Category: Sixteen Acres

February Activities for Adults

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

adult craft – embroidered heart card

East Springfield Branch
Wednesday, February 1 | 3:30 PM – 4:30 PM | Ages 18+ | Register 

This fun heart can be stitched onto a card or a canvas to create a great gift for your Valentine!

valentine bracelets

Forest Park Branch
Saturday, February 11 | 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM | Ages 18+

Join us to make chainmail bracelets in time for Valentine’s Day! Make one for yourself or for a loved one! No expertise needed, supplies provided.

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!

winter coffee craft

Indian Orchard Branch
Wednesday, February 15 | 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM | Ages 18+| Register

Come and get warmed inside and out with a warm beverage and coffee-themed mixed-media craft.

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.

super Soap Making Symposium

East Forest Park Branch – Community Room
Saturday, February 25 | 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM | Ages 16+

Come learn the science and process behind soap making, leave with your own tray of homemade soap! Kristie Valenze will walk participants through the saponification process and how to create basic bars of soap in this hands on program. Safety goggles and gloves provided, but feel free to bring your own.

crafting with delphine: scrapbooking!

East Forest Park Branch – Makerspace
Saturday, February 25 | 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM | Ages 18+ | Register

Join us for crafts with the incredible Delphine Williams! Delphine will share all of her knowledge, talents, and expertise during each monthly session. Come craft with us! This month features a Scrapbooking workshop – but space and supplies are limited, and registration is required.

 

February Activities for Teens

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

flash fiction contest

Central Library
Wednesday, February 1 – Tuesday, February 28
Open Hours & Online |  Ages 12-19

Can you tell your tale in 500 words or less? Our Flash Fiction contest is open to all teens. Between Feb 1-28th, submit a short story of 500 words or less to our flash fiction contest. You can write on any subject you like, but if you need inspiration a list of prompts are available for you on our website! We will choose 2 winners in early March.

Teens can submit up to 3 stories. Submit stories in person at the Central Branch Teen Desk, by email at shodge-wetherbe@springfieldlibrary.org, or through Google docs linking to that same address. Contact Sarah Hodge-Wetherbe at 413-263-6828 X425 with any questions, or email her at the address above.

Blind Date with a book

Central Library – Rotunda
Wednesday, February 1 – Tuesday, February 28
Open Hours |  Teens

Unsure what to read next? Check out the display in the 2nd floor rotunda! You’ll find bags with “personal ads” from the books inside. Read the descriptions, and choose one of our book blind dates. Check it out at circulation, and you’ll enjoy a book and a treat with a very lovable person- yourself!

make a sweet sugar scrub for your sweetie

Indian Orchard Branch
Saturday, February 11 | 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM | Ages 11-18 | Register

Make a sweet sugar body scrub for your sweetie. We will use all natural ingredients to make sure it is as healthy as possible. At the Indian Orchard branch. Preregistration is strongly encouraged. You can preregister online or by calling 413-263-6846.

valentine’s day swap meet

Central Library
Tuesday, February 14 | 3:30 PM – 4:30 PM | Ages 12-19

It’s Valentine’s day, and what better way to show love to the planet and yourself than with a swap meet! Join us in the teen room, and bring some gently used items you don’t need anymore. Books, comics, clothes, anything you want to trade. Swap with other teens to bring home treats for yourself. It’s the perfect way to make sure your items go to a new home, while you find treasures of your own! We’ll provide Valentine’s Day Treats for all swappers!

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!

a celebration of black comics!

Central Library
Saturday, February 18 | 1:30 PM – 4:00 PM | Ages 12-19

Celebrate Black History Month with this shout-out to black characters and creators that add so much to nerd culture. We’ll feature activities, media, and more that highlight the best of black comics. Come dressed as your favorite characters, and enter to win our cosplay contest! Snacks will be provided!

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.

super Soap Making Symposium

East Forest Park Branch – Community Room
Saturday, February 25 | 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM | Ages 16+

Come learn the science and process behind soap making, leave with your own tray of homemade soap! Kristie Valenze will walk participants through the saponification process and how to create basic bars of soap in this hands on program. Safety goggles and gloves provided, but feel free to bring your own.

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!

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

 

Wildlife On Wheels

Meet animal ambassadors from the Forest Park Zoo and learn how they live! | Children & Families

Meet animal ambassadors from the Forest Park Zoo and learn how they live!

Youth of all ages and their families are welcome.

Sixteen Acres Branch
Thursday, February 23 | 10:30 AM – 11:15 AM | Children & Families

Brightwood Branch – Community Room
Friday, April 7 | 10:00 AM – 11:15 AM | Children & Families

Central Library – Children’s Room
Wednesday, April 19 | 2:00 PM – 2:45 PM | Children & Families

East Springfield Branch
Wednesday, April 26 | 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM | Children & Families

Reading with Therapy Dogs

Reading with a pet is a calming, stress-free way to build fluency and expression. | Children

Read with Duchess, a Bright Spot Therapy Dog

Indian Orchard Branch
Tuesdays: Feb 14, Mar 14 | 3:30-4:30 PM | Children

Calling all beginning and reluctant readers! Children are welcome to take a turn meeting Duchess and reading with her – she loves to hear stories of all kinds. Books will be available for read aloud or bring your own favorites. Reading with a pet is a calming, stress-free way to build fluency and expression. For kindergarten and above. Children 7 and under must be accompanied and consistently supervised by an adult. Sign up for a 15 minute reading slot. Registration is strongly encouraged with drop-ins welcome as space allows. For more information please call 413 263 6846.

Register via our online calendar!

Mindful Reading with Cadence the dog

Sixteen Acres Branch
Saturdays: Feb 4, Mar 18 | 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM | Children

Calling all kids! Come to a mindfulness experience for new and experienced readers of all ages.

Our special guests Megan and her certified therapy dog Cadence will share some relaxing stories with you. Children are also welcome to take a turn reading individually to Cadence – she loves to hear stories of all kinds.

Books will be available for read aloud or bring your own favorites. Reading with a pet is a calming, stress-free way to build fluency and expression. Please join us!

Eager Readers Book Club

The book group for reading enthusiasts reads mostly contemporary novels, although occasionally historical fiction, adventures, and some non-fiction. | Sixteen Acres | Adults

Sixteen Acres Branch
One Tuesday a month (See upcoming dates below) | 6:30-7:30 PM | Adults 18+

Join this long-running book group of reading enthusiasts! Newcomers welcome. The group reads mostly contemporary novels, although occasionally historical fiction, adventures, and some non-fiction. The book club members jointly choose upcoming books. Check below for this month’s book! No registration required, just drop by.

Upcoming Selections:

Skipping Christmas book coverDecember 20 – Skipping Christmas
by John Grisham – (2001) fiction

Imagine a year without Christmas. No crowded shops, no corny office parties, no fruitcakes, no unwanted presents. That’s just what Luther and Nora Krank have in mind when they decide that, just this once, they’ll skip the holiday altogether. Theirs will be the only house on the street without a rooftop Frosty the snowman; they won’t be hosting their annual Christmas Eve bash; they aren’t even going to have a tree. They won’t need one, because come December 25 they’re setting sail on a Caribbean cruise. But, as this weary couple is about to discover, skipping Christmas brings enormous consequences – and isn’t half as easy as they’d imagined.

Into the Beautiful North book coverJanuary 17 – Into the Beautiful North
by Luis Alberto Urrea – (2010) fiction

Nineteen-year-old Nayeli works at a taco shop in her Mexican village and dreams about her father, who journeyed to the US when she was young. Recently, it has dawned on her that he isn’t the only man who has left town. In fact, there are almost no men in the village–they’ve all gone north. While watching The Magnificent Seven, Nayeli decides to go north herself and recruit seven men–her own “Siete Magníficos”–to repopulate her hometown and protect it from the bandidos who plan on taking it over.