Queer Book Club

A monthly club for reading queer books of various genres | Adults


Monsoon Roastery and Espresso Bar
Saturdays, once a month | 12:30-1:30 PM | Adults

Discover Queer Book Club! A monthly club for reading queer books of various genres. Read one (or all!) of the 4 book options and meet us at Monsoon’s cafe for coffee or lunch to discuss.

Next month’s selections

The theme for June is Nonfiction – History. Read any of the following:

Monthly Themes

Themes for 2025
  • January 11: A Variety of Cozy
  • February 8: Literary/Contemporary-Coming of Age
  • March 8: Travel
  • April 19: Poetry
  • May 17: Westerns
  • June 14: Nonfiction – History
  • July 12: Vampires
  • August 9: Time travel
  • September 10: Shakespeare retellings
  • October 18: Gothic horror
  • November 15: Heists
  • December 13: Romance – Enemies/Friends to Lovers
Themes from 2024
  • June 15: Contemporary Romance
  • July 13: Historical fiction, 1900-1950
  • August 8: Detective Mysteries
  • September 21: Science Fiction – Space Operas
  • October 19: Horror – Haunted House
  • November 16: Memoir
  • December 14: Fantasy- Dragons

All book choices, past and future

Questions?

Get in touch with Blaise Kyrios at bkyrios@springfieldlibrary.org

Springfield Local Author Book Fair

Come to the Local Author Fair to meet recently published authors and enjoy their works in this showcase of local talent and achievement.

The next Local Author Book Fair will be held on Saturday, September 28, 2024 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. in the Rotunda and Rice Hall on the second floor at the Central Library.

Meet Your Neighbors, Meet Their Books!

Join us for a celebration of Springfield’s vibrant literary scene at the Local Author Book Fair! This exciting event brings together a diverse range of local authors, all eager to connect with readers and share their passion for storytelling.

Why Attend?

Support Local Authors: Discover the wealth of talent right in your own community. Buy a book directly from the author and help them continue their creative journey.

Find Your Next Great Read: Explore a variety of genres, from captivating fiction to informative non-fiction. There’s something for everyone, whether you’re a mystery buff, a history enthusiast, or a lover of poetry.

Connect with Fellow Bookworms: Chat with authors about their work, get your books personalized with a signature, and mingle with other book lovers who share your passion for reading.

Mark Your Calendars!

The next Local Author Book Fair will be held on Saturday, September 28, 2024 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. in the Rotunda and Rice Hall on the second floor at the Central Library.

Admission is free, so come meet your neighbors and discover the hidden gems of Springfield’s literary world!

List of Authors – September 2024

AuthorBookInstagram IconFaceBook iconlink icon
Katherine AndersonMurder at the Alma MaterInstagram IconFaceBook iconlink icon
RA CookGood To Be Me – Discovering What Makes Me Special & UniqueInstagram IconFaceBook iconlink icon
Michael DeStefanoThe Old CorsairInstagram Iconlink icon
Donalyn GrossWhat Does Death Look Like?
K. HicksonStars & StripesInstagram Icon
Mary Anne HorsmanSet the Stage for Success: De-clutter, Get Organized and Love Your LifeInstagram IconFaceBook iconlink icon
Travis KuffelUnleashedInstagram IconFaceBook iconlink icon
LaTonia Monroe NaylorMission-Rich AND Profit-Powered: A Guide to Transforming Your Passion into a Fully-Funded BusinessInstagram IconFaceBook iconlink icon
Anne PinkertonWere You Close? a sister’s quest to know the brother she lostInstagram IconFaceBook iconlink icon
Meg ThacherSky Gazing: a Guide to the Moon, Sun, Planets, Stars, Eclipses, ConstellationsInstagram IconFaceBook iconlink icon
Lisa ZarconeThe Book of JoannInstagram IconFaceBook icon

List of Authors – April 2024

Below is a list of authors who attended the Local Author Fair – your neighbors, sharing their art! Also, titles of their most recent book – although several will have multiple books to share.

Stephen Billias – A Book of Fields
Bela Breslau and Stephen Billias – Pilgrim Maya
Justin Cascio – In Our Blood: The Mafia Families of Corleone
Tian Connaughton – Cardigans For Every Body: because every body is worthy
D. Dina Friedman – Immigrants
Adrián Gras-Velázquez – Lo que hago en mi habitación
Robert Loesch – Out on a Limb and Other Stories
Stephanie Marrero-Wilson – Healing in Him: 31 Day Journaling Devotional
Jane F. Morrissey, SSJ – Finding Jane in the Box – a Memoir
Jennifer Allis Provost – Oleander
Ruth Sanderson – A Storm of Horses: The Story of Artist Rosa Bonheur
Dulce Santana – Flowers in the City
H. Triplett – Perforated Fiber Forbidden Memories
Dennis Walter – The Misguided Mentor

Are You A Local Author?

Get on our list to be invited next time! We hold Author Fairs about twice a year, in the Spring and the Fall.

Silent Book Club

Wish you had more time to read? Looking for some book lovers to hang out with? Join us for Silent Book Club! | Central Library | Adults and Teens 16+

Central Library
Second Monday of the Month
6:00 – 7:30 pm | Adults and Teens 16+

Wish you had more time to read? Looking for some book lovers to hang out with? Join us for Silent Book Club! One night a month, we get cozy at the library for an hour of solo reading and time at the end to chat. Come to meet new people and leave with new book recommendations! For Adults and Teens 16+.

Registration optional, but if you register, you’ll get reminders.

Register on our online calendar.

Seed Library at Mason Square

Free seed library with organic non-GMO seeds for the Springfield community. Request some today from our Mason Square Branch!

The Mason Square Branch Seed Library features a great variety of FREE 100% organic, non-GMO seeds for vegetables, greens, herbs, and flowers, made possible through a grant from Vermont-based seed company, High Mowing Organic Seeds. With multiple varieties, there’s something for everyone!

Because there is a limited supply of seeds, we ask that patrons request no more than 5 seed envelopes per library visit. Please visit the Mason Square Branch Library to choose your seeds!

We also have a variety of gardening books, covering urban gardening, vegetable gardens, container gardens, flower gardens, and more – ask library staff to help you find the perfect book!

2025 Seeds Available

CategoryName of Plant
Beans & Peas Antigua Bush Bean
Celine Bush Bean
Provider Bush Bean
Cascadia Snap Pea
Broccoli, Cauliflower & Sprouts Belstar Broccoli
Root VegetablesRed Ace Beet
Touchstone Gold Beet
Dolciva Carrot
Naval Carrot
Negovia Carrot
Yellowstone Carrot
Starburst Carrot Blend
Valentine’s Day Blend Radish
Watermelon Radish
Flowers Pacific Beauty Calendula
Resina Calendula (
Sensation Blend Cosmos
Deep Red Scabiosa
Evening Colors Sunflower
HerbsGenovese Basil
Rutgers Obsession DMR Basil
Santo Cilantro
reensleeves Dill
Sweet Marjoram
Green Oregano
Lettuces, Greens & Celery Astro Arugula
Esmee Arugula
Fordhook Giant Chard
Rainbow Blend Chard
Tat Soi Asian Green
Lacinato Dinosaur Kale
Ironman Kale Mix
Freckles Lettuce
Gourmet Blend Lettuce
Green Star Lettuce
Lolla Rossa Lettuce
Mild Mustard Blend
Blend Mesclun
Kaleidoscope Salad Mix
Yukina Savoy
Renegade Spinach
Cucumbers, Melons & Squash Green Finger Cucumber
Mini-Me Cucumber
National Pickling Cucumber
Howden Pumpkin
Brulee Butternut Winter Squash
Burgess Buttercup Winter Squash
Blacktail Mountain Watermelon
Dark Green Zucchini
TomatoesBrandywine Tomato
Green Ze bra Tomato
Matt’s Wild Cherry Tomato
Moskvich Tomato
Peacevine Cherry Tomato
Pruden’s Purple Tomato
Peppers Early Jalapeno Hot Pepper
HMS Red Picnic Pepper
Shishito Pepper (mild)

Knot Just Knitters

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

Whether you knit, crochet, cross-stitch, or crewel, these groups are the place for you. New members are welcome, and although we don’t provide formal lessons, current members are often willing to teach their skills.

Some yarn and needles are provided, but donations of such items are always welcome!

East Springfield Branch
Fridays, 10-11:30 am

East Forest Park Branch
Tuesdays, 1:30-3 pm

Mason Square Branch
Fridays, 1-2:30 pm

Sixteen Acres Branch
Wednesdays, 1-2:30 pm

Genealogy Help

Get help with family history, for beginners and experts alike. | Central Library

By Appointment

Central Library |Online via Zoom or In-Person

Get help with genealogy questions! We can show you how to access the library’s and other genealogy resources, get started with your family history, or tackle a stumbling block on your existing project.

Call to make a phone appointment  – 413-263-6828 x395, ask for Gary, or email gpysznik@springfieldlibrary.org.

Participants will need access to the internet with a computer, tablet, or smartphone to participate on Zoom.

Free Computer Classes for Beginners

Hands-on workshops to build basic computer skills | Central Library | Adults

Computer Classes for Beginners

Do computers intimidate you? The library’s computer classes are great for beginners. We teach 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!


Free Computer Resources

Free Citizenship Classes

The Read/Write/Now Center is accepting reservations for free citizenship classes.

Library Express at Pine Point

A new round of Free Citizenship Classes will be starting soon. The Read/Write/Now Center will provide the study materials and instructional support. Please call for more information at 413-263-6839.

These classes are brought to you with federal funds provided by the Institute of Museum and Library Services and administered by the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners.

Any Book Club (ABC)

Join our Any Book Club and share your recent reads. | East Forest Park | Adults

East Forest Park Branch
2nd & 4th Thursdays | 10 – 11:30 AM | Adults 18+

The Any Book Club (ABC) meets bi-monthly to share stories about their recent reads. In rotation with one another, members review books they’ve read recently so others can learn about what’s great and, sometimes, what’s not! Those who enjoy adult fiction will feel especially at home, but all adult readers are welcomed.

Members can attend either or both sessions. For Adults 18+.

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 ET | Adults

Upcoming dates:
June 14, Jul 12, Aug 9, Sep 6, Oct 4, Nov 1, Dec 13

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.

June Book Choice
We will be reading At First Spite by Olivia Dade.

Book cover of At First Spite by Olivia Dade shows shorter curvy white woman in a printed dress back to back with a taller white man in a dark suit.When Athena Greydon’s fiancé ends their engagement, she has no choice but to move into the Spite House she recklessly bought him as a wedding gift. This is a problem, for several reasons: The house, originally built as a brick middle finger to the neighbors, is only ten feet wide. Her ex’s home is attached to hers. And Dr. Matthew Vine the Freaking Third (aka the uptight, judgmental jerk who convinced his younger brother to leave her) is living on the other side, only a four-foot alley away.

If she has to see Matthew every time she looks out her windows, she might as well have some fun with the situation–by, say, playing erotic audiobooks at top volume with the windows open. A woman living in a Spite House is basically obligated to get petty payback however she can, right?

Unfortunately, loathing Matthew proves more difficult than anticipated. He helps her move. He listens. And he’s kind of…hot? Dammit.

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

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:
  • June 2025 – At First Spite, Olivia Dade (F/M Contemporary)
  • May 2025 – The Care and Feeding of Waspish Widows, Olivia Waite (F/F Historical)
  • April 2025 – You Had Me At Hola, Alexis Daria
  • March 2025 – After Hours, Lynda Aicher (F/M, Erotic Romance Contemporary)
  • February 2025 – We Could Be So Good, Cat Sebastian (M/M, Historical)
  • January 2025 – Queen Move, Kennedy Ryan (F/M, Contemporary)
  • December 2024 – A Merry Little Meet Cute, Julie Murphy and Sierra Simone (Contemporary Holiday, F/M)
  • November 2024 – Full Contact, Sarah Castille (Contemporary “Alpha”, F/M)
  • October 2024 – Dragon Actually, G.A. Aiken (Fantasy, F/Dragon)
  • September 2024 – Xeni, Rebekah Weatherspoon (Contemporary, F/M)
  • August 2024 – A Carribbean Heiress in Paris, Adriana Herrera (Historical, F/M)
  • July 2024 – Sweet Little Lies, Jill Shalvis (Contemporary, F/M)
  • June 2024 – Mistakes Were Made, Meryl Wilsner (Contemporary, F/F)
  • May 2024 – Custom Built, Chantal Fernando (Thriller, F/M)
  • April 2024 – The Heiress Hunt, Joanna Shupe (Historical, F/M)
  • March 2024 – How To Catch A Queen, Alyssa Cole (Contemporary African Royal, F/M)
  • February 2024 – Toxic Desire, Robin Lovett (Alien Mate Sci-Fi, F/Alien)
  • January 2024 – The Holiday Trap, Roan Parrish (Contemporary Holiday, F/F & M/M)
  • December 2023 – Priest, Sierra Simone (Contemporary, M/F)
  • November 2023 – Hell on Wheels, Julie Ann Walker (Thriller, F/M)
  • October 2023 – And They Lived Happily Ever After, Therese Beharrie (Magical)
  • September 2023 – Something Wilder, Christina Lauren (Adventure, F/M)
  • August 2023 – The Baller, Vi Keeland (Sports, M/F)
  • July 2023 – I’m in Love with Mothman, Paige Lavoie (Paranormal, F/Mothman)
  • June 2023 – Scandalous Passions, Nicola Davidson (Historical Menage, F/F/M)
  • May 2023 – D’Vaughn and Kris Plan a Wedding, Chencia C. Higgins (Contemporary F/F)
  • April 2023 – Mafia Casanova, M Robinson and Rachel Van Dyken (Mafia)
  • March 2023 – Pride, Prejudice and Other Flavors, Sonali Dev (Contemporary)
  • February 2023 – Hard Sell, Hudson Lin (Contemporary, M/M)
  • January 2023 – The Duke Who Didn’t, Courtney Milan (Historical)
  • December 2022 – Reader’s Choice Holiday Romance
  • November 2022 – The Ex Hex, Erin Sterling (Witchy)
  • October 2022 – Natural Born Charmer, Susan Elizabeth Phillips (Sports-ish)
  • September 2022 – Neon Gods, Katee Robert (Fantasy Hades/Persephone)
  • August 2022 – Fatal Affair, Marie Force (Romantic Suspense)
  • July 2022 – Never Been Kissed, Timothy Janovsky (Contemporary New Adult M/M)
  • June 2022 – Polaris Rising, Jessie Mihalik (Science Fiction)
  • May 2022 – Luckiest Lady in London, Sherry Thomas (Historical)
  • April 2022 – Writing Her In, Holley Trent (Polyamorous)
  • March 2022 – A Cowboy to Remember, Rebekah Wetherspoon (Contemporary Black Cowboy)
  • February 2022 – Battle Royal, Lucy Parker (Contemporary British)
  • January 2022 – Every New Year, Katrina Jackson (Holiday Second-Chance Contemporary)
  • November and December 2021 – The Matzah Ball, Jean Meltzer (Holiday Contemporary)
  • October 2021- How To Bang A Billionaire, Alexis Hall (Billionaire M/M)
  • September 2021 – Deal With The Devil, Kit Rocha (Science Fiction)
  • August 2021 – Gray Hair, Don’t Care, Karen Booth (Second Chance)
  • July 2021 – Angel’s Blood, Nalini Singh (Paranormal Romance)
  • June 2021 – Entangled, Melissa Brayden (Contemporary F/F)
  • May 2021 – The Obsession, Nora Roberts (Contemporary Romantic Suspense)
  • April 2021 – Destiny’s Embrace, Beverly Jenkins (Historical)
  • March 2021 – Loathe At First Sight, Suzanne Park (Contemporary)
  • February 2021 – Reader’s Choice