Friends of the North Castle Public Library

Why the North Castle Library is a Community Treasure

December 1, 2019 by Ella Ilan

“The only thing that you absolutely have to know, is the location of the library,” said Albert Einstein. To access the library is to access a key to endless information. The following ten reasons are why you want to know the location of the North Castle Public Library.

1. A Children’s Oasis

The library’s innovative children’s programming satisfies all ages spanning from lap babies to high schoolers. The youngest patrons have access to toddler yoga, Sensory Play, Mother Goose, music classes, and the new Toddler Mixer. Ages 4 and up can participate in Science Lab, Robert the Guitar Guy, and reading with the adorable therapy dog Tobie.

The new young adult room (“YA room”) is a safe space for sixth graders and up to gather and do homework, study, and play games. In addition to 3D printers, the YA room has a Nintendo Switch, a PS4, and a Wii. The library also recently purchased 3D pens for the kids to explore and an Oculus Quest for virtual reality games.

Programs for teens and tweens include Dungeons and Dragons, knitting, and the teen book club “Overbooked.” A Teen Advisory Board of high schoolers meets monthly to discuss future programs for the library.

2. Summer Reading with Unexpected Benefits

Last year, the librarians tweaked the annual program by requiring participants to meet with a librarian to discuss the book they read rather than just logging it in on their website. “Parents thanked me because they noticed how much their child had grown over the summer from initially not wanting to make eye contact to learning how to express themselves to an adult and discuss a book,” recounts Stephanie Hartwell-Mandella, Assistant Director and Head of Youth Services at the library.

3. Adult Programming Offering Something for Everyone

Adults can participate in the current affairs book club, the Friday night film series or educational classes for Bridge, Tai Chi, Chair Yoga, Meditation, Italian language and culture, art history, computer instruction, writing workshops, and more. Public service talks on real estate, ayurvedic medicine, and navigating health insurance are also regularly scheduled.

4. Everything is FREE!

All you need is a library card. Whether you want to attend classes, borrow books, use the public computers, hang out and read magazines, or access the digital collection, it is all free. Libraries are one of the few truly public places where one can have access to whatever one wants without having to spend a dime.

Tobie owned by Armonk resident Karen DiPietro is a therapy dog through The Good Dog Foundation. Each week children at the North Castle Library read to him.
PHOTOS by Carolyn Simpson

5. Download an E-book

Patrons can download free e-books and audio books onto their devices through the Westchester library system.

6. An Amazing Interactive Website

The website at northcastlelibrary.org connects you to online courses, job search engines, virtual concerts, recipes, newspapers, and entertainment. Free tutors are available through Tutor Time to go over math problems, submit a paper for proofreading, or talk to a tutor about any subject. Going on a trip and want the most up to date travel information on a country’s culture, currency or food? Head to the website. Want to take a free class on photoshop? Head to the website.

7. Need a dress?

The library has its very own version of rent the runway. They have a limited collection of party dresses that can be checked out just like a library book, worn, dry cleaned and returned. Other unusual items currently in circulation are fishing poles and ukeleles.

8. A Real Theatre Adjacent to the Armonk library is the 186-seat Whippoorwill Theater Hall.

Two theatre groups, Hudson Stage and The Armonk Players, sponsored by the The Friends of the North Castle Library (The “Friends”), put on shows at the theatre. The Friends are a non-profit organization whose mission is to raise money for the library.

9. Exposure to Art

Besides the annual Armonk Outdoor Art Show sponsored by the Friends, the library now features art exhibits in its new gallery located upstairs in the Armonk branch.

10. Librarians Eager to Meet Community Needs

The librarians consistently work to bringing great ideas to life. One of those ideas currently in development is an outdoor garden behind the children’s space with gardening beds, a deck, and a collection of percussion instruments. Construction is set to begin in the spring. The librarians serve as a great resource for anyone needing help with research or looking for a particular book. “People sometimes come over to us and say ‘I hate to bother you’–You’re not bothering us! This is what we do and why we’re here–to help you find what you need,” says North Castle Public Library Director Edie Martimucci.

For an up to date calendar on the library’s programs, go to northcastlelibrary.org You can also follow the North Castle Public Library on Facebook. Teens can find out about upcoming programming on Instagram @ncplteen. The Armonk branch is located at 19 Whippoorwill Road East in Armonk. The phone number is 914-273-3887. The North White Plains branch is located at 10 Clove Road in North White Plains. Their phone number is 914-948-6359.

Unique Collections, Family Fun and More at the Armonk Outdoor Art Show

September 27, 2017 by Inside Press

Friends of the North Castle Public Library holding court.

By Molly Alexander

On Business Park Drive, the sun shone brightly and visitors either strolled or boarded a complimentary shuttle bus all eager to arrive at the North Castle Community Park for the 56^th Annual Armonk Outdoor Art Show (AOAS) on September 23 and 24. With over 300 volunteers, more than 185 artists and excited attendees from near and far, this award-winning fine art and fine crafts show served as a warm and welcoming family attraction.

Corporate sponsors including Equinox, Houlihan Lawrence, Northern Westchester Hospital, and White Plains Hospital Medical and Wellness offered info and demonstrations. Family Activities sponsors included the Harvey School, First Five Learn and Play and the Neuberger Museum of Art provided wonderful activities for children of all ages. Silver corporate sponsors included William Raveis, Burke Rehabilitation Hospital and Framings. For a full listing of sponsors, visit armonkoutdoorartshow.org.

Show-goers meandered through rows and rows of art ranging from crafts, sculptures, paintings, photography, jewelry, handbags and clothing. Each tent had a unique artistic treasure inside. “It’s very interesting how all the artists are from everywhere; all around the country,” an attendee commented. “Every piece of art is different.”

Awards were also presented to artists in seven categories and there were two additional special awards with $1000 prizes. The Alan C. Solomon Best of Show Prize went to honor the artist who “exemplifies creativity, artistic talent and mastery in his/her artwork across all artistic categories.” It was awarded to Bounkhong Signavong, the founder of Lao Design. The Sylvia Rogers Best New Artist Prize “to attract new artists to the AOAS and recognize the talent and imagination of up and coming artists,” was awarded to Cuban born Enrique Miralles, who exhibited a powerful collection of dry point etchings.

The weather on both days was absolutely gorgeous, if a bit toasty and kept guests sipping on iced drinks to keep cool and partaking in delicious foods from area vendors. It offered a day of exploration for all with many visitors picking up original pieces of art wear, paintings, and sculptures created in a variety of mediums to treasure for many years to come. If you missed this event, come next year when the 57^th annual AOAS will be held on September 29 and 30.

Celebrate Indie Author Day

August 26, 2017 by The Inside Press

Come to the North Castle Public Library on Saturday, October 14, to celebrate Indie Author day! You can meet local authors Patricia Dunn (Rebels by Accident) and Jimin Han, ( A Small Revolution), participate in a creative writing workshop, have coffee and conversation with an author, attend a nationwide webinar on independent publishing, and more!

Our celebration will start at 11 a.m. and continue through 3:30 p.m. Questions? Contact Mary Johnson at the North Castle Public Library, 914-273-3887. Also, visit: www.indieauthorday.com.

An Invite to Join Melissa Clark at a Literary Luncheon Benefit

July 25, 2017 by Inside Press

New York Times Food Writer and Prolific Cookbook Author Melissa Clark will be speaking at the Moderne Barn to benefit the Friends of the North Castle Public Library

Monday, November 13, 2017

Moderne Barn @ 11:30 a.m.

480 Bedford Road, Armonk, NY 10504

TICKETS $85

ON SALE SEPTEMBER 27

http://www.friendsncpl.org

Food writer and cookbook author MELISSA CLARK is staff reporter for the New York Times Food section, where she writes her popular column “A Good Appetite” and appears in a weekly cooking video series. Melissa has written 38 cookbooks, including her latest, Dinner: Changing the Game. She had been honored with awards by the James Beard Foundation and IACP and selected for the Best Food Writing Series. Melissa is a regular guest on the Today Show and Rachel Ray. She has also been a judge on Iron Chef America and a frequent guest host on the NPR radio show The Splendid Table and on The Leonard Lopate Show on WNYC.

Melissa will lead a discussion on her new book Dinner: Changing the Game with a question and answer period, plus a book signing. (Books will be available to purchase). The event will be held at Moderne Barn Restaurant in Armonk, NY featuring a three course luncheon, featuring a recipe from Melissa’s book, for $85. Space is limited.

This event is sponsored by the Friends of the North Castle Public Library Inc. The Friends exists to help the Library achieve its maximum usefulness and benefit to the community as its informational and cultural center. They create an awareness of the resources, educational and cultural programs and other activities made available to the North Castle community by the Library. These resources, in turn, not only benefit North Castle and Westchester County, but also residents of neighboring towns and counties. The ARMONK OUTDOOR ART SHOW, currently in its 56^th year, is also sponsored by the Friends–which will be held this year on September 23 & 24.

The Melissa Clark luncheon is the 3^rd speakers event in a series entitled Chefs are the New Rock Stars. Previous speakers included Ruth Reichl and Eric Ripert.

Armonk Outdoor Art Show: Question and Answer with Anne Curran

August 25, 2016 by The Inside Press

By Andrew Vitelli

When did you first get involved with the Armonk Outdoor Art Show? What made you get involved?

I first attended the show in the early 1990’s when I lived in White Plains. My husband and I became acquainted with Armonk because of coming to the art show, and we still credit the art show as what motivated us to find our home here, 18 years ago. We felt that a community that supports a wonderful art show and theatre group (The Armonk Players), as well as the local library, had to be a great place to live, and that is still true today.

Over the past decade, I volunteered at the annual shows and always enjoyed working with neighbors and meeting old and new friends. Early this year, after completing my final term as town clerk, I accepted the position of Executive Director of the Art Show. I work very closely with the co-chairs of the show and others who have key organizational roles. I’m happy to work for the Friends of the North Castle Public Library, and contribute to the wonderful work done by so many long serving and dedicated volunteers. In many ways, I feel like assuming the role of Executive Director of the Art Show has brought me full circle to what originally brought me to Armonk.

Is running the art show a year-round effort? What are some of the biggest challenges in preparing for the show?

The organizational requirements are tremendous and it is very much a year-round effort. Since the show is juried, marketing to exhibitors is important so that we continue to draw a large quality pool of applicants. The evaluation of applications is time-consuming and takes place during the early months of the year. Soliciting contributions and corporate sponsors is key to successful fundraising and this year we have provided Gold Sponsors with the opportunity to have a booth at the show. This has been very well received and we hope to continue to offer special opportunities for our highest level donors to connect with art show visitors. The planning of all aspects of communications, field operations, volunteer committees and volunteer staff for the two-day event is a team effort. Fortunately, the team works very well together and has a good time, too! We are always looking for new volunteers to take on small or larger assignments. The work is rewarding and there is a wonderful community of art show friends that will warmly welcome new volunteers.

What makes the show so unique and valuable for the community?

It is a high quality show that is nationally recognized as one of the top Fine Art and Fine Craft Shows, and while extremely well organized, it maintains a very personal, small community feeling that artists and visitors appreciate. The community benefits from the recognition of hosting such a highly regarded and well attended show in Armonk, while the net proceeds help fund a broad spectrum of library programs, entertainment, new technology, and facility enhancements. Besides that, there is huge satisfaction in putting on the show, now celebrating our 55th year.

How can businesses who want to support the art show get involved?

Corporate Sponsorships are available at three levels: Gold Sponsors ($5,000); Silver Sponsors ($2,500); Bronze Sponsors ($1,000). Business can also support the show as a Community Booster for contributions of $500 and $250. We promote all donors in our communications and maximize corporate visibility for our sponsors. Visit armonkoutdoorartshow.org for more details and to contact me. I would be happy to discuss the unique value to any business by supporting the art show.

For more information, contact https://www.friendsncpl.org/