Upcoming Library Events & News
May, 2016
 

The Jacob Edwards Library will be closed on Saturday, May 14, 2016
The Trustees, Friends and Staff will be participating in the Bicentennial Parade. 
We would like to invite you to walk with us! 
The costume theme is sports and recreation which is the theme for Summer Reading 2016. 
If you would like to sign up to walk with us, please talk to any staff member.
 
On the day of the parade, lining up for the parade begins at 7:00am and all parade participants must be registered by 9:00am.  The parade steps off at 10:00am, starting at the corner of Crane and Hamilton streets, proceeding down Hamilton Street and turning left onto Main Street, continuing down to the rotary and ending at the intersection of Mechanic and North streets. There will be an area at the end of the parade route to park and display floats as needed.
 
Following the parade will be the Bicentennial Festival at Harry J. McMahon Field on Cole Avenue. The field will be open to the public from 10:00am to 6:00pm with food, vendors, family entertainment, beer garden, a Little Miss/Mister Pageant, and more.
 
Designated parking areas are being established at strategic points in town with a shuttle bus route to transport guests from parking areas to both the parade and festival.
Keep posted by checking the Facebook page, or visit www.southbridge200.org for further updates and information in the coming weeks.
 
Please read on for this month's upcoming events, and more library news.


 Ongoing Events: Book Club, Coloring, Knitting

Teen Events

Children's Corner

Library Hours & Holiday Closings:

Monday: 9:00 am - 8:00 pm
Tuesday: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Wednesday: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Thursday: 9:00 am - 8:00 pm
Friday: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Saturday: 9:00 am - 1:00 pm
Sunday: Closed

Closed Sign
The library will be 
closed on Memorial Day,
Monday, May 30
as well as  Saturday, May 14 
for the Bicentennial Parade.

Also, please note that Saturday, May 28 will be our last open Saturday for the summer. Weekend hours will resume after Labor Day.

staffpicksMay'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.
exhibitWillow Tree Pottery
Suzanne Staubach
Reception Thursday, May 5  
at 6:30 pm

During the month of May, the Jacob Edwards Library will have work of Willow Tree Pottery on display. Suzanne Staubach will exhibit her "elegant and sturdy handmade pots for the home" crafted in her studio in nearby Ashford, CT. The library is delighted to welcome Suzy who has also written two books that received critical acclaim -  Clay: the History and Evolution of Humankind's Relationship with Earth's Most Primal Element , and more recently Guy Wolff: Master Potter in the Garden . Both titles are available at the library.

Please join us for the opening reception on Thursday, May 5 from 6:30 - 7:30 pm. Light refreshments will be served, and all are welcome!

"My pots are made on a kick wheel. Once I sit down and begin kicking with my right foot, the wheel becomes and extension of myself. I like the quietness of it, and the focus it imposes upon me. My work is functional, primarily stoneware, with a little earthenware now and then. Like the ancient Chinese, and our colonial settlers, I slip glaze my pots when they are leather hard (not quite dry). This saves on fuel consumption and makes a tight bond between the clay and the glaze. Often, I don't glaze the pots at all, or glaze only the interior, letting the clay speak for itself, contrasting its earthy texture with the glassiness of the glaze.

When the pots are totally dry, I stack them in a downdraft gas kiln which I built near my studio. Usually, I light the kiln around six at night and "candle" it (burn it very low) until around midnight. Then I gradually increase the gas and the heat. By late afternoon or evening the next day, the kiln has reached 2300 F, and I shut it down. In a day or two, when the kiln has cooled, the pots are ready for use: for the table, the garden, and the kitchen."
Thursday, May 5 at 6:00 pm

Starting a new business, or thinking about it? Then come to the Krosslink meeting and learn about a free community support network that can help you grow your business. 
We'll discuss how to sustain, market and grow this program in Southbridge and beyond.  Networking and refreshments  
6:00-6:30, followed by discussion and a Q&A Session. 
All are welcome!

Krosslink.org is a volunteer-driven community program created to help develop, nurture, and foster entrepreneurship by connecting aspiring entrepreneurs to local business leaders, mentors and civic leaders who can help them achieve their goals. The result is a vibrant eco-system where individuals looking to build a business can find resources and activities to kick start their plans and find mentoring by SCORE business experts.
boxofficeFilm Screening - 5 Flights Up
Thursday, May 12 at 6:00 pm

A married couple's attempts at selling their New York apartment don't quite go as planned over the course of one crazy weekend.

Rated PG-13. Running time 93 min.

Presented as part of the Library Box Office series, sponsored by the Friends of the Jacob Edwards Library.


bostonBoston Marathon: History by the Mile with author Paul Clerici
Thursday, May 19 at 6:30 pm

Author Paul Clerici will present a talk on his book Boston Marathon History by the Mile on Thursday, May 19th at 6:30 pm in the Reading Room, Jacob Edwards Library.
 
Paul writes: "The book tells the story of the race, the course, the communities on the route, the people, history, etc., from my experienced writer/runner's viewpoint (I've run Boston 23 times and covered it in the media for nearly 30 years). It also includes forewords by Bobbi Gibb (the first woman to run Boston) and Boston Marathon race director Dave McGillivray; entertaining chapters on each community on the course; historical and interesting facts, stories, tidbits, tales, landmarks; vintage and race-day photos; unique, useful observations; in-depth expert advise on how to run each section of the course from renown coach Bill Squires; and more."

Copies of this and other publications by Mr. Clerici will be available for sale and book signing at the end of the program.

All welcome! Light refreshments served compliments of the Friends of Jacob Edwards Library.
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creditCredit Reports & Credit Scores: Getting the Most Mileage from Credit
Wednesday, May 25 at 2:00 pm

Be part of the journey to financial security! You are invited to participate in part two of this financial literacy series with Credit Reports and Credit Scores: Getting the Most Mileage from Credit. Offered by Money Management International with presenter Scott Sullivan. Join us to learn about this important aspect of our financial lives.

In this talk, Money Management International offers insight on improving and protecting your credit so you can get the most mileage from one of the most valuable financial tools available - your credit.

Curious about what your credit report is saying about you? Credit Reports and Credit Scores: Getting the most mileage from credit answers your questions, such as: What is a credit report? How can my credit report be used? How do I obtain my credit report? How do I know my credit report is accurate? How can I improve my credit score?
moonshineMoonshine Holler Concert
Thursday, May 26 at 6:30 pm

Moonshine Holler, the husband and wife duet of Paula Bradley and Bill Dillof, captures the essence of American roots music: hillbilly blues, ballads and breakdowns, Carter family classics and jugband stompers, with knock-your-socks-off flatfoot dancing to boot. 

Known for their musical prowess on more instruments than they can juggle (banjo, fiddle, guitar, Hawaiian guitar, harmonica, ukulele, kazoo), Paula and Bill are two performers steeped in old time traditional music who have performed and taught across the country and abroad. 

All are welcome to this free concert! Light refreshments will be served.

MA Cultural Council
This program is supported by a grant from the Southbridge Cultural Council, a local agency, which is supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency.
bicentennialSouthbridge Bicentennial Celebrations

The Town of Southbridge turns 200 in 2016! Visit  southbridge200.org for information on all of the upcoming events, a nd don't forget to like the Bicentennial on  Facebook  to keep up with the latest news!

We hope to see everyone at the Bicentennial Parade on Saturday, May 14th!

My Southbridge: An Interpretation
All area artists, crafters and writers are invited to create and contribute a piece for the Jacob Edwards Library's November, 2016 Art & Literature Exhibit! 

As 2016 is the Town of Southbridge's Bicentennial, we are hosting a group show of works that celebrate Southbridge. Pieces can be of any medium, in any style, and reflect any aspect of Southbridge that you would like. Photographs, paintings, poems, short stories, abstract expressions...anything goes! Be creative! Existing pieces that fit the theme are also welcome.
One piece per artist will be allowed, and all pieces will be returned to the artists in December.

Display spaces are limited, so please register now to reserve your spot in the show.  If you are interested, or have any further questions, please contact the library at 508-764-5426 or [email protected]
ongoingOngoing Events

Book Club reads 
Rebecca
Monday, May 2, 6:30 pm

All are welcome to join us for a discussion of Daphne Du Maurier's classic,  Rebecca,  in the Reading Room. New participants are always welcome! 
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 next month's book for discussion, A Cold & Lonely Place  by Sara J. Henry, are available at the Information Desk for checkout.
Knitting
Knitting with Sonya
Every Tuesday, 
10:30 am - 12:30 pm

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!

desk_tidy_colored_pencils.jpg
Coloring for Grown-Ups
Weds, May 18, 2:00 pm

We're pleased to offer something new - Coloring for Grown-Ups! Now you can try your hand at coloring: 
de-stress and self express! 
Unwind, relax and color with us on the third Wednesday of each month (in the Mills Room, lower level).   These more intricate coloring pages are catching on everywhere, come and see what everyone is talking about. 
We'll provide all the materials.  Drop in anytime between 2 and 4 pm, and stay as long or as little as you'd like!

teeneventsTeen Events

Teen Friday - Coloring
Friday, May 6, 3:00 pm

Drop in on Friday after school to unwind and color! We will have pages and colored pencils available in the Teen Area for anyone who wants to take a break from homework, or color while you hang out with friends. All teens and tweens welcome!
Sorry - no Teen Friday
Friday, May 20th

Check out an eBook from OverDrive or Axis360 to read instead!


Welcome to the Children's Corner!

Check here to find out about upcoming events in the Children's Room.
Super Kids Story Time     Wednesdays    10:30 am

Come to story time for a fun morning of stories, songs, and movement in the Children's Room. This story time is aimed at children aged 3-5, 
but all are welcome. 
Come for story time and stay to make the craft! 


Crafty Wednesdays        
9 am - 5 pm

Stop by the Children's Room any time on Wednesday to make a special craft. This is a drop-in program that runs all day. Come to the Children's Room desk to get your craft supplies, be as creative as you like, and go home with a masterpiece! Check our display to see which craft we will be making next!   


Construction Crew 
~ with LEGO bricks~
Thursday s,  3 - 4:30 pm     
S aturday s,  10  am - 12  noon

We'll bring the L EGO bricks , you bring the ideas!  
Best for children over age
five. Completed projects will go on display in the Children's Room for one week
Toddler Time   
Fridays    10:30 am - 11:15 am

This program is designed for children under three and their caregivers, and includes one short story and song.  The story time will be at 10:45 am, with playtime and music before and after. 
Lap-sit babies are welcome!  
 


             Action Story Time
       Saturday, May 7, 11:00 am

Join us on the first Saturday of the month for this fun, family program full of movement and motion. Each story will involve audience participation and the songs will keep children on their feet. A perfect program for active families! 

Bicycle Maintenance Basics
Monday, May 9, 6 pm
~Presented by the Southbridge Recreation Department~
Learn how to care for and repair your bicycle in this informative  program. Tune-up your own bike at home and get ready for Bike Week  (May 14 - 22). Check out one of our new bicycle books while you are here!
Craft a Collage
Tuesday, May 10, 9 am-5 pm   

We will provide the magazines, glue, scissors, and crayons,  You supply the ideas and creativity! Drop in any time on the second Tuesday of the month to cut, paste, and craft a collage creation!
 

Community Baby Shower 
~ Notre Dame LaSalle Hall~
444 Main Street   Southbridge
Wednesday, May 25, 1-4 pm

The Children's Department will be at this fun event for expecting and new parents; receive gift bags, prizes, and information. 
Snacks will be provided.  Bring a friend and you each will receive an additional gift!  

librarynewsLibrary News

exotic_fish_aquarium.jpg
Discounted and Free Admission to Museums & Attractions

Did you know? The library offers passes to a variety of area museums and attractions! 
 
Locations include:
Old Sturbridge Village
Ecotarium
Mystic Aquarium
Roger Williams Park Zoo
Tower Hill Botanic Gardens
Worcester Art Museum
Fruitlands Museum
USS Constitution Museum
Massachusetts ParksPass
AJ Petro Pool (seasonal)
 
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 now 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 main collection, click here. On your device, download the Overdrive app to get started.

We also now have some new collections, thanks to a statewide eBook project, Commonwealth Collections. Axis 360 provides more popular options, similar to Overdrive. Biblioboard is great for homework and research, and also has a great collection of 'For Dummies' titles available.

If you have questions or are having trouble, please ask us! Drop by, call, or email!

We now accept credit cards!

We can now accept credit cards as a form of payment for your overdue or lost book fees.

Please ask us at the Information Desk if you have any questions.
student_help.jpg
Book 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

Call 508-764-5426 or 
email Ashley  to schedule an  appointment.


Jacob Edwards Library
Upcoming Meetings

The Friends of the Library will be meeting on 
Monday, May 16
at 6:00 pm.
 
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 next meet on Tuesday, May 24 at Noon 
in the Mills Room. 

Please note that meetings will now take place on the 4th Tuesday of the month, rather than the 3rd Tuesday.
 
All meetings are open to the public.
We hope to see you at the library 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.

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