All Yours Just Ask
Improve your chess skills! Adults
Central Library
By Appointment | Adults
Learn to play chess, or if you need a refresher, schedule a session with our librarian Gary Pysznik. You can email him at gpysznik@springfieldlibrary.org, or call 413-263-6828 ext. 213.
The paintings of Diane Nevinsmith are a delight with their gentle colors, beguiling settings, and skillful balance. | Jan 2-31
Central Library
January 2 – January 31 | During Open Hours | All Ages
On display throughout January is an artist-curated show of landscapes, seascapes, and floral watercolors depicting a wide range of settings, topics, and inspirations. For more about Diane and her art including sale and pricing, visit www.dianenevinsmithart.com.
Join us for stories, songs, movement, fingerplays, a craft, and playtime. | Children
Indian Orchard Branch
Mondays (except holidays) | 10:30-11:30 AM | Ages 1-6 years, siblings welcome
Join us for stories, songs, movement, fingerplays, a craft, and playtime. Adult must accompany children. Space is limited to 12. Presented in collaboration with Home City Families. No registration required.
Sixteen Acres Branch
Tuesdays from 1:30-2:30 PM | Ages birth-5 years, siblings welcome.
Join us for stories, songs, and crafts. Adult must accompany children. Presented in collaboration with Home City Families. No registration required
Library Express at Pine Point Branch
Wednesdays | 4:15 – 5 PM | Ages 4-10
Join us for stories and a craft, followed by LEGOs and DUPLO Blocks. No registration required.
Central Library
Family Time – Imagine Explore Create
Saturdays (except holidays) | 10:30-11:30 AM | Fun for the whole Family
Join us for stories, songs, activities, and crafts. No registration required.
Do you enjoy cooking, or would you like to improve your cooking skills? | Adults
Central Library, Community Room
Third Wednesday of the month |10 – 11:30 AM | Adults | Register
Join the monthly Cookbook Club to hear about the latest cookbooks, share great recipes, and more in this casual yet informative discussion group. Members may bring-in prepared dishes to share so the group can sample great tastes and be inspired by something new.
Coffee provided compliments of the Friends of the Library. For more information, contact Gary Pysznik at 413-263-6828 ext. 395 or by email at gpysznik@springfieldlibrary.org.
Do you love graphic novels and comic books like Amulet, Dog Man, and Bone? | Children
Central Library, Children’s Program Room
Thursdays, January 17, February 14, and March 14 | 3:30-4:30 PM | Ages 8-12
Come to Graphic novel book club, where we will read new graphic novels, then talk about them over snacks. Pick up a copy to borrow in the Children’s room before the meeting so you have a chance to read it.
January’s Pick: The Witch Boy
Enjoy a special family activity while honoring local veterans. | Families
All Library Locations
January 22 – February 9 | During open hours | Families
Youth and their families are welcome to drop in at any location to make a Valentine card for residents of the Holyoke Soldiers Home. The library provides all the materials and will hand deliver your homemade creation in time for the holiday.
Get started with the basics – Microsoft Office computer classes including: Word, Publisher, PowerPoint and Excel | Adults
These classes are for adults. Skill with a keyboard and mouse is needed for success in these workshops. Light refreshments, compliments of the Friends of the Library, will be provided.
Need a tutorial on using a keyboard and mouse? Getting Started on a Computer
Introduction to Microsoft Powerpoint
Saturday, January 19 | 10 AM – 12 PM | 18 and up
Microsoft PowerPoint is everywhere. PowerPoint is used at home and at work for organizing slides and photos, and helping people give great presentations. In this hands-on workshop, we’ll make multipaged, basic PowerPoint files complete with edited images and enhanced with stylish templates giving you the skill needed for success with PowerPoint. This class is for adults with keyboard and mouse skills.
Light refreshments, compliments of the Friends of the Library, will be provided.
Introduction to Microsoft Excel
Saturday, January 26 | 10 AM – 12 PM | 18 and up
Learn the basics of Microsoft Excel, the world’s leading desktop spreadsheet. Excel is used both at home and in the office to help with a wide range of personal and business management services including basic bookkeeping and accounting, to maintaining mailing lists, and more. Skill with a keyboard and mouse is needed for success in this hands-on workshop.
Light refreshments, compliments of the Friends of the Library, will be provided.
Join us each week for Tech Discovery, a program all about fun with computer science. | Children
Central Library, Children’s Program Room
Every Wednesday, from February 6 through March 27 | 5:30 – 6:30 PM | Ages 8-12
Each week, we’ll explore a different activity. There will be computer gaming with Minecraft and Roblox, coding fun with OzoBot robots and escape rooms, and engineering activities including Snap Circuits!
Week One: February 6
Work together to solve problems in the Escape the Room challenge. Then create your own computational language!
Week Two: February 13
What is coding, and how does computer code function in gaming? Learn to use code in Minecraft Adventurer.
Week Three: February 21
Learn about video game design and learn how to design your own game!
Week Four: February 27
Learn about electronics, circuits, and their role in computer technology. Then use the Snap Circuits kit to assemble your own circuits!
Week Five: March 6
What is engineering? Use Keva Tiles and Legos to build a bridge. Who will make the strongest bridge?
Week Six: March 13
Play and experiment with robotics using the Ozobot Bit robot!
Week Eight: March 27
Design your own project for the 3D printer with Tinkercad software. We will print what you make!
Tech Discovery is brought to you with federal funds provided by the Institute of Museum and Library Services and administered by the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners.
BYOB (Bring Your Own Book) and share your recent reads. Gain exposure to new authors, titles, and genres. | Adults
Central Library, Community Room
Second and fourth Wednesday of the month, starting at 10 – 12 PM
Note: Due to construction at the Central Library the meeting location will move to the Library Express at Pine Point branch beginning on December 12. Thank you
BYOB (Bring Your Own Book) and share your recent reads at this lively and long-running book group, and gain exposure to new authors, titles, and genres. We’re always open to new members – join us! For more information, contact Ann Keefe at 413-263-6828 ext 294 or by email at akeefe@springfieldlibrary.org.
East Springfield Branch
First Wednesday of the month, from 12 – 1:30 PM
BYOB (Bring Your Own Book) and share your recent reads at this lively book group. Gain exposure to new authors, titles, and genres. We’re always open to new members – join us! For more information, contact the branch at 413-263-6840.
A traditional book discussion group where everyone reads and discusses the same book. | Adults
Come join us for a lively discussion and meet others who also enjoy reading. We select a new book to discuss every month. New members are always welcome.
Afterthoughts Book Discussion Group at the Central Library
Central Library, Community Room
Second Tuesday of each month, from 12 – 1 PM
Ask for a copy of the current book at the second level circulation desk. Click on this link for the 2019 Reading List. For more information, contact Lisa at 413-263-6828 ext. 395 or by email llipshires@springfieldlibrary.org.
Afterthoughts Book Discussion Group at Forest Park Branch
Forest Park Branch
Second Thursday of each month, from 1:30 – 2:30 PM
Library copies of the book will be available at the branch. For more information, contact Ann at 413-263-6843 or by email at aharper@springfieldlibrary.org.
