Being a mother implies that all time is dedicated to children and, most likely, work. Furthermore, any free time is usually devoted to mind-numbing activity to relieve the stress of the day. But the White Plains Public Library offers an alternative for mothers who want to try something a little quieter, a little more intellectually stimulating and a lot more affordable than the traditional “girls’ night out”: a new series, “Mom’s Night Out,” which debuted on Jan. 23 and continues through March.

The series is a chance for moms to meet other mothers in similar circumstances and to listen to an inspiring panel of women who share their experiences as writers and their harried lives as working mothers. The mothers are inspired and entertained while also receiving advice on how to manage overwhelming responsibilities. The series offers a time-out between the baby talk and the professional jargon for a chance to connect with other mothers while benefiting from hearing about others’ experiences.

Most moms that visit the White Plains Library head straight to The Trove, the children’s library on the second floor, and this is what led the library foundation to devise the idea for the series as a way to encourage mothers to come and enjoy the library for themselves. Lauren Candela-Katz, a White Plains mom and development consultant to the library, commented, “Most moms visit with their kids, but don’t always have time—and their kids don’t have patience—for them to enjoy the adult resources.”

On Feb. 27, the series continues with “Moms of Reinvention,” featuring local mothers who’ve jumped off the corporate ladder and launched brand-new careers while managing to raise a family. Speakers will include Annabel Monaghan and Elisabeth Wolfe, the Rye authors of “Click! The Girl’s Guide to Knowing What You Want and Making it Happen”; Nina Restieri, the creator of momAgenda, a website and day planner; and Edgemont career coach Elena Kaspi. Space is limited for all programs and advance registration is required. To register, go to whiteplainslibrary.org or call 422-1489. Programs run from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m., and refreshments are provided by Dinner at Hand. Books will be available for sale and signing at each event; guests may bring books from home to be signed.    

 

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Meetup
For those who want to enjoy a night out with new and interesting people, Meetup.com is a great website to find others that have similar interests in your area. All one has to do is search by a topic that interests them or search for meet-ups in their area. A meet-up is simply a group of people choosing a place and time to meet up, usually a restaurant or coffee shop, to discuss their interests. Interests can vary from different sports, religions, foods, cultures, cars, literature genres and so on.

 

The website is a modern way to meet new companions in a safe and easy way. The specific meet-ups have bulletins where people plan and post where and when the next meet-up will be.

People can start their own meet-up group if their particular interest is not available yet. The website is easy to maneuver; you can choose “meet-ups by topic” or “meet-ups by city” or “start a meet-up.” The website can become a great resource to meet new people in and around your own community. Meetup.com is a forum for people to share their own experiences with others who will value their opinions and friendship.
    —Jessica Wakeman