Category: Mason Square

February Activities for Children

Join us for these events and activities at the library in February! | Children

valentine workshop

All Library Locations
Wednesday, February 1 – Monday, February 13 | Open Hours | Ages 5-13

Drop-in and find a wide array of supplies to make your own special Valentine cards. Color in a picture or postcard or make a card all you own. Take them home to give to the people that you love the most! During open hours.

feed the birds day

Mason Square Branch
Friday, February 3 | 3:30 PM – 4:30 PM | Ages 5-13

Today is  Feed the Birds Day! Join us to make pinecone and ice cream cone bird feeders!

cookies and cocoa 2 go

East Forest Park Branch
Wednesday, February 8 | Open Hours | Children

Need a winter warm up? Stop by and grab a snack of yummy cookies and hot cocoa mix to take home and share with a friend. While supplies last

hearts and happiness storytime

Sixteen Acres Branch
Monday, February 13 | 1:30 PM – 4:30 PM | Ages 2-5

Let’s celebrate the power of love, friendship and family by reading inspiring stories together. Afterwards, we’ll make a greeting card for someone special.

cookies and cocoa

Brightwood Branch
Tuesday, February 14 | 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM | Ages 5+ | Register

East Springfield Branch
Saturday, February 18 | 12:30 PM – 2:00 PM| Ages 5+ | Register

Indian Orchard Branch
Wednesday, February 22 | 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM | Ages 5+ | Register

Mason Square Branch
Wednesday, February 22 | 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM | Ages 5+

Come on out of the cold for hot cocoa and cookies. Drop in to decorate your own cookie; we will have frosting, sprinkles, and candy!!

pine cone bird feeders

Brightwood Branch
Wednesday, February 15 | 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM | Ages 6-18

Enjoy the beauty of birds by making a pine-cone bird feeder! By using pine-cones, peanut butter and seeds, you will have birds flocking to your home in no time!

relive your childhood

East Springfield Branch
Wednesday, February 15 | 3:00 PM-7:00 PM | All Ages

Stop by anytime between 3-7 to take a trip down memory lane with some fun activities like finger painting, play-dough, legos, puzzles, coloring, games, and snacks to relive childhood fun. All ages are welcome, but adults are very much encouraged to participate and join in on the fun!

no-bake dog treats

Sixteen Acres Branch, East Springfield Branch
Thursday, February 23 | 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM | All Ages

February 23rd is International Dog Biscuit Appreciation Day and we are celebrating by whipping up a batch of homemade, no-bake dog treats! Come by and make a batch of your own.

Tell a fairy Tale Day

Forest Park Branch
Monday, February 27 | Open Hours | Ages 5-13

Forest Park Library is celebrating Tell A Fairy Tale Day all day long! Drop-in and write your own fairy tale, make some magic, royal, or knightly headgear, and search the clues to find the dragon and his treasure!

Free Computer Classes for Beginners

Hands-on workshops to build basic computer skills | Central & Mason Square | Adults

Computer Classes for Beginners

Do computers intimidate you? These classes are great for beginners. These are hands-on, relaxed courses that will help you get comfortable with computers, even if you’ve never used one before.

By the end of one of our courses, you will be ready to explore on your own. Registration is required to participate, but you do not have to attend all of the classes – feel free to try the first before thinking about the rest.

If you have any questions, you can call your local library to talk to a reference librarian. We can help you register for one of our classes or figure out where to start!

Computer Basics at Central Library

Central Library Computer Lab
Tuesdays: January 10, 17, 24, and 31 | 10:00 am – 12:00 pm | Adults

Part 1: Getting Started
January 10 | 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Click Here to Register

Overwhelmed by computers? This class starts at the very beginning and will help you understand what a computer is and get comfortable with the basics. No experience is necessary!

Part 2: The Internet
January 17 | 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Click Here to Register

In this class, we will talk about the internet, how to use it, and learn some tips to make it easier to navigate. Basic keyboard and mouse skills are required.

Part 3: Finding Files
January 24 | 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Click Here to Register

This class is all about saving things to a computer—and how to find them again. Basic keyboard and mouse skills are required.

Part 4: Email
January 31 | 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Click Here to Register

In this class, you will get a chance to set up an email account and learn how to send and receive messages online. Basic keyboard and mouse skills are required.

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Getting STarted with Computers At Forest Park Branch

Forest Park Branch
Thursdays: January 12, 19, 26
6:00 – 7:30 PM | Adults

Want to improve your computer skills in 2023? Join us at Forest Park for a fun, low pressure introduction to using a computer, navigating the internet and more. Sign up for all three sessions, or just one!

Visit our online calendar to register!

If you have any questions, you can call (413) 263-6843 to talk to a librarian.

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Beginner Computer Literacy Skills At Mason Square Branch

Mason Square Branch
Currently on Hiatus | Adults

Take part in weekly classes to learn how to use a computer. Topics covered in the beginner level include: learning to use a mouse and keyboard, searching on the internet, saving and finding files on a computer, and creating an email account. Registration is required.

Visit our online calendar to register!

If you have any questions, you can call (413) 263-6853 to talk to a librarian.

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Free Computer Resources

Mouse Practice
Learn Computers
Aprenda a Usar la Computadora
Getting Started on a Computer
Comenzar en la Computadora
More Computer Tools & Tutorials (in English and en español)

Intermediate Computer Literacy Skills

Take part in weekly intermediate classes to learn how to use a computer. | Mason Square | Adults

Computer Literacy Skills: Intermediate Level

Mason Square Branch
Currently on Hiatus | Adults

Take part in weekly classes to learn how to use a computer. Topics covered in the intermediate level include: how to use Word and Excel, design a cover letter and resume, create a LinkedIn and Indeed profile, and attend Zoom meetings. Registration is required.

Visit our online calendar to register!

If you have any questions, you can call (413) 263-6853 to talk to a librarian.

Raymond Jordan Senior Center Book Club

Come join us for a fascinating book club at the Raymond Jordan Senior Center! | Adults

Raymond Jordan Senior Center
Third Thursday of the Month | 10:00-11:00 AM | Adults

Come join us for a fascinating book club at the Raymond Jordan Senior Center! Do you love to read about real life events? Are you intrigued by learning more about others’ stories and experiences – whether in the present or the past? If so, then meet us at the Raymond Jordan Senior Center for our monthly Book Club, where we delve into the heart of historical fiction, non-fiction, and even memoir.

We will bring each month’s book in large and regular print to each book club meeting. If you need assistance getting additional copies, please contact Elizabeth McKinstry at emckinstry@springfieldlibrary.org.

Discover Your Winter Reading Challenge

Mark off your reading progress on a special game board and join us for programs and activities! | Children

All Library Locations
January 9 – February 18 | Ages 0-18

Join up and see how cool reading in the winter can be! Mark off your progress on a special game board and join us for programs and activities designed just for kids like you!

For more information contact your local library or call (413) 263-6828 ext. 293.

ABC: Anthony’s Book Club

Join Springfield Thunderbirds player, Anthony Angello, as he shares some of his favorite books with you. | Children & Families

Join Springfield Thunderbirds hockey player, Anthony Angello, as he shares some of his favorite books with you. He’ll be joined by a teammate. We will have a scavenger hunt and an activity as well.

Great for families!

Please note: Participating players are subject to change.

East Forest Park Branch – Children’s Room
Wednesday, January 11 | 3:45 PM – 4:45 PM | Children & Families

East Springfield Branch
Wednesday, January 25 | 3:45 PM – 4:45 PM | Children & Families

Central Library – Community Room
Wednesday, February 15 | 3:45 PM – 4:45 PM | Children & Families

Mason Square Branch – Community Room
Thursday, February 23 | 3:45 PM – 4:45 PM | Children & Families

Sixteen Acres Branch – Community Room
Tuesday, February 28 | 3:45 PM – 4:45 PM | Children & Families

 

1000 Books Before Kindergarten

Read just one book a day to build a foundation for lifelong success. Prizes awarded for every 100 books! | Children

All Library Locations
Starts January 2022, ongoing

All it takes is sharing one book a day with your child to build a foundation for lifelong success. Start your child’s book journey today! The goal is to have read 1,000 books before your precious one starts kindergarten.

If you read just 1 book a day, you will have read about 365 books in a year. That is 730 books in two years and 1,095 books in three years. If you consider that most children start kindergarten at around 5 years of age, you have more time than you think. So, let’s get started!

How to Participate

Read with your child. Studies have shown that reading with your child provides a great opportunity for bonding. Reading together is fun and will create life-long memories for the both of you.

Keep track of the number of books you read with your child. Ask your librarian for a paper log to start on your reading journey.

You may choose instead to log your books online using Beanstack. Visit our Beanstack website or download the app to log your books digitally. You can view Beanstack instructions here or ask a librarian on how to use it.

After each 100 books you read, visit your local Springfield City Library branch to collect your free book prize. After 1000 books, come in and get a tote bag!

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can participate in this program?
– Any child from birth until they enter kindergarten.

How long does the program take?
– The program will take anywhere from a few months to a few years. The program is self-paced and will depend on how often you read together.

Can we repeat books?
– Yes!

How many of my children can participate?
– All of them (provided they have not started kindergarten). Make it even more fun and read as a family!

Home City Families: Playgroups

Parents and their children are invited to join us for stories, songs, and activities! | Children

Home City Families Playgroup

East Forest Park Branch
Fridays | 1:30-2:30 PM | Ages 1-5

Sixteen Acres Branch
Tuesdays | 1:30-2:30 PM | Ages 1-5 

Parents and their children are invited to join us for stories, songs, and activities!

This playgroup is a great opportunity to meet other parents and give your child the opportunity to socialize with other children their age.

No registration required – just come in!

Home City Families: Family Storytime

Indian Orchard Branch
Mondays | 10:30-11:30 AM | Ages 1-6

Join us for stories, songs, movement, fingerplays, a craft and playtime! No registration required. Adult must accompany children. For ages 12 mos. – 6 years, siblings welcome. For more information, please call (413) 263-6846.

Home City Families: Gross Motor Playgroup

Mason Square Branch
Wednesdays | 10:30-11:30 AM | Ages 1-5

Calling all parents with young children! We invite you along with your child for a fun filled hour of gross motor fun to develop physical abilities.

This is a great opportunity to meet other parents and give your child the opportunity to socialize with other children their age.

No registration required – just come in!

 

Romance Book Club – Online

Get your Happily Ever After fix from the Romance Book Club! | Online | Adults

Our Romance Book Club meets online! Registration is optional to get reminders and book choices, click for  link.

ONLINE via Zoom
Saturdays once a month | 10:00-11:00 AM | Adults

Upcoming dates:
January 28
February 11
March 11
April 8

CLICK FOR ZOOM LINK for meeting each month.

Join us for the Romance Book Club! We read as many romance genres as we can, sharing our thoughts and expanding our romance reading experience. As long as it has a Happily Ever After, it’s fair game.

Typically each month we choose the book for the following month.

January Book Choice
We will be reading The Duke Who Didn’t, by Courtney Milan.

The Duke Who Didn't by Courtney MilanMiss Chloe Fong has plans for her life, lists for her days, and absolutely no time for nonsense. Three years ago, she told her childhood sweetheart that he could talk to her once he planned to be serious. He disappeared that very night.

Except now he’s back. Jeremy Wentworth, the Duke of Lansing, has returned to the tiny village he once visited with the hope of wooing Chloe. In his defense, it took him years of attempting to be serious to realize that the endeavor was incompatible with his personality.

All he has to do is convince Chloe to make room for a mischievous trickster in her life, then disclose that in all the years they’ve known each other, he’s failed to mention his real name, his title… and the minor fact that he owns her entire village.

Only one thing can go wrong: Everything.

See previous group book choices below the group guidelines – scroll down.

Our Romance collection librarian will tell you all about exciting additions to the collection, and we’ll get your input on what you’d like to see more of and what we should read.

Register if you’d like to be added to our email list, but no registration is required – just join us at the Zoom link, above. For adults 18+.

Please email Elizabeth McKinstry at emckinstry@springfieldlibrary.org or Anna Mickelsen at amickelsen@springfieldlibrary.org if you have any questions, or call either one of us at 413-263-6828 x213.

Group Guidelines

The book group will meet monthly via zoom to discuss books in the romance genre. Our definition of romance includes both HEA (Happily Ever After) and HFN (Happy For Now) endings. We will discuss what we read on our own, talk about forthcoming titles, and also pick books to read as a group, either voting on titles prepared by group leaders or taking turns selecting titles.

This book group will strive to be a safe and inclusive space. Racist and homophobic remarks will not be tolerated, and the group may set other content lines to be drawn in discussion or in reading material (e.g., mentions of self-harm, gore, sexual assault) in order to make the experience as fun for all participants as possible. As this is a romance book group, it should be assumed that books read and discussed will often include sex, sometimes explicit in nature.

Book group leaders will:

  • Read the entire book
  • Gather information to help enhance the discussion
  • Be prepared to offer counter opinions – even if they differ from our own
  • Be prepared to begin new lines of discussion when necessary
  • Not let one person monopolize the discussion
  • Be willing and prepared to take control of the group, firmly but respectfully

Book group participants will:

  • Make their best effort to complete the book
  • Come ready to both share and listen
  • Be ready to back up opinions with the “why”
  • Have a great time — if you stop enjoying it, let the leader know
Previous books read: