Editor’s note: This schedule was provided by the Pelham Public Library.

Elementary School-Aged Book Clubs

Walk-ins are welcome to the Library’s elementary school book clubs for grades 1 -4, but registration is requested by calling the Library at (914) 738-1234. Book club books are usually available at the circulation desk for immediate checkout.

First-Grade Book Club: Ballerina Dreams: From Orphan to Dancer

Monday, January 14, 4:30 – 5:00 p.m.

This autobiography by top American ballerina Michaela DePrince and her adoptive mother, is for children who are just beginning to read independently. DePrince, now a principal dancer in New York, knew she wanted to be a ballerina from the age of three, when she was in an orphanage in Sierra Leone.

Second-Grade Book Club

Watch the Library website and newsletter for details on January’s book!

Third Grade Book Club: Where the Mountain Meets the Moon

Monday, January 14, 5 – 5:30 p.m.

The first of a trilogy of fantasy novels by Chinese-American author Grace Lin, tells the story of Minli, a girl who lives with her parents in a hut. She is inspired to find the Old Man on the Moon to learn the secrets of life, as he is the focus of one of her father’s folktales. She has quite a few adventures along the way, as the book explores “themes of family, hope, mystery, courage, and classic Chinese folk tales.”

Fourth-Grade Book Club: Wishtree

Thursday, December 20, 4 – 5 p.m.

The book’s synopsis reads: “Red is an oak tree who is many rings old. Red is the neighborhood ‘wishtree’—people write their wishes on pieces of cloth and tie them to Red’s branches. Along with her crow friend Bongo and other animals who seek refuge in Red’s hollows, this ‘wishtree’ watches over the neighborhood.”

Early Literacy Programs

Story Time

Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 10:15 – 10:45 a.m.

Take the little one in your life to Story Time! Caregivers must be in attendance and participate with the children they accompany. The Library requests there be no phone use or talking during Story Time. Because of this program’s popularity, a ticketing system is used to prevent overcrowding.

Spanish-English Story Time

Upcoming session: Saturday, January 12, 10:30 – 11:15 a.m.

This popular bilingual Story Time program is held monthly, led by Pelham resident Michelle Simon.

Chinese-English Story Time 

Upcoming sessions: Saturday, December 22, 10:30 – 11 a.m.

Chinese-English Story Time is held every other Saturday morning at the Library, and led by local Chinese-speaking parents.

Sign-up is not required for bilingual Story Times.

(For programs requiring registration, call the Library at 914-738-1234. Programs for young children require adult supervision.)

More Children’s Programs

Homework and Tech Help

Mondays and Wednesdays, 3 – 4:45 p.m.

Held during the school year when school is in session (i.e. not during school vacations), this is a drop-in program for children in grades K – 8. Make sure to bring your textbooks and other materials. And adults, you can drop in and get tech help with your devices!

Author Visit: Bank Magic by K. Samuel Murray

Thursday, December 20, 5:15 – 6:15 p.m.

(For full description, see “Teen Programs” below.)

Learn How to Face Paint!

Wednesday, December 26, 3 – 5 p.m.

Ever wanted to know how to face paint? This program for older children and young teens (ages 9 – 13), is being taught by face-painter extraordinaire Nicole Jones, who will teach the basics. Admittance is limited to the first ten people who show up.

Mary Poppins: See the Original 1964 Film!

Wednesday, December 26, 12 – 2:15 p.m.

Before heading out over the holiday break to see the new Mary Poppins Returns, come to the Library with the little ones to see the 1964 classic starring Julie Andrews and Dick Van Dyke. Rated G. Registration requested, but walk-ins are welcome.

Mary Poppins Tea Party

Thursday, December 27, 1 – 2 p.m.

In celebration of the long-awaited sequel to the original Mary Poppins movie, come to the Library for tea and wear your Mary Poppins best! This program is for children of all ages. Attendance is on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Animal Embassy: Colors and Patterns of the Animal Kingdom

Friday, December 28, 2 – 3 p.m.

Like people, animals come in a variety of sizes, shapes and colors. Library patrons will learn about these diverse colors and patterns and what they mean and will meet some of Animal Embassy’s Animal Ambassadors — such as a red-eyed tree frog, a red-foot tortoise, a Sinaloan milk snake, a Solomon Islands monkey-tailed skink and a chinchilla. For people ages 4 and up. Attendance is on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Have Fun With the Lego Club!

Upcoming sessions: Mondays, January 7, February 4, 3:30 – 4:30 p.m.

Lego lovers of all ages are invited to come to the Library’s monthly Lego Club. You’ll get to use your imagination to build unique Lego models to be displayed at the library! You provide the creativity; the library provides the Legos. Registration is required.

PJ Library Friends, Stories & Songs: Let’s Learn About the Birthday for Trees

Saturday, January 12, 2:30 – 3:30 p.m.

One Saturday every other month, Marjut Herzog, Education Chairperson at the Pelham Jewish Center, comes to the Library to lead this program featuring delightful tales, hands-on activities, songs and more about Jewish culture, heritage and history. In January, it will focus on Tu Bishvat, the Jewish Birthday of trees. This program is for children, ages 1 –8 — and their adults. It is open to all and is a great place to meet neighbors and form friendships. Registration is not required.

Teen Programs

Come Play Dungeons & Dragons

Thursday, December 20, 3 – 4 p.m.

The first fantasy role-playing game, Dungeons & Dragons is a world where players are the characters in an ongoing story — come and play the tabletop version. According to the Dungeons & Dragons website, “The core of D&D is storytelling. You and your friends tell a story together, guiding your heroes through quests for treasure, battles with deadly foes, daring rescues, courtly intrigue, and much more.” Registration is not required.

Author Visit: Bank Magic by K. Samuel Murray

Thursday, December 20, 5:15 – 6:15 p.m.

The book Bank Magic by K. Samuel Murray fills the critical need for young people, ages 7-18 years, to become financially literate. They’ll use the lessons in the book for the rest of their lives. Murray will be on hand for this author talk to read from his book and also to sell and sign it. Registration is requested but walk-ins are welcome.

Adult Programs — Nighttime

Knit Happens on Monday Nights!

Upcoming sessions: Mondays, December 17, January 7, 14, 21, 28, all sessions 6:30 – 8:45 p.m.

Love to knit? Want to learn? Gather your needles and yarn and join us for an informal needlework group. Knitters, crocheters and needleworkers of all types and abilities are welcome, but beginners planning to attend should call Librarian Augusta Turner at (914) 738-1234 beforehand to confirm an instructor will be available that night. (Please note the Library will be closed on December 24 and December 31.)

Paying for a College Education

Thursday, December 20, 7 – 8 p.m.

Scott Ahrens, Program Administrator of New York State’s Student Protection Program, is giving this one-hour workshop that will include a presentation on topics central to financing college including filling out the FAFSA, grants, scholarships, types of loans, determining the amount of aid you qualify and helpful New York State programs. Walk-ins are welcome but registration is suggested.

Learn How to Zentangle

Thursday, December 27, 7 – 8:30 p.m.

Adults who are looking for an enjoyable new artistic hobby might try Zentangle. It’s a method of creating beautiful drawings from repetitive patterns and Jill Greenbaum, a certified Zentangle instructor, will teach this session at the Library. Greenbaum will introduce students to the beginnings of this method and the steps to follow to draw wonderful Zentangle tiles. Each attendee will receive supplies. Registration is limited to the first 20 people.

Adult Programs – Daytime

2^nd-Friday Book Club

Friday, January 11, 10:30 – 11:30 a.m.

The club will discuss Manhattan Beach by Jennifer Egan. This book is told by the main character, Anne Kerrigan, and takes place in and around World War II. It was named one of the best books of 2017 by NPR, Esquire and Vogue, among others. It centers on Kerrigan and the mysterious gangster Dexter Styles, who she first meets as a young girl and then again when she is working at the Brooklyn Naval Yards. It is there that she begins to understand Styles’ role in her father’s disappearance. To find out what else the club is reading during the first six months of 2019, please click here. All are welcome at the Library’s book clubs and selections are usually available at the Circulation Desk.

(The After-Dark Book Club is on hiatus in January. In February, it will discuss Pachinko by Min Jin Lee.)

With Gratitude for the Support

The Mary Poppins movie and tea party, and the Museum Pass Program, are made possible by The Friends of the Town of Pelham Public Library. The 2^nd-Friday Book Club, and the Animal Embassy, Face Painting and Zentangle programs are made possible by a gift in memory of Karin and Ted Mayer.

Thank you also to our talented volunteers who enable us to provide many additional programs.