SPRINGFIELD CITY LIBRARY
WHAT'S NEW AT THE LIBRARY? - APRIL 2021
In this Newsletter Issue
National Library Week Is April 4-10
April is Poetry Month
Book Lists and Recommendations
Activities for Kids and Families
Teens: Get Social Online
So Many Events for Adults!
Hoopla - Books, Audiobooks, and Movies Available With No Wait
A Springfield Story
Curbside Pickup
Connect With Us
National Library Week Is April 4-10
April 4-10 is National Library Week, a time to highlight the essential role libraries, librarians and library workers play in transforming lives and strengthening communities. The theme for this year’s National Library Week is “Welcome to your library,” which promotes the idea that libraries extend far beyond the four walls of a building and that everyone is welcome to use their services. Whether people visit virtually or in person, libraries are accessible and inclusive places that foster a sense of belonging and community through learning, discovery and exploration.
 
See all of Springfield City Library's 24/7 online services at our e-Library! And look on our social media (Facebook, Instagram) during National Library week for video tours, games, and contests with fun prizes to celebrate National Library Week. 
 
April is Poetry Month
April is National Poetry Month, a time to remind us that poets have an integral role to play in our culture and that poetry matters.
 
Poem in Your Pickup - All curbside pickups throughout April will include an age-appropriate poem (children, teens, adults). A new poem every week!
 
Poetry Book List - Check out these volumes by poets from the Springfield area! 
 
30 Ways to Celebrate National Poetry Month at Home or Online - This list from Poets.org has 30 activities to celebrate National Poetry Month while social distancing!
 
Book Lists and Recommendations
Here are some curated 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.
 
Herbalism - Herbalism is the art or practice of using herbs and herbal preparations to maintain health and to prevent, alleviate, or cure disease. Check out these books to learn more about herbalist history and practice!
 
Money Smart Week - Money Smart Week is a national public education program coordinated by the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago. This year it's all online from April 10-17 - register for free webinars at moneysmartweek.org. Then grab some of these personal finance basics books from your library!
 
Bounce Back Better (for Teens) - From books about the teen juvenile system, to being an undocumented immigrant in 2023 when everyone is microchipped, to a dad on Death Row. Follow these teens as they overcome overwhelming adversity to discover who they really are. These books are both uplifting and devastating, but leave the reader feeling that there is hope in the darkness.
 
Activities for Kids and Families
Color Scavenger Hunt
March 15-April 30
Pick up a scavenger hunt curbside, or download and print from online! Head outside to find what's on the list. Return the list to claim a prize. Available online or at all library locations.
Take and Make Activities for April
Add these great family activities to your next curbside pick-up at participating branches. See more info at our website!
  • The Lorax
  • Thank You Postcards to Baystate Medical Center
  • Rainbow Ribbon Dancers
  • Beading Fun
All take-and-make activities are available while supplies last. Call your local branch for more details.
Teens: Get Social Online
QTs of Western Mass: April 8
Meet other LGBTQIA+ or allied teens from Springfield and beyond! We'll be gathering on Zoom once a month for a safe space to hang out in our PJs and watch videos, play games, listen to music or just talk! Ages 13-19. More info and registration at the link!

Ongoing Teen Programs
See more at our website about:
  • Drawn Together: Art Journaling
  • Teen Check-In
  • Teen Advisory Board
So Many Events for Adults!
Virtual Gardening Workshops
Join Anna Muhammad of the Northeast Organic Farmers Association's Massachusetts chapter for a series of informative gardening workshops. April 22nd, 7 pm on Zoom - Importance of Soil Testing – How it can help with Safety and Soil Health
This session will cover what information is found on the UMass test and how gardeners can use it to determine soil safety, and how to add basic amendments. Participants will also look at a Logan Labs test, compare the differences and learn how to make basic amendment calculations to add soil amendments.
Any Book Club (ABC) - NEW and ONLINE
3rd Wednesday & 4th Tuesday Each Month, 10-11 a.m.
The Any Book Club (ABC) meets twice a month to share recent reads. Each member gets 5-10 minutes to review books they've read recently so others can learn about what's great and, sometimes, what's not! Reserve your space for an upcoming meeting!
Romance Book Club - NEW and ONLINE
April 24. One Saturday a month, 3-4 pm, on Zoom.
Get your Happily Ever After fix from the new Romance Book Club! April's book is Destiny's Embrace, by Beverly Jenkins. Register if you’d like to be added to our email list, but no registration is required – just join us at the Zoom link, available on the website.
Forest Park Library Plant Swap
May 5-8 - Mark Your Calendar!
Visit Forest Park Branch May 5-7 and drop off plants you want to swap (labeled if possible) in exchange for a ticket to the Plant Swap on Saturday May 8th from 11am - 2pm. Swap out a different plant for each one you brought in, and consult with a local Master Gardener if you have questions! Your ticket will also get you entered into a raffle for a chance to win more plants and gardening related items! For more information contact the library at (413) 263-6843. All participants get a free flower starter and take-home craft kit! All ages welcome.
Co-sponsored by the Springfield Garden Club.
Other Ongoing Adult Programs
See our many ongoing online adult programs at this link, including:
  • Several Book and Discussion groups
  • Knot Just Knitters - Live at Lunchtime
  • Ukulele Strum-Along
  • Genealogy Online Drop-In Help
  • Write-Up Springfield
Hoopla - Books, Audiobooks, and Movies Available With No Wait
hoopla is a digital media service offered by Springfield City Library that allows you to borrow movies, music, audiobooks, ebooks, comics and TV shows to enjoy on your computer, tablet, or phone – and even your smart TV - with never any wait! Titles can be streamed immediately, or downloaded to phones or tablets for offline enjoyment later. There are thousands of titles to choose from. It's like having the library at your fingertips, anytime, anywhere. All you need is a Springfield City Library card! Click to check out hoopla, and learn more at our eLibrary!
A Springfield Story
The Library is still dedicated to assisting eligible Springfield residents  book their vaccine appointments. Check out this thank you note from a senior patron. 

For more information, or help booking your appointment click here.
 
Curbside Pickup
Curbside Pickup Available at All Locations
We miss you! And although we can’t open our doors just yet, we want you to safely get the library items you want. Our contactless curbside pickup is easy! Read more at our website!
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!