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SOMERS LIBRARY NEWSLETTER
NOVEMBER 2024
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As Thanksgiving approaches, I find myself overflowing with gratitude, particularly for our remarkable library staff, who have been the backbone of this community hub here in Somers. Nearing the completion of my first year as Library Director, and first director position overall, it’s evident that I am able to be the director that I am today because of their support, dedication, kindness and knowledge. Thanks to them, the vibrant programs and delightful resources we offer are a direct reflection of their dedication and passion. They transform our library daily into a true gem that enriches our community. The staff is what makes our library not just a place of learning, but an inviting and welcoming space for all. So, as we gather this holiday season, I invite you to gather at the library as well—whether it’s for an event, checking out resources and items, a cozy read.
I would also like to extend my immense appreciation to the Library Board of Trustees, Friends of the Somers Library, and the Somers Library Foundation for their unwavering dedication, tireless support, and invaluable contributions to our beloved library. Their commitment is purely voluntary, with many balancing full-time careers and family responsibilities, yet they consistently prioritize the library’s growth and success. Each member is a passionate advocate for literacy and lifelong learning, and their love for libraries shines through in every initiative they undertake. It is truly inspiring to witness how their collective efforts have shaped the vibrant community resource we cherish today.
Cheers to the joy of community!
Wishing you all a very Happy Thanksgiving and a delightful holiday season.
Jessica Veissy, Library Director
Please browse through our wonderful newsletter for upcoming programs and more information or 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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Veteran’s Day
In observance of Veteran’s Day,
The Somers Library will be closed on Monday, November 11.
The library will open again on Tuesday, November 12.
We wish all our patrons a happy and safe holiday weekend!
Thanksgiving
In observance of Thanksgiving,
The Somers Library will be closing early at 1 PM on Wednesday, November 27, and will be closed all day from Thursday, November 28, through Friday, November 29.
The library will open again on Saturday, November 30.
We wish all our patrons a happy and safe holiday!
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October Programs
Programs subject to change. See online calendar for the most up to date information and any last-minute changes.
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Northeast Etsy Artists Collective - Makers Market
Saturday, November 2 at 10 AM – 4 PM
Discover Handmade Gifts by Local Artists
Journals, Knitwear, Woven Textiles, Animaguri, Crochet, Hand-dyed Yarn, Jewelry, Artwork, Soaps, Skincare and more! A portion of sales to benefit The Friends of The Somers Library
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Briones Family Harmonies: An afternoon of song with the Briones Siblings
Sunday, November 3 at 2 – 3 PM
Come to enjoy the talents of Somers Library Librarian Alan Briones and his siblings, Nadia and Julián, as they present a Voice and Guitar concert you won’t want to miss! They will perform a wide variety of genres, including opera, jazz standards, and tangos, among others.
This is a drop-in program, no registration required.
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Chinese MahJong: Learn and Play
Thursdays, November 7 - December 19 at 1:30 – 3:30 PM
All levels are welcome to join.
MahJong is a fun, exciting, and challenging tile-based game with a variety of versions.
This event will focus on Chinese MahJong.
New to the Chinese MahJong? Learn the basics of set up, play, and scoring. Are you a seasoned intermediate or advanced player? Get tips and tricks to take your game to the next level.
Instructor: Ifay Chang
Registration required for each meeting, please go to our online calendar.
Walk-Ins are also welcome.
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Life Transitions and the Unexpected
Thursday, November 7 at 6 – 7:30 PM
Life transitions involve significant changes in roles, responsibilities, budgets, and routines, requiring you to adapt to new circumstances. How will you respond when the unexpected happens and forces change?
Join us for a collaborative approach to understand and prepare for navigating major changes in life, including the death of a loved one, career change, divorce, and long-term care illness. Some of the topics we'll address include:
• Updating critical estate documents
• Modifying budget and financial plans
• How to navigate diagnosis and death
• Selling a home and lifestyle changes
• Strategies to improve emotional wellbeing and build resiliency
Presenters: Judi McAnaw, Financial Advisor, Edward Jones | Lauren C. Enea, Esq., Enea, Scanlan & Sirignano, LLP | Tatyana A. Fowler, End-of-life Educator, Ballard Durand Funeral Home
Victoria Assumma, LCSW-R Life Transition Therapist | Holly Gluck, Licensed Real Estate Salesperson, Berkshire Hathaway
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Empowering Success: Helping Your Special Education Student Navigate Through the College Process
Thursday, November 14 at 5 - 6 PM
A Virtual Presentation,
Join me for a practical and supportive session designed to help parents of special education students navigate the transition to college. This presentation will provide you with essential tools, strategies, and insights to ensure your child’s success in higher education. We’ll cover everything from accessing college accommodations to fostering independence and mental well-being. Learn how to effectively support your student’s journey, encourage self-advocacy, and prepare them for the challenges and opportunities that college life brings. Don’t miss this opportunity to empower your student for a successful college experience!
This program is being shared with other libraries.
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Earring Workshop – Kindness Week
Thursday, November 14 at 5:30 – 7 PM
Joan Lloyd is back for Kindness Week! Join in at the earring workshop where you can make a pair for yourself and match it with a pair for a homeless shelter. Don’t wear earrings? Then come along and make them for loved ones or just for the shelter. This program is for adults and teens.
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Blood Drive – New York Blood Center
Saturday, November 16 at 10 AM – 2:30 PM
As the culminating event of our Community Helpers themed Kindness Week Celebration, The Somers Library is partnering with the New York Blood Center to hold a Blood Drive!
Every two seconds, someone needs blood. And every patient is different.
There is no substitute for blood. Blood components cannot be synthetically made and can only come from volunteer donors. It’s the blood on the shelves today that saves lives — which is why donors are needed to give regularly so that there is enough blood when a disaster or crisis occurs.
One pint of blood can save up to three lives. Come and contribute to this important community need at our Blood Drive!
Schedule your appointment on our online calendar. Walk ins are also welcome, subject to time slot availability.
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Drop-In MahJong Club
Fridays at 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Drop in to play MahJong with your neighbors. This is for anyone who loves the game, wants to meet new people, and have some fun. We have some Mahjong sets, but players should try to bring their own. All are welcome, but enough knowledge to play unassisted is best.
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Threads and Yarns
Fridays at 10:30 AM - 12 PM
Join us on Friday mornings with your fiber art handiwork of any kind! Bring your knitting, crochet work, embroidery, cross-stitch, quilting or anything that uses thread or yarn! You'll find good company, craft advice and time to finally work on your project. All levels are welcome from beginner to yarn wizard. No registration needed.
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Your Tech Coach: One-on-one Assistance for Adults
Schedule your 30-minute appointment on our online calendar
Whatever piece of technology is giving you difficulties, feel free to come into the library to better understand the growing world of electronics with staff member Juan Carlos. He has helped numerous patrons over the years with issues regarding laptops, tablets, smartphones, social media, internet browsing and so much more! He also offers virtual appointments over Zoom to help with tech too big to carry into the building such as printers or desktop computers. Make your appointment on our online calendar or with the reference desk. The library is here to help.
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Teen & YA Programs & Events | | |
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Craft & Chill for Teens
Every Friday from 2:30 - 4:45 PM, beginning November 1st
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. Drop in by yourself and relax or bring a friend and hang out in the teen area. We have a new table for programs and studying which we will reserve for crafting. Buses run from SHS and SMS to the library during the school week. This is a great way to make gifts for the upcoming holidays!
This is a drop-in program, no registration required.
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Teens Celebrate National Donut Day
Thursday, November 7 at 3:45 PM - 5:30 PM
National Donut Day is really on November 5th but due to the elections we are celebrating a tad late…but who cares as long as you can create a diamond painting donut and eat/decorate donuts! Please notify us of any allergies by email to teens@somerslibrary.org.
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Teens & Healthy Treats
Thursdays, starting November 14 at 3:45 - 5 PM
Eating a healthy diet can sometimes be hard and not much fun. This program will combine both. In each class, teens will cook easy and healthy snacks replacing the bad ingredients like sugar with healthy alternatives. Sign up for each class separately. We cannot accommodate allergies but recipes will often be gluten free and dairy free. Check the calendar for what’s being made for each class.
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Empowering Success: Helping Your Special Education Student Navigate Through the College Process
Thursday, November 14 at 5 - 6 PM
A Virtual Presentation,
Join me for a practical and supportive session designed to help parents of special education students navigate the transition to college. This presentation will provide you with essential tools, strategies, and insights to ensure your child’s success in higher education. We’ll cover everything from accessing college accommodations to fostering independence and mental well-being. Learn how to effectively support your student’s journey, encourage self-advocacy, and prepare them for the challenges and opportunities that college life brings. Don’t miss this opportunity to empower your student for a successful college experience!
This program is being shared with other libraries.
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Earring Workshop – Kindness Week
Thursday, November 14 at 5:30 – 7 PM
Joan Lloyd is back for Kindness Week! Join in at the earring workshop where you can make a pair for yourself and match it with a pair for a homeless shelter. Don’t wear earrings? Then come along and make them for loved ones or just for the shelter. This program is for adults and teens.
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Teen Snacks Around the World – Africa
Monday, November 18 at 3:45 – 4:45 PM
Our very popular snack program continues, and this month will be very exotic and interesting! Teens sample the cookies, chips, crackers and candy that are being eaten in other countries. This month our snacks are coming from Africa! Come taste snacks from this wonderful continent and vote which is your favorite. We will also have a trivia game for you to enjoy. Note that we cannot take responsibility for any food allergies.
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Backpack Ready: Tips and Tricks for Staying Organized in Middle School
Wednesday, November 20 at 3:45 – 4:45 PM
Join Dr. Brown for a fun and interactive workshop designed to help middle schoolers organize their backpacks for success! We'll cover practical tips on how to prioritize supplies, keep track of assignments, and maintain an organized space to reduce stress. Students will learn strategies to stay on top of their materials and avoid the last-minute scramble for homework. Bring your messy backpack and get hands-on practice with organizing it efficiently.
Dr. Brown is a retired NYS Certified School Psychologist/School Neuropsychologist with over 33 years working in public education in Westchester County. She is currently an Academic and Executive Functioning Coach helping students learn how to manage their time, how to study, and how to keep on top of their schoolwork to become efficient learners. For Grades 6 - 8.
Special Note: Please do NOT clean out your backpack before the workshop – the messier the better!
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Children's Programs & Events | | |
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Playdates at the Library
Wednesdays, November 6, 13, 20 & 27 at 10:30 - 11:30 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.
This is a drop-in program, no registration required.
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Shake Your Sillies Out!
Thursday, November 7 & Tuesdays, November 12, 19 & 26 at 10:30 – 11 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! No registration required.
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Kid’s LEGO Club
Thursdays, November 7 & 21 at 4 – 5 PM
Our popular Drop-In LEGO club continues! Come to the Children’s Room and make a themed creation or get creative and use your imagination. 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.
No registration necessary.
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Read with a Therapy Dog!
Saturdays, between 11 AM – 12 PM
November 9 for Sunny Boy & November 16 for Hank
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 and Hank from Paws for a Cause. Children will get to read for 15-minute increments. Sign up registration opens the first of the month. Best for readers ages 5+.
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Be A Rainbow In Someone Else’s Cloud!
Tuesday, November 12 at 6:30 – 7:15 PM
Celebrate Kindness Week and enjoy stories with a craft - for children ages 2-6-year old.
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Kids Snacks Around the World - Africa
Tuesday, November 19 at 3:45 - 4:45 PM
Come for this month's session of this very popular kids program! In this program, you can sample the cookies, chips, crackers and candy that kids are eating in other parts of the world. At this meeting, we will be sampling snacks from Africa! We cannot take responsibility for any food allergies. For ages 7-11.
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Gobble ‘til You Wobble
Tuesday, November 26 at 6:30 – 7:15 PM
Celebrate the Thanksgiving season with Stories, Songs and Craft, for children 2-7 years old.
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Artist of the Month: Candace L Winter | |
On Display for November and 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
NOVEMBER 2024
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“Autumn….the year’s last, loveliest smile” William Cullen
The Somers Library Foundation is very pleased to welcome the two newest staff members to our Library in the Park. Elizabeth Anastasi is the Head of Reference and Renee Rauch is Head of Children’s Services. Welcome to both of them – and thank you for all the programs and activities already underway!
The Foundation is excited to share the news of the $120,187 NY State grant awarded to the Somers Library to be used for the long-awaited teen room project. We thank Senator Harckham for his assistance and support in obtaining the award. Our Somers Library is one of six libraries in the 40 th Senate District to receive an award. He said, “Libraries are more than just books; investments are needed in facilities and equipment.” The Foundation is pleased to be able to add the funds raised over the past years for the teen space, as soon as the Somers Town Board gives the approval to the start of the project.
The Foundation and Friends of the Somers Library will again hold a joint appeal on Giving Day, December 3, 2024, to raise funds for a requested item for our Library. Please look for a notice this month about the Giving Day fundraiser and be as generous as you are able. All money raised goes to the Library project.
As we begin this month of November, we want to remind all who can vote, to vote. Election Day is Tuesday, November 5, 2024.
| 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
NOVEMBER 2024
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Fall is here; the weather is getting cooler. What a perfect time to curl up with a good book. Stop by the Library and choose one of the many offerings on hand or use Libby and download a digital book. Browse the Friends of the Somers Library bookcarts where you might find an interesting read at an affordable price. The selections on the carts are always changing.
At this time, the Friends are reaching out to the community for our annual fundraising appeal. The funds raised by the Friends are used to provide programs and services for patrons of all ages. Without your help, fewer educational programs and workshops could be offered. With your generosity, the Library community benefits.
You may have received a bookmark/request in the mail or inside your Book Club selection. There are also additional bookmarks and return envelopes available at the desk in the Library. You can choose to make your donation via PayPal or by check. The check can be returned by mail or dropped off at the Library.
Back by popular demand, the Northeast Etsy Artists Collective is bringing their Makers Market to the Somers Library. The event will be held in the Program room on Saturday, November 2, from 10 AM - 4 PM. This is an excellent opportunity to do some early holiday shopping (or to treat yourself!) Some of the handmade offerings include knitwear, woven textiles, journals, artwork, soaps, skincare, hand-dyed yarn, jewelry, animaguri. A portion of the sales will be donated to the Friends of the Library.
On November 3, at 2 PM, Somers Librarian Alan Briones and his siblings, Nadia and Julian, will present a concert you won't want to miss. Come and enjoy a variety of musical genres, including opera, jazz, tango. No registration is required.
On December 15, at 2 PM, John Fiscella and his son Eddy Fiscella will join us for a holiday concert. Come and be entertained or sing along.
Race Amity continues to meet at the Library on the second Sunday of the month. The topics are engaging and enlightening. The discussions are thought provoking. The fellowship is priceless. Look for details on the Library calendar.
We hope you take advantage of and enjoy one of the many offerings provided by your generous support to the Friends. We thank you.
And we wish you all a very Happy Thanksgiving!
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Our programs are supported by Friends of Somers Library
through our patrons' generous contributions.
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