Sixteen Acres – Springfield City Library

Discover Your Summer Events & Activities

Join us for Discover Your Summer: Summer Reading kickoff parties, live music, animal programs, crafts, and more! | All Ages

SUMMER READING CLUB CHALLENGE

June 20 – August 26, 2023 | All Ages

This summer, join our Discover Your Summer Reading Club to read and get rewards, enter a raffle for prizes, and more! Click the button below to learn more.

Learn About Summer Reading Club!

summer kickoff party with liam hurley

Brightwood Branch
Monday, June 5 | 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM | Children

Come and join us for an energetic show filled with drums, ukuleles, puppets and comedy as we kickoff the start of summer!

summer Reading kickoff

Forest Park Branch
Thursday, June 8 | 3:30 PM – 6:30 PM | Tweens & Teens

Join us at the Forest Park Branch Library for our summer reading kick off! We’ll have games, food and prizes to raffle off! For ages 11-18.

henry the bunny summer Reading kickoff

East Springfield Branch
Saturday, June 10 | 12:30 PM – 2:00 PM | Children

Meet the adorable and sweet Henry the Bunny! Learn about rabbits and even have the chance to pet him. Some light refreshments will be served.

juneteenth 2nd annual Celebration

Mason Square Branch
Wednesday, June 14 | 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM | All Ages

Join us for our Juneteenth Celebration and Summer Reading Kickoff!

Discover Your Summer Kickoff: Light up the night!

Sixteen Acres Branch
Tuesday, June 20 | Open Hours | All Ages

Join us for the first day of Discover Your Summer with fun activities for all ages!

For children birth to age 5: Check out the weekly playgroup facilitated by our community partner Home.City.Families.
For babies through elementary school: Celebrate Eric Carle’s The Very Lonely Firefly! Families can get comfy on our “grass” rug to share the story together then make a firefly puppet to bring home.
For middle school through adult: Make a cozy paper lantern decoration to enjoy all summer long.
For everyone: Make your own trail mix – combine your own ingredients for a personalized snack. While supplies last.
For everyone: Use sidewalk chalk to help make the library ready for summer.

summer solstice festival

East Forest Park Branch
Wednesday, June 21 | 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM | All Ages

It’s the longest day of the year, so bring the whole family to kick off your summer of fun at the library. Family activities for all ages: Yoga on the lawn, sidewalk chalk art competition, music, games, and more! Sign up for summer reading while enjoying all the festivities.

summer reading field day

Central Library
Saturday, June 24 | 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM | Children

Come and join us for a field day to kick off summer reading! We’ll have lots of fun outdoor games and activities, including relay races, water balloons, and jumbo board games. The first 100 kids to sign up for summer reading will get a special goodie bag!

summer reading kickoff

Indian Orchard Branch
Wednesday, June 28 | 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM | All Ages

Kick off your Summer Reading with bubbles and popsicles on our lawn. Inside will be a summer scavenger hunt, a guessing jar, crafts, and free books for all children. Books provided by Book Rich Environments, a program of the National Book Foundation.

Ice Cream Social – Adult Summer Reading Kickoff

Mason Square Branch
Thursday, June 29 | 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM | Adults

Join us for an Ice Cream Social for Adults to kick off the 2023 Summer Reading Club! Have a sundae from Friendly’s, and enjoy a librarian performing a storytime for grown folks. Enter a raffle to win prizes, and get a free new book when you sign up for the Club. Don’t miss this fun event for grownups only!

July & August Summer Event Highlights

Click to See Events in July & August

Music Fun with Tom sieling

Sixteen Acres Branch
Monday, July 10 | 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM | Children

East Forest Park Branch
Friday, July 14 | 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM | Children

Brightwood Branch
Monday, July 17 | 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM | Children

Forest Park Branch
Tuesday, July 18 | 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM | Children

Mason Square Branch
Wednesday, July 19 | 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM | Children

East Springfield Branch
Saturday, July 22 | 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM | Children

Central Library
Monday, July 24 | 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM | Children

Indian Orchard Branch
Tuesday, July 25 | 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM | Children

Find Your Voice this Summer! Join Tom in this fun, interactive sing-along of favorite kids’ songs guaranteed to get you up and moving! For families.

reptile shows of new england

Brightwood Branch
Thursday, July 13 | 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM | Ages 5+

Central Library
Tuesday, August 8 | 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM | Ages 5+

Welcome to the wonderful world of reptiles! Learn about the nature and life of these beautiful creatures from professional herpetologists in a fun, safe environment.

An evening of Motown with Personal Touch

Mason Square Branch
Thursday, July 13 | 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM | All Ages

Bring the family, lawn chairs and a picnic for an unforgettable night of music provided by Personal Touch. They will perform music of the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s Motown Sound, with all of the unmatched glamour and choreography of that era. In the Discovery Garden. Please bring lawn chairs or blankets; a limited number of chairs will be available.

What’s new from Lupa Zoo

East Forest Park Branch
Wednesday, July 26 | 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM | Ages 5+

Indian Orchard Branch
Thursday, August 10 | 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM | Ages 5+

Sixteen Acres Branch
Thursday, August 17 | 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM | Ages 5+

East Springfield Branch
Wednesday, August 23 | 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM | Ages 5+

Friends from the Lupa Zoo will be at the library to share their knowledge of our wonderful animal neighbors. This educational show features a variety of animals

Wingmasters: world of Owls

Mason Square Branch
Wednesday, August 2 | 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM | Ages 6+

Owls are a species of bird specially adapted for nocturnal hunting, yet most of our understanding of owls has been influenced by folklore and popular culture. Come learn what owls are really about. Wingmasters Julie Anne Collier and Jim Parks, licensed raptor rehabilitators and experts, will help us explore the world of these fascinating creatures.

Wingmasters: North American Birds of Prey

East Forest Park Branch
Friday, August 4 | 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM | Ages 6+

Birds of Prey, or raptors, are terrific hunters and possess keen eyesight and hearing. Come learn what raptors are all about. Wingmasters Julie Anne Collier and Jim Parks, licensed raptor rehabilitators and experts, will help us explore the world of these fascinating creatures.

Union Jack: Beatles Tribute Band

Mason Square Branch
Thursday, August 3 | 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM | All Ages

Twist and Shout! Take a trip back to the Sixties with music by the Fab Four and other British Invasion bands that left a mark on world music. Bring a lawn chair and picnic if you’d like. Food will be available for purchase.

Blind Date with a Book

They say you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover – so that’s why these books have hidden their covers! | Sixteen Acres | Teens & Adults

Sixteen Acres Branch
June 20 – August 20 | Open Hours | Teens & Adults

They say you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover – so that’s why these books have hidden their covers! Choose your book date using only the keywords on the wrapper and don’t unwrap it until you are ready to read. Once you are ready, show the book your favorite reading spots and get to know it a little better.

Connecticut River Birding and Nature Walk

Join us for a stroll along the Riverwalk in Springfield to learn more about the plants and animals that live in the Connecticut River Watershed. | Adults

Riverfront Park
2nd Wednesday of the Month, May through September
Upcoming Dates: June 14, July 12, August 9, September 13
6:00-7:00 PM | Adults

Join us at Riverfront Park as we learn about birding and the ecology of the Connecticut River Watershed with Bill Randolph, a naturalist with the US Fish & Wildlife Service.

We’ll meet the second Wednesday of each month May-September to watch seasonal bird migration and behavior, as well learning about other flora and fauna we may see along the riverbank.

A few pair of adult and child binoculars will be available for use but you are encouraged to bring your own if you have them. Water and snacks will be provided. Wear comfortable shoes. This park is wheelchair accessible. All ages welcome!

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.

Middle Earth Walking Challenge: May 1 – September 30

Now is your chance to help Bilbo cross Middle Earth! Can you walk 950 miles to complete the adventure? | All Ages

All Library Locations
May 1 – September 30 | Open Hours | All Ages

Now is your chance to help Bilbo cross Middle Earth by walking from The Shire to The Lonely Mountain to steal from the fearsome dragon Smaug. Bilbo went 950 miles – can your group do the same?

The goal is to get families moving and adventuring this summer! It’s also a chance to read The Hobbit as a group, if you want.

1 – The walking challenge starts May 1. Go to your favorite library location, pick up a group walking log (or print your own) and up to 2 pedometers per family/group while supplies last. Define your group however you like – friends, families, whatever!

2 – When your log reaches 250 miles, bring it to the library and pick up a couple water bottles for your group for walking hydration, while supplies last.

3 – Turn in your log when you’re done or by Sept 30 – we don’t expect most groups to finish! But it’s fun to try. Get a fancy personalized certificate with your mileage!

4 – Top 3 mileage groups will get a lovely gift illustrated edition of The Hobbit. Seven more copies of the book will be raffled off randomly to all other groups who turn in their log at the end of the challenge!

ALSO – join us on Wednesday, September 20th at East Forest Park Branch to watch the 1977 animated Hobbit movie!

Hit Us with Your Best Shot: a Photography Contest

Enter the contest and send us your photos! | Teens

Contest Rules and Details

Entries Accepted (see rules below):
Thursday, June 20 – Monday, July 31, 2023

Winners announced:
Monday, August 14, 2023

We’re having a photography contest for teens ages 13 to 18! Use your creativity to take pictures on such themes as as family life, friends, nature, wildlife, social issues, sports, and your hometown to win gift card prizes. Three winning photographs will be picked Monday, August 14, 2023.

Submit photos (or ask questions) to photos@springfieldlibrary.org. Photos should be accompanied by:

Photographer’s full name
Contact information (email and telephone number)
Street address
Category: Amateur or Semi-Professional

Rules and Details

Photos may be full color or black and white.
Up to three photographs may be submitted by each photographer.
Photos will be judged on the following criteria:
- How closely does the photograph match the theme (30%)
- How effective is its technique, such as balance, color contrast, and image quality? (50%)
- How unique or creative is the photograph? (20%)
All entries must be original to the photographer, and suitable for all-ages, family-friendly viewing.
Winning photographs will be promoted with the library’s Facebook and Instagram
Photos that include people’s faces will need to be accompanied by a completed Photo Release Form for each depicted person.
All photos must be received by 5 p.m. on Monday, July 31, 2023 to be eligible for the contest.
Entrants must be teens ages 13 to 18.

Winners from the Previous Contest

Winners – Amateur

Click on a photo to see full size!

1st place: Richard Harper for Deacon Samuel Chapin

2nd place: Dora Campbell for Springfield Symphony Orchestra Stage

3rd place: Kevin Fay for The Great Franconia Elm

1st runner up: Jim Sharrard for Trees in Forest Park

2nd runner up: Larry Sanchez for Fireworks Over MassMutual

Winners – Semi-Pro

Click on a photo to see full size!

Winner: M.J. Tash for Winter on Mattoon Street

Runner up: Tara Dasso for Wonder Downtown Springfield

Discover Your Springfield Photo Scavenger Hunt – June through August

Each week we’ll announce a new prompt here on our website and on social media, and you will snap a photograph based on that prompt! | Online | Teens

Online: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram
June 26 through August 26 | Ages 12-19

Show off your photography skills, and discover more about your city in our Photo Scavenger hunt. Each week we’ll announce a new prompt here on our website (see below) and on social media, and you will snap a photograph based on that prompt! Photos can be posted on Instagram with #SCLTeenHunt. Complete all the weekly challenges, and you’ll be entered into a prize drawing at the end of August!

Weekly Prompts

Coming soon!

Job Corps & AmeriCorps Information Tables

Come learn about career programs that help people obtain high school diplomas, job training, and employment. | Teens & Adults

Job Corps Information Tables

Stop by to learn about Job Corps. Job Corps is a free residential and job training program that helps both young adults as well as adults of any age who have a disability to gain employment.

Central Library – Rotunda
5/1, 6/5, 7/3, 8/7, 9/11, 10/2, 11/6, 12/4 | 3:00-6:00 PM | Ages 16+

Forest Park Branch
5/2, 6/6, 7/11, 8/1, 9/12, 10/3, 11/14, 12/5 | 12:00-3:00 PM | Ages 16+

Brightwood Branch
6/13, 9/19, 12/12 | TBD | Ages 16+

Mason Square Branch
4/26, 5/31, 6/28, 7/26, 8/30, 9/27, 10/25, 11/29, 12/27 | 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM | Ages 16+

East Springfield Branch
4/27, 5/25, 6/29, 7/27, 8/31, 9/28, 10/26, 11/30, 12/28 | 1:00-4:00 PM | Ages 16+

East Forest Park Branch
6/16, 9/22, 12/22 | 1:00-4:00 PM | Ages 16+

Sixteen Acres Branch
4/15, 5/13, 6/17, 7/15, 8/19, 9/16, 10/14, 11/18, 12/16 | 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM | Ages 16+

Indian Orchard Branch
4/24, 5/23, 6/23, 7/24, 8/23, 9/25, 10/23, 11/27, 12/26 | 2:00-5:00 PM | Ages 16+

Reading with Therapy Dogs

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

Mindful Reading with Cadence the dog

Sixteen Acres Branch
Saturdays: May 20, June 24, July 15, August 5 | 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM | Children | Register

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!

read with coach the therapy dog

East Forest Park Branch
Fridays: June 9, July 14, August 11 | 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM | Children

Come visit the East Forest Park Library for a Pawsitive experience! Meet Coach, a seven year old Shetland Sheep dog who is a specially trained and certified therapy dog.

This program encourages children to practice their reading by offering a non-judgmental, stress-free environment. Parents – if you’re looking for ways to boost your children’s literacy and build their confidence and self esteem, then this is the win-win partnership for your child!

Libraries are a wonderful free resource, and a therapy dog can be a great way to help children discover the fun of reading.

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
3rd Tuesday of the month | 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.

See the books we are reading for upcoming meetings on our calendar!