Volume 9 No. 7 | June 27, 2025

July 2025 | Newsletter

Deep summer is when laziness finds respectability.

Sam Keen

Dear Reader,

During the lazy days of summer, we do not necessarily cease doing worthwhile, creative, fun, or even thought-provoking things. Rather, the lazy days regulate the tempo with which such things might be approached or entertained.

This is certainly true at our library. On cooler days, adults might enjoy the back patio -- writing articles, drafting resumes, drawing political cartoons, or planning local rallies and events. But the humid bark of the deep dog days of summer herds us indoors, where library friends of all ages hustle through the doors to bask in the relief of air conditioning, flopping happily onto comfortable couches and chairs. Sweetly, kids seek out spots on the rug, some nestling into an adult as if against a trusty tree trunk, settling in for a nice read-aloud. Teens and tweens craft, chat, or create presentations (see "PowerPoint Party!" in the Teens section, below). On Tuesdays, families come together for movie nights and complimentary food. Research happens in nooks, sometimes aided by reference librarians. Folks attend talks by local authors -- some of whom, though internationally known, live right down the street. Others read novels in the quietude, perhaps escaping the hustle and bustle of their residences; many borrow computers, wrestle silently with the internet.

But it is July, and all of this proceeds at a respectably slower pace, at a snail's tempo. Think sloth; think wise turtle.

We look forward to seeing you saunter lazily into the library to enjoy the programs and activities listed in this month's newsletter, and whatever else calls your name. Join us!

Your Friends,

- Paul & Celine

*notes: If possible, please read this newsletter on your desktop. It's not optimized for mobile devices, though it's certainly readable on them.

As usual, step-step tutorial on how to use the newsletter in tandem with the Library calendar is available in the PDF below. The calendar is not only useful for perusing and tracking events, but it's also where you can register for some of the registration-required offerings mentioned below.

Visit the Full Library Calendar

TUTORIAL:

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

FRIENDS OF THE GPL

EVENTS

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

So, what's the buzzzz?

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:

Visit the Full Library Calendar

Adult Programs and Events

IN OUR GALLERIES THIS MONTH

From Around Western Mass: Photographs by Trevor Powers

Conference Room, Opening Reception:

Saturday, July 12, 12:00 - 2:00 pm

Franklin County Fair Museum Ephemera Exhibit

Local History Room

SPECIAL EVENTS IN JULY:

CAMP READMORE ADULT SUMMER READING PROGRAM!

Through July 26

Sign up at the library or online, grab your reading log and badge tracker, and start your journey. Bring a friend, challenge your neighbors, or go solo -- however you play, you’re in for a summer of chills, thrills, and community connection.

Community Legal Aid Information Session

Tuesday, Jul 1, 2-4pm & Tuesday, July 15, 5-6:30pm

Main Lobby

Alyssa Golden of Community Legal Aid will be on hand to answer questions.

Coffee with a Cop

Monday, July 7, 9:30-11:30am

Perodicals Lounge

Join your neighbors and police officers for

coffee, pastries, and conversation.

Drone & Remote Control Car Obstacle Course

Saturday, July 19, 11am - 2pm

Three County Continuum of Care's "People with Lived Experience Action Board" Collection Drive

Monday, July 7, 10am-1pm, Library Patio

Resumania! With Experts from MassHire

Monday, July 28, 10am-12noon,

Community Meeting Room

MAKERSPACE FUN!

Drop In Knitting & Crochet

Weekly on Tuesdays, 5:30-7:30pm

GPL Zine Club Presents: Community Zine Colab!

Monday, July 7th, 6pm

Drop-In Mending Clinic

Tuesday, July 15th, 2-4pm

MONTHLY PROGRAMS

Talk to an Assessor

Tuesday, July 1st, 4-5:30pm, Study Room B

Spice Kit: Rosemary

Tuesday, July 1, while supplies last

Drop In Tech Help *NEW PROGRAM*

Wednesday mornings in the Makerspace

July 2 and 16: 9:30-11am

July 9, 23, 30: 10am to 12noon

Writer’s Workshop

Wednesdays at 6pm in the Local History Room

WordPress Meetup

Wednesday, July 9th, 6-7:50pm in the Conference Rm

Greenfield Ukulele Players

Friday, July 18th, 1-2:30pm, Conference Rm

"MEET YOUR NEIGHBORS" -- PROGRAMS THAT HIGHLIGHT HUMAN CONNECTION

Community Conversations 413

Wednesdays, 4:15-5:15pm, Local History Room

Moving Forward: a grief support group

Monday, July 14th, 5:30-7:30pm, Study Room C

Conversational French

Tuesday, July 22, 5:30-6:30pm

Conference Room

AUTHOR TALK:

Craig Harris: Bob Dylan and The Band

Wednesday, July 16, 6pm

Community Meeting Room

Based on his ninth book, Last Waltz: The Full Story of The Band, Harris uses rare recordings, video, and intriguing stories to trace this still-influential quintet from their days with Hawkins and Dylan through their 1990’s resurrection, Helm’s three solo Grammy winners and Robertson’s soundtracks for Martin Scorsese films including Killers of the Flower Moon.

BOOK DISCUSSIONS

Personal Growth Book Club: When Things Fall Apart

Monday, June 16, 6:30pm, Conference Room

GAMES

Library Chess Club

Mondays 5:30pm - 7:30pm in the Board Game area

Drop-in Scrabble Night

Tuesdays July 1st & July 15th, 4:30-6:30pm, Board Game area

INFORMATION SESSIONS IN THE MAIN LOBBY

Franklin County Regional Housing and Redevelopment Authority

Thursday, July 17, 2-4pm

LifePath

Thursday, July 17, 2-4pm

Greenfield Recycling Program

Tuesday, July 29, 2-4pm

Tapestry

Friday, July 11 & July 25, 2:30-3:30pm

Visit the Full Library Calendar

Teen Programs and Events

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

YOUTH SUMMER READING CHALLENGES:

June 13 to July 26

PowerPoint Party!

Wednesday, July 2, 3:00-4:30 pm

Share a slide show on any topic you like.

Teen Escape Room: with Wicked Fun Games

Friday, July 11, 2pm

Space is limited, pre-registration required:

https://greenfieldpl.libcal.com/event/14800495

Summer Reading Challenges:

Read Books, Win Prizes!

Blind Date With a Book
Massachusetts Center for the Book
Student Reading Challenge
Mass Teen Choice Book Award

Leisure reading just 15 minutes a day can increase your SAT scores and lower stress levels by 70%! This summer we challenge you to read at least 15 minutes a day.

WEDNESDAY RESOURCES FOR TEENS

Wednesday afternoons in July 3:30-5:15

Speak with a MassHire Youth Specialist about jobs
Grab what you need from our care cabinet
Got something on your mind? Stop by Community Conversations 413, a student-led discussion group

Featured Craft of the Week (drop-in)

Monday-Friday, 12:30-5pm (stop by the YMCA for lunch first from 12-12:30!)

Week of June 30 - July 3: Altoids Tin Shadow Boxes
Week of July 7 - 11: Terrariums
Week of July 14 - 18: Diamond Painting
Week of July 21 - 25: Acrylic Painting

Teen Summer Reading Program, through July 26

Read 15 minutes a day and win prizes!

Stop by the teen room to sign up.

Mass Teen Choice Book Award, through September 2025

21 teen books have been nominated, and teens have until September to choose their favorite! All books available in the GPL Teen Room.

SUMMER EATS

Tuesdays, 5-6pm Ages 0-18

Pick up dinner plus breakfast for the next day!

Provided by Greenfield Public Schools.

stop by our air-conditioned community room each week at 5:30pm for a family-friendly movie.

Tween Programs and Events

Come enjoy the library's dedicated space for Tweens!

YOUTH SUMMER READING CHALLENGES:

June 13 to July 26

Summer Reading Program, ages 0-12

Track days read on a paper tracker, EVERYONE can earn up to TWO ice cream coupons, WORK TOGETHER TO SAVE MARIO! Sign up today in the Children’s Room or at greenfieldpubliclibrary.org

Piti Theatre DinoFest Performance

Wednesday, July 9, 6pm

The Story Wizard is back and needs your help making a new story with DINOSAURS! Join the performance and play paleontologist in sand sensory bins at this special evening program. Ages 3-12

Tween Escape Room with Wicked Fun Games

Friday, July 11, 3:30pm

Community Meeting Room

Pre-registration Required, Ages 8-12

Make a Butterfly Feeder (drop-in)

Saturday, July 12, 9:30am-1:30pm

Ages 5-12

Garden Rock Painting (drop-in)

Thursday, July 17, 2:30-4:30 pm

Ages 3-12

SUMMER EATS

Tuesdays, 5-6pm Ages 0-18

Pick up dinner plus breakfast for the next day!

Provided by Greenfield Public Schools.

stop by our air-conditioned community room each week at 5:30pm for a family-friendly movie.

Visit the Full Library Calendar

Children's Programs and Events

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

YOUTH SUMMER READING CHALLENGES:

Through July 26

Children’s Summer Reading Program, ages 0-12

Attention kids ages 0-12! Read this summer to earn up to two ice cream coupons to Ice Cream Alley and SAVE MARIO!

STORY TIMES

Book Babies

Intended for birth -18 months

Tuesdays @ 10am

Toddler Time

Intended for 18-36 months

Wednesdays @ 10am

ACTIVITIES

Family Movie Night

Tuesdays, 5:30pm, Community Room

July 1: After a shipwreck, an intelligent robot called Roz is stranded on an uninhabited island.
July 8: When a dog and a police officer are injured together on the job, a life-saving surgery changes the course of history.
July 15: Paddington and the Brown family visit Aunt Lucy in Peru.
July 22: Garfield, the world-famous, Monday-hating, lasagna-loving indoor cat, is about to have a wild outdoor adventure!
July 29: Gru faces a new nemesis in Maxime Le Mal and his femme fatale girlfriend Valentina, and the family is forced to go on the run.

Piti Theatre DinoFest Performance

Wednesday, July 9, 6pm

The Story Wizard is back and needs your help making a new story with DINOSAURS! Join the performance and play paleontologist in sand sensory bins at this special evening program. Ages 3-12

Tween Escape Room with Wicked Fun Games

Friday, July 11, 3:30pm

Community Meeting Room

Pre-registration Required, Ages 8-12

Make a Butterfly Feeder (drop-in)

Saturday, July 12, 9:30am-1:30pm

Ages 5-12

Garden Rock Painting (drop-in)

Thursday, July 17, 2:30-4:30 pm

Ages 3-12

Giant Family Twister

Wednesday, July 23, 6pm

Pizza and freeze pops included

Ages 5+

Meet a Therapy Dog

Friday, July 25, 3:30-4:30pm

ONGOING ACTIVITIES

Drop-in Playgroup

Fridays, 9:30 - 11:30 am

Join the Children’s Librarian for free playtime with a mix of toys and activities for little ones, ages 0-5.

GPL Lego Club (drop-in)

Intended for ages 3+

Mondays, 3:30 - 5pm

SUMMER EATS

Tuesdays, 5-6pm Ages 0-18

Pick up dinner plus breakfast for the next day!

Provided by Greenfield Public Schools.

stop by our air-conditioned community room each week at 5:30pm for a family-friendly movie.

Visit the Full Library Calendar

A FEW HIGHLIGHTS:

PROGRAMING FOR ADULTS, TEENS, TWEENS & CHILDREN

Family Movie Night

Tuesday, July 1, 8, 15, 22, 29

5:30pm

Community Meeting Room

Due to licensing restrictions, we can’t share the names of the movies, but we can give you the following hints:

July 1: After a shipwreck, an intelligent robot called Roz is stranded on an uninhabited island.

July 8: When a dog and a police officer are injured together on the job, a life-saving surgery changes the course of history.

July 15: Paddington and the Brown family visit Aunt Lucy in Peru.

July 22: Garfield, the world-famous, Monday-hating, lasagna-loving indoor cat, is about to have a wild outdoor adventure!

July 29: Gru faces a new nemesis in Maxime Le Mal and his femme fatale girlfriend Valentina, and the family is forced to go on the run.

Doors open 30 minutes before the show starts. Outside food and drink are allowed. All movies start at 5:30 pm and run until completed, unless otherwise indicated.

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

Movies are free to the public, thanks to the generous support of the Friends of the Greenfield Public Library.

Summer Eats Supper Pickup

Tuesdays through August 12

5:00 - 6:00 pm

This summer, Greenfield Public Library is excited to be a pickup location for the Summer Eats food program from Greenfield Public Schools! Families with kids up to age 18 can pick up FREE Grab & Go supper and breakfast packages on Tuesday evenings in front of the Library, from 5:00 - 6:00 pm.

This program, sponsored by the Greenfield Public Schools, is free and available to all Greenfield families and children up to age 18.

Teen Summer Reading Challenges

July 1 - 31

Are you looking for motivation to read this summer? Participate in the following reading challenges:

Blind Date With a Book beginning July 8 check out a book by the description alone. Wait until you get home to unwrap it and find out what you have! Rate your date and win a small prize.

Massachusetts Center for the Book Student Reading Challenge. During the month of July read a book where the main character is not human. Submit a review using the Mass Center for the Book form and win a candy bar (allergy friendly treats are also available).

Mass Teen Choice Book Award Challenge Read any of the 21 nominated books, submit a review and win a custom made t-shirt!

For more information, contact Francesca Passiglia at francesca.passiglia@greenfield-ma.gov or call (413) 772-1544 x5120.

This program, made possible through the generosity of the Friends of the Greenfield Public Library, is free and intended for ages 13-20.

Bob Dylan and the Band with Craig Harris

Wednesday, July 16

6:00 pm

Community Meeting Room

The Greenfield Public Library welcomes music historian and Washington DC radio host Craig Harris for his presentation Bob Dylan and the Band, on Wednesday, July 16, at 6:00 pm in the Community Meeting Room.

Craig Harris is the author of Last Waltz: The Full Story of The Band, and The Musical Life of Melanie, as well as other works. He has appeared onstage with many artists, including Greg Brown, Jonathan Edwards and Los Texmaniacs. The Craig Harris Show airs on WAMU-FM/Bluegrass Country Radio.

This program, generously sponsored by the Friends of the Greenfield Public Library, is free and open to the public.

Tween Escape Room with Wicked Fun Games

Friday, July 11

3:30 pm

Community Meeting Room

Mix potions and translate fairy messages to escape from the Terrible Thicket!

Space is limited and registration is required for this tween escape room for 8-12 year-olds.

(A teen session will be held at 2:00 pm).

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 intended for ages 8-12.

Get tangled up with your whole family in a giant game of Twister that will fill the large Community Meeting Room on Wednesday, July 23 at 6:00 pm. Pizza and freeze pops included!

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 5+.

Teens are invited to create their own PowerPoint presentation (or Google or Canva Slideshow) on the topic of their choice. Presentations should be longer than 1 minute and shorter than 5. All subject material must be PG-13. Snacks will be served!

For more details and to see the full list, stop by the Teen Room and see Teen Librarian, Francesca Passiglia or contact her at francesca.passiglia@greenfield-ma.gov or call (413) 772-1544.

This program, made possible through the generosity of the Friends of the Greenfield Public Library, is free and for teens aged 13 -20.

Drone & Remote Control Car Obstacle Course

Saturday, July 19

11:00 am - 2:00 pm

Join us as we team up with the Greenfield Police Department for a Drone & Remote Control Car Obstacle Course right in the library! It’s your chance to test your skills, have some laughs, and earn exclusive Summer Reading badges.

The Greenfield Police Department will help us set up a test course to show the public how to fly one of the department’s special drones. Participants will work with department pilots to operate the drones, giving people a taste of the powerful tool.

While inside the library, other participants can complete a spooky, book-themed course using remote control cars. They will visit some of the locations on the Camp Readmore Map, including the Wicked Woods, the Thundering Sea, and others. Small prizes will be awarded for the fastest times, best navigation, and most creative “driver.”

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

This program, generously sponsored by the Greenfield Police Department and the Friends of the Greenfield Public Library is free. An adult is required to be present with children under age 16 to participate in this program.

Teens ages 13-20, can stop by the teen room on weekdays this summer from 12:30-5:00 pm and try out a different craft each week. We recommend stopping by the YMCA from 12:00 to 12:30 pm and grabbing lunch at the Summer Eats Program first!

For more information, please contact Teen Librarian Francesca Passiglia at 413-772-1544 x5120 or francesca.passiglia@greenfield-ma.gov

This program, made possible through the generosity of the Friends of the Greenfield Public Library, is free and for teens aged 13 -20.

Monday, July 7

9:30 - 11:30am

Periodicals Lounge

Join your neighbors and police officers for coffee, pastries, and conversation.

“Coffee with a Cop” brings police officers and the community members they serve together–over coffee–to discuss issues, learn more about each other, improve trust and strengthen community relationships.

Coffee and pastries provided by the Greenfield Police Department. This event is free and open to everyone in our community.

The Greenfield Public Library will be closed on Friday, July 4 for the July Fourth holiday. We will reopen on Saturday, July 5, at 9:30 am. Check us out 24/7 at greenfieldpubliclibrary.org for e-books, audiobooks, movie streaming, music, and research fun.

GPL Discontinuing Kanopy

Due to budgetary issues, Greenfield Public Library will discontinue access to the Kanopy streaming service, beginning July 1, 2025, in order to shift funds to other online platforms.