Archive – Springfield City Library

Meet the Candidates for Mayor and City Council

Get to know the candidates, find out where they stand on issues, and let them know your concerns.

Mason Square Branch
Wednesday, August 30 | 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM | All ages

Get to know the candidates for Mayor and City Council. Find out where they stand on issues, and let them know your concerns before you cast your vote in Springfield’s Preliminary Election on Tuesday, September 12. Register to vote, make sure that your registration is active, and confirm where your polling place is. This event is open to all.

Visit the event on Facebook to RSVP and to receive updates about which candidates will be attending.

Information Literacy for Students

Learn how to find, evaluate, and cite trustworthy sources of information for school assignments and your personal learning endeavors.

What is Information Literacy?

According to the American Library Association, “To be information literate, a person must be able to recognize when information is needed and have the ability to locate, evaluate, and use effectively the needed information.”

Evaluating Information: What is Fact & what is Fake?

Watch the video below to learn about the resources available to get trustworthy information:

Other websites to help with finding resources and factual information:

Did you know that you can get a library card to the Boston Public Library for free if you live in Massachusetts? Get your card today and have access to their library books and databases as well!
https://www.bpl.org/teen-subject/encyclopedias/

Plagiarism: what is that?

If you have questions on how to cite a resource and show where your information came from, you can use the following resources:

How to search & find resources using library databases

Here is a direct link to the Springfield Public Library databases: https://www.springfieldlibrary.org/library/elibrary/

You can also use a Boston Library Card to use their databases listed here: https://www.bpl.org/teen-subject/all-teen-resources/

This guide was created by Heaven Pajala, March 2023

Get a Library eCard

Apply for a Springfield City Library eCard online.

Springfield City Library now has an option for you to sign up for an eCard!

What is an eCard?

An eCard is a CW MARS (Central Western Massachusetts Resource Sharing) library card that you can register for online without the need to visit a library in person. It provides cardholders access to digital materials – such as ebooks, audiobooks, magazines, and databases. Click here to see our digital holdings!

The eCard does not allow you to check out physical materials. It is for digital materials only. eCards may be upgraded to a physical library card with full borrowing privileges by visiting your local library.

Am I eligible for an eCard?

You are eligible to apply for a CW MARS eCard, if you…

live in a Massachusetts town with a CW MARS member library,
are age 13 or older,
and do not currently have a library card from a CW MARS member library.

The eCard is for patrons who do not already have a CW MARS library card, and are not able to visit our library locations in person. If you need to renew an existing card, please call us at 413-263-6828 x218 or any Springfield City Library location. If you’re not sure if you have a CW MARS card already, ask us!

How do I apply for an eCard?

Please read through the form and Statement of Responsibility. The following information is required:

First and Last Name
Date of Birth
Email Address (your eCard number will be emailed to the address provided)
Current Home Address

After filling out the form, you’ll get instant* access to e-content.

*Eligible users will be provided with an eCard number immediately after registration that can be used to access resources on our eLibrary.

Can I check out physical material on my eCard?

No. To check out physical material at your library, you will need to upgrade your eCard to one with full borrowing privileges.

If you would prefer to apply for a library card with full borrowing privileges, you may begin the process online here or call your local Springfield City Library branch.

I’m having trouble using my eCard. What should I do?

If you’re having a problem with your eCard, you can start with the CW MARS eCard Troubleshooting FAQ. You may also call your local Springfield City Library branch for help or email us at askalibrarian@springfieldlibrary.org.

Poetry Workshops, Performance At Springfield City Library: Apply Now For Master Class With Poet Laureate Magdalena Gómez

Applications are now open for women, teen girls, and women-identified people interested in an introduction to writing and performing inviting, exciting, and inspiring poetry. Join this master class with Springfield’s Poet Laureate, Magdalena Gómez.

SPRINGFIELD, MASS.- September 29, 2021 – Applications are now open for women, teen girls, and women-identified people interested in an introduction to writing and performing inviting, exciting, and inspiring poetry. Join this master class with Springfield’s Poet Laureate, Magdalena Gómez. Space is very limited in each of the cohorts with pre-registration required. The application form is available on the Springfield City Library´s website.

The program series, Out/Spoken Words, is for participants at all levels in their poetry writing and performance. Master Classes are usually for professionals in a particular field. This is a Master Class for anyone who truly loves poetry and/or spoken word and wants to share that passion with others. Ms. Gómez added, “Participants will be provided with tools and encouragement to conjure poems and voice for performance of their original writing. All we ask is your willingness to fully participate and to bring a poem that matters to you to your first session, whether you wrote it or not.” The workshops will culminate in a public performance by participants at the Mason Square Branch Library Further information can be found at the Library’s website, or by calling 413-263-6828, ext. 291.

About the presenter: Magdalena Gómez was born and raised in the Bronx, New York. She studied English and Theater at Lehman College, and Spanish Literature at the University of Sevilla, Spain. She is the author of Shameless Woman (Red Sugarcane Press, 2014) and the co-editor of Bullying: Replies, Rebuttals, Confessions and Catharsis (Skyhorse Publishing, 2012). Her new book of lyrical narrative will be released by Heliotrope Books, NYC, in April 2022.

Mayor Domenic Sarno recently announced he has extended Gómez’ term as Springfield’s Poet Laureate for another year, to encompass 2019 through 2022. Ms. Gómez is the recipient of a $50,000 Poet Laureate Fellowship from the Academy of American Poets in 2021 with funds from The Mellon Foundation. A portion of those funds will support these workshops at the Springfield City Library. Her website is http://www.latinapoet.com/

Jean Canosa Albano, Assistant Director for Public Services at Springfield City Library, commented. “Poetry has long been exceedingly popular among Springfield residents of all ages. From our bookshelves, to open mic events, to contests and workshops, the Library has responded by offering diverse ways for people to find joy, deal with pain, and explore their voices through poetry. We are thrilled to partner with Magdalena to expand these offerings.”

Information regarding the workshops by Ms. Gómez is available on the Library’s website now: https://www.springfieldlibrary.org/library/poetry-workshops/.

Founded in 1857, the Springfield City Library provides nearly 5000 educational and recreational programs per year. To learn more, visit www.springfieldlibrary.org.

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Out/Spoken Words: Workshops with Springfield’s Poet Laureate

Join a master class with Springfield’s Poet Laureate, Magdalena Gómez, for an introduction to writing and performing poetry! | Teens and Adults

POSTPONED, new date TBA
~~Mason Square Branch – For young women 14 to 19 years old~~
~~Saturdays, October 30 and November 6 | 1-3 pm~~

Brightwood Branch – For women 20 years old and up
Tuesday, November 16 and Thursday, November 18 | 6-8 pm

Mason Square Branch – Rehearsal for ALL participants
Saturday, November 20 | 10:30 am – 2:30 pm

~~Mason Square Branch – Performance for ALL participants for the public~~
~~Saturday, December 4 | 1-2:30 pm~~
The performance will be recorded and uploaded at a later time, TBD.

Join this master class with Springfield’s Poet Laureate, Magdalena Gómez, for an introduction to writing and performing poetry in ways that invite/excite/inspire!

Space is very limited in each of the cohorts with pre-registration required. Fill out the application form here.

PLEASE NOTE: A commitment to attend both sessions as well as participate in one four-hour rehearsal with participants from all three cohorts at the Mason Square Library on Saturday, November 20, and the big group performance on Saturday, December 4 are required.

Out/Spoken Words is for participants at ALL levels in their poetry writing and performance. Master Classes are usually for professionals in a particular field. This is a Master Class for anyone who truly loves poetry and/or spoken word and wants to share that passion with others.

Participants will be provided with tools and encouragement to conjure poems and voice for performance of their original writing. All we ask is your willingness to fully participate, and to bring a poem that matters to you to your first session, whether you wrote it or not. You will be expected to always arrive 15 minutes before start time; complete simple assignments; and commit to your sessions, the rehearsal and performance.

Space is limited – so be certain you want this! Only sign up if you will commit to the entire process, out of your kind consideration for others.

Please wear loose, comfortable clothing and soft soled shoes or sneakers; this class will be physically interactive. Cost is $5 for each participant for materials.

About the presenter:

Magdalena Gómez was born and raised in the Bronx, New York. She studied English and Theater at Lehman College, and Spanish Literature at the University of Sevilla, Spain. She is the author of Shameless Woman (Red Sugarcane Press, 2014) and the co-editor of Bullying: Replies, Rebuttals, Confessions and Catharsis (Skyhorse Publishing, 2012). Her new book of lyrical narrative will be released by Heliotrope Books, NYC, in April 2022.

The recipient of the New England Public Radio Arts and Humanities Award, Gómez served as a member of the COVID-19 Cultural Impact Commission for the State of Massachusetts.

The Poet Laureate of Springfield, Massachusetts from 2019 to 2022, she received an Academy of American Poets Fellowship in 2021, with funds from The Mellon Foundation. Her website is http://www.latinapoet.com/

National Library Week – April 4-10, 2021

Celebrate National Library Week with fun activities for all ages!

National Library Week

April 4-10, 2021 is National Library Week, a time to highlight the essential role libraries, librarians and library workers play in transforming lives and strengthening communities. The theme for this year’s National Library Week is “Welcome to your library,” which promotes the idea that libraries extend far beyond the four walls of a building and that everyone is welcome to use their services. Whether people visit virtually or in person, libraries are accessible and inclusive places that foster a sense of belonging and community through learning, discovery and exploration.

During these challenging times, libraries of all types have been going above and beyond to adapt to our changing world by expanding their resources and continuing to meet the needs of their patrons.

This National Library Week, the public can show their appreciation and support for libraries by visiting their library’s website, following them on social media and using the hashtag #NationalLibraryWeek.

Welcome to your library TOURS

See all the videos here or on our Facebook or Instagram pages!

Guess How Many Books

How many books are at your favorite neighborhood library location? Between April 4-10, guess closest, and win a $15 gift card to a bookstore. One guess per day per person – click here to enter!

Guess The Book

Guess the book by the outline of the main character! A picture book character outline will be posted every day on Instagram in the morning. At 5 p.m. the book cover will be posted and the character outline will be revealed!

Activity Pages

Enjoy these downloadable coloring pages and activity sheets!

#MyLibraryIs Social Media Contest

Share what you love about the resources and services available at your library. Post to Instagram, Twitter, or on the I Love Libraries Facebook page, about how your library has made a difference for you. Use the hashtag #MyLibraryIs.

ALA will gather all the entries, and one randomly selected winner will receive a $100 Visa gift card. The promotion starts Sunday, April 4 at noon CT and ends on Saturday, April 10 at noon CT. Don’t forget to tag your library!

My Beloved Springfield – 2021

Join us for the 7th annual My Beloved Springfield women’s leadership event. | Adults and Teens

ONLINE via Zoom
Wednesday, March 31, 2021 | 5:30 – 7:30 PM | Teens and Adults

Here’s the video in case you missed it!

What a fantastic event! Here’s a screen shot of our amazing presenters:

The FREE seventh annual My Beloved Springfield Women’s Leadership event will focus on Resilience: How We Recover and Transform.

Explore local leadership development opportunities aimed at women and girls, then join us to be inspired by a panel of prominent local women as they tell us about their different paths to leadership. Time for questions and answers will be included.

Registration is now over.

NEW – Download a My Beloved Springfield background for your Zoom account! (Here are instructions.)

my beloved spfld backgrounds (6)

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Moderator:

The leadership panel will be moderated by Vanessa Pabón Hernandez, Senior Director for Educational Engagement and Executive Producer of Presencia at New England Public Media.

Panelists include:

Halley Kelly, Chair, Ward 5 Democratic Council and current Springfield Technical Community College student;

Tanisha Arena, Executive Director, Arise for Social Justice;

Camryn Kynard, first African American female appointed commander of the Junior Air Force ROTC at Springfield Central High School and current Springfield College student;

Waleska Lugo-DeJesús, CEO of Inclusive Strategies and entrepreneur.

Additional Performances:

Poet Amina Jordan-Mendez will inspire us with a reading.

A BRAND NEW poem by Springfield’s Poet Laureate and host and creator of the Jazz Ready podcast, Magdalena Gomez. Magdalena’s new poem is named The Holiness of NO!

Artworks at the Library: Jewelry by Anita F. Brown

Springfield artisan Anita F. Brown displays her handcrafted jewelry in celebration of African-American History Month.

Central Library
February 3-27, 2020 | During Open Hours | All Ages

Springfield artisan Anita F. Brown displays her handcrafted necklaces and earrings in celebration of African-American History Month. Using upcycled seashells, fabric, and even bones, her works appeal to crafters and environmentalists alike.

On display on Level 1 near the Lower Circulation Desk, during regular library hours. All ages.

Documentary Series on Climate Change

Three-part video screening series presented by Springfield’s Earth Optimism Coalition focusing on climate change. | Teens and Adults

Central Library, Community Room
For Adults and Teens

Monday, February 10 | 6:00-8:00 PM

An Inconvenient Truth – This powerful documentary is a wake-up call that cuts through myths and misconceptions to deliver the message that global warming is a real and present danger. It presents former Vice President Al Gore’s persuasive argument that we must act now to save the earth. Winner of Best Documentary Feature at the Academy Awards. Rated PG.

Saturday, February 15 | 3:00-5:00 PM

TED Talks featuring Majora Carter, Jim Hanson, Katherine Wilkinson, and Greta Thunberg – This is a set of TED Talks on climate change including Greening The Ghetto by Marjora Carter, Why I Must Speak Out on Climate Change by Jim Hanson, How Empowering Women and Girls Can Help Stop Global Warming by Katharine Wilkinson,
and The Disarming Case to Act Right Now on Climate Change by Greta Thunberg. Not rated.

Wednesday, February 19 | 6:00-8:00 PM

Normal Is Over – Award-winning feature documentary about humanity’s wisest responses to climate change, species extinction, resource depletion, income inequality and the connection between these issues. A film connecting the dots: A look at the financial and economical paradigm underlying our planetary problems, while offering various solutions to reverse the path of global decline. Movie is unrated.

Refreshments are compliments of the Friends of the Library. Ages 16+

Rotunda Rhythms Presents You, Me, Us

Wayne, Ed, and Zack will light-up the room with their light-jazz covers of popular songs and originals. | All Ages

Central Library, Rotunda
Sunday February 23, 2020 | 2:00 – 3:00 PM | All Ages

Wayne, Ed, and Zack will light-up the room with their light-jazz covers of popular songs and originals. Good for the whole family, this energized concert will be a great way to enjoy the standards with new and fun interpretations. You, Me, Us is Zack Danziger on guitar; Ed Orgill on saxophone, clarinet, and flute; and Wayne Roberts on bass.

Arrive early to get the best seat, and stay for entire program to earn a chance win in the free raffle. Funding provided by the Massachusetts Cultural Council. All ages.