Volume 10 No. 4 | March 30, 2026

TUTORIAL:

Click on the image to the right for a PDF of the newsletter & calendar tutorial.

Poet's Seat

Poetry Contest Ceremony

Readings by Finalists and Awarding of Prizes

April 28, 2026 | 6pm

Greenfield Public Library

Sign up at the library to attend

Wednesday

April 15, 2026

10:00am - 6:00pm

A Spring Book Sale sponsored by the Friends of the Greenfield Public Library is happening on Saturday, May 9 from 10am to 1pm. All money raised through our book sales funds library programs.

We are looking for book donations for our May 9th sale and will be available to accept your gently used books.

Books must be in gently used condition with no mold, dog-ears, discoloration, underlining, or broken binding. We cannot accept encyclopedias, textbooks, computer manuals, or media   (CD’s, DVD’s, etc).

If you would like more information, please e-mail fgplbooksalecommittee@gmail.com

Contact: 

Cyndie Rothschild

413-824-0468

Donations will also be accepted on

CALLING ALL VOLUNTEERS FOR LIBRARY ACTIVITIES

If you have volunteered in the past, or you think you might want to volunteer to help out the library or Friends in the future, log in to our new sign-up system today:

CLICK HERE

For detailed information about the many excellent programs presented at the library, listed below, click on the purple "Visit the Full Library Calendar" button,

which you'll find throughout the newsletter:

Teen Programs and Events

Teen programs are intended for youth ages 13 - 20 unless otherwise noted

Meet with a MassHire 

Young Adult Career Counselor 

Tuesdays, 2:30 - 4:30 pm 

Thursday Resources and FREE Pizza!

Thursdays, 3:00 - 4:30 pm 

April 2: Award winning graphic designer Thom Dudley 

April 9: Professional Artist Danielle Lucier

April 16: Tobacco and Vaping: Get the Facts and play bingo for prizes 

April 30: Tuba player Kevin Smith 

Mac’s Board Game Night 

Tuesday, April 14, 4:00 - 6:00 pm 

Mac’s Movie Night 

Wednesday, April 29, Pizza at 5:00 pm, Movie at 5:30 pm 

For more information on teen programs, contact teen librarian Francesca Passiglia at francesca.passiglia@greenfield-ma.gov

or call (413) 772-1544 x5120

Tween Programs and Events

Come enjoy the library's dedicated space for Tweens!

Kick Back and Craft (drop-in) 

Tuesday, April 7, 2:30 - 3:45 pm 

Tween Advisory Board Meeting

Wednesday, April 15 at 3:30 pm 

This month tweens will help assemble a spring bulletin board for the Children’s Room. 

Kids’ Graphic Novel Book Club Meeting: New Girl 

Wednesday, April 8, 3:30 pm 

Copies of the book are available for check out in the children’s room 

For more information on children’s programs, contact children’s librarian Ellen Lavoie at ellen.lavoie@greenfield-ma.gov 

or call (413) 772-1544 x5104

Children's Programs and Events

An adult is required to be present with children under 8 participating in GPL programs

STORY TIMES

Book Babies

Intended for birth -18 months

Tuesdays at 10am

Toddler Time with Ellen Lavoie

Wednesdays at 10:00 am  

ACTIVITIES & SPECIAL EVENTS

Local Author Storytime with with Peter Rosnick 

Tuesday, April 21, 2:00 pm 

Babysitter’s Club Fan Party 

Wednesday, April 22, 2-3:30 pm 

Make a Collage 

Thursday, April 23, 10:00 am - 12:00 pm

SUPER Lego Club 

Thursday, April 23, 2:30 - 4:00 pm 

1000 Books Before Kindergarten Celebration

Saturday, April 25, 10:00 am-12:00 pm

ONGOING PROGRAMS

GPL Lego Club (drop-in) 

Mondays, 3:30-5pm 

Drop-in Playgroup 

Fridays, 9:30-11:30am 

Meet a Therapy Dog (drop-in) 

Friday, April 3, 3:30 - 4:30 pm 

Family Board Game Night (drop-in)

Monday, April 27, 5:30 - 7:30 pm

For more information on children’s programs, contact children’s librarian Ellen Lavoie at ellen.lavoie@greenfield-ma.gov

or call (413) 772-1544 x5104

1000 Books Before Kindergarten

Celebration

Saturday, April 25 10:00 am - 12:00 pm

Community Meeting Room

Program participants and newcomers, please join us at the library for a spring celebration with music, books, and fun activities for kids ages 0-5 on Saturday, April 25, from 10:00 am - 12:00 pm. Sign up, celebrate your progress, or get reinspired on your family’s journey to read 1000 books before kindergarten.

For more information, contact Ellen Lavoie at ellen.lavoie@greenfield-ma.gov or call (413) 772-1544 x5104.

This program, made possible through the generosity of the Friends of the Greenfield Public Library, is free and recommended for ages 0 - 5.

Wednesday, April 8, 6:00pm

Community Meeting Room

Farmer, teacher, and (retired) social worker, Danny Botkin, will show slides, tell stories, and share insights from 30+ years growing food by hand, raising dairy goats, while stewarding the

land and mentoring youth on a sunny hilltop, once part of of a notorious, Franklin County Commune. Botkin’s presentation will include the mercurial history of Laughing Dog Farm, a small, diversified, permaculture-inspired homestead, dedicated today, as much to healing and inspiration, as to “heirloom” cultivation and nutrient-dense produce.

Danny’s talk will include several practical ideas, (and secrets!) to give the landless and/or uninitiated grower a leg up, whether in a suburban backyard, an urban lot or even on a Windowsill!

“Laughing Dog’s” presentation concludes with the uplifting tale of their recent, five year loss of health, home and homestead, only to return (with the help of family, friends and community),

reclaim, and rebuild all three!

Returned now to their beloved farm, (2024) home and animals, Daniel and his wife Divya Shinn look to the future with gratitude and anticipation!

For more information, contact Lisa Prolman at librarian@greenfieldpubliclibrary.org or call (413) 772-1544.

A monthly book club for fans of graphic novels. Pick up a copy of the book in the Children’s Room in the month leading up to each meeting, then join us for a talk, activities, and help us pick our next book. 

This month’s book is New Girl by Cassandra Calin.

For more information, contact Ellen Lavoie at ellen.lavoie@greenfield-ma.gov or call (413) 772-1544 x5104.

This program, made possible through the generosity of the Friends of the Greenfield Public Library, is free and recommended for children ages 8-12.

The Western Massachusetts Master Gardener Association (WMMGA) will be at the Greenfield Public Library to answer your gardening questions and offer pH soil testing on Saturday, April 25, from 10:00 am – 12:00 pm. Bring a sample of soil to learn what your garden needs to flourish! For information on collecting soil samples , see “How to Test Your Soil” on their homepage at https://wmmga.org/

The Western Massachusetts Master Gardener Association (WMMGA) is a member- managed nonprofit organization dedicated to the educational mission of promoting good and sustainable gardening practices. Each Master Gardener has completed an in-depth training program, including hands-on activities in gardening and public education, and has made a commitment to participate in WMMGA-sponsored public programs each year. WMMGA is an affiliate of the national Master Gardener program of the American Horticultural Society.

For more information, contact Pamela McBride at librarian@greenfieldpubliclibrary.org, or call (413) 772-1544.

This program, free and open to the public, is a rain or shine event.

Stop by the Makerspace for our Farmers Market Day craft project on Saturday, April 4, from 10:00 am - 1:00 pm. This month we are partnering with Friends of Reusable Bags, a project of Greening Greenfield!

Make 2 sturdy reusable bags or more: one to keep, one to donate. You can make your bag from large bags that were used to hold feed for songbirds, chickens, cows, pigs, goats… pick your favorite picture. Handles are made from drip tape previously used for irrigation. They’ll show you how to use the grommet machines to make sturdy grocery-sized bags. All materials are provided. 

Greening Greenfield is a group of concerned citizens working with residents, businesses & town government to build a more resilient & sustainable Greenfield, MA.

For more information, contact Pamela McBride at librarian@greenfieldpubliclibrary.org or call (413) 772-1544.

This program is free and open to the public. Children 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult.

All month, teens can stop by the teen room to vote on their favorite movies. The night of the event viewers vote for the best out of the remaining 2 and watch the winning movie

April School Vacation Week

Tuesday, April 21 - Friday April 24

Local Author Storytime with Peter Rosnick, Tuesday, April 22, 2:00 pm

Join local author Peter Rosnick on Tuesday, April 22, at 2:00 pm to hear him read from his new book Jojo and Bea, the Bolivian Bunny with a book sale and signing afterwards. Great for ages 3-8.

Babysitter’s Club Fan Party, Wed., April 22, 2-3:30 pm 

Fans of the Babysitter’s Club book series? Drop in on Wednesday, April 22 from 2:00 - 3:30 pm to make cootie catchers, friendship bracelets, and buttons inspired by the books. Great for ages 6-12.

Make a Collage, Thursday, April 23, 10:00 am - 12:00 pm

Drop by the Children' s Activity Room to make a collage on Thursday, April 23 between 10:00 am - 12:00 pm. A mix of craft supplies will be available.

SUPER Lego Club, Thursday, April 23, 2:30 - 4:00 pm, Community Meeting Room

Join us in the Community Meeting Room on Thursday, April 23, from 2:30 - 4:00 pm for our SUPER Lego Club. This is a free-play event, great for youth ages 3 - 12. Large Duplo sets will also be available.

Thursday, April 2, 9, 16, 23, 30

2:30 - 4:30 pm

Stop by the Teen Room on Thursday afternoons to get the support you need in a fun and inclusive atmosphere:

Free pizza and after school snacks

Homework help from local seniors and reference librarians

Tech help and chit chat with digital navigator Rich Vaden

Toiletries and contraceptives

Special drop-in life skills sessions with the following local experts:

April 2: Digital Designer: Meet award winning graphic designer Thom Dudley and learn some of his digital drawing tricks and shortcuts. Bring your own tablet along or use our laptops and digital drawing pads.

April 9: Professional Artist : Danielle Lucier will be on hand to answer questions about making a living by making art. She’ll also lead teens in a fun and inspiring art project.

April 16: Tobacco and Vaping: Get the Facts: Join Public Health Nurse Robin Neipp for a game of bingo and win prizes as you learn about vaping and tobacco.

April 30: Professional Musician: Tuba player Kevin Smith will be on hand to talk all things music, band and more. Teens are encouraged to bring their own musical instruments along.

This program is made possible through the generosity of the Library Initiative for Teens and Tweens.

The Children’s Advocacy Center of Franklin County and North Quabbin will honor National Child Abuse Prevention Month this April with a series of local events, including two at the Greenfield Public Library.

On April 8 at 6pm, the Center will host an internet safety presentation for parents and children, focused on helping families navigate online risks and protect young people in digital spaces. This training on internet safety will include a 15 min Q&A session.

From Monday, April 20 through Friday, April 24, the Center will present its powerful Silhouettes Exhibit in the Library’s Community Meeting Room. This moving installation represents the children and teens of Franklin County and North Quabbin who came forward in 2025 to share their experiences of sexual abuse or exploitation.

These silhouettes symbolize only a fraction of those affected, an estimated ten percent, meaning hundreds more in our community may still be suffering in silence. Through the Silhouettes Exhibit, the Children’s Advocacy Center honors the courage of those who have spoken out, encourages others to seek help, and brings greater awareness to a difficult but critical issue.

Thursday, April 16, 10:00 am

Makerspace

Join us in the GPL Makerspace on Thursday, April 16, from 10:00 - 12:00 pm for a Soil Health Testing workshop. UMass Extension Soil Health Educator Artie Siller, PhD, will introduce our latest Library of Things item: the UMass Soil Health Test Kit.

Healthy soil supports healthy plants and healthy ecosystems, but knowing how to measure soil health can feel complicated. In this workshop, Artie Siller will introduce a simple, hands-on toolkit for farmers, home gardeners, and land managers. Participants will see demonstrations of quick field tests, including measurements of soil structure, compaction, water infiltration, and biological activity. We will discuss how to interpret the results.

After the demonstration, the kit will be permanently housed in the GPL Library of Things, available for check out with a valid library card. 

This program is free, but space is limited and registration is required. 

Register through the GPL calendar at:

https://greenfieldpl.libcal.com/event/16599526

For more information, contact Nancy Little, nancy.little@greenfield-ma.gov or call (413) 772-1544.

 This workshop is free and open to all experience levels.

Hart Farm will be at the Greenfield Public Library to answer questions and provide information about their ”Neighborhood Hub” CSA program. This program is designed to create access to fresh, local produce and provide flexibility and lower cost to neighbors in western Franklin and Hampshire counties.

Wednesday, April 1, 6:30 pm

Conference Room

Join community member Zoey Erickeson at the GPL on the first Wednesday of the month at 6:30 pm, for a different type of book club! Rather than having a host or moderator decide on a book to read each month, readers will choose their own book based on a monthly theme. 

April’s Theme: a book that takes place in the state you were born (or country in outside the US)

May’s Theme: a book set in a hotel or motel

Join us and discover what your neighbors are reading!

For more information, contact Pamela McBride at librarian@greenfieldpubliclibrary.org or call (413) 772-1544. 

This program is free and intended for ages 14+.

Celebrate National Library Week and William Shakespeare's birthday by learning to repair books! Join us in the Makerspace on Thursday, April 23 at 3:30 pm for Basic Book Repair with Tom Hutcheson.

Participants will learn the basic forms of book construction (printing, signatures versus perfect bound; text blocks; boards/covers; spines, etc.) and how to address common problems (ripped pages, detached spines, detached covers, etc.). Basic tools and materials will be discussed (leather dressing, glue, bone folders, papers (including washi), boards, rulers, microspatulas, weights/clamps, scalpels, etc.) and their use demonstrated.

Hutcheson comes from a bookish family and has recently retired after careers in municipal management and non-profit policy work. He now has time to attend to some of the books he inherited that need work and is happy to share what he has learned with others.

This program is free, but space is limited to six participants, and registration is required. Register through our calendar at:

https://greenfieldpl.libcal.com/event/16460179

For more information, contact Lisa Prolman at librarian@greenfieldpubliclibrary.org or call (413) 772-1544.

April Art Exhibits

Exhibits are on display throughout the month and accessible when programming is not taking place in our meeting rooms. The galleries are always open for viewing on Saturday mornings from 9:30 - 10:30 am.

Carson Poe: Birthday Questions Ink on Paper Conference Room

GCC Student Painting Exhibit, Community Meeting Room through Mid April

The Children’s Advocacy Center of Franklin County and North Quabbin: Silhouettes April 20 - 24, Community Meeting Room

ECard registration can be found at https://www.bpl.org/ecard-registration/ 

Greenfield Public Library Hours

Monday - Wednesday: 9:30 am – 8 pm

Thursday - Friday: 9:30 am – 5 pm

Saturday: 9:30 am – 2 pm

For security purposes, the upstairs floor closes 15 minutes before closing time. Main doors are locked 5 minutes before closing.

Check us out 24/7 at at our website for e-books, audiobooks, movie streaming, music, and research fun.