FEBRUARY CAlEndAR oF EvEnts

FEBRUARY Calendar of events

Springfield City Library www.springfieldlibrary.org The Library will be closed Monday, February 17 in observance of Presidents’ Day.

Spike Lee Film Series

FREE!

All events are

February 18

Meet Players and Take on the Armor!

February 18-21 Digital Labs Web De sign Camp

February 19 & 20

February 18 & 26

Teen Poetry Workshops

Our Voices:

Urban Gardening

OUR BRANCH LIBRARY LOCATIONS:

History Month

F e b ru a ry 8 , 1 5 , 22 in Celebration of Black

Brenda’s Child

Central Library, 220 State Street, (413) 263-6828

Forest Park, 380 Belmont Avenue, (413) 263-6843

East Forest Park, 122 Island Pond Road, (413) 263-6836

Mason Square, 765 State Street, (413) 263-6853

Brightwood, 359 Plainfield Street, (413) 263-6805

Indian Orchard, 44 Oak Street, (413) 263-6846

East Springfield, 21 Osborne Terrace, (413) 263-6840

Sixteen Acres, 1187 Parker Street, (413) 263-6858

WELCOME!

Springfield City Library Events Valentine’s for Vets Drop in to any branch (by February 7) and create a card to express your appreciation to one of our local veterans. Your card will be delivered on Valentine’s Day. Children’s Room, 413-263-6828, ext. 201.

Saturday February 1 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM Saturday Storytime at the Children’s Room Join us for stories and a craft. Perfect for ages 3 to 8, siblings are welcome! No registration required. Contact the Children’s Room at 413-263-6828, ext. 201. Location: Central Library Children’s Program Room 12:00 PM - 2:30 PM Football Film Screening at Mason Square Get ready for Super Bowl Sunday at the Mason Square Branch with a film screening. We’ll be screening a film about one coach’s efforts to integrate a high school football team. Call 413-2636853 for film title and more information. Location: Mason Square Community Room 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM Mystery Madness Book Group for Kids A mystery book group for children about ages 8 to 12. We will choose a mystery book during a meeting, read it for the next and discuss it as a group. Sometimes an activity may be planned. For example The Buddy Files is about a golden retriever who solves mysteries and for that meeting we would have a special guest---Buddy himself (Bailey, a therapy dog). East Springfield, 413-263-6840.

Sunday February 2 Monday February 3 Blind Date With a Book! Drop in and let us set you up on a blind date. . .with a book! We’ll wrap up a variety of books, so you won’t know the identity of your “date” until you bring it home. All ages welcome to participate! Location: Forest Park, 413-263-6843. (MONDAY FEBRUARY 3 - SATURDAY

FEBRUARY 15)

10:30 AM - 11:30 AM Wee Ones Storytime at Indian Orchard Come and enjoy some stories, songs, and fun rhymes. Recommended for children 1-2 years old and their parents and/or caregivers. Please call 413263-6846 to preregister. 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM Anime and Manga Club for Teens We’ll discuss the latest anime and manga, work on manga drawing, and more. Meetings in Teen Central will be informal drop-in opportunities for discussion and sharing of favorite books and DVDs. Occasional meetings in the Community Room allow us to watch anime episodes. Contact Gary Pyzsnik at 413-263-6828, ext. 471 or email [email protected]. Location: Central Library 5:30 PM - 6:30 PM Kids’ Book Group at the Children’s Room Join us as we read The Templeton Twins Make a Scene by Ellis Weiner and Jeremy Holmes. Each week’s reading is followed by a creative activity inspired by the story. No quizzes, no reports, just fun! Space is limited, and registration is recommended. To register, please call the Children’s Room at 413-263-6828 ext. 201. Location: Central Library Children’s Program Room.

Tuesday February 4

10:00 AM - 11:30 AM Hi!Tech: Getting Started with Computers This hands-on workshop for computer novices reviews basic keyboarding and mousing, introduces the desktop, and more to get your started using the computer. No experience necessary! Participants earn a chance to win February’s Hi!Tech raffle. Contact: Reference Desk, 413-263-6828, ext. 213 or [email protected]. Location: Central Library Computer Lab 10:30 AM - 11:15 AM Music and Movement Storytime at Forest Park Come and enjoy moving to music, learning some new rhymes and songs and hearing a story. Recommended for children 1 1/2 - 3 years old and their parents or caregivers. Please call 413-263-6843 to preregister. Location: Forest Park Program Den

3:00 PM - 7:00 PM Hearts for Sweethearts Express your love and affection for your significant other, friends or family members by creating your very own homemade Valentine’s Day card. Give it your own personal touch and demonstrate to the special people in your life how you feel about them with a personalized Valentine’s Day card. Location: Sixteen Acres Branch 3:30 PM - 5:00 PM Pizza and Karaoke for Teens Escape the winter doldrums at a Pizza-Karaoke party just for teens. Express yourself through music -individual or group performances welcome! Call the branch to sign up, 413-263-6805. Location: Brightwood Community Room 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM Indian Orchard LEGO Questers Become a LEGO Quester by completing 52 LEGO Quests (or build your own). Open to children 7-12. Space is limited to 10 Questers. Contact: Meg Aust-Anastasi at 413-263-6846.

Wednesday February 5

10:30 AM - 11:30 AM Storytime at Mason Square Branch Library Join us in our Community Room every Wednesday morning for stories, songs, and crafts. For ages 3 to 8, siblings welcome. Contact Mason Square at 413263-6853.

12:00 PM - 1:30 PM East Springfield Book Group This group meets on the first Wednesday of each month at 12 pm at the East Springfield Branch Library, 21 Osborne Terrace. In an informal round table, members talk about what they’re reading and share recommendations in any genre. Join us and widen your book-reading horizons! For more information, contact the branch. Hearts for Sweethearts 1:00 PM - 8:00 PM at East Forest Park 3:00 PM - 7:00 PM at Indian Orchard Express your love and affection for your significant other, friends or family members by creating your very own homemade Valentine’s Day card. Give it your

own personal touch and demonstrate to the special people in your life how you feel about them! 5:30 PM - 6:30 PM Science Squad! This series of programs will explore eight different scientific areas with engaging, hands-on activities tailored to school-aged children. Each program will include a brief discussion of scientific principles, getting hands-on by making models or examples, and “science in action,” where Science Squad! members conduct experiments and work with their models. Ages 8-12. Space is limited, and registration is recommended. To register, please call the Children’s Room at 413-263-6828, ext. 201. Week 3: Slime Science – We will examine the science of a substance acting like two different types of matter, and make our own slime! Location: Central Library Children’s Program Room 5:30 PM Library Commissioners Meeting Monthly meeting of the Springfield Board of Library Commissioners held in the Central Library Community Room. Contact: Carol at 413-263-6828, ext. 290.

Thursday February 6



10:00 AM - 11:00 AM First Steps Join us in the Central Library Children’s Room for stories and songs and playtime! This is a great opportunity to help your baby or young toddler acquire those critical language and social skills. Especially for children birth-36 months with a parent or caregiver. Central Library Children’s Room, 413-263-6828, ext. 201. 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM Hi!Tech: Continuing with Computers This hands-on workshop builds on “Getting Started with Computers” by reviewing basic aspects of computing. It is the perfect class for new computer users who have a good understanding of using a mouse and the keyboard already. Completion of “Getting Started with Computers” is recommended. Contact: Reference Desk, 413-263-6828, ext. 213, or [email protected]. Participants earn a chance to win February’s Hi!Tech raffle. Central Library Computer Lab

10:30 AM - 11:30 AM Preschool Storytime at Sixteen Acres Come and enjoy some stories, songs and rhymes. Recommended for children ages 3-5 and their parent and/or caregiver. Please call (413) 263-6858 to preregister. 1:00 PM - 8:00 PM Hearts for Sweethearts Express your love and affection for your significant other, friends or family members by creating your very own homemade Valentine’s Day card. Give it your own personal touch and demonstrate to the special people in your life how you feel about them! Location: Brightwood Branch 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM Game ON! Video Gaming Play your favorite video games for teens and tweens! Drop in! Snacks provided. Contact the branch at 413-263-6843. Location: Forest Park Community Room 3:30 PM - 4:00 PM Family Storytime at East Springfield Join us at the cozy East Springfield Branch every Thursday afternoon for stories, songs, and crafts. For ages 3 to 8, with siblings welcome. To register, call the branch at 413-263-6840. 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM Anime and Manga Club Chat about your favorite manga and anime! Crafts, snacks and conversation. Drop in at any time. Open to tweens and teens; suggested ages 10 to 14. Please contact: Meg Aust-Anastasi, 413-263-6946, or [email protected]. Location: Indian Orchard Branch Library 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM Knit-n-More at Forest Park Do you want to learn to knit or crochet, or need help with a yarn project you have started? Bring a pair of #8 or #9 needles and a ball of worsted weight yarn, or a #4.5 or #5 crochet hook and a ball of worsted weight yarn to the Forest Park Branch and our talented volunteer, Lynn, will help you. Teens, adults and families are encouraged to stop in and give it a try! You’ll be able to check out new items at the Library as well as visit with others interested in the crafts of knitting and crocheting. Contact Linda at the branch.

6:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Family PJ Storytime at Forest Park Families with children ages 3 - 8 are invited to come to the “Family Place” to enjoy some bedtime stories, songs, rhymes, and a bedtime snack. Please preregister by calling the branch at 413-263-6843. Location: Forest Park Program Den

Friday February 7

10:00 AM - 11:30 AM Knit Lits at East Springfield A group of avid knitters and crocheters, “The Knit Lits,” meets every Friday from 10 - 11:30 am at the East Springfield Branch Library. New members are welcome and the current members are willing to teach knitting and crochet. Some yarn and needles are provided, but donations of such items will always be welcome. Coffee is provided and the members take turns bringing in a treat. 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM First Steps Animal Storytime - East Forest Park Come to a fun storytime for toddlers and preschoolers, ages 2-5. We will read animal-themed stories, do a simple craft, and then eat yummy snacks together. This free program is a great way to expose young children to books and reading, to play with other children, and for parents and caregivers to socialize. Please sign up by calling the branch at 413-263-6836, as space is limited. 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM Knit-Alongs at East Forest Park Branch Library Beginning and advanced knitters and crocheters are invited to share ideas and learn a new skill. Bring a knitting or crochet project you are currently working on. Complete beginner or clueless? Bring a ball of worsted weight yarn and a #4.5 or #5 crochet hook, or a pair of size 8 or 10 knitting needles and we will show you the basics. Projects for donating to area organizations will also be created. For more information, please contact Linda at the branch.

Saturday February 8

12:00 PM - 2:30 PM Black History Month Film Series He Got Game (2 hours & 16 minutes), directed by Spike Lee. Rated R. Contact the branch at 413-263-6853. Mason Square Community Room (February 8, 15, 22 )

1:30 PM - 2:30 PM Saturday Storytime at the Children’s Room Join us for stories and a craft. Perfect for ages 3 to 8, siblings are welcome! No registration required. Please call the Central Library Children’s Room at (413) 263-6828, ext. 201 if you have any questions. 1:30 PM - 3:30 PM Vitamin P for Poetry: the Business Side of Poetry Are you feeling unsure about where to send your poems for publication? This workshop is geared toward poets with little to no publication experience, in order to help them learn firsthand how to tend to the business side of poetry. Identify poetry markets for individual poems and chapbooks; learn how to use poetry readings to your marketing advantage; and see how to weigh the pros and cons of self-publishing versus submitting manuscripts to potential publishers. Facilitated by local award-winning multilingual poet and educator, María Luisa Arroyo. Contact the Reference Desk at 413-263-6828, ext. 213. Location: Central Library Community Room

Sunday February 9 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM Rotunda Rhythms: Criollo Clasico Criollo Clasico’s enthusiastic music is contagious with energetic excitement and passionate emotion. Their sound draws from many musical traditions including Puerto Rican styles, classical, rock, and more to make a music unique to them. Join José Gonzalez and Criollo Clasico in this free concert for a family-friendly hour of pure wonderment! Location: Central Library Rotunda 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM Saturday Storytime at the Children’s Room Join us in the Central Library Children’s Program Room for stories and a craft. Perfect for ages 3 to 8, siblings are welcome! No registration required. Call us at 413-263-6828, ext. 201.

Monday February 10 Hearts for Sweethearts Express your love and affection for your significant other, friends or family members by creating your very own homemade Valentine’s Day card. Give it your own personal touch and demonstrate to the special

people in your life how you feel about them! Location: Forest Park Branch (Monday February 10 - Saturday February 15) 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM Wee Ones Storytime at Indian Orchard Come and enjoy some stories, songs, and fun rhymes. Recommended for children 1-2 years old and their parents and/or caregivers. Please call 413-2636846 to preregister. 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM Anime and Manga Club for Teens We’ll discuss the latest anime and manga, work on manga drawing, and more. Meetings in Teen Central will be informal drop-in opportunities for discussion and sharing of favorite books and DVDs. Occasional meetings in the Community Room allow us to watch anime episodes. Contact Gary at 413-263-6828, ext. 471. Location: Central Library 5:30 PM - 6:30 PM Kids’ Book Group at the Children’s Room Join us as we read The Templeton Twins Make a Scene by Ellis Weiner and Jeremy Holmes. Each week’s reading is followed by a creative activity inspired by the story. No quizzes, no reports, just fun! Space is limited, and registration is recommended. To register, please call the Children’s Room at 413-263-6828, ext. 201. Location: Central Library Children’s Program Room

Tuesday February 11 10:30 AM - 11:15 AM Music and Movement Storytime at Forest Park Come and enjoy moving to music, learning some new rhymes and songs and hearing a story. Recommended for children 1 1/2 - 3 years old and their parents or caregivers. Please call 413-263-6843 to preregister. Location: Forest Park Program Den 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM Noon Hour Book Discussion Group This book group meets in the Central Library Community Room on the second Tuesday of each month from noon to 1:00 p.m. Newcomers are always welcome. Ask for a copy of the book at the Second Level (Rotunda) Circulation Desk. This month’s selection is The Reluctant Fundamentalist by Mohsin Hamid. (Copies of each book are kept at the desk during the month prior to the selection

discussion.) Contact Chris at (413) 263-6828, ext. 442. friends and neighbors in this introduction to hatha yoga, a gentle yet strengthening 3:00 PM - 7:00 PM exercise of postures and flowing Hearts for Sweethearts sequences. Good for new Express your love and affection for your significant practitioners as well as more other, friends or family members by creating your very experienced yogis, these workshops are a great way own homemade Valentine’s Day card. Give it your own to stay fit, build coordination, and relax. Yoga for You! personal touch and demonstrate to the special people is led by Carleen Sarno, an experienced and popular in your life how you feel about them! Location: Sixteen yoga teacher here in Hampden County. Acres Branch Contact: Forest Park at 413-263-6843. Location: Forest Park Community Room 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM Make a Valentine’s Treat! 3:00 PM - 7:00 PM Make Oreo Truffles for your Valentine (or yourself) and Hearts for Sweethearts bring your treats home in an origami box! For tweens Express your love and affection for your significant and teens. Location: Forest Park Program Den other, friends or family members by creating your very own homemade Valentine’s Day card. Give it your 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM own personal touch and demonstrate to the special Indian Orchard LEGO Questers people in your life how you feel about them! Location: Become a LEGO Quester by completing 52 Indian Orchard LEGO Quests (or build your own!). Open to children 7-12. Space is limited to 10 5:30 PM - 6:30 PM Questers. Contact: Meg Aust-Anastasi, 413- Science Squad! 263-6846, [email protected]. This series of programs will explore eight different scientific areas with engaging, handson activities tailored to school-aged Wednesday February 12 children. Each program will include a brief discussion of scientific principles, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM getting hands-on by making models Wednesday Book Group Share your recent reads at this lively and long-running or examples, and “science in action,” where Science Squad! members conduct experiments book group, and gain exposure to new authors and and work with their models. Ages 8-12. Space is titles. We’re always open to new members - join us! limited, and registration is recommended. To register, Contact: Ann Keefe at (413) 263-6828, ext. 294 or email [email protected]. Location: Central please call the Children’s Room at 413-263-6828, ext. 201. Library Community Room. Week 4: Airplane Science – We’ll dig into the science of flight, with lots of opportunities for making 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM and flying paper airplanes to explore scientific Storytime at Mason Square Branch Library principles behind flight. Location: Central Library Join us in our Community Room every Wednesday morning for stories, songs, and crafts. For ages 3 to 8, Children’s Program Room siblings welcome. Call the branch at 413-263-6853. 1:00 PM - 8:00 PM Hearts for Sweethearts Express your love and affection for your significant other, friends or family members by creating your very own homemade Valentine’s Day card. Give it your own personal touch and demonstrate to the special people in your life how you feel about them by designing them! Location: East Forest Park 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM Get Fit: Yoga for You! Limber up and watch the stress melt away! Join your

Thursday February 13

10:00 AM - 11:00 AM First Steps Join us in the Central Library Children’s Room for stories and songs and playtime! This is a great opportunity to help your baby or young toddler acquire those critical language and social skills. For children birth-36 months with a parent or caregiver. For more information please contact the Children’s Room at (413) 263-6828, ext. 201.

10:00 AM - 11:30 AM Hi!Tech: Introduction to the Web Explore the web and how it is set-up by looking at popular websites, reviewing key web terms and services, as well as learning basic web navigation and effective searching. Basic mouse and keyboarding skills are assumed. Participants earn a chance to win February’s Hi!Tech raffle. Contact the Reference Desk at (413) 263-6828, ext. 213 or email mjaquith@ springfieldlibrary.org. Location: Central Library Computer Lab 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM Preschool Storyhour at Sixteen Acres Come and enjoy some stories, songs and rhymes. Recommended for children ages 3-5 and their parent and/or caregiver. Please call (413) 263-6858 to preregister. 1:00 PM - 8:00 PM Hearts for Sweethearts Express your love and affection for your significant other, friends or family members by creating your very own homemade Valentine’s Day card. Give it your own personal touch and demonstrate to the special people in your life how you feel about them! Location: Brightwood Branch 3:30 PM - 4:00 PM Family Storytime at East Springfield Join us at the cozy East Springfield Branch every Thursday afternoon for stories, songs, and crafts. For ages 3 to 8, with siblings welcome. To register, call the branch at 413-263-6840. 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM Anime and Manga Club Chat about your favorite manga and anime! Crafts, snacks and conversation. Drop in at any time. Open to tweens and teens; suggested ages 10 to 14. Call Meg Aust-Anastasi at 413-263-6946. Location: Indian Orchard Branch Library 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM Knit-n-More at Forest Park Do you want to learn to knit or crochet, or need help with a yarn project you have started? Bring a pair of #8 or #9 needles and a ball of worsted weight yarn, or a #4.5 or #5 crochet hook and a ball of worsted weight yarn to the Forest Park Branch Library and our talented volunteer, Lynn, will help you. Teens, adults and families are encouraged to stop in and give it a try! You’ll be able to check out

new items at the Library as well as visit with others interested in the crafts of knitting and crocheting. It’s great for beginning or advanced knitters. The “Knit-nMore” group meets Thursdays from 5 -6:30 p.m. For more information, contact the branch, 413-263-6843. 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM Family PJ Storytime at Forest Park Families with children ages 3 - 8 are invited to come to the “Family Place” to enjoy some bedtime stories, songs, rhymes, and a bedtime snack. Please preregister by calling the branch at 413-263-6843. 6:00 PM - 7:45 PM The Secret of The Secret Join Dermot Kerin in this set of four workshops to help activate the law of attraction in your life! See yourself anew, release old habits, and get connected to the power of positive action. Each week will include new exercises to help deepen self-awareness. Workshops may be taken individually, but attendance at all four is best to maximize the program’s effect. Bring a friend, come join the fun, and please register online. Contact: Mason Square Branch at 413-263-6853, or email jlambert@springfieldlibrary. org. Location: Mason Square Community Room

Friday February 14 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM Knit Lits at East Springfield Avid knitters and crocheters, this group meets Friday from 10 - 11:30 am at the East Springfield Branch. New members are welcome and the current members are willing to teach knitting and crochet. Some yarn and needles are provided, but donations of such items will always be welcome. Coffee is provided; members take turns bringing in a treat. 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM First Steps Animal Storytime - East Forest Park Come to a fun storytime for toddlers and preschoolers, ages 2-5. We will read animal-themed stories, do a simple craft, and then eat yummy snacks together. This free program is a great way to expose young children to books and reading, to play with other children, and for parents and caregivers to socialize. Call the branch to sign up. 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM Knit-Alongs at the East Forest Park Branch Beginning and advanced knitters and crocheters are

invited to share ideas and learn a new skill. Bring a knitting or crochet project you are currently working on. Complete beginner or clueless? Bring a ball of worsted weight yarn and a #4.5 or #5 crochet hook, or a pair of size 8 or 10 knitting needles and we will show you the basics. Projects for donating to area organizations will also be created. For more information, contact Linda at the branch.

Saturday February 15

12:00 PM - 2:30 PM Black History Month Film Series Bamboozled (2 hours & 16 minutes), directed by Spike Lee. Rated R. Contact the branch at 413-263-6853. Mason Square Community Room 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM Saturday Storytime at the Children’s Room Join us in the Central Library Children’s Program Room for stories and a craft. Perfect for ages 3 to 8, siblings are welcome! No registration required. Contact the Children’s Room, 413-263-6828, ext. 201.

Monday February 17

All Springfield City Library locations closed in observance of Presidents’ Day

Tuesday February 18

TUESDAY FEBRUARY 18 - SATURDAY FEBRUARY 22

Preschool Scavenger Hunt Come to the Sixteen Acres Branch Library children’s area all week and hunt for pictures of your favorite characters. Find them all and win a small prize. Scavenger Hunt Come to the Brightwood Branch and pick up a clue sheet and hunt for clues of President’s past and present. Find them and win a small prize! Ages 5-12. D.C. Landmarks Scavenger Hunt Come to the Mason Square Branch any day this week for a fun Presidents’ Day-themed scavenger hunt of D.C. monuments and memorials. Find every landmark to win a prize! When I Am President. . . Drop in to the Forest Park Branch and add to our presidential display! Make a patriotic craft and tell us what you would do if you were president. All week! I’m Presidential!

Every president tries to make the world a better place. Write a mini-essay of a few sentences, or draw a picture of what you do to make the world more awesome, and show off your presidential potential. We’ll display the essays and drawings in our library for all to see! East Springfield Branch Library 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM Health and Medical Help Online: Focus on Heart Health Finding relevant and reliable health and medical information can be difficult, but Baystate librarian Margot Malachowski makes it easy in this hands-on workshop geared especially for people looking to better understand heart health. The ability to use a keyboard and a mouse is assumed. Participants will be entered into February’s Hi!Tech raffle. Contact the Reference Desk at 413-263-6828, ext. 213 or email to [email protected]. Location: Central Library Computer Lab 10:30 AM - 11:15 AM Music and Movement Storytime at Forest Park Come and enjoy moving to music, learning some new rhymes and songs and hearing a story. Recommended for children 1 1/2 - 3 years old and their parents or caregivers. Please call (413) 2636843 to preregister. Forest Park Program Den. 1:30 PM - 5:00 PM Web Design Mini-Camp: Four-Day Workshop February 18, 19, 20, 21 Are you interested in advertising, Web design, or digital media? Do you dream of starting your own business, or promoting the trendiest brands? In this 4-day workshop, participants will learn the basics principles of Web design and online marketing, as well as a variety of digital media tools. Spend your school vacation at the Mason Square Branch this February! This camp is intended for teens ages 11 to 15. Contact: Jeff Lambert at 413-263-6853. Mason Square Community Room 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM Presidential Pastimes Celebrate President’s Day with 19th century games and an old-fashioned snack! Drop in! This program is best for ages 8 and up. Forest Park Program Den Tasty Tuesday Make yummy treats for your after school munchies! 3:30 PM - 4:45 PM East Springfield Branch

3:30 PM - 5:00 PM Brightwood Community Room 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM Indian Orchard LEGO Questers Become a LEGO Quester by completing 52 LEGO Quests (or build your own!). Open to children 7-12. Space is limited to 10 Questers. Contact: Meg at 413263-6846, [email protected]. 4:30 PM - 5:30 PM

Meet Basketball Players from the Springfield Armor

Meet some players from Springfield NBA D-League team, the Springfield Armor! Have a chance to play a video game against one of the players. Participating youth will receive a free ticket for an upcoming game. Preregister--tickets are limited! Contact: Linda Lajoie at 413-263-6858. Sponsored by the Friends of the Springfield Library. Sixteen Acres Community Room 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM Planning Your Urban Garden Think ahead and start planning your summer vegetable garden. What should I plant? How much space do I need? When do I start? Springfield farmer, Daniel Staub will walk participants through the process of putting plans on paper. Look through a selection of seed catalogs and while supplies last, take home a selection of seeds. Beginners welcome. Contact: Doris Madsen at 413-263-6858. Sixteen Acres Community Room

Wednesday February 19 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM Storytime at Mason Square Branch Library Join us in our Community Room every Wednesday morning for stories, songs, and crafts. For ages 3 to 8, siblings welcome. Call the branch at 413-263-6853. 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM Our Voices: Teen Poetry Workshop with Brenda’s Child Local writer, teacher and performer Brenda’s Child will help you find your voice in poetry in this workshop for ages 12-18. You will have the opportunity to have your work included in an anthology of poetry by teens. Contact: Christine at 413-263-6843. Forest Park Program Den 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Sandpaper Art! Create a cool picture with crayons and sandpaper. Open to kids ages 7 and up. For more info please call 413-263-6846 and talk to Meg. Indian Orchard 3:00 PM - 4:15 PM Birds of Prey with Tom Ricardi Fly over to the East Forest Park Branch Library during school vacation! All ages will enjoy seeing live birds of prey up close, including a golden eagle, red-tailed hawk, owls and other cool birds. This exciting program is a free, family event that will not only be educational but memorable. Don’t forget to bring a camera along to take pictures with your favorite birds! Location: East Forest Park 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM American Girls Club Every month fans of the American Girls books and dolls get together to discuss the books and learn about historical events featured by playing games, making crafts, having a snack, and seeing other library materials related to the era portrayed in the book. Girls aged 6 to 14 are welcome to join the Club. Please contact Tricia at the East Springfield Branch, 413-263-6840. Location: East Springfield 5:30 PM - 6:30 PM Science Squad! This series of programs will explore eight different scientific areas with engaging, hands-on activities tailored to school-aged children. Each program will include a brief discussion of scientific principles, getting hands-on by making models or examples, and “science in action,” where Science Squad! members conduct experiments and work with their models. Ages 8-12. Space is limited, and registration is recommended. To register, call the Children’s Room at 413-263-6828, ext. 201. Week 5: Bridge Science – Examine the science of bridges, and apply what you’ve learned by building the strongest bridge possible using top-secret materials. Location: Central Library Children’s Program Room

Thursday February 20 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM First Steps Join us in the Central Library Children’s Room for

stories and songs and playtime! This is a great opportunity to help your baby or young toddler acquire those critical language and social skills. For children birth-36 months with a parent or caregiver. For more information please contact the Children’s Room at (413) 263-6828, ext. 201. 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM Hi!Tech: Introduction to Social Media Social media is changing the web and the ways we do business and socialize. Come see what the excitement is all about and explore three of the web’s leading social media platforms: Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest. Bring your questions, and please register for an email account before attending the class. Participants earn a chance to win this month’s Hi!Tech raffle. Contact: Reference Desk, 413-2636828, ext. 213. Central Library Computer Lab 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM Preschool Storytime Recommended for ages 3-5. Please preregister by calling the branch at (413) 263-6858. Location: Sixteen Acres Community Room 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM Our Voices: Teen Poetry Workshop with Brenda’s Child Local writer, teacher and performer Brenda’s Child will help you find your voice in poetry in this workshop for ages 12-18. You will have the opportunity to have your work included in an anthology of poetry by teens. Contact: Martha Coons at 413-263-6828 ext. 425, or by email to [email protected]. Location: Central Library Community Room 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM Live a Day as Honest Abe Kids will have fun making their own Abe Lincoln hat and pretending to be Abe for a day. On a large shoe shape printout they will write what it would be like to be Abraham Lincoln or to follow in his steps. Shoe prints will then be displayed around the library. A large sheet cake made in the shape of Abe’s hat will be decorated and enjoyed by all who participate. Location: Brightwood Community Room

3:30 PM - 4:00 PM

Family Storytime Join us at the cozy East Springfield Branch every Thursday afternoon for stories, songs, and crafts. For

ages 3 to 8; siblings welcome. To register, call the branch at 413-263-6840. 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM Anime and Manga Club Chat about your favorite manga and anime! Crafts, snacks and conversation. Drop in at any time. Open to tweens and teens; suggested ages 10 to 14. Call Meg Aust-Anastasi at 413-263-6946. Location: Indian Orchard Branch Library 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM Knit-n-More at Forest Park Do you want to learn to knit or crochet, or need help with a yarn project you have started? Bring a pair of #8 or #9 needles and a ball of worsted weight yarn, or a #4.5 or #5 crochet hook and a ball of worsted weight yarn to the Forest Park Branch Library and our talented volunteer, Lynn, will help you. Teens, adults and families are encouraged to stop in and give it a try! You’ll be able to check out new items at the Library as well as visit with others interested in the crafts of knitting and crocheting. It’s great for beginning or advanced knitters. For more information, contact Linda at the branch. 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM Family PJ Storytime Families with children age 3- 8 are invited to come to the “Family Place” to enjoy some bedtime stories, songs, rhymes and a bedtime snack. Please preregister by calling us at 413-263-6843. Location: Forest Park Program Den

Friday February 21 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM Knit Lits at East Springfield Avid knitters and crocheters, this group meets every Friday from 10 - 11:30 am at the East Springfield Branch. New members are welcome and the current members are willing to teach knitting and crochet. Some yarn and needles are provided, but donations of such items will always be welcome. Coffee is provided and members take turns bringing in a treat. 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM First Steps Animal Storytime Come to a fun storytime for toddlers and preschoolers, ages 2-5. We will read animal-themed stories, do a simple craft, and then eat yummy snacks together. A great way to expose young children to books and

reading, to play with other children, and for parents and caregivers to socialize. This program is free, but please sign-up as space is limited. Call the East Forest Park Branch Library, 413-263-6836. 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM Knit-Alongs at East Forest Park Branch Library Beginning and advanced knitters and crocheters are invited to share ideas and learn a new skill. Bring a knitting or crochet project you are currently working on. Complete beginner or clueless? Bring a ball of worsted weight yarn and a #4.5 or #5 crochet hook, or a pair of size 8 or 10 knitting needles and we’ll show you the basics. Projects for donating to area organizations are also created. Meets Friday at 1 pm. 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM Mad Lab of Forest Park Can we make a bouncy ball with household ingredients? Come to the Forest Park Mad Lab to join the science fun. This family program is best for children 7 years and older. Forest Park Program Den 2:00 PM - 3:15 PM Birds of Prey with Tom Ricardi Don’t miss your chance to see live birds of prey up close at the East Springfield Branch during vacation week! Tom Ricardi of Conway will bring some of the birds he has rescued, including a golden eagle, a red-tailed hawk, and owls. This program is free. The whole family will enjoy learning about these fascinating creatures. Bring your camera along! Call the branch at 413-263-6840 for more information.

Saturday February 22 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM Black History Month Film Series Do the Right Thing (2 hours), directed by Spike Lee. Rated R. This film will be followed by a lecture and discussion by Hampshire College professor Christopher Tinson, Ph.D. Contact the branch at 413263-6853. Mason Square Community Room 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM Saturday Storytime at the Children’s Room Join us in the Central Library Children’s Program Room for stories and a craft. Perfect for ages 3 to 8, siblings are welcome! No registration required. Call 413-263-6828, ext. 201.

Monday February 24 Scavenger Hunt Come to the Brightwood Branch this week to pick up a clue sheet and hunt for clues of President’s past and present. Win a small prize! Ages 5-12. 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM Wee Ones Storytime at Indian Orchard Come and enjoy some stories, songs, and fun rhymes. Recommended for children 1-2 years old and their parents and/or caregivers. Call 413-263-6846 to preregister. 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM Hi!Tech: Computer Clinic at East Forest Park Do you have a question about using a computer, whether it is email, word processing, or something you saw on the web? Have you long wanted to learn the computer but did not know where to begin? Drop by the East Forest Park Branch and meet with Linda to have your questions addressed. Beginners and experienced computer users are welcomed. Participants earn a chance to win February’s Hi!Tech raffle. Contact: Linda Grodofsky at 413-263-6836. 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM Anime and Manga Club for Teens We’ll discuss the latest anime and manga, work on manga drawing, and more. Meetings in Teen Central will be informal drop-in opportunities for discussion and sharing of favorite books and DVDs. Occasional meetings in the Community Room allow us to watch anime episodes. Contact: Gary Pyzsnik at 413-2636828, ext. 471. Central Library 5:30 PM - 6:30 PM Kids’ Book Group at the Children’s Room Join us as we read The Templeton Twins Make a Scene by Ellis Weiner and Jeremy Holmes. Each week’s reading is followed by a creative activity inspired by the story. No quizzes, no reports, just fun! Space is limited, and registration is recommended. To register, please call us at 413-263-6828, ext. 201.

Tuesday February 25 10:30 AM - 11:15 AM Music and Movement Storytime at Forest Park Come and enjoy moving to music, learning some new rhymes and songs and hearing a story. Recommended for children 1 1/2 - 3 years old and their parents or caregivers. Please call (413) 263-

6843 to preregister. Forest Park Program Den. 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM Indian Orchard LEGO Questers Become a LEGO Quester by completing 52 LEGO Quests (or build your own!). Open to children 7-12. Space is limited to 10 Questers. Tuesdays from 4-5 pm. Contact: Indian Orchard, 413-263-6846. 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM Stories and Art for After School Stories for ages 4-8 to encourage active listening and looking by reading a special book and completing an exciting art activity. Parents will be expected to attend with their children. Contact Sixteen Acres at 413263-6858. Sixteen Acres Community Room

Wednesday February 26 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM Wednesday Book Group Share your recent reads at this lively and long-running book group, and gain exposure to new authors and titles. We’re always open to new members - join us! Contact Ann Keefe at (413) 263-6828, ext. 294. Central Library Community Room 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM Storytime at Mason Square Branch Library Join us in our Community Room every Wednesday morning for stories, songs, and crafts. For ages 3 to 8, siblings welcome. Call the branch at 413-263-6853. 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM Get Fit: Yoga for You! Limber up and watch the stress melt away! Join others in this introduction to hatha yoga, a gentle yet strengthening practice of postures and flowing sequences. Good for new practitioners as well as more experienced yogis, these workshops are a great way to stay fit, build coordination, and relax. Yoga for You! is led by Carleen Sarno, an experienced and popular yoga teacher in Hampden County. Forest Park, 413-263-6843. Forest Park Community Room 5:30 PM - 6:30 PM Science Squad! This series of programs will explore eight different scientific areas with engaging, hands-on activities tailored to school-aged children. Each program will include a brief discussion of scientific principles, getting hands-on by making models or examples, and

“science in action,” where Science Squad! members conduct experiments and work with their models. Ages 8-12. Space is limited, and registration is recommended. To register, please call the Children’s Room at 413-263-6828, ext. 201. Week 6: Parachute Science – Get into the science of parachutes, and build and experiment with your own parachute design! Central Library Children’s Program Room 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM East Forest Park Book Group This month the East Forest Park Book Group will read and discuss The Lifeboat by Charlotte Rogan. This groups meets from 6-7 p.m. on the last Wednesday of the month, and select a new book to discuss every month. Come join us for a lively discussion and meet others who also enjoy reading. New members are always welcome. Contact: Linda Grodofsky at 413263-6836, [email protected]. 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM Planning Your Urban Garden Think ahead and start planning your summer vegetable garden. What should I plant? How much space do I need? When do I start? Springfield farmer, Daniel Staub will walk participants through the process of putting plans on paper. Look through a selection of seed catalogs and while supplies last, take home a selection of seeds. Beginners welcome. Contact: Doris Madsen at 413-263-6858, or email Doris at dmadsen@ springfieldlibrary.org. Indian Orchard Branch Library

Thursday February 27 First Steps Join us in the Central Library Children’s Room for stories and songs and playtime! This is a great opportunity to help your baby or young toddler acquire those critical language and social skills. For children birth-36 months with a parent or caregiver. For more information please contact the Children’s Room at (413) 263-6828, ext. 201. 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM Hi!Tech: Introduction to Publisher Learn the basics of home-based desktop publishing in this hands-on workshop. Explore Publisher’s powerful templates to help you make professionallooking brochures. Skill with a keyboard and a mouse is assumed. Participants earn a chance to win this

month’s Hi!Tech raffle. Contact: Reference Desk, 413263-6828, ext. 213. Central Library Computer Lab 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM Preschool Storytime Recommended for ages 3-5. Please preregister by calling the branch at (413) 263-6858. Sixteen Acres Community Room 1:30 PM - 3:00 PM Circle in the Square at Mason Square Do you remember Buckingham Junior High, King’s Department Store and the Strand Theater? Join us for a continuing chat about our memories of growing up in the neighborhoods surrounding Winchester Square, now known as Mason Square. Bring photos or mementos to spark conversation. Light refreshments served. Please drop in! Location: Mason Square Community Room. Call for more info, 413-263-6853. 3:30 PM - 4:00 PM Family Storytime Join us at the cozy East Springfield Branch every Thursday afternoon for stories, songs, and crafts. For ages 3 to 8; siblings welcome. To register, please call us at 413-263-6840. 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM Anime and Manga Club Chat about your favorite manga and anime! Crafts, snacks and conversation. Drop in at any time. Open to tweens and teens; suggested ages 10 to 14. Call Meg Aust-Anastasi at 413-263-6946. Location: Indian Orchard Branch Library 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM Knit-n-More at Forest Park Do you want to learn to knit or crochet, or need help with a yarn project you have started? Bring a pair of #8 or #9 needles and a ball of worsted weight yarn, or a #4.5 or #5 crochet hook and a ball of worsted weight yarn to the Forest Park Branch Library and our talented volunteer, Lynn, will help you. It’s great for beginning or advanced knitters. The “Knit-n-More” group meets Thursdays from 5 -6:30 p.m. 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM Family PJ Storytime at Forest Park Families with children ages 3 - 8 are invited to come to the “Family Place” to enjoy some bedtime stories, songs, rhymes, and a bedtime snack. Call to sign up. 6:00 PM - 7:45 PM

The Secret of The Secret Join Dermot Kerin in this set of four workshops to help activate the law of attraction in your life! See yourself anew, release old habits, and get connected to the power of positive action. Each week will include new exercises to help deepen self-awareness. Workshops may be taken individually, but attendance at all four is best to maximize the program’s effect. Bring a friend, come join the fun, and please register online. Contact: Mason Square Branch at 413-263-6853. Location: Mason Square Community Room

Friday February 28

10:00 AM - 11:30 AM Knit Lits at East Springfield A group of avid knitters and crocheters, “The Knit Lits,” meets every Friday from 10 - 11:30 a.m. at the East Springfield Branch Library. New members are welcome and the current members are willing to teach knitting and crochet. Some yarn and needles are provided, but donations of such items will always be welcome. Coffee is provided and the members take turns bringing in a treat. 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM First Steps Animal Storytime - East Forest Park Come to a fun storytime for toddlers and preschoolers, ages 2-5. We will read animal-themed stories, do a simple craft, and then eat yummy snacks together. This free program is a great way to expose young children to books and reading, to play with other children, and for parents and caregivers to socialize. Sign up, call 413-263-6836, space is limited. 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM Knit-Alongs at East Forest Park Branch Library Beginning and advanced knitters and crocheters are invited to share ideas and learn a new skill. Bring a knitting or crochet project you are currently working on. Complete beginner or clueless? Bring a ball of worsted weight yarn and a #4.5 or #5 crochet hook, or a pair of size 8 or 10 knitting needles and we will show you the basics. Projects for donating to area organizations will also be created.

Springfield City Library Branch Hours Brightwood, 359 Plainfield St. (413) 263-6805

Sun

Mon

Tues

Wed

Thurs

Fri

Sat

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1p-5p

1p-8p

1p-5p

1p-8p

9a-5p

Closed

 

 

 

 

 

 

12p-5p

12p-8p

9a-5p

12p-8p

9a-5p

Closed

9a-5p

(Sept-May)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Central Library, 220 State St. (413) 263-6828 E. Forest Park, 122 Island Pond Rd. (413) 263-6836

 

1p-5p

1p-5p

1p-8p

1p-5p

10a-5p

11a-3p

 

 

 

 

 

 

E. Springfield, 21 Osborne Terrace (413) 263-6840

 

1p-5p

1p-5p

1p-8p

1p-5p

10a-5p

11a-3p

 

 

 

 

 

 

Forest Park, 380 Belmont Ave. (413) 263-6843

 

1p-5p

10a-5p

1p-5p

1p-8p

1p-5p

11a-3p

 

 

 

 

 

 

Indian Orchard, 44 Oak St. (413) 263-6846

 

10a-5p

1p-5p

1p-8p

1p-5p

1p-5p

11a-3p

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mason Square, 765 State St. (413) 263-6853

 

1p-5p

1p-5p

10a-5p

1-8p

1p-5p

11a-3p

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sixteen Acres, 1187 Parker St. (413) 263-6858

 

1p-5p

1p-8p

1p-5p

10a-5p

1p-5p

11a-3p

 

 

 

 

 

 

Read/Write/Now Adult Literacy Program, 204 Boston Road. Please call (413) 263-6839 for hours.

           

 

Pine Point Branch Library is temporarily CLOSED for renovations.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A FEW PROGRAMS PLANNED FOR MARCH... SEED STARTING WITH DANIEL STAUB Saturday March 8 Farmer Daniel Staub will instruct how to start new seeds in trays and various types of pots. Take your starter home for spring planting. All supplies provided. Participants will also learn how to create a cold frame to help stretch the New England growing season! Mason Square Branch Library VITAMIN P FOR POETRY: A POETRY WRITING WORKSHOP Saturday March 8 Once a month, get a dose of poetry. In the first hour, come prepared to read and to discuss poems by established poets. In the second, engage in writing prompts inspired by the very poems we read together and then share aloud your ideas for new poems. Facilitated by local award-winning multilingual poet and educator, María Luisa Arroyo. Central Library ALL THINGS DOWNTON ABBEY Wednesday March 12 You are most cordially invited for tea and conversation at the East Forest Park Branch Library where we will reflect upon all things Downton Abbey. Feel free to dress for the occasion, either upstairs or downstairs. (Prizes for best costume). Recipes from the era will be prepared and we will all dine like lords and ladies! Please join us for a rather good time. AUTHOR FAIR Saturday March 22 Stop by the Central Library and meet local, published writers and chat with them about their work and publishing experiences. Copies of their books - including adult fiction and nonfiction, young adult novels, and children’s books - will be available for purchase and signing.