These award-winning books are worth adding to your reading list.
News
Which is the best e-reader?
No one enjoys lugging a big pile of heavy books on their vacation. E-readers to the rescue! Slim and lightweight, they fit right in your purse, beach bag or backpack. See these options for which are the best e-readers to bring on your next vacation. Then download ebooks from Libby for free from Westchester Library System. All you need is your library card. Get started here.
Free Rabies Clinic April 23rd
A free rabies clinic for dogs, cats and ferrets of Westchester County residents will be held on Sunday, April 23 from 10 am to 2 pm. More information is available here.
Books about nature and the environment
In honor of Earth Day, here are some articles and reviews for books about climate, resources and wildlife.
Overcoming Arkoudaphobia: The Rarity of Bear Attacks in North America
Sagebrush Steppe and the Gunnison Sage-Grouse
Mauna Loa, the World’s Largest Active Volcano
Climate Change and Water Scarcity
Extraordinary Underground Vistas
Solastalgia, Eco-anxiety and Ecological Grief
Bees and Honey Across the Ages
The Five Most Destructive Wildfires in Recorded California History
Climate Change and Migration in the U.S.
New Hampshire’s Mount Monadnock
Escalating Wildfires in the Western U.S.
The Great Dismal Swamp Maroons
The Bureau of Land Management: Shifting Duties
Kirkus’s 20 Best Books To Read in April
see the list here
“What Should I Read Next?” Bookpage has suggestions for you
| 6 authors to keep on your radar These up-and-coming authors are going places, and we will be hot on their heels. |
| Mystery & Suspense |
| The Raven Thief The Raven Thief is a worthy sequel to Under Lock & Skeleton Key, with all the magic, misdirection and intrigue that fans are hoping for. The White Lady Historical mystery readers searching for a complex main character will admire the uncompromising storytelling of Jacqueline Winspear’s The White Lady. |
| Fiction |
| Biography of X Biography of X is a dazzling literary chimera, at once an epic and chilling alternate history of the United States and an intimate portrait of a woman coming apart at the seams. Hello Beautiful This bighearted domestic novel from the author of Dear Edward reaches comforting highs and despairing lows as it sharply examines the many ways that families pull each other together and apart. |
| Historical Fiction |
| Beyond That, the Sea Debut novelist Laura Spence-Ash’s masterful character development enlivens the story of the Thompson and Gregory families and all of the love and tension between them. |
| Audiobooks |
| Butts Voice actor Emily Tremaine is passionate as she gives voice to Heather Radke’s call to celebrate ourselves—from top to tail—as unique and valuable and beautiful. |
| Children’s & Young Adult |
| Brighter Than the Sun With Brighter Than the Sun, Daniel Aleman affirms his gift for telling stories about Mexican and Mexican American teens with care and love. Hamra and the Jungle of Memories In this stunning retelling of “Little Red Riding Hood,” Hamra’s feelings of simmering anger and fierce love are as vibrant as the magical world around her. This Is the Planet Where I Live Accompanied by dazzling photo-collage art, this cumulative picture book captures the interconnectedness of life on our beautiful, delicate planet. Maple & Rosemary With touching emotional authenticity, Maple & Rosemary explores the bonds of friendship between a girl and a sugar maple tree over the seasons of their lives. Greymist Fair In the seven intersecting stories that compose Greymist Fair, author Francesca Zappia nods at fairy-tale conventions before subverting and exceeding them. |
| Romance |
| Infamous Lex Croucher’s sharp, vivid and enchanting writing bursts off the page in Infamous, their second Regency romance after Reputation. |
| Biography & Memoir |
| The Best Strangers in the World With his sparkling memoir, “All Things Considered” host Ari Shapiro gives readers insight into the hard work journalists do and the incredible scope of history they get to observe up close. Meet America’s first female president—plus three other fascinating figures in new biographies perfect for Women’s History Month Four nonfiction books about notable American women illuminate their groundbreaking influence on literature, science and politics. |
| Nonfiction |
| Poverty, by America Pulitzer Prize winner Matthew Desmond’s Poverty, by America is a solid primer about how the suffocating tendrils of poverty work, and who they benefit. The People’s Hospital Using the stories of five patients, physician Ricardo Nuila reveals how a public hospital in Houston has succeeded in providing health care to people who are the most vulnerable. |
| Lifestyles |
| Cooking for Culture Chef Toya Boudy’s New Orleanian heritage shines through in everything she does, from red beans and fried okra to praline sweet potatoes with whiskey mallo cream. |
| Science Fiction & Fantasy |
| A House With Good Bones Impressively weird, nerve-wracking but still laugh-out-loud funny, A House With Good Bones is another horror hit from T. Kingfisher. |
12 Hot Books Headed to the Screen
see the list here
Cosmo’s The 10 Best Historical Fiction Books of 2023
see the list here
Great books that are also available as audiobooks
See the list here
Bye-bye, Overdrive. Hello Libby!
Attention, OverDrive app users! OverDrive is discontinuing the legacy OverDrive app May 1st, 2023 and transitioning users to the Libby app. Libby is OverDrive’s newer app for browsing and enjoying digital content from our library.
It’s time to give Libby a try! All your loans, holds, and wish list items will be waiting for you in Libby when you add your library card.
How-to videos and step-by-step instructions on Libby Help
Users can sign up for a virtual training session hosted by team OverDrive.
OverDrive app will remain available for Kindle Fire users to download and access until further notice. Users with Kindle Fire devices can also sideload Libby manually following these steps.
Libby also comes with new features we know you’ll love, like:
- Tags to categorize books however you’d like—you can even sync your OverDrive wish list into a tag!
- A central bookshelf for all loans and holds
- Customizable notifications for ready holds, new magazine issues and more
- Compatibility with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Sonos speakers
- Extra learning and entertainment resources like Kanopy, Indieflix, Great Courses, Craftsy, Classica and Qello
- Easy access to OverDrive support staff
New releases with Bookpage
Stay on top of new releases. Sign up for Bookpage’s email newsletter to receive weekly reading recommendations in your favorite genres.
Together We Read Digital Book Club
The Together We Read is a digital book club that connects readers through thousands of U.S. public libraries with the same ebook for two weeks and only requires a Library card to get started. During this two-week program, there will be no waitlists and no holds for the selected title. Download Libby to borrow the free ebook or audiobook from your library using your phone or tablet. During the program, readers participate in engaging online discussions.
“River Woman, River Demon” by Jennifer Ghavin is a mysterious incantation of reckoning with the past and claiming one’s unique power and voice.”
River Woman, River Demon tells the story of Eva Santos Moon, a burgeoning Chicana artist who practices the ancient, spiritual ways of brujería and curanderisma. She’s at one of her lowest points—suffering from disorienting blackouts, creative stagnation, and a feeling of disconnect from her magickal roots. When her husband is taken into custody for the shocking murder of their friend, Eva doesn’t know whom to trust—least of all, herself. She soon falls under suspicion as a potential suspect, and her past rises to the surface, dredging up the truth about an eerily similar death from her childhood. Struggling with fragmented memories and self-doubt, an increasingly terrified Eva fears that she might have been involved in both murders. As she fights to keep her family out of danger, Eva realizes she must use her magick as a bruja to protect herself and her loved ones, while confronting her own dark history.
NPR’s 5 Thrillers to Get You Through the Winter
see them here
Oscar award-winning and nominated movies on Hoopla Award
see them here
Kirkus’s 20 Best Books To Read in March
see the list here
Parking Lot Lighting Plan
see the drawings here
23 Books to Read in 2023
See the list from Borrow. Read. Repeat. here
5 Towns 1 Book
CURE presents…..
FIVE TOWNS: ONE BOOK Bringing our communities together to explore the life and work of
Lorraine Hansberry: Radical Artist and Activist!
All events are FREE and in person! Please find registration links below.
February 11th, 2pm at The Croton Free Library Kickoff Event! Meet author/biographer Soyica Diggs Colbert to explore the life and work of Lorraine Hansberry, Radical Artist & Activist. REGISTER FEB 11
March 2nd, 7pm at The Rye Free Reading Room A discussion about Lorraine Hansberry and her role in The Civil Rights & Freedom Practices. In person with the Elevator Repair Service Theater Company from NYC!
March 18th, 2pm at The Larchmont Library Film screening of A Raisin In The Sun followed by a community Talk Back of its themes. REGISTER MAR 18
March 29th, 7pm at The Harrison Library A discussion about Lorraine Hansberry & Activism in Black Art with local artists. REGISTER MAR 29
April 15th, 3pm at The New Rochelle Library, Ossie Davis Theater Looking at the work of Lorraine Hansberry through a Theatrical Exploration of Redlining. REGISTER APR 15
Sponsored by CURE (The Coalition for Understanding Racism through Education), The Lorraine Hansberry Coalition, and these five community libraries: Croton, Harrison, Larchmont, Mamaroneck, New Rochelle, and Rye. With generous support from the Westchester County Board of Legislators. Questions? Email cureeventhelp@gmail.com
AARP Free Income Tax Preparation Assistance
Several libraries and community centers are hosting AARP Tax-Aide services.
Available February 1st Through April 18th, 2023
AARP memberships are NOT REQUIRED.
For More Information call 1 – 8 8 8 – 2 2 7 – 7 6 6 9
Note that most locations are by appointment – unless it says in the location details “*No appointment needed”
AARP location finder for those who may need something at a different location and time.
We are now a Passport Acceptance Facility
As a Passport Acceptance Facility, we can provide you with passport application forms to fill out and can also mail in your completed applications for standard processing. PLEASE CALL TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT. HOWEVER, WE DO NOT OFFER PHOTO SERVICE – see acceptable photo requirements here.
We can help you with applications for new passports, renewal of passports, passports for children, and replacements for lost, stolen, or damaged passports. It is our job to review the application thoroughly to make sure the application packet is complete and ready for processing. We also check the applicant’s identity to make sure that the passport will be issued to the right person. Finally, we seal the application into an official envelope that can only be opened by US State Department personnel.
You must visit a Passport Acceptance Agent to have your passport application sealed into an official envelope if you require any one of the following services:
- New passport for a first time applicant over age 16
- Minor Passport for an applicant age 15 or younger
- Lost Passport Replacement
- Stolen Passport Replacement
- Damaged Passport Replacement
The applicant must appear in person at the Passport Acceptance Facility; you cannot send a friend or family member to do this for you. If you are applying for a passport for your child (under age 16), your child needs to go to the Passport Acceptance Agent along with both parents.
RENEWING YOUR PASSPORT:
If any of the following are true, you cannot renew your U.S. passport and must instead apply for a new passport in person using Form DS-11:
- Issued before your 16th birthday
- Issued more than 15 years ago
- Damaged, lost, or stolen.
- Issued in your previous name, and you do not have a legal document like a marriage license to prove your legal name change
If none of the above situations are true, you can renew your U.S. passport.
More information on renewing your passport is available here.
On a limited basis, you may be able to renew your passport online.
Typically, you will need the following items to renew your passport:
- Form DS-82.
- Passport photo
- Passport fee
- Your most recent passport
- Name change documentation, if necessary
Document Checklist – Requirements for DS-11 Application form for a New Passport
- Proof of US Citizenship (birth certificate)
- New Passport Application Form (DS-11)
- One passport photo
- Photocopy of your driver’s license or other state-issued ID (front and back)
- Flight itinerary or other proof of travel plans (only required if you need to rush a new passport)passport application
- New US Passport application fee. You will need two checks, one made payable to “US Department of State” for $130 ($190 if you need to expedite a new passport) and a second check for $35 for the Passport Acceptance Agent fee.
- SEE THE FEE CHART here
Getting started with LinkedIn Learning
LinkedIn Learning is an online educational platform that helps you discover and develop business, technology-related, and creative skills through expert-led course videos.
With more than 5,000 courses and personalized recommendations, you can discover, complete, and track courses related to your field and interests. You can also choose to add these courses and related skills to your LinkedIn profile once you’ve completed them.
Get started with LinkedIn Learning with this how-to resource
Goodreads Most Anticipated Books of 2023
see the list here
Bookpage’s most anticpated fiction of 2023
see the list here
Library Makeover – see the before and after photos here
see the photos here
Most Anticipated Books of 2023
Seed Library helpers wanted
Wanted: volunteers to
Help place the 2023 seed order
Help straighten out the collection
Share your suggestions
Meet others and have fun
At the Pound Ridge Library Saturdays January 21, February 11, March 4 (as needed)
10:15 am to Noon
Check for cancellations due to weather on the PRL website
Harry Potter and the Wizarding World on Hoopla
Check out ebooks, audiobooks, and music from the world of Harry Potter on Hoopla here
Order free COVID tests
order your free COVID test here from the U.S. Government
New Hoopla offerings for kids
Hoopla is expanding the children’s BingePass content to include four new offerings: Kidz Vidz and Kids’ Books in Action, Read Along 2 Learn, and The Highlights Collection. These streaming videos and downloadable ebooks help kids explore and learn.
Check out the entire Bingepass collection here
MasterClass Now Available on Hoopla
Check out a selection of classes from @MasterClass free with your library card. Learn from the world’s best artists, chefs, and more. Browse the offerings here.
Interested in adult chess?
We are thinking of starting an adult chess group. Interested? Please contact Marilyn at mtinter@wlsmail.org or call 914-764-5085. Dates and time to be determined.
Shakespeare in the Afternoon
The Special Interest Group will meet on ZOOM for one and one-half hours weekly in the afternoon. Join it to read aloud and discuss Shakespeare’s works. No acting experience is necessary. Moderated by Carl Goldman. Books are available free online, at the Library, and at low cost on Amazon and book stores. Group size is limited. Contact Marilyn Tinter at the Library if interested at mtinter@wlsmail.org or 914-764-5085.
NY residents can get a NY Public Library Card free
If you are 13 or older and live, work, attend school, or pay property taxes in New York State, you can get a free digital library card right now. Get started here.
Then borrow e-books and audiobooks by downloading the SimplyE app on your phone.
Harry Potter on Hoopla
Escape to the wizarding world with Harry Potter on Hoopla
Check out the collection of eBooks, audiobooks and music here.
We invite you to use Hoopla!
Borrow and enjoy audiobooks, eBooks, comics, movies, TV, magazines, or music everywhere you have a screen-your computer, your phone, your car, even your TV. All you need is a library card. hoopla syncs across all your devices, so you can stream titles immediately or whenever you’re in the mood. Most titles can also be downloaded to your phone or tablet. hoopla offers more content, in more places, than any other digital library platform and it’s all FREE thanks to your public library!
We invite you to use Libby!
Read books on your phone, iPad, or laptop.
Borrow a podcast mic
Need equipment to start your own podcast? Borrow a Blue Yeti Microphone at the Library.
Just ask at the circulation desk.
NEW! Hellosaurus Bingepass on Hoopla
You must download the Hellosaurus iOS or Android app to your mobile device to play this content. No signup needed. Try it here.
Incredibly engaging, interactive, and educational, Hellosaurus puts kids ages 2 to 8 in their favorite shows. Featuring popular titles like The Wiggles and Love, Diana, children develop life skills independently and safely by having fun. One borrow gets them all the Hellosaurus they want for 7 days.
2021 Library Financial Audit
Management Representation Letter is available here
Hoopla celebrates National Parks
Did you know that National Parks week is just around the corner – and that Hoopla is helping to celebrate? Hoopla’s National Parks Collection has titles about parks like the Great Smoky Mountains and Yosemite, biographies about naturalist founders like John Muir and Teddy Roosevelt, and how-to and travel guides for hiking, biking, and camping.
Check it out!
A Special Needs Social Network
MyConnect is a parenting online platform specifically for parents who have kids with special needs/disabilities.
Find and research special needs programs, providers and resources in your area and the quality thereof.
Connect with other special needs parents who have kids with similar needs profiles as your own child.
Access expert advice, how-to articles, and curriculum—from special needs potty training to setting up a special needs trust.
Connect with other special needs caregivers in private groups on a secure server to discuss the most pressing topics to you.
View the results of the Community Survey
view the results of the Community Survey results here
New! Hoopla Bingepass
You know that hoopla has music, audiobooks, ebooks, and video that are always available. Did you know that they recently added easy access to even more formats?
Introducing hoopla BingePass, a single, week-long checkout that includes access to not just one, but many titles. There are BingePasses for:
- Magazines, where you can read articles or use the Listen feature to hear articles read to you,
- The Great Courses, featuring video lessons on topics from Art to Zoology, and
- Curiosity Stream, a video platform that showcases thousands of high-quality videos about science, history, technology, nature, society, and lifestyle, plus some great content for kids!
To see what’s available –
- on iOS and in your browser, tap or click the More icon
- on Android, search for BingePass
Want more information? Click here
Hoopla is now available on Android Auto
Do you listen to hoopla music and audiobooks while driving? By popular request, hoopla is making it easier to do just that through the Android Auto app! With your Android device and a vehicle that supports Android Auto, you can play audiobooks and music you’ve borrowed directly through the vehicle’s in-dash display.
Pound Ridge Library awarded Green Business Certification
The Library has achieved Green Business Certification through visionary leadership, organizational commitment and the successful integration of environmental
sustainability into all areas of operation.
Recycle your batteries at the Library
Bring your batteries – AAA, AA, C, D and 9-volt are all accepted.
Medicare Questions?
Information on Medicare helplines.
Please direct your Medicare or senior benefits question to any of the following resources:
Westchester County Department of Senior Programs and Services
seniorcitizens.westchestergov.com/senior-programs-and-services
(914) 813-6100
1-800-Medicare (1-800-633-4227)
Medicare.gov
Medicare Rights Center
medicarerights.org
(800) 333-4114
WestCOP Benefits Enrollment Center
westcop.org/cap-programs/benefits-enrollment-center
(914) 527-1933 or 914-661-1738 (Spanish)
How to Avoid Senior isolation
We are pleased to offer this resource to you.
Living with Alzheimer’s Disease Resource Guide
We are pleased to offer this resource to you.
Health for Life Programs from Westchester County’s Department of Senior Programs and Services
Westchester County’s Dept. of Senior Programs and Services offers free virtual health workshops available for older adult residents and their caregivers. These workshops are offered at no cost and are designed for older adults and their caregivers in Westchester County to better self-manage health conditions.
HeLP Chronic Disease workshops delivered by Zoom– learn more here
· Materials, including a reference book (Living a Healthy Life with Chronic Conditions) are mailed out to participants in advance of the workshop
· Those who complete the workshop are able to keep the book and as well as exercise and relaxation CDs
· Workshop meets once a week for 6 weeks for two hours via Zoom
· There are 10 to 12 participants in each workshop and two trained facilitators
· The workshop is interactive and offers homebound participants a chance to share and socialize with others.
HeLP Chronic Pain workshops delivered by phone -learn more here
These workshops are offered at no cost and are designed for older adults and their caregivers in Westchester County to better self-manage health conditions
· Materials, including a reference book (Living a Healthy Life with Chronic Pain) are mailed out to participants in advance of the workshop
· Those who complete the workshop are able to keep the book and as well as exercise and relaxation CDs
· Workshop meets once a week for 6 weeks for one hour via conference call
· There are 4 to 6 participants in each workshop and a trained facilitator
· The workshop is interactive and offers homebound participants a chance to share and socialize with others.
Questions? Please contact Marikay Capasso, Coordinator, Health for Life Program
(HeLP; a Chronic Disease Self Management Program)
Westchester County Department of Senior Programs and Services
(914) 813-6427
Virtual Senior Center
Join the Virtual Senior Center where each day is different, interesting and stimulating while never leaving your home. Use your computer or tablet to…
Connect with new friends online, learn and discuss new things, and explore what the internet had to offer.
Participate in unlimited live, intractive discussions on art, history, current news, exercise, music, museum tours, wellbeing, and more.
Enjoy flexible class schedule, curated games, offered 7 days a week, 365 days a year, including holidays.
Ready to join? Fill out your application here
Need Health Insurance?
The Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) COVID-19 Special Enrollment Period is open: February 15–August 15, 2021
To get started, click here
How to start a student blog or website
It’s no secret that the job market is incredibly competitive. Degrees, coursework, and internships on their own don’t necessarily guarantee success when job hunting. According to a recent survey by CareerBuilder, 47% of employers said they were less likely to contact a candidate if they couldn’t find them online, and 20% said they expected candidates to have some form of an online presence. We know social media is not a reliable online presence, as it usually serves as a detriment rather than an advantage for a job candidate. The good news is, more students are seeing the value in creating a website for themselves where they can package together their achievements and really bring a personalized voice to their experience, creating a digital portfolio that has unlimited reach. This allows them to stand out among the competition, showcase beyond the restrictions of a traditional resume, and offer some control over their online reputation management. Get started below.
Bookshare: An Accessible Online Library for People with Print Disablities
Ebooks are available for people with reading barriers. Learn more here.
Bookshare is an ebook library that makes reading easier. People with reading barriers like dyslexia, blindness, and physical disabilities can read in ways that work for them with a huge collection of titles in audio, audio + highlighted text, braille, and other formats. Bookshare is FREE for all qualified U.S. students and schools, and less than $1 per week for all other members.
please click here to apply.
This project is supported by the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs
1,000 Books Before Kindergarten
Studies have shown that families who start reading aloud to their children at birth help to strengthen their language skills and build their vocabulary – two important tools for beginning to learn to read when they enter kindergarten.
How does the 1,000 Books program work?
Read a book (any book) to your newborn, infant, toddler, and/or preschooler. The program is self-paced and can take a few months to a few years, depending on how often you read together. The goal is to have read 1,000 books (yes, you can repeat books) before your child starts kindergarten.
How do I sign-up?
Register in the Children’s Room and receive a free Early Literacy folder. Keep track of books on a fun log as you read them, and receive prizes when you reach milestones along the way. (100, 250, 500, 750, 1,000 books.)
Senior Resources and Links
Explore here to find helpful links to free services, assistance, applications and more…
Medicare Savings Program
Here are instructions to complete an application provided by the New York State Department of Health
Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP)
An overview of Heap and the application form
NY State Medicaid Application
Here is a downloadable copy of the application used for Medicaid in New York State
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
An overview of SNAP, to apply use your NY State MyBenefits account or use – follow this link to create a new account
Local (non-profit) Service Agencies
Alzheimers Association of Lower Hudson Valley – Leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer’s care, support and research.
Cancer Support Team – Wide range of free services assists with access to care, professional nursing, counseling, case management, and other supportive services for any southern Westchester County residents with a primary diagnosis of cancer.
DOROT Westchester – In-home visits and creative programs that build vital social connections in person, over the phone and within the community. Their University Without Walls offers hundreds of classes across a wide range of interests.
Family Services of Westchester- Older Adults – Program options that support seniors and meet their special needs.
Feeding Westchester – Mobile Food Pantry – Information on Feeding Westchester’s Mobile Food Pantry and Fresh Market.
Jawonio – Provides lifespan services for individuals with developmental disabilities, behavioral health challenges, and chronic medical conditions.
Legal Services of the Hudson Valley – Provides a wide range of advocacy and legal representation to elderly clients in practice areas including housing, benefits, Medicaid, future planning, home care cases as well as Social Security and SSI Disability Claims
Live With Care – Information and resources about living with serious illness and end of life. Produced by the Westchester End of Life Coalition (WELC).
Free health clinics – Services are available through the Open Door. Find out more here.
Phone numbers for key county resources related to … Personal Care Services, Caregiver Services, Medical House Calls, Hearing Care (hearing aid assistance for low income), Dental Assistance, Application Assistance, Vision Assistance, Food Stamp Application Assistance, Housing Issues (eviction, reverse mortgage, foreclosure, senior apt share, rental listings), Housing Other, Transportation, NYSARC Application Assistance, Organizations Servicing the Disabled, Frequently Used Contacts, and Community Health Centers.
RideConnect of Westchester County – RideConnect both provides rides. and directs you to where rides can be found, for trips to the doctor, the supermarket, the library and more.
Starkey Hearing Foundation – Hear Now – Can provide financial assistance to get hearing aids.
Touro College of Dental Medicine – A dental teaching facility located at in Hawthorne NY (NY Medical College campus). Claims a savings of 30% to 50% on routine and advanced dental procedures. Call (914)594-2700 or email them at dentalhealth@touro.edu.
Westchester Independent Living Center (WILC) – Works within the community to provide Education, Disability Awareness, and Advocacy for the Removal of Barriers. SBIC actively refers patrons to WILC for help with medicaid and taps their services to provide Spanish-language interpreters at scheduled appointments.
Westchester Institute for Human Development – Equipment Loan Program: Supporting Seniors and Adults in the Community.
Westchester Jewish Community Services – Senior Services – Comprehensive services and supports that address a multitude of needs for Westchester’s older adults.
Westchester Residential Opportunities, Inc. for Seniors – Comprehensive housing counseling program to residents of Westchester County who are age sixty and over. Click here for flyer.
WestFair Rides – A new transportation alternative for older adults (aged 60+) and adults with vision disabilities in Westchester County, NY.
New York State Government
EPIC application & contact information – The Elderly Pharmaceutical Insurance Coverage (EPIC) program is a New York State program for seniors administered by the Department of Health. It helps more than 270,000 income-eligible seniors aged 65 and older to supplement their out-of-pocket Medicare Part D drug plan costs.
My Benefits – Prescreening tool which provides a quick and easy way for people who live in New York State to find out if they are eligible for certain programs.
New York State Office for the Aging – Health Insurance Information, Counseling & Assistance (HIICAP aka SHIP)
N.Y.S. Department of Financial Services – The DFS offers general tools and information to help safely navigate complicated decisions about insurance, borrowing, and planning for long-term care. Use this link to get a comparison table of MediGap plans for your area. Enter your zipcode on the field indicated.
N.Y.S. Medicaid – Information on Medicaid in New York State
NY State Health Exchange
To find a Navigator, contact one of these organizations:
- Westchester County Department of Health – Call the Navigator Information Line at (914) 813- 5192 or hnav@westchestergov.com. Click here for a complete list of sites in Westchester county. Click here for a complete list of sites in New York State.
- Westchester Disabled on the Move – Call (914) 968-4717 ext. 23 or 25
- Young Invincibles – Call (914) 979-1747 or (914) 458-2294.
- Business Council of Westchester – Call (914) 948-2110 ext. 311 to make an appointment.
Additionally, clients of selected local health centers can receive assistance in enrollment. Centers include: The Open Door, Hudson River Health Care, and Mount Vernon.
The NY State of Health: The Official Health Plan Marketplace (http://www.nystateofhealth.ny.gov) is the official site for the state’s health insurance marketplace serving individuals, families, and small business owners. Use this site to access information, tools, and enroll.
HealthCare.gov – The Federal Government’s site for information about the Health Benefit Exchanges & health coverage for individuals, families, and small businesses.
Other Benefits
Alzheimer’s Association – 24/7 Helpline 800-272-3900
Benefits Check-Up Survey – Answer some questions to find benefit programs that can help you pay for medications, health care, food, utilities and more. (National site)
Choice Magazine Listening – A free audio magazine for adults with impaired vision or other disability. (Reviewed at July 2015 WSOS Update)
The Homeward Bound Dentist – An important service for those who are homebound; service area includes Westchester County.
Elder Abuse Resources – List of county resources.
Federal Trade Commission Consumer Information – See their resources on Health Information for Older People, which covers topics ranging from hiring care givers to assessing nursing homes and avoiding scams.
National Council on Aging – A resource for information on the health and economic security of seniors, including benefits access, home equity, falls prevention and chronic conditions. Sign up for their newsletter.
Office of Public and Intergovernmental Affairs – Online & print editions about Federal Benefits for Veterans, Dependents and Survivors.
Transportation – Listing of organizations in Westchester that offer transportation services. Broken down by area.
Prescription Assistance
Application for Extra Help With Medicare Prescription Drug Plan Costs – This is an application for Extra Help and does not enroll you in a Medicare prescription drug plan. You will have to enroll directly with an approved Medicare prescription drug provider for coverage.
EPIC Application (pdf)- Elderly Pharmaceutical Insurance Coverage Program Brochure and Application. To review 2018 highlights and income guidelines, go to EPIC Program Highlights 2018 (pdf) Information number: 1(800) 332-3742.
Join EPIC to save more with Medicare Part D/EPIC Co-Payments
Social Security Administration
U.S. Social Security Administration – main page
Veterans
eBenefits (Veterans Administration Benefits portal) – Facilitates application and management of benefits (education, health, pension). Can use to make appointments and refill prescriptions.
FAVOR – Veteran Discount Card Program – “Find and Assist Veterans of Record” program where local businesses offer discounts on their goods or services to men and women who have proudly served in the U.S. Armed Forces.
VA Caregiver Support – Free support line for caregiver/caregiving questions 855-260-3274. Web site provides comprehensive benefits information.
VA Healthcare Sign-Up Day – 3rd Thursday of each month – at 112 East Post Road, 4th floor, Room 442, White Plains NY.
Westchester County Government
Assistance for Veterans – Westchester County Service Agency shares information for Veterans and their dependents so they can receive maximum benefits from the federal Department of Veterans Affairs and other agencies at all levels of government.
Department of Senior Programs and Services (DSPS) – Main Page of DSPS. Links to frequently used publications.
DSS Office Sites, Hours & Phone Numbers – District Offices provide services including Medicaid, SNAP, Temporary Assistance & Homeless Services.
Expanded In-Home Services – EISEP, helps individuals age 60 or older who need help with activities such as eating, dressing, bathing or toileting or need help with activities such as cooking, shopping, laundry or housekeeping and find that some of these needs cannot be met by friends or relatives.
Family Caregiver Support Program – Up-to-date information about community resources and services available to help in a caregiving role.
Nutrition Programs & Site Directory – The Nutrition Program provides meals and services for adults, 60 years and older.
Senior Clubs and Centers– Lists of clubs and centers for seniors listed by municipality alphabetically.
need help downloading an e-book, audiobook, or movie? click here
need help downloading an e-book, audiobook, or movie? click here
Demystifying Medicare ONLINE
Westchester Library System’s Demystifying Medicare Workshop series is back in person! Sign up for one of the many in-person workshops scheduled for the fall throughout the county, or listen to the recorded audio chapters online. Click this link to learn more and register for workshops.
“Demystifying Medicare” is for anyone who needs to understand how Medicare works. It’s not only for people who are considering changes to their current coverage, but for those who are soon to be Medicare-eligible, approaching retirement, or helping relatives or friends with their medical decisions and paperwork.
Please direct your Medicare or senior benefits question to any of the following resources:
Westchester County Department of Senior Programs and Services
seniorcitizens.westchestergov.com/senior-programs-and-services
(914) 813-6100
1-800-Medicare (1-800-633-4227)
Medicare.gov
Medicare Rights Center
medicarerights.org
(800) 333-4114
WestCOP Benefits Enrollment Center
westcop.org/cap-programs/benefits-enrollment-center
(914) 527-1933 or 914-661-1738 (Spanish)
Click here for more information and to register.
Curbside Pickup Instructions
Instructions for Curbside Pickup
- Call or email your request for books, DVDs, audiobooks or magazines at:
poundridgelibrarycirculation@wlsmail.org
or
914-764-5085 between 10am-6pm Tues-Sat
- A staff member will contact you when your requests are ready for pickup and schedule a time for pickup.
- Your materials will be waiting for you at the appointed time at the library’s backdoor
- You can return materials in the same spot in the little gray cart.
- Ask for for a ‘bundle’: staff members can create a ‘bundle’ personalized just for you:
- by genre (like mystery or historical fiction)
- by topic
- or a bundle for kids by age or interest!
- ***Special note*** all returned materials will be quarantined for 7 days before re-circulating***
- Please note: you many not borrow materials from other libraries as inter-library loans are not available at this time.
Fun Things to Do When You are Bored
- Visit the Intrepid Air and Space Museum virtually https://www.intrepidmuseum.org/memorial-day
- Microsoft literacy courses – https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/digitalliteracy/home
- Cook like a Michelin Star Chef – These Michelin Starred Chefs shared their famous recipes. Find their Recipes here: https://www.instagram.com/michelinguide/?hl=en . Cook a dish or two and share it with us!
- Walk on Glaciers, Dive into the Ocean, and Hover Over Volcanoes in this interactive guided tour of 5 national parks – https://artsandculture.withgoogle.com/en-us/national-parks-service/parks
- Escape Room – Work in a team or go solo with these Escape Room Adventures https://wakelet.com/wake/043c113c-5579-4b36-819e-f997cd578128
- Where on Google Earth is Carmen Sandiego? – Relive your childhood or introduce your kids to the beloved game from the 80’s (Que theme music) – https://earth.google.com/web/@17.90693717,-12.41937117,-34606.6327455a,57359668.97d,35y,0.00004064h,18.19296234t,0r/data=CjwSOhIgYmU3N2ZmYzU0MTc1MTFlOGFlOGZkMzdkYTU5MmE0MmEiFnNwbC14LXgteC1zcGxhc2hzY3JlZW4
- Google Arts and Culture –With Google Arts & Culture you can visit top exhibits, zoom in on artworks in mind-blowing detail and browse thousands of stories, photos, videos, and manuscripts. https://artsandculture.google.com/
- Google Earth – Explore the whole world from above with satellite imagery and 3D terrain of the entire globe and 3D buildings in hundreds of cities around the world. https://www.google.com/earth/
- Google Street View – Provides interactive panoramas from positions along many streets in the world. https://www.instantstreetview.com/
- Virtual Tours of 33 National Parks – https://totallythebomb.com/heres-33-national-park-tours-you-can-take-virtually-from-the-comfort-of-your-own-home
- Virtual Field Trips – https://www.discoveryeducation.com/community/virtual-field-trips/
- Take a hike!
Pound Ridge trails from the Pound Ridge Land Conservancy https://www.prlc.net/
Westchester County Hikes https://parks.westchestergov.com/parks-and-destinations/parks-and-recreational-areas - Take a Free Online Course
Coursera – https://www.Coursera.org
Ed X – https://www.edx.org/ - Cook Something Delicious
https://www.instructables.com/class/Cooking-Class/
https://www.skillshare.com/browse/cooking - Broadway Hits Online – https://www.broadwayhd.com/
- Play a Game! – Break out the old favorites: Words with Friends, Sudoku, Solitaire, crosswords, jigsaw puzzles, or try a trivia challenges to keep your mind sharp
https://games.euronews.com/category/puzzles
https://www.triviaquestionss.com/ - Take a tour of the Hudson River Towns – see this link for more information
- Learn to cook everything! link here
- Virtual Field Trips to Beaches, Parks, and More! link here
- Fun at-home activities to save money link here
- Virtual field-trips for museums, historical sites and landmarks, zoos and other interactive sites! link here
