Volume 8 No. 7 June 30, 2024 | |
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As editor of the Friends Newsletter, I was so grateful for Celine Nader putting together last month's edition so that I and my wife could go on a long planned trip to Tuscany. It turned out to be more of a favor than I could have imagined. Before I left, we spoke about the newsletter, its purpose, the limitations of the email/graphics program, our visions for it, and I suggested she had the latitude to change it as she saw fit.
When I created the digital newsletter 6 years ago, I created a format that I have modified here and there, but it has remained pretty much the same. Celine and her visual aesthetic, created a new, much cleaner format. Seeing it showed me that it was long overdue. It is both aesthetically more pleasing, and organizationally more user-friendly. There is no longer a table of contents up front, because that was not particularly useful since the program would not let us connect the table item to the actual event later in the newsletter by clicking on it. So it is now gone, but the events are now organized into five groups: Friends' Events, Adult Events, Teen and Tween Events, Children's Events, and followed by General Library Services. You can quickly scroll down to the categories that interest you.
We will also begin to use this introductory section to highlight new or special programs, events, services, and library staff or supporters. For example in this edition, there is now a Legal Kiosk on the second floor of the library. The Western New England University School of Law’s Center for Social Justice supports this free Legal Kiosk initiative. Legal kiosks provide greater access to the justice system to individuals without access to Wi-Fi or technology and allow you to research your legal issues, and sometimes chat with some personnel. This month there is a special information session about using this resource.
There is also a Summer Craft Series to get you ready to enter the craft you always wanted to enter in the Franklin County Fair in September.
On Saturday, July 13, the first anniversary party for the opening of our new library will be held. All sorts of fun things for you and your children.
We would really appreciate hearing from you about this new format at newsfgpl@gmail.com. What works; what does not. Also, any additional suggestions are always welcomed.
You are an amazingly engaged audience as the percentage of you who open the newsletter to read it, are five times higher than the national average for emails received. Our "Friends" are truly friends.
If possible please read this newsletter on your desktop; it's not optimized for mobile devices, but certainly readable on them.
Thanks for your engagement and loyalty,
-Paul
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Scrolling through this issue, you'll find:
Friends of the GPL Events
Adult & All-Ages Programing:
Unique & Ongoing
Teen & Tween Programing:
Unique & Ongoing
Child & Family Programing:
Unique & Ongoing
Library Resources & Opportunities
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FRIENDS OF THE GPL EVENTS | |
The Library in the Franklin County Pride Parade
Saturday, June 15th
Over 25 of our members and library staff marched in the parade to wild cheers from so many bystanders of "We love the library."
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First Anniversary Celebration of the New Greenfield Public Library Building
Saturday, July 13
10:00 am - 1:00 pm
How time flies! It’s been a year since the grand opening of your new Greenfield Public Library, and we are throwing a party!
Join us on Saturday, July 13, from 10:00 am - 1:00 pm for live music, a special family storytime with the Mayor, refreshments, arts and crafts, board games, raffle and of course…Cake! The festivities kick off at 10:00 am with the Greenfield Military Band and a special family storytime with Mayor Ginny Desorgher. The live music continues with the Forest Avenue Band at 11:00 am.
Throughout the day, stop by for special art and craft activities, and play a board game in the Community Meeting room while enjoying a piece of anniversary cake. The Friends, Trustees of the Library, and staff will be on hand to answer questions and offer information about upcoming programs, and members of the Foundation will be present in the Local History Room to share the list of all named donors from 50¢ to $500,000 to the Building Campaign.
For more information, visit our website at https://greenfieldpubliclibrary.org or call (413) 772-1544.
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ADULT & ALL-AGES
PROGRAMING
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ANNOUNCEMENT!
GPL Summer Reading: Walking to Middle Earth
Monday June 24 - Saturday, August 3
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Greenfield Public Library is excited to announce the launch of our summer reading program, “Walking to Middle Earth,” a six-week adventure that combines the joy of reading with physical activity.
Greenfield Public Library is excited to announce the launch of our summer reading program, “Walking to Middle Earth,” a six-week adventure that combines the joy of reading with physical activity. The theme for this year’s summer reading program is “Read, Renew, Repeat.” The hope is for people to revisit their favorite books, including Tolkein’s much-loved universe.
Join fellow adventurers in exploring the rich landscapes of J.R.R. Tolkien’s world, all while promoting health and wellness. Whether you’re a hobbit at heart or have the endurance of an elf, this program is open to all ages and fitness levels. Participants are encouraged to visit Greenfield’s Highland Park to read snippets of Frodo’s journey.
- Middle Earth Story Walk at Highland Park: The walk is along the old carriage road through Highland Park. Participants will set out from Bag End, spot Bill the Pony, and symbolically cast their burdens into Mount Doom.
- Four Book Challenge: Participants are encouraged to revisit and re-read four books this summer, including one they loved as a child, a teenager, a young adult, and one from a pivotal moment in their life.
- Friday, August 2, Elevenses: a Hobbit themed party at the library. Snacks will be served. It will also include a showing of the Fellowship of the Ring on our big screen.
- Summer Fitness challenge: Join the Fellowship of the Library as we join our step counters together to make a collective mad dash to Mount Doom. Frodo made it in 6 months; we hope to do the same in six weeks.
Join us, and let’s see how far we can walk together this summer!
Help our Fellowship make it the 1800 miles to Mordor by adding to our progress here.
Join us, and let’s see how far we can walk together
this summer!
This program, sponsored by the Friends of the Greenfield Public Library,
is free and open to everyone in our community.
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Greenfield Public Library and the Franklin County Agricultural Society have joined forces to help you create that craft you’re always talking about entering in the fair.
Do you visit the Roundhouse at the Franklin County Fair each summer and think to yourself, I should really enter something in the fair? Here’s your chance!
This summer the Greenfield Public Library will be offering 5 beginner to novice craft programs to help jump start your creativity. The subjects being taught are macrame, knitting, crocheting, miniatures and upcycled sewing.
This fun series of practical craft classes will be held in the library’s makerspace and run by a variety of talented instructors. The goal of this series is to jumpstart people on the path to entering a project in the Roundhouse at the Franklin County Fair in September.
All classes are free and materials will be provided unless otherwise noted. Space is limited and pre-registration is required for each class. At the conclusion of each class, participants will be given information on how and when to enter the projects in the fair.
Macrame 101: Tuesday, July 2, 5:30-7:30 pm, Makerspace
Class is currently full, but there is a waitlist available
Make your very own plant hanger with instructor Nicole Zaccari!
Pre-register here: https://forms.gle/uxgbVeivvhrucC529
Intro to Knitting: Wednesday, July 24, 5:30-7:30 pm, Makerspace
Learn to cast, knit and purl with Irene Woods. From here you can create a scarf, dish towel, hat, the sky’s the limit!
Pre-register here: https://forms.gle/t3VZtzosQAwpngn66
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Roundhouse Summer Craft Series
Crochet a Bag, 2 Part Series: Tuesdays, August 6 & 13, 5:30-7:30 pm, Makerspace
Class is currently full, but there is a waitlist available
Learn crochet basics and make a bag in this 2 part class with David Moscaritolo, aka “that guy who crochets”.
Pre-register here: https://forms.gle/EURZFVBdgoS3p51P8
Making Miniatures: Wednesday, August 7, 5:30-7:30 pm, Makerspace
Class is currently full, but there is a waitlist available
Create a tiny bookshelf and fill it with miniature treasures in this class led by dollhouse flipper Faith Reipold.
*Faith’s own dollhouses, filled with her handmade miniatures, are currently on display in the Makerspace.
Pre-register here: https://forms.gle/QR5djWu4ow2r5twy5
Upcycled Sewing with Heidi from Plum: Tuesdays, August 20 & 27, 5:30-7:30 pm, Makerspace
Join Heidi Weeks, of Plum fame, and create a brand new shirt out of your old clothes and favorite textiles. Sewing machine experience is required for this class and class size is limited to 6 in this 2 part program.
Pre-register here: https://forms.gle/KcaA8Hyr2BRg9Neq9
These programs are free, but pre-registration is required.
For more information, contact Francesca Passiglia at francesca.passiglia@greenfield-ma.gov, or call (413) 772-1544.
These programs, generously sponsored by the Friends of the Greenfield Public Library, in partnership with Franklin County Agricultural Society, are free and open to everyone aged 13 and over.
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Author Talk:
The Conceivable Future
Megahan Elizabeth Kallman & Josephine Feroriello
Wednesday, July 10
6 pm - Community Meeting Room
Join us for a discussion of The Conceivable Future, with co-authors Meghan Elizabeth Kallman and Josephine Ferorelli.
Co-authors Meghan Elizabeth Kallman and Josephine Ferorelli turned a decade of work with their organization, Conceivable Future, into a no-nonsense, compassionate guide for authentic family and political life amid the climate crisis. The Conceivable Future: Planning Families and Taking Action in the Age of Climate Crisis is an empathetic, data-backed argument written in conversational prose that cuts through the noise to address how people, on an individual and collective level, can get politically involved to make the world safer for everyone’s children.
The Conceivable Future explores the ways in which the erosion of our planet impacts our personal decisions about family planning, parenting, and political action. This book offers fresh, timely insights to questions such as:
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How do I decide to have a baby when there's the threat of environmental collapse? How do I parent a child in the middle of the climate crisis? What can I actually do to help stop global warming?
Kallman, a sociologist and Rhode Island State Senator, and Ferorelli, an activist and writer, offer both informed perspective and practical steps for taking meaningful action in combating the climate crisis, while also making smart, balanced decisions when it comes to starting and maintaining a family.
Copies of The Conceivable Future will be available for purchase.
For more information, contact Lisa Prolman at librarian@greenfieldpubliclibrary.org or call us at (413) 772 - 1544.
This program is free and open to everyone in our community.
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Join us at the GPL for our bi-monthly book discussion as we explore different authors and genres, on Tuesday, July 16, at 6:30 pm in the GPL Conference Room.
This month we are exploring True Crime with Michael Finkel’s book The Art Thief: a true story of love, crime, and a dangerous obsession.
For centuries, works of art have been stolen in countless ways from all over the world, but no one has been quite as successful at it as the master thief Stéphane Breitwieser. In The Art Thief, Michael Finkel brings us into Breitwieser’s strange and fascinating world. Unlike most thieves, Breitwieser never stole for money. Carrying out more than two hundred heists over nearly eight years, in museums and cathedrals all over Europe, he displayed all his treasures in a pair of secret rooms where he could admire them to his heart’s content.
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Exploring Non-Fiction: True Crime
Art Thief
Michael Finnel
July 16, 6:30 pm
Conference Room
Possessed of remarkable athleticism and an innate ability to circumvent practically any security system, Breitwieser managed to pull off a breathtaking number of audacious thefts. Yet these strange talents bred a growing disregard for risk and an addict’s need to score, leading Breitwieser to ignore his girlfriend’s pleas to stop—until one final act of hubris brought everything crashing down.
This is a riveting story of art, crime, love, and an insatiable hunger to possess beauty at any cost.
Copies of the book are available at the library.
For more information, contact Pamela McBride at librarian@greenfieldpubliclibrary.org or call (413) 772-1544.
This program, made possible through the generosity of the Friends of the Greenfield Public Library, is free and intended for ages 14 and up.
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GPL Art Show:
The Day After Yesterday: Portraits of Dimentia
Joe Wallace
Beginning Mon, July 1st
Community Meeting Room
The Greenfield Public Library welcomes photographer Joe Wallace and his exhibit The Day After Yesterday: Portraits of Dementia, which will be on display in the Library’s Community Meeting Room from July through September 2024.
The Day After Yesterday is a powerful collection of portraits and personal stories that destigmatizes dementia and humanizes the millions of people living with the disease.
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It deftly combines narrative and portraiture, breaking the taboo around dementia, replacing the fear, futility, and despair that are so often associated with the disease with empathy, nuance, and complexity.
A program and reception with Joe Wallace will be held September 16, 2024, at 6:30 pm in the Community Meeting Room.
This program is free and open to everyone in our community.
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Virtual Author Talk Series
with Kate Dicamillio, Max Brallier, Elizabeth Acevedo, and Dan Santat
Tuesday, July 9, 16, 23, 30, 2:00 pm
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This July we are featuring FOUR amazing K-12 authors in our Online Author Talk series! While these books are written for a K-12 audience, these talks are for the whole family.
Kate DiCamillo, Mercy Watson Series, Tuesday, July 9 (PreK-2nd Grade)
Join us for a visit to Deckawoo Drive with everyone’s favorite adventure loving pig, Mercy Watson! Newbery Medal winning author Kate DiCamillo will be sharing the stories behind the creation of her early chapter book series, the original Mercy Watson, and the follow up series, Tales from Deckawoo Drive. We will also be celebrating the publication of the final book in the Mercy Watson series!
Mercy is selfish and impulsive, but no matter how much trouble she gets in, Mr. and Mrs. Watson continue to love her and see her in the best possible light. Young readers love to join along in her hilarious adventures, taking comfort in the fact that their parents and guardians will love them no matter what as well. BYOBT – Bring Your Own Buttered Toast!
Max Brallier, The Last Kids on Earth, Tuesday, July 16 (3rd-6th Grade)
Would you survive a zombie apocalypse? Join us to talk with New York Times bestselling author Max Brallier about The Last Kids on Earth, both the book series and the animated series on Netflix. Max will share how he came up with the different monsters and villains as well as the unique ways that Jack and his friends figure out to defeat them.
Ever since the monster apocalypse hit town, thirteen year old Jack Sullivan has been living in his tree house, which he’s armed to the teeth with catapults and a moat, not to mention video games and an endless supply of Oreos and Mountain Dew scavenged from abandoned stores. Jack alone is no match for the hordes of Zombies and Winged Wretches, and especially not for the eerily intelligent monster known only as Blarg. So, Jack builds a team: his dorky best friend, Quint; the reformed middle school bully, Dirk; Jack’s loyal pet monster, Rover; and Jack’s crush, June. With their help, Jack is going to slay Blarg, achieve the ultimate Feat of Apocalyptic Success, and be average no longer! Can he do it?
Elizabeth Acevedo, The Poet X, Tuesday, July 23, (9th-12th Grade)
You’re invited to learn about the power of poetry with Elizabeth Acevedo! In this exciting author conversation and Q&A, Acevedo will provide a short reading from her National Book Award winning and New York Times bestselling novel-in-verse, The Poet X serving as the backdrop to this amazing chat!
The Poet X is about the Afro-Latina heroine, Xiomara Batista, who tells her story with blazing words and powerful truth. Xiomara feels unheard and unable to hide in her Harlem neighborhood. Ever since her body grew into curves, she has learned to let her fists and her fierceness do the talking. But Xiomara has plenty she wants to say, and she pours all her frustration and passion onto the pages of a leather notebook, reciting the words to herself like prayers. Mami is determined to force her to obey the laws of the church, so when she is invited to join her school’s slam poetry club, she doesn’t know how she could ever attend without her mami finding out. But she still can’t stop thinking about performing her poems. Because in the face of a world that may not want to hear her, Xiomara refuses to be silent. A virtual author talk you don’t want to miss–come create out loud with Elizabeth Acevedo!
Dan Santat, A First Time for Everything, Tuesday, July 30th (5th-8th Grade)
Join this year’s winner of the National Book Award for Young People's Literature, Dan Santat, as he inspires tweens and teens to tell their own stories through graphic novels. His winning book, A First Time for Everything, is a graphic memoir based on his own awkward middle school years and the trip to Europe that changed his life.
Dan Santat began drawing as a young boy and although he first studied microbiology, he pursued his passion in illustration. He spent many hours as a child and teenager teaching himself to draw by copying illustrations from comic books until he developed the unique, recognizable style that we see today. His talk will inspire listeners to draw their own story as well as give them practical tips on the creation of graphic novels.
For more information, and to register for these and other upcoming talks, go to https://libraryc.org/greenfieldpubliclibrary
This program, brought to you by the Friends of the Greenfield Public Library in partnership with the Library Speakers Consortium, is free and open to the public.
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Better Together Dog Fostering Information Session
Thursday, July 11
2:00 - 3:30 pm
Representatives from the Better Together Dog Rescue will answer questions and offer information about the process of fostering dogs with the organization. Fostering is a cost-free and rewarding way to help save the lives of dogs that need a place to stay while they await their forever family.
Better Together Dog Rescue is a dedicated team of professionals bringing change to the animal welfare field. They believe no healthy or adoptable dog should be euthanized due to lack of space.
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Dogs should be with their families and life circumstances should not stand in the way. To prevent dogs from being surrendered to shelters, they provide resources and supplies for community members so their beloved dog can stay with them, right where they belong. Additionally, they accept dogs from overwhelmed shelter partners around the country to find homes in New England.
For more information, contact Pamela McBride at librarian@greenfieldpubliclibrary.org,
or call (413) 772-1544.
This program is free and open to everyone in our community.
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Westover Job Corps Information Session
Friday, July 12
1:00 - 3:00 pm
Main Lobby
Are you a young adult looking for a career in one of today’s fastest growing industries?
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Raymond Sanchez of Westover Job Corps will be at the Greenfield Public Library on Friday, July 12, from 1:00 - 3:00 pm, to answer questions and provide information about their programs.
Job Corps is a tuition-free training and education program that connects eligible young men and women with the skills and educational opportunities they need to establish real careers. The program also provides the hands-on, practical experience needed to begin working towards a long term successful career.
Job Corps is a U.S. Department of Labor Equal Opportunity Employer Program for eligible adults aged 16 - 24.
This program is free and open to the public.
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Legal Kiosk Information Session
Monday, July 15
1:00 - 3:00 pm
Main Lobby
Representatives from the WNE Legal Kiosk Project will be at the Greenfield Public Library on Monday, July 15, from 1:00 - 3:00 pm, to offer information and answer questions about the new Legal Kiosk available at the Library.
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The Western New England University School of Law’s Center for Social Justice supports a free Legal Kiosk initiative throughout Massachusetts. Legal kiosks provide greater access to the justice system to individuals without access to Wi-Fi or technology.
The Center strives to advance justice through research, education, advocacy, innovation, and public engagement, and to address the root causes of systemic social injustice through the development of innovative, human-centered solutions for change.
For more information, contact us at librarian@greenfieldpubliclibrary.org or call (413) 772-1544.
This program is free and open to everyone in our community.
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Family Music Concert
with
Carrie Ferguson
Tuesday, July 30
6:00 pm
Community Meeting Room
Carrie Ferguson will appear in concert at the Greenfield Public Library on Tuesday, July 30 at 6:30pm in a show to delight listeners of all ages featuring songs from The Grumpytime Club.
Released in June 2021, The Grumpytime Club offers children and families welcoming and inclusive messages about accepting feelings, celebrating differences, and loving ourselves exactly as we are.
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Shifting between piano, guitar and ukulele, Ferguson creates live shows that are often jubilant sing-along dance parties, highlighting themes of inclusivity, social justice, Earth stewardship and LGBTQ youth/family pride.
Currently living in Northampton and Wendell, MA, Carrie Ferguson’s original songs range from playfully jubilant and whimsical, to soaring pop, country-tinged folk, and straight up rock. Ferguson has opened for Melissa Ferrick, Patty Larkin, Catie Curtis, Charles Neville, Cheryl Wheeler, Livingston Taylor, Chely Wright, Jill Sobule, and Laura Love, among others.
This program, supported by a grant from the Greenfield Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Mass Cultural Council, is free and open to the public.
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Drop-In Tech Help with Tech Foundry
GPL Conference Room
Tuesday, July 9
Thursday, July 18
10:00 - 11:00 am
and
12:00 - 1:00 pm
Do you need help using your computer, tablet, or smartphone? Come to a drop-in tech help session! Leon from Tech Foundry will be at the library on Tuesday, July 9, and Thursday, July 18 to help you with your tech issues. Drop in between 10:00 - 11:00 am or 12:00 - 1:00 pm on either day with your device, or use a library laptop.
Tech Foundry stands as Western Massachusetts' premier IT workforce development non-profit, fostering collaboration among residents, employers, and community partners to empower individuals with digital literacy skills and secure living wage jobs.
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Their programs include a tuition-free IT support training program, and “Tech Hub”, which provides digital literacy and computer training; these programs work to help Massachusetts residents and organizations thrive in today's digital landscape. To learn more, visit https://thetechfoundry.org/
For more information about the drop-in tech help sessions, contact Pamela McBride at librarian@greenfieldpubliclibrary.org, or call (413) 772-1544 x5124
The Greenfield Public Library would like to thank Tech Foundry, and the Alliance for Digital Equity for making this program possible. The tech sessions are free and open to everyone in our community.
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GPL's Spice Club Kit
Available Tuesday,
July 2nd
Do you love to cook and want to try new flavors and recipes? Stop by the library and pick up this month’s Spice Club Kit, available on Tuesday, July 2.
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In July, we’re cooking with basil, a tender herb used in cuisines worldwide. Included in this month’s kit are a sample of dried basil, recipes, and information about the spice.
Registration is not required, but supplies are limited. Spice Kits can be picked up at the second-floor Reader’s Advisory Desk, on a first-come, first-served basis.
Unavailable to make it into the library to pick up a kit? We have all the recipes for this and the other spices we’ve explored on our Spice Club Blog.
This program, generously supported by the Friends of the Greenfield Public Library, is free and intended for ages 13 and over.
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Three County Continuum of Care's
People with Lived Experience Action Board
Collection Drive
Friday, July 26
12:00 - 4:00 pm,
Library Front Patio
The Three County Continuum of Care will be holding a collection drive on the Front Patio of the Greenfield Public Library on to support the creation of Emergency Summer Cooling Kits for our unhoused neighbors.
Your donations will help provide essential items to those in need, ensuring they stay safe and comfortable during the summer heat.
By contributing to the collection drive, you will directly impact the well-being of our community members facing the harsh summer conditions. For a complete list of donatable items, go to: https://conta.cc/45E0YIJ
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Let's come together to make a difference. Your generosity can help provide relief and safety to those who need it the most. Thank you for your support!
Donations will only be accepted between 12:00 - 4:00 pm by the Three County Continuum of Care; the Library will not accept donations before or after the event.
For more information or to arrange a donation, please contact Shaundell Diaz at sdiaz@communityaction.us
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GPL Goes to the Movies
Thursdays
July 11, 18, 25
2:00 pm
Meeting Room
Join us on Thursdays for “GPL goes to the Movies”. Due to licensing restrictions we can’t share the names of the movies, but we can give you the following hints:
July 11 at 2:00 pm: Based on a true story, an unbreakable bond is forged between pro adventure racer Michael Light and a scrappy street dog companion dubbed Arthur. This film follows Light as he convinces a sponsor to back his team for the Adventure Racing World Championship in the Dominican Republic.
July 18 at 2:00 pm: An aging silent-film star who has faded into Hollywood obscurity enlists a down-on-his-luck, opportunistic young screenwriter to aid her comeback, but her maniacal ego turns the challenge into an uphill battle.
July 25 at 2:00 pm: July 25 at 11:00 am: The story of a struggle among individuals who have sought refuge in Casablanca after fleeing Nazi occupied Europe. Discussion to follow.
Doors open 30 minutes before the show starts. Outside food and drink are allowed. All movies start at 2 p.m. 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.
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ONGOING ADULT & ALL-AGES PROGRAMING | |
NEW! Mystery Readers Book Club
Wednesday, July 3
6:30 pm
Conference Room
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Join us at the GPL for a different type of Book Club, hosted by Karen Larsen on the first Wednesday of each month.
Because we each have our own tastes in mysteries we don’t ask everyone to read the same book each month. Instead we get together in a casual friendly environment and talk about what we’ve each been reading individually.
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Whether your thing is country cozies, dark Scandinavian noir, serial killer thrillers, historical whodunnits, spy drama, fantasy conundrums, or another branch of the genre, we’ll enjoy your insights into what you are reading.
This is a guilt-free book club! Didn’t have time to read anything this month? No problem! It’s fine to just come and enjoy the discussion, and you may have insights into the books others have read. Didn’t like the book or books you read? It’s interesting to hear about that too. Looking for new authors? This book club is a great way to find them. When there’s time we also talk about mysteries on Film and TV.
Karen will bring a snack and you bring your unique interests and insights. We look forward to meeting you for a fun discussion!
For more information, contact
Lisa Prolman at librarian@greenfieldpubliclibrary.org
or call (413) 772-1544
This program is free and intended for ages 14 and over.
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Wednesday Night Writer's Workshop
Wednesdays
July 3, 10, 17, 24, 31
6:00 pm
Local History Room
Writers are invited to attend a weekly informal gathering on Wednesday nights at 6 pm, in the GPL Local History Room, to workshop their prose and poetry in-progress. Everyone is welcome to bring three single-spaced or six double-spaced pages max and enough copies so that everyone can read along
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so that everyone can read along and provide feedback. Writers will take turns reading their work aloud, with a volunteer moderator leading the discussion. Writers listen, rather than respond, during critique of their work.
This program is free and intended for ages 12 and up.
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NEW! Silent Book Club
Monday, July 8
6:00 - 8:00 pm
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Looking for some quiet time to read? Join our Silent Book Club on the second Monday of the month, June 10, at 6:00 pm. Drop by the Makerspace between 6:00 and 6:45 to chat with other readers…then find a quiet place in the library and read until closing time!
At Silent Book Club, there's no assigned reading. All books are acceptable — ebooks, audiobooks, textbooks, comic books... It's BYOBook. Everyone is welcome.
For more information, contact Lisa Prolman at librarian@greenfieldpubliclibrary.org or call us at (413) 772-1544
This program is free and open to everyone in our community.
image borrowed from a recent Washington Post article,
"At Silent Book Clubs, Socializing in Optional"
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MahJong at the GPL
Thursdays
July 11, 18, 25
2:00 - 4:00 pm
Adult Game Area
Join your neighbors in a fun and exciting round of American Mah Jong.
Newcomers welcome.
No experience required.
This program is free and intended for ages 14 and up.
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GPL Library
Chess Club
Mondays
July 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
5:30 - 7:30 pm
2nd Floor
Meet up with other chess players at the Greenfield Public Library. All ages and skill levels are welcome, for both casual and serious games. Chess instruction is available for beginners and anyone wanting to learn the game. Chess sets will be provided, but feel free to bring your own!
This program is free and open to all, but children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.
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Drop-in Scrabble Night
Tuesday July 2, 16
4:30 - 6:30 pm
Adult Game Area
Spellmasters are invited to drop in for a game of Scrabble on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of every month. Players of all experience levels are welcome, as the focus is on having fun!
Games start at 4:30 & 5:30 pm.
This program, made possible through the generosity of the Friends of the Greenfield Public Library, is free and intended for ages 12 and older.
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Conversational French
Tuesday, July 23
5:30 - 6:30 pm
Conference Room
--Vous parlez français? --Euh... oui, un peu.
If this is you, and you would like to put a few drops of oil on your rusty French conversation skills, have a seat at La Table Française, in the GPL’s Conference Room.
This is an intermediate conversation group, not a class. Tamara Grogan, Greenfield resident and 25-year veteran French teacher, will facilitate.
If interested, please send an email to Tamara at lagrogan1@gmail.com.
À bientôt!
This program is free and intended for ages 16+
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Greenfield Ukulele Players
Friday, July 5, 19
1:00 - 2:30 pm
Conference Room
Join The Greenfield Ukulele Players on the first and third Fridays of each month.
All you need is love…and a ukulele!
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Meditative Writing (Drop In)
The Declaration of Independence
and The U. S. Constitution
Tuesdays
July 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
Local History Room - drop in any time
This election season, stop by the Greenfield Public Library’s Local History Room on Tuesdays to copy and reflect on the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution.
Take a break from the hectic, often frenzied, election news coverage to study, reflect, and increase your understanding of our rights as citizens of the United States.
Copies of the documents and writing materials will be provided, but you are welcome to bring your own!
This program is free and open to everyone in our community.
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Drop-In Knitting & Crochet
Tuesdays
July 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
1:00 - 2:30 pm
Makerspace
Drop in at the Greenfield Public Library for a knitting/crocheting group! All skill levels are welcome, whether you’re new with needles and hooks, or an old pro. Bring your own supplies, and enjoy some time working on your project while connecting with other crafters.
This program is free and intended for ages 12 and up.
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WordPress Meet-up
Wednesday, July 10th
6:00 - 7:50 pm
Conference Room
Connect with other WordPress users! This meetup on the 2nd Wednesday of each month is open to anyone interested in WordPress: newbies, developers, designers and administrators.
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Bring your WordPress questions! This is a great time to figure out where you're stuck, and make some progress on your project. You may wish to bring a laptop to take notes or to share your screen. You may need a HDMI port or adapter if you want to plug into the big screen.
This program is free and open to everyone in our community.
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For more information about
any of the following programs, contact
Teen Librarian Francesca Passiglia at francesca.passiglia@greenfield-ma.gov
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Make Your Own Snacks, Smoothies and Shakes
Thursday, July 18
1:00 pm
Makerspace
Join us on Thursday, July 18 at 1:00 pm to make your very own smoothies and shakes using the ingredients provided!
This program is free, but space is limited, and pre registration is required. Register at https://forms.gle/2STXDs4SRsAae32o7 or see Francesca in the Teen Room.
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This program, generously sponsored by the Friends of the Greenfield Public Library, is free and intended for middle schoolers and teens. | |
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ANNOUNCEMENT!
Teen Summer Reading
June 24 - August 3
Pre-registration opens June 15
Join the Teen Summer Reading Program! Teens (ages 13-20) can earn ice cream for reading and play summer-reading bingo to be in the drawing for a variety of local prizes!
Stop by the teen room or pre-register online here.
For more information contact Teen Librarian Francesca Passiglia at francesca.passiglia@greenfield-ma.gov
This program, generously sponsored by
the Friends of the Greenfield Public Library,
is free and intended for youth aged 13 - 20.
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Upcycling
Make a Bucket Hat from Your Old T-Shirts
July 16, Makers Space
Grab a couple old t-shirts and join Heidi from Plum as she shows you how to recreate them as a bucket hat, on Tuesday, July 16 at 5:00 pm.
This program is free, but space is limited, and registration is required.
Register at https://forms.gle/qUNAm9Z5MAW7tgJL6 or see Francesca in the Teen Room.
For more information contact Teen Librarian Francesca Passiglia at francesca.passiglia@greenfield-ma.gov
This program, generously sponsored by
the Friends of the Greenfield Public Library,
is free and intended for Middle Schoolers ad Teens
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This program, generously sponsored by the Friends of the Greenfield Public Library, is free and intended for youth aged 13 - 20. | |
Twisty Snack and a Movie
Friday July 19
2:00pm
Teen Room
In anticipation of TwisJointer 2, join us on Friday, July 19 at 2:00 pm to watch the original movie and make your own taco roll ups.
For more information contact Teen Librarian Francesca Passiglia at francesca.passiglia@greenfield-ma.gov
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Virtual Reality
Gaming Drop-In
Wed, July 17
1 - 4 pm
Teen Room
Try out our Meta Quest VR Headsets!
The highlighted game of the day is Coaster Combat, and 30 minute gaming times will be available on a first come, first served basis.
For more information contact Teen Librarian Francesca Passiglia at francesca.passiglia@greenfield-ma.gov
This program, generously sponsored by the Friends of the Greenfield Public Library, is free and intended for youth aged 13-20.
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This program, generously sponsored by the Friends of the Greenfield Public Library, is free and intended for middle and high school aged youth.
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Terrarium Making
Tuesday, July 23
5 - 7 pm
Makerspace
Join professional florist Amy Suld on Tuesday, July 23 at 5:00 pm, and make your very own terrarium!
This program is free, but space is limited, and pre registration is required. Register at https://forms.gle/ygPc85iqXeViD3UPA or see Francesca in the Teen Room.
For more information contact Teen Librarian Francesca Passiglia at francesca.passiglia@greenfield-ma.gov
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Learn a Board Game:
Villainous
Friday, July 5
11am - 4 pm
Teen Room
Drop in to the Teen Room and learn how to play the board game Villainous, on Friday July 5, between 11:00 am - 4:00 pm. Help your villain bring their dastardly plans to evil fruition before any of the other players do the same for their villain!
For more information contact Teen Librarian Francesca Passiglia at francesca.passiglia@greenfield-ma.gov
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This program, generously sponsored by the Friends of
the Greenfield Public Library, is free and intended for youth
aged 13 - 20.
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This program, generously sponsored by the Friends of the Greenfield Public Library, is free and intended for middle schoolers and teens.
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DIY Skincare
Thursday, July 25
11:00 am - noon
Makerspace
Tired of spending all your money on pricey Sephora products? Join us on Thursday, July 25 at 11:00 am and make them yourself using all natural ingredients!
This program is free, but space is limited, and pre registration is required.
Register at https://forms.gle/6spcp8fSKVDsjpNd9 or see Francesca in the Teen Room
For more information contact Teen Librarian Francesca Passiglia at francesca.passiglia@greenfield-ma.gov
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Summer Olympics Party
Friday, July 26
1 - 4 pm
Teen Room
Drop by the Teen Room on Friday, July 26 from 1:00 - 4:00 pm for our Summer Olympics party! We will play sporty VR games, eat Parisian treats and more on the opening day of the Summer Olympics!
For more information contact Teen Librarian Francesca Passiglia at francesca.passiglia@greenfield-ma.gov
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This program, generously sponsored by the Friends of the Greenfield Public Library, is free and intended for youth aged 13 - 20.
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For more information contact Teen Librarian Francesca Passiglia at francesca.passiglia@greenfield-ma.gov
This program, generously sponsored by the Friends of the Greenfield Public Library, is free and intended for youth aged 13 - 20.
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Mass Teen Choice Book Award Reading Challenge
June through August, Teen Room
Each week from June through August, we’ll be highlighting two nominees from this year’s Mass Teen Choice Book Award shortlist. There are 21 titles total and a wide range of genres available to read.
Teens can vote for their favorite books in September.
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Tween Tuesday
Drawing And Doodling!
Tuesday, July 9
2:30 - 4:00 pm
Tween Area
Join us on Tuesday, July 9, from 2:30 - 4:00 pm, at the Greenfield Public Library for Tween Tuesday, a monthly activity program especially for tweens aged 8-12… with an after school snack! This month we will be checking out How-To-Draw books and doodling!
For more information, contact Children’s Librarian 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.
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Make Your Own Snacks
Salsa, Guacamole & Limeade
Wednesday, July 3
11 am
Makerspace
Join us in the Makerspace and make your very own salsa, guacamole and limeade!
Pre-registration required: https://forms.gle/8AY4F51tmdpTTwXD9 or see Francesca in the Teen Room.
For more information contact Teen Librarian Francesca Passiglia at francesca.passiglia@greenfield-ma.gov
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This program, generously sponsored by the Friends of the Greenfield Public Library, is free and intended for middle schoolers and teens.
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CHILD & FAMILY
PROGRAMING
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For more information about
any of the following programs,
contact Children’s Librarian Ellen Lavoie at ellen.lavoie@greenfield-ma.gov
or call (413) 772-1544 x5104.
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ANNOUNCEMENT!
Children's Summer Reading Program
June 24 - August 3
Keep reading this summer! Sign up your 0-12 year old for the GPL Summer Reading Program and they can earn up to two FREE ice cream coupons to Ice Cream Alley and the chance to win weekly drawings for prizes.
Sign kids up in person or on the Library site starting
Saturday, June 15.
The reading program begins on Monday, June 24.
This program, made possible through the generosity
of the Friends of the Greenfield Public Library,
is free and open to the public.
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Live Animal Visit from The Reptile Nook
Wednesday, July 24
6:00 pm
Meet animal experts from The Reptile Nook and their scaly, cold-blooded friends on their visit to the library!
For more information, contact Children’s Librarian Ellen Lavoie at ellen.lavoie@greenfield-ma.gov or call (413) 772-1544 x5104.
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This program, made possible through the generosity of the Friends of the Greenfield Public Library, is free and open to families with children ages 3 -12.
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This program is free, but registration is required. Register by calling (413) 772-1544 x5104 or through the events calendar at https://greenfieldpubliclibrary.org/.
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This program, made possible through the generosity of the Friends of the Greenfield Public Library and Greenfield Public Schools, is free and open to all kids aged 0 -18.
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Summer Eats Supper Pickup & Activity
Mondays through August 12
5 to 6 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 a FREE supper on Monday nights (plus, the next day's breakfast upon request) AND participate in an activity in the Children’s activity room.
For more information, contact Children’s Librarian Ellen Lavoie at ellen.lavoie@greenfield-ma.gov or call (413) 772-1544 x5104.
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Make a Jump Rope
Tues, July 2 & 19
11:00 am
Join Shannon to recycle old t-shirts by making them into a jump rope you can take home! Bring your own shirts to cut up or use some of ours. Recommended for ages 5 - 12.
For more information, contact Shannon Gilcreast at shannon.gilcreast@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 5 - 12
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Storytime with the Mayor
Saturday, July 13
10:00 am
Beacon Field
Join Mayor Ginny Desorgher for a special Saturday storytime in celebration of the library’s one year anniversary on Saturday, July 13 at 10:00 am. We will have a special craft activity after the storytime. This program is open to families with children ages 0-12.
For more information, contact Children’s Librarian 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 open to families with children ages 0-12. The Library would also like to thank Mayor Desorgher for joining the celebration.
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Messy Art Night
Wednesday, July 10
6 pm
Join Mandy for a night of art experiments with paint and some creative “paintbrushes.” Because the fun is in the making!
For more information, contact Children’s Librarian Ellen Lavoie at ellen.lavoie@greenfield-ma.gov or call (413) 772-1544 x5104.
This program, sponsored by the Friends of the Greenfield Public Library, is free and intended for children ages 2 - 12.
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Kids' Cardboard Car "Drive-in" Movie
Wednesday, July 17
5:30 - 7:00 pm
Community Meeting Room
Join us on Wednesday, July 17 at 5:30 pm for Kids Cardboard Car “Drive-In” Movie! Bring your own CARdboard box to decorate with library art supplies to make a cool drive-in vehicle.
Then sit back and relax during a 1--hour screening of kids’ G-rated short films. Snacks will be provided. Open to families with kids ages 0-12.
For more information, contact Children’s Librarian Ellen Lavoie at ellen.lavoie@greenfield-ma.gov or call (413) 772-1544 x5104.
This program, sponsored by the Friends of the Greenfield Public Library, is free and intended for children ages 0 - 12 and their caregivers.
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Family Movie Night
Mondays
Monday, July 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29
5:30 pm
Community Meeting Room
Join us this summer, for Family Movie night! Due to licensing restrictions we can’t share the names of the movies, but we can give you the following hint:
July 1: Puss has burned through eight of his nine lives, though he lost count along the way. Getting those lives back will send Puss in Boots on his grandest quest yet.
July 8: Captivating audiences of all ages, this timeless story follows the unforgettable journey of a lost alien and the ten-year-old boy he befriends.
July 15: The Turtle brothers work to earn the love of New York City while facing down an army of mutants.
July 22: A young Peruvian bear travels to London in search of a home. Finding himself lost and alone at Paddington Station, he meets the kindly Brown family, who offer him a temporary haven.
July 29: Miles Morales is the new Spider-Man but must also walk the balance between his personal high school & family life and his life as a superhero.
Doors open 30 minutes before the show starts. Outside food and drink are allowed. All movies start at 5:30pm 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.
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ONGOING CHILD & FAMILY
PROGRAMING
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Book Babies with Ellen Lavoie
Tuesdays at 10:00 am
July 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
Story time is back, babies!
Join Children’s Librarian, Ellen Lavoie, in the new Children’s Room for reading, lap bouncing, and singing on Tuesdays at 10:00 am. It’s a great way to meet other babies, new parents, and caregivers!
Recommended ages for this 30-minute program are
birth-18 months.
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Toddler Time with Ellen Lavoie
Wednesdays at 10:00 am
July 3, 10, 17, 24, 31
Toddlers, get those wiggles out!
Join Children’s Librarian, Ellen Lavoie, for stories, songs, and activities focused on early literacy, Wednesdays at 10:00 am in the new Children’s Room.
Recommended ages for this 30–45 minute program are
18-36 months.
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Preschool Storytime
Thursdays at 10:00 am
July 11, 18, 25
Meet and make new friends as we read, sing, and try activities designed to support early learning.
Recommended ages for this 45 minute program is 3 - 5 years.
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These children's programs, sponsored by
the Friends of the Greenfield Public Library,
are free and open to the public.
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GPL Lego Club
Mondays
July 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
3:30 - 5:00 pm
Come be a part of the kids' GPL Lego Club!
Legos will be available to play with in the Children's Room every Monday from 3:30 - 5:00 pm.
Complete one of the given challenges or make your own creation to be put on display until the next week.
This program, made possible through the generosity of the Friends of the Greenfield Public Library, is free and recommended for children age 3+.
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LIBRARY
RESOURCES & OPPORTUNITIES
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Check us out 24/7 at at our website for e-books, audiobooks, movie streaming, music, and research fun.
Greenfield Public Library Hours
Monday through Wednesday: 9:30 am – 8 pm
Thursday and 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.
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Launch Your Library Tour
Although many of you are using the new library, some of you have not had an opportunity to visit and partake of the services offered. In order for you to get your bearings even before visiting and to get a feel for the services offered, you have an opportunity to take a virtual library tour.
This is a wonderful, brief yet comprehensive, video tour of the new library facilities produced by librarian Pamela McBride and Philippe Simon of GCTV. Just click on this link to enjoy.
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Museum Passes
at the GPL
Greenfield Public Library’s museum passes are now available!
Pass availability will depend on museum hours. Check museum websites for admission requirements before using passes. Each museum has different requirements.
Passes may only be picked up on the day you have them reserved; only one attraction’s pass per day can be reserved. All museum passes must be returned by 8:30 the next morning.
For more information, and to reserve a pass, visit our pass reservtions web page or call us at: (413) 772-1544.
Museum passes are made possible through the generosity of
the Friends of the Greenfield Public Library.
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Language Learning Resource
Transparent Languages Online provides an effective and engaging experience for language learners looking to build their vocabulary, practice their listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills, and maintain what they learn.
With courses and supplemental resources in 110+ languages, Transparent Languages can be accessed 24/7, on any device, simply by clicking here! A library card is not required.
Click here to access even more
of the library's language-learning resources.
Questions? Contact us at librarian@greenfieldpubliclibrary.org
or call us at (413) 772 -1544.
These digital resources, made possible through the generosity of the Friends of the Greenfield Public Library, the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners and the Massachusetts Library System are free, but some services may require a library card.
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Free of Charge at the GPL:
Notary Services
Need a document notarized? One of our library staff members is a notary public, and able to notarize documents as staffing allows. Notary services are available most weekdays, but an appointment is required. This service is provided free of charge.
To schedule an appointment, and to verify that your document meets the Massachusetts Notary Law requirements, please contact us at 413-772-1544, or email Pamela McBride at pamela.mcbride@greenfield-ma.gov
Documents can only be notarized in person. Please bring the unsigned document and a state or federally issued photo ID to your appointment.
Because we are not experts in law or finance, we are unable to notarize some documents. Visit our website at www.greenfieldpubliclibrary.org for more details.
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Free Digital Resources
at the Greenfield Public Library
Oh, the things you can do with a Greenfield Public Library Card!
With your GPL card, you have 24/7 access to many digital resources, all free of charge! In addition to movies, books and music, you can read digital comics and the New York Times, access Craftsy, get book reviews and recommendations, find local resources, and more.
For more information, and to access all the GPL digital resources with your library card, go to our website. You’ll find the “Quick links to GPL Resources” on our home page.
These digital resources, made possible through the generosity of
the Friends of the Greenfield Public Library, are free and available to
all GPL Library card holders.
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The Greenfield Public Library
has mobile hotspots for patrons!
GPL has devices to lend to CWMARS library cardholders who are in good standing and are at least 18 years of age.
Hotspots must be picked up and returned to the Information Services desk at the library and may not be checked out again for at least a 24-hour period. Each device circulates for one week with an automatic renewal and supports up to ten mobile devices.
Mobile Beacon is the primary provider for the hotspots, which support 4G and LTE mobile networks, but not 5G.
Contact the Information Services desk at 413-772-1544 x5103
with any questions or for more information.
Mobile Hotspots, provided by The Greenfield Public Library,
are free and available to CWMARS cardholders aged 18 and over.
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New! Gale Digital Legal Resources
Now Available
Selling a house? Making a will? Signing a lease? The Greenfield Public Library now offers Gale Legalforms, an online digital resource, to help residents with basic legal needs.
Gale Legalforms offers Massachusetts-specific "attorney forms" – officially approved forms actually used by law firms. Many of the forms and documents are available in Word and Adobe format so you just need to simply fill in the blanks.
A library card is not required.
This service, provided by the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners and the Massachusetts Library System, is free and available to all Massachusetts residents
Seach GaleLegal Forms here now!
Gale LegalForms can also be accessed 24/7, on any device,
by visiting the library’s website.
Questions? Contact us at librarian@greenfieldpubliclibrary.org
or call us at (413) 772 -1544, option 6
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New Collection:
Zines at The Greenfield Public Library
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Greenfield Public Library is building a circulating zine collection for our new library. We want this collection to highlight local creators as much as possible, especially patrons of GPL!
If you have a zine you'd like to see displayed, read, and circulated throughout Central/Western Massachusetts, please use the form below to submit information about your work:
CLICK HERE TO SUBMIT, AND THANKS!
For more information, please contact Jesse Cole,
Technical Services Coordinator, at
jesse.cole@greenfield-ma.gov or call (413) 772-1544 x5122
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