Jacob Edwards Library

Library News

June 2026

Summer Reading!

FEATURED EVENT


First Amendment and the Free Press

Thursday, June 18

6-7:30 pm


New England First Amendment Coalition’s First Amendment and the Free Press program highlights our constitutional freedoms and the democratic role journalism plays in our country.


Join us as we discuss how the First Amendment works and how local newsrooms can best meet their obligations to the communities they cover.


For more info click here.



 

All Month Long

Adult Displays:

  • Pride
  • National Best Friends Day


Young Adult

  • Take & Make: Rainbow Lamp
  • Displays:
  • Pride
  • Manga


Children's Room Displays:

  • Juneteenth
  • Plant a Seed, Read
 


SUMMER READING PROGRAM

PLANT A SEED, READ!

Children's Summer Reading Registration June 22, 2026

FEATURED CHILDREN'S EVENT


Records and Burpee

Zoo Show:



Summer Reading Kick-off!


Monday, June 29, 2026

6:30-7:30pm

 
 


JEL Book Club

Wednesday, June 17

2 - 3 pm


In honor of Pride Month, the group will discuss The Emperor of Gladness by Ocean Vuong.


"Following the cycles of history, memory, and time, The Emperor of Gladness shows the profound ways in which love, labor, and loneliness form the bedrock of American life. At its heart is a brave epic about what it means to exist on the fringes of society and to reckon with the wounds that haunt our collective soul."


Get the book here.

Adult Art Show

Pride Art Show & Celebration


Available for viewing throughout the month.


Artists' Reception

Thursday, June 4

6-7:30 pm


The annual Pride Art Show and Celebration is a vibrant event dedicated to showcasing the talents and stories of LGBTQIA+ artists, family and friends. Join us to support artists, enjoy creative expression, and honor the journey toward equality and acceptance.




For more information click here.

 
 

Digital Resources

Serving stories, sass, sparkle, and lots of love.

Celebrate Pride Month with LGBTQ+ content on Hoopla!


Start streaming here

Explore Sports News on Newsbank.


Start exploring here

Listen up!

June is Audiobook month!

Enjoy the most popular format on Hoopla!

Start listening here


Events

JEL programs are always free and all are welcome.

Programs are all ages unless otherwise noted.


Recurring Events/Series for Adults


Fridays, June 5, 12 & 26, 9:30-10:30 am - Digital Literacy Course

Teens/Adults

Join us for a FREE series of supportive, beginner-friendly classes focused on building confidence with everyday technology, in partnership with Our Bright Future.

6/5 - Device Basics & Comfort

6/12 - Internet & Email Essentials

6/26 - Staying Connected with Family & Friends


Fridays, June 5 & 12, 2-3 pm - 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.

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Monday, June 1, 1 - 2 pm

Friends of Jacob Edwards Library (FoJEL) Meeting

Adults

Monthly meeting of FoJEL, the fundraising organization for library programs.


Monday, June 1, 7 pm

VIRTUAL: Romance Author L.C. Chu - The Library of Flowers

Teens/Adults

Click here for more information and to register.


Monday, June 8, 7 pm

VIRTUAL: Lorelei’s Lit Lair - Fall Romance Recommendations

Teens/Adults

Click here for more information and to register.


Wednesday, June 10, 7 pm

VIRTUAL: Romance Author Nalini Singh - Archangel’s Eternity

Teens/Adults

Click here for more information and to register.


Thursday, June 11, 6:30-7:30 pm

Finding Her Voice: Women in Early Country Music

Join us to listen to roots musician Paula Bradley on guitar, banjo and vocals with stories and songs from women in country music from the

1920’s - 1960’s. More info.

This program is supported by a grant from the Southbridge Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.


Thursday, June 11, 7 pm

VIRTUAL: Author Panel - A Journey of Discovery - A "Together With Pride" Event

Ages 12+

Boyden Library will be hosting an author panel of three YA authors who will share their personal journey of discovery of identity and growing up LGBTQIA+. 

Click here for more information and to register.


Monday, June 15, 7 pm

VIRTUAL: Lost: Amelia Earhart’s Three Mysterious Deaths and One Extraordinary Life with author Rachel Hartigan

Teens/Adults

Click here for more information and to register.


Thursday, June 18, 6-7:30 pm

First Amendment and the Free Press

Teens/Adults

Featured event.


Friday, June 19 - Library closed for Juneteenth


Monday, June 22, 7 pm

VIRTUAL: Celebrating America’s 250th: Boston, 1776 with Author J.D. Dickey

Teens/Adults

Click here for more information and to register.


Tuesday, June 23, 12 pm

JEL Board of Library Trustees Meeting

Adults



Tuesday, June 23, 6:30 pm

VIRTUAL: We Were Always Here - Uncovering Queer History in Every Era

Teens/Adults

Click here for more information and to register.


Thursday, June 25, 11 am-12 pm

Handprint Pride Activity

Join the Southbridge Family Resource Center for a self-identity activity, where each person uses painted or colored handprints to represent different parts of who they are. More info.


Thursday, June 25, 5:30-7:30 pm

Book Bedazzling Workshop

Teens/Adults

Click here for more information and to register.


Monday, June 29, 2026 - Summer Reading Program begins!

Recurring Events for Children

JEL programs are always free and all are welcome.

Programs are for children & caregivers unless otherwise noted.

Mondays 6:30 - 7:30 pm - Imagination Station - Children's Room

6/1 - Botley

6/8 - Circuits

6/15 - Blocks

6/22- Kids Choice!


Tuesdays 3:30 - 4:30 pm - Construction Crew (LEGOs) - Children's Room

6/2 - Create a Boat

6/9 - Create an Airplane

6/16 - Create a Robot

6/23 - Summer Scene

6/30- Create a Flag


Wednesdays

10:30 - 11am: Tiny Tykes Storytime - Children's Room

Preschoolers

6/3 - Strawberries

6/10 - Dogs

6/17 - Dad and Me

6/24 - Summer


Wednesdays

9am - 5pm - Crafty Weds - Children's Room

Drop in anytime all day to join us.

6/3 - Strawberry Craft

6/10- Flag

6/17 - Father Day Card

6/24 - Clay Fun


Thursday Jun 25, 3:30 - 4:30 pm - Sensory Space

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


Fridays 10:30 - 11:00 am - Tales for Twos Storytime - Children's Room

6/5 - Cats

6/12 - Numbers

6/19 - Library Closed Juneteenth

6/26- Parachute fun

 


SUMMER READING 2026:

Plant a Seed, Read


Summer Reading Dates:

June 29, 2026 to August 7, 2026


We have three different programs!


*Free lunch served daily Monday through Friday from 11am-1pm for ages 18 &

under.*

  • Summer Reading for Children

- Weekly prizes!

  • Summer Reading for Teens

- Teens can earn tickets for prizes by checking out items or attending programs.

  • Summer Reading for Adults

- Check out an item and you will be entered to win a prize.

 
 


“A place for everyone across the Board”

Jacob Edwards Library Chess Park and Performance Space

The Chess Park Ad Hoc Committee is fundraising for the Jacob Edwards Library Chess Park and Performance Space. To access the rendering proposed for the space on the southeast corner of the library property and most detailed information, please click here.


Questions? Please contact Bernadette Meade at bmeade2979@gmail.com

 

Library Hours


Monday & Thursday 9 am - 8 pm

Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday 9 am - 5 pm

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


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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