November Highlights

The Art & Science of Hawkwatching

Saturday, November 4 from 10am - Noon

Chestnut Ridge Hawkwatch

Arthur W. Butler Memorial Sanctuary

Led by Bedford Audubon Guides

Perched high above Interstate 684 in Bedford, New York, with spectacular views of the hills of Westchester and Putnam Counties, is a viewing platform for counting and identifying thousands of migrating raptors.

Join us on the ridge with two professional birding guides for an overview of the art and science of hawkwatching.

The platform is a 10-minute walk from the parking lot; wear comfortable shoes and dress appropriately for the weather. Binoculars and scopes will be available to share, please feel free to bring your own.

Everyone Can Write

Saturday, November 18 from 10am - Noon

Bedford Hills Train Station

Led by Patti Ivry

Adults & Seniors

Come try your hand (literally) at putting words on paper (or screen) to tell a story, describe a moment, express a viewpoint, or send some love. This interactive workshop will begin with learning about writing in a fun and dynamic way, followed by opportunities to write together. No previous experience is needed – just a desire to have fun with pen and ink.

Patti Ivry facilitates a weekly zoom writing group, helping people discover their inner writer. With a rich background in teaching writing, she has helped people learn to express themselves in a variety of ways. She has the magic trick to make writing fun!

This workshop is part of Living a Creative Life, an uplifting and entertaining series of explorations into many forms of creativity and art led by accomplished professionals in visual art, the written word, music, acting, applied arts and more.

Presented in partnership with the Creative Alliance Project with support provided by the Town of Bedford Recreation & Parks.

Native Garden Talk

Saturday, November 18 at 1pm

Led by Andrea Good

Adults & Children

Bedford Hills Free Library is installing a beautiful new native garden, to welcome visitors to our entrance. In addition to showcasing natural beauty, the garden will support the local ecosystem, including vital pollinators such as birds and butterflies.

We thank Healthy Yards and Bedford 2030 for bringing information about this native garden to life so that it inspires our community to take similar steps in their own yards to create a healthier and more sustainable natural environment.

Andrea Good is an ecological landscape designer with experience focusing on environmentally sustainable and ecologically responsible designs. Most of her projects involve restorative practices incorporating native plant communities, permaculture practices, and water management.

Community Quilt Project

Friday & Saturday, November 24 & 25

from 11am - Noon

Stop by the Library to see our Community Quilt and enjoy coffee and snacks. This fun and "scrappy" quilt was created by children and adults during our Summer Reading Program, All Together Now and celebrates sharing personal expression with each individual square. Let us know if you wish to participate in future workshops or projects.

Star of Bethlehem

Wednesday, November 29 from 6 - 7pm

via Zoom

Led by Joe Rao

Adults

Explore what is, perhaps, the most famous astronomical event in all history: the Star of Bethlehem. In this popular program, Rao shares fascinating evidence of history and modern astronomy and weaves a different kind of Christmas story.

Joe Rao is an Associate and guest lecturer at New York City's Hayden Planetarium.

Co-hosted with Somers Public Library and Hendrick Hudson Free Library.

Ongoing Programs

EARLY LITERACY-PRESCHOOL

Little Folks & Friends

Wednesdays at 10:30am

Led by Rachel Izes

2 years and up

We embrace the boundless energy of toddlers and focus on stories, singing, and movement. Storytimes are centered on a theme to increase vocabulary and knowledge of a subject. Toddlers learn sounds, letter/number recognition, and language patterns while having fun with their caregivers and peers.

Laptime for Pipsqueaks

Fridays at 10:30am

Led by Rachel Izes

Birth - 2 Years

This storytime utilizes "lap bounces," fingerplays, songs, and picture books to underline the importance of talking, singing, and reading with babies. Puppets, shakers, and colorful scarves also engage our littlest patrons and encourage caregiver/child interaction.

If you are new to Storytimes, please register to receive reminders and any schedule changes. Walk-ins are also welcome!

Note: Sessions will not be held on November 10 and November 24.

Rachel Izes is Early Literacy Coordinator at the Bedford Hills Free Library.

Stories & Stretches

Family Yoga Storytime

Saturday, November 4 from 1 - 1:30pm

Ages 3-5 with Caregiver

Led by Lindsay Fletcher

Children are introduced to books, songs, simple poses and mindfulness

activities in this new program designed for preschoolers and their grown-up. Discover how movement can bring stories to life in new ways, strengthening our minds, bodies, breath and heart! Bring a towel or yoga mat to join the fun!

Lindsay Fletcher is a children's yoga instructor certified through Yoga Effects and Karma Kids.

FIESTA with Flor Bromley!

Tuesday, November 28 at 10:30am

Ages 3 - 5

Flor Bromley presents stories, music, movement, and puppetry, in both English and Spanish. An entertaining and popular program to engage young families.

Flor Bromley is a recording artist, bilingual singer/songwriter, actress, storyteller and puppeteer. She has a degree in Acting, Musical Theatre Performance and a BA in Theatre Education. She is originally from Peru.

CHILDREN & TEENS

In BeTween Pages

Thursday, November 9 from 4 - 5pm

Led by Elizabeth McGoldrick

Tweens

Tweens are invited to delve into stories, from realistic fiction to graphic novels. We voice opinions about what we read over snacks. The current book is available for pick-up from Patron Services.

Elizabeth McGoldrick, M.Ed. is a reading fanatic. When she doesn’t have her nose in a book she works as the Literacy Coordinator at Waterside School in Stamford, CT. She loves introducing children to the world of reading and facilitating the journey for even the most reticent reader.

Books & BowWows

Saturday, November 11 from 11am - Noon

Children learning to read are invited to read a few pages from a favorite book or show their favorite illustrations to Trixie the Labrador Retriever, a Pet Partners certified therapy dog accompanied by her owner.

Little Owls

Friday, November 17 from 4 - 5pm

Led by Alanna Donohue

K - 2nd Grade

Let the craft tell the story. Kids are invited to recreate the story through a themed craft after listening to wonderful new and funny, familiar stories.

Alanna Donohue is a reading specialist primarily working with students with dyslexia. She is also a mother, knitter, dog lover, and avid reader.

ADULTS & SENIORS

Westchester Breathes

Mondays, November 6 - December 18

from 9:30 - 10:30am

Led by Elena Falcone

Participate in a weekly program of gentle movement, breathing and relaxation exercises that reduce the experience of stress and anxiety. Get ready for the next moment from a place of calm and clarity. Learn simple, evidence-based exercises that can have a positive impact on your health and well-being.

Fine Reading Group

Wednesday, November 15

from 12:30 - 1:30pm

Bedford Hills Community House

Led by Katherine Whymark

Told by multiple voices across time, The Clockmaker’s Daughter is a story of murder, mystery, and thievery; of art, love, and loss. Flowing through its pages like a river, is the voice of a woman who stands outside time, whose name has been forgotten by history, but who has watched it all unfold: Birdie Bell, the clockmaker’s daughter.

Katherine Whymark is Librarian, Adult Programs & Services at Bedford Hills Free Library.

Guided Journaling

Saturday, November 18 from 10 - 11am

Via Zoom

Led by Misty Yarnall

In this monthly workshop, participants complete writing prompts geared towards eliminating the daunting idea of journaling and replacing it with interactive, fun activities for all ages and backgrounds. We promote a brave space that encourages all participants to share their observations without the obligation or pressure of reading their writing out loud. No prior journaling or writing experience necessary.

Misty Yarnall earned her BA in Creative Writing from Purchase College. She is a member of the Teaching Artist Institute of Rochester and has facilitated workshops for writers of all ages through nonprofit organizations such as Writers & Books, The Howard County Arts Council, and the Hudson Valley Writers Center.

Digital Smarts: Passwords

Tuesday, November 21 from 4 - 5pm

Led by Katherine Whymark

Your passwords can be saved easily on your Google account, smartphone, or device, but keeping track of them can be overwhelming. Learn how separate applications can keep you organized and secure. Find out about tips and tricks to manage your passwords with confidence.

Katherine Whymark is Librarian, Adult Programs & Services at Bedford Hills Free Library.

Collection Connect:

WLS Catalog & App

Tuesday, November 28 from 4 - 5pm

Led by Katherine Whymark

Learn how easy it is to navigate the new catalog interface, and see print and digital library items, see what is available, and learn how to place a hold. Also, download the application onto your phone, and you can place holds and listen to audiobooks right from your smartphone!

Katherine Whymark is Librarian, Adult Programs & Services at Bedford Hills Free Library.

Thursday, November 30 from 7 - 8pm

Via Zoom

Nathalie Strauel is reading

Notes on Cravings by M.F.K. Fisher

Moderated by Heide Shilstone

Do you like a good story, but are too busy to commit to a book club? The Library presents a monthly series for adults. Enjoy hearing great short stories read aloud followed by a short discussion. Register for the Zoom meeting and you will receive a link to join us.