At the Scarsdale Library: It's Getting Better All the Time
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To those who predicted the demise of public libraries due to e-books, the digitization of data and the explosive growth of information on the internet, an increase in the usage of Scarsdale’s state of the art library has proven you wrong.
By all indicators library usage is up – whether it be adult and children’s book borrowing, e-book loans, program attendance or use of the facilities including the maker space and room rentals.
At a work session of the Village Trustees on January 21, 2025, Library Director Beth Bermel revealed some stunning statistics. By all measure, the library is getting better and better.
Bermel told the trustees that in addition to general increase in foot traffic and usage, there are more room rentals and higher usage of the technology room and business center, the maker space and teen programs – with students “coming in droves.”
Here are a few numbers to illustrate the trends.
Year Book Circulation Libby (ebooks and audio) Only
2024 331,883 81,359
2023 293,787 67,352
2022 265,317 67,911
The numbers show that Scarsdale Library usage ranks among the top in Westchester, falling just behind far larger towns and villages.
-Scarsdale is fourth in Westchester in terms of visits, after New Rochelle, Yonkers and White Plains.
-In terms of total circulation, Scarsdale is fifth in the county, after Yonkers, White Plains, Yorktown and Greenburgh.
-Also impressive are the programming numbers. Bermel reported that in 2024 the library hosted 1,124 programs attended by 44,244 users. This is up from 2022 when 627 programs were attended by 23,220 users.
-Scarsdale serves a high percentage of cardholders. 70% of those using the library have a Scarsdale Library card as compared to the Westchester average of 50%. Explaining the usage by non-residents, Bermel said, “We are a public library, which means we are open to all. Just as Scarsdale residents freely use other libraries, we allow non-residents to use ours. We are part of the Westchester Library System, and therefore required to abide by their NYS-mandated Free Direct Access Plan, which codifies this philosophy of open access."
-Bermal was happy to report collaborations with a wide array of community organizations and the schools. She concluded, “We are leaders in Westchester,” and “The appetite for services and programs is growing exponentially.”
Commenting on the stats, Bermel said, "It is gratifying to see that all of our hard work to improve the Scarsdale Public Library is coming to fruition. We have created spaces that our community enjoys, but, more importantly, we have dedicated, knowledgeable and responsive employees who provide excellent programs and services. The library is bustling no matter the time of day--babies, kids, teens, adults and seniors all love coming here to choose books, attend programs and meetings, work remotely, or just hang out. We're thrilled to be a destination for all."
Summer Dreaming at the SHS Summer Activities Fair
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- Written by Wendy MacMillan
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As many parents know, deciding how to keep your children active and engaged during the lazy days of summer can sometimes feel like an overwhelming task. Well PTA volunteer extraordinaires Melissa Eisenberg, Jocelyn Gibian, and Rachel Fingeroot helped to make that decision a whole lot easier when they hosted Scarsdale High School’s annual Summer Activities Fair on January 14th.
As a result of the organizers' terrific effort, this year’s fair had 55 representatives from a wide variety of exciting summer programs including teen travel, pre-college enrichment, community service, internship programs, performing arts, sports, language immersion, outdoor adventure and other specialty camps, all there to discuss their offerings and answer questions from parents and students alike. New this year, the organizers made a concerted effort to invite students from surrounding districts making it a larger, community event.
No matter how old your children, or what kind of activities spark their joy, the Summer’s Activity Fair had something for everyone. A few of the various vendors included:
Adelphi’s Summer Pre-College Program is open to rising sophomores, juniors 
and seniors in high school. Our credit-bearing program allows students to explore an academic area of interest, participate in college preparedness workshops, and discover all that Adelphi University has to offer. Both residential and commuter options are available. Take an amazing class, make new friends, and earn college credits all in our summer program tailored just for you! Learn more
Some of the other Pre-College Programs on hand for the evening included Dartmouth, Purchase, Barnard, University of Michigan, Columbia, and Lehigh just to name a few.
There was no shortage of options for sports enthusiasts with everything from local day camps like Future Stars, to pre-college athlete programs at Wheaton College in Massachusetts. A former SHS alum has even co-founded and runs a speciality tennis program called Atlas Tennis.
Atlas Tennis offers teens the chance to travel through Europe playing tennis, experiencing new cultures, and seeing some of the world’s most iconic sights. Trips are 2-3 weeks, and are designed for all levels, with multiple opportunities to compete in European tournaments. Stops include London (with a day at Wimbledon and a chance to meet some of the pros), Barcelona, Paris, and more. Atlas is run by SHS alum Ben Shapiro and co-founded by four tennis industry leaders, all of whom are experts in college, junior, and professional tennis. Learn more
Athletes and adventurers could also learn more about summer programs like Sababa Beach Camp, Stone Mountain Adventures (SMA) Teen Summer Camp, Summer Discovery & Discovery Internships, Sail Caribbean, and ActionQuest.
Considered one of the highlights of the evening, students from School of Rock performed several songs as if they were on stage at the Govenor’s Ball. If you think your kiddo is the next Chris Martin, you might want to check out this local camp and after school program.
School of Rock White Plains’ summer music camps are an excellent way for young musicians to get the revolutionary School of Rock experience. We offer performance camps, artist-themed camps, songwriting and more. There's a camp available for every interest and skill level. Utilizing "METHOD", our patented music education system, students practice in a band and are taught popular songs as a proven way of learning to play music. Our music camps end with an epic, live rock show where you'll see how much they have learned. Start your child's musical journey today! Learn more
Other programs for the creative types included the Music Conservatory of Westchester, University of Michigan, Stamps School of Art & Design, One River Art and so much more.
If global travel and a summer abroad seems intriguing to your teen, then Where There Be Dragons has everything you could be looking for.
Where There Be Dragons was founded in 1993 and runs immersive travel programs in Asia, Latin America and Africa for students aged 15-22. Our unparalleled 2,4 & 6-week summer abroad programs and 3-month Gap year semesters give students the opportunity to travel with intention & create meaningful connections with the people and places they visit. 
SHS student Sam Broff was on hand to answer questions and said that Where There Be Dragons “has the greatest programs he has ever taken part in” calling their excursion to China, “Out of this World.”
There were loads of other travel programs to choose from including Camp Sol Spain, The Road Less Traveled, Travel For Teens, Westcoast Connection, and Hudson Lab Ventures. But if sticking closer to home seems more appealing there were also a wide variety of day camps and job opportunities to learn about like Discover Camp, Oasis Day Camp, Camp Ramaquois, and Mohawk Day Camp. Several of these camps are both great for the younger campers and hiring teens as camp counselors!
What’s spotlighted in this article is truly only the tip of the iceberg! For a complete list of all the vendors at this year’s Summer Activities Fair, check out the webpage here.
What's in Store for the 2024 Holidays in Scarsdale
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Gold diamond huggies from EF Collection are the ultimate go-to accessory.With just a few weeks until Hanukkah and Christmas, now’s the time to shop local for gifts for family, teachers, friends, co-workers and all the people who surround you. This year, before you go online, take a look at what’s in store for you in Scarsdale. Beautiful apparel, jewelry, scents, home décor, books, flowers and food are all steps from home.
We reached out to local business owners for their gift recommendations and here is what they shared. Happy hunting and happy holidays from Scarsdale10583.com.
Holsten Jewelers invites you this holiday season to experience over 100 years of family tradition and craftsmanship. We specialize in engagement rings, custom designs, jewelry repair, watch restoration, 
Facet Barcelona makes beautiful diamond tennis necklaces and bracelets. See them at Holsten.and more! Finding you the perfect piece, whether a sparkling surprise or a cherished keepsake, is your passion. From our family to yours, we can't wait to make this season unforgettable with jewelry that tells your story.
Holsten Jewelers, 5 Harwood Court, Scarsdale, (914) 472-4554
Tue - Sat 10 AM - 5 PM
Instagram: @holstenjewelers
For a unique shopping experience, shop ROCKS Jewelry Gifts Home in the Golden Horseshoe. Not only do we offer a full service fine and fashion jewelry store including repairs and custom work, we also offer over 50 home and accessories brands. From furniture, art, wallpaper, and lighting, we have it all! And there is no better place to shop for hostess gifts. We have a huge selection of gifts items starting as low as $25.
Rocks jewelry collection at affordable prices. 14K gold starting at $250.Need to accessorize your home and have no idea where to begin? We will come to your home and accessorize, and if you're looking for full-service interior design, we do that too! Enjoy our ROCKS concierge services. Call, email, or go online... and get it delivered right to your door.
Open Monday-Saturday 10 am-5 pm and Sundays 12-4 in December, 1096 ROCKS, Wilmot 
The Porcelain Diffuser - $100Road, Scarsdale , 914-219-5808
Discover the perfect gifts at I Am More Scarsdale! From cozy texting gloves, stylish scarves, and warm winter hats to faux fur totes, metallic woven clutches, everyday jewelry, candles, and diffusers, we have all of your holiday gifting needs covered!
I Am More’s mission is to empower women to make them feel confident, to support women-owned businesses and designers, and to give back to local and women’s philanthropic organizations. I Am More operates as a philanthropic business, with ownership forgoing a salary in order to donate profits to the organizations that it supports.
I Am More Scarsdale, 6 Spencer Place, Scarsdale, 914-723-6673 (MORE) @iammore.scarsdale
Pamela Robbins is the iconic store where luxury and lifestyle come together for women of all ages seeking anything from tee-shirts and jeans to an outfit for a special event. Loyal customers and newcomers alike are drawn to Pamela Robbins for Pam’s incredible sense of style and her team of stylists.
Find these and more sweaters, bags, and great looks from heritage brands and contemporary designers at Pamela Robbins, 5 Boniface Circle, Scarsdale. (914) 472-4033.
Nili Lotan Blaise Parker made from an Italian nylon blend with removable faux fur collar at Pamela Robbins.
Victoria Beckham classic chain bag collection.In store for the holidays: The Nili Lotan coat, Victoria Beckham classic chain bag collection. The Elder Statesman alpaca stripe giant scarf.
The Elder Statesman alpaca stripe giant scarf.
Take your holiday decor to the next level with home scent from Scentfluence. Gorgeous seasonal diffusible scent oils and elegant ambient diffusers help scent the season in style. Explore our scent library to discover a scent for every mood, style, and gift, including top brand name authentic hotel scents, candles, reed diffusers, and more (only available at ScentFluence). Enjoy 15% off our winter holiday scent collection and diffusers *in-store only.
Private in-studio scent events are a unique gift for small gatherings of friends or holiday company events. Contact [email protected] 914-338-5070
ScentFluence 22 Harwood Court, Scarsdale | Monday to Friday, 12-5.
Find your Season’s Readings at Bronx River Books, your defiantly independent neighborhood 
bookshop with 17,000 titles in stock. Hundreds of thousands available within three days by special order. Plus, jigsaw puzzles, mobiles, puppets, greeting cards, stocking stuffers, cultural curiosities, and gift certificates. In-store and online shopping. Bronx River Books, 37 Spencer Place, Scarsdale, 914-420-6396.
Eye Gallery of Scarsdale invites you to check out the latest sunglasses and eyewear for this holiday season! With new styles from Chanel, Celine, Chrome Hearts, Thierry Lasry, Jacques Marie Mage, Barton Perriera and AHLEM eyewear you will never run out of options for holiday gifts this year! And while you’re in town make sure to make an appointment for 
your annual eye check-up.
Visit their new, elegant location on Boniface Circle in Scarsdale. Renowned for its impeccable service and exclusive collection of premium eyewear, the gallery is dedicated to redefining your optical experience.
Eye Gallery of Scarsdale, 15 Boniface Circle, Scarsdale, (914) 472-2020.
This holiday season, let Eastchester Fish Gourmet cater your holiday celebrations. Their holiday menu includes many of the favorites from our restaurant and more... shrimp cocktail platters, poached salmon platters, specialty platters (pictured), seafood paella, parmesan encrusted cod, lobster, mini crab cakes, baked clams, paella, clam 
sauce and more. See the holiday menu here. Looking for the perfect gift? Click here to order a Gift Card online -they never expire!
Eastchester Fish Gourmet, 837 White Plains Road, Scarsdale, (914) 725-3450 Eastchester Fish Gourmet:
And for you? The Hair Saloon and Café on Scarsdale Avenue offers hair styling and beauty treatments to help you look your best for the holidays, along with cocktails and coffee to enhance your experience. Danielle Settembre, with over 10 years of experience at Elizabeth Arden’s Red Door and the daughter of restauranteurs, combined her passions to create this unique experience for salon goers.
Enjoy 10% off a service and a complimentary cappuccino/latte or specialty cocktail for your first appointment with us. Make an appointment for haircuts and styling, extensions, color, full body waxing, makeup, and eyebrow/lash specialties with our master stylists and estheticians. The full liquor bar, salon, and spa concept is a one stop shop for all of your beauty needs located on Scarsdale Avenue. Also consider giving gift cards, and the recipients will also get 10% off a service and a free beverage.
Hair Saloon and Café, 862 Scarsdale Avenue, Scarsdale, (914) 881-1233
This year, dress up your home and table with holiday bouquets, centerpieces, Christmas wreaths and custom made topiary trees from the Scarsdale Flower Boutique.
Choose from orchids, star of Bethlehem, stock, ranunculus and colorful flowers for yourself or as gifts for friends. Bring a poinsettia, an orchid or an amaryllis to your holiday gathering.
Click here to see holiday arrangements, starting at $50 for pick up in store, or $75 for same day delivery. Order soon for Christmas. Call 914-723-0852, order online here or stop by the shop at 7 Harwood Court in the heart of Scarsdale Village.
Not sure what to buy? Then give them a ‘Dale Dollars eGift Card, a community-based digital gift card
that makes it fun and easy to keep spending local. Purchase a ‘Dale Dollars eGift Card here to use at any of the participating shops in the neighborhood. With this card, you can write a personal message and send it to family, friends and colleagues via email, text, or physical copy. Recipients can choose to spend it at one of many participating merchants in Scarsdale —or mix it up and spend flexibly at multiple locations.
All-digital and always available on your phone, the ‘Dale Dollars eGift Card is great for the holidays, birthdays, teacher appreciation, coach gifts, or just to show your appreciation to a friend. Now you can give back to the community while you celebrate the holidays and special occasions!
To add your holiday gift suggestions to this guide, email us at [email protected].
Ken Jenkins Appointed Westchester County Executive Until a Special Election on February 11, 2025
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On Monday January 6, 2025, the Westchester County Board of Legislators voted unanimously to appoint Deputy County Executive Kenneth W. Jenkins Westchester County Executive until a Special Election, which the Board has set for February 11, 2025.
The public will vote to elect a County Executive to serve the remainder of Congressman George Latimer’s original term through December 2025.. Jenkins succeeds Acting County Executive Richard G. Wishnie, who was designated to the transitional role by Board Chairman Vedat Gashi immediately after Latimer officially stepped down on January 2, 2025 after he was elected to represent Congressional District 16 in the US House of Representatives.
This afternoon he was sworn into office by New York State Supreme Court Justice Anne E. Minihan, 9th Judicial District, in a ceremony at the Michaelian Office Building.
Jenkins said: “I am deeply honored to have been named Westchester County Executive, a challenge I am braced to take on with integrity, respect and vision. As Deputy County Executive for the past seven years, I have fought hard to uphold the principals we all share – democracy, safety, education, technology and community engagement. We have made tremendous progress and have much we can feel proud of, seeing the completion of key infrastructure projects, environmental upgrades and social justice issues. I am confident that in this new role as County Executive, we will continue to make great strides for Westchester, together.”
According to a press release from Westchester County, “Jenkins built an extensive career in telecommunications and technology, holding key roles at leading companies such as Apple, AT&T, Bell Atlantic, New York Telephone (Verizon), NYNEX and Seer Technologies. He also gained valuable sales experience, as an owner and broker, during his tenure at ERA Gem Realty, further enhancing his expertise in the real estate sector.
Jenkins’ extensive public and community involvement includes board service with the Greyston Foundation, United Way, Westchester County District Attorney's Community Advisory Committee, Westchester County Crime Stoppers and the Community Planning Council of Yonkers. He served as President of the Yonkers Branch of the NAACP and the Yonkers Community Action Program.
A longstanding member of the Democratic Party, Jenkins has held various leadership positions, including: Treasurer of the New York State Democratic Committee, Chairman of the Yonkers Democratic Committee, Chairman of the Black Democrats of Westchester and Secretary of the Westchester County Democratic Committee, in addition to serving on its Executive Committee. He has also shared his political insights as a frequent analyst on News 12 Westchester.”
Assembly at EHS Highlights Lack of Access for Girls to Higher Education Around the Globe
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Since 2011, the United Nations has worked “to recognize girls’ rights and the unique challenges girls face around the world” by declaring October 11th as International Day of the Girl. According to their website, “The International Day of the Girl Child focuses attention on the need to address the challenges girls face and to promote girls’ empowerment and the fulfillment of their human rights.”
Though many of us may have missed the opportunity to celebrate the important day this past October 11th, one student at Edgemont High School made sure the day didn’t go unnoticed by her peers. In an effort to raise awareness about the importance of the right for girls all over the world to be able to access an education, junior Eleni Piniros created and delivered an informative assembly that demonstrated how in many parts of the world, girls are prohibited from going to school and getting an education beyond the elementary grades.
Piniros said she was honored to have Dr. Barbara Kapetanakes, a founding member of the NYS Psychological Association LGBTQ Task Force and past president of the Westchester Psychological Association, join her presentation to talk “about girl empowerment, the importance of an education, and how having an education affects female earning power and the ability to make choices and have more options throughout life.”
In a recent interview Piniros detailed the highlights of her assembly and why she feels it is so important that we all take action.
Q: What important issues does your assembly call attention to?
A: The assembly was held on October 11th which was International Day of the Girl which I felt would be a perfect day to speak about the importance of the right for girls all over the world to be able to access an education.
Important Points:
I spoke about the Malala Fund which is a non-profit organization and how it advocates for girls to be able to go to secondary school so that they can get an education. In many parts of the world, girls are not able to go to school beyond the 6th grade.
My PowerPoint presentation included information regarding geography and statistics about countries which don’t allow girls to have an education.
Dr. Kapetanakes presented the history of Women’s Rights and how these rights are still not guaranteed in the 21st century. Dr. Kapetanakes also talked about the psychological standpoint when it comes to girls having an education and about the importance of an education giving girls the ability to live a better life and be more independent by being able to make life choices.
Q: What do you hope other students will take away from the assembly?
A: I wanted my classmates to be made aware that this conflict exists in many parts of the world and it’s not fair. I wanted them to understand that we are extremely privileged living where we are able to attend school every day. I feel that it is easy to be unaware concerning this conflict happening right now. During the assembly I asked, “Can you imagine that right now, we girls would not be allowed to be at Edgemont HS?”
Also, at the beginning of the assembly, I said there would be a trivia contest at the end. Then at the end of the presentation, I showed slides with questions and I gave the first student to raise their hand and answer correctly a bracelet that our group made. It was fun and it helped to keep the students’ attention during the assembly.
Q: What actionable steps can students/people take to help girls gain more access to education?
A: Students can become educated on the conflict. And at Edgemont HS, students can join my school club, Beads for Malala, where as a group we make bracelets and sell them in addition to bake sales to raise money to donate to the Malala Fund.
Q: What inspired you to create this assembly?
A: I was inspired to create this assembly because I’m one of the founders of my school club which I started last year and I wanted to expand my efforts to increase awareness for this important issue to my high school community and hopefully beyond. I think it is a very important cause since many people do not realize that girls are still not allowed to attend school in parts of the world. Though it's true that in some countries there simply isn't enough money to build schools and supply students with the learning materials they need, it is important for people to understand that this isn't the only barrier to education that many girls face. In places like Afghanistan, it is against the law for females to even attend school.
Q: Is the assembly online for others to watch?
A: The assembly was not recorded and unfortunately is not online however, I’m hoping to be able to present again soon and have that recorded to share with other communities in Westchester and possibly beyond. Although when we presented on October 11th, it was Day of the Girl, this is an issue that girls are facing every day so the subject matter is relevant all throughout the year so I think we might be able to make this happen.
See here for more information about International Day of the Girl.
