SPRINGFIELD CITY LIBRARY
WHAT'S NEW AT THE LIBRARY? - AUGUST 2021
In this Issue
Diaper Bank - Diapers Available, and Donations Needed
Book Lists and Recommendations
Crafts and Activities for Kids and Families
Programs for Teens
Events for Adults
Puzzle Champs of East Forest Park
Connect With Us
Diaper Bank - Diapers Available, and Donations Needed
Did you know that 1 in 3 American families struggle to provide diapers for their babies? Three of our library branches are distribution locations for the Springfield Baby Bottoms emergency diaper bank, where you can pick up one package of diapers  for each child who needs them in your family per month. Call the Indian Orchard, East Springfield or Forest Park branch to set up a pickup time.

Want  to support your neighbors? We are now accepting donations at all of our locations during open hours! We accept all sizes and brands but the need is highest for sizes 2, 5, and 6.

The Springfield  Baby Bottoms Diaper Bank is a program of the Department of Health and Human Services coordinated by our partner organization, Square One.
 
 
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!
 
Fake Dating Romances for Teens - Fake relationships, real romance.
 
Pluto Got Demoted?!? - 15 years ago, Pluto was summarily demoted from planet to dwarf planet, with a great deal of controversy. Learn more about Pluto with these videos and books!
 
The Kennedys of Massachusetts - Wealthy, politically powerful, yet assailed by an outsize number of tragedies and human problems, the Kennedy family has long fascinated the world. Learn more about this influential Massachusetts clan by exploring these books.
 
Crafts and Activities for Kids and Families
Splatter Painting
August 16th 10:00 am - 11:00 am
Mason Square Branch
Create abstract masterpieces... by throwing, dripping, or splashing paint at the canvas! This creative (and cathartic) event is aimed at children and their families, but all ages are welcome. We will use washable tempera paint and follow social distancing guidelines. Please remember to wear sunscreen, as we'll be painting on the lawn! 
765 State Street Springfield, MA 413-263-6853
 
To Bee or Not to Bee: Theater for Families
August 28 | 11:00 am
East Forest Park Branch – Outside
Families! Join us outside at East Forest Park Branch to learn about pollinators in this exciting performance complete with puppetry, clowning, dance, live music, and lots of audience participation.
For families of all ages.
136 Surrey Rd. Springfield, MA | 413-263-6836
Pre-Reading Activity Sheet
Through the Month of August
Take & Make Activity Sheet

Pre-readers and their loved ones can use this activity page to build the foundation of early reading skills! Complete all the activities and return to the library by the end of August for a free book!
 
Get your activity sheet at the following branches:
Central Library (Curbside Pickup), Mason Square, East Forest Park, Forest Park, Brightwood, Sixteen Acres
Take and Make Activities for August
Add these great family activities to your next pickup at participating branches. See more info on our calendar!
  • Seaside Sensory Scavenger Hunt
  • Discover: Baby Shark Sensory Bags
  • Discover: Seaside Fun
  • Count the Seashells
Programs for Teens
Springfield Queer+ Teen Space
Saturday, August 28th, 1-2 pm
Meet other LGBTQIA+ or allied teens from Springfield on Zoom for a Saturday afternoon of anything from astrology readings to zine making! We'll be meeting to build a safe space to hang out and taking your ideas for activities, your favorite books or shows to talk about, or just conversation topics you love! We'll also have monthly care packages to pick up. For teens 13-18. See more on our website!
Comics Club
Monday, August 23, 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!
Ongoing Teen Programs
See more at our website about ongoing programs like QTs of Western Mass and Teen Advisory Board!
 
Events for Adults
Ongoing Adult Programs
See our many ongoing online adult programs at this link, including Gardening Workshops, 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!
 
Puzzle Champs of East Forest Park
Puzzle wizards Joyce and Julie complete the first two puzzles at the East Forest Park Branch since reopening. Stop-by and try your hand at one of the library's many puzzles available during regular library hours!
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!