| Forest Park |
380 Belmont Avenue
Manager: Reggie Wilson |
Forest Park neighborhood residents outgrew the provisional circulating library that was set up at Park Memorial Baptist Church and residents wanted a full service branch library. In 1908, Industrialist Andrew Carnegie provided $50,000 for three branch libraries that included Forest Park Branch Library. Carnegie required that neighborhood citizens subscribe for land to match his donation of money for the building. Over 500 prominent Forest Park citizens subscribed for land and soon Forest Park Branch Library was completed in 1909.
Teen Movie Time at the Library
Tuesday, May 13, 3 pm
Teens, are you looking for something fun to do? Visit the Library, watch a movie, and have a snack. On Tuesday, May 13, see Twister, a wild movie about tornado chasers at 3 p.m. at the Forest Park Branch Library. The movie, about two storm chasers who get more than they bargained for when they go after some record-setting twisters, is a "heart-pounding trip into the thrill zone!" (David Sheehan, CBS-TV) For more information about the movie or other teen activities, call 263-6843.
Funding for this program is provided by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency.
Movies at Forest Park
The Golden Compass (2007)
Wednesday, May 14 at 6 p.m.
and Saturday, May 17 at Noon
In a wondrous parallel world where witches soar the skies and Ice Bears rule the frozen North, one special girl is destined to hold the fate of the universe in her hands. When Lyra Belacqua becomes the keeper of the Golden Compass, she discovers that her world and all those beyond are threatened by the secret plans of Ms. Coulter. With the help of Lord Asriel and a group of unlikely allies ready to stand at her side, Lyra embarks on an extraordinary quest that celebrates friendship and courage against all odds. Based on a novel by Philip Pullman. Rated PG-13.
Bella (2006)
Wednesday, May 21 at 6 p.m. and
Saturday, May 24 at Noon.
An international soccer star is on his way to sign a multimillion dollar contract when a series of events unfold that brings his career to an abrupt end. A beautiful waitress, struggling to make it in New York City, discovers something about herself that she's unprepared for. In one irreversible moment, their lives are turned upside down-- until a simple gesture of kindness brings them both together, turning an ordinary day into an unforgettable experience. Rated PG-13.
**Note: The Community Room is not yet handicapped-accessible.
Popular Local Author Suzanne Strempek Shea
to Visit Forest Park Branch
Wednesday, June 4 at 6:00 in the
Forest Park Library Community Room
Suzanne Strempek Shea, author of Sundays in America: A Yearlong Road Trip in Search of Christian Faith, will speak and sign copies of her latest work when her book tour stops at the Forest Park Branch Library, 380 Belmont Avenue, Springfield, on Wednesday, June 4, at 6 pm. Sundays in America chronicles Shea's yearlong spiritual journey attending 50 different non-Catholic church services every Sunday. Shea's other popular books include the novels Selling the Lite of Heaven, Lily of the Valley, and Hoopi, Shoopi Donna, and her memoir of her personal battle with breast cancer, Songs from a Lead-Lined Room. She won the 2000 New England Book Award for Fiction, and her articles have appeared in the Boston Globe, Philadelphia Inquirer, and Yankee Magazine. Copies of Sundays in America will be available for sale and purchase at the event which is free and open to the public.
For more information about the author, visit her website.
Forest Park Teen Advisory Board
The Teen Advisory Board (TAB) is a group of sixth to eighth graders who will help revise the teen space, plan teen programs and develop the teen collection at the Forest Park Branch Library. Membership is full at this time, but if teens have ideas to contribute, call 263-6843 or stop by the branch. Stay tuned for some exciting upcoming programs open to all teens!
All meetings are held at the Forest Park Branch from 3-4:30 pm:
Jan 2 and 9, 2008
Feb. 6 and 13
March 5 and 12
April 2 and 9
May 7
June 4
This program is made possible by a grant from the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services administered by the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners and also supported by the Friends of the Springfield Library.
Forest Park After School Chess Club
Friday afternoons, 3 - 5 PM
The club is open to players of all abilities, from beginners to advanced. Newcomers are always welcome and this group includes many adult chess players.
The club will meet at the library on Fridays from 3 - 5 p.m. Call or drop by the library to sign up!
Just for Girls Reading Group
Meetings: Third Wednesday of the month, 3 - 4:30 pm, December - June
Next meetings: April 16, May 21, June 18
The Springfield City Library Forest Park branch is pleased to announce a group just for girls in grades 6-8. This super-fun group will enjoy great reads, conversations, yummy snacks & fun with friends.
For more information, call Emma at the branch during open hours at 263-6843.
Russian Book Group
Last Wednesday of the month at 6 PM
How would you like to join Forest Park Branch Library staff member Irina Grinshteyn to discuss interesting popular books that are written in Russian? The Forest Park Branch Library Russian Book Club may be just what you are looking for.
This informal club will meet once a month on the last Wednesday of the month at 6:00 pm. This book discussion is held exclusively in the Russian language.
If you have any questions or would like to sign up for the club, call or drop by the branch during open hours.
Hi!Tech Help for Seniors
Half-hour sessions are available with trained volunteers who will help you get started with the wide world of computers! Please call the branch directly for an appointment. This service is intended for Beginners who need one-on-one help becoming more comfortable with the mouse, keyboard, and Windows desktop environment.
State Representative Mary Rogeness Office Hours: 2nd Tuesday, 3:30-5 pm
State Representative Mary Rogeness (R) will hold her office hours at the Forest Park branch on the second Tuesday of the month from 3:30 - 5 p.m.
COLLECTIONS include:
- Children's and adult books
- Fiction and non-fiction materials
- Feature films, children's videos, and documentaries
- CD-ROMS and cassette/book kits
- CDS and cassettes
- Russian language collection
- Vietnamese language collection
SERVICES include:
- Reference: assists patrons in finding answers and/or materials
- Reader's Advisory: helps patrons of all ages find the right book
- PACS to access local and regional library catalogs
- Interlibrary and intralibrary loan service
- Access to databases with general, health and business information for adults and children
- Computer access: sign up at reference desk
- Word processing: 30 minute slots
- Internet: 30 minute slots
- Photocopy machine for public use
- Coupon exchange: We have hundreds of store coupons for you to browse!
FOR CHILDREN:
- Children's programming
- Storytimes for young children
- School Vacation Week activities
- Summer reading program
For Branch Advisory Committee information, contact:
Jeanne Kaiser, Chair
255 Fountain Street
Springfield MA 01108
413-747-7007
Jkaiser413@aol.com
Help shape the direction of the Forest Park Branch Library at its next advisory meeting. We want your suggestions.
Regular meetings: First Monday of the month at 6 pm
Note: Meetings are held at the East Forest Park Branch, 122/124 Island Pond Rd.
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