The Most Borrowed Books in Scarsdale in 2024
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- Written by: Joanne Wallenstein
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When you get together with a Scarsdale friend, after inquiring about their health and their kids, the conversation will inevitably turn to what they are reading. Benefitting from one of the best local libraries around, Scarsdale residents have ready access to print books, e-books and audio books, all available with their library card.
What did they read in 2024? We asked our librarians for lists of the most borrowed books, e-books and audiobooks for 2024, here is the list of the most borrowed books by Scarsdale patrons in 2024.
Share your favorite reads in the comments section below.
Print Books:
Fiction
1. Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus
2. The Covenant of Water by Abraham Verghese
3. The Women by Kristin Hannah
4. The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store by James McBride
5. The Bee Sting by Paul Murray
6. Tom Lake by Ann Patchett
7. The Hunter by Tana French
8. Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver
9. The Truth about the Devlins by Lisa Scottoline
10. Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt
Non-Fiction
1. Going Infinite: The Rise and Fall of a New Tycoon by Michael Lewis
2. The Wager: A Tale of Shipwreck, Mutiny and Murder by David Grann
3. Outlive: The Science and Art of Longevity by Peter Attia
4. The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness by Jonathan Haidt
5. The Fund: Ray Dalio, Bridgewater Associates, and the Unraveling of a Wall Street Legend by Rob Copeland
6. Bad Therapy: Why the Kids Aren't Growing up by Abigail Shrier
7. The Genius of Israel: The surprising Resilience of a Divided Nation in a Turbulent World by Dan Senor and Saul Singer
8. How To Know a Person: The Art of Seeing Others Deeply and Being Deeply Seen by David Brooks
9. Build the Life you Want: The Art and Science of Getting Happier by Arthur C. Brooks and Oprah Winfrey
10. The Best Minds: A Story of Friendship, Madness, and the Tragedy of Good Intentions by Jonathan Rosen
ebooks
1. Funny Story by Emily Henry
2. Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yaros
3. The Women by Kristin Hannah
4. The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store by James McBride 5. The Bee Sting by Paul Murray
6. Table for Two: Fictions by Amor Towles
7. Iron Flame Rebecca Yaros
8. First Lie Wins by Ashley Elston
9. The Covenant of Water by Abraham Verghese 10. The God of the Woods by Liz Moore
Audiobooks
1. Tom Lake by Ann Patchett
2. Funny Story by Emily Henry
3. The Covenant of Water by Abraham Verghese
4. The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store by James McBride 5. James by Percival Everett
6. Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver
7. The Women by Kristin Hannah
8. All Fours by Miranda July
9. First Lie Wins by Ashley Elson
10. Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yaros
Visit SPLReads for reading recommendations and so much more!
Happiness Comes Gift-Wrapped in Little Moments
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- Written by: Joanne Wallenstein
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(The following was written by Mindfulness Coach Pragya Jindal)
As the holidays approach, Scarsdale's streets are aglow with festive lights, and the cheerful buzz of community events fills the air. Yet, many of us find ourselves caught in a familiar cycle of “I’ll be happy when…” We tell ourselves that joy lies just beyond the horizon—when our child gets into their dream college, when we finally buy that perfect home, or when we achieve the promotion we’ve been working toward.
The truth is, our minds are experts at tricking us into believing that happiness exists only in some future moment. The conscious mind, always a problem solver, constantly searches for problems to fix. In doing so, it often leaves us feeling unhappy, frustrated, or worried. It replays worries on a loop—distracting us even during moments that should bring joy. At a warm holiday gathering with friends or family, we might find ourselves drifting into thoughts of deadlines, unresolved issues, or tomorrow’s to-do list.
But the holiday season offers a unique chance to pause and re-train our minds to find joy in the small, beautiful moments that surround us right here in Scarsdale.
Take a leisurely stroll through the village to admire the festive window displays and twinkling lights. Spend an afternoon ice skating with your kids, or share laughter with friends over hot cocoa at a cozy neighborhood café. Let the crackling warmth of a fireplace, the scent of pine wreaths, or the giggles of grandchildren remind you that life’s greatest joys are often quiet and unassuming.
True happiness isn’t found in chasing grand achievements but in appreciating life’s small, everyday wonders. A heartfelt conversation, a walk in the crisp, frosty air, or the way holiday music makes every corner of our community a little brighter—all of these hold the potential for deep contentment.
This season, let’s give ourselves the gift of being fully present. The problems can wait, but the beauty of these “here and now” experiences will not.
So, as you savor a warm drink at Starbucks or admire the charm of decorated homes in Fox Meadow, take a deep breath and let the simplicity of the moment bring you peace.
Remember, happiness isn’t a distant destination—it’s already here, waiting for you to notice.
Pragya Jindal
Mindfulness Coach
www.powerofyourmind.life
Charity and Hilarity on February 8th
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- Written by: Joanne Wallenstein
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During the challenges of the Covid era while we many of us were considering new challenges, skills or hobbies – or even just looking for a fun and safe evening out – Comedy Greens, a local amateur comedy troupe, was born. Led by their ring leader, Russ Flicker, a group of local moms and dads began writing material, practicing, meeting, re-writing comic gold (or sometimes bronze) after work and on weekends culminating in several backyard comedy shows in town. Through word of mouth, a supportive community and donated audiovisual and lighting, the shows had 150-200+ people bringing chairs and enjoying a great old fashioned, if not always wholesome, show bringing neighbors together for a good laugh. Mostly intentional.
Shows performed outdoors with a bring-your-own-chair and anything else delivered a fun experience but also led to some weather challenges and didn’t include traditional tickets. Also, friends and neighbors who act as both audience members but also sometimes as “guest writers” who occasionally join the writing, laughing, practicing sessions have suggested the events be used to raise money for charity since the first show. All of which has now led to the Comedy Greens first indoor performance to raise money for charity!
The Comedy Greens are hosting two shows, both the evening of February 8th, to raise money for research to find a cure for Type I Diabetes and other autoimmune diseases. The shows are at the theatre in the JCC of Mid-Westchester, adjacent to the Golden Horseshoe Shopping Center. You must buy tickets in advance, but beer and wine is included in the ticket price with no additional cost, which Russ quickly points out “is really for the comedians as much as the audience!” The show includes Lori Rothman, Dan Brown, Mike Mantzouris, Phil Smith, Frank Murtha, Doug Krohn, Rebecca Berman, Andrew Rich and Russ Flicker. To buy tickets please visit http://jccmw.ticketleap.com/the-comedy-greens/ to support this worthy charity where the comics and the audience are all neighbors!
SFCS Offers Warning About Excessive Drinking on "Blackout Wednesday"
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- Written by: Joanne Wallenstein
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Blackout Wednesday, or the evening before Thanksgiving is a cultural phenomenon among young people in which binge drinking is promoted, often to the point of blacking out. The phenomenon is spurred by college students returning home and using the night as an occasion to celebrate with friends. Thanksgiving eve is also celebrated by high school students and has become one of the deadliest nights of the year for drunk driving and alcohol poisoning.
Underage drinking is a major public health issue in the United States and locally. In 2023, excessive drinking accounted for 3,900 deaths in people under the age of 21, with males accounting for 75% of those deaths. Girls however have more recently out-paced boys in binge drinking rates nationally. According to the Pride Surveys administered to Scarsdale High School students in 2014, 2021 and 2024, alcohol remained the most widely used drug of choice for youth. Binge drinking, defined as 5 or mor standard drinks, accounts for 90% of the alcohol consumed by youth (National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism). In short, young people do not drink responsibly.
This year, Scarsdale parents are encouraged to take back Thanksgiving Eve and help protect our youth by spreading the word about the dangers of Blackout Wednesday and setting expectations for behavior. Scarsdale Edgemont Family Counseling Service and the SAY coalition encourage parents to have a conversation with their teens, including their college age children before they return home for break about their Thanksgiving Eve plans. Parents are encouraged to discuss the health, safety and legal consequences of underage drinking, including the dangers of alcohol poisoning and sexual assault.
The legal risks of possessing fake ID's should also be considered. Possessing fake ID’s is one of the primary ways underage youths obtain alcohol or obtain service at bars. Third party sales, where someone over 21 or someone with a “fake” purchases alcohol and knowingly resells it to underage youth, typically for a profit, is another.
So, let’s work together this Thanksgiving to ensure that this year’s holiday season is a safe and healthy experience for everyone. Thanksgiving is a holiday best celebrated sitting around a table of food, and not in the emergency department.
For more information about Blackout Wednesday or strategies to reduce underage drinking, please consider participating in the Scarsdale Action for Youth or contact Scarsdale Edgemont Family Counseling Service or any of the community’s Youth Outreach Workers.
Vote for the Citizen's Nominating Committee Today, Tuesday November 12
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- Written by: Joanne Wallenstein
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Wait - there's one more election:
On Tuesday November 12, residents will elect 11 members of the Citizen’s Nominating Committee. All Scarsdale residents who are 18 years old and a resident for at least 30 days are eligible to vote. Please vote in the Citizens Nominating Committee election this Tuesday November 12, 2024, from 7:00-10:00 am and 2:00-9:00 pm at the Scarsdale Library.
Or mail in the ballot you can download. Click here and then on the link that says 2024 CNC Election Brochure and Mail-in Ballot
Your mailed ballot must be received by the Procedure Committee by election day, Tuesday November 12, 2024.
Each year the 30 members of the Scarsdale Citizen’s Nominating Committee (CNC) choose a slate of non-partisan candidates to run in Scarsdale’s March election for Mayor and Village Trustee positions. There are 11open CNC spots up for election on Tuesday, November 12.
The current and proposed new CNC members are: 
“The Procedure Committee thanks the 16 volunteers who agreed to run this year, most of whom are first time volunteers for the CNC,” said Ralph Geer and Heath Sroka, Chairs of the Procedure Committee. “We encourage all Scarsdale residents to come out and vote to show support for the CNC on November 12.”
