Category: Central

The Cereal Serial Hour – “Unstoppable Octobia May”

Join us for lunch (breakfast-style!) as a librarian reads Unstoppable Octobia May by Sharon Flake. | Ages 7-12

Central Library, Children’s Room 
4 Tuesdays – Oct 1, 8, 15, 22 | 12:30 – 1:30 PM | Ages 7-12

Join us for lunch (breakfast-style!) as a librarian reads Unstoppable Octobia May by Sharon Flake over the course of four weeks. This exciting and fun adventure story is historical fiction set in Chicago in the 1950s. Book discussion will use an age-appropriate educational lens to examine racial attitudes and historical exclusion.

All participating kids can choose from a variety of breakfast cereals and fruit to munch on while the book is being read, free of charge. 

Unstoppable Octobia May book cover

The Author Fair – September 28

Meet recently published authors and talk about their books in many genres. | Teens and Adults

Central Library, Rotunda
Saturday September 28 | 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM | Ages 14-Adult

Come to the Fair to meet recently published authors and enjoy their works in this showcase of local talent and achievement. Authors will be on-hand to meet the public, discuss their books, and sell and sign copies of them to interested readers. A wide range of reading genres will be on display including memoirs, novels, nonfiction, children’s books, and more. With such a wide selection, there’s likely to be something for readers of all ages! 14+

Authors will include:

Adult fiction
Adult nonfiction or memoir
Poetry
Children’s books

Art Central Presents A Mayan Tapestry – Sept 2 through Oct 31

Come see paintings created by contemporary Guatemalan artists in this vivid exhibit. | All Ages

Central Library
September 2 – October 31 | During Open Hours | All Ages

In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, the Central Library is hosting A Mayan Tapestry, paintings created by contemporary Guatemalan artists. Brought to Springfield by the Guatemala Art & Culture Connection, A Mayan Tapestry reflects the life and customs of Mayan life, one of the America’s greatest ancient cultures. With its diversity, boldness, and magic-like wonderment, A Mayan Tapestry catches the eye with powerful creativity and unusual beauty. All ages.

Banned Books Week 2019 Trivia Game – September 28

Test your knowledge of banned books and authors at this annual trivia event! | Teens and Adults

Central Library, Community Room
Saturday September 28 | 3:00 – 4:30 PM | Ages 14-Adult

Register

 

It’s back! Think you know your rabble-rousing books and authors? Show us! Stop in for a few rounds of Banned Book Trivia, and see if you can name titles, authors, and facts about the ways in which they were challenged for removal from public spaces. Compete solo or in teams of up to four; you’ll be given lists of frequently banned titles, but cellphone “research” is a no-no!

There’ll be prizes, snacks, and of course, the most important thing… bragging rights! Ages 14-Adult, please pre-register.

Banned Books Week 2019 Selfie Booth – September 23-26

Get caught reading a banned book in our photo booth and share your selfie to social media. | All Ages

Central Library
September 23-26 | Open Hours | All Ages

Get caught reading a banned book! Use our background and props and your own phone to snap a photo of yourself with your favorite book from the lists of Frequently Banned and Challenged Books. Then post it to your social media to let people know you support the right to read freely! If you don’t mind us using your photo on our social media, use our hashtag #SCLReadsFreely and you could be featured on SCL’s Twitter or Facebook!

All ages, free and open to the public during all open hours.

Banned Books Week 2019 Readathon – September 22-28

Can you read three banned books of your choice in a week? Celebrate Banned Books Week with reading.

Central Library
September 22-28 | Open Hours | Ages 8 to Adult

We’re doing it again! Due to last year’s response, Banned Books Week this year will again include our all-ages Readathon! Can you read three banned books of your choice in a week? Sign up for our challenge and tell us what you plan on reading. For each book you finish, you get one entry into a raffle to win some cool prizes! Challenge yourself and bone up on classics old and new.

Like Isaac Asimov said, “If a book is worth banning, it’s worth reading!” Ages 8+, register with a Central Library reference librarian.

Looking at Art: An Historical Review Class Series

Take this four-part class series for an overview of world art from the Middle Ages to the present. | Adults

Central Library, Community Room
4 Mondays | 6:30 – 7:45 PM | 18+

Take a tour of world art from the Middle Ages to the present. Art historian and librarian Guy McLain will review the architecture, painting, and sculpture of some of art history’s most significant traditions and styles in this fascinating, four-part series complete with visuals and lively discussion.

Consideration of major political and social movements and how they affected art will help make this a well-rounded review of some of the worlds most enduring art. Please register below. 18+

September 16 –  Class 1 – includes a look at the art of the Middle Ages and the Renaissance.   Register

September 23 – Class 2 – takes students through the Baroque and the Neo-Classical periods.   Register

September 30th – Class 3 – covers the 19th Century, concentrating on Impressionism, and the American Gilded Age.   Register

October 7 – Class 4 – explores Twentieth Century art, and continues through the present time.   Register

Rotunda Rhythms Presents the Spanish Guitar of Tony Silva – September 22

Enjoy guitarist Tony Silva performing the beautiful music of Spain. | All ages

Central Library, Rotunda
Sunday September 22 | 2:00 – 3:00 PM | All Ages

Tony SilvaBack by popular demand is award winning composer and guitarist Tony Silva performing the music of Spain. From colorful tarantellas to passionate flamenco, Mr. Silva covers it all in a diverse, educational, and thrilling program of great Spanish guitar music. Free attendance raffle available to all who stay for the concert.

Funding provided by the Friends of the Library and the Massachusetts Cultural Council. All ages.

Make a Plan: Get Your Household Disaster-Ready! September 25

City of Springfield emergency experts will discuss ways to protect your home, family, and neighborhood. | Ages 16+

Central Library, Community Room
Wednesday Sept 25 | 6:00 – 7:30 PM | 16+

Know Plan Prepare     Informese Planee Este Listo

Protect your household from natural disasters and make your home safer. City of Springfield emergency experts will discuss ways to protect your home, family, and neighborhood in this practical and exciting presentation about avoiding tragedy when natural disasters hit. Checklists will be provided, including lists of household emergency supplies, with questions and answers offered as time allows.

There will be light refreshments, compliments of the Friends of the Library. Ages 16+

This is a Massachusetts Climate Preparedness Week event. See more at https://www.climatecrew.org/prep_week.