Library Changes School Break Plans Due To COVID Concerns

NEW ROCHELLE, NY — The New Rochelle Public Library is a great resource for students with idle hands while schools are on holiday break. While they have made some last-minute changes to this year's programs in response to spiking COVID-19 cases, they are still offering plenty of ways to keep kids safe and engaged during the winter break from classes.

In the interest of health and safety, the library has postponed or modified the programs that were planned for children during school vacation days next week, library officials said this week.

"We had a wonderful schedule of fun and creative events planned for children over the school break," New Rochelle Public Library Director Tom Geoffino said. "However, after much discussion as well as looking at what our peer libraries were doing, we decided it was in the best interest of health and safety to postpone in person programs planned for next week."

The performance by the Paper Bag Players has been rescheduled for Monday, April 11, at 2 p.m. The performances by Dawny Dew and Magician Joshy K, as well as the Pop-Up Paper Craft project, will also be rescheduled for dates yet to be determined.

On Dec. 28, the "Winter Wonder Craft Pick-Me-Up" project, which includes all the materials to make a creative art project, will be available for pick up from the Children’s Room all day while supplies last. The event is in place of the drop-in project previously scheduled.

On Dec. 29, A Flurry of Snow Stories will be streamed on the library’s Facebook page, at 11 a.m., rather than being held in person.

Although the library's programs may look a different this year, the opportunities on offer are as vast as your child's imagination.

"We are delighted that all the performers agreed to return at a later date to perform, and that we were also able to adjust a few of the planned programs for children to enjoy at home," Geoffino said. "The Library will be open and I hope to see patrons stopping by to borrow materials and take advantage of all the Library has to offer."

The Main Branch and the Huguenot Children’s Library will be open regular hours Dec. 27 — Dec. 29. The Library will close at 1 p.m. on Dec. 30, and remain closed through Sunday, January 2.