Katonah Village Library

2009-05-11T14:24:00.001-04:00

Tuesday, May 12, 10:15 Great Decisons

Wednesday, May 13, 9:30 Family U Book Group,
discussing the book Siblings Without Rivalry,
by Faber and Mazlish. Books are available in
the Children's Room.
RSVP to diane.weingarten@klfamilyuniversity.org

Wednesday, May 13, 8pm Book Discussion Group
Open to all
The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao

Saturday, May 16, 10-2pm Spring Fling Book Sale
at the plaza in front of the library

Monday, May 18, 1-3 pm Great Books Discussion,

Second Epilogue to War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy

Thursday, May 21, 6:30 pm CrossTalk

The Katonah Museum of Art and
The Katonah Village Library
present...
CROSSTALK
Toons and Doom
Roz Chast/Andy Revkin
New Yorker Cartoonist/NYT Reporter

($20 in advance, $25 at the door.)
Limited seating. Paid reservations only: 914-232-9555 ext.0
Proceeds benefit the KVL and the KMA Children's Programs

Sunday, May 24 Libray Closed for Memorial Day
Monday, May 25 Libray Closed

Thursday, May 28, 2-5 pm Movie in the Afternoon
Lawrence of Arabia

Young Adult Programs

Friday, May 15 7:30 - 9:30 Anime Movie
My Neighbors the Yamadas

Wednesday, May 27, 7-9 pm SAT Math Review
call the library to register : 914 232-3508

ELECTRICITY USAGE MONITOR

2009-04-20T11:46:00.000-04:00

Bedford’s three libraries are each recipients of a “Kill-A-Watt EZ”, an Electricity Usage Monitor. Katonah Village, Bedford Hills and Bedford Village Libraries were presented with these monitors by the Town of Bedford Energy Advisory Panel as part of the town’s “Twenty by 2020” campaign to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions via lower energy consumption.

The ‘Kill-A-Watt” device, once plugged into an appliance, can accurately measure the currant levels and tabulate consumed wattage totals. The “Kill-A-Watt” identifies which appliances are major contributors to monthly electric bills. The monitors are also capable of pinpointing “phantom” energy users: appliances that continue to use power even when they are switched “off”. They will help identify which appliances are actually worth keeping plugged in and those that might be considered for replacement.

Armed with a better understanding of electricity usage, consumers will be able to make necessary changes, thereby reducing the emission of greenhouse gasses into the atmosphere as well as reducing costs.

These devices are now available for checkout at all three Bedford libraries to current Westchester Library card holders.

WALK TALL

2009-04-20T11:45:00.000-04:00

The Katonah Village Library is pleased to present a free seminar on the benefits of converting your home to a solar electric system on Monday, May 4th at 7 PM.

Would you like to protect the environment AND stabilize your energy costs?
Would you like to learn about solar electric for your home?

The Ross Solar Group will conduct a free public service seminar about the benefits of residential solar in New York.
Topics covered include: Stabilizing the monthly cost of your electric bill, placement and size of a system on your rooftop and how converting to solar electric power can help the environment.

Q & A will follow.

This seminar is free and open to the public. No registration required.

SOLAR ELECTRIC FOR YOUR HOME

2009-04-20T11:43:00.000-04:00

MEET AUTHORS MARY KELLOGG AND JON KATZ

2009-04-20T11:40:00.000-04:00

The Katonah Village Library is pleased to host a Meet the Author series on Sunday May 3rd at 2PM. Poet Mary Kellogg will read from her collection My Place on Earth. Photographer/author Jon Katz contributed the photos and will join her.

Former Katonah resident Mary Kellogg has been writing poems for more than half a century and has only recently decided to share her powerful and poignant work. Her poems have been described as written with an elegance and clarity that is uncommon today. They trace the personal path of finding her place on Earth. The collection is accompanied by the photographs of Jon Katz.

New York Times best selling author Mr. Katz is a journalist and photographer who is known for his books on dogs. Living in the northeastern corner of New York on his farm called Bedlam, Mr. Katz draws inspiration from his animals that grace many of his books. Real life hospice dog Izzy, who is a central character in several of his novels will be attending this event as well.

This program is free and open to the public. No registration required.

MEET THE AUTHOR

2009-04-16T11:28:00.001-04:00

The Katonah Village Library is pleased to have John Jay descendent and author Eve Pell read from her autobiography We Used to Own the Bronx: Memoirs of a Former Debutante as part of our Meet the Author Series. This event will be held on Tuesday, April 28 at 7:00 pm.

Born into privilege, Ms Pell’s Depression-era, Old Money family from New York, expected her to follow the traditional role of the women in her family by participating in foxhunts and house parties. However, after leaving that secure world and venturing to San Francisco in the 60’s, her eyes were opened to vastly new ideas. Among her experiences, were engaging as an activist and working with the leftist revolutionaries, the Soledad Brothers. She will share with us her self discovery and the influence of the feminist movement in her memoirs.

“Eve Pell gives us a fascinating glimpse into a secret world of wealth and privilege,” writes Jane Fonda. “Hers is an unexpected and ultimately hopeful journey of rebellion and reconciliation.”

This program is free and open to the public. There is no registration.

For further information, please contact the library at 914-232-3508.

CHILDREN'S CONCERT

2009-04-16T11:20:00.001-04:00

The Katonah Village Library is pleased to present "Musical Stories from the Oboe, the Bassoon, and the Grand Piano," a children’s concert, on Sunday, April 26, at 4 p.m.

This concert, part of the "Off Main Street" Katonah Library Series, is presented by the New York Chamber Players which consists of artistic director and pianist Gena Raps, oboist Gregory Weissman, bassoonist Lauren Rasor, and pianist Mitra-Alice Tham.
Each character will be played by a different instrument. The duck will be played by the oboe, the grandfather clock by the bassoon and beauty and the beast played by the piano.

Tickets for this program are $10 in advance and $15 at the door. Tickets are available now in the Children’s Room.

For further information, please contact the Children’s Room at 914-232-1233.

KVL CLOSED WED., FEB. 25 AND WK OF MAR. 2 THROUGH MAR. 8

2009-02-18T16:44:00.001-05:00

The Katonah Village Library will be closed on Wednesday, February 25, for electrical renovation work. The library will then close again starting Monday, March 2, and remain closed for the week as the newly renovated library is refurnished for re-opening on Monday, March 9.

"We appreciate the community's patience throughout the renovation process and look forward to serving the public in our newly enhanced facility,” said Ms. Van Kozelka, the library’s Director. These renovations were done in response to input from the community in a recent survey and are made possible by the generous support of our community. They include a new ceiling, improved lighting, carpeting and downstairs bathrooms.

For more information, visit www.katonahlibrary.org or call the library at 914-232-3508.

KVIS & KVL ANNUAL MEETING FEATURING KATONAH AUTHOR JUDE BLUNDELL

2009-01-12T13:27:00.001-05:00

The annual meeting of the Katonah Village Improvement Society (KVIS) and the Katonah Village Library (KVL) will hold its annual meeting on Monday, January 26, at the Katonah Memorial House.
Katonah author Jude Blundell will be our guest speaker. Ms. Blundell was awarded the 2008 National Book Award for Young People’s Literature for her novel What I Saw and How I Lied. She has written books for middle grade, young adult and adult readers under several pseudonyms. Under the pen name Jude Watson, she is the author of several New York Times bestselling and award- winning series and media tie-in novels. Her novel, Premonitions, was an ALA Reluctant Readers Best Picks and was chosen by the New York Public Library as a 2004 Best Book for the Teen Age. Among her forthcoming projects is Book #4 in the New York Times bestselling series, The 39 Clues.
Refreshments will be served at 7:00 and the meeting will begin at 7:30 with the annual meeting of KVIS including the election of KVIS officers and Executive Committee members. Members, who include all contributors to the library, are entitled to vote on nominees for KVIS officers and Executive Committee members. That will be followed by the annual meeting of the KVL Corporation and the election of library officers and trustees.

Please note the change in venue as the KVL is undergoing renovations. The Katonah Memorial
House is located at 71 Bedford Road, adjacent to the Katonah Fire Department. Parking is permitted only on the Katonah Memorial House side of the driveway, not on the fire house
side for public safety reasons.

If you have any questions or would like further information, please contact the library at 914-232-3508.

Closures for Holidays and Renovations

2008-12-22T13:36:00.002-05:00

Due to renovations, the Katonah Village Library will be closed to the public on Monday, December 29, and Tuesday, December 30. The library will also be closed for the holidays on December 24 and 25 and January 1. On Wednesday, December 31, the hours are 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

The hours we will be OPEN for the next two weeks are as follows:

Friday, December 26, 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Saturday, December 27, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Sunday, December 28, 1 – 5 p.m.
Wednesday, December 31, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Friday, January 2, 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Saturday, January 3, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Sunday, January 4, 1 – 5 p.m.

We are sorry for any inconvenience and appreciate the public’s patience during this renovation.

KATONAH VILLAGE LIBRARY OPENS ON LOWER LEVEL

2008-12-01T15:43:00.001-05:00

The Katonah Village Library has reopened in our new temporary location, the lower level of the library, as of December 1, 2008. Please enter the library through the lower doors as there is no access from the upper library while construction is going on. During this interim period all 2008 fiction and non-fiction books, DVDs, CDs, audiobooks, and many reference books (including medical and college guides) are available. If we do not have what you are looking for, it may be ordered through Westchester Library System inter-library loan. Internet computers are still available for public use. In addition, the Children's Room will be open, and all regularly scheduled programs will continue. However, there are no public bathrooms available until the renovations are completed.

We hope to return to our newly renovated main floor by the end of February.

These renovations are being done in response to input from the community in a recent survey and are made possible by the generous support of our community. “These renovations will greatly enhance the facility,” said Ms. Kozelka. They will also include a new ceiling, improved lighting, carpeting and downstairs bathrooms.

Progress reports on the renovation, including updates on the library's planned re-opening date, will be available on the library website. For more information, visit www.katonahlibrary.org or call the library at 914-232-3508.

"We appreciate the community's patience as we complete the renovations project and look forward to reopening the full library in early 2009," said Ms. Kozelka.

RENOVATIONS AT KATONAH VILLAGE LIBRARY

2008-11-13T10:28:00.000-05:00

RENOVATIONS AT KATONAH VILLAGE LIBRARY TO BEGIN DECEMBER 1; TEMPORARY CLOSING NOVEMBER 24

Katonah, NY (November 13 , 2008) - The Katonah Village Library will begin renovations of the upstairs level and bathrooms at the beginning of December; it was announced by the Board of Trustees and Van Kozelka, Director. In order to prepare for these exciting changes, the library will close for approximately one week beginning Monday, November 24.

“These renovations will greatly enhance the facility,” said Ms. Kozelka. They will also include a new ceiling, improved lighting, carpeting and downstairs bathrooms.

For the next three months, while renovations are completed, the library will attempt to provide as much of its extensive programming and services as possible. However, due to the scope of the work, only the lower level will be open. Visitors will be able to borrow books, DVD's and CD's and will be able to access the entire collection from the Westchester Library System. In addition, the Children's Room will be open, and all regularly scheduled programs will continue. Entrance will be through the side door on the lower level.

Please note that the bathrooms will remain closed during the full course of the renovations, so visitors should plan accordingly.

Progress reports on the renovation, including updates on the library's planned re-opening date, will be available on the library website. For more information, visit www.katonahlibrary.org or call the library at 914-232-3508.

"We appreciate the community's patience as we complete the renovations project and look forward to reopening the full library in early 2009," said Ms. Kozelka.

Annual Book Sale

2008-10-06T11:17:00.001-04:00

The Katonah Village Library is pleased to announce their annual book sale. This major fund-raising event will be held from October 18 to 25. There will be a preview night before the sale for members of the library. Those interested in joining the library before preview night may stop by the library to pay a membership fee or pay at the door. The minimum amount to be a donor allowed into the book sale is $20.

People have generously donated their books all through the year for this event and the best ones have been chosen for this sale. With 30,000 books for sale, this book sale is considered one of the best in the Northeast.

In addition to many, many books in every conceivable category, there are Literary Journals, Sheet Music, Old Books, New Books, Rare Books, Reference Books, First Editions and Signed Copies.

This year an extensive number of books and videotapes (VHS) about Elvis Presley will be for sale.

Most hardcover books with dust jackets are around $2. Most of the children’s books range from 50 cents to $5.

The hours, times and sale prices are as follows:
Saturday October 18 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Full price
Sunday October 19 1 p.m. – 5 p.m. Full price
Monday October 20 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. Full price
Tuesday October 21 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Full price
Wednesday October 22 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. Half price
Thursday October 23 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Half price
Friday October 24 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. Bargains
Saturday October 25 10 a.m. – noon Make an offer

Anyone interested in volunteering to help out at the sale may call the library at 232-3508 and leave their name and contact information with the circulation desk.

MEET THE AUTHOR SANA KRASIKOV

2008-09-15T13:18:00.000-04:00

The Katonah Village Library is pleased to present up-and-coming author Sana Krasikov. Miss Krasikov was raised in Katonah and is a graduate of John Jay High School. A reading, book-signing and reception will be held on Tuesday, September 23, at 7 p.m.

Miss Krasikov’s new book One More Year: Stories is receiving much critical acclaim. Publisher’s Weekly calls it “...her stunning short story debut...” The Miami Herald says “...an amazingly mature work...Krasikov is as good as Junot Diaz and Jhumpa Lahiri were at this stage in their careers.”

The eight short stories contained in One More Year: Stories are about the experience of mostly Russian and Georgian immigrants to the east coast of the United States.

Miss Krasikov was born in Ukraine and after spending some time in Georgia immigrated to the U.S. at an early age. She attended Katonah Elementary School and John Jay High School.

Miss Krasikov went on to graduate from Iowa Writers’ Workshop and receive the O.Henry Award and a Fulbright Scholarship. She is currently living in New York City and is at work on her first novel.

This program is free and open to the public.

For further information, please contact the library at 914-232-3508.

MEET THE AUTHORS: WHATEVER HAPPENED TO THE BLANK SCREEN?

2008-09-15T13:16:00.002-04:00

The Katonah Village Library is pleased to present “Whatever Happened to the Blank Screen? When Psychoanalysts Write Memoirs” on Wednesday, September 24, at 7:30 p.m.
It has been relatively rare in the history of psychoanalysis for psychoanalysts to publish memoirs. Fern W. Cohen, PhD (From Both Sides of the Couch, Booksurge2007), and Sue Erikson Bloland, LCSW (In the Shadow of Fame, Viking Penguin 2005), two New York City analysts who have, will talk about the impact their self-revealing books have had on their personal lives, on their clinical work, and on their careers as psychoanalysts.
As it happens, each chronicles the experience of growing up in the shadow of a very prominent father whose idealized public image posed a threat to her sense of self -worth. Fern’s father was the esteemed jurist, Edward Weinfeld, appointed to the federal court for the Southern District of New York by President Truman in 1950. Sue’s father was the renowned psychoanalyst, Erik Erikson.
Sue Erikson Bloland, LCSW, is a psychotherapist in private practice and a member of the faculty of the Manhattan Institute for Psychoanalysis in New York City. She received her MSW from New York University and her analytic training at the Manhattan Institute. The daughter of celebrated psychoanalyst and author Erik H. Erikson, Ms. Bloland has made a life-long study of the nature of fame. Her memoir, In the Shadow of Fame, was published by Viking Penguin in February 2005. She has also published articles in The Atlantic Monthly (“Fame: The Power and Cost of a Fantasy,” November, 1999), and Psychoanalytic Dialogues (“Bill Clinton and John F. Kennedy: The Dark Side of Charisma,” March/April, 2000).
Fern W. Cohen, PhD, a psychoanalyst and psychotherapist in private practice in New York City, has long been committed to conveying in everyday language what the psychoanalytic process is about and how it works. That passion informs not only her writing, both personal and professional, but also her teaching and supervision of graduate students and analytic candidates.
In her memoir, From Both Sides of the Couch, Dr. Cohen explores the defining nature of our earliest relationships and the transformative workings of psychoanalysis to “free us from our ghosts.” She brings a clinical perspective to her resonant personal journey to come out from under the weight of her remarkable father and become her own person, a journey we all share. From Both Sides of the Couch has been named a winner in the psychology category of the 2008 Next Generation Indie Book Awards.
Dr. Cohen received a PhD in School Psychology from NYU. She completed her analytic training at the NYU Postdoctoral Program in Psychotherapy and Psychoanalysis as well as at the Institute for Psychoanalytic Training and Research (IPTAR), of which she is a member.

This program is free and open to the public.

For further information, please contact the library at 914-232-3508.

CHILDREN'S CONCERT

2008-09-15T13:16:00.001-04:00

The Katonah Village Library is pleased to present "Drums Through the Ages," a children’s concert, on Sunday, September 28, at 4 p.m.

This concert, part of the "Off Main Steet" Katonah Library Series, is presented by the New York Chamber Players which consists of Gena Raps, Artistic Director, John Stine, Associate Director and Gregory Palitz, Writer, along with Danny Mallon on drums.

"Drums Through the Ages" is an interactive, rhythmic journey of drums and their story with one of today's leading early music percussionists. Danny Mallon performs on a wide array of world instruments including bodrhran, Arabic tambourine, darbuka, frame drums, shakers, castanets and other toys while overtone singing. This one of a kind program, which includes an interactive story with sound effects played by children from the audience, is sure to delight all.

Tickets for this program are $10 and are available now in the Children’s Room.

For further information, please contact the Children’s Room at 914-232-1233.

The Bestseller, An Evening with John Grisham - updates

2008-09-08T14:49:00.000-04:00

The Bestseller, An Evening With John Grisham, Will Benefit the Katonah Village Library

On Friday, October 24, The Bestseller, An Evening with John Grisham to Benefit the Katonah Village Library, will be held at the North Salem Golf Club in North Salem, New York at 7:00 p.m. One of the world’s most popular and successful writers, Grisham has authored over 20 works of fiction and non-fiction, including A Time To Kill, The Firm, The Innocent Man, and most recently, The Appeal. Over 225 million copies of his books are currently in print in over 29 languages worldwide, and nine of his novels have been made into films. The evening’s festivities will include a small pre-gala cocktail party with John Grisham at the Katonah Village Library (separate ticket purchase required), dinner with featured speaker Mr. Grisham, and live and silent auctions at the Salem Golf Club.

An attorney by training, Mr. Grisham’s career began as a criminal defense attorney. He was inspired to write A Time to Kill after hearing the harrowing testimony of a 12-year-old rape victim and imagining how the facts would have evolved if the victim’s father had killed her assailants. Since A Time to Kill was published in 1988, Mr. Grisham has written one book a year, and all have become international bestsellers.

The theme of the The Bestseller event will focus on books that have enjoyed tremendous popular success in modern history. Distinctive live and silent auction items will include vacation homes and apartments, a dinner for six prepared in the winner’s home by Katonah artist, chef and published Italian cookbook author Edward Giobbi , a private concert with local folk singers Marc Black and Jean Bratman, a behind-the-scenes tour of Christie's auction house with tea for eight, and an opportunity to be immortalized in an upcoming Grisham novel.

The event is being generously sponsored by Andrew J. Entwistle and Family, the Landesberg family and the Sabath Family. The sponsorship list is in formation. Proceeds from the Bestseller will help fund the Library’s substantial renovation plans, operating costs and extensive public programming costs. Various ticket pricing packages are available. Contact the Katonah Village Library (914-232-3508) for information or to purchase tickets.

Early Fall Events at the KVL

2008-09-04T14:26:00.001-04:00

Our Meet the Author series will present three exciting evenings:

On September 17 at 7:30 p.m., we will have Frank Strauss, author of Dawn of a Dynasty. This is a new book that describes one of the most memorable seasons in the history of Yankee Stadium.

September 23 at 7 p.m. will feature Katonah resident and John Jay High School graduate Sana Krasikov reading from her new, critically acclaimed book One More Year: Stories. A reception and book signing will follow the reading.

On September 24 at 7:30 p.m. two authors will share their memoirs. Both are daughters of very prominent fathers and both are psychoanalysts. “Whatever Happened to the Blank Screen?” features Sue Erikson Bloland, author of In the Shadow of Fame, and Fern W. Cohen, Ph.D., author of From Both Sides of the Couch.

We will have three art exhibits on display.

The art exhibit Nat Sloan & friends features sculpturist Nat Sloan, painters Foxy Gwynne, Jinkie Rush, Starr Lawrence and Dennis Szymanski and photographers Dave Clark and Jene LeBlanc through September 17.

Heart of Europe: Natural and Man-Made Wonders: A Photographic Journey features the work of Dimitri Rellos. This exhibit will run until September 28. There will be a reception on September 27 at noon.

Mr. Rellos will also give a Digital Camera Workshop on September 27 at 10:30 a.m. Registration is required for this workshop as space is limited.

Picturing America, made possible by a grant by The National Endowment for the Humanities, will be on display in the Children’s Room. It features 40 reproduction of American Art by noteworthy artists and tells the story of America.

Our annual book sale will be October 18- 25.

BOOK SALE DONATIONS END AUGUST 30TH

2008-07-21T16:03:00.000-04:00

THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU
FOR YOUR GENEROUS DONATIONS & SUPPORT!!!
BUT NO MORE BOOK DONATIONS CAN BE ACCEPTED
AFTER AUGUST 30TH.

LAPTOPS FOR LOAN AT KVL

2008-07-21T15:57:00.000-04:00

The Katonah Village Library is proud to announce a new program, Laptops for Loan, made possible through a grant offered by Senator Vincent Leibell. Library Director Van Kozelka is “very thankful to Senator Leibell for funds that we could use to get laptops. I think they will be a very useful addition to the services that the library can supply to our patrons.”

Adult patrons (age 16 and over) with a valid library card and in good standing may borrow a laptop for use within the library for a period up to 1 ½ hours per day. A form of identification with the patron’s photograph is also required to reserve the laptop. There is no charge for this service.

For further information, please contact the library at 914-232-3508.

UPCOMING FALL EVENTS AT KVL

2008-07-21T15:52:00.002-04:00

“The Bestseller – An Evening with John Grisham”
A Gala to benefit the Katonah Village Library

Friday, October 24

7:30 – midnight

at the Salem Golf Club

Cocktails, Dinner, Silent & Live Auctions

Tickets cost $195 and must be purchased before the event at the Katonah Village Library.

Tickets for a special pre-benefit cocktail party with Mr. Grisham are available.

ANNUAL BOOK SALE

October 17 through 25

During library hours

at the Katonah Village Library

The Katonah Village Library will hold its annual book sale starting October 17 with preview night for members only. The sale opens to the public on October 18 and books will be marked down beginning October 22.

MEET THE AUTHOR FRANK STRAUSS

2008-07-21T15:51:00.000-04:00

The Katonah Village Library is pleased to present Frank Strauss on Wednesday, September 17, at 7:30 p.m as part of our Meet the Author series. Mr. Strauss will talk about his new book, Dawn of a Dynasty, in which he describes one of the most memorable seasons in the history of Yankee Stadium. After the talk there will be a book-signing.

The Yankee’s 1947 season was their 45th season and is considered the start of their second great dynasty. Led by Hall of Famer Joe DiMaggio, the New York Yankees won the World Series in a close-fought 7-game series with the Brooklyn Dodgers and also won the American League Pennant by 12 games over the Detroit Tigers. This dream team included returning World War II veterans such as Phil Rizzuto and Tommy Henrich, and rookies Yogi Berra, Bobby Brown and Frank Shea.

Mr. Strauss has written this book from his memories as a 12-year old fan living in Brooklyn at the time and shares with the reader what it was like in the baseball days of yore when only a few, specifically fourteen, night games were played, pitchers pitched for the whole game, there were no designated hitters, players stayed with a team unless traded (unlike free agency) and it only cost 60 cents to watch a double-header in the right bleachers. Mr. Strauss also tells about the day he met Babe Ruth. Mr. Strauss’ website has much more information about the book and can be reached at www.1947yankees.com.

This program is free and open to the public.

For further information, please contact the library at 914-232-3508.

MORRIS DANCERS TO APPEAR AT KVL

2008-07-21T15:48:00.000-04:00

The Katonah Village Library is pleased to present American Travelling Morrice, a Morris Dancing group, on August 19 at 4:30 on our plaza.

The American Travelling Morrice dance group has chosen our area for their annual dancing tour for the first time in their 33 years of touring. The Travelling Morrice consists of Morris men from all over the country, including more than a few dancers of international fame in the field.

The merry jingling of bells and the resounding clashing of sticks will soon waft through
the summer air at the Katonah Library. The dancing is vigorous, colorful and great fun to watch. "There is nothing quite like the Morris dancers", says New York City resident James Walker, organizer of this year's tour. "The music of fiddles and melodeons, the sound of the bells on the dancers' legs and the bright colors flashing in the sun create an unusual spectacle which catches people by surprise. Suddenly there appears this incredibly energetic and exciting situation right in
the middle of the day! It is worth it to come out and watch".

This performance is free and open to the public. However, the dancers are quick to point out the time-honored Morris custom of passing the hat, enabling the spectators to participate in the tradition and, as they put it, "partake in the Morris luck".

While the origins of the Morris dance tradition are lost in history, the centuries-old custom first noted down in 1458 apparently evolved as a ritual designed to shake off the dark and gloom of winter and celebrate the coming of spring, bringing luck and fertility to participants and audience alike.

Most of the dances are performed by six men at a time, with either sticks or handkerchiefs in hand. The dancers are recognized by their distinctive outfits or "kits," consisting traditionally of white trousers and shirts set off by multi-colored ribbons, bells and gaily decorated hats. Accompanying each Morris team is at least one musician who performs lively English folk melodies on accordion, concertina, fiddle, or pipe and tabor (drum), as well as a mascot or Fool, who frisks about good-naturedly taunting and baiting the dancers and entertaining the crowd.

For further information, please contact the library at 914-232-3508.

MEET THE AUTHOR ROXANA ROBINSON

2008-06-02T16:00:00.000-04:00

The Katonah Village Library is pleased to have Roxana Robinson read from her latest novel Cost. This reading followed by a reception will be held on Friday, June 20, at 7 p.m.

Cost has received a starred review from Booklist, a publication of the American Library Association, and it is also one of the top ten books in the National Book Critics Circle Recommended Reads, Spring 2008. It is the third book in a trilogy preceded by This is My Daughter and Sweetwater that deals with family issues that are uniquely American.

A former Katonah resident, Ms. Robinson has written four novels, three short story collections and a biography. Four of her books have been named Notable Books of the Year by The New York Times. Her writing has been compared to John Cheever’s by The New York Times and Edith Wharton’s by Time Magazine.

Ms. Robinson is also a biographer and scholar of nineteenth and early twentieth century American art and a gardener. Her biography of Georgia O’Keeffe has been called by Calvin Tomkins of the New Yorker “without question the best book written about O’Keeffe.” Ms. Robinson has taught many creative writing workshops and currently teaches at The New School for Social Research in New York City. Ms. Robinson’s book reviews and articles about art, gardening and travel have appeared in many publications.

This program is free and open to the public.

For further information, please the library at 914-232-3508.

MEET THE AUTHOR JEAN BOGGIO

2008-06-02T15:59:00.000-04:00

The Katonah Village Library is pleased to have former Katonah resident and author Jean Boggio read from her new book Stolen Fields: A Story of Eminent Domain and the Death of the American Dream. This event will be held on Tuesday, June 17, at 7:30 p.m.

Stolen Fields is a memoir/family history which includes references to the years her family lived in Katonah. In addition to a book reading, there will be a discussion of life in Katonah in the 1950’s. Folks from Somers might also find it interesting as the author’s mother was the head of the language department at the Somers High School for many years.

This program is free and open to the public.

For further information, please contact the library at 232-3508.