Events at the Library

Below is a list of programs for children and adults, scheduled to take place in the library's Ottinger Room. All events are free and open to the public. Registration is not required unless otherwise noted. Additional programs for children and ongoing exhibitions can be found here:

• Children's programs
• Exhibitions

COLLEGE PRESENTATIONS / March 10 & 24
"College Admissions 101 and "The College Search"

Croton resident Alex Weiner, professional counselor, presents seminars dedicated to helping students find, apply to and attend the right colleges. The Croton Free Library hosts two presentations designed by Alex’s firm Collegewise for the curious, concerned and college-bound. Students and parents are welcome. Please register to help ensure that adequate materials are on hand.

• College Admissions 101 answers the question, “What are colleges really looking for?” Alex addresses the factors considered during the admissions process (such as grades, test scores and activities), and gives a behind-the-scenes look at how admissions offices actually make decisions. Wednesday, March 10, 7:30 p.m.

• The College Search is an excellent first step to ultimately finding the college that is the best fit for the individual student. Alex addresses characteristics to look for when evaluating colleges, such as size, location and majors. He also discusses how to make college visits rich in information and light on stress. Wednesday, March 24, 7:30 p.m.

WORKFORCE RESOURCE FORUM / March 13
Guest Speakers and Westchester Resource/Educational Information Tables

Looking for employment opportunities, re-entering the workforce or changing career tracks? The Croton Free Library and County Legislator William Burton invite you to the Workforce Resource Forum. Come to the library for new ideas to help take you in new directions in your job search. The afternoon event features expert speakers providing career-boosting strategies: Jane Scandurra (of Tarrytown) – a seasoned marketing professional – addresses “personal branding” and leveraging individual strengths and social networking in the job search. Cathi Locati, director of career services at Sanford-Brown, presents direct, focused actions to take and a simple system to follow when organizing a job search, and discusses specific skills and techniques helpful in getting the interview, and landing the job. In addition to hearing presentations, attendees can visit the information tables of several career and educational resources based in Westchester County. Stop by for a few minutes or stay for an hour or two. The event is free and open to the public. Saturday, March 13, 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

CHILDREN / March 20
“Native Peoples of the Southwest” with 2 Hands 2 Learn

Explore many intriguing aspects of Southwestern Native American life, through indigenous foods, animals, plants and crafts. Investigate native art and the influence it had in daily life. Make your own clay pinch pot, and see examples of Kachina dolls and learn about the role they play in the Hopi culture. This program highlights the contributions of these diverse and fascinating cultures to our nation’s history. For children grades K and up. Registration required. Saturday, March 20, 11:00 a.m.

MUSIC / March 21
Cellist Julia Bruskin in Concert

Give yourself a delicious musical treat and spend the afternoon with one of the premiere cellists of her generation, Julia Bruskin. Since her concerto debut with the Boston Symphony Orchestra at age 17, Julia has been wowing listeners with the “exquisite beauty of sound and expression” of her performances (Fanfare Magazine). She performed Samuel Barber’s Cello Concerto with conductor Jahja Ling at Avery Fisher Hall, and has also been soloist with the Utah Symphony, Virginia Symphony, Pacific Symphony and Dayton Philharmonic, among others. A founding member of the critically acclaimed Claremont Trio, Julia plays frequent solo recitals across the U.S. and abroad. The much-anticipated recital at the Croton Free Library also features pianist Michael Skelly and includes: Bach, Suite No. 2 in d minor; Beethoven, Sonata in g minor; Brahms, Sonata in F Major. Sunday, March 21, 3:00 p.m.

MUSIC / March 26
“The Roots of Jazz” with Mark Minkler and Jon Sholle

Bassist Mark Minkler and guitarist Jon Sholle present “The Roots of Jazz,” making whistle stops at New Orleans, Nashville and New York. Mark – known for his work on Broadway and in clubs with top-notch artists – appears with Jon, who also plays the dobro, lap steel, banjo, mandolin and bass. Jon’s long career is rooted in American traditional music, and encompasses jazz, country, blues and rock, as well as bluegrass. Drummer Jon Doty joins these veteran New York City musicians to help swing in the spring. Friday, March 26, 7:30 p.m.

SHAKESPEARE’S BIRTHDAY BASH / April 10
Sign Up to Perform Now

Make a scene at the library. Participate in a showcase to celebrate Shakespeare’s birthday (a couple of weeks early). Adults and high school students, sign up to play and sing music based on Shakespearean themes and/or text, or from shows inspired by Shakespeare (e.g., West Side Story). Perform a scene or monologue from (or parodying) the immortal Bard. Read original or published verse that takes its cue from classic Shakespeare. Come as an audience member or register as a participant. Singers, instrumentalists and actors sign up to give a rehearsed 10-minute (estimated) performance. Call (914-271-6612), e-mail (youngartists@optonline.net), or visit the library to register. An accompanist will be provided for singers for a run-through the day of the performance and the evening’s event. The library’s program coordinator will be in contact to ensure that acts are not duplicated, and that music is received by the accompanist. All the world’s a stage at the Croton Free Library. Register by March 26. Performance, Saturday, April 10, 7:30 p.m.

PSAT/SAT PREP / April 7 and 21
Full-Length Practice Test and Test Strategies 101 Workshop

The Croton Free Library is offering two opportunities to prepare for the PSAT/SAT without obligation – courtesy of Kaplan Test Prep and Admissions.

• Full-Length Practice PSAT. A realistic dry-run of the PSAT, this fully-proctored practice test shows students what to expect in a timed exam environment. Students receive a comprehensive analysis of their performance on the test, detailing individual strengths and weaknesses (sent to them free of charge). Please register to help ensure that adequate materials are on hand, by calling (914-271-6612) or visiting the library. Bring number-two pencils, a calculator, and snacks for break. Wednesday, April 7, 3:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

• Test Strategies 101 Workshop. Both parents and students learn how to score higher on admissions tests. A presenter from Kaplan focuses on the format and content of the PSAT/SAT, including ways to take advantage of the test format to maximize efficiency on the exam. Various questions types are reviewed. This workshop is an excellent follow-up to the practice test. (However, taking the practice test is not a prerequisite.) Please register to help ensure that adequate materials are on hand, by calling (914-271-6612) or visiting the library. Parents and students welcome. Wednesday, April 21, 7:30 p.m.

PRESENTATION / April 14
New Ways of Assessing Abilities with Dr. Gay Stebbins Pepper

If you have a high school student, chances are you are confused about how to choose the right college or university from the over-3,000 in the United States. Dr. Gay Stebbins Pepper shows how to begin with the student, by understanding a broad range of abilities, many of which go beyond classroom learning. An ability assessment, now offered on-line, can show how students solve problems, communicate effectively and master new information most easily. This ability assessment is not just for college hopefuls, but for adults, too, and is especially helpful for those looking to change career paths. Dr. Pepper worked as Associate Dean of Admission at the University of Pennsylvania for five years before becoming a college counselor in leading secondary schools. Please register to help ensure that adequate materials are on hand, by calling (914-271-6612) or visiting the library. Wednesday, April 14, 7:30 p.m.

FAMILY EVENT / April 16
David Levitan’s World of Magic

A master magician with a marvelous comedic skill, David Levitan shares the excitement of making magic with the entire audience. Kids feel like they’re magicians. Adults feel like they’re kids! Bring the entire family to see one of the Croton Free Library’s favorite performers. Friday, April 16, 7:30 p.m.

HISTORICAL WALKING TOUR / April 24
The New Croton Dam

Popular speaker Carl Oechsner – author and president of the Croton Friends of History – leads a walk into the past. Explore the Croton Aqueduct, the Croton Dam and New York’s water system. Assemble at the Croton Free Library at 2:00 p.m. for a short orienting presentation, and then carpool to the Aqueduct. Comfortable walking shoes recommended! Saturday, April 24, 2:00 p.m.

CONCERT / April 25
“Remembrances” with The Hevreh Ensemble

The Hevreh Ensemble presents hauntingly-beautiful original works by Jeff Adler, commemorating Yom Ha Shoah – the Holocaust. Pieces call for traditional and non-traditional instruments, including oboe, oboe d'amore, English horn, Native American flutes, clarinet, bass clarinet, soprano saxophone, world percussion, keyboard and shofar. The members of The Hevreh Ensemble – Jeff Adler, Judith Dansker, Laurie Friedman, Donald Sosin – have performed with and have been honored by and affiliated with organizations such as: the Juilliard School, Manhattan School of Music, Alice Tully Hall, Carnegie Recital Hall, the Library of Congress, Merkin Concert Hall, The University of Michigan and Hofstra University, among many others. Hevreh Ensemble performances have been called "spiritually uplifting" and "strikingly original." Come remember with us (co-sponsored by the Croton Free Library and the Westchester Jewish Conference). Sunday, April 25, 2:00 p.m.

FILM PROGRAM / April 30
“Yikes! - The History of Movie Stunts” with Clive Young

Author and pop culture analyst Clive Young traces the action-packed evolution of stunt work in movies. From car chases, explosions and leaps, to sword fights, motorboat jumps and hanging from helicopters, Hollywood stuntmen and women risk their lives daily to bring excitement to the screen. Starting with feats filmed in the early 1900s, the fast-paced program (complete with film clips) presents some of the most spectacular acts ever put to celluloid, while explaining the advancements in technology, training and safety that made them possible. Friday, April 30, 7:30 p.m.

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Exhibitions

OTTINGER ROOM / Croton Portraits

Croton Portraits, an exhibition of photographs by Thomas Kristich will be in the Ottinger Room through the end of February. Opening reception information to come.

MAIN ROOM / Valentines

An exhibit of vintage valentines, from the 1800s to the 1940s, plus valentine-inspired artwork and posters and tips on how to make your own.