Category: Central

Art Central: Breathing In, Monotypes by Doris Madsen – Mar 2 – Apr 25

Meet the artist on Sunday, March 3rd for the free opening reception. | 18+

Central Library
March 2 – April 25 | During Open Hours | All Ages

Doris Madsen, a retired Springfield City Librarian, displays her new art show, Breathing In, for the months of March and April. Her one-of-a-kind contemporary prints include shapes and subjects in various arrangements and from a variety of vantage points to to create a unique blend of color and ideas.

This program is supported in part by a grant from the Springfield Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.

Family Storytimes

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.

Home City Families

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.

Central Library: Tech Discovery

Join us each week for Tech Discovery, a program all about fun with computer science. | Children

Central Library, Children’s Program Room
Every Wednesday,  through June 19 | 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: May 1
Escape Room Challenge! Work together to solve problems to see if you can escape the room.

Week Two: May 8
What is coding and how does computer code function in gaming? Learn about code while we play Minecraft!

Week Three: May 15
Learn how to design your own games with Tynker, a coding for kids platform.

Week Four: May 22
Learn about electronics, circuits, and their role in computer technology. Use the Snap Circuits kit to assemble your own circuits!

Week Five: May 29
What is engineering? Use Keva Tiles and Legos to build mazes. Can you code Beebot robots to get through your maze?

Week Six: June 5
Play and experiment with robotics! We’ll learn programming using the Ozobot Bit robot, and showcase other robots.

Week Seven: June 12
Learn about makerspaces and all the things
you can make with the Makey Makey device!

Week Eight: June 19
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.

Knot Just Knitters

Grab some needles and yarn, then come join us! Newcomers always welcome. | Adults

Whether you knit, crochet, cross-stitch or crewel, this is the place for you. New members are welcome and current members are willing to teach their skills. Some yarn and needles are provided, but donations of such items will always be welcome. Many of the finished items are donated to charitable causes. Coffee and tea will be provided compliments of the Friends of the Library.

Sixteen Acres
Every Wednesday, from 1-3 PM
For more information, call the Branch at 413-263-6858

Central Library
Every Thursday starting March 7, from 12-2 PM
For more information, call Matthew at 413-263-6828, x221

East Forest Park
Every Friday, from 1-2:30 PM
For more information, call the Branch at 413-263-6836

East Springfield
Every Friday, from 10-12 PM
For more information, call Tricia at 413-263-6840

Forest Park
Every Saturday, from 11:15 AM – 12:45 PM
For more information, call Ann Harper at 413-623-6843

Free Computer Classes For Adults

Hands-on workshops including: Using the Internet, File Management, and Online Resources. | Adults

Need a tutorial on using a keyboard and mouse?
Getting Started on a Computer

Introduction to Computers – February

All of these workshops will be held at the Central Library, Computer Lab. Registration Opens January 15.

Computers are changing and so are our uses of them. Take this 3-part, introductory series to strengthen your computer skills and gain confidence with using the Internet, organizing your files, editing documents, using email, and more.

Sign-up for all three and get the most out of what this program has to offer. Free coffee and tea compliments of the Friends of the Library.

Thursday, March 7| 10:30 AM-12:00 PM | Adults 18+ | Class is Full
Part 3 – will focus on complex online resources, forms, applications, and more.

The Internet, Email, and More:
Computer Skills for Adults – March

All of these workshops will be held at the Central Library, Computer Lab. Registration Opens February 15.

Computers are changing and so are our uses of them. Take this 3-part, introductory series to strengthen your computer skills and gain confidence with using the Internet, organizing your files, editing documents, using email, and more.

Sign-up for all three and get the most out of what this program has to offer. Free coffee and tea compliments of the Friends of the Library.

Tuesday, March 12 | 10:30 AM–12:00 PM | Adults 18+ | Register
Part 1  – will focus on using the Internet and editing documents.

Tuesday, March 19 | 10:30 AM–12:00 PM | Adults 18+ | Register
Part 2 – will focus on good email and file management.

Tuesday, March 26 | 10:30 AM–12:00 PM | Adults 18+ | Register
Part 3 –  will focus on complex online resource, forms, applications, and more.

To Register: Use the sign-up links above, or register at any Springfield City Library branch. To speak speak with a reference librarian,  call 413-263-6828 ext. 213, or e-mail askalibrarian@springfieldlibrary.org

Attendance Raffle: Earn a chance to win a $15 gift card for a local retailer for each Hi!Tech workshop you attend. The more Hi!Tech workshops you attend, the greater your chances are to win. Join us, learn, and win!

Questions: If you have any questions, suggestions, or comments about Hi!Tech, please contact Matthew at 413-263-6828 ext. 221 or email him at mjaquith@springfieldlibrary.org

More Computer Resources

Computer Tools & Tutorials – Free resources to help you learn and expand your technology skills.

Write-up Springfield! Monthly at Central

Calling all creative writers! A new group has started to workshop your writing. | Adults

Central Library
Second Saturday or every month –   Mar 9, Apr 6, May 11, Jun 8 | 1 – 3 PM

Here’s your opportunity to network on creative writing opportunities, techniques, and styles. The group meets once a month, and always welcomes new members. Funding provided by the Friends of the Library. | 18+

Afterthoughts Book Discussion Groups

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.

Raymond Jordan Senior Center
Fourth Thursday of each month, from 10 – 11 AM | Ages 55 and up

Library copies are available at the East Forest Park Branch Library in a variety of formats (large print, audiobook, etc.). For more information, contact Linda at 413-263-6836 or by email at lgrodofsky@springfieldlibrary.org.

February 28: Guernsey Literary & Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Beth Shaffer
March 28: Bel Canto by Ann Patchett
April 25: The Forest Lover by Susan Vreeland

Central – Graphic Novel Book Club

Do you love graphic novels and comic books like Amulet, Dog Man, and Bone? | Children

Central Library, Children’s Program Room  
Thursday,  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.

 

What’s Cooking Cookbook Club at Central Library

Do you enjoy cooking, or would you like to improve your cooking skills?  | Adults

This event is canceled for the month of April. It will resume in May.

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.