Volume 8 No.6 May 30, 2024 | |
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As guest editor of the the first Friends of the GPL newsletter of the summer, I'd like to welcome you to this month's compendium of library happenings, resources, and opportunities for library-community participation. I hope that you enjoy this novel edition! It will look and feel a little different than usual, but still contains the kind of robust programming information that Paul has been gracing our inboxes with since early 2018.
If you haven't made it over to the library's blog, I can't recommend it enough. It's a beautifully-designed, easy-to-navigate resource with information about programming for all ages, book clubs, meet-up events, book & movie lists, the zesty and always-popular spice club, ever-changing featured stories, and more. Bookmark it today and make it your morning go-to alongside your favorite beverage—even better than a muffin!
The vast majority of the programs described below are made possible through the generosity of the Friends of the Greenfield Public Library, and the people like you who so reliably and generously donate to the Friends. Your community appreciates you!
One last note: please read this newsletter on your desktop; it's not optimized for mobile devices.
Thanks for your ear,
and here's to literacy, community, access & joy,
-Celine
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Scrolling through this issue, you'll find:
Adult & All-Ages Programing:
Unique & Ongoing
Teen & Tween Programing:
Unique & Ongoing
Child & Family Programing:
Unique & Ongoing
Library Resources & Opportunities
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ADULT & ALL-AGES
PROGRAMING
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Make an appointment to donate gently-used books through June 4th by clicking on this link right here!
** Please read these donation guidelines carefully before signing up. Thank you.
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THE BOOK SALE
Saturday, June 8th
10am - 1:30pm
The Friends of the GPL Book Sale, which previously took place in the basement of the former library building, has long been a highlight of the season in Greenfield. We look forward to seeing the community again in our wonderful new library at 412 Main St, Greenfield, as we revive this marquee event.
Historically, these book sales have not only raised thousands of dollars to run programs at the library, but given the people of Franklin County the opportunity both to donate their gently-used books, and to enjoy new-to-them books sold at amazing prices. We are so happy to make this give-and-take available again in support of the Greenfield Public Library's Programming.
See you in early June!
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Marchers Wanted
Join us at the Franklin County Pride Parade
Saturday, June 15th
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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.
Starting June 24, 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.
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.
Participants can track their progress on a map displayed at the library and online, with special milestones marked along the way. Weekly challenges and rewards will keep walkers motivated, and the program will culminate in a celebratory event where the furthest-traveled adventurers will be honored at a Hobbit-themed party.
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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Mars and its secrets have fascinated and mystified humans since ancient times. Due to its vivid color and visibility, its geologic kinship with Earth, and its potential as our best hope for settlement, Mars embodies everything that inspires us about space and exploration. For the Love of Mars surveys the red planet's place in the human imagination, beginning with ancient astrologers and skywatchers and ending in our present moment of exploration and virtual engagement.
You’re invited to come learn alongside Matt Shindell, National Air and Space Museum curator, as he introduces viewers to historical figures
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Matt Shindell:
For the Love of Mars:
A Human History of the Red Planet
Monday, June 3
2:00 pm
across eras and around the world who have made sense of this mysterious planet. By focusing on the diverse human stories behind the telescopes and behind the robots we know and love, Shindell will show how Mars exploration has evolved in ways that have also expanded knowledge about other facets of the universe. Register now for this captivating voyage through time!
Click here for more information, and to register for this and other upcoming talks.
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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World-Wide
"Knit in Public Day" and Community Yarn Exchange
Saturday, June 8
10 am - 1 pm (Drop-In)
On Saturday, June 8, knitters will gather in public spaces to celebrate “World Knit in Public” Day, the world’s largest annual knitting event. Join us at the Greenfield Public Library from 10:00 am - 1:00 pm to celebrate your love of knitting!
Bring your needles and knitting project… and a chair, if you want to knit outside. There will be a yarn swap in the Makerspace, perfect for cleaning out your stash (limit of
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10 skeins) and finding some new yarn for your next project!
“World Knit in Public” Day is celebrated annually on the second Saturday in June to encourage knitters to come together and knit in public spaces. The day highlights knitting as a social activity for participants to enjoy one another’s company.
This program is free and open to everyone in our community.
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jason calhoun & Cla-ras Library Tour
Tuesday, June 11 at 2pm
Community Meeting Room
Join us as we welcome jason calhoun and
Cla-ras for a free experimental,
ambient music matinee.
This is a collaborative performance,
full of gentle and quiet drones.
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Cla-ras is the musical project of interdisciplinary artist Jeremy Ferris. He looks to explore folk melodies and techniques through drawn out and textured layers of guitar, evoking the ghosts, reverberations, and overgrown farmlands of the Northeastern United States. Cla-ras is part of the Lily Tapes & Discs roster. Follow him here on Bandcamp. | |
jason calhoun lives in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Ithaca-born musician has steadily released records since 2010, building a steady and loyal following for his consistent and unique poetics drawing on ambient and drone traditions. For more information, visit their Bandcamp site. | |
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This program, generously sponsored by the Friends of the Greenfield Public Library, is free and open to everyone in our community.
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Tapestry Information Session
Monday, June 10
2:00 - 4:00 pm
Main Lobby
Gabrielle Nardacci of Tapestry Health will be at the Greenfield Public Library on Monday, June 10, from 2:00 - 4:00 pm to answer questions and provide information about their free and low cost health care options and services.
Founded 50 years ago, Tapestry has become a leading expert in critical public health issues that impact our community. Providing services to almost 20,000 Western Massachusetts residents each year, their services include sexual and reproductive healthcare, food access and family nutrition and harm reduction.
This program is free and open to everyone in our community.
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Basic Bike Repair
Monday, June 17
4:00 pm
Community Meeting Room
Sadie's Bikes will be at the GPL to present a drop-in session, “Basic Bike Repair,” with an emphasis on at-home maintenance!
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Sadie's Bikes staff will be available to answer basic questions about bikes and their upkeep. They will have a couple of bikes for illustrative purposes, and will demonstrate the answers to your questions for the whole group to see.
Sadie's Bikes is a full-service bike shop in Turners Falls. The owner, Nik Perry, and his staff strive to create an atmosphere of inclusion and education in their shop. Through this practice they hope to get more folks out on bikes.
This program, made possible with the support of the Friends of the Greenfield Public Library, is free and open to everyone in our community.
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Local Authors
at the GPL Series
Food Margins:
Lessons from an Unlikely Grocer
with Cathy Stanton
Monday, June 10
6:30 pm
Community Meeting Room
The Greenfield Public Library welcomes local author Cathy Stanton on Monday, June 10 at 6:30 pm, to discuss her book, Food Margins: Lessons from an Unlikely Grocer.
Copies of her book will be available for purchase.
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Food Margins tells the story of a small food co-op in Orange Massachusetts, a former mill town searching for its place in the twenty-first century economy. Part memoir and part history lesson, the book traces the tangled economic and political histories of the plantation, the factory, and the supermarket through the life of one New England town. It also tells the story of a rural community imagining and creating a viable alternative to the mainstream, in a time of increasingly urgent need to build a more socially and ecologically just food system.
Cathy Stanton is Distinguished Senior Lecturer in Anthropology and Environmental Studies at Tufts University. She has written widely about industrial and agricultural history in the American northeast, none of which prepared her for the challenges of actually trying to stay afloat in the grocery business.
This program is free and open to the public.
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Local Authors
at the GPL Series
Masculinities:
boi • bulldagger • butch • masc • MOC • soft butch • stud • tomboy • transmasc
with Avery Cassell
Wednesday, June 12
6:00 pm
Community Meeting Room
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Masculinities features 40 stunning drawings of contemporary masculine-of-center folks, along with 200 pages of biographies and resources. It is part coloring book and all history, with drawings created by a community of LGBTQ+ artists and biographies written by Lambda Literary Award nominee Avery Cassell.
Avery Cassell has written several illustrated historical biographies, including the Butch Lesbians of the 20s, 30, and 40s Coloring Book (Stacked Deck Press), the Butch Lesbians of the 50s, 60, and 70s Coloring Book (Stacked Deck Press), Lambda nominee Resistance: the LGBT Fight Against Fascism in WWII (Stacked Deck Press), and Masculinities (Stoic Press). They are currently working on a collection of Ida VSW Red's poetry, to be released this summer. Ida Red was a founder of Mothertongue: A Feminist Readers' Theater in San Francisco, and is Avery's aunt. Avery lives in Greenfield with their cats.
This program is free and open to the public.
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Local Authors
at the GPL Series
Sandra Boston
Aiming Your Mind: Strategies and Skills for Conscious Communication
Friday, June 14
11:00 am
Community Meeting Room
Aiming Your Mind takes the reader through an eight session training program that transforms how you experience communication, beginning with learning to listen to yourself, how to find the unmet needs behind anger, how to navigate differences with patience, respect and kindness, and much more. Boston is also the author of the memoir Out of Bounds: Adventures in Transformation, and SoulSong, a collection of poetry.
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Sandra Boston founded the Conscious Communication Institute, and was part of “Movement for a New Society” in Philadelphia, where she trained activists from many countries in the skills of conflict resolution. She now does personnel development consulting for organizations and businesses, and maintains a psychotherapy practice in Greenfield.
Copies of her books will be available for purchase.
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This program is free and open to the public.
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GPL's Spice Club Kit
Available Tuesday,
June 4th
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, June 4.
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In June, we’re cooking with sumac, a versatile seasoning which is commonly used in the spice blend za’atar. Included in this month’s kit are a sample of sumac, 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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Reliable Temps Information Session
Tuesday, June 18
10:00 am - 12:00 pm Main Lobby
Nicole Meyer and Lana Spera from Reliable Temps will be at the Library to answer questions and provide information about their employment services.
Reliable Temps Inc. is a full-service staffing agency providing temporary, temp-to-hire and direct-hire placements since 1989. Reliable places candidates in the following areas: general labor, warehouse, manufacturing, clerical, accounting, management, and technical.
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Located in Agawam, Greenfield, and Orange, MA, Reliable Temps provides services in Hampden, Hampshire and Franklin County, as well as northern Connecticut and southern New Hampshire.
This program is free and open to everyone in our community.
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Pride Book
Show-and-Tell
Thursday June 20
5:15 - 7:15 pm
Community Meeting Room
Join the Library and Imaginary Bookshop for this Pride Book Show-and-Tell!
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Bring your favorite book by or about an LGBTQ+ subject to share with other queer lit lovers.
No need to to read a specific book; come talk about any book you want that fits the theme! Check out our Pride displays at the library for recommendations.
Food and refreshments will be provided. Join for lively discussions on Pride-themed books and leave with more for your reading list.
Registration is recommended, but not required. Register through this link. You can also register by emailing jesse.cole@greenfield-ma.gov or calling 413-772-1544 x5122.
This program, made possible through the generosity of the Friends of the Greenfield Public Library, is free and open to adults ages 18+.
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Freida McFadden: Psychological Thrillers and The Queen of Twists
Thursday, June 13
8:00 pm
Get your popcorn and take a seat as we chat with the queen of twists herself, Freida McFadden! McFadden will join us to discuss writing psychological thrillers and her mega-bestselling hit, The Housemaid series—in particular her forthcoming (June 11, 2024), third installment, titled The Housemaid Is Watching.
This next installment is full of unbelievable twists and tension as it continues to follow Millie Calloway. She used to clean other people’s houses—now, she can’t believe this new home is actually hers. The charming kitchen, the quiet cul-de-sac, the huge yard where her kids can play. She and her husband saved for years to give their children the life they deserve.
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Even though Millie is wary of their new neighbor, Mrs. Lowell, when she invites them over for dinner, it’s the Calloway's chance to make friends, so they accept the invitation. Mrs. Lowell’s maid opens the door wearing a white apron, her hair in a tight bun, and Millie knows exactly what it’s like to be in her shoes. But the maid’s cold stare gives her chills…
The Lowells’ maid isn’t the only strange thing on their street. Millie’s sure she sees a shadowy figure watching them. She wonders: Did they make a terrible mistake moving the family here?
Click here for more information, and to register for this and other upcoming talks.
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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LifePath Information Session
Thursday, June 20
2:00 - 3:30 pm
Main Lobby
Representatives from LifePath will be on hand to answer questions and offer information about available services and volunteer resources available to you and your loved ones.
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LifePath is a nonprofit organization serving older people, people with disabilities, and caregivers in Western and Central Mass, helping people stay independent in their homes and communities. LifePath coordinates the right services for each person using a variety of providers and programs, working with people of all incomes.
For more information about LifePath, visit the LifePath website, or call 413-773-5555.
This program is free and open to everyone in our community.
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Franklin County Pride Pop-Up Library
Saturday, June 15
12:30 - 4:00 pm
Energy Park
The GPL will be at the Franklin County Pride Festival.
Come chat with the library about our upcoming summer programs and our favorite LGBTQ+ reads! There will be button making, library card sign-ups, and a chance to learn what’s new at the library, all while supporting your local LGBTQ+ community.
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This program, made possible through the generosity of the Friends of the Greenfield Public Library, is free and open to all.
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Literary Teas:
The Left Hand of Darkness
Tuesday, June 18
6:30 pm
Conference Room
Good books, good tea & good company. What could be better to end your busy day?
"Literary Teas" combine literary works of fiction with cozy cups of local tea from Greenfield’s own tea shop, Alchemy of Avalon. This month, join Lisa and Diane for a GPL discussion of The Left Hand of Darkness, by Ursula K. Le Guin.
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In Le Guin’s groundbreaking work of science fiction, winner of the Hugo and Nebula Awards, a lone human ambassador is sent to the icebound planet of Winter, a world without sexual prejudice where the inhabitants’ gender is fluid. His goal is to facilitate Winter’s inclusion in a growing intergalactic civilization. But to do so, he must bridge the gulf between his own views and those of the strange, intriguing culture he encounters...
Exploring aspects of psychology, society, and human emotion in an alien world, The Left Hand of Darkness stands as a landmark achievement in the annals of intellectual science fiction.
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Copies of the book are available at the Library. To reserve your cup of tea, email us at
librarian@greenfieldpubliclibrary.org
This program, made possible through the generosity of the Greenfield Public Library, is free and open to the public.
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Drop-In Tech Help
with Tech Foundry
10am-11am
&
12pm-1pm
Tuesday, June 4
&
Thursday, June 6
Conference Room
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. Drop in 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. 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 them here.
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 sessions are free and open to everyone in our community.
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Juneteenth
Button Making
Tuesday, June 18
2:30 - 4:30 pm (drop-in)
Makerspace
Stop by the GPL Makerspace and make your own buttons in celebration of Juneteenth!
For more information, contact Pamela McBride at librarian@greenfieldpubliclibrary.orgor call (413) 772-1544.
This program is free and open to everyone in our community.
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GPL Goes to the Movies: PRIDE edition
Thursdays
June 6, 13, 20, 27
2:00 pm
Meeting Room
Join us on Thursdays at 2:00 pm 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:
June 6: In an adaptation of Patricia Highsmith's seminal novel The Price of Salt, the movie follows two women from very different backgrounds who find themselves in an unexpected love affair in 1950s New York.
June 13: Car trouble strands three drag queens in a conservative Midwestern town.
June 20: When an interdimensional rupture threatens to unravel reality, the fate of the world is suddenly in the hands of a most unlikely hero: Evelyn (Michelle Yeoh), a flustered immigrant mother.
June 27: The dynamic, fun, and often poignant portrait of the legendary Divine.
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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Tiffany Jewell: Unpacking a History of Systemic Racism In the American Education System
Thursday, June 20
2pm
Join us as #1 New York Times bestselling author Tiffany Jewell highlights the inequities Black and Brown students face from preschool through college as she presents lessons and knowledge from her new book, Everything I Learned About Racism I Learned in School.
From preschool to higher education and everything in between, Everything I Learned About Racism I Learned in School focuses on the experiences Black and Brown students face as a direct result of the racism built into schools across the United States.
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The book follows author Tiffany Jewell from early elementary school through her time at college, unpacking the history of systemic racism in the American educational system along the way. Throughout the book, other writers of the global majority share a wide variety of personal narratives and stories based on their own school experiences.
Everything I Learned About Racism I Learned in School provides young folks with the context to think critically about and chart their own course through their current schooling—and any future schooling they may pursue. A true “don’t want to miss” event–so register now!
Click here for more information, and to register for this and other upcoming talks.
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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Greenfield Community College Information Sessions
Tuesday June 4
10am-11:30am
Tuesday June 18th 4pm-6pm
Main Lobby of the Library
Come visit GCC at the GPL!!
An admission representative will be tabling at the Greenfield Public Library to talk more about the MassReconnect Program, which gives aid to students age 25 and over who don't have a college degree to attend community college for free!
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MassReconnect funds free community college certificates and degrees including all costs related to tuition, fees, books and supplies. Come learn more about this opportunity at GCC!
Questions? Contact
Aaron Hellem at hellema@gcc.mass.edu
This program is free and open to everyone.
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DIY Pride Gear
(drop-in)
Tuesday, June 4
4pm - 6pm
the Makerspace
Need swag for the upcoming Pride season? Stop by the Library Makerspace to make flags, bracelets, and buttons to wear and hand out at the parade. Supplies provided, all ages welcome.
This program is free and open to everyone in our community.
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Medicare Supplement Plans or
Medicare Advantage Plans?
Which Coverage is Best for Me?
Friday, June 21
11:00 am
Community Meeting Room
Join Rory Joyce, Outreach Coordinator of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts to learn the differences between Medicare Supplement and Medicare Advantage plans.
Which plan is best for me? This is the #1 question most people have when deciding on the coverage that is best for them.This presentation will discuss the differences between Medicare Supplement and Medicare Advantage plans, show real life case studies and provide resources to help in the decision process.
This presentation is great for people new to Medicare and also for existing Medicare members that will have the option to make changes to their plan during the Annual Election Period from October 15th through December 7th or during the Medicare Advantage open enrollment period from January 1st through March 31st.
This program is free, but registration is requested.
Pre-register for this program by emailing Rory.Joyce@bcbsma.com
For more information, contact Lisa Prolman at
librarian@greenfield-ma.gov, or call (413) 772-1544.
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ONGOING ADULT & ALL-AGES PROGRAMING | |
NEW! Mystery Readers Book Club
Wednesday, June 5
6:00 - 7:30 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
June 5, 12, 26
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, June 10
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
June 6, 13, 20, 27
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
June 3, 10, 17, 24
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 June 4 & 18
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, June 25
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, June 7 & 21
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
June 4, 11, 18, 25
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
June 4, 11, 18, 25
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, June 12th
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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Tween Space
Launch Party!!!
Tuesday, June 18
2:30 - 4:00 pm (drop-in)
Tween Space
Join us to celebrate the *new* Tween section of the Greenfield Public Library Children’s Room, designed specifically for older kids, ages 8-12!
There will be pizza, popsicles, and information about new library items exclusively for tweens.
For more information,
contact Children’s Librarian Ellen Lavoie at
ellen.lavoie@greenfield-ma.gov or call (413) 772-1544 x5104.
This program, generously sponsored by the Friends of the Greenfield Public Library, is
free and intended for tweens aged 8 - 12.
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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.
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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Teen Summer Showcase:
Try a Mini-Program
June 17-21, Teen Room
Join us during the first full week of school vacation, June 17 - 21, and try a sampling of our summer reading programs from 1 pm to 4 pm each day:
Monday 6/17: Cooking! Make the famous Pink Drink
Tuesday 6/18: Upcycling! Bring in an old t-shirt and turn it into a
bracelet or bag
Thursday 6/20: Gaming! Stop by and try our VR gaming system.
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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Mystery Movie & Snack
Wednesday, June 26
2:00 - 4:30 pm
Teen Room
Join us in the Teen Room on Wednesday, June 26, at 2:00 pm to make a snack skewer and watch a mystery movie!
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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Virtual Reality
Gaming Drop-In
Friday, June 28
1 - 4 pm
Teen Room
Try out our Meta Quest VR Headsets!
On Friday, June 28,
from 1:00 - 4:00 pm,
30 minute gaming times will be available on a first come, first serve basis.
The program is strictly
for ages 13+.
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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Crochet with Shannon
Wednesday, June 26
3 - 4 pm
Teen Room
Have you always wanted to learn to crochet? Are you a seasoned pro? Either way, stop by the Teen Room and crochet with librarian Shannon.
Use our materials or bring your own. We’ll have crochet hooks available for check out, too!
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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Learn a Board Game:
Machi Koro 2
Tuesday, June 25
11am - 4 pm
Teen Room
Drop into the GPL Teen Room and build your own city in this fun and easy-to-learn dice & card game!
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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Teen Pride
Snack and a Movie:
Wednesday, June 11
3:00 - 5:00 pm
Teen Room
Join us in the teen room, where we’ll be making our own Bubble Tea and watching the movie based on the award-winning book “Simon Vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda.”
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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Teen Pride Buttons
Friday, June 7 & 14
3 - 4 pm
Teen Room
Join Teen Volunteer Mac on Fridays before Franklin County Pride and make your very own Pride Buttons in celebration of Pride Month!
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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Join the Teen Advisory Board
Monday, June 10
3:00 - 4:00 pm
Teen Room
Are you interested in being a teen volunteer at the library? Join us on June 10, at 3:00 pm as we plan our summer community service programs. New members are always welcome.
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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ONGOING TEEN & TWEEN
PROGRAMING
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Try all nine
Teen To-Go Kits:
· Nature Journaling
· Mind Reading and
Fortune Telling
· Mindfulness
· How to Play D&D
· How to Play Ukulele
· How to Crochet
· How to Knit
· Cartoon Your Story
· Writing 101
Available in the teen area
at the library.
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Each kit contains everything a teen will need to learn a new skill. Kits are intended for youth ages 12-18 and are available on a first come, first serve basis. Kits must be picked up and dropped off at Greenfield Public Library and can be checked out for 3 weeks.
This program, made possible through the generosity of the Friends of the Greenfield Public Library, is free and intended for youth ages 12 – 18.
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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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Read to a Therapy Dog
Friday, June 21
3:30 - 4:30 pm
Kids can meet and share stories with a certified therapy dog.
This free program is intended for kids ages 3 - 8.
Registration is required.
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Register your child for a 15-minute spot
by calling the Children’s Room at (413) 772-1544 x5104
or emailing ellen.lavoie@greenfield-ma.gov
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GPL KIDS: Stuffie Sleepover (drop off)
Tuesday, June 25
9:30 am to 6 pm
Stuffies are invited for a sleepover at the library!
Kids may bring one stuffie each to drop off at the library on Tuesday, June 25, from
9:30 am - 6 pm for a special *stuffies only* sleepover.
What will they get up to in the library on their own?! We’ll tap into our security cameras and take photos to find out!
This program, made possible through the generosity of the Friends of the Greenfield Public Library, is free, and open to all kids ages 0-12.
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Piti Theatre Presents:
Story Wizards!
Saturday, June 29
10:30 am
A Wizard Even Crankier than the Story Wizard has stolen the world's tales. Now the Story Wizard must set off to find them. Will YOU help?
Join us for this interactive theater experience for kids up to age 12.
This program, made possible through the generosity of the Friends of the Greenfield Public Library, is free, and open to all kids ages 0-12.
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This program is free, but registration is required. Please register through the events calendar
by clicking here.
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Juneteenth Pop-Up Library
and Special Children's Story Time
Wednesday, June 19
12:00 - 5:00 pm
Beacon Field
The Greenfield Public Library will be at Beacon Field on June 19th, taking part in Greenfield’s 3rd-Annual Juneteenth Celebration.
Enjoy a special story time with Children's Librarian Ellen Lavoie, button making, library card sign-ups, and a chance to learn what’s new at the library.
This program, made possible through the generosity of the
Friends of the Greenfield Public Library, is free and open to all.
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GPL Kids Crafterschool:
Paper Sloths!
Tuesday, June 4
3 - 4 pm
Join GPL’s Shannon Gilcreast for an after school craft program designed for kids age 5+. This month, join us after school to make paper sloths!
*Reminder* This is the last Crafterschool of the school year! Check back in fall for more Crafterschool.
For more information,
contact Shannon Gilcreast at shannon.gilcreast@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 aged 5 - 12.
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Rainbow Ribbon Streamers
Saturday, June 15
9:30 - 11:30 am (drop-in)
Make a festive rainbow streamer to waive at the noon Pride parade later today (or any time)!
For more information,
contact Shannon Gilcreast at shannon.gilcreast@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 3 - 12 and their caregivers.
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Family Movie Night
Mondays
Monday, June 24
5:30 pm
Join us on Mondays 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 about this month's movie:
A darkly humorous tale of crime and punishment. Stanley Yelnat's family has a history of bad luck, so he isn't too surprised when a miscarriage of justice sends him to a boys' juvenile detention center, Camp Green Lake.
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
June 4, 11, 18, 25
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
June 5, 12, 26
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
June 6, 13, 20, 27
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
June 3, 10, 17, 24
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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Now Available on Beanstack!
With Beanstack, an all-in-one and easy-to-use program sometimes called the "Fitbit for reading,” you can log what you are reading and earn badges along the way.
Reading aloud helps strengthen language skills, builds vocabulary, and sparks imagination and creativity. Sharing books with children promotes a lifelong love of books and reading, and other resources to foster a love of reading for your child. It is easy to play: reading 1 book every day = 1,095 books in 3 years!
for an online reading log, and other resources.
For more information and book recommendations, contact Children’s Librarian Ellen Lavoie at ellen.lavoie@greenfield-ma.gov, or call (413) 772 -1544.
This program, made possible through the generosity of the Friends of the Greenfield Public Library, is free and open to all.
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LIBRARY
RESOURCES & OPPORTUNITIES
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Library CLOSED for Juneteenth
June 19th, 2024
The Greenfield Public Library will be closed on Wednesday, June 19 for Juneteenth. We will reopen on Thursday, June 20, at 9:30 am.
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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