Programs and Services Concerts and Performances
 Each month the library presents a number of live public performances in its Ossie Davis Theater, an intimate, 145-seat venue. Drawing from the outstanding artists living and working in the New York Metropolitan area and the local community of New Rochelle, these performances include concerts of classical, jazz, folk, popular, and world music, as well as dramatic and dance presentations. Most programs are made possible by the Friends of the New Rochelle Public Library, and are offered with a suggested donation of $2.00 per adult.
Films
Throughout the year, the library conducts a variety of film series, including those featuring international movies, African-American Films, silent movies, and other thematic groupings of acclaimed new and classic films. Discussions follow most films, which take place on the big screen of the Ossie Davis Theater, in “Surround-Sound.”
Lectures and Author Visits
Experts speak on a wide range of current topics and pressing issues and local and nationally-renowned authors talk about their books in programs offered throughout the year, providing information, motivation, and valuable resources.
 International Music and Dance
Vibrant performances by musicians and costumed dancers relating various cultural traditions are presented in a weekly series each summer, and in individual concerts throughout the year, as the library continually strives to showcase local and regional talent representative of the community’s great diversity.
Current Events Discussions
Beyond the Headlines, a biweekly discussion series, takes place in the fall and spring each year. Dr. Vincent Bonelli, Professor of History and Political Science, Bronx Community College of the City University of New York, leads the insightful and provocative discussions.
Book Discussions
The Brown Bag Book Discussions group meets every third week at noon in the second floor conference room. The lively conversation about a novel, biography, or an occasional nonfiction title—each selected by the group, are led by trained librarians. At least once a year, the library also offers a thematic book discussion class.
Computer Classes
Free computer classes assist those just learning computer skills, and those wishing to upgrade their skills. Librarians teach the one-session classes, and outside instructors guide participants through the four-session courses. [Back to top] Craft Workshops
 Needlework Workshops help participants starting, fixing or finishing a knitting, crochet, needlepoint or embroidery project. Expert guidance is provided by Rosalie Hollingsworth and Charlotte Kastenbaum two – three Saturdays a month, September through June; and on six weekdays during the summer, on a drop-in basis. Other craft workshops for adults are offered as grants become available.
Friends Monthly Book Sale
The Friends of the New Rochelle Public Library hold monthly Used Book Sales on a Friday and Saturday each month, September – June, and on a Friday in July, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. in the west end of the library’s lobby. The sales include a wide assortment of used adult and children’s books, CDs, DVDs, video and audio cassettes, paperbacks, cookbooks and gift books. The Friends’ popular and highly successful book sales fund the library’s extensive public programs.
Friends Book Store
Located at the rear of the first floor, the Friends’ Book Store is open Tuesdays from 1 to 2:30 p.m., and on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., except for Book Sale days and when the library is closed. All categories of books, drawn from the Friends’ warehouse of 35,000 – 50,000 books, are sold at bargain prices.
Fund Raising Events
The New Rochelle Public Library is fortunate to have three organizations that raise the funds needed to keep the library up-to-date and active with enriching programs. In addition to the Friends of the New Rochelle Public Library’s monthly book sales, special events are held throughout the year by the New Rochelle Public Library Foundation and the Partnership for the Huguenot Children’s Library .
League of Women Voters “Coffee and Conversations”
New Rochelle residents can keep informed about their community by meeting local officials and neighbors over coffee and light breakfast fare on a Friday morning each month, January – May and September – November.
Candidates Debates
The League of Women Voters hosts annual debates each May for candidates running for the City School District’s Board of Education and candidates running for the New Rochelle Public Library’s Board of Trustees.
How-to Seminars, Classes and Workshops
Small business and entrepreneurship, relaxation and health, genealogy and preserving family heirlooms, issues of interest to seniors, and other relevant topics are addressed in helpful sessions conducted at various times of the year. [Back to top] |
