In the work of historical fiction Caravaggio Signed in Blood, the Renaissance artist is depicted as a brawling, unrepentant, street fighter in Rome, spoiling for his next battle. Equipped with a flashing sword and an eye to mayhem, he encounters the influential nobility and promptly slays one of them in a street clash. Now he is forced to flee from the authorities, and picks up a street kid named Bappo who becomes his servant.
Bappo has his own reasons to leave Rome. His master was killed by an aristocrat, but Bappo is the one the authorities think is the killer. Together they flee by sea to Naples where a patron has commissioned Caravaggio to create paintings to adorn a church. Even here, Caravaggio has no scruples about using street people and courtesans to model holy figures.
This is a fast-paced romp through the backstreets of the Renaissance where lawlessness flourishes and young men brawl with abandon. Not very much analysis is focused on Caravaggio’s bold and dramatic canvasses, but the scene is set for readers to look at his paintings on their own.
Tradewind Books (2016) Reviewed by Lillian Hecker, Children’s Services Librarian. For Ages 11 and older.
Due to the storm, the Library will be closed Monday, January 26, 2026. We expect to reopen at 10 am on Tuesday, January 27. Stay safe and warm!
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In honor of National Canned Food Month, we are partnering with United Way for a canned food drive benefitting Westchester and Putnam Food Pantries. A box is located at the Library by the Carol Place entrance where you can leave your donations. Thank you for your help! The drive will run from Monday, February 2,…
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The Town of Pelham Public Library is seeking a conscientious and detail-oriented part-time Bookkeeper to manage the Library’s financial records and support its day-to-day fiscal operations.
Click here to read the full job posting.
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On Saturday, December 27, 2025, we plan to open the Library at noon and close at 4 p.m. This is subject to change depending on the weather. Please check our voicemail for the most up-to-date information before heading over to the Library. The phone number is: 914-738-1234.
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In honor of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence and the Battle of Pell, we are creating a crocheted community banner that will be revealed in the fall and displayed at the Town of Pelham Public Library. Whether you've been crocheting for decades, or you've never picked up a hook before, we welcome…
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We have made some end of the year additions to our Library of Things collection. We are especially excited about our copy of Pelhamopoly (like Monopoly but specific to Pelham); check it out with your Pelham Library card today! Click here to see more of our Library of Things offerings and borrowing guidelines.
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The Town of Pelham Public Library is proud to partner with New York Cares for a coat drive through Wednesday, December 31. New York Cares is seeking coats (new or gently used). All genders and sizes are accepted. A box is located at the Library by the Carol Place entrance where you can leave your…
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The Town of Pelham Public Library board of Trustees is pleased to welcome Diane Gutch as their newest member.
Diane is a long-time Pelham resident. She is a health care professional, an avid library user, and an active volunteer in the Pelham community.
Diane and her husband moved to Pelham Manor in 2001 and raised…
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Unclaimed property is money that’s been lost or forgotten over time, including old bank accounts, uncashed checks, stock certificates, and unused gift cards. After a period of inactivity, lost money is legally considered abandoned property and turned over to the New York State Comptroller’s Office, where there’s no fee or time limit to claim it.
Find…
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Congratulations to our two Battle of the Books (BOB) teams that competed in at the eleventh annual competition on October 25 at the Ossining Middle School. Battle of the Books is an all-day book-based trivia tournament for Westchester Youth. The competition format is similar to Jeopardy and questions are based on the 5 books for…
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