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.

 

Discover Your Summer Events & Activities

Join us for Discover Your Summer: Summer Reading kickoff parties, live music, animal programs, crafts, and more! | All Ages

SUMMER READING CLUB CHALLENGE

June 20 – August 26, 2023 | All Ages

This summer, join our Discover Your Summer Reading Club to read and get rewards, enter a raffle for prizes, and more! Click the button below to learn more.

Learn About Summer Reading Club!

Click to read about our Kickoff events

summer kickoff party with liam hurley

Brightwood Branch
Monday, June 5 | 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM | Children

Come and join us for an energetic show filled with drums, ukuleles, puppets and comedy as we kickoff the start of summer!

summer Reading kickoff

Forest Park Branch
Thursday, June 8 | 3:30 PM – 6:30 PM | Tweens & Teens

Join us at the Forest Park Branch Library for our summer reading kick off! We’ll have games, food and prizes to raffle off! For ages 11-18.

henry the bunny summer Reading kickoff

East Springfield Branch
Saturday, June 10 | 12:30 PM – 2:00 PM | Children

Meet the adorable and sweet Henry the Bunny! Learn about rabbits and even have the chance to pet him. Some light refreshments will be served.

juneteenth 2nd annual Celebration

Mason Square Branch
Wednesday, June 14 | 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM | All Ages

Join us for our Juneteenth Celebration and Summer Reading Kickoff!

Discover Your Summer Kickoff: Light up the night!

Sixteen Acres Branch
Tuesday, June 20 | Open Hours | All Ages

Join us for the first day of Discover Your Summer with fun activities for all ages!

  • For children birth to age 5: Check out the weekly playgroup facilitated by our community partner Home.City.Families.
  • For babies through elementary school: Celebrate Eric Carle’s The Very Lonely Firefly! Families can get comfy on our “grass” rug to share the story together then make a firefly puppet to bring home.
  • For middle school through adult: Make a cozy paper lantern decoration to enjoy all summer long.
  • For everyone: Make your own trail mix – combine your own ingredients for a personalized snack. While supplies last.
  • For everyone: Use sidewalk chalk to help make the library ready for summer.

summer solstice festival

East Forest Park Branch
Wednesday, June 21 | 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM | All Ages

It’s the longest day of the year, so bring the whole family to kick off your summer of fun at the library. Family activities for all ages: Yoga on the lawn, sidewalk chalk art competition, music, games, and more! Sign up for summer reading while enjoying all the festivities.

summer reading field day

Central Library
Saturday, June 24 | 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM | Children

Come and join us for a field day to kick off summer reading! We’ll have lots of fun outdoor games and activities, including relay races, water balloons, and jumbo board games. The first 100 kids to sign up for summer reading will get a special goodie bag!

summer reading kickoff

Indian Orchard Branch
Wednesday, June 28 | 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM | All Ages

Kick off your Summer Reading with bubbles and popsicles on our lawn. Inside will be a summer scavenger hunt, a guessing jar, crafts, and free books for all children. Books provided by Book Rich Environments, a program of the National Book Foundation.

Ice Cream Social – Adult Summer Reading Kickoff

Mason Square Branch
Thursday, June 29 | 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM | Adults

Join us for an Ice Cream Social for Adults to kick off the 2023 Summer Reading Club! Have a sundae from Friendly’s, and enjoy a librarian performing a storytime for grown folks. Enter a raffle to win prizes, and get a free new book when you sign up for the Club. Don’t miss this fun event for grownups only!

July & August Summer Event Highlights

Events in July & August

Music Fun with Tom sieling

Sixteen Acres Branch
Monday, July 10 | 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM | Children

East Forest Park Branch
Friday, July 14 | 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM | Children

Brightwood Branch
Monday, July 17 | 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM | Children

Forest Park Branch
Tuesday, July 18 | 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM | Children

Mason Square Branch
Wednesday, July 19 | 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM | Children

East Springfield Branch
Saturday, July 22 | 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM | Children

Central Library
Monday, July 24 | 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM | Children

Indian Orchard Branch
Tuesday, July 25 | 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM | Children

Find Your Voice this Summer! Join Tom in this fun, interactive sing-along of  favorite kids’ songs guaranteed to get you up and moving! For families.

reptile shows of new england

Brightwood Branch
Thursday, July 13 | 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM | Ages 5+

Central Library
Tuesday, August 8 | 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM | Ages 5+

Welcome to the wonderful world of reptiles! Learn about the nature and life of these beautiful creatures from professional herpetologists in a fun, safe environment.

An evening of Motown with Personal Touch

Mason Square Branch
Thursday, July 13 | 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM | Rain or Shine | All Ages

Bring the family, lawn chairs and a picnic for an unforgettable night of music provided by Personal Touch. They will perform music of the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s Motown Sound, with all of the unmatched glamour and choreography of that era. In the Discovery Garden. Please bring lawn chairs or blankets; a limited number of chairs will be available.

What’s new from Lupa Zoo

East Forest Park Branch
Wednesday, July 26 | 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM | Ages 5+

Indian Orchard Branch
Thursday, August 10 | 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM | Ages 5+

Sixteen Acres Branch
Thursday, August 17 | 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM | Ages 5+

East Springfield Branch
Wednesday, August 23 | 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM | Ages 5+

Friends from the Lupa Zoo will be at the library to share their knowledge of our wonderful animal neighbors. This educational show features a variety of animals

Wingmasters: world of Owls

Mason Square Branch
Wednesday, August 2 | 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM | Ages 6+

Owls are a species of bird specially adapted for nocturnal hunting, yet most of our understanding of owls has been influenced by folklore and popular culture. Come learn what owls are really about. Wingmasters Julie Anne Collier and Jim Parks, licensed raptor rehabilitators and experts, will help us explore the world of these fascinating creatures.

Wingmasters: North American Birds of Prey

East Forest Park Branch
Friday, August 4 | 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM | Ages 6+

Birds of Prey, or raptors, are terrific hunters and possess keen eyesight and hearing. Come learn what raptors are all about. Wingmasters Julie Anne Collier and Jim Parks, licensed raptor rehabilitators and experts, will help us explore the world of these fascinating creatures.

Union Jack: Beatles Tribute Band

Mason Square Branch
Thursday, August 3 | 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM | All Ages

Twist and Shout! Take a trip back to the Sixties with music by the Fab Four and other British Invasion bands that left a mark on world music.  Bring a lawn chair and picnic if you’d like. Food will be available for purchase.

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

Hit Us with Your Best Shot: a Photography Contest

Enter the contest and send us your photos! | Teens

Contest Rules and Details

Entries Accepted (see rules below):
Thursday, June 20 – Monday, July 31, 2023

We’re having a photography contest for teens ages 13 to 18! Use your creativity to take pictures on such themes as as family life, friends, nature, wildlife, social issues, sports, and your hometown to win gift card prizes.  Three winning photographs will be picked Monday, August 14, 2023.

Submit photos (or ask questions) to photos@springfieldlibrary.org. Photos should be accompanied by:

  • Photographer’s full name
  • Contact information (email and telephone number)
  • Street address
  • Category: Amateur or  Semi-Professional

Rules and Details

  • Photos may be full color or black and white.
  • Up to three photographs may be submitted by each photographer.
  • Photos will be judged on the following criteria:
    • How closely does the photograph match the theme (30%)
    • How effective is its technique, such as balance, color contrast, and image quality? (50%)
    • How unique or creative is the photograph? (20%)
  • All entries must be original to the photographer, and suitable for all-ages, family-friendly viewing.
  • Winning photographs will be promoted with the library’s Facebook and Instagram
  • Photos that include people’s faces will need to be accompanied by a completed Photo Release Form for each depicted person.
  • All photos must be received by 5 p.m. on Monday, July 31, 2023 to be eligible for the contest.
  • Entrants must be teens ages 13 to 18.
Winners from the Previous Contest

Winners – Amateur

Click on a photo to see full size!

1st place: Richard Harper for Deacon Samuel Chapin
Amateur 1st Place Richard Harper for Deacon Samuel Chapin
1st place: Richard Harper for Deacon Samuel Chapin
2nd place: Dora Campbell for Springfield Symphony Orchestra Stage
Amateur 2nd Place Dora Campbell for Springfield Symphony Orchestra Stage
Dora Campbell for Springfield Symphony Orchestra Stage
3rd place: Kevin Fay for The Great Franconia Elm
Amateur 3rd Place Kevin Fay for The Great Franconia Elm
3rd place: Kevin Fay for The Great Franconia Elm
1st runner up: Jim Sharrard for Trees in Forest Park
Amateur 1st Runner Up Jim Sharrard for Trees in Forest Park
1st runner up: for Jim Sharrard for Trees in Forest Park
2nd runner up: Larry Sanchez for Fireworks Over MassMutual
Amateur 2nd Runner Up Larry Sanchez for Fireworks Over MassMutual
2nd runner up: Larry Sanchez for Fireworks Over MassMutual

Winners – Semi-Pro

Click on a photo to see full size!

Winner: M.J. Tash for Winter on Mattoon Street
Semi-Pro Winner: M.J. Tash for Winter on Mattoon Street
Semi-Pro Winner: M.J. Tash for Winter on Mattoon Street
Runner up: Tara Dasso for Wonder Downtown Springfield
Runner up: Tara Dasso for Wonder Downtown Springfield
Runner up: Tara Dasso for Wonder Downtown Springfield

Citywide Mask Mandate Will Expire; At-Home COVID-19 Testing Kit Distribution Centers Consolidated

The City of Springfield mask mandate will expire February 28, 2022. At-home COVID-19 testing kit distribution centers will also be consolidated.

02/23/22 – Mayor Sarno and HHS Commissioner Caulton-Harris Announce Citywide Mask Mandate will expire Monday, February 28, 2022

Mayor Domenic J. Sarno and Health and Human Services (HHS) Commissioner Helen Caulton-Harris announced today that the citywide mask mandate will expire on Monday, February 28, 2022. The mask mandate for the Springfield Public Schools will remain in effect through the month of March.

Mayor Sarno states, “After reviewing the recent COVID-19 trends with Commissioner Helen Caulton-Harris, we are happy to report that we have seen five consecutive weeks of a significant decrease in COVID-19 cases.  Based on this news, our citywide vaccination rates steadily increasing and the positive trends we are seeing, Commissioner Caulton-Harris and I are confident that we can let this citywide mask mandate expire on Monday, February 28, 2022.  We have all worked so hard and our efforts have worked in mitigating the spread of COVID-19.  It is important to not to ostracize anyone who wishes to continue to wear a mask when this mask mandate expires, as they may feel safe wearing them still and/or they may have a compromised immune system.”

♦  ♦  ♦

Beginning February 28, 2022: rapid at-home COVID-19 testing kits will only be available at the New North Citizens Council, South End Community Center, Clodo Concepcion Center (Greenleaf Community Center), and the Department of Health and Human Services.  Locations, days and hours listed below:

  • Dept. of Health & Human Services – 311 State Street, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Tuesdays and Wednesday
  • New North Citizens Council – 2455 Main Street, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Tuesdays and Wednesday
  • South End Community Center – 99 Marble Street, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Tuesdays and Wednesday
  • Clodo Concepcion Center (Greenleaf Community Center) – 1187 Parker Street, from 10 a.m. 2 p.m. on Thursdays

The City of Springfield continues to offer a vaccination clinic at the Department of Health and Human Services every Tuesday, 9:00 am to 12:00 pm.  Residents can also get their vaccination and booster shot at any one of the many vaccination clinics throughout the city, including at your local pharmacy stores such as CVS and Walgreens.

For more information on the City of Springfield’s COVID-19 statistical information, please visit the City of Springfield’s COVID-19 situational update webpage at:  Health and Human Service COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Statistical Information: City of Springfield, MA (springfield-ma.gov)

For information and locations of vaccination clinics, please visit the City of Springfield’s COVID-19 Vaccine Appointments and Clinics webpage at:  COVID-19 Vaccine Appointment and Clinics: City of Springfield, MA (springfield-ma.gov)

Read more at the City website.

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…

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?

Click your desired language to be taken to the eCard application form:
English | Español | 中文 | Français | Polszczyzna | Русский

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.

Three Library Branches to Provide At-Home Rapid Covid-19 Testing Kits for Springfield Residents

The city will distribute another 25,000 at-home testing kits at several locations, including three library branches, starting Tuesday, January 18, 2022.

01/11/22 – Mayor Sarno and HHS Commissioner Caulton-Harris Continue to Provide At-Home Rapid Covid-19 Testing Kits for Springfield Residents

Mayor Domenic J. Sarno and Health and Human Services (HHS) Commissioner Helen Caulton-Harris continue to work to get rapid antigen at-home Covid-19 testing kits in the hands of our Springfield residents. Identification will be required and will be checked by HHS staff.

Mayor Sarno and Commissioner Caulton-Harris will make available another 25,000 at-home testing kits which will be distributed at the following locations, days, and times starting on Tuesday, January 18, 2022.

LOCATION TIME DAY(s)
Raymond A. Jordan Senior Center
1476 Roosevelt Ave
10:00 am to 2:00 pm Thursdays
Department of Health and Human Services
311 State Street
10:00 am to 2:00 pm Tuesdays and Wednesday
New North Citizens Council
2455 Main Street
10:00 am to 2:00 pm Tuesdays and Wednesday
South End Community Center
99 Marble Street
10:00 am to 2:00 pm Tuesdays and Wednesday
East Forest Park Library
136 Surrey Road
11:00 am to 2:00 pm Saturdays
Forest Park Library
380 Belmont Ave
1:00 am to 4:00 pm Fridays
Mason Square Library
765 State Street
1:00 pm to 4:00 pm Fridays
Clodo Concepcion Center (Greenleaf Community Center)
1187 Parker Street
10:00 am to 2:00 pm Thursdays and Fridays
Indian Orchard Citizens Council
117 Main Street IO
3:00 pm to 7:00 pm Thursdays

Two kits per household will be distributed on a first-come first-served basis, while supplies last.

Read more at the City website.

Springfield City Library Temporarily Reduces Hours and Limits Services

Beginning January 4th, 2022, library patrons may enter their local library to pick up their materials but all in-person programming is suspended, including computer access and usage.

02/14/2022 – UPDATE

As of today, the library and all branches are resuming regular hours of operation. Public access to computers has been restored. In-person programming continues to be suspended, and masks are still required inside all library locations.

01/03/2022 – Mayor Sarno and HHS Commissioner Caulton-Harris Announce Senior Centers and Libraries to Switch to Hybrid Operations – Encourage Residents to Conduct City Business Remotely or Schedule an Appointment –

Mayor Domenic J. Sarno and Health and Human Services Commissioner Helen Caulton-Harris announced today that due to an alarming and significant increase in COVID-19 cases and out of an abundance of caution, the City of Springfield’s public libraries will switch to hybrid operations.

All neighborhood library branches will suspend programing but will offer pickup services for library patrons.

To see the limited open hours for each branch – mostly afternoons – please click here.

Library patrons may enter their local library to pick up their materials but all in-person programming will be suspended, including computer access and usage.

To see online and take-and-make events, please see our Events Calendar.

Free at-home COVID-19 testing kits available for Springfield residents (WWLP)

WWLP interviewed people at Central Library on the first day of handing out rapid home covid test kits to Springfield residents.

Check out the full story and video from WWLP – they interviewed people at Central Library on the first day of handing out kits!

An excerpt:

As we approach Christmas and its many family gatherings, home testing has become a must for many people.

“We’re planning on going to our grandparents house for Christmas and there are those who are not getting vaccinated. So I think it’s our responsibility, out visiting everyone,” said Nicole Rooney of Springfield.

Emily Colon of Springfield has a child on the way, adding to her determination to take the test and get the result within fifteen minutes, “Me and my husband work full time and I’m in my first trimester of my pregnancy. So we’re just going to be cautious.”

Eugene Couser of Springfield just came to the library to take out a couple of books but after thinking if over, he too asked for a couple of the at home testing kits, “Even though I’ve got the vaccine, you can never be too safe, you know what I mean. And I want to do myself and my wife. My wife is right now under the weather.”

“Commissioner Helen Caulton-Harris and I want to thank the Baker-Politio Administration for their continued efforts partnering with us throughout this COVID-19 pandemic. These free rapid COVID-19 at-home test kits will provide our residents with another easy and convenient option to get tested. This distribution plan is part of my administrations continued commitment to making these testing kits readily available by utilizing our neighborhood library branches, the Raymond Jordan Senior Center and our many community partners and to increase access for our residents and their families,” said Sarno.

 

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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