Looking for a good book? Here are some that JEL staff have recently enjoyed! Clicking on the title will take you right to

You are cordially invited to the presentation of the bicentennial map created by faculty and students at Bridgewater State University. The reception will be provided by the Friends of Jacob Edwards Library. Event takes place in the Reading Room of the Jacob Edwards Library. All welcome! 

The Town of Southbridge turns 200 in 2016! Visit  southbridge200.org for information on all of the upcoming events. Mark your calendars for the Grand Parade, coming up on Saturday, May 14th!

Also, keep an eye on Southbridge Community Television's YouTube channel, where you can watch the Celebrating Southbridge series with Town Manager Ron San Angelo. Episode 3 introduces the Bicentennial Committeee Co-Chairmen, and discusses the events planned.

And don't forget to like the Bicentennial on Facebook to keep up with the latest news!

A gardener in East L.A. struggles to keep his son away from gangs and immigration agents while trying to give his son the opportunities he never had.

Rated PG-13. Running time 98 min.

Presented as part of the Library Box Office series, sponsored by the Friends of the Jacob Edwards Library.

Presented by Money Management International.

Identity theft can happen to anyone - even you. Crime experts estimate that as many as 11 million Americans have their identities stolen each year. Taking action to protect yourself against identity theft is urgent so that you don't become a victim.

Identity Theft Protection is a program designed to offer critical information on the growing crisis of identity theft and ways you can keep your identity safe. Learn about:
* the frequency of identity theft and who thieves are targeting;
* how thieves gain access to your personal information and how to stop them;
* action steps to take if your identity is stolen; and
* simple habits to protect yourself from identity theft

The best way to protect yourself from identity theft is to be informed about theft tactics and ways you can avoid them. This course details the scams that thieves use to steal your identity, including skimming, phishing, and dumpster diving. Don't fall victim to identity theft. Join us for this free one-hour presentation.

As the month of April is sexual assault violence awareness month, the Jacob Edwards Library is pleased to be working with Pathways for Change and New Hope. Both agencies service our community and assist anyone who has been affected by sexual violence. A panel discussion with representatives from the agencies will take place on Thursday, April 21st at 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm. 

Earlier in the afternoon an exhibit from The Clothesline Project will be installed. The community is invited to come and look at this exhibit of shirts that have been decorated by those affected by sexual violence. The Clothesline Project (CLP) is a program started on Cape Cod, MA, in 1990 to address the issue of violence against women. It is a vehicle for women affected by violence to express their emotions by decorating a shirt. They then hang the shirt on a clothesline to be viewed by others as testimony to the problem of violence against women. With the support of many, it has since spread world-wide. 

All are welcome to join us for a jazz performance by the JoyCo Jazz Trio! 

Music of the East & West is a multi-cultural classical music performance by classical guitarist Aaron Larget-Caplan, featuring music inspired by myth, poetry, love and loss by composers from Japan and the United States. Suitable for all ages and listening levels, we hope you will join us for this one-hour concert!

Music of the East & West is a fusion recital that highlights similarities and differences between cultures and demonstrates how the traditions can compliment each other without losing the qualities that make them unique. This is a skill that is very much needed by people of all ages in our society as we seek to understand our neighbors and navigate our rapidly changing society. Though guitar is one of the most popular instruments, classical guitar is not heard daily, and with the advent of streaming music and online videos, many young people have never experienced live music. 

Aaron Larget-Caplan is a sought-after soloist and chamber musician, connecting with audiences with a Bernstein-esque ease. Since his debut, he has premiered more than 60 compositions and performed throughout the USA, Europe, and Russia. He has energized classical guitar through several projects, including his New Lullaby Project. His recordings have received critical acclaim from Audiophile, Fanfare, American Record Guide, Guitar Magazine, and are issued on Albany, Stone and Navona Records. A graduate of the New England Conservatory, he is on faculty at the University of Massachusetts Boston.

After the program Aaron will answer questions from audience members. Light refreshments will be served, thanks to the Friends of the Library.

This program is supported by a grant from the Southbridge Cultural Council, a local agency, which is sponsored by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency.
 

Action Story Time

Saturday, April 2

11:00 am

Craft a Collage

Tuesday, April 12, 9 am-5 pm

We will provide the magazines, glue, scissors, and crayons,  You supply the ideas and creativity! Drop in any time on the second Tuesday of the month to cut, paste, and craft a collage creation!

      Tri-Community YMCA Daycare    Art Show and Reception

      Artwork from the Tri-Community YMCA Daycare will be on  display in the Children's room for the month of April.  A reception will be held on

Thursday, April 14, from 5:30-6:30 p.m.

Musical Petting Zoo

presented by the Springfield Symphony Orchestra

Friday, April 22 

2-3 pm

    The Musical Petting Zoo is a fun and informative hands-on exhibit of musical instruments. 

Try out an instrument and see which one is right for you!

            Sponsored by the Borgatti Trust.