Turning the page: Eastview students discover new opportunities at White Plains Public Library

An elderly woman demonstrates a craft to a group of children and adults in the foreground, with a library or community room visible in the background.

Jun 16 2026

Eastview Middle School sixth-grade students recently took an exciting step toward becoming independent library users through the White Plains Public Library's "Introduction to The Edge" program.

Children in the foreground are building a structure with pool noodles, while the background features a wall adorned with various framed artwork.

The experience was designed to help students transition from the library's children's section, The Trove, to The Edge, a dedicated space for teens. Throughout the day, students explored the library through an interactive iPad scavenger hunt, participated in hands-on STEM activities and tackled creative design challenges that encouraged critical thinking and empathy.

Students also had the opportunity to give back to the community by working with artist Joan Lloyd to create beaded earrings that will be donated to local domestic violence shelters.

The visit included lunch at the library, and each student received a library card, providing immediate access to the many resources, programs and opportunities available through the White Plains Public Library.

"It was a fun, engaging and inspiring day that encouraged curiosity, creativity and lifelong learning!" said Social Studies teacher and Student Activities & Engagement Coordinator Vincenza Persampieri.

Ms. Persampieri also expressed gratitude to the Friends of White Plains, whose support helped make the experience possible.

"Their support provides our students with meaningful opportunities to explore, create, give back to the community and develop a lifelong connection to the White Plains Public Library," she said. "We are truly grateful for their investment in our students and their future."

The library visits are continuing through next Tuesday, giving additional Eastview sixth-graders the opportunity to explore The Edge and discover the many resources available to them as they prepare for their teen years.

In the foreground, children and an adult select beads from numerous containers on a table, while in the background, a vending machine and a doorway are visible.

In the foreground, children are building geometric structures with colorful sticks around a table, while in the background, other children and adults are engaged in similar activities in a brightly lit room with artwork on the walls.

Children in the foreground are building structures with sticks and balls, while in the background, colorful posters adorn the walls of a room with chairs and other students.

A group of students are seated on colorful furniture in a library with bookshelves lining the background.

A large group of young people are seated in rows on a patterned carpeted floor, facing a woman standing in the background.

Students sit in a library with bookshelves lining the walls, while a presenter stands at the front of the room.

Children in the foreground are building a large geometric structure with colorful pool noodles, while in the background, framed artwork adorns the walls of a room with open doorways.

Four young boys are gathered around a table, engaged in a craft project with colorful beads and tools, while a blurred background suggests an indoor classroom or workshop setting.