Preschool Fun with Art & Science Virtual Storytime
Families with preschoolers, join us on Zoom at 10 a.m., Wednesday, December 30 to learn all about the animals that live in Oregon with Mr. Mark! In partnership with the Museum of Natural and Cultural History, you can learn even more by visiting https://mnch.uoregon.edu/index.php/virtual-outreach. Then, stop by the Library during our curbside pick-up times (1-3 p.m., Monday-Saturday) and ask for a free take-home Oregon animals activity kit. Visit the online calendar at wheremindsgrow.org/events to register and for more information.
What: Online preschool Art & Science Storytime
When: 10 a.m., Wednesday, December 30
Where: Virtual event with Zoom, register to receive link at wheremindsgrow.org/events
Additional Information: LuCinda Gustavson, 541.726.2287, lgustavson@springfield-or.gov
‘Seasons of Light All Ages Winter Reading’ runs January through February!
When it is rainy and cold why not let your mind go elsewhere – and take part in the Springfield Public Library Seasons of Light All Ages Winter Reading challenge! This relaxed reading program is based around reading ANYTHING and EVERYTHING, some fun reading challenges and a downtown Choose-Your-Own-Adventure Scavenger Hunt, made possible by the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. Library Director Emily David said, “We are extremely pleased to be able to team up with the Kennedy Center, local artists and teens to provide a fun, literary program which will also bring people to the downtown area.”
Patrons participate by both logging their reading time and completing activities, which earn digital badges and raffle tickets. These tickets are then entered for the chance to win one of four fantastic book bags from the Friends of the Springfield Public Library! Patrons also once again have the option to ‘read-down’ up to $10 of existing library fines!
To sign up go to https://wheremindsgrow.beanstack.org and register either for the first time or use the same login information from past challenges! If you need help accessing the program, please call the Library on 541.726.3766, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Saturday.
What: Seasons of Light All Ages Winter Reading Challenge
When: January 1 – February 28
Where: Online and anywhere you read
Additional Information: Mark Riddle, 541.726.2238, mriddle@springfield-or.gov
Springstitch to Go: Altered Books
Ring in the New Year with a free altered book kit from Springstitch to Go, Springfield Public Library’s crafting group for grownups! Registration opens January 4, while supplies last. Use our website, wheremindsgrow.org, or call us at 541.726.3766, to reserve your Altered Book kit and sign up to receive notifications about future Springstitch programs.
If you’re looking for inspiration for your next crafting project, our Springstitch program is just for you. All our crafts require no prior experience and cover a variety of projects, often using recycled and low cost materials. During this time, when we can’t enjoy working together, Springstitch to Go materials are available through our curbside service to use at home.
What: Springstitch to Go: Altered Books
When: Registration begins January 4, 2021 while supplies last
Where: https://www.wheremindsgrow.org/home or call 541.726.3766
Additional Information: Rachel Aronowitz, 541.726.2241 raronowitz@springfield-or.gov or Amy Orre, 541.726.2246 aorre@springfield-or.gov
Supply Drive — Seasons of Light 2020-21: Give Light
During this dark, cold season, it is a good reminder that gratitude brings light to our lives. Many of us have much to be thankful for, while many in our community are struggling. Springfield Public Library in partnership with Carry It Forward invites you to Give Light to someone less fortunate by donating basic, life-saving supplies: specifically new and unused warm socks, hats, gloves, as well as hand and foot warmers. Donations can be made at any Springfield Library book drop, Library curbside pickup and at participating businesses.* The Give Light supply drive is running now through March 1, 2021.
*Donation sites:
- Any Springfield Public Library Book Drop
- Springfield Public Library
Drive-up book drop is off A Street between 5th and 6th Streets - Splash! at Lively Park
Parking lot, 6100 Thurston Road
- Springfield Public Library
- Any Springfield Public Library staff member during curbside pickup
- Also at these participating businesses:
- Trash-n-Treasures Antiques and Collectables
- Chuck & Alice
- The Washburne Cafe
- Heartless & Hopeless Tattoo
- Mezza Luna Pizzeria
- Remember the Moon
- Lovely
- Haphazard Creativity
Give Light is part of a larger celebration of gratitude and hope through bringing light to the darkest months of the year. Season of Light (SoL) is a project of the Springfield Public Library and Springfield History Museum, with support from the Springfield Arts Commission. Featured programming includes:
- DIY Luminaria Kits – Springfield Public Library invites families to pick up a luminaria (traditional candle and paper-bag lanterns) kit during Curbside Pickup Service (M-Sa, 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.), while supplies last. We encourage participants to showcase their luminaria in their windows, on porches, and at the front doors of their homes during these darkest days of the year to help bring light into our community. Participants are encouraged to send photos of illuminated luminaria to library@springfield-or.gov or tag us on social media and use #splseasonsoflight to be included in our photo compilations.
- Winter Reading Program – A relaxed reading program consisting of reading challenges, virtual programs, scavenger hunts and rewards to inspire readers during our rainy winter months. This includes an in-person-not-zoomed-choose-your-own-adventure experience for families in historic downtown Springfield commissioned by the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington D.C. The project is in cooperation with Oregon Literary Fellow and local playwright Rachael Carnes, a team of creative local teen writers, the Springfield Public Library, and local businesses.
- Illumination – The City of Springfield through its cultural institutions, the Springfield Public Library and Springfield History Museum, with support from the Springfield Arts Commission will commission up to six (6) artists to design and construct luminaries inspired by the concepts of bringing light to the darkness, shedding light on the cultural and racial diversity in our community, and offering light of hope for the new year.
Our intention is to cultivate diversity, equity and access to the arts and culture of our region. We envision a Springfield community where race, class, sexual orientation, gender, age, mental or physical ability do not pre-determine the success, safety, or health of our residents.
You can follow all Seasons of Light activities on social media with the hashtag #splseasonsoflight.
Springfield Public Library thanks our partners including Springfield History Museum, Springfield Arts Council and Carry It Forward.
What: Supply Drive — Seasons of Light 2020: Give Light
When: The Give Light supply drive is running now through March 1, 2021
Where: Donations can be made at any Springfield Library book drop, Library curbside pickup and at participating businesses.
Additional Information: Mindy Linder, 541.726.3766, mlinder@springfield-or.gov
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