Jacob Edwards Library

Library News

July 2026



Summer Reading!

 

All Month Long

Adult Displays:

  • Farm Stand: Farm-to-Table books
  • Feed your Mind: "Root yourself in knowledge"
  • Minds in Bloom: "Pick" your next read
  • Scavenger Hunt: How does your garden grow?


Teen Displays:

  • School Summer Reading titles
  • Disability Pride Month


Children's Room Displays:

  • Fourth of July
  • Scavenger Hunt: "The great bunny and carrot hunt"
 

Plant a Seed, Read

2026 Summer Reading Program

June 29 - August 7


*Free lunch served daily Monday through Friday from 11am-1pm for ages 18 & under.*


Plant a Seed, Read is generously sponsored by the Friends of Jacob Edwards Library (FOJEL) and library donations. The Statewide Summer Library Program is sponsored by your local library, the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners, the Massachusetts Library System and the Boston Bruins.


For more information about the free lunch program, visit USDA Summer Meals Finder.

Summer Reading for Adults & Teens


Earn tickets for prize drawings for attending programs, completing activities, and checking out items. Teen and Adult prizes will be awarded each week and a bonus prize for each age group will be awarded at the end of the program.


Sign up using our Google Form:

JEL 2026 Plant a Seed, Read Adult & Teen Summer Reading Program

OR

call the Library at (508) 764-5426

OR

visit the library!

Summer Reading for Children

June 29-August 7

6 weeks of free activities for children to encourage and support a love of reading.


Participants can earn tickets for reading, which are used to win prizes


Prizes are drawn weekly.



How do children sign up?

Please visit the library to register and pick up your reading packet. Registration is ongoing.


Did you know?

  • Research has shown that reading over the summer prevents summer reading loss.
  • Studies also indicate students who read recreationally outperformed those who don’t.
  • Students read more when they can choose materials based on their own interests.
 

FEATURED CHILDREN'S EVENTS

Jungle Jim Magic Show

with Jim Manning



Monday, July 06, 2026


6:30-7:30pm



Enjoy a high-energy, family-focused performance that blends comedy, storytelling, and advanced balloon artistry.




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

Flying High Dogs: High-Flying Frisbee Dog Show



Monday, July 13, 2026

6:30-7:30pm


Family-oriented K-9 entertainment act led by world-record holder Mike Piazza.


This interactive show features highly athletic Border Collies performing dynamic Frisbee tricks, high-flying stunts, and heavy audience participation.



Held outdoors; program will be indoors if it rains.


Generously sponsored by the Friends of Jacob Edwards Library (FOJEL).

 

The Reptile Nook


Monday, July 20, 2026

6:30-7:30pm


The Reptile Nook is dedicated to teaching people of all ages about reptiles and amphibians.


Learn about a variety of reptile, amphibian, and/or invertebrate species.



Generously sponsored by the Friends of Jacob Edwards Library (FOJEL).



Mike Bent ABRAKIDABRA!™



Monday, July 27, 2026

6:30-7:30pm


AbraKidabra!™ combines amazing magic, big laughs, audience participation and hilarious surprises for a one-of-a-kind, interactive experience.


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

Weekly Teen Events

JEL programs are always free and all are welcome.

Mondays, July 6, 13, 20 & 27 - 1-3 pm - Silent Book Club

At Silent Book Club, there's no assigned reading. It's BYOBook (or browse the library shelves!). Settle in for an hour of silent, sustained reading. At the end of the hour, attendees can socialize - or not!


Wednesdays, July 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29 - 1-3 pm - Dungeons & Dragons

D&D is back at JEL, led by Dungeon Master Trish.

Space is limited - please register online or call 508-764-5426.


Thursdays, July 2, 9, 16, 23, & 30 - 1-3pm - Lo-Fi Lab

Relax with friends and enjoy a variety of crafts such as paint by sticker, LEGO builds, origami, and more.


Fridays, July 10, 17, 24 & 31 - 1-3 pm - Game Day

Play on our Switch or challenge friends to a classic board game!

Events

JEL programs are always free and all are welcome.

Programs are all ages unless otherwise noted.

Recurring Events/Series


Drop-In Craft

Available during library hours, while supplies last.

June 29 - July 2: Patriotic Planter

July 6 - July 10: Beaded Cactus

July 13 - July 17: Watercolor Flower Painting

July 20 - July 24: Macrame Plant Holder

July 27 - July 31: Beaded Plant Stake

August 3 - August 7: String Art


Summer Crafternoons - Thursdays - 1-3 pm

July 2: Patriotic Ribbon Flower

July 9: String Pulled Flowers

July 16: Birdhouse Pick

July 23: Paint a Flower

July 30: Painted Garden Mushrooms

August 6: Vegetable Prints


Fridays, July 10, 17 & 24 - 9:30-10:30 am - Digital Literacy Courses

Adults

Join us for a series of supportive, beginner-friendly classes focused on building confidence with everyday technology, in partnership with Our Bright Future.


Fridays, July 10, 17, 24 & 31 - 2-3 pm - Mindfulness Meditation

Teens/Adults

Join Iris Vega, certified Mindfulness Meditation Teacher and Mentor. All levels of experience welcome! You may bring your Yoga mat if you prefer doing the practice lying down.

________________________________________________________


Friday, July 3 - ALL DAY

The library is closed in observance of the 4th of July holiday.


Tuesday, July 7 - 2-3 pm - Owl Eyes Wilderness Survival: Acorn Processing

Teens/Adults

Come learn how to gather, preserve, process, and cook with this awesome wild food!

More info. Sponsored by Olive I. and Anthony A. Borgatti Donor Advised Fund GWCF.


Thursday, July 9 - 6:30-7:30 pm - Home Energy Assessments with Mass Save

Learn more about no-cost and low-cost incentives and rebates available to unlock energy savings and manage utility bills.


Tuesday, July 14 - 2-3 pm - Needle Felted Magnets

Teens/Adults

Participants will learn how to needle felt and every attendee will walk away with at least one little magnet! Space is limited - please register online or call 508-764-5426.


Wednesday July 15 - 2-3 pm - JEL Book Club

In July, the group will discuss The Twilight Garden by Sara Nisha Adams.


Thursday, July 16 - 6:30-7:30 pm - Garden to Table: Getting the Nutrients You Need From Your Garden - with Jill Ahlstrand of Harvesting Flavor

We’ll look at container gardening and popular backyard crops, the nutrients they provide, and simple ways to turn garden harvests into nourishing, satisfying meals. More info.


Tuesday, July 21 - 2-3 pm - Internet Safety

Teens/Adults

Join the Better Business Bureau (BBB) of Central New England for an informative seminar to learn how to recognize online threats and take simple steps to stay safer in the digital world. More info.


Thursday, July 23 - 6:30-7:30 pm - Craft Night: Mini Fairy Gardens

Teens/Adults

Space is limited - please register online or call 508-764-5426.


Monday, July 20 - 6:30-7:30 pm - True Tales from Another Southbridge

Come hear some true (but little-known) tales from another Southbridge and share your perspectives on them with two historians who are currently writing a book on the unique social and environmental history of the town. More info.


Tuesday, July 21 - 2-3 pm - Superfoods 101

Teens/Adults

This program will highlight the powerful properties of popular Superfoods and teach you how best to incorporate them into your life. Tips, techniques, and unique superfood samplings are included. Space is limited - please register online or call 508-764-5426. Sponsored by Olive I. and Anthony A. Borgatti Donor Advised Fund GWCF.


Tuesday, July 28 - 12-1 pm - JEL Board of Library Trustees Meeting

Adults


Thursday, July 30 - 6:30-7:30 pm - Quintessential Brass Concert

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

Virtual Events

Courtesy of the Tewksbury Public Library and the Ashland Public Library.

Thursday, July 2, 2-3 pm

Afternoon Art Class: Slow Doodling

More info and registration


Monday, July 6, 7-8 pm

Celebrating 250: Iron in the Water with Adventurer in History Kiersten Marcil

More info and registration


Wednesday, July 8, 9:30- 10:30 am

Job Search Help - How To Use AI Without Losing Your Voice

More info and registration


Monday, July 13, 7-8 pm

Celebrating 250: The Two Nerdy History Girls Discuss Everyday Life in 1776

More info and registration


Wednesday, July 15, 9:30- 10:30 am

Job Search Help - Why You’re Not Hearing Back: A Recruiter’s Take On The Job Search

More info and registration


Monday, July 20, 7-8 pm

Celebrating 250: The Black experience of the Revolution with Herstorian Gracia Rich

More info and registration


Wednesday, July 22, 9:30-10:30 am

Job Search Help - The 3 Hidden Risks Of Career Transition (and How To Avoid Them)

More info and registration


Wednesday, July 22, 7-8 pm

Book Birthday Celebration with Authors Jeaniene Frost and Melissa Marr

More info and registration


Monday, July 27, 7-8 pm

Celebrating 250: The Escapes of David George with Author Gregory E. O’Malley

More info and registration


Wednesday, July 29, 9:30-10:30 am

Job Search Help - Online Reputation Management For Job Seekers

More info and registration


Wednesday, July 29, 7-8 pm

Authors Julie Carrick Dalton & Christen Civiletto On Environmental Writing

More info and registration

Recurring Events for Children

JEL programs are always free and all are welcome.

Programs are held in the Children's Room and are intended for children & caregivers unless otherwise noted.


Tuesdays

11:00am-1:00pm Sunshine Pals - Children's Room

7/7 - Ocean Fun

7/14- Zoo Fun

7/21 - Dinosaur Fun

7/28 - Construction Fun


Tuesdays

3:30-4:30 pm - LEGO Club - Children's Room

7/7 - Famous Landmark Challenge

7/14- Spaceship Challenge

7/21 - Monster Challenge

7/28 - Favorite Pet Challenge


Wednesdays

10:30-11am: Storytime with Ms.Liz - Children's Room

All Ages

7/1 - 4th of July

7/8- Summer Fun

7/15 - Pets

7/22 - Plants

7/29 - Magic


Wednesdays

9am - 5pm - Crafty Weds - Children's Room

Drop in anytime all day to join us.

7/1 - Paper plate Flower Box

7/8- Cupcake Liner Craft

7/15- Oil Pastel Rainbow Flower

7/22 - Seed Bombs

7/29 - Chalk Bird Nest


Thursdays

11am - 1pm - Drop-in Fun - Children's Room

7/2 - Plant Green Beans

7/9- Tinkering Cart

7/16- Nature Themed Color Pencil Art

7/23 - Scratch Paper Art

7/30 - World in A Bottle Craft


Thursday July 23, 3:30 - 4:30 pm - Sensory Space- Children's Room

"Castle-Themed Sensory Box" Increases cognitive development, enhances creativity, promotes social & emotional development, and improves motor skills. Ages 4 to 10


Fridays 11:30 - 12:30 pm - Board Game Fun - Children's Room

A fun way for kids to build thinking skills, teamwork, patience, and fair play through board games!


 


“A place for everyone across the Board”

Jacob Edwards Library Chess Park and Performance Space

The Chess Park Ad Hoc Committee is fundraising for the Jacob Edwards Library Chess Park and Performance Space. To access the rendering proposed for the space on the southeast corner of the library property and most detailed information, please click here.


Questions? Please contact Bernadette Meade at bmeade2979@gmail.com

 

Library Hours


Monday & Thursday 9 am - 8 pm

Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday 9 am - 5 pm

(The library is closed Saturdays between Memorial Day and Labor Day)


Curbside pickup is available during library hours. Please call (508) 764-5426.

Jacob Edwards Library

508.764.5426

jelibrary@cwmars.org

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