Insect Art: Chalk & Glue
This technique combined dried glue outlines – which gives a little structure – to bold and bright chalk pastel colors!
Author: admin
Gourd Art
Using balloons and Papier Mache, Makers created an artifact that resembled a decorated gourd. This process mimics Calabash art – an artform that produces spectacular pieces using dried out gourds.
Etched Wooden Spoons
Challenge: This pop-up program gave those interested an opportunity to etch mixing spoons using a woodburning tool.
Egg Carton Masks
Challenge: Create decorative masks using egg cartons! Cut different facial features and add designs with paint.
Makerspace Archives
3D Prints
The East Forest Park Branch charges a base fee of $1.00 per print, plus $0.10 per gram of filament (plastic). One gram of filament equals the weight of a small paperclip. To request a print, email the Digital Services Librarian at DIrizarry-Fields@SpringfieldLibrary.org.
Anatomical Heart ↓
Mayan Death Whistle ↓
Flexi Octopus ↓
Cinderella’s Castle ↓
Billie Eilish Logo ↓
Bakugo Keychain ↓
Art Central: Breathing In, Monotypes by Doris Madsen
Meet the artist on Sunday, March 3rd for the free opening reception. | 18+
Central Library
March 2 – April 25. 2019 | During Open Hours | All Ages
Doris Madsen, a retired Springfield City Librarian, displays her new art show, Breathing In, for the months of March and April. Her one-of-a-kind contemporary prints include shapes and subjects in various arrangements and from a variety of vantage points to to create a unique blend of color and ideas.
This program is supported in part by a grant from the Springfield Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency. 
Introduction to Microsoft Word & Excel
Free Microsoft Office computer classes covering both Microsoft Word and Excel | Central | Adults
These classes are not currently being offered. Check out our list of free online tutorials!
These classes are for adults. Skill with a keyboard and mouse is needed for success in these workshops.
Need a tutorial on using a keyboard and mouse? Getting Started on a Computer
Microsoft Word & Excel Class Series
Getting Started with Microsoft Word
Having good word processing skills is fundamental to achieving success at the computer. Come to this hands-on workshop for an introduction to the most popular word processing program, Microsoft Word, and sharpen your skills with common functions like selecting text and capitalization, spellcheck, saving, and printing.
Fabulous Formatting in Word
In this workshop, we will review of the basics from the “Getting Started Microsoft Word” session, and take a deep dive into the formatting options on the “home” tab in Word – including font, paragraph, and styles.
Budgeting with Excel
Learn the basics of Microsoft Excel, the world’s leading desktop spreadsheet. Excel is used both at home and in the office to help with a wide range of personal and business management services including basic bookkeeping and accounting, to maintaining mailing lists, and more. In this session, we will learn the basics and take you through a guided activity to build Bruce Wayne’s annual budget.
Local History and Genealogy
Searching for Springfield Massachusetts local history and genealogy resources? We can help!
Springfield MA Local History Collection
The Central Library maintains a collection of published works on Springfield area history, including local publications such as the Springfield Planning Department’s neighborhood studies. These items can be used at the library, but most cannot be checked out.
All local history titles in our collection are catalogued and searchable in the online catalog.
(For a more comprehensive local history collection, including archival material, please contact the Springfield History Library & Archives at the Wood Museum of Springfield History.)
Springfield City Directories and Springfield High School Yearbooks
The Central Library maintains a near-complete collection of City Directories from 1866 through 1989, some digitized online, and a limited collection of Springfield college and public high school yearbooks dating from the early 1900s to the late 1980s, many of which are also digitized online.
Please contact the Central Library reference desk with inquiries about these resources at 413-263-6828 ext 213 or use our Ask a Librarian reference form.
Springfield MA Newspapers
The library offers access to Springfield newspapers on microfilm from 1900 to the present at the Central Library. (Springfield newspapers prior to 1900 are held at the Springfield History Library & Archives.) Digital (computer-based) microfilm readers are available for self-service use. Librarians are available for assistance.
We also have some full-text online newpapers available from 1988 to present. See the “Newspapers” tab below for more information.
Genealogy Resources
The library offers in-library access to the genealogical databases, Ancestry.com and American Ancestors, and remote access for Springfield City Library cardholders to Fold3 (military records), HeritageHub (obituaries), and HeritageQuest. You can make an appointment for genealogical assistance from a librarian – please click here for more information.
More Free Online Resources
Local and National Resources for Genealogical Research
NewspapersVital RecordsArchivesHistorical OrganizationsGenealogy Resources
Springfield City Library – Available on Microfilm at Central Library. Holdings listed below:
- Springfield Weekly Republican: Jan 1900 – Sep 26, 1946
- Springfield Weekly Union: Jan 1900 – Jan 1901
- Springfield Evening Union: Jan 1900 – Sep 25, 1946
- Springfield Daily and Sunday Republican: Jan 1900 – Sep 26, 1946
- Springfield Daily News: Jan 1905 – May 1987
- Springfield Union News (PM edition): Jun 1987 – Jun 19, 1992
- Springfield Morning and Sunday Union: Jan 1900 – Jan 1926
- Springfield Morning Union: Feb 1926 – Sep 26, 1946; Mar 6, 1947 – Aug 1947
- Springfield Morning Union and Sunday Republican: Sep 1947 – May 1987
- Springfield Union News (AM edition): Jun 1987 – Apr 6, 2003
- Springfield Republican: Apr 7, 2003 to current
(Yes, there were big problems in September 1946. A massive strike shut down the city’s presses for months, and several of the city’s papers never recovered.)
MassLive Searchable Index for Springfield Newspapers – MassLive provides an (incomplete) searchable index to Springfield newspapers to aid with microfilm searches (1877-1987). The library does not have access to the full archives online – see above listing for microfilm holdings at Central Library. For details of index coverage, click here.
Springfield Republican & Western Massachusetts Full-Text Newspapers – Springfield Republican coverage: 1988 – current. Other newspapers include: Advocate (North Adams), Amherst Bulletin, Berkshire Eagle, Daily Hampshire Gazette, North Adams Transcript, Recorder (Greenfield), Springfield Advocate, Springfield Examiner, and Valley Advocate. Remote Access for Springfield City Library Cardholders
Springfield Republican Full-Color Digital Archive – This digital archive covers January 1, 2019 and forward, with no delays. It is fully searchable, and you can print, email, or download results. Remote Access for Springfield City Library Cardholders
Boston Public Library – 19th Century US Newspapers – Searchable full-page and article reproductions of newspapers from across the country. Massachusetts Coverage: Boston: Atlas, Congregationalist, Courier, Daily Advertiser, Emancipator & Republican, Investigator, Liberator; Lowell: Lowell Daily Citizen. New York Times (1851-2015) – Searchable full-page and article reproductions back to the first issue on Sept 18, 1851.
Obituary Database – The Obituary Database indexes obituaries appearing in the Boston Evening Transcript (BET), Boston Globe (BG), and the Boston Herald/Herald American (BH) from 1932–1941 and 1953–2010.
The above resources are available with a BPL eCard – If you are a Massachusetts resident and don’t already have a Boston Public Library card, you can register for one online.
Library of Congress – Chronicling America: Historic American Newspapers
Census Records – National Archives – The first Federal Population Census was taken in 1790, and has been taken every ten years since. Because of a 72-year restriction on access to the Census, the most recent year available is 1950. In-library access to the census is available through the genealogical database, Ancestry.com
City of Springfield, Massachusetts – How to obtain copies of Birth, Marriage & Death Certificates
Commonwealth of Massachusetts –
Vital Records – Search Records of birth, marriage, and death (1841 – 1910)
Passenger Manifest Lists – Search for passengers arriving in the Port of Boston (1848 – 1891)
How to obtain copies of Birth, Marriage & Death Certificates
The Ellis Island Foundation – Passenger Search – Ship Search
Massachusetts, Wills and Probate Records, 1635-1991 – Ancestry.org
United States Social Security Death Index – FamilySearch.org
Commonwealth of Massachusetts – Archives Collection – (1629 – 1799)
DigitalCommonwealth.org – Explore historical collections from libraries, museums, and archives across Massachusetts.
New England Historic Genealogical Society – AmericanAncestors.org – Database Search
The National Genealogical Society – a good list of resources that are kept up to date: https://www.ngsgenealogy.org/free-resources/websites/
Polish Genealogical Society of Connecticut and the Northeast, Inc. – 8 Lyle Road
New Britain, CT – Library and Resource Center
The Polish Genealogical Society of Massachusetts – 33 South Street, Chicopee, MA – Research Library
Polish Genealogical Society of America
Western Massachusetts Genealogical Society – Resources
FamilySearch.org – Free Family History and Genealogy Records
National Archives – Resources for Genealogists
Boston Public Library – online resources listed here- https://guides.bpl.org/genealogymain/databases
Smithsonian Genealogical Research Guide – https://library.si.edu/research/genealogy
Library of Congress Genealogy Guides – https://guides.loc.gov/genealogy
Resources For Job Seekers
Are you new to using computers in your job search? Are you looking for free career resources? Get hired with these resources.
MassHire Springfield Career Center
413-858-2800
admin@masshirespringfield.org
Youthworks
413-858-2818
pgedeon@masshirespringfield.org
MassHire Springfield assists youth and adults in finding jobs and building their skill sets to meet the needs of local businesses. Jobseekers, advance your job search and career through job listings and through workshops and career training options. Specialized services for veterans, people with disabilities, and migrant and seasonal farm workers. Business owners, MassHire serves as your workforce partner to help you with recruitment, hiring, and retention.
Ayuda a jóvenes y adultos a encontrar trabajo y desarrollar sus habilidades para satisfacer las necesidades de las empresas locales. Solicitantes de empleo, avance su búsqueda de empleo y carrera a través de listados de trabajo y a través de talleres y opciones de capacitación profesional. Propietarios de negocios, MassHire trabaja como su socio laboral para ayudarlo con el reclutamiento, la contratación y la retención.
Just getting started?
The Springfield City Library regularly offers classes on Computer Basics and specifically for Job Seekers – visit our adult programs page for more information and to register for upcoming classes.
Our Book A Librarian service is available for one-on-one assistance with basic computing, job searching, resume writing, or just figuring out how to use different features on your smart phone. To schedule an appointment, call or visit the Springfield City Library location most convenient to you for half-hour tutoring sessions.
Explore the Basics: from setting up an email account to writing your resume and submitting it online
DigitalLearn.org – If you are new to using computers in your job search, haven’t used them for a while, or just need a bit of a refresher, we have the tools to help you tackle technology at your own pace and gain the confidence you need to succeed.
Video tutorials and printable instructions are available on the following topics:
Intro to Email – Introducción a Correo electrónico
Creating Resumes – Hojas de Vida
Microsoft Word – (en Español)
Online Job Searching – La Búsqueda de Trabajo en línea
and more …
ERC (EMPLOYMENT RESOURCE COLLECTION)
The Employment Resource Collection (ERC) is a collection of books, catalogs, and brochures selected to help job seekers find work, professional training, and/or further their education. Subjects covered in the ERC include test preparation for schooling and trades; resume writing, job interview skills, career guidance, college and scholarship information, and other related topics. The largest ERC is housed at the Central Library in Rice Hall with over 750 job seeker books and resources, though the Brightwood, Forest Park, and Indian Orchard branches also have impressive selections of job seeker books in their ERCs too. Most ERC materials are available for loan, though some are intended for in-house use only.
Job seeker books and DVDs are available at all library locations including those that do not have specially designated ERCs. Please see your branch librarian for help finding these or any other library items.
Helpful Dewey Decimal call numbers:
Careers: 331.7-331.7020973
Test preparation: 378.1662 – 378.1664
College (selecting and paying for): 378.3 – 378.7309
Resumes: 650.14
Cover letters: 650.142
Spanish: 860s
Need help with technology or using the library’s electronic resources? We can help you by phone, e-mail, in person or through our Book A Librarian service – available for one-on-one assistance with basic computing.