BOOKMARK   FALL   2004


GREETINGS FROM THE DIRECTOR:

Things are hoppin’ here at the Library! That’s one reason you need to forgive the tardiness of this Bookmark.  We had a whirlwind Summer Reading Program where over 150 kids were signed up who read over 2,600 books – that’s right, OVER 2,600 BOOKS.  That was one of the good things that happened.
 
You read elsewhere in this newsletter about the sad things that happened – the passing of 2 of our dearest library supporters and friends, Floyd Lichtenberg and Jeanne Dolgin.  That is a loss that still makes my heart ache.

Finally, the biggest challenge has yet to begin. I held off writing this note because I expected to be explaining and describing parking arrangements that would be in place by September.  It is September 30 and nothing has changed yet…so I write to tell you what to expect soon this Fall. Very soon, our library parking lot will be closed down to accommodate construction vehicles of the NYC Water Company. For the next 3 years, they will be working inside the Aqueduct which runs right underneath the library. This is a long planned maintenance job and the plan is to stage the trucks in our lot for the duration of the job.  This will turn our parking lot into a construction zone and you will not be able to park there until the job is complete.  With much thought and consideration for our library patrons, part of the job will include creating a new parking area for our library users.  Soon you will see some activity in the “Bocce Ball” Park across the way from the library.  Between Astoria Bank and the shopping strip parking lot there is a grassy area with a few park benches.  This area will be made into a parking area for library users.  If all goes as planned, a walkway will also be created up the drive where you will be able to cross American Legion Drive to the garden path outside the library. A crosswalk will be clearly marked for your crossing safety. It is a few extra steps, but well worth it don’t you think??

We are currently brainstorming on a way to create a few extra parking spots next to the current Handicapped spots outside the library doors. These will be parking spaces for those that would find the walk across the street a severe hardship. I ask you, please, do not abuse this. I know the temptation will be great to pull in out front…please resist this temptation!  I welcome any suggestions you might have to make this situation better while insuring the safety of all our library users – my primary consideration.  I’m sure that together we will be able to make this work!

Be assured we will do everything possible to continue to offer you the best library service available.  I invite you all to come in and visit.  See what the library has to offer – basically, the world!  We’ve got all those hot titles, in books, audios and video.  We have book discussion groups and special programs to attend. Don’t let a re-located parking lot keep you away – we’d miss you too much!

Keep well and come in and enjoy your library!

Angela

Dear Friends,

     This spring the Ardsley Public Library lost 2 of its founding members and staunchest supporters.  Floyd Lichtenberg died on April 9 and Jeanne Dolgin on June 16.  Their devotion to the Library will never be forgotten nor fully replaced.

     Jeanne was the leader of a small group of Ardsley residents who organized 40 years ago to establish a library in the Village.  She was tenacious in convincing residents and local officials alike that a library was vital to the quality of life in Ardsley.  She was a quiet, but relentless, library advocate and under her leadership our first store-front library was founded on Center Street in 1971.  She became the Board’s first president and guided it through the early years.

     It did not take long for the library to soon outgrow the premises and the Board dreamed of building a new library.  Fund-raising began and Jeanne presciently enlisted the help of Floyd Lichtenberg, a local businessman.  Building a new library soon became his personal mission!  He enlisted the assistance of Village officials, residents and business people to locate an appropriate site, receive permission to build from New York City and raise the necessary funds.  Through his efforts, groundbreaking took place in 1983.  Ten years later, Floyd was instrumental in obtaining a major grant from the Carvel Foundation to add the children’s wing.  He also served for many years, succeeding Jeanne, as Board President.

     Over the years, we have watched the Library grow in usage, steadily adding patrons and materials, computerizing its systems and making the Internet accessible to all.  Because of their foresight and dedication, Jeanne and Floyd have left an enduring imprint on the Library and made it the center of community activities for young and old.  We will be forever grateful.  This fall 2 new benches will be permanently placed in the Library garden in their memory.

Sincerely,

Lydia L. Dallis, President
Ardsley Public Library Board of Trustees

“Autumn in New York, Why does it seem so inviting?”

For me, the word signals vibrant colors, invigorating temperatures, the approach of the holidays and new beginnings.  Autumn 2004 marks a personal new beginning as I join the Friends of the Ardsley Public Library. During our family’s seventeen years in the village, the library has served as a resource, an entertainment system, a meeting place, a welcome refuge and a learning tool.  My sons, Alberto (now 22) and Stefano (now 20) participated in many a stimulating summer reading program.  Borrowing “handyman” books has benefited my husband with his numerous home improvement projects.  Those Fodor guides have proven invaluable “travel agents” and the audiovisual materials have provided warmth on long, wintry evenings and welcome escapes from the rigors of daily life. Imagine one building meeting so many diverse needs!

Under Angela’s capable direction, our programs range from the cerebral to the manual, from the aural to the visual and from the individual to the communal.  It is our wish to build on this solid foundation and create some “new beginnings” for our library family.  Drop in and leave off your suggestions, comments and requests.  And…PLEASE find time to become an active member of the Ardsley Public Library.  In our case, too many cooks will GREATLY ENHANCE the flavor of the soup so…let’s start cookin’!

“It’s autumn in New York, It’s good to live it again.”

Rose C. Pena, President
Friends of the Ardsley Public Library
 


RITA'S ADVISORY:

If you’ve had enough “beach reading” this summer, here are some new non-fiction books to bring you back to reality.

Gertler, Eric -- Prying Eyes: Protect your privacy from people who sell to you, snoop on you and steal from you
The title says it all.

Shipler, David K. (Pulitzer Prize Winner) -- The Working Poor:  Invisible in America
A powerful humane study of working American families struggling to escape poverty.

Kaku, Michio -- Einstein’s Cosmos: how Albert Einstein’s vision transformed our understanding of space and time
Kaku weaves together Einstein’s life and work to reveal the universe as Einstein saw it.

Pauley, Jane -- Skywriting: a life out of the blue
Journalist Jane Pauley tells a story of self-discovery and an extraordinary life from her childhood in Indiana to her 3 decades on TV.

Come in and let’s talk books!
 


PROGRAMS FALL 2004:


ADULT PROGRAMS


Sit & Knit
Tuesdays at 10:30, Resuming October 5, 2004

Bring your knitting (or crocheting, or needlepoint, or sewing) and join us for some quality time. Share your skills or learn new ones while enjoying some conversation and coffee. Knitters of all ages with all levels of aptitude are welcome.

Adult Book Discussion Group
7:30 PM on the 3rd Thursday of every month: October 21, November 18, December16, January 20

If you would like to join the group, please phone us at 693-6636 or come in person.  We will be discussing Middlesex by Jeffrey Eugenides in October and the group will decide on the November book.  All books will be available through intra-library loan by request.


If you would be interested in joining a daytime adult book discussion group, let us know what day and time would be good and we’ll see if we can get one going


CINEMA ARDSLEY
Tuesday, December 28, 2004 at 2:00 PM

Take a family trip AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 DAYS right here at the Library!
What’s a vacation without a trip??  Come in, chill with the family, have a few laughs, munch on some snacks and enjoy the show!



CHILDREN'S PROGRAMS

Please note that registration for all children’s programming begins on the first day of the month in which the program will be held.  Registration for Storytime and Bouncing Babies will begin on September 20, 2004.

Cookies and Critics
Fridays, October 8, November 5, and December 10, 2004 at 4:00 pm

Eat some great cookies and talk about some great books. 
This program is for grades 3 and up.  Registration is required.

Reading Rox (and Pizza Too!)
Fridays, October 22 and December 3, 2004 and January 7, 2005 at 4:00 pm

Drop in for some delicious pizza, some cold drinks and some great talk about books.
This program is for grades 5 and up.  Registration is required.


Mad Science of Westchester presents “Cool Chemistry”
Saturday, November 13 at 4:00 pm

Come explore the 3 states of matter and cool chemical reactions as we create awesome bubbling potions.  For grades K through 4.  Registration for this program is limited to 25.


CRAFT PROGRAMS

Kids Craft Club
Fridays October 15 and November 12, 2004  4:00 pm

A program for kids grades K-2 and up. Get ready for the weekend by finding the artist within you.  A different project each session, some with guest artists, will get those creative juices flowing!


Halloween Craft
Friday, October 29, 2004 with ½ hour sessions at 3:30 and 4:30pm

Make a spooky surprise as we celebrate Halloween. Expect a treat for your goody bag!  This program is for all ages, 4 and under need a caregiver please.

Thanksgiving Craft Extravaganza
Friday, November 19, 2004, with ½ hour sessions at 3:30 and 4:30 pm

Celebrate Turkey Day by making a turkey of your very own.  This program is for all ages, 4 and under need a caregiver please.


STORYTIME

Preschool Storytime
Wednesdays, October 6, 13, 20, 27,  November 3, 10,  December 1, 8, 15, at 1:00PM

For children 3 1/2 to 5. The "Big Guys" will go upstairs as a group, without their caregivers, and are treated to stories, songs, flannel board stories and puppets.
 
Two's Company
Wednesdays, October 6, 13, 20, 27,  November 3, 10,  December 1, 8, 15, at 10:30 am

For children 2 to 3 1/2 years old with their caregivers. Hear stories and rhymes, sing songs and join in with the Ardsley Toddler Marching Band!

Bouncing Babies
Fridays, October 1, November 5, December 3, 2004 and January 7, 2005 at 10:45 am

Join Nora Maher and introduce babies ages 6 months to 2 years to fun at the Library. Enjoy stories, rhymes, songs, musical instruments and other bouncing baby treats. 
Loads of fun for everyone!