Katonah Village Library

2009-05-11T14:24:00.001-04:00

Tuesday, May 12, 10:15 Great Decisons

Wednesday, May 13, 9:30 Family U Book Group,
discussing the book Siblings Without Rivalry,
by Faber and Mazlish. Books are available in
the Children's Room.
RSVP to diane.weingarten@klfamilyuniversity.org

Wednesday, May 13, 8pm Book Discussion Group
Open to all
The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao

Saturday, May 16, 10-2pm Spring Fling Book Sale
at the plaza in front of the library

Monday, May 18, 1-3 pm Great Books Discussion,

Second Epilogue to War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy

Thursday, May 21, 6:30 pm CrossTalk

The Katonah Museum of Art and
The Katonah Village Library
present...
CROSSTALK
Toons and Doom
Roz Chast/Andy Revkin
New Yorker Cartoonist/NYT Reporter

($20 in advance, $25 at the door.)
Limited seating. Paid reservations only: 914-232-9555 ext.0
Proceeds benefit the KVL and the KMA Children's Programs

Sunday, May 24 Libray Closed for Memorial Day
Monday, May 25 Libray Closed

Thursday, May 28, 2-5 pm Movie in the Afternoon
Lawrence of Arabia

Young Adult Programs

Friday, May 15 7:30 - 9:30 Anime Movie
My Neighbors the Yamadas

Wednesday, May 27, 7-9 pm SAT Math Review
call the library to register : 914 232-3508

ELECTRICITY USAGE MONITOR

2009-04-20T11:46:00.000-04:00

Bedford’s three libraries are each recipients of a “Kill-A-Watt EZ”, an Electricity Usage Monitor. Katonah Village, Bedford Hills and Bedford Village Libraries were presented with these monitors by the Town of Bedford Energy Advisory Panel as part of the town’s “Twenty by 2020” campaign to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions via lower energy consumption.

The ‘Kill-A-Watt” device, once plugged into an appliance, can accurately measure the currant levels and tabulate consumed wattage totals. The “Kill-A-Watt” identifies which appliances are major contributors to monthly electric bills. The monitors are also capable of pinpointing “phantom” energy users: appliances that continue to use power even when they are switched “off”. They will help identify which appliances are actually worth keeping plugged in and those that might be considered for replacement.

Armed with a better understanding of electricity usage, consumers will be able to make necessary changes, thereby reducing the emission of greenhouse gasses into the atmosphere as well as reducing costs.

These devices are now available for checkout at all three Bedford libraries to current Westchester Library card holders.

WALK TALL

2009-04-20T11:45:00.000-04:00

The Katonah Village Library is pleased to present a free seminar on the benefits of converting your home to a solar electric system on Monday, May 4th at 7 PM.

Would you like to protect the environment AND stabilize your energy costs?
Would you like to learn about solar electric for your home?

The Ross Solar Group will conduct a free public service seminar about the benefits of residential solar in New York.
Topics covered include: Stabilizing the monthly cost of your electric bill, placement and size of a system on your rooftop and how converting to solar electric power can help the environment.

Q & A will follow.

This seminar is free and open to the public. No registration required.

SOLAR ELECTRIC FOR YOUR HOME

2009-04-20T11:43:00.000-04:00

MEET AUTHORS MARY KELLOGG AND JON KATZ

2009-04-20T11:40:00.000-04:00

The Katonah Village Library is pleased to host a Meet the Author series on Sunday May 3rd at 2PM. Poet Mary Kellogg will read from her collection My Place on Earth. Photographer/author Jon Katz contributed the photos and will join her.

Former Katonah resident Mary Kellogg has been writing poems for more than half a century and has only recently decided to share her powerful and poignant work. Her poems have been described as written with an elegance and clarity that is uncommon today. They trace the personal path of finding her place on Earth. The collection is accompanied by the photographs of Jon Katz.

New York Times best selling author Mr. Katz is a journalist and photographer who is known for his books on dogs. Living in the northeastern corner of New York on his farm called Bedlam, Mr. Katz draws inspiration from his animals that grace many of his books. Real life hospice dog Izzy, who is a central character in several of his novels will be attending this event as well.

This program is free and open to the public. No registration required.

MEET THE AUTHOR

2009-04-16T11:28:00.001-04:00

The Katonah Village Library is pleased to have John Jay descendent and author Eve Pell read from her autobiography We Used to Own the Bronx: Memoirs of a Former Debutante as part of our Meet the Author Series. This event will be held on Tuesday, April 28 at 7:00 pm.

Born into privilege, Ms Pell’s Depression-era, Old Money family from New York, expected her to follow the traditional role of the women in her family by participating in foxhunts and house parties. However, after leaving that secure world and venturing to San Francisco in the 60’s, her eyes were opened to vastly new ideas. Among her experiences, were engaging as an activist and working with the leftist revolutionaries, the Soledad Brothers. She will share with us her self discovery and the influence of the feminist movement in her memoirs.

“Eve Pell gives us a fascinating glimpse into a secret world of wealth and privilege,” writes Jane Fonda. “Hers is an unexpected and ultimately hopeful journey of rebellion and reconciliation.”

This program is free and open to the public. There is no registration.

For further information, please contact the library at 914-232-3508.

CHILDREN'S CONCERT

2009-04-16T11:20:00.001-04:00

The Katonah Village Library is pleased to present "Musical Stories from the Oboe, the Bassoon, and the Grand Piano," a children’s concert, on Sunday, April 26, at 4 p.m.

This concert, part of the "Off Main Street" Katonah Library Series, is presented by the New York Chamber Players which consists of artistic director and pianist Gena Raps, oboist Gregory Weissman, bassoonist Lauren Rasor, and pianist Mitra-Alice Tham.
Each character will be played by a different instrument. The duck will be played by the oboe, the grandfather clock by the bassoon and beauty and the beast played by the piano.

Tickets for this program are $10 in advance and $15 at the door. Tickets are available now in the Children’s Room.

For further information, please contact the Children’s Room at 914-232-1233.

KVL CLOSED WED., FEB. 25 AND WK OF MAR. 2 THROUGH MAR. 8

2009-02-18T16:44:00.001-05:00

The Katonah Village Library will be closed on Wednesday, February 25, for electrical renovation work. The library will then close again starting Monday, March 2, and remain closed for the week as the newly renovated library is refurnished for re-opening on Monday, March 9.

"We appreciate the community's patience throughout the renovation process and look forward to serving the public in our newly enhanced facility,” said Ms. Van Kozelka, the library’s Director. These renovations were done in response to input from the community in a recent survey and are made possible by the generous support of our community. They include a new ceiling, improved lighting, carpeting and downstairs bathrooms.

For more information, visit www.katonahlibrary.org or call the library at 914-232-3508.

KVIS & KVL ANNUAL MEETING FEATURING KATONAH AUTHOR JUDE BLUNDELL

2009-01-12T13:27:00.001-05:00

The annual meeting of the Katonah Village Improvement Society (KVIS) and the Katonah Village Library (KVL) will hold its annual meeting on Monday, January 26, at the Katonah Memorial House.
Katonah author Jude Blundell will be our guest speaker. Ms. Blundell was awarded the 2008 National Book Award for Young People’s Literature for her novel What I Saw and How I Lied. She has written books for middle grade, young adult and adult readers under several pseudonyms. Under the pen name Jude Watson, she is the author of several New York Times bestselling and award- winning series and media tie-in novels. Her novel, Premonitions, was an ALA Reluctant Readers Best Picks and was chosen by the New York Public Library as a 2004 Best Book for the Teen Age. Among her forthcoming projects is Book #4 in the New York Times bestselling series, The 39 Clues.
Refreshments will be served at 7:00 and the meeting will begin at 7:30 with the annual meeting of KVIS including the election of KVIS officers and Executive Committee members. Members, who include all contributors to the library, are entitled to vote on nominees for KVIS officers and Executive Committee members. That will be followed by the annual meeting of the KVL Corporation and the election of library officers and trustees.

Please note the change in venue as the KVL is undergoing renovations. The Katonah Memorial
House is located at 71 Bedford Road, adjacent to the Katonah Fire Department. Parking is permitted only on the Katonah Memorial House side of the driveway, not on the fire house
side for public safety reasons.

If you have any questions or would like further information, please contact the library at 914-232-3508.

Closures for Holidays and Renovations

2008-12-22T13:36:00.002-05:00

Due to renovations, the Katonah Village Library will be closed to the public on Monday, December 29, and Tuesday, December 30. The library will also be closed for the holidays on December 24 and 25 and January 1. On Wednesday, December 31, the hours are 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

The hours we will be OPEN for the next two weeks are as follows:

Friday, December 26, 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Saturday, December 27, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Sunday, December 28, 1 – 5 p.m.
Wednesday, December 31, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Friday, January 2, 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Saturday, January 3, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Sunday, January 4, 1 – 5 p.m.

We are sorry for any inconvenience and appreciate the public’s patience during this renovation.

KATONAH VILLAGE LIBRARY OPENS ON LOWER LEVEL

2008-12-01T15:43:00.001-05:00

The Katonah Village Library has reopened in our new temporary location, the lower level of the library, as of December 1, 2008. Please enter the library through the lower doors as there is no access from the upper library while construction is going on. During this interim period all 2008 fiction and non-fiction books, DVDs, CDs, audiobooks, and many reference books (including medical and college guides) are available. If we do not have what you are looking for, it may be ordered through Westchester Library System inter-library loan. Internet computers are still available for public use. In addition, the Children's Room will be open, and all regularly scheduled programs will continue. However, there are no public bathrooms available until the renovations are completed.

We hope to return to our newly renovated main floor by the end of February.

These renovations are being done in response to input from the community in a recent survey and are made possible by the generous support of our community. “These renovations will greatly enhance the facility,” said Ms. Kozelka. They will also include a new ceiling, improved lighting, carpeting and downstairs bathrooms.

Progress reports on the renovation, including updates on the library's planned re-opening date, will be available on the library website. For more information, visit www.katonahlibrary.org or call the library at 914-232-3508.

"We appreciate the community's patience as we complete the renovations project and look forward to reopening the full library in early 2009," said Ms. Kozelka.

RENOVATIONS AT KATONAH VILLAGE LIBRARY

2008-11-13T10:28:00.000-05:00

RENOVATIONS AT KATONAH VILLAGE LIBRARY TO BEGIN DECEMBER 1; TEMPORARY CLOSING NOVEMBER 24

Katonah, NY (November 13 , 2008) - The Katonah Village Library will begin renovations of the upstairs level and bathrooms at the beginning of December; it was announced by the Board of Trustees and Van Kozelka, Director. In order to prepare for these exciting changes, the library will close for approximately one week beginning Monday, November 24.

“These renovations will greatly enhance the facility,” said Ms. Kozelka. They will also include a new ceiling, improved lighting, carpeting and downstairs bathrooms.

For the next three months, while renovations are completed, the library will attempt to provide as much of its extensive programming and services as possible. However, due to the scope of the work, only the lower level will be open. Visitors will be able to borrow books, DVD's and CD's and will be able to access the entire collection from the Westchester Library System. In addition, the Children's Room will be open, and all regularly scheduled programs will continue. Entrance will be through the side door on the lower level.

Please note that the bathrooms will remain closed during the full course of the renovations, so visitors should plan accordingly.

Progress reports on the renovation, including updates on the library's planned re-opening date, will be available on the library website. For more information, visit www.katonahlibrary.org or call the library at 914-232-3508.

"We appreciate the community's patience as we complete the renovations project and look forward to reopening the full library in early 2009," said Ms. Kozelka.

Annual Book Sale

2008-10-06T11:17:00.001-04:00

The Katonah Village Library is pleased to announce their annual book sale. This major fund-raising event will be held from October 18 to 25. There will be a preview night before the sale for members of the library. Those interested in joining the library before preview night may stop by the library to pay a membership fee or pay at the door. The minimum amount to be a donor allowed into the book sale is $20.

People have generously donated their books all through the year for this event and the best ones have been chosen for this sale. With 30,000 books for sale, this book sale is considered one of the best in the Northeast.

In addition to many, many books in every conceivable category, there are Literary Journals, Sheet Music, Old Books, New Books, Rare Books, Reference Books, First Editions and Signed Copies.

This year an extensive number of books and videotapes (VHS) about Elvis Presley will be for sale.

Most hardcover books with dust jackets are around $2. Most of the children’s books range from 50 cents to $5.

The hours, times and sale prices are as follows:
Saturday October 18 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Full price
Sunday October 19 1 p.m. – 5 p.m. Full price
Monday October 20 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. Full price
Tuesday October 21 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Full price
Wednesday October 22 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. Half price
Thursday October 23 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Half price
Friday October 24 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. Bargains
Saturday October 25 10 a.m. – noon Make an offer

Anyone interested in volunteering to help out at the sale may call the library at 232-3508 and leave their name and contact information with the circulation desk.

MEET THE AUTHOR SANA KRASIKOV

2008-09-15T13:18:00.000-04:00

The Katonah Village Library is pleased to present up-and-coming author Sana Krasikov. Miss Krasikov was raised in Katonah and is a graduate of John Jay High School. A reading, book-signing and reception will be held on Tuesday, September 23, at 7 p.m.

Miss Krasikov’s new book One More Year: Stories is receiving much critical acclaim. Publisher’s Weekly calls it “...her stunning short story debut...” The Miami Herald says “...an amazingly mature work...Krasikov is as good as Junot Diaz and Jhumpa Lahiri were at this stage in their careers.”

The eight short stories contained in One More Year: Stories are about the experience of mostly Russian and Georgian immigrants to the east coast of the United States.

Miss Krasikov was born in Ukraine and after spending some time in Georgia immigrated to the U.S. at an early age. She attended Katonah Elementary School and John Jay High School.

Miss Krasikov went on to graduate from Iowa Writers’ Workshop and receive the O.Henry Award and a Fulbright Scholarship. She is currently living in New York City and is at work on her first novel.

This program is free and open to the public.

For further information, please contact the library at 914-232-3508.

MEET THE AUTHORS: WHATEVER HAPPENED TO THE BLANK SCREEN?

2008-09-15T13:16:00.002-04:00

The Katonah Village Library is pleased to present “Whatever Happened to the Blank Screen? When Psychoanalysts Write Memoirs” on Wednesday, September 24, at 7:30 p.m.
It has been relatively rare in the history of psychoanalysis for psychoanalysts to publish memoirs. Fern W. Cohen, PhD (From Both Sides of the Couch, Booksurge2007), and Sue Erikson Bloland, LCSW (In the Shadow of Fame, Viking Penguin 2005), two New York City analysts who have, will talk about the impact their self-revealing books have had on their personal lives, on their clinical work, and on their careers as psychoanalysts.
As it happens, each chronicles the experience of growing up in the shadow of a very prominent father whose idealized public image posed a threat to her sense of self -worth. Fern’s father was the esteemed jurist, Edward Weinfeld, appointed to the federal court for the Southern District of New York by President Truman in 1950. Sue’s father was the renowned psychoanalyst, Erik Erikson.
Sue Erikson Bloland, LCSW, is a psychotherapist in private practice and a member of the faculty of the Manhattan Institute for Psychoanalysis in New York City. She received her MSW from New York University and her analytic training at the Manhattan Institute. The daughter of celebrated psychoanalyst and author Erik H. Erikson, Ms. Bloland has made a life-long study of the nature of fame. Her memoir, In the Shadow of Fame, was published by Viking Penguin in February 2005. She has also published articles in The Atlantic Monthly (“Fame: The Power and Cost of a Fantasy,” November, 1999), and Psychoanalytic Dialogues (“Bill Clinton and John F. Kennedy: The Dark Side of Charisma,” March/April, 2000).
Fern W. Cohen, PhD, a psychoanalyst and psychotherapist in private practice in New York City, has long been committed to conveying in everyday language what the psychoanalytic process is about and how it works. That passion informs not only her writing, both personal and professional, but also her teaching and supervision of graduate students and analytic candidates.
In her memoir, From Both Sides of the Couch, Dr. Cohen explores the defining nature of our earliest relationships and the transformative workings of psychoanalysis to “free us from our ghosts.” She brings a clinical perspective to her resonant personal journey to come out from under the weight of her remarkable father and become her own person, a journey we all share. From Both Sides of the Couch has been named a winner in the psychology category of the 2008 Next Generation Indie Book Awards.
Dr. Cohen received a PhD in School Psychology from NYU. She completed her analytic training at the NYU Postdoctoral Program in Psychotherapy and Psychoanalysis as well as at the Institute for Psychoanalytic Training and Research (IPTAR), of which she is a member.

This program is free and open to the public.

For further information, please contact the library at 914-232-3508.

CHILDREN'S CONCERT

2008-09-15T13:16:00.001-04:00

The Katonah Village Library is pleased to present "Drums Through the Ages," a children’s concert, on Sunday, September 28, at 4 p.m.

This concert, part of the "Off Main Steet" Katonah Library Series, is presented by the New York Chamber Players which consists of Gena Raps, Artistic Director, John Stine, Associate Director and Gregory Palitz, Writer, along with Danny Mallon on drums.

"Drums Through the Ages" is an interactive, rhythmic journey of drums and their story with one of today's leading early music percussionists. Danny Mallon performs on a wide array of world instruments including bodrhran, Arabic tambourine, darbuka, frame drums, shakers, castanets and other toys while overtone singing. This one of a kind program, which includes an interactive story with sound effects played by children from the audience, is sure to delight all.

Tickets for this program are $10 and are available now in the Children’s Room.

For further information, please contact the Children’s Room at 914-232-1233.

The Bestseller, An Evening with John Grisham - updates

2008-09-08T14:49:00.000-04:00

The Bestseller, An Evening With John Grisham, Will Benefit the Katonah Village Library

On Friday, October 24, The Bestseller, An Evening with John Grisham to Benefit the Katonah Village Library, will be held at the North Salem Golf Club in North Salem, New York at 7:00 p.m. One of the world’s most popular and successful writers, Grisham has authored over 20 works of fiction and non-fiction, including A Time To Kill, The Firm, The Innocent Man, and most recently, The Appeal. Over 225 million copies of his books are currently in print in over 29 languages worldwide, and nine of his novels have been made into films. The evening’s festivities will include a small pre-gala cocktail party with John Grisham at the Katonah Village Library (separate ticket purchase required), dinner with featured speaker Mr. Grisham, and live and silent auctions at the Salem Golf Club.

An attorney by training, Mr. Grisham’s career began as a criminal defense attorney. He was inspired to write A Time to Kill after hearing the harrowing testimony of a 12-year-old rape victim and imagining how the facts would have evolved if the victim’s father had killed her assailants. Since A Time to Kill was published in 1988, Mr. Grisham has written one book a year, and all have become international bestsellers.

The theme of the The Bestseller event will focus on books that have enjoyed tremendous popular success in modern history. Distinctive live and silent auction items will include vacation homes and apartments, a dinner for six prepared in the winner’s home by Katonah artist, chef and published Italian cookbook author Edward Giobbi , a private concert with local folk singers Marc Black and Jean Bratman, a behind-the-scenes tour of Christie's auction house with tea for eight, and an opportunity to be immortalized in an upcoming Grisham novel.

The event is being generously sponsored by Andrew J. Entwistle and Family, the Landesberg family and the Sabath Family. The sponsorship list is in formation. Proceeds from the Bestseller will help fund the Library’s substantial renovation plans, operating costs and extensive public programming costs. Various ticket pricing packages are available. Contact the Katonah Village Library (914-232-3508) for information or to purchase tickets.

Early Fall Events at the KVL

2008-09-04T14:26:00.001-04:00

Our Meet the Author series will present three exciting evenings:

On September 17 at 7:30 p.m., we will have Frank Strauss, author of Dawn of a Dynasty. This is a new book that describes one of the most memorable seasons in the history of Yankee Stadium.

September 23 at 7 p.m. will feature Katonah resident and John Jay High School graduate Sana Krasikov reading from her new, critically acclaimed book One More Year: Stories. A reception and book signing will follow the reading.

On September 24 at 7:30 p.m. two authors will share their memoirs. Both are daughters of very prominent fathers and both are psychoanalysts. “Whatever Happened to the Blank Screen?” features Sue Erikson Bloland, author of In the Shadow of Fame, and Fern W. Cohen, Ph.D., author of From Both Sides of the Couch.

We will have three art exhibits on display.

The art exhibit Nat Sloan & friends features sculpturist Nat Sloan, painters Foxy Gwynne, Jinkie Rush, Starr Lawrence and Dennis Szymanski and photographers Dave Clark and Jene LeBlanc through September 17.

Heart of Europe: Natural and Man-Made Wonders: A Photographic Journey features the work of Dimitri Rellos. This exhibit will run until September 28. There will be a reception on September 27 at noon.

Mr. Rellos will also give a Digital Camera Workshop on September 27 at 10:30 a.m. Registration is required for this workshop as space is limited.

Picturing America, made possible by a grant by The National Endowment for the Humanities, will be on display in the Children’s Room. It features 40 reproduction of American Art by noteworthy artists and tells the story of America.

Our annual book sale will be October 18- 25.

BOOK SALE DONATIONS END AUGUST 30TH

2008-07-21T16:03:00.000-04:00

THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU
FOR YOUR GENEROUS DONATIONS & SUPPORT!!!
BUT NO MORE BOOK DONATIONS CAN BE ACCEPTED
AFTER AUGUST 30TH.

LAPTOPS FOR LOAN AT KVL

2008-07-21T15:57:00.000-04:00

The Katonah Village Library is proud to announce a new program, Laptops for Loan, made possible through a grant offered by Senator Vincent Leibell. Library Director Van Kozelka is “very thankful to Senator Leibell for funds that we could use to get laptops. I think they will be a very useful addition to the services that the library can supply to our patrons.”

Adult patrons (age 16 and over) with a valid library card and in good standing may borrow a laptop for use within the library for a period up to 1 ½ hours per day. A form of identification with the patron’s photograph is also required to reserve the laptop. There is no charge for this service.

For further information, please contact the library at 914-232-3508.

UPCOMING FALL EVENTS AT KVL

2008-07-21T15:52:00.002-04:00

“The Bestseller – An Evening with John Grisham”
A Gala to benefit the Katonah Village Library

Friday, October 24

7:30 – midnight

at the Salem Golf Club

Cocktails, Dinner, Silent & Live Auctions

Tickets cost $195 and must be purchased before the event at the Katonah Village Library.

Tickets for a special pre-benefit cocktail party with Mr. Grisham are available.

ANNUAL BOOK SALE

October 17 through 25

During library hours

at the Katonah Village Library

The Katonah Village Library will hold its annual book sale starting October 17 with preview night for members only. The sale opens to the public on October 18 and books will be marked down beginning October 22.

MEET THE AUTHOR FRANK STRAUSS

2008-07-21T15:51:00.000-04:00

The Katonah Village Library is pleased to present Frank Strauss on Wednesday, September 17, at 7:30 p.m as part of our Meet the Author series. Mr. Strauss will talk about his new book, Dawn of a Dynasty, in which he describes one of the most memorable seasons in the history of Yankee Stadium. After the talk there will be a book-signing.

The Yankee’s 1947 season was their 45th season and is considered the start of their second great dynasty. Led by Hall of Famer Joe DiMaggio, the New York Yankees won the World Series in a close-fought 7-game series with the Brooklyn Dodgers and also won the American League Pennant by 12 games over the Detroit Tigers. This dream team included returning World War II veterans such as Phil Rizzuto and Tommy Henrich, and rookies Yogi Berra, Bobby Brown and Frank Shea.

Mr. Strauss has written this book from his memories as a 12-year old fan living in Brooklyn at the time and shares with the reader what it was like in the baseball days of yore when only a few, specifically fourteen, night games were played, pitchers pitched for the whole game, there were no designated hitters, players stayed with a team unless traded (unlike free agency) and it only cost 60 cents to watch a double-header in the right bleachers. Mr. Strauss also tells about the day he met Babe Ruth. Mr. Strauss’ website has much more information about the book and can be reached at www.1947yankees.com.

This program is free and open to the public.

For further information, please contact the library at 914-232-3508.

MORRIS DANCERS TO APPEAR AT KVL

2008-07-21T15:48:00.000-04:00

The Katonah Village Library is pleased to present American Travelling Morrice, a Morris Dancing group, on August 19 at 4:30 on our plaza.

The American Travelling Morrice dance group has chosen our area for their annual dancing tour for the first time in their 33 years of touring. The Travelling Morrice consists of Morris men from all over the country, including more than a few dancers of international fame in the field.

The merry jingling of bells and the resounding clashing of sticks will soon waft through
the summer air at the Katonah Library. The dancing is vigorous, colorful and great fun to watch. "There is nothing quite like the Morris dancers", says New York City resident James Walker, organizer of this year's tour. "The music of fiddles and melodeons, the sound of the bells on the dancers' legs and the bright colors flashing in the sun create an unusual spectacle which catches people by surprise. Suddenly there appears this incredibly energetic and exciting situation right in
the middle of the day! It is worth it to come out and watch".

This performance is free and open to the public. However, the dancers are quick to point out the time-honored Morris custom of passing the hat, enabling the spectators to participate in the tradition and, as they put it, "partake in the Morris luck".

While the origins of the Morris dance tradition are lost in history, the centuries-old custom first noted down in 1458 apparently evolved as a ritual designed to shake off the dark and gloom of winter and celebrate the coming of spring, bringing luck and fertility to participants and audience alike.

Most of the dances are performed by six men at a time, with either sticks or handkerchiefs in hand. The dancers are recognized by their distinctive outfits or "kits," consisting traditionally of white trousers and shirts set off by multi-colored ribbons, bells and gaily decorated hats. Accompanying each Morris team is at least one musician who performs lively English folk melodies on accordion, concertina, fiddle, or pipe and tabor (drum), as well as a mascot or Fool, who frisks about good-naturedly taunting and baiting the dancers and entertaining the crowd.

For further information, please contact the library at 914-232-3508.

MEET THE AUTHOR ROXANA ROBINSON

2008-06-02T16:00:00.000-04:00

The Katonah Village Library is pleased to have Roxana Robinson read from her latest novel Cost. This reading followed by a reception will be held on Friday, June 20, at 7 p.m.

Cost has received a starred review from Booklist, a publication of the American Library Association, and it is also one of the top ten books in the National Book Critics Circle Recommended Reads, Spring 2008. It is the third book in a trilogy preceded by This is My Daughter and Sweetwater that deals with family issues that are uniquely American.

A former Katonah resident, Ms. Robinson has written four novels, three short story collections and a biography. Four of her books have been named Notable Books of the Year by The New York Times. Her writing has been compared to John Cheever’s by The New York Times and Edith Wharton’s by Time Magazine.

Ms. Robinson is also a biographer and scholar of nineteenth and early twentieth century American art and a gardener. Her biography of Georgia O’Keeffe has been called by Calvin Tomkins of the New Yorker “without question the best book written about O’Keeffe.” Ms. Robinson has taught many creative writing workshops and currently teaches at The New School for Social Research in New York City. Ms. Robinson’s book reviews and articles about art, gardening and travel have appeared in many publications.

This program is free and open to the public.

For further information, please the library at 914-232-3508.

MEET THE AUTHOR JEAN BOGGIO

2008-06-02T15:59:00.000-04:00

The Katonah Village Library is pleased to have former Katonah resident and author Jean Boggio read from her new book Stolen Fields: A Story of Eminent Domain and the Death of the American Dream. This event will be held on Tuesday, June 17, at 7:30 p.m.

Stolen Fields is a memoir/family history which includes references to the years her family lived in Katonah. In addition to a book reading, there will be a discussion of life in Katonah in the 1950’s. Folks from Somers might also find it interesting as the author’s mother was the head of the language department at the Somers High School for many years.

This program is free and open to the public.

For further information, please contact the library at 232-3508.

Bone Marrow Drive

2008-05-08T15:09:00.000-04:00

BONE MARROW DRIVE AT THE KATONAH VILLAGE LIBRARY

Drop by the Katonah Village Library for some music and refreshments and you just might save a life.

On Saturday, May 24, the Driving for Donors campaign will be at the Katonah Village Library from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. You'll have the opportunity to enjoy refreshments and music by Sloan Wainwright and Marc Black. But much more important, you'll be able to sign up for the donor registry and possibly save the life of someone who's been stricken with leukemia, lymphoma or a blood disorder.

This event will be hosted by two local families who know about the National Donor Registry all too well. Jeff Morris, Showtime executive, was diagnosed with Acute Myelogenous Leukemia or AML in 2004. He had been in a solid remission for two and a half years when his leukemia returned. His life depended on his doctors locating and identifying a suitable bone marrow donor--and quickly. They did. Jeff, his family and friends are thankful beyond words.

George McTavey, a master carpenter and builder, was diagnosed back in 2003 with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) during a routine blood workup. It was a slow- developing case--but not slow enough. In 2006 he was treated with chemo and a high dose of steroids to treat his more aggressive leukemia. Like Jeff, he reached a point where only a marrow transplant would save his life. Luckily, a perfect match was found and George proceeded to transplant on January 15th of this year.

Both Jeff and George know how lucky they were to find a match. And they want to express their gratitude by helping with the National Bone Marrow Registry Drive. "We are hoping to spread the word and improve the odds for others," says Jeff Morris. "That is why we've joined forces to sponsor this event at the Katonah Village Library."

The Driving for Donors Drive was begun by Pat Pendraja, a 13-year-old boy from Tampa, Florida. He was diagnosed at age 11 with yet another form of the disease, Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia or ALL. Hopefully, having only the chemo will cure him but, should it not be enough, he knows he will have to rely on the National Bone Marrow Registry. As a Cuban American, he knows it will be more difficult for him to find a match because minorities are under represented.

So last year Pat decided to do something. He began the Driving for Donors tour. For more information see http://www.drivingfordonors.com. Through his work, he's added over 6500 names to the registry, and now, thanks to Jeff and George and their families, Katonah will be one of the stops on Pat's tour.

Jeff and George are asking everyone in good health between the ages of 18 and 55 to come out and help them in their mission. All that is required is a swab of your cheek. There's a 1 in 160,000 chance that you'll ever be called in your lifetime. As Jeff's wife, Luann, put it, "If that call does come, wouldn't you want to be the possibility of saving the life of your genetic twin? To learn more about what being a donor means, you can come to the library,” or go to http://www.dkmsamericas.org/category/donors/what-expect.

For further information, please contact the library at 914-232-3508

Chamer Music Concert

2008-05-05T14:03:00.000-04:00

CHAMBER MUSIC CONCERT

The Katonah Village Library will be presenting a chamber music concert on Saturday, May 17, at 8 p.m.

Carol Wincenc of the Juilliard School will be playing the flute, Evangeline Benedetti of the New York Philharmonic will be playing the cello and Gena Raps of The Mannes College of Music will be playing the piano. They will be playing works by Bach, Haydn, Debussy, Barber and more.

Admission for this concert is $25. Tickets are on sale now at the library’s circulation desk.

For further information, please contact the library at 914-232-3508.

RUSSIAN U.N. POLITICAL AFFAIRS OFFICER TO SPEAK

2008-04-17T16:27:00.000-04:00

RUSSIAN UNITED NATIONS POLITICAL AFFAIRS OFFICER
TO SPEAK AT KATONAH LIBRARY

The Katonah Village Library and the Katonah Great Decisions Chapter are pleased to co-sponsor an evening foreign policy forum with Aleksandr Illitchev, Senior Officer: Department of Political Affairs-UN Secretariat, on Wednesday, April 23, from 7:30 to 9:15 p.m.

With its booming, energy-fueled economy and new assertiveness on the global stage, Russia has made more than its share of headlines of late. Mr. Illitchev will offer a personal perspective on the “New Russia” and its implications and share his views on a wide range of challenging issues affecting Moscow, Washington, and other global powers. A question and answer session will follow his presentation.

The forum, open to the public, will be held in the Garden Room, on the lower level, at the library.

A $10 contribution for the Katonah Village Library is suggested ($15 with companion).

For more information, contact Fred Piker, Discussion Leader of the Katonah Great Decisions Chapter, at pikerrdif@aol.com or Tyler Beebe, Program Chair at thbeebe@gmail.com.

FICTION WRITING WORKSHOP

2008-04-17T16:22:00.000-04:00

The Katonah Village Library is pleased to sponsor a Fiction Writing Workshop led by Kim Kovach. This class will be held over three weeks on May 5, 12 & 19 from 7 to 8 p.m.

This fun, informative and hands-on series is open to adults (and interested young adults) with no prior writing experience required. Participants will learn about character development, point-of-view and dialogue and will be encouraged to explore their own writing styles through creative in-class exercises and imaginative homework assignments.

Kim Kovach is a local writer, teacher and author of a short story collection as well as numerous freelance articles. Her short story collection A Few Bad Decisions is available at Charles Department Store and Awakenings in Katonah, Cross River Pharmacy in Cross River, Chappaqua Book Shop in Chappaqua, Books on the Common in Ridgefield and Elm Street Books in New Canaan

Registration is required for this program as space is limited.

For further information, please the library at 232-3508.

LATE SPRING AT THE LIBRARY

2008-04-17T16:20:00.001-04:00

The Katonah Village Library is pleased to announce the following events:

The Katonah Great Decisions Chapter along with the library is pleased to have Aleksandr Illitchev, Senior Officer: Department of Political Affairs – UN Secretariat offer his personal perspective on the “New Russia” and its implications. This public forum will be held on Wednesday, April 23 from 7:30 to 9:15 p.m. A $10 contribution for the library is suggested ($15 with companion). For more information, please contact Fred Piker at pikerrdif@aol.com or Tyler Beebe at thbeebe@gmail.com.

The Katonah Poetry Series continues with award-winning poet Anne Marie Macari. She will read on April 27 at 4 p.m. followed by a reception and book-signing.

On May 3 we will have our Spring Book Sale from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. This sale will be cancelled in the event of inclement weather.

A three-part Fiction Writing Workshop led by writer, teacher and author Kim Kovach will be held on Monday, May 5, 12 and 19, from 7 – 8 p.m.. No prior writing experience is required—just a pen and notepad. Registration is required and space is limited. Please register by calling the library at 232-3508 or stop by the circulation desk to sign up.

On Saturday, May 17, at 8 p.m., a Chamber Music Concert will be held featuring Gena Raps on the piano, Carol Wincenc (from the faculty of Juilliard School and Mannes College of Music) on the flute and other distinguished artists. Tickets are $25. They are on sale now at the circulation desk.

On Saturday, May 24, from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. we will be co-sponsoring a Bone Marrow Donor Drive.

For further information on any of these programs, please call the library at 232-3508 or visit our website at www.katonahlibrary.org.

The Story of Stuff screening

2008-03-24T15:40:00.000-04:00

KATONAH VILLAGE LIBRARY CELEBRATES
“BEDFORD’S APRIL IS EARTH MONTH”

To celebrate “Bedford’s April is Earth Month” the Katonah Village Library is pleased to co-sponsor with Conversations for Action a screening and discussion of The Story of Stuff plus The Secret Lives of Cell Phones and some selected short films by local students. This event will be held on Sunday, April 13, from 3 until 4:30 p.m. with refreshments at 3 and the film screening at 3:30 followed by a discussion.

The Story of Stuff is a 20-minute, fast-paced, fact-filled, humorous look at the underside of production and consumption. It explores the connections between a vast array of environmental and social issues, and points the way toward a more sustainable and just world.

The discussion will be led by Westchester resident Don Weeden, Executive Director of the Weeden Foundation. The Weeden Foundation is an environmental philanthropic foundation that focused on protecting biodiversity and promoting sustainable consumption of natural resources. Don is on the steering committee of the Environmental Grantmaker Association’s Sustainable production and Consumption Working Group, a sponsor of the film.

Conversations for Action is a local environmental action group based in the Town of Bedford.

This program is free and open to the public but reservations are appreciated. Please e-mail your reservation to conversationsforaction@gmail.com.

For a full listing of Bedford Earth Month events visit www.bedfordny.info.

For further information, please contact 232-3508.

Library Open on Sundays in response to community

2008-03-20T11:12:00.001-04:00

March 18, 2008

KATONAH VILLAGE LIBRARY TO BE OPEN ON SUNDAYS

IN RESPONSE TO COMMUNITY INPUT

The Board of Trustees of the Katonah Village Library is pleased to announce that the library will be open on Sundays from 1 to 5 p.m. These extended hours will begin on March 30 and we invite the community
to join us for a grand opening ceremony on this special first Sunday at 1:30 p.m.

A 2007 community survey conducted by the library identified extended hours as one of the most requested areas for improvement. The library board and staff listened to the community and were able to provide the necessary budget to add these new Sunday hours.

The library will be open on Sunday during the school year but closed during the summer season from Sunday, June 22, through Sunday, August 31.

For further information, please contact the library at 914-232-3508.

Katonah Poetry Series

2008-03-17T13:51:00.000-04:00

KATONAH POETRY SERIES READING BY ANNE MARIE MACARI

The Katonah Village Library is pleased to have poet Anne Marie Macari read as part of our ongoing Poetry Series. This event will be held on Sunday, April 27, at 4 p.m.

Ms. Macari, winner of the APR/Honickman First Book Award in 2000 and the James Dickey Award for poetry from Five Points magazine, is on the core faculty of the New England College low-residency MFA program.

Two books of her poetry have been published. They are Ivory Cradle and Gloryland. She is also the co-author of Luna.

The five dollars admission includes the reading followed by a reception and book signing.

For further information, please contact info@katonahpoetry.com.

Piano Fund Concert

2008-03-17T13:49:00.000-04:00

The Katonah Village Library is pleased to present a concert by the musical group Trio con Brio to benefit our Piano Fund. This event will be held on April 6 at 4 p.m.

Trio con Brio features Eric Stand on flute, Robert Kogan on cello and Sylvia Russakoff on piano. They will play selections from Haydn, Pierne, Kabalevsky, deRoxla and Bach.

Ten dollars admission will be charged which will help maintain the library’s Steinway Grand piano.

Registration is not necessary. For further information, please contact the library at 232-3508.

Young People's Concert

2008-03-17T13:46:00.000-04:00

In celebration of National Library Week the Katonah Village Library is pleased to present Mozart Lives! , a very special children’s concert featuring young New York City musicians. This event will be held on Monday, April 14 at 7 p.m.

This concert, created by B. Gregory Palitz and Gena Raps, stars Christopher Bruckman on the piano as Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Herr Doktor Johann Stine on the clarinet as the Katonah Kappelmeister. Seven other young musicians aged 7 to 17 will also be performing.

Free tickets are available in the Children’s Room beginning April 1. Donations will benefit the Children’s Room Music Collection.

For further information, please contact the library’s children’s room at 232-1233.

fiancial services for women

2008-03-17T13:44:00.000-04:00

FINANCIAL SERVICES FOR WOMEN
The Katonah Village Library is pleased to present a 3-part series about Financial Services for Women. These presentations will be on three consecutive Thursdays at 10 a.m. starting April 3, continuing on April 10 and concluding on April 17. Attendees are welcome to attend one, two or all three of them. They are free and open to the public; however, registration is required.
The guest speaker is Julia Strayer, a Wealth Management Advisor with Merrill Lynch. Julia is a Certified Financial Manager, Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor and a Certified Investment Manager Analyst. She has appeared on the CNBC show “Power Lunch,” CBS “This Morning,” WGCH’s “Women in Business” in addition to featured articles in USA Today and numerous local newspapers.
The first session, Investment Strategies, will be a relaxed discussion of basic concepts of managing your finances, perfect for beginning and intermediate investors. Choosing the right asset allocation, investment styles and diversification will be covered in a friendly atmosphere.
The second session, Funds, Funds, Funds, will explain the similarities and differences between three different types of funds—Mutual Funds, Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) and Closed-End Funds. How to use these funds in your portfolio will be covered along with the most effective ways to buy and sell each type of fund and the “hidden” fees.
The third session, Income for Life, will review ways to guarantee your retirement income sources and the costs associated with these to help provide the retirement you envision with the current unpredictability of the market.
REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. To register, call the library at 232-3508 or stop by to sign up.

Spring Events

2008-03-17T13:42:00.001-04:00

The Katonah Village Library has many events planned for this Spring.

First, we are announcing new Sunday hours, from 1 to 5 p.m. beginning March 30. The library will be open on Sundays during the school year in response to many requests.

On April 6 at 4 p.m. we will have a Piano Fund Concert performed by Trio con Brio featuring Eric Stand on the flute, Robert Kogan on cello and Sylvia Russakoff on piano. They will play selections from Haydn, Pierne, Kabalevsky, deRoxla and Bach. Ten dollars admission will be charged which will help maintain the library’s Steinway Grand.

In April, our Financial Services for Women Series will continue on April 3 with a talk on Investment Strategies, April 10 discussing Funds and April 17 covering Income for Life. These seminars for women, hosted by Julia Strayer, a Wealth Management Advisor with Merrill Lynch, will take place from 10 a.m. to 12 noon. Registration is required. Call the library at 232-3508 to register.

On April 13 in honor of Earth Month the library will co-sponsor along with Conversations for Action, a local environmental action group, a screening of the The Story of Stuff a 20-minute, fast-paced, fact-filled, humorous look at the underside of production and consumption that points the way toward a more sustainable and just world. In addition, some selected short films by local high school students will be shown. Refreshments will be served at 3 with the screening at 3:30 followed by a discussion with Westchester’s Don Weeden, Executive Director of the Weeden Foundation, an environmental philanthropic foundation. Reservations are appreciated at conversationsforaction@gmail.com. ]

On April 14, our children’s room is proud to present Mozart Lives! This musical program features young musicians from New York City. Tickets are necessary and will be given out on a first-come, first-served basis at the circulation desk in the children’s room beginning April 1.

April is National Poetry Month and we will host “Speaking in Rhythms,” an open mic poetry reading, on April 26 from 2 to 4 p.m. Register with Pat, our reference librarian, at 232-3508.

The Katonah Poetry Series continues with award-winning poet Anne Marie Macari. She will read on April 27 at 4 p.m. followed by a reception and book signing.

A three-part fiction writing workshop will take place Mondays, May 5, 12 and 19 from 7-8 p.m. No prior writing experience is required—just a pen and paper. Registration is required. Register with the circulation desk at 232-3508

On May 17 at 8 p.m. the library will host a Chamber Music Concert featuring New York City soloists from the faculty of the Juilliard School, Mannes College of Music and other distinguished artists. Admission is $25 and tickets are being sold at the circulation desk.

Update - Spinning Verses Poetry Workshp

2008-03-06T11:31:00.000-05:00

Message from workshop instructor Ginny Wiehardt:

Hello Everyone,

Thanks for coming out to the library last night andfor the good class. Since we had to wrap up soquickly, I wanted to make myself available via emailin case there were any questions.Meredith (I believe it was her) asked about books to read, and I saw that the Katonah library has a good collection of poetry books as well as books about writing poetry. I'm sure Pat Humphreys or another librarian can show you around it. (It's divided intoAmerican, British, and International sections.) Pat had out a book by Edward Hirsch, How to Read a Poem,that I've been itching to read myself -- I hear it's very good.

And if you don't have time to get to the library, there are a number of good online archives:

Poetry Foundationhttp://www.poetryfoundation.org/
Academy of American Poetryhttp://www.poets.org/
Poetry Dailyhttp://www.poems.com/

For those interested in the organization we spokea bout in the beginning of the class, I'll save Maggie the trouble of bringing the url next time:http://www.poetshouse.org/

If you're just finding your way with poetry, keep in mind that with all the exercises, the main goal is to have fun. There really is no right or wrong answer. If you're putting pen to paper, you're already doing it right! Do get in touch if you have any questions, and have a good week.

Note from Pat Humphreys:

If you wish to contact Ginny, please call me at 914-232-3508

Also, here are some books that may be of interest and most of which will be available at the next workshop on March 10th. They are located at Call no. (Dewey Decimal No. ) 808.1.

How to read a Poem and Fall in Love with Poetry by Hirsch
The Seven Principles of Poetry by Hamilton
Poetry and the Age by Randall & Jarrell
The Poet's Handbook by Jerome
Finding What You Didn't Lose - Expressing Your Truth and Creativity ThroughPoem-Making by Fox
The New Book of Forms by Turco
On Poetry and Poets by T.S. Eliot
Poetry Handbook by Babette Deutsch
Streams - Life-Secrets for Writing Poems and Songs by Hochman
The Forms of Poetry by Untermeyer
Immersed in Verse by Wolf

Last but not least - rhyming dictionary. It is located at Call no. 426.

March Events

2008-02-27T15:21:00.000-05:00

Events taking place in the library include programs for adults, teens & children. See below for more information about specific events.

To sign-up for children's programs call 232-1233 & for adult programs 232-3508.

The Childrens Room continues with its ongoing story times for young children.
Baby Lap Time - Mondays @ 10:30 a.m., non-walking babies & accompanying adults. Enjoy Mother Goose rhymes, songs & finger games in a group setting.
Mother Goose - Fridays @ 10:30 a.m., children 12-30 months with adult. 20-minute program of nursery rhymes, stories & songs.
Toddler Times - Wednesdays @ 10:30 a.m., children 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 with adult. 30-minute program of stories, crafts and nursery rhymes. Sign-up required.
Story Time - Picture books, songs & crafts; Ages 3 & 4 - Mondays at 1 p.m.; Ages 4 & 5 - Tuesdays at 2 p.m. & Thursdays at 10:30 a.m.

Adults:

March 2, Sunday, 4 p.m.,
Katonah Poetry Series - Tony Hoagland
Esteemed poet Tony Hoagland will read from his works. Mr. Hoagland is the winner of the 2005 O.B. Hardison Jr. Prize and the 2005 Mark Twain Award. For more information about Mr. Hoagland and his poetry please click here.

March 3, 10, 17 & April 7
Spinning Verses Poetry Workshop
Poet Caitlin McDonnell will lead this free stimulating workshop. Discover poetry and ways to create your own. Registration required.

March 5, Wednesday, 8 p.m.
Adult Book Discussion Group will discuss Ex-Libris by Ross King.
March 26, Wednesday, 8 p.m. - Easter Island by Jennifer Vanderbes.

March 14, Friday, 2:30 p.m. (intro 2:15 p.m.)
Movies for a Special Day - St. Patrick's
The Secret of Roan Inish (1994, 103 min.)

March 19, Wednesday, 7 p.m.
Game Night for Adults
Sign-up required.

March 20, Thursday, 2:30 p.m. (intro 2:15 p.m.)
Billy Wilder Film Series
Witness for the Prosecution (1957, 116 min.)

March 25, Tuesday, 9 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Family University 2008 Workshop Series
Bullyproof Your Child for Life - presenter Joel Haber, Ph.D.
Suggested donation: $10 per workshop
Info: 914-234-3227; Registration required.

Ongoing:
Great Decisions Group - morning discussions @ 10:15 a.m. - March 4 & 18.
Evening program - March 26. Contact Fred Piker at 232-7061 for more information.

Great Books meets Mondays at 1 p.m. - March 24.

February & March at the Library

2008-02-12T14:38:00.000-05:00

The Local Author event - Old Put has been rescheduled to Feb. 19th, 7 p.m.

December 2007 Wrap-Up

2007-12-11T17:22:00.000-05:00

The end of 2007 is almost here, but we still have some programs for adults, teens & children.

There is an informal Games Survey for adults who are interested in playing board games like Scrabble, Chess, Backgammon, etc. at the library. Please pick up the survey at the checkout desk.

December 13, Thurs., 5:00-5:45 p.m.
Teen Reading Group
Get a chance to discuss the exciting Merchant of Death by D.J. MacHale. Light refreshments served.

December 17, Mon., 7 p.m.
Game Night - Scrabble & Sudoku (Adult)
Neighbors and friends are invited to have a grand time playing these games and pit your wits against other players. Bring an extra (Scrabble) game to play.
Sign-up with Pat, 914-232-3508

December 21, Friday, 3 & 4 p.m.
Grades 5, 6, 7 & 8
Games Galore
Bring your favorite game or learn a new game for a fun afternoon. Light refreshments served. Sign-up with Pat, 914-232-3508

December 27, Thursday, 11 a.m.
Ages 4-7
Children's Storytime and Crafts with Kim Kovach
Kim will read some wonderful stories and the children can have fun with doing crafts. Sign-up in the Children's Room, 914-232-1233.

December 27, Thursday, 3:30 p.m.
Movie: The Last Mimzy (PG, 1 hour 35 min.)
A brother & sister find themselves in a fantastical adventure when they acquire a new toy.

The trustees and staff at the Katonah Village Library wish you a very Happy New Year!

Best Books of 2007

2007-12-11T16:00:00.000-05:00

The New York Times, Washington Post, Los Angeles Times and so many other publications have selected the best books for 2007. Listed below are the internet links for these lists for adult and children's books.

ADULTS

New York Times
Notable Books
Best 10 Books

Amazon.com
Best Books of 2007 (so far)

Boston Globe
Best Books of the Year

Los Angeles Times
Favorite Books - ficton and poetry
Favorite Books - nonfiction

National Books Awards

New York Magazine
Best Novels You've Ever Read - last 10 years
Best Comics of the Year

Publisher's Weekly
Best Books of the Year

Washington Post
Best Books
Top Ten Books

USA Book News
Best Book Awards

CHILDREN & TEENS

New York Times
Notable Books

Los Angeles Times
Favorite Childrens Books

School Library Journal
SLJ's Best Books
Best Adult Books for High School Students

American Library Assocation
Notable Children's Books

Young Adult Library Services Assocation
Best Books for Young Adults

Volunteers needed at Katonah Historical Museum

2007-10-15T18:16:00.000-04:00

The Katonah Historical Museum plans to re-open this fall, with its continued showing of the exhibit "Living Historically: A Celebration of Katonah's Historic Homes". "Living Historically" features sets of photographs taken over time that show the architectural changes, restoration and current residents of many of Katonah's historic homes. Volunteers are needed to man the Museum on Saturdays for all or part of the shift from 12:00-4:00 p.m. No particular historical expertise is required. The Historical Museum is located under the cupola of the Katonah Village Library. Contact Carroll Welch at 232-1351 or Deirdre Courtney-Batson at 232-4320.

October & November at the Library

2007-10-15T15:46:00.000-04:00

It is already October and the Annual Book Sale - the library's big fundraiser is just about to happen. It starts on October 20th and ends on October 27th - click here for more information.

The Children's Room will be celebrating Halloween with a costume parade and book displays have been set up in the Children's Room and the Young Adult table.

Another book display will commemorate Red Ribbon Week (Oct. 21-27).

Remember Children's Room has storytimes for preschoolers of different ages every week - click here for more information.

Contact numbers:
Children's Room -914-232-1233
All other - 914-232-3508

UPCOMING PROGRAMS

Halloween Treats - Stories & Craft - Children's Room
Sign-up starts Oct. 5
Oct. 18, 4 pm - kindergarten & 1st graders
Oct. 25, 4 pm - 2nd & 3rd graders, 4 pm

2007 Bookmark Contest Starts - Children's Room
Starts Oct. 20; ends Nov. 2nd. , kindergarten to 6th grade

We are looking for original bookmark designs using the theme "Reading is Magical." Entry forms are available in the Children's Room. Winners will be announced on Nov. 12th.

Pizza Night and Book Discussion - Children's Room
Oct. 22, 6:30 pm
Come enjoy a pizza and lively book talking for 4th & 5th graders. Book to be discussed On the Wings of Heroes by Richard Peck and will be available for pickup in the Children's Room.

Halloween Parade & Party - Children's Room.
Oct. 29, 1:30 pm
Pre-schoolers wear your costumes and join the fun. Sign-up by Oct. 25 in the Children's Room.

Comics Drawing Workshop - Teens
Starts Nov. 5, 7 pm (also on Nov. 12, Dec. 3, & Dec. 10)
The 1st of 4 workshops - attend all or any one of them.
Learn to draw your favorite comic character or invent one of your own with Andrei Lukianoff.
Registration required - contact Pat, YA librarian. $5 materials fee.

Decorate Your Denim - Teens
Nov. 6, 3-5 pm
Girls here's the chance to decorate your jeans like the Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants. For information and to register contact Pat, YA librarian. $5 materials fee.

Adult Book Discussion Group
Nov. 7, 8 p.m.
The group led by Virginia will discuss The Accidental by Ali Smith.

Meet the Author
Nov. 7, 7:30 pm
Architect Micheal Molinelli, author of BuildneatStuff, will provide a presentation on "How Green is Green" explaining "green" or "sustainable" architecture.

Movies in the Afternoon - Billy Wilder Film Series
Nov. 8th, 2:30 pm (intro at 2:15 pm)
Showing the movie The Apartment (2 hr. 5 min.) starring Jack Lemmon, Shirley MacLaine & Fred MacMurray. There will be an introduction at 2:15 pm and a discussion for participants after the movie ends. For more information - click here.

Art Opening - Jane Cooper & Friends
Nov. 10, afternoon
Reception for art exhibition.

Woodland Indians - Children's Room
Hands-on learning with Diane Kessler about the Native Americans who live in our area.
Sign-up starts Oct. 26.
Nov. 8, 4 pm - kindergarten & 1st graders.
Nov. 15, 4 pm - 2nd & 3rd graders

Teen Reading Group
Nov. 15, 5 pm
Drop by for an easy-going roundtable discussion of some great reads with Pat, YA librarian. We'll be discussing Heir Apparent by Vivian Van de Velde. Book will be available at the library.

Scrabble & Sudoku - Adult
Nov. 19, 7 pm
Join us for a fun night of games. Registration required.

Adult Book Discussion Group
Nov. 21, 8 pm
Virginia will lead the discussion of Angels & Insects by A.S. Byatt.

Games Galore for Families
Nov. 23, sessions start at 3 & 4 pm.
Bring your favorite game or learn a new game for a fun afternoon. Call Pat, YA librarian, to register.

Meet the Author Nov. 16, 7-9 p.m. ; Nov.24, 2-4:30 p.m.

Katonah author Michael Balkind will discuss his recent book Sudden Death.

Meet the Author Nov. 28, 7:30 p.m

Natalie Danford discusses her new novel Inheritance.

September 2007 at the Library.

2007-08-22T17:09:00.000-04:00

The library has all kinds of wonderful entertaining and informative programs for adults, young adults and children.

In September

Childrens Room - new direct telephone number 232-1233.

Pizza Night & Book Discussion - September 24th, 6:30-7:15 p.m. 4th & 5th graders eat a pizza & enjoy discussing The Strange Night Writing of Jessamine Colter by Cynthia Defelice. Books will be available in the Children's Room. Future dates: Oct. 22nd, Nov. 19th & Dec. 17th.

New Mother's Group - 4 week session for new mothers (babies up to 12 months) - meet other moms and share concerns. Deborah Gershon, local pyschotherapist, will lead this informal group. Meets Thursdays at 1 p.m. starting on Sept. 20th. Future dates: Sept. 27th, Oct. 4th & Oct. 11th.

Also find out about the ongoing Story Time programs for Preschoolers - Mother Goose (ages 12-30 months), Toddler Time (ages 2 1/2 to 3 1/2) & Story Time (ages 3s & 4s; 4s & 5s).

Young Adults

Teen Movies - Batman Begins, September 14th, 2:30-5 p.m.

The World Loves Poetry - opportunity for all local poets, amateur or published - young or old, to read their favorite poetry. All ages are welcome to participate.

Coming on October 10th
College Applications - Oauthor Don Dunbar will talk about mistakes to avoid in the college application process.

Adult

Long Term Care Insurance presented by the NYS Office for the Aging, September 10th, Monday, at 6 p.m.

Author Talks - September 17th, Monday:
Jennifer Rosvally & Shura Saul talk about their new book Mother/Daughter Duets at 7:30 p.m.
Dana Brand, author of Mets Fan, will discuss baseball and the life of a Mets fan at 8 p.m.

Financial Services for Women - 3-part series with Catherine Tanzilli, Vice President at Merrill Lynch on Thursdays at 10:30 a.m. starting on September 20th with Market Update. Following dates: September 27th - Why Smart People Make Bad Investment Choices & October 4th - Retiring Successfully.

Adult Book Discussion Group - meets September 19th at 8 p.m. to discuss My Year of Meats by Ruth Ozeki.

Billy Wilder Movie Series - starting on Thursday, September 20th at 2:30 p.m. (2:15 p.m. intro) with Double Indemnity. Future dates: Oct. 11th - Love in the Afternoon, Nov. 8th - The Apartment & Dec. 6th - Some Like It Hot.

The World Loves Poetry - opportunity for all local poets, amateur or published - young or old, to read their favorite poetry on September 29th, 2-4 p.m. All ages are welcome to participate.

For more information about future events, please go to the main website at http://www.katonahlibrary.org/ - click on Events, Newsletter, Childrens Room or Young Adult. You can also contact us by phone (Main - 232-3508; Childrens - 232-1233) or by e-mail at katref@wlsmail.org

Children's Room 2007 Summer Wrap-Up

2007-08-22T17:05:00.000-04:00

Over 100 kids became detectives while participating in our Get A Clue Summer Reading Program. Reading to discover clues provided them with an extra incentive to keep reading all summer. Special thanks to our terrific summer helpers, Gwen Cullen and Alice Kiffer, who manned the KVL Detective Agency.

Harry Potter mania was in the air in July. Nicholas Kristensen was the overall winner in our Harry Potter Trivia Contest. Forty-one kids answered the Seven Questions of harry Potter in the weeks prior to the release of Book 7, anticipating what would happen in the final book. Olivia Walsh won first prize for having the most correct predictions.

Award-Winning Books

2007-08-22T16:19:00.000-04:00

2006 & 2007 Winners

ADULT BOOKS

Man Booker Prize - 2006 Winner - The Inheritance of Loss by Kiran Desai - click here for books on the shortlist. For the 2007 longlist click here.

National Book Awards - 2006 Fiction Winner - The Echo Maker by Richard Powers - click here for winners in other categories & the shortlist.

Quill Book Awards - 2006 Book of the Year - Don't Make a Black Woman Take off Her Earrings: Madea's Uninhibited Commentaries on Love and Life by Tyler Perry - click here for winners in other categories.

For lists of other 2006 award winning books - click here.

TLS Best Books of the Year 2006 - click here

YOUNG ADULT BOOKS

Young Adult Literary Services Association - Best Books for Young Adults 2007 - click here.
Nominations for 2008 - click here.

Teens Tops Tens - 2006 list - click here. For 2007 nominees - click here.

Printz Award - 2007 Winner - American Born Chinese by Gene Luen Yan. Honor awards also listed.

Mark Twain Book Award - 2007 Winner - Abduction by Peg Kehret. For 2008 nominees - click here.

School Library Journal Best Books for 2006 - click herehttp://www.ala.org/ala/alsc/awardsscholarships/literaryawds/newberymedal/newberymedal.htm

For more award winners & booklists - click here.

CHILDRENS BOOKS

Association of Library Service to Children - 2007 Notable Children's Books - click here.

Caldecott Award - 2007 Winner - Flotsam by David Wiesner. Honor winners - click here.

Newbery Medal Award - 2007 Winner - The Higher Power of Lucky by Susan Patron. Honor winners - click here.

For more award winners - click here.

Sloan Wainwright Unable to Perform at July 28th Concert

2007-07-26T17:38:00.000-04:00

The New Middle Class -- Barbara and Mike Borok -- will be joining The Clancy Tradition, The Walant Family Irish Step Dancers and The Disappoinments on Saturday's Katonah Village Library Benefit Concert at The Harvey School. Picnicing is encouraged from 4:30pm and music will begin at approximately 5pm. Check back with the Library arfter 12pm on Saturday at 232-3508 fori nclement weather updates. Sloan Wainwright regretably announced that she cannot perform on Saturday due to an extensive leg injury and we wish her aspeedy recovery.

August Events at the Library

2007-07-24T12:14:00.000-04:00

August 6th, Monday, evening - Mad Hatter Party & Ice Cream Social, Children's Room.

August 8th, Wednesday, 6 p.m. - Book & Pizza - Forever in Blue will be discussed, 11-14 years old. Sign-up.

August 10th, Friday, 3 p.m. - Summer Teen Movies - Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants.

August 13th, Monday, 3 p.m. - Games Galore II, ages 9-14, bring your own board games.

August 13th, Monday, 6:30 p.m. - Pizza Dinner Reading Group, Children's Room. Sign-up.

August 15th, Wednesday, 7 p.m. - Sudoku Nite for Everyone. Join us & compete against other Sudoku players. Win book prizes. Light Refreshment served

August 23rd, Thursday, 2:30 p.m. - Movies in the Afternoon - Yankee Doodle Dandy.

For more information about any of these events, please go to:
Children's Room
Young Adult Page
Movies in the Afternoon

July at the Library

2007-07-09T19:53:00.000-04:00

We have wonderful programs for July 2007.

The Library's Third Annual Concert takes place on July 28th at the Harvey School, Route 22. More information - Concert Page.

July 16th - Harry Potter Trivia Contest - join for a fun afternoon of trivia questions. Anyone can win - all young folk are invited to participate. More information - Harry Potter Events page.

Meanwhile the Harry Potter & the Deathly Hallows Guessing Game is still going full speed ahead. Just drop by the Children's Room & fill out the all the questions. There will be 7 by July 16th. The last date & time for submissions is July 20th, Friday, at 5 p.m. More information - Harry Potter Events Page.

July 25th at 7 p.m. there will be a Cartooning Workshop with Mike Teator for young adults.

The series Movies in the Afternoon will continue with Cimarron the 1931 Oscar winner.

For future events please go to the Events Calendar, Children's Room and the Young Adult pages.

April 2007 Events

2007-03-27T17:49:00.000-04:00

April will be a very busy month at the Katonah Village Library.

We will be celebrating National Poetry Month, the Appalachian Fiddle Faddlers are coming, KVIS will celebrate the 110th anniversary of the Katonah Village Move and several movies will be shown, among so much more.

March 28 - April 21st - The John Jay High School Art Exhibition will be on view. The opening takes place on March 28th, 4:30-6:30 p.m.

April 1st, Sunday, 4 p.m. - the Katonah Poetry Series will host poet Brenda Hillman - click here for more.

April 4th, Wednesday, 1 p.m. - Special Vacation Story - "Eggs" for ages 6 & up. Please sign-up in the Children's Room, 914-232-3508

April 4th, Wednesday, 2 p.m. - free showing of the movie Harry Potter & the Goblet of Fire - click here for more.

April 4th, Wednesday, 7:30 p.m. - The Bedford Audubon Society hosts entomologist Dr. David L. Wagner who will give a talk - Tales of Woe, Deception and Wonder: The Myriad Defenses of Caterpillars. Open to the public.

April 9th, Monday, 7 p.m. - Poetry Workshop with Karen Rippstein - click here for more.

April 11th, Wednesday, 7:30 p.m. - Book Discussion: Harry Potter & the Half-Blood Prince and What Happens Next - click here for more.

April 11th, Wednesday, 7:30 p.m. - U.S. Immigration Policy: Issues and Approaches roundtable discussion hosted by The Great Decisions Discussion Group, a chapter fo the Foreign Policy Association. Suggested contribution (to library): $10.

April 13th, Friday, 7 p.m. - free reception to kick off 110th anniversary of the Katonah Village Move.

April 14th, Saturday - all day celebration of the 110th anniversary of the Katonah Village Move. In addition, the Children's Room will provide some special events.

April 14th, Saturday, 6:30 p.m. - KVIS hosts the showing of the movies All the President's Men.

April 16th, Monday, 7 p.m. - Appalachian Fiddle Faddlers, a M&M Production for the entire family - click here for more.

April 18th, Monday, 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. - Spring Rejuvnation - a collaboration between Family U. and the Katonah Village Library. For more information click here.

April 21st, Saturday, 2 p.m. - Have Poem - Will Read - an open mic poetry reading experience for all - click here for more. Readers & listeners are both very welcome.

April 23rd, Monday, 6:30 p.m. - Readers' Dinner for 4th & 5th Graders. Book to be discussed Love That Dog by Sharon Creech. Books available in the Children's Room.

April 28th, Saturday - Opening day for the Beaux Arts exhibition.

April 30th, Monday, 2:30 p.m. - Movies in the Afternoon series continues with Only Angels Have Wings. Click here for more.

April 30th, Monday, 7 p.m. - Celebrating the 30th Anniversary of Star Wars Episode IV - New Hope.

Upcoming in May:

We will also show The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi on the following 2 Mondays in May.

Star Wars author Jude Watson will also do an author's talk on May 11th

To look for future events at the Katonah Village Library, please go to our website www.katonahlibrary.org and click on Events Calendar in the upper left corner.

Hope you can make it to some of these exciting events.

December 2006

2006-11-21T12:09:00.000-05:00

There will great things to see and do at the Katonah Village Library in December.

Two art exhibitions in our downstairs exhibit rooms from December 2-28th.

Lasdon Botanical Art - see artwork done by students who have attended the botanical art classes at Lasdon Arboretum led by Corinne Lapin-Cohen. Reception: Dec. 2nd, 2-4 p.m.

Paintings by Anna Feld - Improvisation Series: Color and Gesture. Reception: Dec. 2nd, 2-4 p.m.

Out of the Box Art is a free course at the library offered in collaboration with the Westchester Community College Mainstream. It takes place on Mondays at 10 a.m. and the last two classes will take place on Nov. 27th & Dec. 4th. This course has gotten rave reviews. Call 914-606-6793 for more information.

The New Mothers Group will be meeting on Dec. 1st to learn about poison prevention. Click here for more information or call 232-3508 and ask for the Children's Room.

Children, ages 6-12, will have a great time doing Artsy Collage Holiday Cards on Saturday, Dec. 9th, at 11 a.m. Artist Jamie Ross will bring a collection of diverse and unique materials for you to use to create individual one of a kind holiday cards. There is limited enrollment, so please call The Children's Room at 232-3508 to register.

The 2005 movie Chronicles of Narnia will be shown on Thursday, Dec. 28th, at 2 p.m. for grades 5 and up. Call Pat Humphreys, Young Adult Librarian, at 232-3508 to sign-up.

The Northern Westchester Music Teachers Alliance will present its students in a Christmas Concert of Musical Selections on Sunday, Dec. 10th, at 3 p.m.

On Dec. 6th at 7:30 p.m. the Bedford Audubon Society will host "DNA Bar Coding as a Method of Plant Identification" presented by Dr. Kenneth M. Cameron.

To find out about our regular programs - book groups, storytimes, etc. please go to our website and click on Events Calendar (up left hand corner) or look in Upcoming Events.

In Memoriam - Elaine Levy

2006-11-13T17:45:00.000-05:00

The Katonah Village Library is sad to note the sudden passing on October 29th of one of its bright lights - Elaine Levy. Elaine worked at the circulation desk for the past two years and had a smile for everyone who came in the door. We will miss her.

Elaine is survived by three adult sons - Ed, Richard and David, as well as a granddaughter Anna.

Annual Concert in the Park - August 12

2006-07-15T12:16:00.000-04:00

The Katonah Village Library Presents the Second Annual Concert in the Park

Katonah Village Library is pleased to present Sloan Wainwright and the Clancy Tradition at the Second Annual Concert in the Park.

This free concert will start at 6 p.m. and take place on the softball field at the Katonah Village Memorial Park, top of North Street. The park will be open for pinicking starting at 5 p.m. Grab a spot of ground and enjoy a light supper before the music begins.

Donations are accepted.

Raindate: August 13th.

For more information please go to the Katonah Village Library's website or call us at 914-232-3508.

Katonah Kid's Book Reviews

2006-07-10T13:15:00.000-04:00

Kids' Book Reviews
Post Your Review Online

Have you read a great book and want to tell other kids about it? Are you looking for a great read. If so this is for you . . .

Share your opinions on line
and/or
Look online to find a great book to read.

Write a short review, 50 words or less. Include your first name and age, the book's title and author, and what age group should read the book.

E-mail your review to katref@westchesterlibraries.org

The following book reviews were provided by the children and young adult readers at the Katonah Village Library.

Book Reviewer: Lauren, age 12
Olive's Ocean by Kevin Henkes
This chapter book is about a girl named Martha, who, over her summer vacation, goes with her family to visit her grandmother by the seaside. There, she falls in love, has her heart broken, nearly drowns, learns about her grandmother, and learns more about herself than ever by pursuing her dreams and paying tribute to Olive, a girl in her class that had died and written about Martha in her diary. This book is a perfect summer read-short and sweet, with a lot of descriptions of summer fun and the beach.
Best for tweens 10-14.

Book Reviewer: Ava, age 11
The Wright 3 by Blue Balliett, illustrations by Brett Helquist is the sequel to the fantastic book, Chasing Vermeer. As school wraps up for Calder and Petra , Tommy Segovia comes back to Hyde Park and so does another mystery for the three to figure out. The famous Robie House designed by Frank Lloyd Wright is in jeopardy of being torn down. The three try to save the house but have trouble when mysterious happenings occur at the house. Will Calder, Petra and Tommy be able to save the house and figure out the mystery along with it? Read the book to find out the answer!!!!
Recommended for ages ?

Book Reviewer: Zoe, age 9
The Wish by Gail Carson Levine
This book is about a girl named Wilma. She had always wished to be popular, but she never thought her wish would come true. But on the subway one day she met an extraordinary woman who granted her wish. Suddenly her life is everything she's ever dreamed of lots of friends, she has 40 invites to a dance. But how will she be sure that her popularity will not end? This book is good because the story is very exciting and has a lot of good characters, it is also a good story about friendship.
This book is good for children 9 and up.

Book Reviewer: Lauren, age 12
Dominic by William Steig
Dominic by William Steig was a fabulous book. Most kids could probably read it in a day because it's short. Dominic is probably best for kids 8-12 because there's some challenging vocabulary. Illustrations by the author throughout the book are very cute. A great summer read about an endearing dog!

Book Reviewer: Zoe, age 9
Horrible Histories:France by Terry Deary
This book talks about the history of France in a funny way. It tells about all the battles and revolutions France had. There are cartoons, jokes and quizzes. This book is in a series called Horrible Histories. I love this book and all the other books in this series. This book is good for children 9 and up.

Thank you to all the reviewers who contributed to this page and wrote such wonderful reviews!

Fishing Tips, June 10th, 3 pm

2006-05-23T12:26:00.000-04:00

Fishing Tips

Bring your father to the Children's Room on Saturday, June 10th, at 3 p.m. and learn how to "reel them in" with fishing tips from members of the Northern Westchester Sportman's Club. All the basics of making your first or any outing with dad with a rod and a reel successful, so that you and your dad can catch and release fish.

The Northern Westchester Sportsman's Club will host the program which will have you and your dad reeling them in. Topics covered will be how to set up you fishing rod, how to cast and what kind of bait to use.

Don't have equipment? Don't let that stop you from attending the event. The Club has also donated three fishing rods and tackle boxes which you may borrow.

For further information or to sign up for this event please call the Children's Room, 914-232-3508.

Mother-Daughter Book Discussion Group - Summer 2006

2006-05-19T16:31:00.000-04:00

Mother/Daughter Middle School Book Discussion Group

Connie Kamerman from the Children's Room at the Katonah Village Library will lead the Mother/Daughter Middle School Discussion Group starting with the classic National Velvet by Enid Bagnold on Wednesday, June 21st, 2006, at 8 p.m. During the summer months, girls in 6th, 7th and 8th grades, and their mothers can drop in and attend any of the four Wednesday meetings to discuss the books in an informal setting. No registration is required - drop in once or twice or for all four evenings. For more informaton about books and meeting dates click here.

Books will be available at Katonah Village Library's main circulation desk about 3 weeks before each meeting. For further information please call 914-232-3508 and ask for the Children's Room.

Ogden Reid - Congress vs. State Department, May 4, 8 p.m.

2006-04-10T15:14:00.000-04:00

Ogden Reid to Explain Relationship between Congress and State Department

Ogden Reid, former Westchester Congressman and U.S. Ambassador, will explain how Congress impacts foreign policy at a public session of the Northern Westchester Great Decisions chapter of the Foreign Policy Association at the Katonah Village Library on May 4 at 8 p.m. A question-and-answer period will follow Mr. Reid’s talk.

Mr. Reid, a native of Purchase, N.Y., is currently Chairman of the Council of American Ambassadors. He was a Congressman from 1961 to 1974 and U.S. Ambassador to Israel from 1959 to 1961. In Congress, he served on several key committees, including Foreign Affairs, Education and Labor, and Government Operations. He chaired the New York State commission on Human Rights in 1961 and later became Commissioner of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. From 1953 to 1959, he was president and editor of the New York Herald Tribune. His business experience has included membership on the boards of several corporations. A graduate of Yale University, he served as a First Lieutenant of Parachute Infantry in World War II. Currently, he is editor of “The Ambassadors Review,” a quarterly magazine published by the Council of American Ambassadors, a nonpartisan, professional organization established in 1983.

Open speaker sessions are co-sponsored by the Katonah chapter of the Great Decisions Program and the Katonah Village Library. The Great Decisions group, which meets ten times a year, is one of several national chapters sponsored by the Foreign Policy Association, a national, independent, non-governmental, nonprofit educational organization headquartered in New York City.

The Great Decisions Program is the oldest grassroots world affairs organization in the U.S. and provides programs and publications for use in schools, communities and businesses. Members of the Katonah group include retired teachers, lawyers, government officials, business executives, journalists and authors. A $10 contribution to the Katonah Village Library is suggested to attendees of public sessions. For more information, please call Fred Piker, Discussion Leader, at (914) 232-7061.

April is Poetry Month

2006-04-07T13:07:00.000-04:00

April is Poetry Month

Celebrate National Poetry Month - Read a Poem by Your Favorite Author.

As the Academy of American Poets say on their website National Poetry Month was

"[i]naugurated by the Academy in April 1996, National Poetry Month (NPM) brings together publishers, booksellers, literary organizations, libraries, schools, and poets around the country to celebrate poetry and its vital place in American culture. Thousands of businesses and non-profit organizations participate through readings, festivals, book displays, workshops, and other events."

Young Hilda Conkling's definition of poems is very apt:

Poems come like boats
With sails for wings;
Crossing the sky swiftly
They slip under tall bridges of cloud
(Poems by a Little Girl, 1920)

You can find out more about poets and poems at:

The Academy of American Poets

The Poetry Foundation

The librarians in the Westchester Library System have put together a page
with all kinds of information about poetry at:

WLS Poetry

The month of April is also celebrated as:

National Autism Awareness Month
Jazz Appreciations Month
Alcohol Awareness Month
Appreciate Diversity Month
Cancer Control Month
Child Abuse Prevention Month
Couple Appreciation Month
Donate Life Month
Fresh Florida Tomato Month
Grange Month
Holy Humor Month
Informed Woman Month
Injury Prevention Month
International Customer Loyalty Month

and last, but not least,
International Twit Award Month
International Daffynitions Month

The above list was obtained from Chase's Calender of Events 2006 (McGraw-Hill), which is available in the reference section of the library at Dewey Decimal number 394.2 C.

Writing for Discovery, April 20, 27 & May 4

2006-03-22T15:22:00.000-05:00

Writing for Discovery with Phyllis G. Ross

A Fundraiser for the Katonah Village Library

A Writing to Learn group is a community of writers - new and experienced - who bring head, heart and spirit of discovery to the work of writing and thinking. These three-session writing groups explore thoughts and feelings through different writing strategies. The group will write to enhance understanding, insight and self-awareness. There will be brief readings in preparation for some sesssions, but the heart of the work will take place in the group writing, sharing our writings and finding our voices.

Phyllis G. Ross will lead this 3-session writing program on Thursdays, April 20, April 27 and May 4th from 10-11:30 am at the Library. The fee for this fundraising event is $75 per person and checks should be made payable to the Katonah Village Library. Please register as soon as possible, since this program will be limited to 10 people. Call 914-232-8871 to register.

Phyllis G. Ross, LMSW, DSW, is a social work practitioner and educator who trained at the Bard Institute for Writing and Thinking. She has taught writing as a part of the Bard Institute summer program and has facilitated writing workshops for teachers, members of the community and executives in the nonprofit sector.

Pianist Artis Wodehouse - April 2, 2006 Benefit Concert

2006-03-21T15:21:00.000-05:00

Artis Wodehouse to Give Benefit Concert for the Katonah Village Library

Artis Wodehouse, pianist, reed organist and music historian, has graciously donated her time and talent to offer a special concert at the Katonah Village Library on April 2, 2006 at 4 p.m. Ms. Wodehouse is a specialist in historic sound recordings and a performer of new and neglected music.

The New York Times has called Ms. Wodehouse the “savior of the old and neglected.” Time Magazine called her internationally best-selling 1993 recording “Gershwin Plays Gerswhin: The Piano Rolls” on the Nonesuich label, “a remarkable example of technology put to the service of art.”

Ms. Wodehouse teaches locally at Bramson’s Music in Mount Kisco, New York. The suggested donation for the concert will be $5 per person.

As a pianist, organist and music historian, Artis Wodehouse has established herself as a specialist in historic sound recordings. She received a DMA in piano performance practice from Stanford University where she used early sound recordings to study 19th century piano performance style. She has recorded the electro-acoustic Invisible Cities by Michael McNabb on the Wergo Label, and music of Villa-Lobos with pianist Alfred Heller on Etcetera.

Most recently, Ms. Wodehouse realized a CD on the Warner Classics label, Zez Confrey Piano Rolls and Scores devoted to the American Jazz Age composer/pianist. Her CD is the first inclusive modern recording to show the range and scope of Confrey’s music for the player piano as well as for the human performer.

In addition to her doctorate from Stanford, Wodehouse holds a Master of Music in Piano Performance from Yale University and a Bachelor of Music from the Manhattan School of Music.

Urban Sprawl & the Landscape - Author Talk, March 29th, 7:30 pm

2006-03-21T13:16:00.000-05:00

Owen Gutfreund Addresses Urban Sprawl and the Landscape

On Wednesday, March 29, 2006, Owen Gutfreund, Assistant Professor of History and the Urban Studies Director of the Barnard and Columbia Urban Studies Programs, will give a special presentation at the Library on twentieth century sprawl and landscape. Join us for an intriguing study of the causes and catalysts of suburban sprawl. This event is open to the public.

Professor Gutfreund's talk at the Library coincides with the Katonah Museum of Art and the Hudson River Museum's look at the art and history of suburbia, Westchester the American Suburb, a collaborative show running through May 2006.

Dr. Gutfreund's book Twentieth Century Sprawl: Highways and the Reshaping of the American Landscape offers an illuminating look at how the American highway system has dramatically transformed American communities. He analyzes several American communities including Denver, Colorado and Middlebury, Vermont to tell a compelling story of how government sponsored highway development radically transformed America's cities and towns. This "follow the money" approach to studying government subsidized suburban development also looks at the country's increased dependence on cars at the expense of efficiency, ecological concerns and social equity issues.

New Mothers Discussion Group - April/May 2006

2006-03-21T11:16:00.000-05:00

New Mothers Discussion Group

New mothers and their infants, birth to 12 months, are invited to attend these monthly meetings. The goal of this program is to give new mothers information to enrich their parenting skills and an opportunity to meet other new mothers. Each meeting will feature a speaker who will lead a discussion on a topic of interest to new mothers. There is always an opportunity for questions and group discussion.

All meetings will be held at The Katonah Village Library at 10 a.m. on the dates listed below. For information call Vicki Ingrassia at 232-3508 at the Library.

How to Talk with Your Pediatrician
April 7, 2006, Friday

Tips on how to make the most out of your visits with your pediatrician

Presented by Dr. Amy Handler, pediatrician and mother.

What New Parents Need to Know About Wills
May 5, 2006, Friday

This program will give you useful information about wills with emphasis on the importance of Guardians and Executors for families with young children.

Presented by Carolyn Harting, Attorney-at-Law, who has a private practice in Bedford Village which specializes in Estate Law.

Movable Magic with Paul Johnson, March 31, 2006

2006-03-03T14:21:00.000-05:00

Paul Johnson Presents Movable Magic
(How many books can he pull from one suitcase?)

On Friday, March 31st, at 7 p.m., watch Paul Johnson pull a library's worth of movable/pop-up books - many his own, others made by British schoolchildren - from a single suitcase. He'll talk about the endless power of the book as an aesthetic form and its special fascination for children of all ages. No admission charge.

To register and for more information call Vicki Ingrassia, Children's Librarian, at 914-232-3508.

Paul Johnson is internationally recognized for his pioneering work on developing literacy through the book arts and as a paper engineer and book artist. Author of over 15 titles including A Book of One's Own, Literacy Through the Book Arts and Pictures and Words Together, he ran until recently the Book Art Project from Manchester Metropolitan University. His movable books are in the collections of the Cooper-Hewett Museum in New York, the National Gallery, the Library of Congress, the University of California at Berkeley and Yale University, among other institutions. His work selected for Stand and Deliver - an exhibition of editioned movable books that has been touring the U.S. He exhibits widely and is on the United Kingdom Craft Council's select list of British designer-makers.

Great Decisions - Islam & Mid-East Politics - March 15th

2006-02-11T12:31:00.000-05:00

Islam: From an Angel's Whisper to World Conquest

On March 15, 2006, 8 p.m., Mark Weston, scholar-author of Mid-East and Oriental history, will come to the Katonah Village Library to speak about Islam the religion and its impact on the politics of the Mid-East. The Northern Westchester Great Decisions Chapter of the Foreign Policy Association has invited him as its featured speaker at its public session.

Mr. Weston, who grew up in Armonk, N.Y., recently returnd from Saudi Arabia where he was a Visiting Scholar at King Faisal Center for Research and Islamic Studies. He is now completing a new book Prophets and Princes: Saudi Arabia from Muhammad to the Present. He has also written the books The Land and People of Pakistan (1992), Giants of Japan: The Lives of Japan's Greatest Men and Women (1990), as well as two plays.

This program is co-sponsored by Katonah Great Decisions Group and the Katonah Village Library. A $10 contribution for the Katonah Village Library is suggested. For more information, please call Fred Piker, discussion leader of the group, at (914)232-7061. The Katonah Village Library is located at 26 Bedford Rd., Katonah, NY. Call the library for directions at (914)232-3508.

New Mothers Discussion Group - Feb. - May 2006

2006-02-09T15:53:00.000-05:00

New Mothers Discussion Group

Learning to Talk
March 3, 2006, Friday

Language development begins at birth. Your infant's crying, cooing, babbling all lead to the day she/he will say their first words. Dr. Pike will discuss language development during the first year and show you ways of interacting with your baby that will stimulate language growth.

Presented by Dr. Susan Pike who is a pediatic speech-language pathologist with certification from the American Speech-Hearing Language Association. Dr. Pike has recently published a book called Talk Me Into It: Preparing Children for School Success Through Language.

TBA
April 7, 2006, Friday

What New Parents Need to Know About Wills
May 5, 2006, Friday

This program will give you useful information about wills with emphasis on the importance of Guardians and Executors for families with young children.

Presented by Carolyn Harting, Attorney-at-Law, who has a private practice in Bedford Village which specializes in Estate Law.

Tax Assistance with AARP

2006-01-31T13:36:00.000-05:00

Starting on February 6, 2006, AARP Tax-Aide volunteers will provide tax counseling and preparation services to millions of low- and middle-income taxpayers, with special attention to those ages 60 and older.

You do not need an appointment, just walk-in and speak with volunteers on Mondays & Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., excepting holidays like President's Day Feb. 20th. Please bring all the necessary 2005 tax information, and last year's federal and state tax returns.

For more information about this service please go to http://www.aarp.org/money/taxaide/taxpreparation/a2004-01-22-findtheaarp.html.

For the AARP Tax-Aide frequently asked tax questions go to http://www.aarp.org/money/taxaide/taxcounseling/.

For the IRS frequently asked tax questions go to http://www.irs.gov/faqs/index.html

New Mothers - Winter 2006

2005-12-28T16:47:00.000-05:00

New Mothers Discussion Group

New mothers and their infants, birth to 12 months, are invited to attend these monthly meetings. The goal of this program is to give new mothers information to enrich their parenting skills and an opportunity to meet other new mothers. Each meeting will feature a speaker who will lead a discussion on a topic of interest to new mothers. There is always an opportunity for questions and group discussion.

All meetings will be held at The Katonah Village Library at 10 a.m. on the dates listed below. For information call Vicki Ingrassia at 232-3508 at the Library.

Marriage After Motherhood
January 6, 2006, Friday
An open discussion about the many ways your relationship with your husband changes after baby arrives.
Presented by: Alisa Stern, Psy.D. a clinical psychologist who specializes in pre- and post-natal care. Ms. Stern has a private practice in Mount Kisco.

New Baby and the Family
February 3, 2006, Friday
Using simple art materials in a guided exercise, new mothers will examine their conflicting feelings about the experience of being a new mother.
Presented by: Ellen Hauben, MS, ATR and Susan Leffler, Psy.D. Ms. Hauben and Ms. Leffler facilitate expressive art workshops, title Circle of Life, for women experiencing transitions of life.

BEST & FAVORITE BOOKS 2005

2005-12-20T10:52:00.000-05:00

Links are provided for the Best and Favorite Book lists, as well as 2005 award winners from many different sources.

ADULT BOOKS

New York Times, The 10 Best Books 2005 - click here

Los Angeles Times, Favorite Books of 2005
Fiction - click here
Non-Fiction - click here
What Writers are Reading - click here

The Journal News, Writers' Recommendations - click here

Times Literary Supplement, TLS Books of the Year - click here

The Man Booker Prize 2005 - click here for shortlist
Winner - The Sea by John Banville

National Book Award 2005 - click here for finalists
Winner in Fiction - Europe Central by William T. Vollman
Winner in Non-Fiction - The Year of Magical Thinking by Joan Didion
Winner in Poetry - Migration: New and Selected Poems by W.S. Merwin
Winner in Young People's Literature - The Penderwicks by Jeanne Birdsall

For more award winners - click here and for the Quill Book Awards click here

YOUNG ADULT BOOKS

School Library Journal, Adult Books for High School Students 2005 - click here

Young Adult Library Services Assocation, Best Books for Young Adults 2005 - click here
2005 Teens' Top Ten Books - click here

Mark Twain Book Award 2005 - click here for past years and nominees
Winner - Wenny has Wings by Janet Lee Carey

Printz Award 2005 - click here for Honor books
Winner - how i live now by Meg Rosoff

For more book lists and award winners - click here

CHILDREN'S BOOKS

School Library Journal, Best Books 2005 - click here

American Library Association 2005 Notable Children's Books - click here

Caldecott Medal Winner 2005 - click here for the Honor books
Winner - Kitten's First Full Moon by Kevin Henkes

Newbery Medal Winner 2005 - click here for the Honor books
Winner - Kira-Kira by Cynthia Kadohata

For more award winners - click here.

Children's Room Events - Winter 2006

2005-12-16T15:42:00.000-05:00

The librarians in Katonah Library's Children's Room have planned some special programs for Winter 2006:
Volcanoes, hands-on learning experience, Alice in Wonderland, M& M Production's version of this classic, Girls Being Girls, a group puzzle workshop, and Pop-Up Books with Paul Johnson.

For more information about any of these special events or ongoing programs such as storytimes, readers dinners and New Mothers group please contact the Children's Room at 914-232-3508.
For a complete shedule of programs in the Children's Room please go to http://www.localendar.com/public/katlibrary

VOLCANOES

Hands on learning is fun with educator Diane Kessler. Each program will meet for two classes. Children will learn about volcanoes and build one to take home. Space is limited, please register in the Children's Room.

For kindergartners and first graders
Mondays, February 6 and 13 at 4:00 p.m.

For second and third graders
Mondays, March 6 and 13 at 4:00 p.m.

FAMILY NIGHT - ALICE IN WONDERLAND
March 13, 2006, 7:00 p.m.

M and M Productions presents Alice in Wonderland in an adaptation by Marilyn Heberling of Lewis Carroll's delightful and wacky classic story which includes all the familiar characters as the Queen of Hearts and the Mad Hatter who send Alice through her adventures in Wonderland. This fast-paced show has opportunities for audience participation. The actors play several characters, even doors and set pieces, unfolding the story with imagination and fun. For school age children and parents.
Free tickets will be available in the Children's Room beginning March 1st.

GIRLS BEING GIRLS
A Group Puzzle Workshop
January 30, 2006, 7:00-8:00 p.m.

A workshop for girls which will explore feelings related to "fitting in" socially through the hands-on experience of creating a group puzzle. It is not unusual for girls this age to feel stressed and anxious about how to "fit-in." The Group Puzzle workshop is designed to give girls a gentle, fun, hands-on opportunity to explore their feelings about becoming part of a group. Using simple art materials to create their own puzzle pieces, the girls will "fit" their pieces together with the others in the group to form a group puzzle. This workshop is presented by Ellen Haube, MS, ATR and Susan Leffler, Psy.D. who facilitate expressive art workshops, titled Circle of Life, for women and girls experiencing transitions of life.
Please sign up in the Children's Room by January 27, 2006.

POP-UP BOOKS WITH PAUL JOHNSON
March 31, 2006, 7:00 p.m.

Paul Johnson will show how much fun pop-up books really are.
Please call the Children's Room at 232-3508 to register.

We Now Have Wireless Access

2005-11-30T13:56:00.000-05:00

Patrons can now bring in their own wireless-enabled laptops or pda and access the Internet using our new high speed wireless service.

In order to connect, your computer must have a WiFi-compatible network card installed (802.11b or 802.11g).

Children's Room Autumn 2005 Schedule

2005-10-14T16:37:00.000-04:00

Here is a short list of events happening in the Children's Room at the Katonah Village Library this Fall. For information on all events in the Children's Room please call the children's librarian at 232-3508.

Please scroll down this page to see announcements for other library events.

New Mothers Discussion Group

New mothers and their infants, birth to 12 months, are invited to attend these monthly meetings. The goal of this progam is to give new mothers information to enrich their parenting skills and an opportunity to meet other new mothers. Each meeting will feature a speaker who will lead a discussion on a topic of interest to new mothers. There is always an opportunity for questions and group discussion. All the meetings will be held at The Katonah Village Library at 10:00 a.m. on the following dates:

The ABC's of Spinal and Neuromuscular Development in Infants

Baby's First Foods

For information call Vicki Ingrassia at 232-3508 at the Katonah Village Library.

Story Time for Preschoolers

Toddler Time
Thirty minute program of stories, crafts and nursery rhymes for children ages 2 1/2 to 3 1/2, and their caregivers. Please sign up for this program as the space is limited.
Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m., until November 6th, 2005.

Story Time
Picture books, songs and crafts introduce children to the wonderful world of books. Drop in.
For 3's and 4's
Mondays at 1:00 p.m., until December 12th, 2005

For 4's and 5's
Tuesdays at 2:00 p.m., until December 12th, 2005
Thursdays at 2:00 p.m., until December 12th, 2005

Founding Day Fundraising Festival, Dec. 10

2005-10-07T12:38:00.000-04:00

125th Anniversary Celebration!

The Katonah Village Library opened on December 10th, 1880 with a total of 400 volumes on hand. Join trustees and library staff in celebration of our 125th birthday with a festival of activities on the big day.

Billy Collins will read in the afternoon, there will be tours of the original library building, a library history slide show, a children's party with entertainment, a holiday boutique and, best of all, an author's meet and greet downstairs on the lower level of the library. To wrap it all up, famed jazz guitarist John Scofield will be playing an intimate concert.

All proceeds from the concert ticket sales will go to benefit the library.

For further details go to http://www.katonahlibrary.org/katonah125th.html

Westchester Reads - Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Nov. 7

2005-10-07T12:34:00.000-04:00

The Katonah Village Library celebrates Westchester Reads…..Charlie and The Chocolate Factory with a Family Fun Evening November 7 at 7:00.

Actor and friend of the library, John BedfordLloyd will read the first two chapters of this wonderfully, wacky children’s classic by Roald Dahl. Following the reading we will be serving “make your own “chocolate sundaes. Families can check out a copy of the book and receive the first half of their GOLDEN TICKET. When you finish reading the book come into the library and answer a Trivia question about the book and receive the second half of your GOLDEN TICKET. You can use it to enter our Tower of Chocolate Raffle. The drawing will be held November 30.

Please register for the Family Fun Evening by calling The Children’s Room at 232-3508.

The Westchester Reads program is an annual event sponsored by the Westchester Library System to promote family reading. In past years families have enjoyed reading together The Hobbit and Charlotte’s Web.

Literary Luncheon, Tappan Hill, Nov. 3

2005-10-07T12:25:00.000-04:00

In celebration of the 125th Anniversary, the Katonah Village Library cordially invites you to attend our Literary Luncheon on Thursday, November 3, 2005, 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 pm.

The guest authors are:
Nancy Pearl (Book Lust, More Book Lust)
Valerie Tripp (American Girl series)
John Richardson (My Father The Spy)

Location:
Abigail Kirsch at Tappan Hill, Tarrytown

Tickets: $95 per person

There will be a luncheon raffle featuring American Girl Collection, jewelry, wine & other fine prizes.

Book signing will follow the luncheon.

Space is limited. Please RSVP by October 15. Call the Katonah Village Library at 914-232-3508 for information.

Mother-Daughter American Girl Tea, November 2

2005-10-07T11:32:00.000-04:00

For children ages 6 and up!

Readers of the American Girl books will have an opportunity to meet Valerie Tripp, one of the authors of the American Girl series, who will be the guest speaker at this exciting new event. There will be an opportunity after her talk to ask questions. Refreshments will be served.

Date & Time:
Wednesday, November 2, 2005 at 4:15 p.m. in the Garden Room of the Katonah Library.

Cost:
$10 per child and mothers can come for free!

Please contact the Children's Library at the Katonah Library to register for this event. Call 232-3508 and ask for the Children's Librarian. There is limited seating.

Ms. Tripp is the author of many of the books in the American Girl series, an historical fiction series for young readers, ages seven to twelve. To research her characters' time periods -- Molly, 1944; Kit, 1934; Samantha, 1904; Josefina, 1824; and Felicity, 1774 -- Tripp reads extensively; consults with historians, curators, educators, and archivists; visits historical sites, museums, and libraries; and when possible, interviews women who were born at the same time as her characters.

For more information about Valerie Tripp, please click here.

For a list of juvenile books that she has authored please click here.

Annual Fall Book Sale Begins October 22, 2005

2005-10-07T11:18:00.000-04:00

The Annual Book Sale to benefit the Katonah Village Library is a block buster event. As generous donations from the community have increased stock from 20,000 to 25,000 volumes this year, it's become one of the larger sales of its kind in Northern Westchester.

At the sale will be non-fiction books on cooking, travel, history, health and beauty, biography, performing arts, pets, religion, science, and just about any subject that interests you. Fiction works by popular authors will delight, as well as a great selection of videos and CD's. With the large inventory of children's books, patrons can purchase a year's worth of kid's literature for a very low price.

Book donations for the sale are no longer being taken.

Dates & Times

Saturday, Oct. 22 - 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (full price)
Sunday, Oct. 23 - 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. (full price)
Monday, Oct. 24 - 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. (full price)
Tuesday, Oct. 25 - 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (full price)
Wednesday, Oct. 26 - 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. (half price)
Thursday, Oct. 27 - 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (half price)
Friday, Oct. 28 - 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (bargains)
Saturday Oct. 29 - 10 a.m. to 12 noon (make an offer)

New This Year!! Expanded sale in Presbryterian church, across the street!

Saturday, Oct. 22 - 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Sunday, Oct. 23 - 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Monday, Oct. 24 - 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

CONCERT IN THE PARK

2005-06-09T17:19:00.001-04:00

Saturday, July 30 there will be a concert with Sloan Wainwright and The Clancy Tradition in Katonah Memorial Park. It is part of the continuing celebration for the 125th Anniversary of the Katonah Village Library. Please bring your own picnic at 5pm and the concert will start at 6pm.

Read and Grow: Mini Book and Plant Sale at the Katonah Village Library

2005-04-07T17:10:00.001-04:00

On Saturday, May 14, from 10:00 to 4:00, the Katonah Village Library will hold a mini book and plant sale at the old library plaza at the corner of Bedford Road and the Parkway featuring gardening books, children’s books and books for beach reading. This will also be a unique opportunity to preview our big fall book sale, coming up in October. The Katonah Village Improvement Society will be there too, selling all kind of beautiful spring plants to brighten up your garden this year!

Peter Straub to appear at Katonah Village Library Authors Gala in May

2005-04-07T04:40:00.000-04:00

In celebration of their 125th anniversary, Katonah Village Library will hold an Authors Gala at Caramoor on Saturday, May 21st from 5:30 to 10:00 p.m. Honored guest and keynote speaker for the evening will be Peter Straub, author of the best selling books, In the Night Room, Ghost Story, Shadowland, and two novels co-written with Stephen King.

The evening will include a silent auction during the cocktail hour in the Italian Pavilion at Caramoor, followed by dinner and a live auction in the reception tent. Some of the remarkable opportunities up for bid include vacation adventures in Ireland and Cape Cod, backstage passes to Nickelodeon, the Michael Kors fashion show and a tour of CBS’ The Early Show with Dave Price. There will also be Yankee tickets, works of art, and luncheon with a distinguished author, among other treats. For more information on tickets, call Karen Sabath at 914-232-2888

Houlihan Lawrence has already made a commitment to be the library’s exclusive Platinum sponsor at a donation level of $15,000. You can support the Gala through an advertisement in the special Gala Commemorative Journal, which will be distributed at the event. Advertising rates range from $100 for a quarter page ad, to $1000 for a full gold page. For more information on prices, call Midge Iorio at 914-232-6123.

Anniversary Events for 2005

2005-01-13T14:41:00.000-05:00

Be on the lookout for these upcoming 125th anniversary-related events!

Jan. 29 Read-a-thon starts for anyone under 18, including pre-readers with their parents as a team (see below for details)
May 21 Save this date and plan to attend an AUTHOR GALA at Caramoor! This is a very special event that we hope will become an annual tradition.
Summer Look for a special concert this summer and Cassie's Village Day, a special program commemorating the history of Katonah
Dec. 10 A grand culminating event on the true 125th Anniversary Date for the library

Read-A-thon

2005-01-13T02:41:00.000-05:00

The first event this year to celebrate the library's birthday will be the Katonah Village Library Read-a-thon! The kickoff for the read-a-thon will be a reading and pajama party at the library from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 29th. Come to the library to hear the Katonah Elementary School Principal and Vice Principal read books -- in their pajamas! Refreshments will be served and you may pick up your special read-a-thon packet which will explain everything about this month long event.

Pre-schoolers through middle school kids may pledge to read (or be read to) a certain number of pages or books over the next 4 weeks. Family and friends are encouraged to pledge a donation to the library's 125th Anniversary Capital Campaign based on what children read. A children's book illustrator, Katherine Potter, and other special guests will appear in great programs during the weeks to follow.

Come in each Friday in February for a fun program and to report your reading progress. Get a sticker, win a prize and don't miss this chance to liven up those cold winter months while doing something great for yourself AND for the library. Look for more information through school and at the library soon!

Wikipedia Defines Library

2004-09-27T14:21:00.000-04:00

Wikipedia, the online, free encyclopedia where the public contribute entries, has a very rich and interesting entry for "library." Check it out!

Librarians Ruled "Brainiest" in Britain

2004-09-16T15:25:00.000-04:00

In a credit to the library profession, The British Library's team on the BBC2 show "University Challenge - The Professionals" won out as the brainiest of the brainy professionals.

Library Quote of the Day

2004-09-13T14:23:00.000-04:00

From one of our staff members comes the following quotable comment:

"In the indices of quotation books, libraries come right after liberty, and I cannot think of two words better suited to be near each other." – Nancy Kunz (1972 - )

Press Coverage

2004-09-09T15:01:00.000-04:00

Invitations are going out to the press for the "Off The Map" screening. We're hoping to have some reporters and photographers at the event. If you're a member of the press and would like to cover the screening, please contact Nancy Kunz at the library at 232-3508. We have a limited amount of press passes, but would love to use them all!

Have you reserved your tickets yet? Not only will this be a spectacular event, but it also helps the library. Without public support, libraries tend to cut hours, staff, collection development - let's not let that happen to us! With your help, no matter how great or small, Katonah Village Library can continue to grow and flourish.

JFK Quote

2004-09-02T15:03:00.000-04:00

"If this nation is to be wise as well as strong, if we are to achieve our destiny, then we need more new ideas for more wise men reading more good books in more public libraries. These libraries should be open to all - except the censor. We must know all the facts and hear all the alternatives and listen to all the criticisms. Let us welcome controversial books and controversial authors. For the Bill of Rights is the guardian of our security as well as our liberty." – John F. Kennedy

NYS Library Budget Cuts

2004-09-01T10:38:00.000-04:00

Bad news for New York libraries.

The Governor has proposed a 5% cut in state aid to libraries in the 2004-05 budget, a reduction of $4.4 million from $88.9 million to $84.42 million.
Library funding has been frozen since 1998 at $88.9 million. According to Education Law , library aid should be at $91.3 million, using the new population figures of the 2000 Census (library aid is distributed on a per capita basis).
Since 1995, School Aid has increased 47% or $4.7 billion, while Library Aid has increased by only 9% or $7.4 million.
Library Aid makes up less than 1% of the state budget, yet Libraries serve 51% of the state’s population (registered users).
Library usage is up 20% since 2001 due to tough economic times.
Library costs have increased due to higher utilities costs, pension payments, health insurance premiums and the costs of books have increased, and yet funding has remained flat.

Please take a moment to read the whole story, linked above, and then please take action to help keep New York's libraries healthy and growing!

Library Funding Cuts - a Nationwide Problem

2004-08-30T15:54:00.000-04:00

Katonah Village Library is not the only library concerned with its budget and seeking to set up an operating endowment. Here's another example.

Libraries constantly struggle to maintain the high quality of services they offer and to retain talented staff. Public librarians in New York State are required to have an master's degree in library science. Despite their high level of specialized knowledge and education, librarians are routinely paid far less than other, similar master's degree holders (as in information techology, for instance). Next time you stop by the library, thank a librarian for her dedication to library work. At the present time, an MLS degree from Long Island University (the one local university to offer the degree in Westchester County) costs upwards of $25,000. Paying off those loans is difficult on a librarian's salary.

In addition to librarians, libraries employ clerks (those friendly people who check your books in and out, among many other vital duties) and pages (generally, local teens who work after school shelving books so they're in proper order and readily available soon after being returned to the library).

The operating endowment we seek to set up will help us attract and retain the wonderful staff you've come to expect from Katonah Village Library. This is just one small way the endowment will help Katonah Village Library continue to be the heart of the community.

Demystifying Dewey

2004-08-30T11:53:00.000-04:00

Mystified by the Dewey Decimal Classification? In order to navigate the non-fiction section at Katonah Village Library with ease, you may want to try one or more of these websites to understand Melvil Dewey's classification system better.

Oregon School Library
Gallaudet University
Duke Libraries

In use for more than 100 years, most public libraries use Dewey to organize their non-fiction books (fiction fits into Dewey, but at Katonah, as in most public libraries, we organize fiction alphabetically by author in a separate section).

Twain's Words of Wisdom

2004-08-23T14:48:00.000-04:00

"The man who does not read good books has no advantage over the man who can’t read them." – Mark Twain

The Online Public Access Catalog, or, Where Did My Card Catalog Go?

2004-08-18T16:21:00.000-04:00

If you miss the old card catalog since the computerized one seems so foreign and strange, Library Catalog Tutorial offers a very helpful tutorial to help you understand and use the online public access catalog, or OPAC, as we call it in libraryspeak.

Are you coming to our film screening in October? Remember, it's not only a benefit, an exclusive screening and a Q&A with the director/producer and editor, but also a fun social event! We hope to see you there.

Our Leaky Roof

2004-08-16T13:49:00.000-04:00

Our roof will benefit from your participation in our fund drive! On rainy days like this, we play "move the bucket" and try to deal with the leaks as best we can. Our staff room has been nearly unusable for a year now, and some leaks are starting to show up in the main room. Thankfully, our collection has not been threatened as of yet, but we just have to keep our fingers crossed (and our eyes open) until work can start on repairing the roof.

It's fabulous that we're approaching 125 years of service to Katonah, but with that comes the aging of our building. The expansion from the late 1960's seems to need the most work.

Roofs are expensive (but oh so necessary). Please keep us in mind when you're feeling charitable. Only 75% of our funding comes from the Town of Bedford, we have to find ways to support operating the library, plus those unexpected costs that pop up... like needing a new roof.

Anniversary Logo

2004-08-11T16:00:00.000-04:00

Check out our blog profile for a glimpse of our 125th anniversary logo. Frisbees with this logo were given out at the July 25 picnic, and more logo items are sure to become available in the coming months.

Library Quote of the Week:
"What is more important in a library than anything else - than everything else - is the fact that it exists." - Archibald MacLeish, U.S. Poet

RSVP Info for Movie Screening

2004-08-09T13:52:00.000-04:00

To request tickets for the screening at the Avon Theater on October 6, please leave a message at 232-2888 or RSVP forms will be available shortly at the library.

Public Library Facts

2004-08-06T15:48:00.000-04:00

Did you know?

There are more public libraries than McDonald's – a total of 16,220, including branches.
Americans spend more than three times as much on salty snacks as they do on public libraries.
Americans check out an average of more than six books a year. They spend $25.25 a year for the public library – much less than the average cost of one hardcover book. (What a bargain!)
Public libraries are the number one point of online access for people without Internet connections at home, school or work.
95% of public libraries provide public access to the Internet.

Facts courtesy of the American Library Association

Movie Screening

2004-08-05T15:27:00.000-04:00

There will be a movie premiere to benefit the library on October 6, 7 p.m., at the Avon Theater in Stamford, CT. The film "Off the Map" is produced and directed by Katonah native Campbell Scott and edited by Katonah resident Andy Keir. There will be a Q&A with Campbell and Andy after the screening, as well as a reception. Tickets are $125 per person. More details to follow. What an exciting event!

Main Web Site

2004-08-02T18:40:00.000-04:00

For basic information about Katonah Village Library, visit www.katonahlibrary.org

A quote about libraries to kick off our fundraiser:

"Libraries are not made, they grow." - Augustine Birrell (1850-1933)

Kicking Off the Anniversary Celebration

2004-08-02T18:24:00.000-04:00

In 2005, Katonah Village Library has its 125th anniversary. We're so excited that we couldn't wait to celebrate, so we started the party early with a picnic at Katonah Memorial Park on July 25th. Everyone who attended had a great time. Frisbees with our anniversary logo were given out, and a storyteller entertained the kids for an hour.

We've started this blog to keep you informed of our fundraising progress, anniversary-related events, plans for the funds raised and library-related miscellany to keep you amused and informed. Keep coming back! We plan to update the blog at least twice a week.

Katonah Village Library

ELECTRICITY USAGE MONITOR

WALK TALL

SOLAR ELECTRIC FOR YOUR HOME

MEET AUTHORS MARY KELLOGG AND JON KATZ

MEET THE AUTHOR

CHILDREN'S CONCERT

KVL CLOSED WED., FEB. 25 AND WK OF MAR. 2 THROUGH MAR. 8

KVIS & KVL ANNUAL MEETING FEATURING KATONAH AUTHOR JUDE BLUNDELL

Closures for Holidays and Renovations

KATONAH VILLAGE LIBRARY OPENS ON LOWER LEVEL

RENOVATIONS AT KATONAH VILLAGE LIBRARY

Annual Book Sale

MEET THE AUTHOR SANA KRASIKOV

MEET THE AUTHORS: WHATEVER HAPPENED TO THE BLANK SCREEN?

CHILDREN'S CONCERT

The Bestseller, An Evening with John Grisham - updates

Early Fall Events at the KVL

BOOK SALE DONATIONS END AUGUST 30TH

LAPTOPS FOR LOAN AT KVL

UPCOMING FALL EVENTS AT KVL

MEET THE AUTHOR FRANK STRAUSS

MORRIS DANCERS TO APPEAR AT KVL

MEET THE AUTHOR ROXANA ROBINSON

MEET THE AUTHOR JEAN BOGGIO

Bone Marrow Drive

Chamer Music Concert

RUSSIAN U.N. POLITICAL AFFAIRS OFFICER TO SPEAK

FICTION WRITING WORKSHOP

LATE SPRING AT THE LIBRARY

The Story of Stuff screening

Library Open on Sundays in response to community

Katonah Poetry Series

Piano Fund Concert

Young People's Concert

fiancial services for women

Spring Events

Update - Spinning Verses Poetry Workshp

March Events

February & March at the Library

December 2007 Wrap-Up

Best Books of 2007

Volunteers needed at Katonah Historical Museum

October & November at the Library

September 2007 at the Library.

Children's Room 2007 Summer Wrap-Up

Award-Winning Books

Sloan Wainwright Unable to Perform at July 28th Concert

August Events at the Library

July at the Library

April 2007 Events

December 2006

In Memoriam - Elaine Levy

Annual Concert in the Park - August 12

The Katonah Village Library Presents the Second Annual Concert in the Park

Katonah Kid's Book Reviews

Kids' Book ReviewsPost Your Review Online

Fishing Tips, June 10th, 3 pm

Fishing Tips

Mother-Daughter Book Discussion Group - Summer 2006

Mother/Daughter Middle School Book Discussion Group

Ogden Reid - Congress vs. State Department, May 4, 8 p.m.

Ogden Reid to Explain Relationship between Congress and State Department

April is Poetry Month

Writing for Discovery, April 20, 27 & May 4

Writing for Discovery with Phyllis G. RossA Fundraiser for the Katonah Village Library

Pianist Artis Wodehouse - April 2, 2006 Benefit Concert

Artis Wodehouse to Give Benefit Concert for the Katonah Village Library

Urban Sprawl & the Landscape - Author Talk, March 29th, 7:30 pm

Owen Gutfreund Addresses Urban Sprawl and the Landscape

New Mothers Discussion Group - April/May 2006

New Mothers Discussion Group

Movable Magic with Paul Johnson, March 31, 2006

Great Decisions - Islam & Mid-East Politics - March 15th

Islam: From an Angel's Whisper to World Conquest

New Mothers Discussion Group - Feb. - May 2006

New Mothers Discussion Group

Tax Assistance with AARP

New Mothers - Winter 2006

BEST & FAVORITE BOOKS 2005

Kids' Book Reviews
Post Your Review Online

Writing for Discovery with Phyllis G. Ross

A Fundraiser for the Katonah Village Library