Archive | Springfield City Library

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!

Hit Us with Your Best Shot: a Photography Contest

Enter the contest and send us your photos on the theme “The Many Wonders of Springfield.” | Adults

Winners – Amateur

Click on a photo to see full size!

1st place: Richard Harper for Deacon Samuel Chapin

2nd place: Dora Campbell for Springfield Symphony Orchestra Stage

3rd place: Kevin Fay for The Great Franconia Elm

1st runner up: Jim Sharrard for Trees in Forest Park

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

Runner up: Tara Dasso for Wonder Downtown Springfield

Contest Rules and Details

Entries Accepted (see rules below):
Tuesday, January 19 – Friday, February 19, 2021

Winners announced:
Monday, March 1, 2021

Get creative and send us your photos on the theme The Many Wonders of Springfield for chances to win one of four gift card prizes.

Find what “fills you with wonder” here in Springfield, capture it in a photograph, and enter the contest to win!

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.
Submissions will be accepted from amateur and semi-professional photographers, and will be judged in two separate categories.
Photos will be judged by a panel of three local photography enthusiasts on the following criteria:
- How closely does the photograph match the theme The Many Wonders of Springfield? (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.
Accepted photographs will be posted on the library’s Flickr page.
Winning photographs will be promoted with the library’s Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter accounts.
Submissions will be accepted from any adult, though prize winners will only be drawn from Hampden County photographers.
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 Friday, February 19, 2021 to be eligible for the contest.
Entrants must be adults ages 18 or above.
Prizes include four gift cards, one per winner, good for a local retailer or restaurant of the winners’ choice compliments of the Friends of the Library.
- The Semi-Pro Photographers category will have one winner eligible for a $25 gift card.
- The Amateur Photographers category will have three winners (1st, 2nd, and 3rd places) eligible for $40, $20, and $15 gift cards (one per winner).

ChibiCon 2020 Online

Join our our annual celebration of anime and comics culture. | All Ages

Monday November 2 – Saturday November 7 – All Ages

ChibiCon, our annual celebration of anime and comics culture, is back in an all-online format!

All events are FREE and ONLINE – check back for Zoom links as we get closer to the date!

Details below – and be sure to follow our Facebook and Instagram for more on the con.

Events All Week

Art Contest

Click for details!

Art can be from any fandom or an original character
Art may be any medium
Art must be rated PG 13 or less
Artists should tag their art with any character names or property names that will help the judges identify what fandom they belong to
If the art is of original characters, please tag with #0riginalcharacter
Artists will post the image of their art on Instagram and tag with #Chibicon2020
Winners will be announced by tagging the winners on Instagram. We will then contact you for information to send your prize.
You may post your art anytime between Monday Nov 2, 9 A.M. ET, and Saturday Nov 7, 9 P.M. ET.

Cosplay Contest

Click for details!

Cosplay can be from any fandom or an original character
Cosplay must be rated PG 13 or less
Cosplayers should tag pic(s) with any character names or property names that will help the judges identify what fandom they belong to
If the cosplay is an original character, please tag with #0riginalcharacter
Cosplayers will post the image of their art on Instagram and tag with #Chibicon2020
Winners will be announced by tagging the winners on Instagram. We will then contact you for information to send your prize.
You may post your cosplay anytime between Monday Nov 2, 9 A.M. ET, and Saturday Nov 7, 9 P.M. ET.

Monday November 2

3:30-4:30 Yes Harry, There Really Is A Nicolas Flamel

Part of the magic of Harry Potter isn’t magical at all! Much of the world Harry and his friends inhabit is actually based on real and historical things that people studied and continue to learn about today. Come learn a bit about the real world roots of herbology, alchemy, magical creatures, rare books, and even Hogwarts itself. Presented by Librarian and Board Chair of Anime USA Chris Needham. (Teens)

Tuesday November 3

3:30-4:30 Chibicon Trivia Contest

Show your knowledge of all things Geek! The triumphant team will win the title of Chibicon Champions. (Teens)

Wednesday November 4

10:00-10:30 Stories with Queen Ramonda of Wakanda.

Join Actress Denise Cross as she brings the Queen Mother of Wakanda to life to share some favorite stories from around the world. (Children and Families)

3:00-4:00 Attack of the Mary Sues: Fanfiction 101.

What’s a fan who truly loves their fandom to do when the property itself just isn’t enough? Write your own stories based on the fandom of course! In this workshop, we start with talking about the history of fan fiction in America, and move on to legal issues, critique, and avoiding the pitfalls of writing. Presented by Springfield City Library’s own Sarah Hodge-Wetherbe. (Teens)

Thursday November 5

All Day – Avengers Assemble Virtual Escape Room

Do you have what it takes to help the Earth’s Mightiest heroes? Test your skills in our escape room, and help save the world from the forces of evil. (All Ages)

Friday November 6

10:00-10:30 Stories with Queen Ramonda of Wakanda

Join Actress Denise Cross as she brings the Queen Mother of Wakanda to life to share some favorite stories from around the world. (Children and Families)

2:00-3:00 Talk With Voice Actress Danielle McRae

Have you ever wondered what it’s like to be the voice of your favorite characters? How do you get into the voice acting business anyway? Actress Danielle McRae has voiced characters in properties such as League of Legends, Sword Art Online, Pokemon Journeys, and World of Warcraft: Cataclysm. Come and find out all about the world of voice acting. (Teens)

6:00-7:00 Geek Mad Libs

“Your mom vs the Noobs is on ESPN!” A phrase like this could only come out of an Otaku-themed game of Mad Libs. Come join the fun as we fill-in-the-blanks and create some memorable stories that may or may not be rooted in reality. Hosted by McKenzie Barton, manga librarian and staff member of Popculture Anime Con. (Teens)

Saturday November 7

10:00-10:30 Stories with Queen Ramonda of Wakanda

Join Actress Denise Cross as she brings the Queen Mother of Wakanda to life to share some favorite stories from around the world. (Children and Families)

11:00-12:00 Bad Guys Doing Good Work: Charity Cosplaying with the Darkside.

Join members of the Alderann Base and the 501st as they talk about Star Wars Cosplay and using your cosplay powers for the good of charity.
Alderaan Base and the 501st New England Garrison are the NE contingent of the the International 501st and Rebel Legion organizations which raise money for charity while spreading love of Star Wars. (Teens)

2:00-3:00 A Talk With Voice Actress Kari Wahlgren

Have you ever wondered what it’s like to be the voice of your favorite characters? How do you get into the voice acting business anyway? Actress Kari Wahlgren can be heard in works from Marvel, DC, Disney, Netflix, Nickelodeon, Cartoon Network, and a host of anime and video games. You may know her as Tayuya in NARUTO, Zatanna in DC Superhero Girls, or Jessica and Rick’s Ship in Rick and Morty. She’s here to talk about the art of voice acting, and to answer your questions! (Teens)

My Beloved Springfield – 2020

Sixth annual free My Beloved Springfield women’s leadership event. | Teens and Adults

Mason Square Branch
Wednesday, March 11, 2020 | 5:30 – 8:00 PM | Teens and Adults

At the FREE sixth annual My Beloved Springfield women’s leadership event, you can explore local leadership development opportunities aimed at women and girls at our information fair, then join us to be inspired by a panel of prominent local women as they tell us about their different paths to leadership.

Please register online Register or by calling 413-263-6828, ext. 291.

5:30-6:00 PM: Explore local leadership development opportunities aimed at women at our information fair.

6:00-8:00 PM: 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, light refreshments, and networking will be included.

Speakers and panelists to be announced soon.

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.

Art Central: Artworks by Donna Estabrooks

See the exhibit of inspiring works by Donna Estabrooks. | All Ages.

Central Library
January 4 – February 27, 2020 | During Open Hours | All Ages

Donna’s art focuses on the human condition such as courage or hope, love, unity, and relationships. She is dedicated to world peace, and works to produce art that touches people’s lives. Technically, she works with acrylic and collage, but she feels her work is more about Buddhist spirituality involving such disciplines as listening and letting go. Her display this season includes original art of words with images. All ages.

Artworks at the Library: Jewelry and Other Art Pieces by Gloria Caballer-Arce

Hand-crafted tableware and jewelry from Gloria Caballer-Arce. | All Ages

Central Library
December 8 – January 30 | During Open Hours | All Ages

Springfield artist Gloria Caballer-Arce displays her hand-crafted jewelry and other art pieces throughout the months of December and January. From highly finished glass and semi-precious stone earrings and necklaces, to decorative bowls and platters there’s much to admire in this bold and colorful collection of wearable art and tableware.

Level 1 near Lower the Lower Circulation Desk. All ages.