If you don’t already have a library card, do stop into any branch and sign up for cards for everyone in your family. They’re free and the best way to start the school year!
By JANET STUPAK
SPRINGFIELD — He told me he was drawn in by the imposing stature and extraordinary facade of the Central Library. Having traveled from Perth, Australia, Peter explained that he was touring the United States doing research on American libraries for a talk he would be presenting upon his return. He was in awe of the building and took many photos yesterday as I showed him around. He was especially interested in our adult literacy collection, a focus for his work in Australia.
Peter was very impressed with the number of trained librarians on staff here, explaining that most libraries in Australia have only one.
He said that the city of Springfield was “so smart to fund a strong library system.”
Have you visited the Central Library or one of our other branches? We want everyone to know about our exceptional library system. Of course my curiosity led me to check out the website for the State Library of Western Australia, affiliated with both city government and public libraries, where it states, “you are entitled to join your local public library.” Entitled, I like the way that sounds … If you don’t already have a library card, do stop into any branch and sign up for cards for everyone in your family. They’re free and the best way to start the school year!
Janet Stupak is community relations coordinator for Springfield Public Library. Remember that you do not even need a library card to take part in library programs.
Young ones can get ready to celebrate the first day of school and a new year of learning on Saturday, Aug. 17 and 24 at 1:30 p.m. at our Central Library Saturday Storytime for preschoolers (accompanied by a parent or other adult). Children (best for ages 3-8) will enjoy some great stories and a fun craft, with siblings welcome and no registration required.
Adults and teens who are attracted to food and cooking should consider making a dish for “A Taste of Garlic,” as the library showcases the many ways to use fresh garlic, giving participants some new recipes at the same time. The Sixteen Acres Branch Library, 1187 Parker St., will offer free, freshly harvested cloves of garlic from our garlic beds during the week of Aug. 19 for participants to use in their garlic-infused recipes.
The following week, on Tuesday, Aug. 27, from 4 to 7 p.m., everyone will bring their garlic creations back to the Sixteen Acres Branch for a food tasting where all dishes will be displayed and sampled. Please contact librarian (and avid gardener) Doris Madsen at (413) 263-6858 for more details and how to sign up.
Doris Madsen, librarian (and avid gardener) at the Sixteen Acres Branch Library, will share information on canning fresh garden tomatoes at a workshop on Monday, Sept. 16, from 5:30 p.m. at the Pine Point Senior Center, 335 Berkshire Ave. Doris is also eager share information on canning fresh garden tomatoes at a workshop on Monday, Sept. 16, from 5:30 p.m., taking place off-site at the Pine Point Senior Center, 335 Berkshire Ave. Canning? Yes, you can!
Another unique set of workshops focuses a different kind of attraction, the personal kind. "The Secret of 'The Secret,'" a set of four workshops led by Dermot Kerin, is designed to help activate the law of attraction in your life! ("The Secret" is a best-selling 2006 self-help book by Rhonda Byrne; it was also a film.)
You’ll learn to see yourself anew, release old habits and get connected to the power of positive action. Each week will include new exercises to help deepen self-awareness.
Dermot Kerin will present "The Secret of 'The Secret'" at the Forest Park Branch Library, 380 Belmont Ave., at 6:30 p.m. on the first and third Thursdays in September and October. These workshops can be taken individually, but attendance at all four is best to maximize the program’s effect. The group will meet at the Forest Park Branch Library, 380 Belmont Ave., at 6:30 p.m. on the first and third Thursdays in September and October. Sign up online at our Events Calendar at www.springfieldlibrary.org; bring a friend and come join the fun. It’s free!
In my opinion (and also that of our recent Australian visitor), the offerings at the library should not be a secret or mystery to anyone. Stop in and visit. We’d love to see you at the library!
The Springfield City Library column appears monthly in Neighborhoods Plus. For information about the library and its programs, call Janet Stupak, community relations coordinator, at (413) 263-6828, ext. 422, or visit www.springfieldlibrary.org