Eighty years ago, a nickel was worth something. One nickel could buy candy, a ticket to a movie, and real food for a meal. It was during the Great Depression, and life was far from ideal even in Key West, Florida. Huge mounds of smelly garbage piled up, people were out of work, and kids went barefoot because there wasn’t enough money to buy shoes.
But Beans Curry and his sidekick, also known as Kermit, his brother, were great at finding odd jobs there that would earn them that precious nickel.
They would do things like sift through the garbage to salvage empty condensed-milk cans that could be reused to serve café con leche. For a whole day’s work, including washing and filing down the rough edges, Beans could earn one nickel. Some of their efforts were not so nice, and Beans gets into real trouble when the local gangster hires him to help distribute illegal liquor. Change comes when the government sends New Deal teams to collect garbage, paint the decaying houses bright colors, and turn Key West into a tourist destination. The new leaders need Beans and his pals to promote these goals. This funny book is a testament to the grit and leadership youngsters showed when times were tough and they could be part of the solution.
Random House (2016). Reviewed by Lillian Hecker, Children’s Services Librarian. For Ages 8-12.
Pelham Middle School students are conducting a clothing drive for their community service project from Friday, March 13 through Monday, March 30. The clothes will be donated to The Sharing Shelf. Please drop off new or lightly used winter clothing (coats, sweaters, sweatshirts, pants) for children and teens in the bin outside the program room.
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Anyone else have a case of déjà vu? Due to the storm, the Library will be closed Monday, February 23, 2026. We will be opening with a delayed start on Tuesday. February 24 at noon. Stay safe and warm!
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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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January 22, 2026, 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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