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!

  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

 

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.

 

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 [email protected]. 

 

 

Aaron H. Pease. Ladies of The Jacob Edwards Library, Southbridge Massachusetts, 1916.  

 

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 Website

Southbridge Public Schools 

Meals for Students During Summer

Southbridge Community Television

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:

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

MassHire

Fuel Assistance - LIHEAP Program of WCAC

Tax Assistance

 

 

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!

Teen Corner

Summer Reading Program 2020

Summer reading  is back for Kids K-5 !  This year's theme is "Imagine Your Story," and focuses on fairytales, mythology and fantasy. Click below to see the RULES, and get started on your reading adventure.  Participants are eligible to be in a drawing for some great prizes this summer, including a $75 gift certificate, and two $50 certificates to Big Bunny .  Imagine buying your own summertime treats!

Summer Reading Program 2020

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