SOMERS LIBRARY

NEWSLETTER

Quarter 1

January - April 2026

Director's Corner

Happy New Year!



Welcome to our new quarterly newsletter! While our redesign is still underway, you’ll find the same great information you’ve come to expect—along with a few new staff blurbs we’re excited to share. This refreshed format is designed to highlight what’s happening around the library beyond just our programs. You’ll still see upcoming programs mentioned, but our goal is to help our community get to know our staff, our spaces, and the day-to-day life of the library a little better. In our next issue, look forward to a staff spotlight and additional new features, with more voices from our team. We’re excited to continue evolving alongside our growing community.


We had a wonderful year and are looking ahead to 2026 with enthusiasm. As mentioned in our last newsletter, there are many ways to support your local library. Donations may be made directly to the library, to the Friends of the Somers Library, or through Friends initiatives such as Giving Tuesday or the annual appeal. These contributions directly support library programming, special events, and new materials—including books, Library of Things items, museum passes, and more.


Donations also help support much-needed improvements to our building. As many of you know, our Teen Room Renovation has been in the works for quite some time. This project is made possible through donations to the former Somers Library Foundation, along with a New York State Construction Grant. We anticipate breaking ground this year, so you may begin to see changes around the building. While construction may affect some programs or require temporary closures, we will communicate updates well in advance and do our best to keep our collection, programs, and resources accessible. We can’t wait to unveil this updated space—a place our teens can truly call their own.


Finally, I encourage you to visit the library often this year and get involved in all that we offer. Whether you’re exploring our digital resources, attending a program, or participating in one of our passive initiatives—like our Adult Reader Challenge—there’s something for everyone. Below is a brief description from our librarian, Diana Cunningham:


Each year, the Somers Library launches its Adult Reader Challenge—currently “25 Books in 2025.” This year, nearly three dozen patrons participated, and about one-third have already returned their completed forms and shared their favorites (there’s still time to turn yours in!). To date, we’ve gathered more than 50 recommended titles. One of our current displays, “2026 Staff and Reader Picks,” highlights many of these selections. Printed lists are available, and all participants are eligible to win the raffle prize. We’re gearing up to launch the 2026 challenge and would love for you to join us. In the meantime, stop by to browse the display and pick up a brochure or reading list.


I look forward to serving the Somers community for another amazing year. More to come, Cheers!


Kind regards,

Jessica Veissy, Library Director


Take a moment to look through our newsletter for details on upcoming programs and additional information.

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Letter from the Librarians

Happy New Year from the Somers Library Librarians! We are excited to bring you a host of new offerings these first months of the new year.


CHILDREN @ SOMERS LIBRARY

In the Children's Room, we are excited to start a new in-house STEM series with Ms. Marie on Tuesday afternoons starting on January 20th with Ozobots, and continuing on later Tuesdays with Lego Animation, Snap Circuits, Dash and Dot Robots, and even Coding! 


We will also soon be inviting some special outside guests:


The popular chess educator John Gallagher will be leading a 6 week series of chess classes for Kids in grades 1 and up, Thursday evenings starting on January 8th. 

We are excited to be hosting Musical Munchkins for the first time on January 21 for a couple of special programs for our very youngest patrons. One for Birth-18 months, and another for 18-36 month olds. 


ADULTS @ SOMERS LIBRARY
2026 Kicks Off Fresh and Engaging Adult Programs


💻 Getting To Know Computers Series 💻 
Build confidence with everyday technology in this hands-on learning series:

  • Keyboard & Mouse – January 12
  • Printers – February 23
  • Hardware & Specs – March 23


🎶 Music In The Spotlight Series 🎶 

Enjoy a wide range of musical experiences in early 2026. It begins with the launch of Sunday Jam, held on the second Sunday of each month, where musicians of all skill levels are invited. On January 29, explore the life and work of one of America’s greatest composers in George Gershwin: The Story of a Composer. February 19 celebrates the Harlem Renaissance, highlighting the music and cultural legacy of the era. The series continues with a Senior Monday Valentine Concert (February 9) and a Celebration of Irish Music Concert featuring cellist Alex Prizgintas (March 12).


TEENS @ SOMERS LIBRARY

We have a lot of exciting programs coming up for 2026, including the continuation of our Rick Riordan book club, our new manga book club, which will include watching some anime and a program to teach teens who already know how to knit how to follow a knitting pattern. From January to August there will be a monthly Zoom workshop called Destination College for all those preparing for tests, applications and college selection. Apart from all this we will have cooking and craft programs. 





JAM WITH US!
1-4 PM
2nd Sunday of Each Month

Grab your instrument and jump in! This open, relaxed jam welcomes musicians of all skill levels and styles. Lead a tune, try something new, or improvise -- a space to connect through music and creativity.


What to Bring: Your own instrument and amps

Piano and Drum kit will be available to use.



BINGE WITH HOOPLA


Find your winter escape and cozy up with movies, TV shows, books and more from platforms like Hallmark and PBS KIDS to Get Healthy U TV and The Berenstain Bears! Get streaming access for 7 days with just one borrow onHoopla. https://www.hoopladigital.com/browse/binge


A Letter from the Friends of the

Somers Library

Mission

The Friends of the Somers Library mission is to work with the library staff to meet the needs of a contemporary library. To do that, we will seek donations from the Somers community to go towards programming and resources for the library not covered in the library’s operating budget. These programs and resources will be designed to benefit the diverse interests of our town.


The 2026 Friends Board:

  • Susan Berkow
  • Nola Blair
  • Susan Cody
  • Sandra DeSena
  • JoAnne Galvin
  • Marie Grace Mutino
  • Ellen Tannenbaum
  • Diana Zottoli


Please consider joining us! To contact us, please email: somerslibraryfriends@gmail.com


To financially support the Friends’ mission, you can donate to Venmo or Paypal or by check. For the Paypal and Venmo links, visit :Support – Somers Library Your Library in the park


To mail a check, please send it to:

The Friends of the Somers Library

P.O. Box 443

Somers, NY 10589

Thank you for your support!


Holiday Closings coming up:


Monday, January 19, 2026- MLK Jr. Day



Monday, February 16, 2026 - President's Day


Our programs are supported by the Friends of the Somers Library through our patrons' generous contributions.

The Somers Library ~ (914) 232-5717 ~ www.somerslibrary.org