Upcoming Library Events & News
April, 2019
 

The Jacob Edwards Library is celebrating National Poetry Month and Jazz Appreciation Month throughout April with several programs related to these creative commemorations.  Evening events include a jazz musical performance and a Franco-American poetry reading.  April's art exhibit features photography by John Day Jr., documenting Belfast, Northern Ireland as it appeared during "The Troubles" of 1972.

For our tween and teen-age patrons, we continue to explore technology in a variety of formats. Stop by the Library to build, test and engineer a "smart car" throughout the month of April.

The Children's Room hosts five days of fun activities during April vacation week. Stop by for the Springfield Musical Petting Zoo, classical music with Erin DeMelo, Pamela Garde and her guide dog Ume, and an Earth Day collage and poem.  April is also Diary of a Wimpy Kid Month. Visit on Wednesday, April 17th to celebrate this beloved children's book series.

Thanks to the Friends of the Library, we now have 2 passes to the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame for patrons to check out!

There is always something going on or something to do at the library! Feel free to drop in anytime!
***

Pease, Aaron, H. Librarians of the Jacob Edwards Library with cat in Southbridge Massachusetts. 1916. Web. 01 Apr 2019. <https://ark.digitalcommonwealth.org/ark:/50959/fb494p31m>.

Please read on for all of this month's upcoming events and news.



Featured Exhibit:  Belfast 1972
  -Film Screening:  Chappaquiddick
- Pastel Painting with Greg Maichack
- Metalsmith bookmarks with Heather Beck
-Jazz Music with Brian Kearsley & Hugh Allen
-Personal Finance with James Aldo
-Franco-American Poetry

Ongoing Events: Book Club & Knitting
Community Yoga & Quinebaug  Chess Club

 Teen Events
Children's Corner

Library Hours & Holiday Closings:

Monday: 9:00 am - 8:00 pm
Tuesday: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Wednesday: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Thursday: 9:00 am - 8:00 pm
Friday: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Saturday: 9:00 am - 1:00 pm 
Sunday: Closed

The Library will be closed on Monday, April 15, 2019 in honor of Patriot's Day.



staffpicksApril's JEL Staff Picks

Looking for a good book? Here are some that JEL staff have recently enjoyed! Clicking on the title will take you right to  the library's catalog, where you can check to see if it's available, and put a hold on popular titles.

The Winter Witch by Paula Brackston
The Return of the Witch by Paula Brackston
Mad, Bad, Dangerous to Know: the Fathers of Wilde, Yeats and Joyce by Colm Toibin.
The Wellness Mama 5-Step Lifestyle Detox ... by Katie Wells.


 




The Jacob Edwards Library is pleased to present the photographs of John Day Jr.  

A skilled photographer, John has revisited an earlier time when he was an English major, and pursuing journalism as a career. The exhibit will run through the month of April and is accessible during library opening hours. 

In late June of 1972, John Day traveled to Northern Ireland with a college classmate, Richard Dunne, with press passes in hand to cover "The Troubles," as the conflict there was known. The student journalists experienced life first hand having a keen sense of where the action was. 

"On July 21st, we were three blocks away from the Oxford St. bus station when a bomb went off, killing six people. I photographed the horror and ended up hitching a ride in an ambulance to the Royal Victoria Hospital where I met a group of trauma surgeons. I visited the hospital the next few days working on a story for the Bulletin. Striking was the fact that I had seen relatively few reporters at the bus station; the vast majority had remained at the Europa Hotel, counting on the ones who had gone to give them the story. It occurred to me that being a physician might offer a more direct means of making a positive impact in the world."

And as a result of the experiences in Northern Ireland, John changed the direction of his career, completing his undergraduate degree in English and subsequently medical school, as well. After medical residency, he spent the next 33 years of his life as a Pulmonary and Critical Care doctor in Boston, Worcester, Putnam, and Providence, in that order. "Late at night, in my office at work or at home making phone calls to patients, I would look often at the few prints on my wall from Belfast, think of the extraordinary people I had met there, and hope I'd be given a chance one day to print them up again. Richard Dunne never got that chance, having died in a plane crash on Cape Cod in 1997. This exhibition is in his memory."

An opening reception will be held on Thursday, April 4th from 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm. All welcome! Light refreshments will be provided by the Friends of Jacob Edwards Library.

Sponsored by Friends of the Jacob Edwards Library.
boxofficeFilm Screening - Chappaquiddick
Thursday, April 11 at 6:00 pm

"After Ted Kennedy kills a woman in a car crash, he tries to protect his presidential aspirations by using his family's political power to control the subsequent scandal."

Rated PG-13. Running time 101 min.

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

You are invited to sign up for a pastel class offered by award winning artist and instructor: Gregory John Maichack. A limited number of places are offered for this free workshop, where all participants take home their masterpiece created during the two hour demonstration and instruction class.

"Sail Away on the Craft of Pastel Painting" is designed for adults at all levels, from complete beginners to experienced artists. Seats may fill quickly, so please call the               library at 508-764-5426 to register.

Thanks to an LCC Grant from the Southbridge Cultural Council and to the Massachusetts Cultural Council for their support. 

Sponsored by Southbridge Cultural Council.

Wondering what to do during school vacation? How about learning to create a bookmark on copper? Registration required as limited number of places available.

The workshop consists of learning about the structure of metal and how to create drawings in metal and use letter stamps to create textures and words on the bookmarks.


Thanks to an LCC Grant from the Southbridge Cultural Council.
Sponsored by Southbridge Cultural Council.
Monday, April 22 at 6:30 pm

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In celebration of Jazz History Month, the Friends of Jacob Edwards Library group is sponsoring a concert, immediately following the annual meeting.  You are invited to attend a performance by Brian Kearsley and Hugh Allen. Well-known in the area for their concerts with the band JoyCo, this duo is sure to be a crowd pleaser.

With a partnership that began 15 years ago in Southbridge, Brian and Hugh have grown to be one of the most established jazz duo acts in Worcester County.

All welcome! Light refreshments will be provided.  Sponsored by Friends of Jacob Edwards Library.

Sponsored by Friends of the Jacob Edwards Library.
Thursday, April 25 at 6:30 pm

The Jacob Edwards Library is pleased to present James Aldo, MSF, Financial Advisor with Eagle Strategies, LLC.

This event will paint with a broad brush and will explore: Estate Taxes, The Probate Process, Managing Retirement Income, Gifting, Trusts, Uses for Life Insurance, Nursing Homes & Medicaid, and Long Term Care Insurance. Come learn with us about the retirement landscape and how to protect your nest egg so you can enjoy your golden years!

Sponsored by Friends of Jacob Edwards Library
Monday, April 29 at 6:30 pm

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Four accomplished Franco-American poets from Massachusetts will give a reading on Monday, April 29, 2019, from 6:30-7:30 PM.
 
These four writers bring diverse experiences and approaches to their creative work.  Cheryl Savageau is a French/Abenaki poet and writer who has received fellowships in poetry from the NEA and MA Artists Foundation, and was a finalist for the Paterson Poetry Prize.  Her most recent book of poems is Mother/Land.  Ellen LaFleche, the winner of several national poetry awards, including the Ruth Stone Poetry Prize, has authored three chapbooks of poetry, including Beatrice.  In addition to her poetry publications, Sally Bellerose's credits include her novel The Girls Club, and she has won an NEA Fellowship.  Steven Riel's most recent book is Fellow Odd Fellow. He edits the new Franco-American literary e-journal, Résonance.
 
In towns and cities throughout New England, a significant percentage of the population is of Franco-American heritage, yet this ethnic group has often survived by avoiding notice and blending in. These four poets break that traditional silence by exploring varied facets of Franco-American experience.
 
Sponsored by the Academy of American Poets each April, National Poetry Month is the largest literary celebration in the world. Each year, thousands of performances and educational programs help deepen the important role poetry plays in our culture and our lives.
 
Sponsored by Friends of Jacob Edwards Library. 
ongoingOngoing Events

Book Club 
Monday, April 1
6:30 pm

The book club will meet to discuss In the Midst of Winter by Isabel Allende  this month.
  
This is a no-commitment book club, attend as many or as few meetings as you like! The group meets on the first Monday of every month. 

Copies of May's discussion book 
(Madonnas of Leningrad  by Debra Dean) 
will be available at the Information Desk 
for checkout.
Knitting
Knitting with Sonya
Every Tuesday, 
10:30 am - 12:30 pm

Stop by and join our knitting circle in the Reading Room every Tuesday! 

All handcrafters (not just knitters!) are welcome to join, whatever your level experience. Stuck on your current project or wanting to learn a new technique? Chances are one of the group will be able to lend a hand!  Drop by for a few minutes or stay for the full two hours. 
We hope to see you there!




Community Yoga with Jennifer Brouillard of Roots To Fly Wellness
Saturday, April 6, 2019
9:30 - 10:30 am

Bring water and a mat if you have one; extra mats will be available to borrow.  This will be a vinyasa class with modifications for all levels.  Class will focus on positive affirmations, breath work and movement.  Come and build some positive energy in our community. 

"Individually we are one drop. Together we are an ocean."
-Ryunosuke Satoro

Through Saturday, May 25, 2019 at 9:30 am


The Quinebaug Chess Club continues to meet on Saturday mornings, through May 25, 2019.  This drop-in club is held in the reference area of the Library, and has lessons tailored for children and adults.  All are welcome to attend!

Instructor Ben Marinelli will lead attendees through chess strategy, and guests will be able to test their skills using available game boards.  For those who wish to time their play, four newly acquired clocks are also on hand.



childrensWelcome to the Children's Corner!

Check here to find out about upcoming events in the Children's Room.
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Springfield Symphony Musical Petting Zoo with Patrick McMahon
Saturday, April 6 at 10:30 am

Here is your opportunity to try playing the instruments of the orchestra! Educational Director of the Springfield Symphony Musical Program, Patrick McMahon, will return to the Jacob Edwards Library and deliver his dynamic presentation introducing all the instruments in the orchestra, followed by the opportunity to try playing all of them!

All welcome! 

Sponsored by the Friends of the Jacob Edwards Library.
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Classical Music with Erin DeMelo
Tuesday, April 16 at 11:00am

This is a kid-friendly program, a mini version of Prokofiev's  Peter and the Wolf with live instruments and audience participation. There will also be a craft/game to reinforce learning the orchestral instruments!
Come listen and play a spoon game!

Sponsored by Friends of the Jacob Edwards Library.

Diary of a Wimpy Kid
Wednesday, April 17-all day event

April is Diary of Wimpy Kid Month!!
Drop in all day on Wednesday April 17, 2019.
Come read a book and learn some exciting facts about your favorite book series!
This event is a great way to enjoy some 
mid-week school vacation fun!!
 
Pamela Garde and Ume: Her Guide Dog
Thursday, April 18 at 10:30 am
(Rescheduled from March 2)


Pamela Garde is a member of General Federation of Women's Clubs and GFWC/CT Newington/Wethersfield Woman's Club.  She is the club chairman of Public Issues, which promotes safety. 

Pam will read Dr. Seuss braille books in honor of Dr. Seuss' birthday (March 2) and will then do a presentation with her guide dog, Ume.  She will be happy to answer questions on how Ume keeps her safe.  There will be a free raffle for all children in attendance.

Join us  Thursday, April 18
from  10:30 am-11:30 am
All are welcome!

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Makerspace Friday - Collage and Poetry
Friday, April 19 at 2:00 pm

April is Poetry Month!
Come and create an Earth Day collage and write a poem about it to celebrate Poetry Month.

Join us  Friday, April 19
from  2:00-3:00 pm
All are welcome!

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El díde los niños / El día de los libros
Lunes, 29 de abril a las 6:30 pm

The day of the Children / The Day of the Books
 Monday, April 29, 2019 at 6:30 pm

Come listen to a special guest reader from ASPIRA at our Monday night story celebration of children, families, and reading that occurs yearly on April 30th that emphasizes the importance of advocating literacy for children.

Join us  Monday, April 29
from  6:30 to 7:30  pm
All are welcome!

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Story Times

Story Time
Wednesdays at 10:30 am
Stories & Songs for 3-4 year olds, but all ages are welcome to join us. Come for story time, and stay for the craft!

Toddler Time
Fridays from 10:30 - 11:15 am
Stories & songs for 2-3 year olds, but all ages welcome. Playtime and music before and after.




STEAM/STEM Nights

Monday Night STEAM
Mondays, 6:30-7:30 pm
Kinetic sand, Snap Circuits, Picasso Tiles  and more!!   Each Monday Night will feature one fun activity, every week will be different.   Come in and see what fun you can have on a Monday Night !

Tinkering Thursdays
Thursdays, 4:00-5:00 pm*
STEM-related hands on activity using everyday and recycled items to design your own creations!

*please note later time 
Crafty Wednesday
Every Wednesday

Stop by the Children's Room any time on Wednesdays to make a special craft. This is a drop-in program that runs all day. Simply stop by the Children's Room desk to get your craft supplies, and take home a masterpiece! 

 
Construction Club
Tuesdays,  3:00 - 4:30 pm
Saturdays, 10:30 am - Noon

We'll bring the LEGO bricks, you bring the ideas! This is a drop-in program, so there is no need to register. Best for children over 5.

Completed Lego projects go on display in the Children's Room for a whole week. If you are in the library, stop by the Children's Room to see different Lego projects on display. 

librarynewsLibrary News

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Discounted and Free Admission to Museums & Attractions

Did you know? The library offers passes to a variety of area museums and attractions! 
 
Locations include:
Old Sturbridge Village
Eric Carle Museum
Ecotarium
Zoo at Forest Park
Magic Wings
Mystic Aquarium
Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame
Roger Williams Park Zoo
Tower Hill Botanic Gardens
Worcester Art Museum
Salem Witch Museum 
USS Constitution Museum
Massachusetts ParksPass
AJ Petro Pool (seasonal)
 
See  our website for details.
Thank you to the Friends of the Jacob Edwards Library for sponsoring this program!
Stargaze with our Telescope!

The library now has a telescope which can be checked out and taken home - just like a book. Use it to spend a night stargazing in your own back yard! Who knows what you will see?


Instructions and tips on what to look for are included. Must be checked out by an adult 18 or older. 
Please ask at the desk for more details!

Library eBooks

Looking for free eBooks? Look no further than the library! You can download FREE ebooks to your computer or device, as well as digital audiobooks.

To browse our collection, click here. Or on your mobile device or eReader, download the Overdrive app to get started. All you need is your library card number!

If you have questions or are having trouble, please ask us! Drop by, call, or email!

 
New bags available!

The Friends of the Library now have these fantastic new book bags available for sale! You can purchase bags at the Information Desk.

All proceeds support FOJEL, who provide funding for library events and programs (including, but not limited to, Summer Reading & Museum Passes).

Only $5 each, available in black, navy and maroon, 
they are perfect for carrying your library materials home!




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bookBook a Librarian!


You can now "Book a Librarian!" 


Contact us to schedule a personalized 
20-30 minute session.


Possible topics include:
-Help downloading eBooks
-Using your new mobile device or tablet
-Book recommendations
-Using the library catalog
-Placing holds & using your online account
-Setting up an email account
-Getting started on your research paper
-Formatting a Word document



Call 508-764-5426  
to schedule an  appointment.


Jacob Edwards Library
Upcoming Meetings


The Friends of the Library will hold the
Annual Meeting 
on 
Monday, April 22
at 6:00 pm.

 
The Friends extend an invitation to all library patrons to join their group. To learn more, please visit  FOJEL's page on our website.


______________________


  The  Board of Trustees  of the Jacob Edwards Library will next meet on 
Tuesday, April 23
at Noon 
in the Mills Room. 
 
All meetings are open to the public.
We hope to see you at the library soon! Maybe you will drop in and play a game of chess or complete some of the pieces in our ongoing jigsaw puzzle? 

April 7-13, 2019 is National Library Week. Show your support for libraries and be part of the community!

April showers, let's READ for hours!

Sincerely,

The Jacob Edwards Library Staff
Programs at Jacob Edwards Library may be recorded for Southbridge Public Access TV 
and/or photographed for promotional purposes.

Copyright © 2019. All Rights Reserved.