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

Town of Pelham Public Library Programs

Elementary School-Aged December Book Clubs

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

First-Grade Book Club: Emily’s First 100 Days of School

Monday, December 10, 4:30 – 5 p.m.

This meeting will focus on Emily’s First 100 Days of School by Rosemary Wells. This book is “chock-full of surprising discoveries, age-appropriate activities, and plenty of humor,” and “supports growing skills in reading, writing, and arithmetic, with an emphasis on math skills.”

Second-Grade Book Club: The Knight at Dawn – Magic Treehouse #2 by Mary Pope Osborne

Monday, December 17, 4 – 5 p.m.

The Club will discuss The Knight at Dawn, the second book in Mary Pope Osborne’s hugely popular Magic Treehouse series. Jack and his sister Annie get transported back to medieval times in the magic treehouse. Follow their adventure!

Third-Grade Book Club: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe

Monday, December 10, 5 – 5:30 p.m.

The club will discuss The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe which was the first book published in C.S. Lewis’ Chronicles of Narnia series. It follows the Pevensie siblings as they discover Narnia, and the good and evil that lie in the magical world on the other side of the wardrobe.

Fourth-Grade Book Club: Wishtree

Thursday, December 20, 4 – 5 p.m.

The club will discuss Wishtree by Katherine Applegate. According to a description on the book’s website, “Red is an oak tree who is many rings old. Red is the neighborhood ‘wishtree’—people write their wishes on pieces of cloth and tie them to Red’s branches. Along with her crow friend Bongo and other animals who seek refuge in Red’s hollows, this ‘wishtree’ watches over the neighborhood.”

Early Literacy Programs

Story Time

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

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

Chinese-English Story Time 

Upcoming sessions: Saturdays, November 24, December 8, 22, 10:30 – 11 a.m.

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

Spanish-English Story Time

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

This popular bilingual Story Time program is held monthly, led by Pelham resident Michelle Simon. Sign-up is not required.

Drag Queen Story Hour

Friday, December 7, 10:30 – 11:30 a.m.

What is Drag Queen Story Hour? The program description for DQSH “is just what it sounds like—drag queens reading stories to children in libraries, schools, and bookstores. DQSH captures the imagination and play of the gender fluidity of childhood and gives kids glamorous, positive, and unabashedly queer role models. In spaces like this, kids are able to see people who defy rigid gender restrictions and imagine a world where people can present as they wish, where dress up is real.” Attendees will be admitted on a first-come, first-served basis.

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

More Children’s Programs

Have Fun With the Lego Club!

Upcoming session: Monday, December 3, 3:30 – 4:30 p.m.

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

Techgirlz: Inspiring Girls to Explore the Possibilities of Technology

Tuesday, December 11 and Friday, December 14, both sessions 3:30 – 5 p.m.

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

Author Visit: Bank Magic by K. Samuel Murray

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

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

Mary Poppins: See the Original 1964 Film!

Wednesday, December 26, 1:15 – 3:30 p.m.

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

Mary Poppins Tea Party

Thursday, December 27, 1 – 2 p.m.

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

Animal Embassy: Colors and Patterns of the Animal Kingdom

Friday, December 28, 2 – 3 p.m.

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

Teen Programs

Techgirlz: Inspiring Girls To Explore The Possibilities Of Technology

Tuesday, December 11 and Friday, December 14, both sessions 3:30 – 5 p.m

The Library will be holding this two-part introduction to Techgirlz, a program whose mission is “to inspire middle school girls to explore the possibilities of technology to empower their future careers.” Attendees must come to both meetings and will be accepted to the program on a first-come, first-serve basis. They will learn about coding and other programs. For grades 6 and up.

Author Visit: Bank Magic by K. Samuel Murray

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

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

Adult Programs — Nighttime

Knit Happens on Monday Nights!

Upcoming sessions: Mondays, November 26; December 3, 10, 17, 6:30 – 8:45 p.m.

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

Adults Who Color!

Monday, November 26, 6:30 – 8:45 p.m.

The Library supplies everything for this adult coloring program: coloring pages, color pencils and markers. No experience or registration necessary, but remember, this is for grownups only.

Crafty Adults

Thursdays, November 29, December 17 and 27, 7 – 8:30 p.m.

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

Elder Law Presentation on Protecting Your Assets

Saturday, December 1, 12 – 1:30 p.m.

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

Author Talk: Only Summer by Rachel Cullen

Monday, December 3, 7:00 – 8:30 p.m.

Pelham resident and novelist Rachel Cullen will discuss her latest book, Only Summer, which is told from the beaches of Cape Cod, the manicured lawns of Westchester and the steamy streets of Manhattan. Summer is the time for clambakes, sunbathing at the country club and sunset drinks at exclusive rooftop bars, however for Sabrina, Molly, Heather and Megan, this summer is when their lives unravel, and they have no one to blame but themselves.  Books will be available for buying and signing.

After-Dark Book Club: Less by Andrew Sean Greer

Thursday, December 6, 7:30 – 8:30 p.m.

This Pulitzer Prize-winning novels follows the failed novelist Arthur Less as he attempts to run away from his invitation to his former boyfriend’s wedding by traveling the world. He can’t say yes to the invitation — it would be too awkward –and he can’t say no because it would look like defeat. All are welcome and copies of book club selections are usually available at the circulation desk.

RESCHEDULED: Paying for a College Education

Thursday, December 20, 7 – 8 p.m.

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

Adult Programs – Daytime

Meditation Workshop

Saturday, December 8, 12:30 – 1:30 p.m.

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

2^nd-Friday Book Club

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

The club is on hiatus in December. In January, it will discuss Manhattan Beach by Jennifer Egan. To find out what else the club is reading in 2019, please click here.

With Gratitude for the Support

Crafty Adults, the 2^nd-Friday Book Club, Animal Embassy and Drag Queen Story Hour is made possible by a gift in memory of Karin and Ted Mayer.

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