Category: Archive

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

Cosplay Contest

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)

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.

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.

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+

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.

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

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

Central Library, Rotunda
Sunday January 26, 2020 | 2:00 – 3:00 PM | All Ages

José Gonzalez and his sons Ahmed and Rene return for a thrilling performance of their unique, Latin-fused music. With jazz, rock, classical, and pop influences this trio delivers an eclectic mix of Puerto Rican sounds that has earned them a passionate following throughout the area.

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