Now that we are looking in the rear view mirror at the summer of ‘23, we can finally set our sights on the pleasures of early fall. In addition to the renewed energy brought on by sweater weather and the thrill of fall foliage and cool weather comfort foods, October culminates with Halloween, an occasion for costumes, candy and scary stories.
Hispanic Heritage Month, which is observed from September 15 to October 15, is an annual tribute to the history, cultural contributions and continuing vibrant presence of Hispanic-Americans, those whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America. Formerly known as Hispanic Heritage Week, the celebration began under President Lyndon Johnson in 1968 and was expanded to a 30-day event by President Reagan in 1988.
What do you think was the first example of artificial intelligence? Was it the chatbot ELIZA in the 1960s? When IBM’s supercomputer Deep Blue defeated a chess grandmaster in the 1990s? Perhaps it was when the program Watson competitively played Jeopardy! in 2011 or when Boston Dynamics unveiled its dexterous dog-like robot Spot in 2016. Just this year, you might have engaged with the strikingly lucid writings of ChatGPT or the elaborate artistic creations of Midjourney.
August is an auspicious month for our canine companions. The “Dog Days,” of summer, which officially begin on July 3 and end on August 11, coincide with Sirius, the Dog Star, rising and setting with the sun. Known as the Dog Star because it is part of the constellation Canis Major, Latin for “Greater Dog,” Sirius is the brightest star in the night sky at this time.
There’s no better vacation - or staycation - companion than a good book, a real page turner that you absolutely cannot put down. The books pictured below encompass a wide variety of styles and themes; the one thing they have in common is their ability to transport. Click on a book jacket to be taken to a link in our catalog.
“One benefit of Summer was that each day we had more light to read by.” Jeannette Walls
The Fourth of July, aka Independence Day, is America’s most iconic holiday and undoubtedly its favorite as well. Who doesn’t love a day featuring parades, fireworks, barbecues, baseball and family reunions? A bit of background: on July 2nd, 1776, the Second Continental Congress voted in favor of the independence of the colonies from Great Britain. Two days later, delegates from the 13 colonies adopted the Declaration of Independence, which was drafted by Thomas Jefferson and edited by Benjamin Franklin and John Adams.
Welcome to Scarsdale's Summer Reading Program! Not just for kids, summer reading is a wonderful opportunity for self-discovery and delight. Come join us in reading a book (or ten) and sharing some of your favorite moments along the way. Keep cool, uncover something new, and get the chance to win some prizes along the way!
July is French-American Heritage Month, a celebration spearheaded by the Alliance Française to acknowledge the many contributions of French immigrants to the history and culture of the United States. While the French did not immigrate to these shores in great waves, as did other groups, the Huguenots did arrive here as far back as 1538, seeking the freedom to practice their Protestant faith.
June is National Audiobook Month, a celebration created by the Audio Publishers Association (APA) to promote the flexibility, excitement and value of audiobooks. Why choose an audiobook over a print edition? Reading a print book is an immersive but ultimately stationary experience while listening to an audiobook frees you to multitask, exercise or even give your tired eyes a break.
Juneteenth - a term combining June and nineteenth - is our newest national holiday, following the creation of Martin Luther King, Jr., Day in 1983. President Biden signed the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act into law on June 17, 2021, officially making June 19 a federal holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the United States. Also known as the “second Independence Day,” or “Emancipation Day,” Juneteenth is a holiday of freedom, hope and commitment to equality.
May is rich in reasons to rejoice, including Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month – an annual tribute to the many cultural and historical contributions of Asians and Pacific Islanders to the diverse tapestry of the United States. In common with the other commemorative months, the yearly celebration originated in Congress.
There’s a lot to celebrate in May - spring flowers, Mother’s Day, Memorial Day, and, since 2006, Jewish American Heritage Month. Following a concerted effort by Jewish leaders to establish a national month of commemoration, Jewish American Heritage Month was inaugurated in 2006 by a Congressional Resolution and a Presidential Proclamation by George W.
Overdrive to Libby
On May 1, 2023, the OverDrive app will be discontinued. We encourage you to make the switch to Libby, the newer reading app.
Download Libby or visit libbyapp.com to get started.
The Catalog-Save Your Reading Lists
Carol Ann Duffy, the United Kingdom’s Poet Laureate from 2009-2019, wrote: “You can find poetry in your everyday life, your memory, in what people say on the bus, in the news, or just what’s in your heart.” Her message that poetry is everywhere and that it is accessible to everyone is one of the reasons this literary form will always be an integral part of our lives and culture.
On March 12, 1987, Congress passed Public Law 100-9, designating March as National Women’s History Month. Each year, the President issues a special proclamation in recognition of the enormous contributions made by women to every aspect of American life, history and culture. Why was March chosen for the celebration?