September 2026 Newsletter | | |
It's September and that means K-Day -- the special day when kindergartners receive their FIRST Library cards!
ο»ΏSeptember is also Fee-Forgiveness Month, when we waive late fees; this marks the return of ESL and both the 2nd-Friday and After-Dark Book Clubs.
For all this and more, please see below or check our calendar.
| | Programs with a π» icon will be on Zoom and programs with a π icon will be held at the Library. | | |
The Friends of the Town of Pelham Public Library are hosting Booktemberfest on October 3, 2026, from 5:00-8:00 pm. Please note that this event is for adults 21 and over.
For one evening only, the Library lawn will become a biergarten β don your dirndls and lederhosen to sample beers from around the world, enjoy German nibbles, get a chance to win a great raffle prize: two tickets to a 2027 Novel Night Dinner of your choice!
Click here to learn more about the night and buy tickets.
| Saturday, October 3, 5-8 pm π | |
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β | Library Card Sign-up Month | |
September is National Library Card Sign-up Month, and we're celebrating here at the Library by forgiving late fees during the month of September!
Bring in your overdue items and we will waive all late fees that have accumulated on your card. (Sorry, this does not apply to charges for books and other items that are lost or damaged).
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β | Last Chance! Adults: Read Books, Win a Prize | Reading contests for children have been a staple of the Library's Summer Reading program for years. But why let the kids have all the fun? Adults and teens in 9th grade and up can play our Reading BINGO game and enter a raffle to win a brand-new Kindle! Download a BINGO board with instructions by clicking here, or stop by the Library reference desk to pick up a form. Completed cards are due September 8. | Now through Tuesday, September 8 π | |
β | Great Pelham Puzzle Race Winners! | |
Congratulations to the winners of the hugely successful inaugural Great Pelham Puzzle Race, held on July 18. Five teams of adults were given two hours to complete identical puzzles. Competition was fierce. The winning team added the final puzzle piece in 1 hour and 24 minutes, with the second-place team only minutes behind.
Pictured from left to right: Elaine Chang, Carolyne Rainero, Samantha Rainero, and Maya Miller.
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Stay tuned for details about our next race, coming this winter!
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β | Krochet Kritters with Kathy | |
Join us on Tuesday afternoons to crochet an amigurumi. βAmigurumiβ means a crocheted or knitted stuffed toy in Japanese. Weβll work on a new critter each month. All supplies (yarn, crochet hooks, and stitch markers) will be provided, but feel free to bring your own.
This month we'll be making a rabbit.
This drop-in program is for ages 13 and up, and no registration is required. Attendees should have basic crochet skills. No instructor will be present.
| Tuesdays September 8, 15, 22, and 29, 3:30-4:30 pm π | |
β | English as a Second/Foreign Language (ESL) for Intermediate Students | |
Join us for a series of ESL classes for adults with Pelham resident EJ Sepp!
This class is intended for low-intermediate to advanced students who are learning English as a second or foreign language. (No beginners please!)
EJ Sepp has taught ESL for 20 years and is the co-author of English Express New York: A Cultural Reading & Writing Text for English Language Learners.
These classes are walk-ins that do not require preregistration or attending all sessions.
| Mondays, September 14 and 28 , 6-6:45 pm π | |
β | Crafty Adults: Silk Flower Pins | |
Join our resident artist/instructor Sara Mallach this month as we make gorgeous Silk Flower Pins. We'll embellish our flowers with beads and antique buttons to create one of a kind works of art. Pinned on a hat, bag, or lapel, these stunning statement pieces are the perfect fall accessory.
This event will take place in-person at the Library, and each attendee must register separately. Click here to register. Sign up early, as space and supplies are limited.
Class begins at 7 pm. Please arrive on time as late arrivals disrupt the class.
| Monday, September 21, 7-8 pm π | |
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Join Master Yao-Wah Chan for beginning Tai Chi. He has over 40 years of experience teaching throughout New York City and Westchester and is trained in multiple Chinese disciplines.
Tai Chi is a series of slow, gentle, and meditative body movements that can help you reduce pain, increase flexibility, improve balance, and cope with stress.
These classes are walk-ins that do not require preregistration, but space is limited.
Class begins at 10:30 am. Please arrive on time as late arrivals will not be admitted.
| Tuesdays in September, 10:30-11:30 am π | |
β | We are adding a Monday evening session to this popular drop-in Mah Jongg program for adults ages 18 and up. This program is for players of all skill levels who already know how to play American Mah Jongg. No beginners, please. The Library will provide Mah Jongg sets, but please bring your own Mah Jongg card. The Pelham Recreation Department is offering beginner Mah Jongg classes. For more information, visit their website or call them at 914-738-0153. | |
Mondays in September, 6-8 pm and
Tuesdays in September, 12:30-3 pm π
| | | Far-Away Fiction Book Club | |
If youβre transported by stories that take place βonce upon a time,β or in βa galaxy far, far away,β then join our fellowship of Sci-Fi/Fantasy book fans! This month's read will be The Adventures of Amina Al-Sirafi by Shannon Chakraborty.
Discussions are held once a month on Thursdays at 7 pm, in person at the Library and on Zoom for those who wish to attend remotely (subject to change). Please email Tash at ngross@pelhamlibrary.org to register. All readers ages 16 and up are welcome!
| Thursday, September 24, 7-8 pm π | |
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The After-Dark Book Club will meet on Thursday, September 10, at 7:30 pm to discuss The Talented Mr. Ripley by Patricia Highsmith and on Thursday, October 1, at 7:30 pm to discuss The View from Lake Como by Adriana Trigiani.
ο»ΏThe 2nd-Friday Book Club will meet on Friday, September 11, at 10:30 am to discuss The River of Doubt: Theodore Roosevelt's Darkest Journey by Candice Millard and on Friday, October 9, at 10:30 am to discuss March by Geraldine Brooks.
To join, email library@pelhamlibrary.org. For more information about the 2nd-Friday Book Club, click here, and for the After-Dark Book Club, click here.
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Love to knit or crochet? We have something for everyone. Join us every Friday afternoon for an informal needlepoint group for adults and teens. Knitters, crocheters, and needlepoint enthusiasts of all abilities are welcome, but please bring your own materials and note that no instructors will be present.
The last day to bring in a square for the community banner is Saturday, September 5. If you have any questions email Tash (ngross@pelhamlibrary.org)
| Every Friday, 1-3:30 pm π | |
β | Digitizing Days are Wednesdays | This program for digitizing photos has been a great success. Bring in your family photos and our librarians will assist you with scanning them to a USB drive using our high-speed scanner. Appointments are required for a 45-minute session. To learn all of the details and to register, please click here. | |
β | The Library will be closed Monday, September 7, in observance of Labor Day. We will reopen on Tuesday, September 8, at 10 am for our regular hours. | Closed Monday, September 7 π | | | Children's News and Events | | |
The Pelham Public Library's K-Day is an annual event when Pelham children entering kindergarten can get their first library cards. This year, it will be held on Saturday, September 19.
To save time, please pre-register for your kindergartener's library card and click here to fill out the form so the card will be ready as soon as you arrive.
| Saturday, September 19, 10 am-2 pm π | | | Rosh Hashanah Story Time and Craft | Join us for delightful tales, hands-on activities, and music! We're celebrating a new year, and learning about Rosh Hashanah. No prior knowledge required. This program is open to all, and is a fun way to learn about Jewish culture, heritage, and history. For children ages 5-8 with an adult. | Tuesday, September 8, 3:30-4:30 pm π | |
β | Are you a poet and didn't know it? Calling all of Pelham's Poets ages 5 to 12. Come and learn how to write your own acrostic poem. All supplies are included. | Thursday, September 24, 3:30-4:30 pm π | |
β | Join us for an hour of open Lego play at the Library! This program is for children ages six and up, and will take place in-person at the Library. Registration is not required, but an adult must accompany the child. | Wednesdays in September, 3:30-4:30 pm π | | | STEM Story Time by Pelham High School Student | |
Join us for a special STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) Story Time and craft with Pelham High School senior Aanika Roy.
This program is for children ages five and up. Registration is not required, but please arrive on time: first come, first served.
| Saturday, September 5, 11 am-12 pm π | | | |
Join us for our popular Story Time for infants and toddlers outside on our front lawn. Story Time is designed to enhance early literacy skills and features diverse children's books in which all children can see themselves represented... plus we have a lot of fun! Please bring a blanket or lawn chair to sit on. Children must be supervised by an adult at all times. Story Time will be held outdoors throughout the year, but will be cancelled on days when the temperature is extreme, or if it is raining. You may call the Library when we open at 10 am to inquire.
We are excited to offer outdoor programs for children and families at the Pelham Public Library! Participation in any outdoor activity comes with some natural risks and children must be under the vigilant supervision of an accompanying adult. By choosing to have your child participate, you acknowledge these risks and understand that the Library cannot be responsible for any illness, injury, or loss that may occur during the program. For everyoneβs safety and enjoyment, please follow all instructions provided by Library staff. Thank you!
| Every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday from 10:30-11 am π | |
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β β | The Library would like to thank the Friends of the Town of Pelham Public Library for program support. | | Current Library hours are as follows: | |
- Monday: 10 am-8 pm
- Tuesday: 10 am-5 pm
- Wednesday: 10 am-5 pm
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- Thursday:10 am-8 pm
- Friday: 10 am-5 pm
- Saturday: 10 am-4 pm
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- The Library building is open to patrons for browsing and checking out materials. Computers, printer, and study areas are also available to patrons.
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We also continue to offer contactless, curbside pickup (you can place holds using the Westchester Library System app or through our online catalog.)
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You can visit our digital library and select ebooks, audiobooks through Overdrive (including the Libby App) and Hoopla or stream movies through Kanopy.
- Our librarians are always available to answer reference questions, give book recommendations, and provide technology help. Notary services are generally available during Library open hours. Please call in advance to confirm.
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Please call the library at 914-738-1234 or email library@pelhamlibrary.org with any questions.
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