Category: News

2025 Teen Photo Scavenger Hunt

Take all 20 pictures, and you will claim your prize! But the clock is ticking! Get them in by April 30! For Teens 12-19.

  1. Take a picture of your favorite place in Springfield
  2. Take a picture of yourself wearing an outfit that is not your usual style
  3. Take a picture of yourself at a famous landmark/building in Springfield
  4. Take a picture of a wild animal you saw in Springfield
  5. Take a picture of yourself reading your favorite book
  6. Take a picture of something that is your favorite color
  7. Take a picture of your favorite food or drink
  8. Take a picture of something smaller than your hand
  9. Take a picture of something that is 2x bigger than you are.
  10. Take a selfie with a Springfield Librarian.
  11. Take a picture of someone’s pet (it can be yours!)
  12. Take a picture of the night sky
  13. Take a picture of a chalk drawing on the sidewalk
  14. Take a picture of a reflection of something in a mirror
  15. Take a picture of yourself or someone you know jumping into the air
  16. Take a picture of yourself wearing something ridiculous
  17. Take a picture of a sign that starts with the letter “D”
  18. Take a picture of something in nature you think is beautiful.
  19. Take a picture of a coin that was made before 1990.
  20. Take a picture of a shadow

If you’re not comfortable with your own face on camera,
feel free to blur it out, or hide it any way you like before sending it to us.

Send to shodge-wetherbe@springfieldlibrary.org or post to Instagram with the hashtag #SpringfieldCityLibrary

East Springfield Library Branch Expansion Project received $100,000 grant (WWLP)

The East Springfield Library Branch plays an important role as a community center for educational and cultural programs.

Read the story at WWLP.com

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – The City of Springfield has received a grant that will go towards its East Springfield Library Branch Expansion Project.

The Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners awarded the $100,000 grant to help enhance the neighborhood learning center at 21 Osborne Terrace. Springfield also has committed $150,000 as a match.

The city plans to hire an Architect for the project and receive a construction grant once the design is approved. The ‘Planning and Design Phase’ will be completed by next spring, and construction is set to begin by 2027. 

“Our East Springfield Library branch has been providing successful and popular library services for our community since 1932.  The East Springfield Library Branch plays an important role as a community center for educational and cultural programs, as well as a social gathering for our students and the community.  It is a hub for free access to information and technology, social and civic engagement and personal enrichment and lifelong learning.  With this grant support from the MBLC, we are looking forward to enhancing this neighborhood learning center so that it can serve our community for another 100 years,” stated Mayor Sarno.

“We deeply appreciate this support from the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners, the Healey-Driscoll Administration, and our state legislators toward our neighborhood library branches which are an integral part of our community.  I am proud of the fact that while other communities have consolidated their local library branches, my administration has worked hard with our local stakeholders and partnerships to not only renovate our neighborhood library branches, but to build new and expand them as well,” continued Sarno.

“I commend and thank Director Molly Fogarty and the Springfield City Library team on a successful MBLC grant application to help fund a renovation and expansion of our beloved East Springfield Branch Library. Our dedicated team, including HHS Commissioner Helen Caulton-Harris, current PBRM Director Tom Ashe and retired PBRM Director Patrick Sullivan, the Capital Assets and Construction team of Peter Garvey and My-Ron Hatchett, and our dedicated Library team of Director Molly Fogarty and Board Chair Stephen Cary, have worked closely with the MBLC to support our grant application to help fund this important project.” He continued, “I also want to thank Council President Attorney Michael Fenton, members of the East Springfield Neighborhood Council (ESNC) and ESNC President Kathy Brown for their many years of ongoing support and advocacy on behalf of this integral neighborhood and community resource, our East Springfield neighborhood library branch.”

Springfield City Library Director Molly Fogarty states, “We are all thrilled to know that we will be able to renovate, upgrade, improve and expand on the available space and facilities and provide 21st Century services and programs for the residents of East Springfield and for the City of Springfield.  The East Springfield Branch Library has been providing library services to the residents of East Springfield since it opened in 1932 and continues to play an important role for neighborhood residents.  This project will bring significant improvements to a much needed and used library that will serve as both a community center/anchor and information hub for thousands of people.  This project will ensure that East Springfield residents are provided with equal access to technology, collections and programs and services.  Our application wouldn’t have been successful without the support and collaboration of so many Library and City employees, elected and appointed officials, and neighborhood residents and business people. Thank you for all your support.”

City Council President/ City Councilor for Ward 2 / Attorney Michael Fenton states “This is huge news for our little library and the East Springfield Neighborhood. This library has been a place to read, learn, work, and congregate for generations. I spent many days there as a young child and it’s a real joy for me to see it continue to have a positive impact on our residents (both young and old). Expanding and improving this library will have a real impact on East Springfield, our residents, and all those who visit this treasured space. I’d like to thank all of the stakeholders who have worked so hard to make this grant award possible. Our neighborhood has been working on this project for over a decade and it would not have been possible without the support and tenacious efforts of the Mayor, the Springfield Library system, the East Springfield Neighborhood Council, and all of the neighbors who supported us, encouraged us, and kept us on the path towards this renovation along the way.”

Chair of the Springfield Library Commission Stephen N. Cary states, “The East Springfield Library reminds me of the children’s storybook tale ‘The Little Engine That Could’. Its smaller size has never reflected its magnanimous spirit, the high volume of patron visits, and the activity generated by the incredible programs its staff and neighborhood partners host at 21 Osborne Terrace. The Springfield Library Commission is extremely grateful to the MBLC for the approval of this grant. Fifteen years ago, Springfield needed to work with the MBLC for waivers of certification due to low hours of operation. Applause also goes to Mayor Sarno’s Administration for increasing funding for hours of operation. The Mayor’s support has elevated the Springfield City Library system to excel and achieve awards of grants such as this one today from the MBLC.”

Cary continued, “I’m not surprised the dynamic duo of Director Fogarty and Assistant Director Jean Canosa-Albano were successful securing this funding. The Library Commission thanks them for meeting, likely exceeding, the demands of this challenging grant cycle. Molly and Jean’s efforts, supported by the professional staff of the Springfield City Library system deserve to be celebrated. Springfield is lucky to have this Dream Team resulting in the expansion and renovation of this unique building. The gem at 21 Osborne Terrace enjoys a shining future indeed.”

East Springfield Neighborhood Council President Kathleen Brown stated, “The announcement of this funding for the design, renovation and construction of an addition to this East Springfield branch Library is remarkable news.   It’s a great way to start 2025. This has been the dream that we’ve been working towards for so many years.  It’s great to know that the East Springfield Library will have what it needs to provide great library resources for many years to come. Thank you to everyone who moved this project to this approval stage, especially Mayor Sarno for his vision and leadership, and commitment to supporting our libraries.  Now let the next step begin!”

T-Birds, Springfield City Library Expand Boomer’s Reading Club for 2024-25 Season

Boomer’s Reading Club will return for the 2024-25 season with more dates and new library branches serving as hosts.

Read at the Springfield Thunderbirds website

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – The Springfield Thunderbirds, in collaboration with the Springfield City Library, are proud to announce that Boomer’s Reading Club will return for the 2024-25 season with more dates and new library branches serving as hosts for the meeting dates.

Established last season, Boomer’s Reading Club will prominently feature T-Birds forward Drew Callin, team mascot Boomer, and various additional T-Birds staff and players throughout the season. Boomer’s Reading Club aims to create a love of reading for young Springfield school students of all ages. 

In addition to the interactive sessions with Callin, the Springfield Thunderbirds Foundation will continue its pledge to the program by donating gifts and supplies to each of the seven Springfield City Library branches participating in the initiative.

“We are proud to continue our support of Drew and the Springfield City Library toward this incredibly meaningful community partnership,” said Thunderbirds President Nathan Costa. “We deeply value this relationship and hope that, in addition to encouraging a lifelong love of reading among our youngest fans, Boomer’s Reading Club can create core memories in Springfield children’s lives for years to come.”

The complete list of dates is as follows – all Boomer’s Reading Club sessions will run from 3:45 to 4:45 p.m., and all of these sessions are open to the public:

  • Wednesday, Nov. 13 @ Springfield Central Library (220 State Street, in 1st floor Children’s Room)
  • Tuesday, Nov. 26 @ Indian Orchard Branch (44 Oak Street)
  • Tuesday, Jan. 7 @ Sixteen Acres Branch (1187 Parker Street)
  • Thursday, Jan. 9 @ East Springfield Branch (21 Osborne Terrace)
  • Thursday, Jan. 16 @ East Forest Park Branch (136 Surrey Road) –NEW DATE
  • Tuesday, Jan. 28 @ Brightwood Branch (359 Plainfield Street)
  • Wednesday, Feb. 26 @ Mason Square Branch (765 State Street)

“We’re so excited to partner with the Springfield Thunderbirds for a third season of Boomer’s Reading Club. We’re expanding to even more libraries this year, adding Brightwood and Indian Orchard branches for seven total visits. Families will have fun seeing their hockey heroes read with them and inspire their children and grandkids to get a library card, visit the library, and pick up some great books,” said Jean Canosa Albano, Assistant Director at Springfield City Library. “Going to a T-Birds game is fun for the whole family, and so is going to the Springfield City Library! The Club combines reading, library activities, and a chance to discover why getting into reading when you are young is so important and fun.” 

Families looking for more information about Boomer’s Reading Club can contact the team at (413) 739-4625 or by visiting www.SpringfieldThunderbirds.com.

Do you know what you can do with a Springfield City Library Card?

Mayor Sarno joins Springfield Library staff in supporting the library’s initiative to sign up 10,000 members for library cards.

Read at the City’s website

Mayor Domenic J. Sarno joined Springfield Library Community Relations Coordinator Jamillah Medina Nova in supporting the library’s initiative to sign up 10,000 members for library cards. The library card will get you access to all of the resources and services that our city’s libraries have to offer, allows you to place a hold, use the electronic resources on the eLibrary, and so much more.

You can get a library card by visiting your local library branch in person to get full access to all of our physical and digital resources. If you would like instant access to our online resources, you can apply for a CW MARS eCard online! The eCard can be upgraded to a full library card later, if desired.

We’d like to remind residents that the library offers much more than just books! Chromebooks, hotspots, print-fax-scan, meeting rooms, video games, e-reading, and more!

The initiative teamed with Brother Johnnie Muhammad to provide free Shabazz wings to children who applied for a library card this past weekend, which was a huge success.

Mayor Sarno states, “I want to thank Jamillah Medina Nova and the entire library staff for working so hard every day to provide all of these incredible FREE resources to our community. Shout to our friend Brother Johnnie Muhammad for his support this past weekend too. Neighborhood library branches are an essential component of our community. They not only provide much-needed library services and reading materials for residents and kids, but they also serve as a gathering and meeting space for our community’s different programs and initiatives. Springfield Libraries serve as a community center for educational and cultural programming, as well as a social gathering place for our students and the surrounding community. It serves as a hub for free information and technology, social and civic participation, personal enrichment, and lifelong learning.”

The Springfield City Library offers nearly 5000 educational and recreational activities annually.

To learn more, visit www.springfieldlibrary.org; to acquire a Library Card, visit https://www.springfieldlibrary.org/…/get-a-library-card/

Mayor Domenic Sarno and Community Relations Coordinator Jamillah Medina Nova pose with an oversized Springfield library card.

BizGrow conference offers free legal help to entrepreneurs

Current and aspiring small business owners are getting a helping hand from a new local partnership.

Read more at WWLP.com

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – Current and aspiring small business owners are getting a helping hand from a new local partnership.

The group “Lawyers For Civil Rights” has teamed up with the Springfield City Library to host a “BizGrow Conference” Thursday afternoon.

The event helped local entrepreneurs network with other business owners, as well as receive free legal advice and other resources. Organizers said the event will help small business owners avoid common pitfalls.

Executive Director Ivan Espinosa-Madrigal told 22News, “There are many questions that entrepreneurs face, how am I supposed to classify employees? Should they be classified as independent contractors or otherwise? And more importantly, there are complex issues around taxes.”

This was the first time this BizGrowth event has been held in Springfield. Lawyers for Civil Rights hope to hold a similar event in the future.

Author Esmeralda Santiago speaks at Springfield Library

The Springfield City Library invited an acclaimed author for a special Hispanic Heritage Month discussion.

Read more at WWLP.com

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – The Springfield City Library invited an acclaimed author for a special Hispanic Heritage Month discussion Tuesday evening.

Puerto Rican author Esmeralda Santiago spoke about her published works that delve into the experience of Puerto Rican women in the U.S.

This was an opportunity for the community to explore her stories’ themes of memory, family, and resilience and continue the conversations sparked by her writing. “Esmerelda writes for women, she’s a feminist and it empowers our community,” says Library Partner Haydee Lamberty Rodriguez. “We are excited to have that conversation with her.”

The library will be holding book club meetings starting October 24th to discuss all of Santiago’s works.

Program aims to boost small businesses: BizGrow to hold its first WMass expo (Springfield Republican)

The Springfield City Library is joining forces with Lawyers for Civil Rights Boston to stage the first BizGrow Conference in Western Massachusetts.

Read on Masslive or visit our elibrary for free access to the Republican.

SPRINGFIELD — A program that gives free legal advice and business support to entrepreneurs is coming to Springfield from Boston, where it has seen nearly a decade of success helping hundreds of small business owners.

The Springfield City Library is joining forces with Lawyers for Civil Rights Boston to stage the first BizGrow Conference in Western Massachusetts. The legal support and business expo is being held at the library’s central branch on State Street in October.

“When I got the email from Lawyers for Civil Rights, I jumped right out of my chair to go talk to our director about being able to host this conference,” said Elizabeth McKinstry, training and programming librarian. “It felt like exactly the opportunity we need to talk more about the kinds of resources available for small businesses.”

The event is free and open to all small business owners, not just those who run women, LGBTQ or minority-owned enterprises.

LCR has been offering the expo in Boston for the last seven years, and helped some 100 businesses last year alone, said Roz Freeman, the organization’s entrepreneurship manager.

“We want to bring these in-person, free legal resources to businesses in other parts of the state that don’t always get the same resources Boston gets. It’s important to bring these resources to Springfield to support economic growth and wealth creation in the region,” said Freeman.

Freeman said her organization has relationships with thousands of volunteers that work pro bono with small businesses across the state. Many entrepreneurs say a lack of information and access to experts is not only a barrier to entry, but it also threatens their existence.

Lawyers at the Springfield conference will be offering advice on everything from creating business structures and entering into leases to building partnerships and establishing trademarks.

“It’s important for them to be getting legal support to protect themselves, the businesses and continue to grow and generate wealth,” said Freeman. “It can be a huge disadvantage for business owners who might not have the connections they need. We’re here to help them get connected to those resources.”

Organizers said entrepreneurs should register for half-hour meetings with lawyers. Many of their questions could be answered at the conference, while other discussions may continue beyond the event. The legal services are always free, said Freeman.

“Ahead of the meeting, we call business owners to help them clarify their question, to make sure they can make the most out of the time with the attorney, who will have a heads up about the question that the business owner is hoping to discuss,” according to Freeman, who said business owners will be paired with attorneys specializing in real estate, employment, corporate law, intellectual property and other disciplines.

According to the U. S. Small Business Administration, there are nearly 700 thousand small businesses in Massachusetts, making up 99.5 percent of all businesses in the commonwealth. The enterprises employ 1.5 million people — that is 44.7 percent of all Bay State workers, according to the SBA.

“Small businesses are the lifeblood of this community. They’re the ones out there grinding every day. They’re employing local people. Their investment goes back into the community. They are the bedrock of the city, and we are thrilled to be involved in providing them connections to their resources that will make them even more successful,” said McKinstry.

McKinstry told The Republican small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs are constantly using library resources to write business plans, research opportunities, tap into databases that can help them generate sales leads and find resources they need to establish, fund and run their operations.

The expo is designed to be a one-stop-shopping event for anyone needing to get this information by networking with more than a dozen organizations.

“This will be be an excellent start for anyone trying to make local and regional contacts. No event is going to cover every possible scenario for what someone’s looking, but making those connections, getting business cards and figuring out whom you’re speaking with is the way to make the connections for the piece you haven’t quite fit into your puzzle,” said McKinstry.

The BizGrow Conference is free and open to the public on Oct. 10 at the Springfield City Library, 220 State St. Legal support sessions run from noon to 4 p.m., and while attorneys may be able to accommodate walk-ins, registering for the event is strongly recommended.

The Small Business Expo runs from noon to 2 p.m.

For more information or to make reservations to meet with an attorney, visit bit.ly/BizGrowSpringfield2024, email BizGrow@lawyersforcivilrights.org or call the library at 413-263-6828.

Springfield offering community financial literacy opportunity

Books and Brew at White Lion meets quarterly and is a partnership between the library and Liberty Bank.

Read the full article at WWLP.com.

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – Books and Brews is the newest book club in town led by Liberty Bank and it’s guiding the community to financial wellness.East Forest Park celebrates National Night Out

The book club meets quarterly at the White Lion Brewing Company in Downtown Springfield. In partnership with Springfield City Library, members can access each month’s read by simply checking it out.

Tuesday’s quarterly meeting, providing insight and knowledge related to work, wealth, and leadership.

Books and Brews will meet next on December 10th from 5 pm to 6:30 pm at the White Lion Brewing Company in Downtown Springfield. To find out what book they’ll be reading next, visit here.

Announcing “Books and Brew” at White Lion Brewing

September 10 will be the first meeting of a quarterly book club for young professionals.

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – In a new collaborative effort between Springfield City Library, Liberty Bank, and White Lion Brewing Co., a unique book club is coming to Springfield this September.

This new and exciting program will be hosted at White Lion Brewing located in downtown Springfield at 1500 Main Street and will meet quarterly on Tuesdays after work from 5:00pm to 6:30pm with the first event starting on September 10.

Dates and books to read:

  • September 10, 2024: Culture and Cash: Lessons from the First Generation Mentor for Managing Finances and Cultural Expectations
  • December 10, 2024: Finance for the People: Get a grip on your finances
  • March 11, 2025: Your first million: why you don’t have to be born into a legacy of wealth to leave one behind
  • June 10, 2025: The Anti-Racist Business Book: An Equity-Centered Approach to Work, Wealth, and Leadership

“Books & Brew” aims to help promote financial wellness and money management skills among participants. Selected books will provide insight and knowledge related to work, wealth and leadership.

“The Springfield City Library shares White Lion and Liberty Bank’s commitment to the community, and we are proud to offer this new book club focused on financial literacy and wellness with the goal of increasing economic empowerment among our residents,” said Rachel Gravel, Manager of information services for adults and youth at the Springfield City Library.

Ray Berry, founder and CEO of White Lion Brewing Co., explained why this collaborative effort is important: “The essence of White Lion was built on the diverse fabric of the Pioneer Valley. We are positioned to collaborate with regional stakeholders for the good of our community. Our partnership with Liberty Bank and Springfield Libraries demonstrates how public and private entities can work collectively for a common cause.”

For more information and to register, you can visit the Springfield City Library website or contact Rachel Gravel at rgravel@springfieldlibrary.org.

Join the community for this unique and educational initiative to empower and engage young professionals in the heart of Springfield!

View the full article on WWLP

City of Springfield invites Residents to respond to Opioid Recovery Remediation Fund (ORRF) Survey

Springfield will receive from the ORRF a minimum of $7 million dollars over the next 15 years.

The Springfield Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is requesting responses from Springfield residents to the Opioid Recovery Remediation Fund Survey being conducted by the City. This survey is a critical tool in the city’s efforts to address the opioid crisis in Springfield, and resident participation will go a long way in ensuring its success.

Responses to the Opioid Recovery Remediation Fund Survey must be submitted by July 1, 2024. The survey is available online.

Take the Survey

The survey has been designed to be relatively brief and should only take 10 to 15 minutes. Your responses to this survey will be kept confidential. The responses will be organized so that no single individual can be identified in the survey analysis and reports.