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!
The first time Steve sees the white-winged wasps he is sure they are really angels. Not only do they look like ethereal creatures, they can also speak to him. They say, “We’ve come because of the baby. We’ve come to help. We can fix what’s wrong with the baby.” The theme of a sick baby and the promise of extraordinary helpers echoes David Almond’s haunting novel, Skellig. In Skellig the boy happens upon a wraith-like, owl-like, angelic figure, whose loose, feathery wings are similar to the beating white wings of the wasps.
And, yes, the new baby in The Nest needs help. He has so many things wrong with him — including his heart, his eyes, and his brain. He may never talk, walk, or even feed himself. Steve’s parents go back to the hospital countless times, but never return with a positive diagnosis.
It is a bad summer for wasps. So bad, that one of the strange white ones stings Steve. He has an allergic reaction that requires medical attention. In fact, he goes home with an EpiPen in case he gets stung again.
Steve learns that the wasps will “fix” the baby by replacing him with a new, perfect child. The wasps are growing him in their nest. They need Steve’s consent and his help in putting the new baby into the crib. Steve says, “yes,” but then has second thoughts.
So much depends on Steve; watching the sick baby, possibly replacing him with a healthier one. Steve worries about wasps, his consent, and most of all, replacing his brother. Oppel asks probing questions about right and wrong, playing with fate, deciding who should live and who should die in this phantasmagorical story. It’s a heavy burden for a young boy, or for anyone, for that matter.
Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, New York (2015) Reviewed by Lillian Hecker, Children’s Services Librarian. For readers 8 – 11.
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,…
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.
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.
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…
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.
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…
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…
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…
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…