Library News

Jacob Edwards Library

February 2025

Library Hours

Monday & Thursday 9 am - 8 pm

Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday 9 am - 5 pm

Saturday 9am - 1 pm

Curbside pickup is available during library hours!

Please note: the Library will be closed on Monday, February 17th in observance of Presidents' Day.

Call for Artists!

This annual exhibit is presented in honor of Women’s History Month, March 1st - 31st.

If you would like to be involved, please get in touch with Jessi McCarthy at 508-764-5426 x105 or mccarthyj@cwmars.org.

Mass Center for the Book 2025 Reading Challenge

The Jacob Edwards Library is thrilled to be partnering with Mass Center for the Book to promote their 2025 Reading Challenge. Pick up cards and bookmarks at the Circulation Desk and participate by following the steps below.

Library staff will happily help you find a book that fits the monthly theme - also, see the display on the main floor for monthly suggestions. NovelList Plus is a great resource to utilize, as well (library card required). Happy reading!

How it works:

• Choose a book that fits the monthly challenge.
• After you read, fill out this form to tell them about the book. 
• Using the submission manager, you will be able to log in and access the entries you’ve logged throughout the year.
• Dedicated readers will be invited to a year-end celebration hosted by Mass Center for the Book.
• If you read a book in each of the 12 months, you will be entered in a drawing to win 1 of 2 totes filled with books. Additionally, they will be drawing two names on the last day of each month to win a free book!

hoopla Spotlight

Chess Club

Saturdays

9:30 - 11:00 am

Reading Room

Join instructor Ben Marinelli for this drop-in club. All skill levels welcome!

Mindfulness Meditation with Iris

Fridays - TBD - in February

2:00 - 3:00 pm. Please check the calendar.

The Jacob Edwards Library is pleased to host Iris Vega, certified Mindfulness Meditation teacher and mentor, to present a series of sessions.

Inviting Mindfulness Meditation into your daily routine is an opportunity to cultivate awareness and presence.

You may bring your Yoga mat if you prefer doing the practice lying down.

Sponsored by Friends of Jacob Edwards Library.

The Art of Abu Mwenye

Artist Meet & Greet

Thursday, February 6th

6:30 - 7:30 pm

In honor of Black History Month, meet Abu Mwenye, a multi-talented artist with a deep connection to his East African heritage. 

Born to parents from Kenya and Tanzania, Abu has always been drawn to the vibrant colors and rich cultural traditions of his roots. With a trifecta of passions - music, mechanical engineering, and visual art - Abu excels in various creative pursuits, including acrylic and oil paintings, commission works, and innovative experimentation.

Abu's artistic journey began with his uncle's sketches, which sparked his fascination as a young boy. He went on to formal art training as a teenager and later honed his skills through college studies in graphics and design. Now, Abu is dedicated to painting with oils and acrylics and exploring the exciting possibilities of 3D art.

Through his artwork, Abu celebrates the vibrant cultures of East Africa, particularly the Maasai and Samburu communities. He is captivated by their resilience, strength, and beauty, which have thrived despite modernization and external influences. Abu's paintings aim to share the beauty, strength, and resilience of these communities with the world while exploring his own identity and connection to his roots.

Abu's artwork is a testament to the richness and diversity of human experience. His paintings are a fusion of traditional and modern techniques, blending vibrant colors and textures to create stunning pieces that tell stories of East African culture. From the intricate patterns and colors of Maasai beadwork to the majestic landscapes of the Serengeti, Abu's artwork is a celebration of the beauty and diversity of East Africa.

By celebrating their traditions and way of life, Abu hopes to inspire a deeper appreciation for cultural diversity and preservation. He believes that art has the power to bring people together, foster understanding, and transcend borders. Abu's commitment to sharing the beauty of East African culture with the world is a testament to the power of art to connect us all.

In Abu's words, "I believe that art has the power to bring people together and foster understanding. Through my paintings, I aim to share the beauty, strength, and resilience of East African communities with the world, while exploring my own identity and connection to my roots." Abu's artwork is a reflection of his passion for his heritage and his desire to share it with the world.

Sponsored by Friends of Jacob Edwards Library.

C.A.R.E. Presentation

Thursday, February 13th

6:30 - 7:30 pm

In January, the group will discuss Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West by Gregory Maguire.

From the publisher:



"This is the book that started it all! The basis for the smash hit Tony Award-winning Broadway musical and recent film, Gregory Maguire's breathtaking New York Times bestseller Wicked views the land of Oz, its inhabitants, its Wizard, and the Emerald City, through a darker and greener (not rosier) lens. Brilliantly inventive, Wicked offers us a radical new evaluation of one of the most feared and hated characters in all of literature: the much maligned Wicked Witch of the West who, as Maguire tells us, wasn’t nearly as Wicked as we imagined.

A fable for adults on the subject of destiny and free will by a writer of children's books. It tells the story of Elphaba before she became the Wicked Witch of the West in the land of Oz. The novel traces her career as nun, nurse, pro-democracy activist and animal rights defender."

Catnip Junkies

Thursday, February 27th

6:00 - 7:30 pm

The Jacob Edwards Library is pleased to host a concert by Catnip Junkies in celebration of Mardi Gras!

Catnip Junkies specialize in the iconic sounds of New Orleans jazz, swing and brass band music to create a truly unique and unforgettable experience. The musicians are not only skilled players, but also passionate performers who know how to engage a crowd and create a lively, fun atmosphere. From classic tunes to modern hits, their repertoire has something for everyone.

Sponsored by the Southbridge Cultural Council. The Southbridge Cultural Council is a local agency funded by Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.

That Librarian

Amanda Jones

"One of the things small town librarian Amanda Jones values most about books is how they can affirm a young person's sense of self. So in 2022, when she caught wind of a local public hearing that would discuss "book content," she knew what was at stake. Schools and libraries nationwide have been bombarded by demands for books with LGTBQ+ references, discussions of racism, and more to be purged from the shelves. Amanda would be damned if her community were to ban stories representing minority groups. She spoke out that night at the meeting. Days later, she woke up to a nightmare that is still ongoing. Amanda Jones has been called a groomer, a pedo, and a porn-pusher; she has faced death threats and attacks from strangers and friends alike. Her decision to support a collection of books with diverse perspectives made her a target for extremists using book banning campaigns--funded by dark money organizations and advanced by hard right politicians--in a crusade to make America more white, straight, and "Christian." But Amanda Jones wouldn't give up without a fight: she sued her harassers for defamation and urged others to join her in the resistance. Mapping the book banning crisis occurring all across the nation, That Librarian draws the battle lines in the war against equity and inclusion, calling book lovers everywhere to rise in defense of our readers." - From publisher

Teen Advisory Group

Wednesday, February 12th

3:00 - 4:00 pm

Open to Southbridge students/residents ages 12-18.

Join our Teen Advisory Group (TAG) and help us improve our library services for teens. At monthly TAG meetings, you will weigh in on library programs, services, and materials, earn volunteer hours, make new friends, and build your leadership skills.

Tuesday Morning Fun

9:30-10:00 am for our littles from

birth to age 2.5 years

February 4, 11, 18, 25 and March 4

Sponsored by the Olive I. and Anthony A. Borgatti Jr. Fund at the Greater Worcester Community Foundation

A 30 minute creative movement group for ages birth through 2.5 with a grown-up. Group is focused on adult and baby spending quality time together, fostering attachment, and baby interacting with others their age. Get groovy to upbeat music with props, instruments, and a story.

Katelyn graduated from Antioch University, New England, where she earned a Master of Arts degree in Dance/Movement Therapy and Counseling. She studied psychomotor development of children, along with focuses on the intellectual/developmental disability and autistic communities, and older adults. Katelyn has been providing dance experiences to Massachusetts and Northeastern Connecticut for 15 years as well as working in various day habilitation and residential programs. She also earned a Bachelor of Arts in Dance with a minor in Disability Studies from Springfield College where she focused her studies on choreography, modern dance and improvisation, and pedagogy. Katelyn teaches dance classes to all ages at several studios.

Wiggles and Giggles

Thursday morning at 9:30am

February 6, & 13

Registration Required!

Join us on Saturday February 1, 2025 at 10:30 am

On the first Saturday in February, thousands of libraries across the world celebrate Take Your Child to the Library Day by offering free, fun, fabulous activities for families. Your local library is an ideal place for children to play, discover, make friends, and have fun. And Take Your Child to the Library Day is the perfect time to discover some library magic.

Why Children NEED LIBRARIES

Because child readers become grown-up leaders. Children who are proficient in reading by the end of grade 3 are significantly more likely to graduate high school, opening doors to a bright future.

Because storytime is a key building block to school success. Library storytimes and programs for babies and preschoolers teach social and academic skills that directly translate to early school success.

Because the internet is for everyone. Libraries provide key access to internet, wifi, computers and other devices, ensuring all children start on a level playing field.

Because homework shouldn't cause headaches. After school programs provide improved school performance, decreased drug use, and foundational life skills.

Because libraries transform lives. Every day your local library is creating connections, igniting curiosity, and enriching lives.

Happy Valentine's Day Fun

@ 3:00 pm February 14, 2025

Friday, Feb. 14, 3:00pm

February 14, 2025 at 3:00pm

Crafts and Storytime with :Susan Luna School Liaison

Sponsored by:

Southbridge Family Resource Center

YOU INC; Affiliates of Seven Hills Foundation

Soap Making Workshop

"Duckies Excited About Reading"

Join us for a fun soapmaking event during school vacation!!

Thursday February 20, 2025 at 1:00 pm

Soap Making for ages 8+ - SAFETY REQUIREMENTS: Melted soap is hot. This is not a drop-off class. Adult participation is required with each child under the age of 12. “Safety concern” forms must be signed prior to all children's SOAP MAKING workshops. No one under the age of 8 will be allowed to be present in the room during the soap making workshops. Program starts promptly, no admission is allowed after instructions are given and no exceptions will be made to these rules.

This performance is being supported by a grant from the Southbridge Cultural Council,

a local agency which is supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency.



Board of Trustees Meeting

The next meeting of the Board of Trustees is on February 25th at 12 pm.

Details will be available on the Town of Southbridge website, under Public Meetings Calendar, for all public meetings.

All meetings are open to the public.

The next meeting of the Friends is on February 3rd at 2 pm.

The mission of the Friends of the Jacob Edwards Library is to be the advocacy and fundraising arm of the Library. We raise money for items such as library programs, books, subscriptions, museum pass memberships, and other materials, as needed. 

New members are always welcome! Our membership dues go directly toward supporting the Jacob Edwards Library.

Happy 2025!



See you at the library!

Jacob Edwards Library

508.764.5426

jelibrary@cwmars.org