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The Library is offering curbside service at this time.
Please call 508-764-5426 to reach a staff member.
Curbside Pickup
Available
Monday-Friday, 9 am-5 pm
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Masonic Building and Ammidown Block, Southbridge. 1917.
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Curbside pickup service continues this November. This contactless-service will be available Monday through Friday, from 9 am until 5 pm, and will remain in effect for the near future. Patrons may request items by calling the Library at 508-764-5426, or by placing holds in their personal library account. Patrons may request up to ten (10) items per transaction when calling. Items from the CW/MARS catalog may be requested; however, only items in the JEL collection are subject to immediate availability.
for additional information on curbside pickup.
Items may be returned only through the book drop
at the rear of the building, due to challenges posed
for safe materials handling.
- Late fees accrued during our closure will be waived
- Normal lending periods have resumed:
What are the loan periods for library materials?
Most books, books-on-CD, and music CDs are loaned for three weeks. New books are loaned for two weeks. DVDs and videogames are loaned for one week. Magazines are loaned for one week.
- No donations can be accepted during the pandemic, due to the challenges posed for safe materials handling
- Materials being returned will be quarantined and will not be checked in for 72 hours. There will be a 3 day delay in seeing recently returned items no longer appear on your account. Dates and times may be subject to change
- If returning compact discs, please place a rubber band around the case
*NEW SERVICE*
Any questions, please call the reference librarian at 508-764-5426
The Jacob Edwards Library is excited to announce the launch of Brainfuse - on demand, anytime, anywhere eLearning for all ages and levels. Brainfuse HelpNow offers a personalized homework help in core subjects (math, reading, writing, science and social studies) including SAT preparation. The Adult Learning Center is included in the HelpNow suite. Brainfuse will be made available to all library patrons from the public computers at their local library or from any computer with internet connection starting October 14, 2020.
HELPNOW
HelpNow provides differentiated learning solutions for students of diverse needs and backgrounds. Students communicate with live, online tutors using an interactive, virtual whiteboard to chat, write, draw, copy/paste text or images and graph homework problems. HelpNow also offers skills building and test preparation where after taking a quiz, the user can then connect directly to a live tutor to review the topics and questions covered in the quiz. Both the student and the tutor can view the quiz questions and the corresponding student answers for an intensive test prep which may include loading lessons onto the whiteboard. All live tutoring sessions are saved and can be replayed as well as shared with friends and teachers.
The Writing Lab and the Send Question Center options give users the freedom to receive assistance at any time of the day without connecting with a live tutor. Users can submit papers through the Writing Lab for detailed feedback. The Send Question Center is for non-writing assignments such as math or science. All reviews and comments from our tutors are found and stored in the Message Center, which is found on the student homepage. For students who prefer to work independently and form their own online study group, HelpNow offers a set of collaborative tools - Meet and Brainwave. Meet allows students to schedule their own online sessions using the Brainfuse Meet whiteboard, which is specifically designed for a group setting. Brainwave is a recordable whiteboard where students can draw, write and chat and send it to others for feedback.
ADULT LEARNING CENTER
Adult Learning Center is the adult learners' version of HelpNow where patrons access GED prep, U.S citizenship test prep, resume assistance, Microsoft Office support, and Career Resources which lists popular job search links. Microsoft Office support allows patrons to ask questions about Excel, Word and PowerPoint. The Writing Lab, Send Question Center and the Skills Building are also included in the Adult Learning Center suite.
The Jacob Edwards Library has many resources available for K-12 students learning remotely and in-person this fall. From encyclopedias and scholarly articles for research papers, to biographies and foreign language practice - you can find it all in our online resources. Whether in-person, hybrid, or home-schooling this fall, the Jacob Edwards Library is here to help with your educational resources.
Includes job hunting assistance, professional resume review, and interview preparation.
The Jacob Edwards Library is pleased to announce the launch of Brainfuse JobNow™ - a versatile online service designed to support every step of the job search process. JobNow features live online coaches who, among other things, assist in resume/cover letter preparation, and help patrons prepare for job interviews.
JobNow™ will be available to all library patrons from any home or library computer starting October 14, 2020.
To access JobNow™, please visit the library's website at this link.
Background information:
JobNow™ provides live online assistance, powerful tools, and other resources for job-seekers. It features the following services:
Live Interview Coaching: Patrons can brush up on interview techniques or get live online interview practice from trained job coaches. Job coaches and patrons communicate via live chat in our online classroom. In addition to live interview coaching, patrons enjoy 24/7 access to interview tips and career resources.
Resume Lab: Patrons can submit their resumes any time through the JobNow Resume Lab and a job coach will send it back within 24 hours with detailed feedback and suggestions for improvement. Users are also able to download resume templates, or browse resources for producing better resumes.
Career Resources: Patrons enjoy 24/7 access to a carefully-selected library of job resources. In addition, Brainfuse job coaches help users strategically target jobs best suited to their interests and qualifications.
Adult Learning Center: The Adult Learning Center provides foundational, career-enhancing skills to job seekers. In addition, the Adult Learning Center offers test preparation (including the GED and the USCIS citizenship test) and a unique academic skills center featuring live, online tutors.
About Brainfuse™
Brainfuse is one of the nation's leading online tutoring providers, serving a diversified client base of libraries, school districts and colleges/universities for over 18 years. With Brainfuse, users receive real-time tutoring from instructors via our proprietary online classroom. We serve hundreds of library systems throughout the country, including the New Mexico State Library, the Suffolk Cooperative Library System, the San Francisco Public Library, the Sacramento Public Library, The Free Library of Philadelphia, and North America's largest homework help program through the Chicago Public Library. For more information about Brainfuse services, please contact us at [email protected].
Art Exhibition
The Jacob Edwards Library is pleased to present the work of local artist Kathryn Sotar, owner and operator of K.Sew Products. This digital exhibition will feature numerous unique pieces from Kathryn's collection. Read more about Kathryn and K.Sew Products below. Tune into the Library's Facebook page each weekday for posts!
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| Kathryn Sotar. Catch-All Bag. 10/28/2020. Upcycled Japanese kimono fabric, spacious single strap bag that is perfect for library books. $30 each.
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View Dr. Loren Ghiglione's author talk at the Jacob Edwards Library on Southbridge Community Television's
YouTube Channel
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| | Loren Ghiglione presenting at the Jacob Edwards Library on October 22, 2020 |
Tech Tips - Libby
Town of Southbridge Resources:
Library Resources:
Community Resources:
The Literacy office at the Jacob Edwards Library is closed until further notice. Please use the following contact information to get in touch:
Holly Christo, Executive Director: [email protected] for tutor support and information.
Andrea Cignarella, Program Assistant: [email protected] for new students and online classes.
March Rec
We look forward to seeing you all again soon! Happy fall!
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Please read on for all of this month's news.
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Library Hours & Holiday Closings:
Curbside Service Available:
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
for staff assistance.
The Library will be closed on
Wednesday, November 11, 2020
Thursday, November 26, 2020 and
Friday, November 27, 2020. |
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November'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.
Lots more to discover!
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 November's Exhibition
K.Sew Products
The Jacob Edwards Library is pleased to present the work of local artist Kathryn Sotar, owner and operator of K.Sew Products. This digital exhibition will feature numerous unique pieces from Kathryn's collection. Tune into the Library's Facebook page each weekday for posts!
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| Kathryn Sotar. Catch-All Bag. 10/28/2020. Upcycled Japanese kimono fabric, spacious single strap bag that is perfect for library books. $30 each.
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Artist Statement
For the past 5 years, K.Sew Products has provided contract, custom and creative sewing services for their beloved clients. This collection has given K.Sew's owner and operator, Kathryn Sotar, the opportunity to embrace the "creative" aspect of her business and utilize her sewing skills in order to create an affordable range of quality common items made in unique ways. Kathryn hopes to promote the use of repurposed materials, emphasizing the idea that it sometimes benefits us to "think inside the box" by using what we already have.
Style, originality and comfort are all equally important concepts to Kathryn. Inspired by her Japanese heritage as well as modern trends, different cultures and the environment around her, she believes that fun pillows are part of what makes a house a home. WIth this collection she is keen on including all of you by providing customizable pillow and banner options. These items would make truly one-of-a-kind gifts to loved ones, or yourself. She urges you to look beyond the mediocre picture quality and imagine what these items would look like in your own home.
Biography
Kathryn Sotar is a quirky Southbridge resident and life long member of the Jacob Edwards Library. She is a graduate of UMASS Amherst with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Marketing. When she is not working in her solar powered sewing workshop, Kathryn enjoys traveling, reading, sitting on the ground, live music, yoga, bullet journalling, hanging out with her cat Jody and going on hikes with her pup Reggie.
Inspired by her parents' entrepreneurial spirit, K.Sew Products was founded in 2015, the name of which is a play on her high school nickname, K.So. K.Sew's sewing services began by producing cushions for Hoyt Running Chairs and remains their proud outfitters to this day. With a focus on quality products and locally sourced & sustainable materials, K.Sew Products now has a growing client list and is pursuing the goal of creating their own in-house products.
Kathryn would like to thank her parents Nick & Yuri, her sister Anna, Hoyt Running Chairs, Victory Project, her supportive friends, her sewing helpers Marioly and Fiona, as well as Margaret and Stephanie at Jacob Edwards Library for this opportunity.
Facebook: K.Sew Products Instagram: ksewproducts, midori.heights
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Ongoing Events
Book Club
**POSTPONED**
The monthly book club is currently on hold, and will resume when it is safe to so so.
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 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! | |
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Teen Corner
New reading material has arrived! Stop by the YA area and check out new books, comics and manga!
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New Games!
New Switch games have arrived at the Library! Reserve a new game today!
- Animal Crossing: New Horizons
- Clubhouse Games: 51 Worldwide Classics
- Final Fantasy VII & VIII Remastered
- Go Vacation
- Hasbro Game Night
- Instant Sports
- Mario & Rabbids Kingdom Battle
- Overcooked! 2
- Paper Mario: Origami King
- Super Mario Maker 2
- Yoshi's Crafted World
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Saturday, Nov. 7, 11:00am-12:00pm
"Fairy House Craft" - UPDATE virtual program!
A delightful "make and take" workshop. It will
 take place on
Sat., Nov. 7, 2020 from
11 am until noon.
Virtual Program
Jacob Edwards Library will host Minstrel Storyteller Mary Jo Maichack in a participatory family program especially recommended for children ages 5 and older with their caregivers.
Pre-packaged fairy house kits may be picked up curbside at the Jacob Edwards Library on Friday, November 6, 2020. Those who pick up kits will be provided with the link to the program.
Sponsored by the Southbridge Cultural Council, a local agency that is supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.
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Ms. Liz Reads Stories on YouTube
Connect with Ms. Liz, Children's Librarian by listening to her read from some of the amazing books we have in the Children's collection at the Jacob Edwards Library!
Lots more to discover! Thanks to the production staff at Southbridge Community TV, there are many other stories read by Ms. Liz at the following link
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NEW
Crafty Wednesday Every Wednesday Curbside - pick up a craft to complete at home.
Call us 508-764-5427 and pick up a craft to make at home! Every week will be different!
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*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.
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*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.
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*POSTPONED*
Tinkering Thursdays
Thursdays, 4:00-5:00pm
STEM-related hands on activity using everyday and recycled items to design your own creations.
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*POSTPONED*
Toddler Story Time
Wednesdays at 10:30 am
Stories & Songs for preschoolers, stay for story and create a craft.
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*POSTPONED*
Friday
Story Time
Fridays 10:30 am
Songs, story and playtime for the
little ones 3 and under.
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Library News
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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 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 Thank you to the Friends of the Jacob Edwards Library for sponsoring this program! |
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Stargaze with our Telescope!The Library of Things is currently unavailable for checkout at the moment.
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 backyard! 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!
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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! |
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New bags available!
The Friends of the Library now have these fantastic new book bags available for sale!
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!
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Book a Librarian!
You can now
"Book a Librarian!"
Contact us to schedule a personalized 20-30 minute phone 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.
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Upcoming Meetings
The Friends of the Library will hold their
monthly meeting
on
Monday, November 16, 2020
at 6:00 pm.
**CANCELLED**
Due to COVID-19 related restrictions, no donations can be accepted at this time.
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, November 24, 2020
at Noon
via GoToMeeting. Details will be available on the Town of Southbridge website, under Public Meetings Calendar, for all public meetings.
All meetings are open to the public.
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The Library is working to safely increase services and access. Strict adherence to State protocols are in place for the safety of all.
We wish all of our patrons a healthy and happy Thanksgiving!
Sincerely,
The Jacob Edwards Library Staff
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