - 12:00 pm, at the New Rochelle Public Library.
To register, call and leave your name and number: Hudson Park Children’s Greenhouse at (914) 847-9471 or email info@hpcgreenhouse.org.
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Trailblazing Black Students, Bold Jewish Suburbanites, and a Carousel: The Untold Story of the Early Civil Rights Movement.
The NRHS chapter of the NAACP is hosting a free film screening: AIN’T NO BACK TO A MERRY-GO-ROUND on Tuesday, April 8, 6:30 pm at NRHS, Whitney Young Theater.
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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
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1 Library Plaza
New Rochelle, NY 10801
914-632-7878
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