Library News
July, 2020
  

Summer is here, and so are new books, movies, music and offerings at the Jacob Edwards Library! We hope to see you this month at curbside pickup!

Staff is working with area libraries, regional and state agencies to prepare and plan for the eventual reopening of the library building.  The safety and comfort of our patrons is of the utmost importance.  We are awaiting sector-specific guidelines for Phase III of the Reopening Plan.  In the meantime, staff is working assiduously to adapt to the evolving environment, and bring quality programming to our patrons.

toy-car.jpg

  Curbside Pickup

Curbside pickup service began on June 9, 2020.  This contactless-service will be available Monday through Friday, from 10 am until 4 pm, and will remain in effect until the Library reopens to the public on a limited basis.  Patrons may request items by calling the Library at 508-764-5426, or by placing holds in their personal library account.  Patrons may request items from the JEL collection only, and up to ten (10) items per transaction, and items will be held for 24 hours. 

Please click here for additional information on curbside pickup. 



Summer Reading

Summer reading books for students in grades K-12 from area schools are ready for pickup.  Simply place a hold for your summer reading materials in your account via the online catalog, or give the Library a call at 508-764-5426 to speak to a staff member. 

Summer reading BINGO is back for teens and adults!  This year's theme is "Imagine Your Story," and focuses on fairytales, mythology and fantasy. Click below to see the BINGO sheets, and get started on your reading adventure.  Participants are eligible to try out for some great prizes this summer, including a $75 gift certificate to Thai Orchid Restaurant, a $50 gift certificate to Sturbridge Coffee Roasters, and a $50 gift certificate to Hog Heaven Hobbies. See BINGO sheets for more information. 

 


Art Exhibition
 
The Jacob Edwards Library is pleased to present the work of local artist Lauria Tiberii during the month of July. Read more about July's featured artist below. 


Lauria Tiberii. "Venice, Italy." 2020. Acrylic on canvas. 16" x 20". $400.


2020 United States Census 

Southbridge Census Informational Video
Southbridge Census Informational Video

57.3% is the current Southbridge - town self-response rate (6/30/20), while the Massachusetts self-response rate is 63.9%. The national self-response rate 61.8%.  Click here to see the rates online. There is still plenty of time to respond to the  2020 CensusSee the updated schedule  here

"The results of the 2020 Census will help determine how hundreds of billions of dollars in federal funding flow into communities 
every year for the next decade. 
That funding shapes many different aspects of every community, no matter the size, no matter the location."
 
Revised Library Hours
 
As of March 17, 2020, the Jacob Edwards Library 
will be closed to the public until further notice.  
Remaining staff will be available Monday-Friday from 9am to 5 pm 
to assist with patron inquiries.

Staff may be reached by calling 508-764-5426 or by emailing jelibrary@cwmars.org. 
 
 
 
Items may be returned through the book drop 
at the rear of the building.
  • Late fees accrued during our closure will be waived.
  • No donations can be accepted during the pandemic, due to the challenges posed for safe materials handling.
  • Materials being returned will be quarantined and will not be checked in for 72 hours.  There will be a 3 day delay in seeing recently returned items no longer appear on your account. Dates and times may be subject to change. 
  • If returning compact discs, please place a rubber band around the case.
 
Community Resources Recap: 
 
Town of Southbridge Resources: 





Town of Southbridge Emergency Alert Program: 

Receive alerts about emergencies and other important community news by signing up for the Town's Emergency Alert Program. This system enables the Town to provide you with critical information quickly in a variety of situations, such as severe weather, unexpected road closures, missing persons and evacuations of buildings or neighborhoods.

You will receive time-sensitive messages wherever you specify, such as your home, mobile or business phones, email address, text messages and more. You pick where, you pick how.

Library Resources:


Holly Christo, Executive Director: 508-909-6589 or info@lvscm.org for tutor support and information.

Andrea Cignarella, Program Assistant: 774-230-6468 or literacy@lvscm.org for new students and online classes.

Mass.gov - Get Help: a good starting point for social assistance programs



March Reca
fun_beach_goggles.jpg  
 
We look forward to seeing you all again soon! We miss you!

***
 
Please read on for all of this month's news.




Art Reception - CANCELLED
Library Box Office - CANCELLED


Ongoing Events: Book Club & Knitting:
POSTPONED until further notice

 Teen Events
Children's Corner:
All events POSTPONED until further notice



Library Hours & Holiday Closings:

The Jacob Edwards Library is closed to the public as of Tuesday, March 17, 2020, until further notice, due to the current pandemic.

Staff will be available 
Monday through Friday,
from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm to answer any patron inquiries and to provide assistance.

Please call 508-764-5426 or email jelibrary@cwmars.org.


Monday: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Tuesday: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Wednesday: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Thursday: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Friday: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm

The Library will be closed on Friday, July 3, 2020 in observance of Independence Day.




Lots more to discover!
  
July's Exhibition

Paintings by Lauria Tiberii

Lauria Tiberii. "Venice, Italy." 2020. Acrylic on canvas. 16" x 20". $400.

The Jacob Edwards library is pleased to host the work of local artist Lauria Tiberii for the month of July.  This month, we look at sixteen paintings in the acrylic medium, painted by Lauria over the past two years. Due to the closure of the Library, Lauria's work will be featured on the JEL Facebook page throughout the month. Lauria will be back to exhibit her work in person in July 2022.

Artist Biography:
I was born and brought up in Southbridge, and live here still, with my husband, Fred. We have two daughters: Ana Dougherty and her husband, Craig who have three daughters, Emilia, Grace and Alysa; and Dr. Natalie Stanley and her husband Jesse.

I've always had a natural talent to draw; even as a child, I remember making my own paper dolls, and always had some creative cover pages for book reports, and great illustrations in my notebooks! By the time I started high school, I had heard of Christine O'Brien, an accomplished and well-respected artist, who lived locally and who was giving art classes in her home. I expressed an interest in this and my parents generously obliged! So, I took lessons from Christine at her studio L'Átelier Christine through my high school years, and it was she who told me about the Worcester Art Museum School. She was kind enough to write a letter of recommendation for application and I was accepted. While at the Museum School, I majored in fine art, when most of my classmates were studying commercial art. I don't regret that decision, even though I have not made a living from my art. However, I have created many commissioned works over the years, many being pet portraits which seem to be my forte lately. I also paint "welcome" slates, which can be hung outside on your home. I do most of my painting in the summer, since my "studio" is a 3-season porch and has fabulous natural light. I work with acrylic since my time and space is limited, and this media best for me. Christine taught me how to paint with acrylics in an "oil style" since acrylics are generally used for contemporary or hard-edge work; it was quite a challenge to try to paint landscapes and portraits with them. But, I think I've mastered it and now I can't imagine using anything else.

Many years ago I exhibited some of my work in local art shows, but this is my first solo exhibition, I hope you enjoy it.

Artist Statement:
My art brings me joy, relaxation and a great sense of accomplishment; especially after a particularly challenging piece.   I become very attached to my paintings, even those that are commissioned or gifts. The feeling I get while I'm painting is almost magical, like something else is guiding my hand, and I'm usually pleased with the result. I take pride in my work and if others can get enjoyment from my paintings, that is a bonus!
boxoffice
Film Screening - The Mustang 
Thursday, July 9 at 2:00 pm
 
*CANCELLED*
 

The scheduled filming of The Mustang, starring Matthias Schoenaerts and Connie Britton has been cancelled.





Library Box Office Film Series is
Sponsored by Friends of the Jacob Edwards Library.
ongoing
Ongoing Events


Book Club 
Monday, July 6
6:30 pm
**CANCELLED**

July's book club selection is  "The Trouble with Goats and Sheep" by Joanna Cannon . E-Book and E-Audio copies are available through the OverDrive catalog.
  
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 August's book club selection, "Norwegian by Night" by Derek B. Miller are available for request via the online catalog.


Knitting
Knitting with Sonya
Every Tuesday, 
10:30 am - 12:30 pm
*POSTPONED*

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!

Teen Corner
July's Activity: Garden Wind Chimes

Let's make our gardens sing with homemade wind chimes! Using recycled/upcycled and natural materials, we will construct wind chimes using our creativity to guide us.  Plastic materials, such as those pictured below, will create a quieter sound, while metal will produce a louder sound.  Collect items from around the house, such as bottle caps, lids, old spoons, shells, etc., and see what sounds you can create in your garden, porch or window. Have fun creating!
Send us a photo of your creation to jelibrary@cwmars.org!

 
The example above is made from a stick, yarn, floral wire, beads (from old costume jewelry) and bells!



*POSTPONED*
"Monday Night STEAM"
Mondays, 6:30pm-7:30pm
Botley the Coding Robot, try our "Hack" Computer, Kinetic Sand, Snap Circuits, Picasso Tiles, Play Dough  and much more!!   Each Monday will feature one fun activity, every week will be different.  




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



*POSTPONED*
Toddler Story Time
Wednesdays at 10:30 am
Stories & Songs  for preschoolers, stay for story and create a craft.


 
*POSTPONED*
Friday
Story Time
Fridays 10:30 am
S ongs, story and playtime for the
 little ones 3 and under.




*NEWLY UPDATED*

Crafty Wednesday
Every Wednesday
Starting Weds. July 8, 2020
Call us 508-764-5426 or drop by and ring bell and we will give you a craft to make at home!  Every week will be different!




 
*POSTPONED*
Construction Club
Tuesdays,  3:00pm - 4:30pm
Saturdays, 10:30am-12:00pm

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

blue_butterfly.jpg
Discounted and Free Admission to Museums & Attractions

The Museum Pass Program is currently unavailable. Please check with each cultural institution to inquire on the status of passes. Museums are open in Phase III, part I of the State's reopening plan.

Did you know? The library offers passes to a variety of area museums and attractions! 
 
Locations include:
Old Sturbridge Village
Eric Carle Museum
Ecotarium
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 Parks Pass
 
See  our website for details.
Thank you to the Friends of the Jacob Edwards Library for sponsoring this program!
Stargaze with our Telescope!

We've added a lot of new games and equipment to our Library of Things. Thank you to the Summer Feeding grant and the Southbridge Food Services Director and Department for the opportunity to build this collection! More information to follow!

The library 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 backyard! 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 or Libby app to get started. All you need is your library card number! 

 Patrons  currently have access to all 9 library systems across the state.

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!





student_help.jpg


bookBook a Librarian!

You can now 
"Book a Librarian!" 

Contact us to schedule a personalized 
20-30 minute phone 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
-Getting onto Zoom or Google Meeting

Call 508-764-5426  
to schedule an  appointment.


Jacob Edwards Library


Upcoming Meetings


The Friends of the Library will hold their 
monthly meeting
on 
Monday, July 20, 2020
at 6:00 pm.
**CANCELLED**

Due to COVID-19 related restrictions, no donations can be accepted at this time.
 
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 meet on 
Tuesday, September 22, 2020 at Noon 
in the Mills Room, unless a meeting is needed and called by the Chair.
 
All meetings are open to the public.

 

Happy July to all.  We hope to see you all again soon at your community library!



Aaron H. Pease. "Centennial Parade and Celebrations in Southbridge Massachusetts at Foster Street." July 1916. Click here to view online. 

 
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 © 2020. All Rights Reserved.