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

Children’s Book Clubs

Walk-ins are welcome to children’s book clubs, 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: Have You Filled a Bucket Today?

Upcoming sessions: November 12, December 10, 4:30 – 5 p.m.

In November, the club will discuss Have You Filled a Bucket Today? by Carol McCloud. This book uses simple prose and wonderful illustrations to encourage children to be kind, and share their appreciation and love — with buckets serving as a metaphor for how our actions affect ourselves and others.

Second-Grade Book Club: Who Cloned the President?

Upcoming sessions: November 19, December 17, 4 – 5 p.m.

The next session of the second grade book club will focus on Who Cloned the President?, which is Book #1 in the Capital Mystery Series by Ron Roy. KC Corcoran is an avid watcher of the news, so she notices right away when the President of the United States starts acting strange, even signing papers with the wrong hand. Only she and her best friend can save him.

Third-Grade Book Club: Stone Soup

Upcoming sessions: Mondays, November 12, December 10, 5 – 5:30 p.m.

At its November meeting, the club will discuss Stone Soup by Ann McGovern, a new telling of the tale of an old woman who is convinced by a vagabond that he can make soup out of stone!

Fourth-Grade Book Club: Tales of the Odyssey

Thursday, November 15, December 20, 4 – 5 p.m.

This is a retelling of Homer’s Odyssey by Mary Pope Osborne, author of The Magic Tree House Series. It follows brave Odysseus’ immense challenges trying to make his way home despite stormy seas, a cyclops, cannibals and more.

More Children’s 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.

Chinese-English Story Time 

Upcoming sessions: Saturdays, October 27, November 10, 24, 10:30 – 11 a.m.

Chinese-English Story Time is held every other Saturday morning at the Library and is led by Pelhamites. Sign-up is not required.

Have Fun With the Lego Club!

Upcoming sessions: Monday, November 5, December 3, 3:30 – 4:30 p.m.

Lego lovers of all ages are invited to come to the Library’s 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.

November Kids Movies, Following Storytime!

The Library is featuring the following kids movies, following Story Time.

Tuesday, November 6, 11 a.m. – 12:45 p.m.: Christopher Robin
Wednesday, November 7, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.: The Incredibles 2
Wednesday, November 21, 12:30 – 2 p.m.: Teen Titans Go! to the Movies

PJ Library Friends, Stories and Songs: Hanukkah

Saturday, November 10, 2:30 – 3:30 p.m.

One Saturday every other month, Marjut Herzog, Education Chairperson at the Pelham Jewish Center, will come to the Library to lead this program featuring delightful tales, hands-on activities, songs and more about Jewish culture, heritage and history. In November, it will focus on Hanukkah which begins this year on Sunday, December 2. Particularly for children, ages 1 – 8, this program is open to all and a great place to meet neighbors and form friendships. Registration not required.

Spanish-English Story Time

Saturday, November 17, December 1, 10:30 – 11:15 a.m

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

Craftgiving: Make a Craft for Thanksgiving!

Tuesday, November 20, 3:30 – 4:30 p.m.

Supplies will be out for any child to craft an item for Thanksgiving. Create a centerpiece or a card to say what you’re thankful for! Attendance for this activity will be a first-come, first-served basis.

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

Teen Programs

VR for Teens

Thursday, November 1, 4 – 5 p.m.

This workshop will let teens experience virtual reality. All you need to bring is your smartphone! Youth Services Librarian Oz Coto-Chang will lead the session, giving everyone the materials to make Google Cardboard VR. He will also give attendees a look at Beyond VR, a public speaking app with simple controls that you look at to activate! Registration is required.

Adult Programs

Knit Happens on Monday Nights!

Upcoming sessions: Mondays, October 22, 29; November 5, 12, 19, 26, 6:30 – 8:45 p.m.

Love to knit? Want to learn? Gather your needles and yarn and join us every Monday night 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. 

Crafty Adults

Thursdays, October 25, November 29, December 13, 7 – 8:30 p.m.

In this new monthly program, Pelham resident and art instructor Sara Mallach is running this craft program for teens (14 and up) and adults. Stay tuned to the Library newsletter and website for each month’s theme. Attendance is limited to the first 20 participants who show up.

Focus Group for Pelham Library Patrons and Residents

Monday, October 29, 7:30 – 8:30 p.m.

The Library Trustees have been holding a series of focus groups to gain insights from Library patrons and residents about what the Library provides, and to help guide the Library’s Operating Plan for the future. Registration is required to maintain a size conducive to constructive discussion. Please call the Library at (914) 738-1234. The Library is eager to hear your thoughts!

After-Dark Book Club: A Piece of the World

Thursday, November 1, 7:30 – 8:30 p.m.

The club will discuss A Piece of the World by Christina Baker Kline, a fictionalized account of the life of Christina Olson, the disabled woman made famous by the Andrew Wyeth painting Christina’s World. For more on the book, click here. All are welcome to the Library’s book clubs, and copies of book club selections are usually available at the Circulation Desk. In December, the club will discuss Less by Andrew Sean Greer. To find out what else the club is reading this year, please click here.

Meditation Workshop – Now Monthly!

Upcoming sessions: Saturdays, November 3, December 8, 12:30 – 1:30 p.m.

Got stress? The Library is now holding a monthly meditation workshop with Meditation Instructor Kellye Davis. This program is for anyone age 16 and up. Davis will lead the class through various relaxation exercises, answer questions and provide handouts. No experience required; participants may bring yoga mats or sit in chairs. Limit of 15 people admitted, on a first-come, first-served basis.

Creative Networking Seminar

Thursday, November 8, 7 – 8:30 p.m.

This seminar, conducted by a career counselor, will teach attendees about creative approaches to networking, including: learning how to build relationships to get information and leads to enhance your career, preparing an introduction that includes your skills and experiences, and developing strategies that reflect your style. Registration is recommended. This program comes courtesy of the Westchester Library System’s WEBS Career & Education Counseling Service.

2^nd-Friday Book Club: Anything Is Possible

Friday, November 9, 10:30 – 11:30 a.m.

The club will discuss Anything Is Possible by Elizabeth Strout. This series of separate, but linked, stories examines how people from difficult circumstances overcome their challenges to find grace. All are welcome to the Library’s book clubs. Copies of the current selections are usually available at the circulation desk. To find out what else the club is reading this year, please click here.

Paying for a College Education

Thursday, November 15, 7 – 8 p.m.

Scott Ahrens, who serves as Program Administrator of New York State’s Student Protection Program, is running this one-hour workshop that will give 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.

Elder Law Presentation on Protecting Your Assets

Saturday, December 1, 12 – 1:30 p.m.

Elder law attorney Pat Micek returns to the Library to give an important presentation on how to protect your assets and give them to your children, instead of the nursing home. In addition to learning how to protect assets from nursing home costs, attendees will also learn the three most important legal documents for protecting an estate, how to qualify for government-paid aides, and which Trust is ideal for second marriages and blended families. Registration is suggested, but walk-ins are welcome.

Author Talk: Rachel Cullen

Monday, December 3, 7:00 – 8:30 p.m.

Come to the Library for this Author Talk featuring Pelham resident and novelist Rachel Cullen, who will discuss her latest books, including Second Chance and Running For My Life: How I built a better me one step at a time. Books will be available for buying and signing.

Borrow the Library’s Bocce Balls and/or Ping Pong Set

The Library has both a bocce set and a ping pong set ready to be loaned out. The sets, which adults can borrow for one week, can be used at the Village of Pelham’s bocce court or ping pong table in Wolfs Lane Park — or can be enjoyed at home. The bocce set includes four green, four red and one white ball; basic instructions and a carrying case. The Library also has a book for more advanced players. The ping pong set, housed in a carrying case, has four racquets and balls for doubles!

With Gratitude for the Support

Crafty Adults and the 2^nd-Friday Book Club is made possible by a gift in memory of Karin and Ted Mayer.

The Creative Networking program is made possible by The Friends of the Town of Pelham Public Library.

Thank you also to our talented volunteers who enable us to provide additional programs, including the book clubs.