Jacob Edwards Library

Library News

October 2026

The Library will be closed on Monday, October 12, 2026.

All Month Long

Adult Display:

  • Banned Books Week
  • Scary Movies
  • Choose Your Nightmare


Teen Displays:

  • "Spooky Season"
  • Banned Books


Take & Make: Patchwork Paper Pumpkin


Children's Room Displays:

  • Halloween
  • Banned Books
  • Fall
  • Winnie-the-Pooh

October Art Show

"What Does Hope Look Like?"


Viewable throughout the month during Library hours


This powerful exhibit highlights what brings hope to individuals when they need it most, particularly after experiencing violence. New Hope, the local domestic violence agency, organized this exhibit featuring original artworks created by individuals impacted by intimate violence, as well as the allies and advocates who

stand by them.


More info.

Featured Event

Creepy-Crawlies: Learn All About Insects

Saturday, October 17

10:00-11:30 am


This program will be hosted in both English and Spanish. 


Meet and greet creepy-crawly insects! Dr. Carolina Muñoz from the Norcross Wildlife Foundation will discuss entomology, insect anatomy, and the huge roles they play in keeping our environment healthy.

Featured Teen Event

Italian Soda Tasting

Tuesday, October 6

3-4 pm 


Space is limited - please register in advance here or call 508-764-5426.


Like "dirty soda"....but healthier!


Join Chey from Moon Magick Cafe for a FREE Italian soda tasting!

An Italian soda is a sweet, bubbly, and colorful drink made with sparkling club soda, cream, and your choice of flavored syrup.


Sponsored by the Friends of Jacob Edwards Library (FOJEL).

Database Spotlight

Banned Books Week

(October 4-10)


Your library card is a passport to every story someone tried to silence. Support intellectual freedom this Banned Books Week with this curated Hoopla collection.


Start exploring here!

Emotional Intelligence Awareness Month


Explore the ABCs of empathy, resilience, emotional intelligence, and more in NewsBank’s "Life Skills" Suggested Topic.


Log in with your

Library card

Events

JEL programs are always free and all are welcome.

Programs are all ages unless otherwise noted.

Recurring Events/Series


Thursdays - 9:30-11:30 am - Morning Mah Jongg

Adults

Mah Jongg is a game of skill, strategy, and luck that originated in China. The game consists of players competing to form distinct sets or pairs of tiles, similar to gin rummy. All skill levels welcome.


Fridays - October 9 & 30 - 2-3 pm - Mindfulness Meditation

Teens/Adults

Join Iris Vega, certified Mindfulness Meditation Teacher and Mentor. All levels of experience welcome. You may bring your Yoga mat if you prefer doing the practice lying down.


Saturdays - 11 am-12 pm - Chess Club

Come play, learn, and connect. A friendly environment for all ages and skill levels, from complete beginners to seasoned players. Boards provided. Bring a friend, bring your moves, or just bring curiosity.

______________________________________________________________


Monday, October 5 - 1-3 pm - Webster Regional Resource Center Info Session

Teens/Adults

Caseworkers from the Webster Regional Resource Center will be here to answer questions about the services they offer, inlcuding free HiSET testing, employment and Mass Health assistance, housing, mental health, and substance use support and referrals, parenting groups, internship opportunities, and more.


Tuesday, October 6 - 3-4 pm - Italian Soda Tasting

Teens

Featured event.


Thursday, October 8 - 6:30-7:30 pm - Flamenco Boston

Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with live music, dance, and song by the renowned troupe, Flamenco Boston. More info. Sponsored by the Southbridge Cultural Council. The Southbridge Cultural Council is a local agency funded by Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.


Monday, October 12, 2026 - The Library is closed.


Thursday, October 15 - 6:30-7:30 pm - Mark Mandeville & Raianne Richards

Contemporary American folk singers perform "carefully-crafted lyrics and hopeful harmonies." More info. Sponsored by the Southbridge Cultural Council, a local agency funded by Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.


Saturday, October 17- 10-11:30 am - Creepy-Crawlies: Learn All About Insects

Featured event.


Thursday, October 22 - 6:30-7:30 pm - The Wholesale Klezmer Band: "Jewish Life in Song"

Yiddish singer Yosl Kurland, accompanied by accordionist Aaron Bousel and flutist Peggy Davis, will perform Yiddish folk, theater and Hebrew liturgical songs including Yosl's own compositions. More info. Sponsored by the Southbridge Cultural Council, a local agency funded by Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.


Thursday, October 29 - 6:30-7:30 pm - Metro West Paranormal Investigators

Teens/Adults

Experienced local paranormal investigator Ray Arnold presents a grounded, eye-opening exploration into the unknown. Drawing on years of active field research and a practical approach, Ray shares stories and evidence from legendary New England locations. Bring your questions for an open Q&A session following the presentation.

Virtual Events

Courtesy of the Tewksbury Public Library and the Ashland Public Library.

Thursday, October 8, 7-8 pm

Romance author Julie Hall discusses The Secrets of Everlight.

More info and registration


Tuesday, October 13, 7:30-8:30 pm

Horror book recommendations with bestselling author Sam Rebelein.

More info and registration


Wednesday, October 14, 9:30-10:30 pm

How to create a standout resume.

More info and registration


Monday, October 19, 7-8 pm

Horror writer Robert Ottone in conversation with Lauren Bolger.

More info and registration


Wednesday, October 21, 7-8 pm

Author Leslye Penelope discusses The Inevitable Undoing of Zahara Douglass.

More info and registration


Wednesday, October 21, 7-8 pm

Reading the Stones - What Cemeteries Can Teach Us About Public Health

More info and registration


Friday, October 23, 2-3 pm

Apollo 11's final descent to the surface of the Moon.

More info and registration


Tuesday, October 27, 7-8 pm

Author Iman Hariri-Kia discusses Once in a Timeline.

More info and registration


Tuesday, October 28, 9:30-10:30 am

Combatting loneliness during your job search.

More info and registration

Featured Children's Event

Saturday, October 24, 2026

10:30-11:30am


Mad Science of Western Massachusetts

Potions and Dry Ice Workshop


It's Magic! No, it's science!


Get ready for a super fun science adventure! 🧪✨ Kids will discover the amazing world of solids, liquids, and gases through bubbling potions, watching cool phase changes, and thick, mysterious fog!


This hands-on program lets kids mix, experiment, explore, and see science in action while learning how matter can change from one state to another.

Intended for children ages 4 and up.

Recurring Events for Children

JEL programs are always free and all are welcome.

Programs are held in the Children's Room and are intended for children up to age 11 & their parents/caregivers unless otherwise noted.

Mondays

10-11:30 am - Creativity Playgroup

10/5 , 10/19 , 10/26 (Closed Monday 10/12)


6:30-7:30 pm Imagination Station

10/5- Playdough (Closed Monday 10/12)

10/19- Picasso Tiles

10/26- Circuits


Tuesdays

3:30-4:30 pm - LEGO Club Challenges

10/5- Pumpkin

10/19- Autumn tree

10/26 - Halloween scene


Wednesdays

10:30-11:15 am: Storytime for Ages 3 to 5

Theme of the month is Fall

10/7 , 10/14 , 10/21 , 10/28


Wednesdays

9 am-5 pm - Crafty Weds

Drop in anytime all day to join us.

10/7 - Owl

10/14- Acorn

10/21 - Scarecrow

10/28 - Pumpkin


Thursday 10/22

3:30-4:30 pm - Sensory Space

"Kinetic Sand"

Increases cognitive development, enhances creativity, promotes social & emotional development, and improves motor skills. Ages 4 to 10


Fridays

10:30-11:00 am Baby Sensory Play Group

Theme of the month is Fall

10/2 , 10/9 , 10/16 , 10/23 , 10/30


Southbridge Digital Readiness One-Day Bootcamp - run by MACIR

Computer Basics, Internet Basics & Online Safety



Participants will select one date: 10/21 OR 10/28 OR 11/18 OR 11/25

(Hours are 10am-2pm)



  • "Complete training in one day and earn a free laptop."
  • Snacks and refreshments provided.
  • Scan the QR code to register or contact MACIR directly.
  • All registration is through MACIR.
  • All inquiries should go directly to MACIR by calling (888) 874-8904, or by emailing helpdesk@macir.org.


This program is run by Mass Association for Computer & Internet Resources (MACIR) and is funded through the a grant from the Massachusetts Broadband Institute (MBI).

 

Library Hours


Monday & Thursday 9 am - 8 pm

Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday 9 am - 5 pm

Saturdays 9am - 1pm.

(The library is closed Saturdays between Memorial Day and Labor Day)

The library is closed on holidays observed by the Town of Southbridge.


Curbside pickup is available during library hours. Please call (508) 764-5426.

Jacob Edwards Library

(508) 764-5426

jelibrary@cwmars.org

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