Category: Resources – Adults

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:

  1. Springfield Weekly Republican: Jan 1900 – Sep 26, 1946
  2. Springfield Weekly Union: Jan 1900 – Jan 1901
  3. Springfield Evening Union: Jan 1900 – Sep 25, 1946
  4. Springfield Daily and Sunday Republican: Jan 1900 – Sep 26, 1946
  5. Springfield Daily News: Jan 1905 – May 1987
  6. Springfield Union News (PM edition): Jun 1987 – Jun 19, 1992
  7. Springfield Morning and Sunday Union: Jan 1900 – Jan 1926
  8. Springfield Morning Union: Feb 1926 – Sep 26, 1946; Mar 6, 1947 – Aug 1947
  9. Springfield Morning Union and Sunday Republican: Sep 1947 – May 1987
  10. Springfield Union News (AM edition): Jun 1987 – Apr 6, 2003
  11. 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 logo

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.

Legal Resources

From general resources like finding you local legislator, to local organizations that offer lawyer referral services and immigration law resources.

Local

Reference:

  • Hampden Law Library – 50 State Street, Courthouse, Springfield – Open to the public the law library offers: help with legal research, books and materials to borrow, online databases for no charge (including Westlaw and Lexis), and free public wifi. | (413) 748-7923
  • City of Springfield, Good Neighbor Guide – Online Guide – Quality of Life Regulations in the City of Springfield. Includes: Business Licenses & Regulations, Animals, Waste Collection, Public Peace & Welfare, Motor Vehicles, Streets, Sidewalks & Public Places, Building Maintenance, Neighborhood Organizations.
  • City of Springfield, Online Public Records – Website – Budget, Expenditures and Financial Plans, City Governance, Code Enforcement, Economic Development, Elections, Property and Taxation, Public Safety, Vital Records

Lawyer Referral Services:

  • Community Legal Aid – One Monarch Place, Springfield – Provides free civil legal services to low-income and elderly residents of central and western Massachusetts. CLA also provides free civil legal assistance to victims of crime and survivors of homicide victims. | (508) 425-2785
  • Hampden County Bar Association – 50 State Street, Springfield | (413) 732-4660

Immigration Law Resources

State

Reference:

  • MassLegalHelp.org – MassLegalHelp.org’s mission is to use the Web to improve access to justice for low income and disadvantaged people. It provides practical information about your legal rights in Massachusetts.
  • Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Public Records – A website of the Secretary of the State Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Includes: Notary Public Information, Marriages in Massachusetts, Public Records Access, and Information on the Public Records Law.
  • The General Court of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts – Find my Legislator – Bills – Laws
  • Massachusetts Court System –  Website  – Includes a Courthouse locator, Information on Jury Duty, Access to New Opinions, and the ability to search Court Dockets.
  • Massachusetts General Laws – An online searchable database of the General Laws of Massachusetts.
  • Massachusetts Law Resources in the State Library – The State Library has an extensive collection of Massachusetts law resources, including statutes and legislative materials, administrative law and judicial reports.

Lawyer Referral Services:

  • Committee for Public Counsel Services – Provide legal representation in Massachusetts for those unable to afford an attorney in all matters in which the law requires the appointment of counsel.

Immigration Law Resources

  • PAIR Project – Political Asylum / Immigration Representation Project – 98 North Washington Street, Suite 106, Boston – PAIR provides free immigration services to indigent asylum-seekers and detained immigrants, assuring fairness and access to justice. | (617) 742-9296
  • Refugee and Immigrant Assistance Center – 316 Main Street, Suite 804, Worcester | (508) 756-7557
  • Ascentria Care Alliance – The Immigration Legal Assistance Program is
    part of Services for New Americans and provides free and low-cost legal services to immigrants and refugees in Massachusetts. | (413) 562-6015

Federal

Reference:

Federal Depository Library Program – The Springfield City Library is a congressionally designated depository for U.S. Government documents. Public access to the government documents collection is guaranteed by public law. (Title 44 United States Code). To learn more about the program and the kinds of resources that are collected through it, please visit the guide linked above.

USA.gov – Laws and Legal Issues – Website – Official Guide to Government Information Services. Includes information on: Complaints, Crime and Prisons, Federal Laws and Regulations, Labor Laws and Issues, Personal Legal Issues, Documents, and Family History, Scam and Frauds, U.S. Government Works, Voting and Election Laws and History, Your Legal Disability Rights.

Immigration Law Resources:

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services – USCIS is the government agency that oversees lawful immigration to the United States. | Forms | Tools | Citizenship | Green Card | Legal Resources

Attraction Passes

Check out our museum passes! Free or reduced admission to area museums, parks, and attractions.

Springfield Museums
21 Edwards Street, Springfield, MA
(413) 263-6800

Free general admission for all Springfield Residents during regular museum hours with valid ID. Visitors ages 3-17 accompanied by a non-Springfield resident adult must present a Springfield school ID.

The library does not circulate passes for the Springfield Museums. No pass is required for Springfield residents to visit the museums for free. On the first Wednesday of every month, the Museums offer free admission to all visitors.

Five world-class museums, including the Amazing World of Dr. Seuss Museum and the Dr. Seuss National Memorial Sculpture Garden are located right downtown next to the Central Library. Come Explore! 

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Basketball Hall of Fame
1000 Hall of Fame Ave, Springfield, MA 01105
(877) 446-6752

Passes available at Central Library
Call for availability at (413) 263-6828 ext. 218

The pass is valid for two (2) guests free admission into the Hall, plus a discounted rate for two additional guests that come with them that day. 

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Zoo In Forest Park and Educational Center
293 Sumner Ave, Springfield, MA 01108
(413) 733-2251

Passes available at all branches – Check for availability in the catalog

Courtesy of the Zoo In Forest Park and Education Center, we now have passes to the Zoo In Forest Park available at a library location near you!

Each pass admits 5 people, any age, and must be presented with a valid photo ID at the entrance; children 17 and under must be accompanied by an adult.

IMPORTANT NOTE: The pass to the zoo does not include admittance to the park itself, which charges a daily parking fee of $3 for in-state passenger cars.

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Children’s Museum at Holyoke
444 Dwight St, Holyoke, MA 01040
(413) 536-7048

Passes available at the Central Library – Check for availability in the catalog

Passes allow entry with half-price admission for up to 6 visitors. Passes cannot be used for special events, workshops, or programs. The museum closes annually in September for cleaning and renovations, please visit their website for exact dates.

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Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art
125 West Bay Rd, Amherst, MA 01002
(413) 658-1100

Passes available at the Central Library – Check for availability in the catalog

One pass admits up to 2 adults and 4 children.

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MASS MoCa
1040 MASS MoCA Way, North Adams, Mass. 01247
(413) 662-2111

Passes available at the Central Library – Check for availability in the catalog

Admits 2 adults and 2 children (under 16) to MASS MoCA’s galleries during normal gallery hours. Not valid for performing arts events or special exhibition openings.

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Old Sturbridge Village
1 Old Sturbridge Village Rd, Sturbridge, MA
1-800-733-1830

Check for availability in the catalog

Admits 4 half-price daytime admissions- not valid for evening programs. Not valid between November 28 and December 31st.

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USS Constitution Museum
Building 22, Charlestown Navy Yard, Boston, MA
(617) 426-1812

Check for availability in the catalog

Admits: Free admission. Limited to parties of 9 or fewer – 1 pass per party.

“The USS Constitution Museum, located in the Charlestown Navy Yard, serves as the memory and educational voice of USS Constitution by collecting, preserving, and interpreting the stories of ‘Old Ironsides’ and the people associated with her. The museum offers a variety of engaging activities, exhibits, and programs, including our interactive exhibit, All Hands on Deck: A Sailor’s Life in 1812, where visitors can furl a sail, sleep in a hammock, and scrub the deck as they join Constitution’s crew in 1812!”

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Springfield Adult Basic Education Directory

Educational resources for adults and out-of-school youth, for Basic Literacy, English as a Second Language, HiSET preparation and testing, Transition to College, Workplace Education and Family Literacy.

Glossary of Terms

Basic Literacy = Skills needed for reading and writing including: Vocabulary, Spelling and Comprehension.

Basic Skills = Reading, Writing, Math

ESOL = English as a Second Language

HiSet = High School Equivalency Test also know as the GED or General Equivalency Diploma

The Springfield Adult Basic Education (ABE) Partnership is made up of Springfield providers of educational services for adult learners and out-of-school youth and others invested in improving and coordinating these services.  The Directory was created for service providers to make referrals, for potential learners looking for the right program, and for volunteer tutors looking for opportunities to help.

All partners share the conviction that adult basic education is the foundation for individual, community, and economic development. Adults who can realize their own literacy goals and realize their need to seek additional education, are able to support their children’s learning both in school and at home. They will improve their access to better work opportunities and will participate more fully in community and civic life.

This webpage is a current snapshot of educational services for adults and out-of-school youth. Adult Basic Education includes a wide range of services, such as basic literacy, basic mathematics, high school equivalency test preparation and testing, adult diploma program, English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL), job skills and work readiness training, computer literacy, family literacy, and MCAS help for youth who have competed high school credits but have not passed the required MCAS tests. We know that programs change and services grow and shrink due to changes in funding and priorities, so the Directory will continue to be a work in progress.

There are many other community organizations that offer support services for adult learners; however, not all of these organizations are listed. An excellent resource for a wide range of critical community services that adult learners need to meet their educational goals is Massachusetts 211 (Simply Dial 2-1-1). It is available 24 hours a day, is multilingual, and it can be found online at www.mass211help.org.

If you know of a program that offers ABE services, and it is not listed please feel free to send your comments, suggestions, and corrections, as well to our Ask A Librarian service at askalibrarian@springfieldlibrary.org. Your feedback will aid in making the Springfield Adult Basic Education Directory a useful tool.

Quick Overview - Adult Basic Education Services
Basic LiteracyComputer LiteracyESOLFamily / Life SkillsHiSet/GED PrepWorkplace
The Gray House
Springfield City Library, Read/Write/Now Adult Learning Center
Training Resources of America, Inc.

Gandara Center
The Gray House
Springfield City Library
Springfield Housing Authority
Springfield Technical Community College, Springfield Adult Learning Center
Training Resources of America, Inc.
YWCA of Western Massachusetts

The Gray House
Springfield City Library, Springfield Literacy Volunteers
Springfield Housing Authority
Springfield Public Schools Adult Education Center
Springfield Technical Community College, Springfield Adult Learning Center
Training Resources of America, Inc.

Gandara Center – Life Skills Literacy
The Gray House – Family and Life Skills Literacy
New England Farm Workers’ Council, Youth Programs – Life Skills Literacy
Springfield City Library, Read/Write/Now Adult Learning Center – Life Skills Literacy
Springfield Housing Authority – Life Skills Literacy
YWCA of Western Massachusetts – Life Skills Literacy
New England Farm Workers’ Council, Youth Programs
Springfield Housing Authority
Springfield Public Schools Adult Education Center
Springfield Technical Community College, Springfield Adult Learning Center
Training Resources of America, Inc.
YWCA of Western Massachusetts

Gandara Center
New England Farm Workers’ Council, Youth Programs
Springfield Public Schools Adult Education Center
Springfield Technical Community College, Springfield Adult Learning Center
Training Resources of America, Inc.
YWCA of Western Massachusetts

Gandara Center -Multiple Locations

Contact: Lisa Brecher, info@gandaracenter.org
Phone: (413) 736-8329
Eligibility Requirements: Vary between programs.
Programs/Services: Housing Insecurity, Computer Literacy, Job Search / Readiness, Life Skills / Literacy, Parenting Skills, Workplace Education / Partnerships
Support Services: Counseling, Housing
Accepting Volunteers: Yes, Training provided.

The Gray House – 22 Sheldon Street, Springfield

Contact: J. Aisha Mathews, Education@grayhouse.org
Phone: (413) 734-6696
Eligibility Requirements: Only survival level skills are taught: Literacy, Beginner ESL Literacy and High Beginner ESL Literacy. Citizenship classes require an Intermediate or higher level of English. There is a $20 materials and commitment fee to begin any class.
Programs/Services: Basic Literacy, Basic Math, Reading, & Writing, Citizenship, Computer Literacy, ESOL, Family Literacy, Life Skills / Literacy
Support Services: Child Care
Accepting Volunteers: Yes, Training provided.

Hampden County Sheriff’s Department, After Incarceration Support Systems –
Phone: (413) 781-2050 ext. 8300
Eligibility Requirements: Any resident of Hampden County with any Incarceration History is eligible. No Charge to Clients
Programs/Services: ESOL, HiSet / GED Preparation, HiSet / GED Test Center, Job Search / Readiness, Transition to College

New England Farm Workers’ Council, Youth Programs – 1628-1640 Main Street, Springfield

Contact:  Ana West,  awest@partnersforcommunity.org
Phone: (413) 272-2280
Eligibility Requirements: Ages 16-24, High School Dropout. No Cost.
Programs/Services: Job Search / Readiness, Life Skills / Literacy, Pre – HiSet /  GED, HiSet / GED Prep for Out of School Youth, Transition to College, Workplace Education / Partnerships
Support Services: Counseling, Payment of HiSet exam, Paid Work Experience, Career Exploration
Accepting Volunteers: Yes

Springfield City Library, Read/Write/Now Adult Learning Center –  204 Boston Road, Springfield

Phone: 413-263-6839
Eligibility Requirements: None, Free
Programs/Services: Basic Skills, Life Skills

Springfield City Library – 220 State Street, Springfield

Phone: (413) 263-6828
Eligibility Requirements: Free
Programs/Services: Computer Literacy
Accepting Volunteers: Yes

Additional Information: The Springfield City Library offers free computer classes. Workshops include basic computer literacy (e.g. mouse skills, web skills, etc.), and introductory Microsoft Office skills.

Springfield Public Schools Adult Education Center – 204 Boston  Road, Springfield

Contact: Angela Negron, negronan@springfieldpublicschools.com
Phone: 413-787-7210
Eligibility Requirements: No cost for residents of the City of Springfield. Individuals residing outside of the City of Springfield may register to take the HiSet test at no charge. Adult Basic Education and ESOL classes for residents outside of the City of Springfield are available only if the individual enrolls in the Ahead of the Game program.
Programs/Services: ESOL, HiSet / GED Preparation, HiSet / GED Test Center, Workplace Education / Partnerships. Case management and mentoring for students enrolled in our HiSet preparation classes, ESOL classes and Ahead of the Game program.
Support Services: Transportation – offered in the form of bus tokens for some programs.
Accepting Volunteers: Yes, Training provided.

Additional Information: Our program is fully aligned with the State of Massachusetts and national academic standards for adults. Instructors and staff are professionally trained in adult education. A variety of teaching methods and resources are used to help individuals attain certain benchmarks to advance to the next class. The length of time you will spend at any level will vary depending on your individual progress. Every student is assigned an Education and Career Advisor to help them achieve their education and career goals.

Springfield Housing Authority – 60 Congress Street, Springfield

Contact: Sarah Carbone, scarbone@shamass.org
Phone: 413-785-4500
Eligibility Requirements: None – Open to all Greater Springfield area residents, Free
Programs/Services: Computer Literacy, ESOL, HiSet/GED Preparation, Housing Insecurity, Job Search / Readiness, Life Skills / Literacy, Pre – HiSet/GED, HiSet/GED Prep for Out of School Youth
Support Services: Housing

Springfield Technical Community College, Springfield Adult Learning Center – 1 Armory Square, Suite 1, Springfield

Contact: Barbara Bradbury, bbradbury@stcc.edu
Phone: 413-755-4300 (call to reserve space)
Eligibility Requirements: Must be 18 years of age or older. Applicants who are 16-17 years old may apply with consent of parent/guardian. Free
Program/Services: Computer Literacy, ESOL, HiSet/GED Preparation,  Pre-HiSet/GED, HiSet/GED Prep for Out of School Youth, Transition to College,  Workforce Education/Partnerships
Support Services: Counseling, Transportation, Test Language available in Spanish

Springfield Technical Community College, Gateway to College –
Phone: (41 3) 755-4581
Program/Services: Gateway to College is a competitive scholarship program funded through the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education .

The cost of tuition, books and most fees are covered by the scholarship. In addition, you’ll have an academic counselor dedicated to your success. Your academic counselor will guide you through the college experience; teach you about careers, organization and time management; and provide you with referrals to community resources.

Springfield Technical Community College, HiSet/GED Exams –
Phone: (413) 755-4507 – Computer Testing, (413) 755-4709 – Written Testing

STCC has partnered with the Educational Testing Service to offer high school equivalency tests (the HiSET) to adults who are at least 18 years old and have not previously received a high school diploma (16 and 17-year-olds may take the test only if they are no longer enrolled in school).

Training Resources of America, Inc. – 32-34 Hampden Street, Ground Floor, Springfield

Contact: Jynai McDonald, jmcdonald@tra-inc.org
Phone: (413) 732-2223
Eligibility Requirements: None,  No Cost for Participants
Programs/Services: Adult Diploma, Basic Literacy, Basic Math, Reading & Writing, College and Career Advising, Computer Literacy, ESOL, HisSe t/ GED Preparation, Job Search / Readiness, Transition to College, Workplace Education
Accepting Volunteers: Yes

YWCA of Western Massachusetts – 1 Clough Street, Springfield

Contact: Jenniefer Murphy, jmurphy@ywworks.org
Phone: (413) 732-3121
Eligibility Requirements: Serve Ages 16-24, High School Drop Out, No Cost for Participants
Programs/Services: Adult Diploma Program, Computer Literacy, HiSet / GED Preparation, Job Search / Readiness, Life Skills / Literacy, HiSet / GED Preparation for Out of School Youth, Transition to College, Workplace Education / Partnerships.

YouthBuild Program: Offers HiSet classes in conjunction with vocational training in construction or in Allied Health. Students participating in these programs will receive case management services, a credential in the construction or Allied Health field, transition support to work/post-secondary education/training, paid internships, and work readiness training.

Support Services: Transportation
Accepting Volunteers: Yes, Training provided.

Additional Area Services

Westover Job Corps Center, US Department of Labor – 103 Johnson Road, Chicopee
Phone: (413) 593-5731
Program/Services: Basic Literacy, Computer Literacy, ESOL, HiSet  / GED Preparation, Job Search / Readiness, Transition to College

Job Corps is a no-cost education and career technical training program administered by the U.S. Department of Labor that helps young people ages 16 to 24 improve the quality of their lives through career technical and academic training.

For information & referrals for adult learners: Massachusetts Adult Literacy Hotline – 1-800-447-8844

Supported in part by grants from the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, Adult and Community Learning Services

Computer Tools & Tutorials

Free resources to help you learn and expand your technology skills.

Just getting started?

Explore the Basics: from using a mouse to setting up an email account

DigitalLearn.org – If you are new to computers, 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:

Getting Started on a Computer – Comenzar en la Computadora
Navigating A Website – Navegar por un sitio web
Intro to Email – Introducción a Correo electrónico
Basic Search – Búsqueda Básica
Accounts & Passwords – Cuentas y contraseñas
Online Scams – Las estafas en línea
Internet Privacy – La Privacidad en Internet
and more …

The Springfield City Library periodically offers classes on Computer Basics 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, homework, resume writing, trouble-shooting your computer, 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.

Microsoft Office & Other Software Help

Are you looking for help with Microsoft Word, Excel, or some other piece of software?
See the resources listed below for free tutorials and lessons you can go through at your own pace!

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.