SPRINGFIELD CITY LIBRARY
WHAT'S NEW AT THE LIBRARY? - JANUARY 2023
In this Issue
Plan Ahead for the Holiday!
50+ Job Seekers Online Networking Group
James Baldwin Photography Exhibit by Edward Cohen
Activities for Kids and Families
Events for Teens
Events for Adults
New Year Reading Resolutions
Connect With Us
Plan Ahead for the Holiday!
The library will be closed on the following days. Please plan ahead for books, movies, and music to enjoy!
  • January 16, 2023 (Monday) Martin Luther King, Jr. Day: Closed
50+ Job Seekers Online Networking Group
Springfield City Library is one of more than sixty Massachusetts public libraries that have partnered to offer an online 50+ Job Seekers Networking Group series to support older adults looking for a new job, a new career direction, or a “Second Act” career.
 
Anyone age 50 or older can take advantage of these free biweekly skill-building and networking group meetings. The series runs from January through June of 2023, and a new topic will be covered at each meeting. Attendance at every session isn’t necessary – but it’s strongly recommended! Job seekers can join the series at any time.
 
Online via Zoom 
1st & 3rd Wednesdays of the Month | 9:30-11:30 AM | Adults
2nd & 4th Wednesdays of the Month | 6:00-8:00 PM | Adults
 
Registration Links
If you are interested in registering for the morning meetings, click here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0vdO2rqjovE9xW_F5wfL_jbfjGkgU_Gnbz.
If you are interested in registering for the evening meetings, click here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZclcOuupj0pEtJQAa0w8VAsWex6BOJcWBFn.
 
For a full list of meeting dates and topics click here.
 
James Baldwin Photography Exhibit by Edward Cohen 
The reception celebrating the opening of Ed Cohen's photography exhibit, featuring photos of James Baldwin's 60th birthday celebration, on December 18th was a huge success. The exhibit will be up through the end of February (Black History Month) at Central Library located at 220 State Street Springfield, MA during open hours. We encourage you to come visit and view these iconic photos while they are being displayed.
 
 
Springfield Central Library | 220 State Street Springfield, MA 01103
 
Activities for Kids and Families
Below are some featured activities and events, but we offer more! See the calendar on our website for everything we offer.
 
DISCOVER YOUR WINTER READING CHALLENGE
All Locations
January 9 – February 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 elementary-aged kids and their younger siblings.
For more information contact your local library or call (413) 263-6828 ext. 293.
MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. DAY CRAFTS
MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. DREAM QUILT
Sixteen Acres Branch
Tuesday, January 3 through Friday, January 13 | Open Hours | Ages 5-13
Martin Luther King Jr had a dream. What is your dream? Use your creativity and supplies provided to design a paper quilt square. Show us what your dream is! Return your square to the library by January 13th to be added to our Dream Quilt and displayed in our library.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MLK!
 
Brightwood Branch
Wednesday, January 11 & Friday, January 13 | 3:00 PM -4:30 PM
Preschool aged children
We’ll celebrate MLK (Martin Luther King) Birthday and his message of Peace with stories, poem and a Dove craft activity. This program is geared toward preschool-aged children, but older siblings and friends are welcome!
 
MLK DREAM JARS
Mason Square Branch, Brightwood Branch, East Springfield Branch
Tuesday, January 17 - Saturday, January 21 | Open Hours | Ages 5-11
Martin Luther King Jr had a dream. Create a dream jar and fill it with your hopes, dreams, and positive vibes.
CELEBRATING THE YEAR OF THE RABBIT
Brightwood Branch
Tuesday, January 27 | 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM | Ages 7-18
Welcome the Chinese New Year into your home by making a Rabbit out of egg cartons, paint, glitter and more! Refreshments will be provided.
 
 
 
FOR A FULL LIST OF EVENTS & ACTIVITIES FOR CHILDREN
CLICK HERE
Events for Teens
TWEEN COOKING CLUB
East Forest Park Branch
Tuesdays: Jan 10, Feb 14 | 4:00 - 5:00 pm | Ages 8 -11
Are you a kid who wants to be more independent and find ways to cook for yourself? Come learn how to make fun, healthy meals, drinks, and snacks. For tweens ages 8-11. Pre-registration is required (note: classes with 0 or 1 registrants will be canceled the day before the class).
Register on our online calendar.
CODE BUILDERS- POWERED BY GIRLS WHO CODE
East Forest Park Branch
Club Sessions
Wednesdays: Jan 18, 25, Feb 1, 8 | 3:30-5:00 PM | Ages 13-18
Come learn to code and change the world!
We are partnering with Girls Who Code to offer a Coding Club where you can explore different programming languages and platforms, along with the potential they have for making a positive impact on your community. You will build the skills you need to create animations, games, apps, and more using GWC’s fun online tutorials and the support of the other club members! Space is limited, registration is required.
Register for sessions here!
WICKED GOOD HENNA AT YOUR LIBRARY!
 
Forest Park Branch
Thursday, January 12 | 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM | Ages 11+
Wicked Good Henna Artist visits the Forest Park Library on Thursday, January 12th from 4-6 pm in the Community Room! Mandy Roberge from Wicked Good Henna will work her magic with beautiful henna designs. Free for tweens and teens.
 
FOR A FULL LIST OF EVENTS & ACTIVITIES FOR TEENS CLICK HERE
Events for Adults
Raymond Jordan Senior Center Book Club
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.
 
Free Computer Classes for Beginners 
Tuesdays: January 10, 17, 24, & 31 | 10 AM - 12 PM | Central Library 
Thursdays: January 12, 19, & 26 | 6 - 7:30 PM | Forest Park Branch
Adults
 
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!
 
For a full list of classes, dates, locations, and resources click here.
Activities for Adults
 
WINTER PAINT & SIP
East Springfield Branch
Saturday, January 7 | 1:00 – 2:30 PM | Ages 18+ | Register
Keep the chill away with warm apple cider while painting a delightful winter scene. All supplies provided. Registration required, limited to 10.
MAKING AIR-DRY CLAY
East Springfield Branch
Saturday, January 14 | 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM | Ages 18+ | Register
This DIY air dry clay recipe has four ingredients and doubles as a stress dough!
SELF CARE 101
East Springfield Branch
Wednesday, January 18 | 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM | Ages 14+
Make your own calming tea blend, an aromatherapy scrub, and learn journaling skills that can help you organize your thoughts. Ages 14+, first come first serve, while supplies last.
CRAFTING WITH DELPHINE: JEWELRY MAKING!
East Forest Park Branch
Saturday, January 28 | 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 Jewelry making workshop – but space and supplies are limited, and registration is required.
New Year Reading Resolutions
Check out our Reading Resolution Reel on our Instagram page!
 
Connect With Us
For everything you want to know about the Library's services and events, visit our website, Facebook page, and Instagram!
 
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Stay tuned for what's up next for the Springfield City Library!