Library News
June, 2020
  

The staff has been working on new services and features at the library, 
in anticipation for our eventual reopening.  
We hope our patrons will enjoy these new offerings, 
and hope to see you all again soon.
 

"Hope Springs Eternal at the Library." 
Photography by Helen Boyle-Valentino. 2020. 
Used with permission.

Curbside Pickup

Curbside pickup service is anticipated to begin in June 2020.  This contactless-service will be available Monday through Friday, from 10 am until 4 pm.  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

The Jacob Edwards Library is working hard during the closure to bring you a new summer reading program!  Traditionally, the Library has focused on six weeks of reading, in-person programs and incentives during the summer months. Given the current guidelines provided by the Governor and the Reopening Advisory Board, summer reading will look different this year.  Students will still be able to get their materials digitally, or from the JEL collection.  Look for adult and young adult BINGO sheets on our website next month!

Pride in Southbridge
 
The Jacob Edwards Library is proud to celebrate the 14th year of Pride in Southbridge. Initiated by former Library Director James D. Patterson in 2006, this month-long celebration recognizes the countless contributions and achievements of the LGBTQIA+ community.  Although we won't be holding in-person programs this year, we will work to create a celebratory atmosphere for Rainbow Book Month, as it is now known.  
 
Returning to the first Pride in Southbridge event, this video features author Gregory Maguire speaking at the JEL. Video production by Paul Zotos and SCTV.
 
Gregory Maguire, Author of  
Gregory Maguire, Author of "Wicked" at the Jacob Edwards Library.
 
 
Click below to view Rainbow Book Month book lists for all readers:
 Stonewall Book Awards - The first and longest-enduring award for LGBTQIA+ literature 
Rainbow Book List - LGBTQIA+ Books for Kids and Teens 
Over the Rainbow Book List - LGBTQIA+ Books for Adult Readers 
 

Digital Exhibitions
 
April and May saw the first foray into presenting the monthly art exhibit in a digital format at the Jacob Edwards Library.  Media coverage by the Southbridge News and The Citizen Chronicle helped spread the word during the library closure.  Click here to read the piece in The Citizen Chronicle.
 
June will be the third month that the Library presents the monthly art exhibit in an online format with the show "Looking Back / Looking Forward." Look for "the object of the day" on our Facebook page each weekday. 


2020 United States Census 

Southbridge Census Informational Video
Southbridge Census Informational Video

56.4% is the current Southbridge - town self-response rate (5/29/20), while the Massachusetts self-response rate is 62.4%. The national self-response rate 60.3%.  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.
  • Patron expiration dates and item due dates of checked out items were updated to 7/1/2020 as of April 29, 2020.
  • 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.
  • 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
beach_stuff.jpg  
 
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 look forward to seeing you all again soon!

Congratulations to the Southbridge High School Class of 2020!
Our colleagues at Southbridge Community Television will be broadcasting graduation on Friday, June 19, 2020. 

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




All events are POSTPONED until further notice, due to the current pandemic.

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

 Teen Events
Children's Corner:



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



June'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.


Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens


The Interestings by Meg Wolitzer

Want to relive the adventures of Hogwarts' boy wizard? Try #HarryPotterAtHome and read or listen to the first book in the series - no waiting!

Lots more to discover!
  
June's Exhibition

Looking Back / Looking Forward

For the month of June, the Jacob Edwards Library is pleased to present works of art from the vast collection of treasures housed here at 236 Main Street.  Take a virtual trip down the halls, and a gander at the walls of the JEL while we explore the history of Southbridge, Massachusetts as illustrated by the paintings, maps, drawings, and other special objects at your community library.

This digital exhibition will be presented on the JEL Facebook page, to be sure to tune in for the "object of the day" each weekday.

"Main Street Southbridge Looking West." [ca. 1855-1920]. From the Photographic Collection of the Jacob Edwards Library.

boxoffice
Film Screening - Boy Erased 
Thursday, June 11 at 2:00 pm
 
*POSTPONED*
 

The scheduled filming of Boy Erased, starring Nicole Kidman, Russell Crowe and Lucas Hedges, scheduled for 2:00 pm has been POSTPONED.





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


Book Club 
Monday, June 1
6:30 pm
**CANCELED**

June's Book Club selection is "Everything I Never Told You" by Celeste Ng.
  
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. 

E-book and E-Audio copies of July's discussion book "The Trouble with Goats and Sheep" by Joanna Connon are available through the OverDrive 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
June's Activity: "Dad You Rock" Picture Frames

Let him know how much he rocks, and make that special Dad or Father-figure in your life a homemade rock picture frame this year.  Instructions can be found here. 
Have fun, and Happy Father's Day!

 
kids_reading_book.jpg
childrensWelcome to the Children's Corner!
Cuddle up with a great book! 

Ms. Liz is offering an archive of digital Story Time. Stay in touch! 



 

Some fun at home resources for kids and families while staying home!




*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.




*POSTPONED*
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! 

 
*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 will resume later in the summer, in accordance with State guidelines and Phase 3 of the 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!

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 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 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 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 
Tuesday, June 15, 2020
at 6:00 pm.
**POSTPONED**
 
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, June 23, 2020 
at Noon 
virtually via GoToMeeting.

 

We salute all of the graduating seniors in our area, and congratulate the Class of 2020!  Be well, and we hope to see you soon!



 
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.