Volume 9 No. 3 | February 28, 2025

March 2025 | Newsletter

Personally, I think books are sort of like the baseline

for libraries [...] What we do here at this branch is

less about books and more about community and

the other needs that people have.

–Dorchester, MA Library Branch

Manager Celia Contelmo

Writing for Boston Magazine in November of 2023, Tom McGrath interviewed Boston Public Library librarians and BPL president David Leonard for a feature story inviting readers to “ride shotgun while I explore and—spoiler alert—sort of gaze in wonder at what they [libraries] do.” We too invite you to gaze in wonder, or at least appreciation, as we chronicle the upcoming opportunities at our own, vibrant library here in Greenfield.

Although you will certainly see kids happily weighed-down by the big stacks of brightly-colored storybooks they've selected, and adults checking many hundreds of books in and out all day long, we also invite you to read our lists of programming and services offered as “natural extensions of the reference and research function libraries have always offered.” As BPL president Leonard suggests, “You have a question, you have a quest, you have a piece of information you’re seeking,” and “once upon a time, such quests might have been straightforward [...] but today, they’re broader and perhaps more urgent, at least if you’re willing to listen.”

Like the Boston libraries, our library “has extended its reach beyond just literacy to meeting community needs more broadly”—the Greenfield librarians and library director listen, and unflaggingly they answer.

***

As usual, step-step tutorial on how to use the newsletter in tandem with the Library calendar is available in the PDF below. The calendar is not only useful for perusing and tracking events, but it's also where you can register for some of the registration-required offerings mentioned below.

Many thanks for being a friend to the Library,

- Celine & Paul

*note: If possible, please read this newsletter on your desktop. It's not optimized for mobile devices, though it's certainly readable on them.

Visit the Full Library Calendar

TUTORIAL:

Click on the image to the right for a PDF of the newsletter & calendar tutorial.

FRIENDS OF THE GPL

EVENTS

SOMETHING FOR EVERYBODY

Come socialize with your fellow library-lovers at Four Phantoms, where you'll also find:

excellent craft beer
hard cider, wine, mead, cocktails
non-alcoholic drinks
TRIVIA NIGHT!
a Cajun Food Popup

there will be also gumbo, jambalaya, etc. at a

Bon Couillon Cajun Food Popup Event

Please call, text, or email your friends and put together a trivia team -- so much fun! Or just come for the great cajun food and drinks. Put it on your calendar now.

Click here for a link to forward to your friends.

Have you sent your donation to the Friends' Annual Appeal?

If you are like many of us, the envelope is sitting on a pile of

to-do mail. Or perhaps it is sitting in your e-mail folder. We have a long way to go to reach our goal so that we can run all the programs listed below.

Please click here and get it done while you have a moment.

There are many ways to be a Friend of the library.

Save your gently-used books,

put them aside in a box,

for the next

Friends Book Sale

CALLING ALL VOLUNTEERS FOR LIBRARY ACTIVITIES

If you have volunteered in the past or you think you might want to volunteer to help out the library or Friends in the future, you ALL need to sign up for our new system.

CLICK HERE

So, what's the buzzzz?

For detailed information about the many excellent programs presented at the library, listed below, click on the purple "Visit the Full Library Calendar" button,

which you'll find throughout the newsletter:

Visit the Full Library Calendar

Adult Programs and Events

MAKERSPACE "SPRING ROUNDHOUSE SERIES"

Pre-Registration is required for these programs;

please see the library’s website

Miniature Prom Dresses

Wednesday, March 5, 5:30-7:30pm

Painted Pet Portraits

Wednesday, March 12, 5:30-7:30pm

Pysanky Eggs

Saturday, March 15, 10:00am-12:00pm

Contemporary Patchwork / Improve Quilting

Saturday, March 15, 10:00am-12:00pm

Felt Flowers

Friday, March 21, 2:00-4:00pm

Nature Sketching

Wednesday, March 26, 5:30-7:30pm

Macrame with Nicole

Saturday, March 29, 10:00am-12:00pm

LIBRARY PROGRAMS at the WINTER FARMER’S MARKET MARCH 8, 10AM - 1PM

Makerspace Craft: Flowers (Drop In)

Information Sessions

Pioneer Valley Habitat for Humanity

Greenfield Recycling Program

LET’S TALK ABOUT DEATH

Weekly, in the Community Room

Death Cafe

Wednesday, March 5, 5:30 - 7:30 pm

Pre-registration required, please see library’s website

On Death and Dying: a Panel Discussion

Wednesday, March 12, 6:00 - 7:30 pm

Getting the Last Word In: Obituary-Writing Workshop Wednesday, March 19, 5:30 pm

Pre-registration required, please see library’s website

"WICKED WEEK" MOVIES:

Greenfield Public Library invites you to experience the wonders of Oz in the Community Meeting Room:

The Wizard of Oz

Monday, March 24, 5:30 pm

The Wiz

Tuesday, March 25, 5:30 pm

Wicked

Thursday, March 27, 1:30 pm

Wicked

Friday, March 28, 5:30pm **in the Greenfield High School Auditorium**

SKILL BUILDERS

Spice Club: Chinese five-spice powder

Available beginning Tuesday 3/4, while supplies last, by the Reader’s Advisory Desk

Consumer Debt Protection: Know Your Rights!

Tuesday, March 4, 5pm, Community Room

GPL Zine Club Presents: Collage Workshop

Tuesday, March 4, 6:00 pm, Makerspace

Greenfield Ukulele Players

Fridays, 3/7 and 3/21 at 1pm

in the Conference Room BYOU

WordPress Meetup

Wednesday, 3/12 at 6pm in the Conference Room

Pagan, Jewish and Christian Women in the Roman Empire

Thursday, March 20, 2pm Conference Room

Springfield Symphony: Musical Petting Zoo

Saturday, March 29, 10:00 am Community Rm

How to Change Gender Markers on your Identification Documents. Saturday, March 29, 11:00 am, via Zoom

Please see library’s website for link

Drop-In Knitting & Crochet

Weekly on Tuesdays, 5:30-7:30pm, Makerspace

Writer’s Workshop

Wednesdays at 6pm in the Local History Room

LOCAL AUTHORS

Kat Miller: The Unofficial Harry Potter Companion

Saturday, March 15, 10:00 am, Community Room

Rebecca Daniels: That Day and What Came After

Tuesday, March 18, 2:00 pm, Conference Room

CONVERSATION GROUPS

Community Conversations 413

Casual Conversation for English Language Learners. Everyone

Welcome! Wednesdays at 4:15pm, various locations

Conversational Italian

Monday, 3/3 at 6:30pm in the Local History Room

Conversational French

Tuesday, 3/25 at 5:30pm in the Conference Room

BOOK DISCUSSIONS

Contemporary Fiction: Wandering Stars by Tommy Orange

Tuesday, March 4, 6:30pm, Conference Room

Exploring Non-Fiction: Dinosaurs at the Dinner Party

Tuesday, March 18, 6:30 pm, Conference Room

Mystery Readers Book Club: Bring your own mystery book

Wednesday, March 5 @6:30pm, Conference Room

Silent Reading Club: bring your own book

Monday, March 10 @ 6pm, Reading Room

Bookends Reading-Buddy Match-Up:

Get paired with a reading partner for our next title, Running with Sherman. Thursday, March 13, 5:30pm, Community Room

Children of the Night: the Horror Readers Discussion Group. Bring your own horror book

Monday, March 17, 6:30 pm, Local History Room

GAMES

Library Chess Club

Mondays at 5:30pm in the Board Game area

Drop in Scrabble Night

Tuesdays 3/4 & 3/18 at 4:30pm in the Board Game area

INFORMATION SESSIONS IN THE MAIN LOBBY

Greenfield Community College

Tuesday, 3/18, 10-11:30am

LifePath

Thursday, 3/20, 2-4pm

Greenfield Recycling Program

Tuesday, 3/18, 2-4pm

Franklin County Regional Housing & Redevelopment Authority. Thursday, 3/20, 2-4pm

Medicare

Monday, 3/24 3-4:30pm

Visit the Full Library Calendar

Teen Programs and Events

Teen programs are intended for youth ages 13 - 20 unless otherwise noted

READING

Book Bingo Challenge

February 1 to June 12, 2025

Win a small prize for each challenge you complete: a Jellycat or Squishmallow for reading 5 books in a row and an after-hours pizza party for you and up to 10 friends for filling out the entire Bingo sheet! Pick up sheets and complete rules in the Teen Room.

Book to Movie Club

Read the book and watch the movie! This month’s book is “Wicked”. Movie screening is Friday, March 28 at Greenfield High School. Doors open at 5:30, pizza and popcorn will be served. Free and open to the public.

ACTIVITIES

Pot O’ Gold Party

Monday, March 17, 3-4pm

Win prizes in the scavenger hunt and make a wee terrarium.

Manga Club

Thursday, March 27, 3-4pm

Make candy sushi while discussing your favorite manga and anime

VOLUNTEER

Teen Advisory Board

Monday, March 10, 4-5pm

This month, we’ll be making miniature books for a reader’s advisory display

Bookends Reading-Buddy Match-Up

Get paired with a reading partner for our next title, Running with Sherman. Thursday, March 13, 5:30pm, Community Room

Tween Programs and Events

MIDDLE SCHOOL READING CHALLENGE

Saturday, March 1 through Monday, March 31

Pick up a punch card in the children’s room and join the month-long reading challenge!

Visit the Full Library Calendar

Children's Programs and Events

An adult is required to be present with children under 8 participating in GPL programs

STORY TIMES

PJ Storytime *NEW*

Tuesdays, March 4, 11, 25 @6:30pm

An evening picture book story time with Mandy. Wear some cozy PJs and bring a stuffy friend!

Storytimes with Mya and Winston

Thursdays, March 6 & 20 @3:30 pm

Join Mya and Winston the dog for story time, a meet-and-greet, and a talk about service dogs.

Local Author Storytime: Eric Bennett

Saturday, March 8, 10:30 am

Eric will talk about penguins and share his picture book, Noodles and Albie On Thin Ice

Book Babies

Intended for birth -18 months

Tuesdays in March @10am

Toddler Time

Intended for 18-36 months

Wednesdays in March @10am

ACTIVITIES

Drop-in Playgroup *NEW*

Fridays, March 7, 14, 21, 9:30 - 11:30 am

Join Children’s Librarian Ellen Lavoie on Fridays in March for free play time with a mix of toys and activities for little ones, ages 0-5. A story or two (or a few!) will be offered at 10:30am.

GPL Lego Club (drop-in)

Intended for ages 3+

Mondays in March, 3:30 - 5 pm

Chess Club

Wednesday, March 5, 12 (Snow Date: 3/19), 2:30 - 4:00pm

Learn the game with experienced instructor Andy Friedman and enjoy free play with other chess enthusiasts. No experience is necessary. This program is intended for kids age 10+

Springfield Symphony Musical Petting Zoo

Saturday, March 29, 10:00 am Community Rm

FOR CAREGIVERS

Babywearing with Jennifer Hydefrost

Wednesday, March 26, 10:45 - 11:45 am

March’s Focus: Wrap-Curious!

Bring your little one and your carrier(s), if you have any, to this babywearing workshop in the Children’s Room immediately following Toddler Time.

This program will offer caregivers the chance to try different carriers and wraps as well as troubleshoot any issues wearers are having. All experience levels are warmly welcomed! Designed for caregivers of children ages 0-3. Older children are welcome to join and observe or quietly play nearby.

Visit the Full Library Calendar

A FEW HIGHLIGHTS:

PROGRAMING FOR ADULTS, TEENS, TWEENS & CHILDREN

On Death and Dying: A Panel Discussion

Wednesday, March 12

6:00 - 7:30 pm, Community Meeting Room

Death and dying is a complicated and multifaceted topic. Join us at the Greenfield Public Library on Wednesday, March 12 at 6:00 pm for a panel discussion on death, dying, and end-of-life care. Our panelists will offer information to help you begin to navigate your end of life decisions. A Q&A session will follow the discussion.

Panelists include:

Abi Walters, Community Legal Aid: Elder Affairs

Amber Korby, Montague Cemetery Sexton: Green Burial Options

Dina Stander, End of Life Navigator

Emily Elliiot Miller, End of Life Doula

Joan Pillsbury, Funeral Consumers Alliance

For more information, contact Pamela McBride at pamela.mcbride@greenfield-ma.gov or call (413) 772-1544.

Light refreshments will be served.

This program, generously sponsored by the Friends of the Greenfield Public Library, is free and intended for ages 18+.

Celebrate the “Wicked Week" with movies, flying monkeys, and chocolate! Greenfield Public Library invites you to experience the wonders of Oz with “Wicked Week,” filled with Oz-related movies and activities from March 24-27.

In addition to the movies, you can enter a drawing for a chance to win a GIANT piece of golden-wrapped chocolate – your very own "yellow brick road" ! Throughout the month, stop by for a little Monkey Business ….literally! Our librarians are going bananas... training a troop of (pretend) flying monkeys to soar through the library! Keep your eyes peeled for their mischievous antics.

Due to licensing restrictions we can’t share the names of the movies, but we can give you the following hints:

Monday, March 24, 5:30 pm, Community Meeting Room

When a nasty neighbor tries to have her dog put to sleep, Dorothy takes her dog, Toto, and starts to run away. A tornado appears and carries her to the magical land of Oz. Wishing to return home, she begins to travel to the city of Oz where a great wizard lives.

Tuesday, March 25, 5:30 pm, Community Meeting Room

Dorothy is a 24-year-old Manhattan kindergarten teacher who is whisked away from her inner-city neighborhood via a snowstorm to the mysterious land of Oz. Oz is a sprawling, decaying, nightmarish, and dangerous megalopolis that resembles the physical characteristics of New York City.

Thursday, March 27, 1:30 pm, Community Meeting Room

A young woman, misunderstood because of her unusual green skin, has yet to discover her true power, and Glinda, a popular young woman, gilded by privilege and ambition, has yet to discover her true heart. The two meet as students at Shiz University in the fantastical Land of Oz and forge an unlikely but profound friendship.

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. Light refreshments will be served.

For more information, contact Jeremiah Rood at jeremiah.rood@greenfield-ma.gov or call (413) 772-1544.

Movies are free to the public, thanks to the generous support of the Friends of the Greenfield Public Library.

Manga Club

Thursday, March 27

3:30 pm

Teen Room

Join Teen Librarian Francesca on Thursday, March 27, at 3:00 pm for Manga Club.

We will make candy sushi while discussing our favorite manga and anime.

For more information, contact Teen Librarian Francesca francesca.passiglia@greenfield-ma.gov

This program, generously sponsored by the Friends of the Greenfield Public Library, is free and intended for ages 13-18.

Roundhouse Spring Craft Series

Presented by the Greenfield Public Library and The Franklin County Agricultural Society

Greenfield Public Library and the Franklin County Agricultural Society have joined forces to help you create that craft you’ve 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 spring, the Library will be offering multiple craft programs to help jump-start your creativity. This fun series of practical craft classes will be held in the library’s makerspace and run by a variety of talented instructors.

All classes are free and materials will be provided, unless otherwise noted. Space is limited and pre-registration is required for each class. Books on each subject will be available for check-out at each class.

At the conclusion of each class, participants will be given information on how and when to enter the projects in the fair.

Due to the popularity of these programs, we ask that you sign up for no more than 2 at a time. We’ll be offering more programs in the upcoming months.

Miniatures with Faith: Tiny Dresses, Wednesday, March 5, 5:30-7:30pm

Create little prom dresses (and coat hangers) out of recycled materials with upcycled dollhouse furniture genius Faith Reipold.

This program is free, but space is limited to 12 participants. Register at:

https://greenfieldpl.libcal.com/event/14196324

Pet Portraits with Danielle, Wednesday, March 12, 5:30-7:30pm

Create a beautiful painting of your beloved pet with the talented Danielle Lucier.

This program is free, but space is limited to 12 participants. Register at: https://greenfieldpl.libcal.com/event/14087123

Pysanky Eggs with Francesca, Saturday, March 15, 10:00am-12:00pm

Learn the traditional Ukrainian art of egg decorating with artist and librarian Francesca Passiglia.

This program is free, but space is limited to 12 participants. Register at: https://greenfieldpl.libcal.com/event/14087244

Upcycled Sewing with Heidi: Contemporary Patchwork/Improve Quilting

TWO DAY COURSE: Monday, March 17 and Tuesday, March 18, 5:30-7:30pm. Must attend both classes

Have fun with upcycled fabric and learn the skills to sew your own improvisational quilt with Plum Boutique’s Heidi Weeks.

This program is free, but space is limited to 6 participants.Register at: : https://greenfieldpl.libcal.com/event/13940110

Felt Flowers with Francesca, Friday, March 21, 2:00-4:00pm

Create a colorful and vibrant everlasting bouquet with artist and librarian Francesca Passiglia.

This program is free, but space is limited to 12 participants.Register at https://greenfieldpl.libcal.com/event/14087350

Nature Sketching with Danielle, Wednesday, March 26, 5:30-7:30pm

As winter draws to a close, get back to nature with the talented Danielle Lucier.

This program is free, but space is limited to 12 participants.Register at https://greenfieldpl.libcal.com/event/14087350

Macrame with Nicole: Plant Hangers, Saturday, March 29, 10:00am-12:00pm

This is the perfect class for beginners looking to learn the art of macrame with expert Nicole Zaccari.

This program is free, but space is limited to 12 participants.Register at https://greenfieldpl.libcal.com/event/14087516

Upcycled Sewing with Heidi: Bucket and Sun Hats

TWO DAY COURSE: Monday, March 31 and Tuesday, April 1, 5:30-7:30pm. Must attend both classes

Have fun with upcycled fabric and make yourself a hat for the upcoming sunny warm weather with Plum Boutique’s Heidi Weeks.

This program is free, but space is limited to 6 participants.Registration for this class begins on Monday, March 24

https://greenfieldpl.libcal.com/event/13940114

For more information, contact Francesca Passiglia at francesca.passiglia@greenfield-ma.gov, or call (413) 772-1544.

This program is a collaboration between Greenfield Public Library and the Franklin County Fair. This program, generously sponsored by the Friends of the Greenfield Public Library is free, and intended for teens and adults, ages 13+.

Local Author Storytime:

Eric Bennett

Saturday, March 8

10:30am

Children's Room

Join us for a special storytime on Saturday, March 8 at 10:30 am with local author Eric Bennett. Eric will talk about penguins and share his picture book, Noodles and Albie

On Thin Ice.

For more information, contact Ellen Lavoie at ellen.lavoie@greenfield-ma.gov or call (413)772-1544

This program, generously sponsored by the Friends of the Greenfield Public Library, is free for kids ages 0-12.

Consumer Debt Protection:

Know Your Rights!

Tuesday, March 4, 5pm

Community Meeting Room

The Greenfield Public Library is hosting a Know Your Rights Event, “Consumer Debt: Navigating the Process.” This free community event will take place on March 4 at 5:00 pm. The event will provide vital information on debt collection cases and the court process, including the importance of consumers appearing in court to defend their debt collection case, how to defend a case, and the categories of income and assets that are exempt from collection for consumer debts. Speaking at the event are:

Judge Dina Fein (ret.), Interim Director at the Center for Social Justice at Western New England University’s School of Law

Anita Wilson, Director of the Consumer Protection Unit at the Northwestern District Attorney’s Office

Mary Klaes, Managing Attorney at the Greenfield Court Service Center.

Together, the speakers will provide information about consumer rights, the laws that govern collection activity by creditors, and how best to navigate the court process in collection cases. If you are currently dealing with a consumer debt collection case or if a judgment has already entered against you, this presentation will provide invaluable information to help you protect your financial security.

For more information, contact Lisa Prolman at librarian@greenfieldpublicllibrary.org, or call (413) 772-1544.

Springfield Symphony Musical Petting Zoo

Saturday, March 29

10:00 am, Community Meeting Room

Come to the Greenfield Public Library for a Musical Petting Zoo, a fun and informative hands-on traveling exhibit of musical instruments, with the Springfield Symphony! After an introduction to the instruments, participants will get a chance to bow a violin, blow a horn, or tap out a rhythm on a drum. Here’s your chance to try an instrument in a judgment-free zone that encourages exploration and excitement!

For more information, contact Lisa Prolman at librarian@greenfieldpubliclibrary.org or call (413) 772-1544.

This program, funded in part by a grant from the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency, is free and open to everyone in our community.

Middle School Reading Challenge

Saturday, March 1 through 31

Pick up a punch card in the children’s room and join the month long reading challenge! You’ll get a punch for every visit to the library, every time you check out a book, and every time you come to a library program or event. There’s a total of 15 punches you can earn, and after every 5 you get a prize.

With punches 10 and 15 you’ll get a total of two entries into a raffle to win a Kindle Fire!

For more information, contact 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+, but is open to all kids.