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June is Black Music Month! Celebrate Black Americans' rich contributions to U.S. & world culture - get all these music selections and more at hoopladigital.com with a Springfield City Library card!
#SCLRecs #BlackMusicMonth #BlackMusic #africanamericanmusicappreciationmonth
We've put together a list of graphic novels when you’re looking for something fresh to read over the summer! See the booklists link in bio to see the full list, and click through to put on hold for pickup! #SCLRecs
From Frog and Toad to Elmo and Big Bird, children's books are filled with funny and heartwarming friendships. Share a wonderful story of love, kindness and understanding with your little one. #SCLRecs #BestFriendsDay
Joyful books for teens that celebrate the lives of queer youths. Happy endings guaranteed!
#SCLRecs #Pride #PrideMonth #QueerJoy #RainbowBooks #RainbowBookMonth
These Young Adult novels are a beautiful batch of rainbow stories-with those characters front and center (i.e., decidedly NOT the stereotypical sidekick) or queer characters that do things above and beyond being gay. You know, more like real life. #Pride #PrideMonth #SCLRecs
Be your best self. Books for everyone from the youngest tots to questioning tweens (and parents) . Of course these books aren't just for families with a direct connection to LGBTQIA+ issues, everyone can use these books' messages of love and acceptance. #Pride #PrideMonth #SCLRecs
White supremacy is a racist and ethnocentric belief, backed up by racist practices and institutions, that White people of certain European backgrounds are superior to all other races and ethnic groups, especially Black people and Jews. To learn more about the history and harms of White supremacy, check out these books, available through curbside pickup. #SCLRecs
Looking for something new and different to watch? British comedies just might be your cup of tea! These are just a few of the hilarious Britcoms available at your neighborhood library. #SCLRecs
How do you explain the significance of Memorial Day to a young child? Parents and teachers will find thoughtful, age appropriate stories at the library. #SCLRecs #MemorialDay
From May 31st to June 1st, 1921, a White mob numbering in the thousands - supported by private airplanes dropping incendiary bombs - obliterated the Greenwood District, a prosperous Black community in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Thirty-five city blocks were destroyed, while as many as 300 Black people were killed, and nearly 10,000 were left homeless. We have curated a list of books and educational resources to commemorate the hundredth anniversary of this terrible event: https://www.springfieldlibrary.org/library/book-list-tulsa-race-massacre/ #SCLRecs #TulsaRaceMassacre #TulsaMassacre #BlackWallStreet #Tulsa #TulsaOklahoma
Do you have a child who is reluctant to read? May is Get Caught Reading Month PLUS our popular Discover Your Summer kicks off soon on June 14th. This is the perfect time to encourage your child's reading with a fabulous book series. Make this a brain building summer! #SCLRecs #GetCaughtReading #GetCaughtReadingMonth
Are you a fan of Colson Whitehead's award-winning novel The Underground Railroad? (It's also now a TV series on Amazon Prime.) Check out these readalikes - get them curbside or on your device using Libby or hoopla! #SCLRecs #UndergroundRailroad
Finished watching your favorite show and hungry for more? Request a "behind the scenes" book for plenty of fascinating details and trivia. #SCLRecs
It's #WorldBeeDay! Bees are an integral part of our ecosystem, which greatly enhance our food security and nutrition. Without bees, many of our most cherished fruits may be impossible to get such as apples, carrots, tomatoes, coffee, and tomatoes. We can help by purchasing bee products, supporting their habitat in our own yards, and be conscious of bee-harming pesticides. Let’s Bee mindful! Click the "Book Lists on a Theme" link in bio to reserve a Bee book right from our catalog! #SCLRecs #BeeDay #WorldBeeDay #Bees #BeeMindful
When a group of people has been made invisible, their achievements, dreams, and needs tend to be undervalued or ignored. Now women are breaking through these barriers to be seen, heard, and accorded respect. Learn more about women becoming fully visible by reading these books, or more we've assembled into a list you can click through to reserve directly in the catalog! Click the link in bio for "Book Lists on a Theme" to see the full list and reserve for pickup. #SCLRecs
May 18th is International Museum Day! These engaging picture books are a great introduction to the special experience of visiting a museum. Curl up with your little one and take an armchair trip together! #SCLRecs #MuseumDay #IntlMuseumDay
The month of May has been set aside in the United States to recognize the many histories, cultures, and achievements of Asian Americans and Pacific Islander Americans. Learn more about the varied heritages and experiences of these important groups by reading these books, available through curbside pickup. #SCLRecs
Did you know that Margaret and H.A. Rey, the beloved American creators of Curious George, were Jewish refugees who narrowly escaped Nazi Europe on bicycles? The Reys' work is among countless Jewish contributions to the life and culture of our country. These books and more are available at your neighborhood library - check them out with your little one and celebrate the diversity of America! #SCLRecs
As the weather gets warmer, there’s nothing like firing up the grill for some lip smacking barbecue. Check out our selections for some of the best books on how to cook the perfect summer treat! Click the "booklists on a theme" link in bio or go to tinyurl.com/SCLBBQ to reserve right in the catalog with your library card! #SCLRecs #BBQMonth #BarbecueMonth
Love Shadow and Bone, the books and/or the new hit @Netflix series? Check out some of these readlikes, get them curbside or as a ebook on Libby/Overdrive or Hoopla! #SCLRecs #ShadowandBone #TeenBooks
Are you hooked on the fascinating, terrifying television series The Handmaid's Tale? Margaret Atwood, the story's Canadian creator, is also an award winning novelist. Call for curbside and treat yourself to more of her acclaimed work. #SCLRecs
May is #OlderAmericansMonth. Aging is deeply feared in our society, mainly because the dominant culture has stereotyped old people as foolish, helpless, and unimportant. These stereotypes have real-world results, such as age discrimination in the workplace and the warehousing of elders in underfunded, understaffed nursing homes. Learn to see aging a different way by reading these books, available through curbside pickup. #SCLRecs #Aging
May 9-15 is National Hurricane Preparedness Week. While Western Mass is not threatened by storm surge during a hurricane, we often encounter hurricane conditions, such as damaging winds, tornadoes, flooding, washouts, downed trees and power outages. This week we are encouraged to understand and assess extreme weather risks and create a plan for possibilities such as mandatory evacuation orders, having supply lines interrupted, and ensuring you and your family’s safety. For more information, call the library or visit https://www.ready.gov/hurricanes. #SCLRecs
Birds of a feather flock together! From majestic geese flying in formation to adorable penguins waddling hundreds of miles to the sea, the Earth's cycles of life are a source of wonder and remind us of our place in it all. Gather your brood and flock to the library for these books and movies about 'frequent flyers' and their treks! Please call for curbside pickup. #SCLRecs #WorldMigratoryBirdDay #MigratoryBirdDay #BirdDay #WorldBirdDay
One of the ways that oppression happens in our world is by people making other people feel bad about their bodies. It's time to reclaim our bodies and to accept them the way they are. Want to know more about body acceptance? Check out these books, available through curbside pickup. #SCLRecs #BodyAcceptance
On May 4, 1961, an interracial group of civil rights activists calling themselves the Freedom Riders sought to challenge resistance to desegregated interstate travel. In Alabama and Mississippi the KKK firebombed the bus and beat the Riders, assisted by local police who then jailed them. More than 60 additional Freedom Rides occurred between May-December 1961. The Springfield City Library honors the spirit, bravery, and legacy of the Freedom Riders by encouraging you to learn more about them. #SCLRecs #FreedomRides #FreedomRiders
May 1 is International Workers' Day, also known as Labor Day in most countries. This day is a celebration of laborers and the working classes, and it promotes the international labor movement. Learn more about worker solidarity, labor, and unions from the library! Pick up a book curbside, link in bio. #LaborDay #MayDay #InternationalLaborDay #InternationalWorkersDay #SCLRecs
Some great television shows do well in reviews but not in ratings. Check out these "gone too soon but never forgotten" favorites at your library! #SCLRecs
In 2015, entrepreneur and technology consultant Sha Battle decided to establish April as International Black Women's History Month. Her purpose was to highlight and lift up the achievements of Black women, whose contributions to the world are often minimized or overlooked. Find out more about the accomplishments and struggles of Black women by reading these books, available through curbside pickup. #SCLRecs #BlackWomensHistoryMonth #BlackWomensHistory
April is Poetry Month! Pick up some new poetry titles curbside at the library! #PoetryMonth #SCLRecs
Do you ever feel scared about what's happening to our planet, but don't know what to do? On this Earth Day, take hope--and take a look at these books, available through curbside pickup. The authors tell the truth, which can be frightening, but they also suggest ways that we can take action to save our Earth. #SCLRecs #EarthDay #EarthDay2021
April 20th is known among weed enthusiasts as 420 Day - a day to gather with friends to put a good buzz on! There are a few theories why "420" is slang for marijuana use, the most common being that it started in the 1970s when a group of high school students met after school at 4:20 daily to light up. It evolved into an act of civil disobedience, where masses of people gather to raise awareness about marijuana legalization. In states where recreational pot is legal, such as Massachusetts, 420 is now a day of celebration. #SCLRecs
Sexual assault is one of the least talked about and most misunderstood crimes. It can happen to people of any age, gender, race, ethnicity, ability, religion, and sexual orientation. To learn more about the courage and pain of survivors and about the efforts by offenders to cover up their crimes, read these books, available through curbside pickup. #SCLRecs
Pandemic Service Updates
Apply for A Library Card Online
Apply for a Springfield City Library Card online.
Curbside Pickup
Curbside pickup of materials available at all Springfield City Library locations.
Library Services During Coronavirus Pandemic
Available services from Springfield City Library during the coronavirus pandemic.
Library News
East Forest Park Branch Library receives $150,000 from the Springfield Library Foundation Promise Realized Campaign
The East Forest Park Branch Library received $150,000 from the Springfield Library Foundation Promise Realized Campaign.
Increasing Community Internet Access: Introducing Hotspots
The Library will circulate internet hotspots for those in the community that do not have internet access at home.
Welcome To Your Library Videos
Watch these fun short videos about each of our 9 locations!
Helping Eligible Springfield Residents Who Need Help Scheduling COVID-19 Vaccination Appointments
Springfied Library and Elder Affairs staff will assist eligible Springfield residents who do not have access to technology to book their vaccine appointments.
Springfield librarians, elder affairs workers will help residents register online for COVID vaccines (MassLive)
The Springfield City Library is helping Springfield seniors make vaccine appointments.