SPRINGFIELD CITY LIBRARY
WHAT'S NEW AT THE LIBRARY? - SEPTEMBER 2021
In this Issue
REOPENING: Central and Branches Return to Regular Hours
If You Give a Mouse A Library Card -September is National Library Card Month!
Book Lists and Recommendations
Storytimes and Playgroups for Little Ones
Activities for Kids and Families
Programs for Teens
Events and Groups for Adults
Our Summer Reading Club Finale Event
Connect With Us
REOPENING: Central and Branches Return to Regular Hours
Beginning Tuesday, September 7, the Central Library building is reopening to the public, and all library locations are returning to regular hours.

The Springfield City Library is excited to announce that, starting September 7, all buildings will be open during their regular hours! 8 branches have been open since July with limited summer hours and now the Central Library, located at 220 State Street is ready to welcome back patrons as well. 
 
Please note: Effective immediately, by order of the Department of Health and Human Services and Board of Health, the City of Springfield has expanded its mask policy and now requires all individuals, regardless of vaccination status, to wear a mask or face covering in all municipal buildings. If you do not have a mask at arrival, disposable masks can be provided to you by a staff member. 
 
Curbside pick- up is still available by appointment. Please call your local branch for more details.
 
We can't wait to see you back in the buildings!
 
If You Give a Mouse A Library Card -
September is National Library Card Month!
What happens when you give a kid a library card? The same thing as when you give a mouse a cookie; there’s bound to be a grand adventure!
 
Stop by the library and have your photo taken with Mouse, and find out how you can get your very own library card. There will even be a sweet surprise in store for you! For kids 2-10.
 
The Mouse is visiting several of our locations:
 
Tuesday, September 21, 10:30 – Central Library
Tuesday, September 21, 3:30 – Forest Park Branch
Wednesday, September 22, 10:30 – Brightwood Branch
Wednesday, September 22, 1:00 – Mason Square Branch
Wednesday, September 22, 3:30 – East Forest Park Branch
Thursday, September 23, 10:30 – Sixteen Acres Branch
Thursday, September 23, 1:00 – Indian Orchard Branch
Thursday, September 23, 3:30 – East Springfield Branch
 
Book Lists and Recommendations
Librarians have created curated topic lists that you can click through to place a hold directly in the catalog! If you have suggestions for a list, please let us know at our Ask A Librarian page or just reply to this newsletter. You can also get personalized suggestions from our Your Next Great Story service. See previous lists here!
 
50th Anniversary of the Attica Prison Uprising - On September 9, 1971, around 1,300 incarcerated men led an uprising at the overcrowded Attica Correctional Facility, demanding humane living conditions and taking 42 staff members hostage. On September 13th, heavily armed state police officers opened fire on the protestors, killing 10 hostages and 29 prisoners. Following the Attica uprising, the number of people incarcerated in U.S. prisons began to soar. Read more about Attica and incarceration from this list.
 
Teen Fiction by Puerto Rican Authors - Celebrate Puerto Rican authors with these great reads!
 
Teen Novels Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month - Celebrate Hispanic culture and heritage with these teen novels.
 
Mushrooms Are Magical - September is National Mushroom Month! Did you know? Mushrooms are so unique they're their own kingdom! They’re not classified as a fruit or vegetable, but as fungi, which are so distinct in nature they are classified separate from plants or animals. Read all about them from the library!
 
National POW/MIA Recognition Day - On September 17, America honors those who were either taken prisoner or went missing during wartime. Read or watch more about them.
 
Storytimes and Playgroups for Little Ones
Circle Time Fun
Sixteen Acres Branch – Outside – Thursdays | 10:30-11 AM | Ages 0-5
September 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
October 7, 14, 21, 28
Join us for songs, rhymes and a story or two. “Circle Time” is not only a fun experience for your child, but also a great way to be ready for preschool and kindergarten. Bring a blanket and sunscreen!
 
Hora De Cuentos (Spanish Storytime)
Forest Park Branch - Tuesdays | 10-11 AM | Ages 1-5
Vengan y participen todos los martes en una hora de cuentos en español: cuentos, cancioncitas, rimas, y actividades manuales. Compartan con amiguitos y refrescos. Edades 1-5, familias bienvenidas.
 
Wee Ones: Storytime and Playgroup
Central Library – Children’s Room – Tuesdays | 10:30-11:30 AM | Ages 0-5
Storytime plays an important role in building early literacy and social skills. Join us for an interactive storytime featuring books, songs, and playtime for babies and toddlers birth to five with social time for caregivers.
 
Family Storytime
Central Library – Children’s Room  – Saturdays | 10:30-11:30 AM | Children and Families
Children of all ages and their families are invited to our weekly storytime featuring books, songs, activities, and crafts. No registration required.
 
Activities for Kids and Families
Magical Moments with Ed Popielarczyk
East Forest Park Branch
Wednesday, September 22 | 4-5 pm
 
Libraries are magical! Celebrate National Library Card Month with this special outdoor performance with local magician, Ed Popielarczyk. Come join the fun! All ages.
Reading With Therapy Dogs
 
Outdoor Storytime With Cadence
Sixteen Acres Branch - 11:00 am – 12:00 pm
September 18th (rain date September 25th)
October 16th (rain date October 23rd)
Bring your own blanket and join us for outdoor storytime with Megan Marshall and her dog Cadence. We’ll listen to paws-itively wonderful stories and then have time for a craft and to visit with Cadence. Ideal for ages 3-8, with children of all ages welcome.
 
Read to Reimi the Therapy Dog
East Forest Park Branch – Children’s Room
Wednesdays | 4:00 – 5:00 pm | Grades K-5
September 8, October 6, November 10, December 8
Children are invited to read to Reimi, a hypoallergenic Goldendoodle who loves everyone!
Crafts and Take & Makes for September
 
Join in great family activities at participating branches. See more info on our website!
    Programs for Teens
    Self-Care Kits for Teens
    September 1-17
     
    Come pick up a self care kit full of fun activities and easy mindfulness tools to help you manage stress and look after your mental health.
     
    Each kit includes supplies to make calming lavender play-dough, a journal, stickers, simple suggestions for self care, and directions to find other mental health resources. For ages 12-18.
     
    At the following library locations: East Forest Park Branch, East Springfield Branch, Indian Orchard Branch, Sixteen Acres Branch
     
    Comics Club for Teens
    Monday, September 27, 3:45-4:45 pm
    Do you wait on the edge of your seat for the next Marvel movie? Do you promote your favorite My Hero Academia character every time you see your friends? Then this is the club for you! Join us on Zoom as we share our favorites in Anime, Manga, and American comics. Come and geek out with us! For teens 13-19. More info on our website!
    More Teen Programs
    See all teen programs and events on our website, at the link!
     
    Events and Groups for Adults
    Knot Just Knitters is BACK!
    In-person groups are back, starting the week of September 20th! We can't wait to see you!
     
    Whether you knit, crochet, cross-stitch, or crewel, these groups are the place for you. New members are welcome, and current members are willing to teach their skills.
     
    Groups meet at several of our locations; see our website for details!
    Ongoing Adult Programs
     
    See our many ongoing adult programs at this link, including Ukulele Strum-Along, Genealogy Online Drop-In Help, Write-Up Springfield Creative Writing Group, and several Book and Discussion groups for every taste and interest!
     
    Our Summer Reading Club Finale Event
    To Bee or Not to Bee 
     
    We had such a great time last week with Piti Theatre at the East Forest Park Branch Library. Follow them for more fun events!
    IG: https://www.instagram.com/pititheatre/
    FB: https://www.facebook.com/pititheatre
     
    Do you want to a part of their next To Bee or Not to Bee event? Click here!
    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!