Library Events

Join us for upcoming events, classes and programs at Jacob Edwards Library! All events are free and open to the public.
Limit by location:      Limit by audience:
Photographic Exhibit
Friday, Jul. 26, 9 am - 5 pm
The Jacob Edwards Library is pleased to host an exhibit by photojournalist Michael Moore. The show will be on display throughout the month of July, during library opening hours. All welcome!
Meet and Greet will be held on Thursday, July 11th from 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm. 

From the Artist:

I am a Southbridge native. I moved to New Hampshire at the end of 1985 and still make my home there. 

Photography, for me, was mainly a hobby for several years, although a fairly serious one. I was shooting and processing black and white film and making prints from the start at age 18. I am mainly self taught but have studied the work of and with world renowned photographers. At age 25, I was fortunate to stumble upon photojournalism and quickly realized it was the career for me. I worked as a freelancer for 5 years at the Southbridge News, including teaching photography at the Pomfret (CT) School for 3 years, before taking a job as the chief photographer at the Keene (NH) Sentinel where I remained for 35 years. The quality of life in southwestern New Hampshire is what has kept me there.

The importance of news photography can not be overstated. Simply put, it is the documentation of life on our planet, human or otherwise, through photographs, whether regionally or globally. It is critical to a democratic society and archives a history of mankind.

A photojournalist may be called upon to photograph an endless array of subject matter, either planned or on a moments notice. I hope to demonstrate that to the viewers of this exhibit. Sponsored by Friends of Jacob Edwards Library.
Friday, Jul. 26, 10:30am
Join us on Friday mornings at 10:30am starting July 12, 2024.  This program will run for 3 weeks on Friday mornings.  This program is best for those from birth to 2.5 years. 

A 45 minute creative movement group for ages birth through 2.5 with a grown-up. Group is focused on adult and baby spending quality time together, fostering attachment, and baby interacting with others their age. Get groovy to upbeat music with props, instruments, and a story.

About Katelyn:

 

Katelyn graduated from Antioch University, New England, where she earned a Master of Arts degree in Dance/Movement Therapy and Counseling. She studied psychomotor development of children, along with focuses on the intellectual/developmental disability and autistic communities, and older adults. Katelyn has been providing dance experiences to Massachusetts and Northeastern Connecticut for 15 years as well as working in various day habilitation and residential programs.

 

She also earned a Bachelor of Arts in Dance with a minor in Disability Studies from Springfield College where she focused her studies on choreography, modern dance and improvisation, and pedagogy. Katelyn teaches dance classes to all ages at several studios.

Sponsored by Katelyn Cramer MA, R-DMT.
Friday, Jul. 26, 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM
Come to the reading room for a relaxing time to enjoy reading for the sake of reading. Our plan is to do what readers do: Read!

Readers also talk about books with other readers, keep track of what they’re reading, learn about themselves by reading stories, doodle in journals, and simply get lost in a story.

Meet with Joe Whiting, a retired language arts teacher, to build a community of readers. All skills and interests are welcome. Mr. Whiting is always eager to learn from young readers.
Photographic Exhibit
Monday, Jul. 29, 9 am - 8 pm
The Jacob Edwards Library is pleased to host an exhibit by photojournalist Michael Moore. The show will be on display throughout the month of July, during library opening hours. All welcome!
Meet and Greet will be held on Thursday, July 11th from 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm. 

From the Artist:

I am a Southbridge native. I moved to New Hampshire at the end of 1985 and still make my home there. 

Photography, for me, was mainly a hobby for several years, although a fairly serious one. I was shooting and processing black and white film and making prints from the start at age 18. I am mainly self taught but have studied the work of and with world renowned photographers. At age 25, I was fortunate to stumble upon photojournalism and quickly realized it was the career for me. I worked as a freelancer for 5 years at the Southbridge News, including teaching photography at the Pomfret (CT) School for 3 years, before taking a job as the chief photographer at the Keene (NH) Sentinel where I remained for 35 years. The quality of life in southwestern New Hampshire is what has kept me there.

The importance of news photography can not be overstated. Simply put, it is the documentation of life on our planet, human or otherwise, through photographs, whether regionally or globally. It is critical to a democratic society and archives a history of mankind.

A photojournalist may be called upon to photograph an endless array of subject matter, either planned or on a moments notice. I hope to demonstrate that to the viewers of this exhibit. Sponsored by Friends of Jacob Edwards Library.
Teen Crafts
Monday, Jul. 29, 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Join us for a series of upcycled/recycled crafting projects.
Make and Take a Fair
Monday, Jul. 29, 6:30pm
Make and take your own natural
fairy house!
Storyteller Mary Jo Maichack leads the fun and provides supplies.
Bring more woodland or other fairy supplies to use, if you wish!
Come, enjoy a fun time playing with sticks, pinecones, moss, bark and
more. “Up an airy mountain, down a rushy glen, we can’t go a
hunting, for fear of little men…”
Nothing to fear here, in this charming program—listen to a wee fairy
poem. Make your very own house or furniture for fairies. Show off your
fairy abode!
Where and When: July 29, 2024@ 6:30pm
Mary Jo Maichack is a Musical Storyteller who’s told tales, sung and led programs Vienna, Austria; Venice, Italy and Paris,
France; on hay bales, in the woods, on gorgeous stages, in homes, libraries, museums, schools and someplace, most likely,
near you. And she loves the fairy folk, even though they can be tricksters.
This program is supported in part by the Southbridge Cultural Council, a local
agency supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency. Sponsored by Southbridge Cultural Council.
Photographic Exhibit
Tuesday, Jul. 30, 9 am - 5 pm
The Jacob Edwards Library is pleased to host an exhibit by photojournalist Michael Moore. The show will be on display throughout the month of July, during library opening hours. All welcome!
Meet and Greet will be held on Thursday, July 11th from 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm. 

From the Artist:

I am a Southbridge native. I moved to New Hampshire at the end of 1985 and still make my home there. 

Photography, for me, was mainly a hobby for several years, although a fairly serious one. I was shooting and processing black and white film and making prints from the start at age 18. I am mainly self taught but have studied the work of and with world renowned photographers. At age 25, I was fortunate to stumble upon photojournalism and quickly realized it was the career for me. I worked as a freelancer for 5 years at the Southbridge News, including teaching photography at the Pomfret (CT) School for 3 years, before taking a job as the chief photographer at the Keene (NH) Sentinel where I remained for 35 years. The quality of life in southwestern New Hampshire is what has kept me there.

The importance of news photography can not be overstated. Simply put, it is the documentation of life on our planet, human or otherwise, through photographs, whether regionally or globally. It is critical to a democratic society and archives a history of mankind.

A photojournalist may be called upon to photograph an endless array of subject matter, either planned or on a moments notice. I hope to demonstrate that to the viewers of this exhibit. Sponsored by Friends of Jacob Edwards Library.
Author Emily Franke
Tuesday, Jul. 30, 10:30am
Join us in welcoming Author Emily Franke to the Jacob Edwards Library on Tuesday July 30, 2024 at 11:00am.  She will read her book 
"The Ladybug who Lived on a Four Leaf Clover" and have some for purchase if interested.

My name is Emily Franke, I am 25 years old and I have always had a passion for
taking care of others. Growing up, I always wanted to make a difference in the
world. I knew that someday and somehow, I would. But, how? In June of 2021, I
unfortunately lost my grandma. She was the sunshine and joy in my life. When
my grandma, Sheila, passed, I knew this was my moment to help inspire those
who needed a reminder of hope after loss.
A few months after my grandma passed away, I wrote my first children’s book
in honor of her. My story, The Ladybug Who Lived on a Four Leaf Clover, shares
a beautiful message that our loved ones are always with us! In the story, there
is a little girl named Emily who loses her grandmother, but realizes her
grandma comes back to visit her as a magical ladybug. Sheila, the ladybug,
reminds Emily that grandma is always with her! And, when I’m not writing
books, you can find me at the beach watching the sunset!
Tuesday, Jul. 30, 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM
Come to the reading room for a relaxing time to enjoy reading for the sake of reading. Our plan is to do what readers do: Read!

Readers also talk about books with other readers, keep track of what they’re reading, learn about themselves by reading stories, doodle in journals, and simply get lost in a story.

Meet with Joe Whiting, a retired language arts teacher, to build a community of readers. All skills and interests are welcome. Mr. Whiting is always eager to learn from young readers.
Construction Crew
Tuesday, Jul. 30, 3:30pm
Join us on Tuesday afternoon from 3:30 to 4:30 pm for Construction Crew.
We will supply the LEGO bricks you supply your ideas!
 
Crafty Weds
Children's Room Jacob Edwards Library
Wednesday, Jul. 31, All Day 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Join us every Wednesday for a craft. Drop in anytime all day! 
Photographic Exhibit
Wednesday, Jul. 31, 9 am - 5 pm
The Jacob Edwards Library is pleased to host an exhibit by photojournalist Michael Moore. The show will be on display throughout the month of July, during library opening hours. All welcome!
Meet and Greet will be held on Thursday, July 11th from 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm. 

From the Artist:

I am a Southbridge native. I moved to New Hampshire at the end of 1985 and still make my home there. 

Photography, for me, was mainly a hobby for several years, although a fairly serious one. I was shooting and processing black and white film and making prints from the start at age 18. I am mainly self taught but have studied the work of and with world renowned photographers. At age 25, I was fortunate to stumble upon photojournalism and quickly realized it was the career for me. I worked as a freelancer for 5 years at the Southbridge News, including teaching photography at the Pomfret (CT) School for 3 years, before taking a job as the chief photographer at the Keene (NH) Sentinel where I remained for 35 years. The quality of life in southwestern New Hampshire is what has kept me there.

The importance of news photography can not be overstated. Simply put, it is the documentation of life on our planet, human or otherwise, through photographs, whether regionally or globally. It is critical to a democratic society and archives a history of mankind.

A photojournalist may be called upon to photograph an endless array of subject matter, either planned or on a moments notice. I hope to demonstrate that to the viewers of this exhibit. Sponsored by Friends of Jacob Edwards Library.
Tyke Tales Storytime
Wednesday, Jul. 31, 10:30am
Storytime every Wednesday Morning at 10:30am with Ms. Liz
Great for those ages 3-5, but all are welcome.
Lawn Games
Wednesday, Jul. 31, 11:00am (Tuesday July 9, 2024 and Wednesday July 31 at 11:00am)
Join us in Tuesday July 9th and Wednesday July 31st for some fun and games on the JEL lawn.  Come visit us for luch and some outdoor fun! Sponsored by Southbridge Family Resource Center.
Teen Game Day
Wednesday, Jul. 31, 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Use our Switch, challenge friends to a round of chess or dominoes, or play one of our board games.
Wednesday, Jul. 31, 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
The Jacob Edwards Library is pleased to host Iris Vega, certified Mindfulness Meditation Teacher and Mentor.

Inviting Mindfulness Meditation into your daily routine is an opportunity to cultivate awareness and presence. Beginners or experienced practitioners are all welcome! You may bring your Yoga mat if you prefer doing the practice lying down.

Sponsored by Friends of Jacob Edwards Library.
Thursday, Aug. 1, 11:30 am

Join us on Thursday mornings at 11:30am starting on July 11, 2024.  This program will be a four week session ending August 1, 2024.

Explore creative movement and create choreography that goes along with the words in a story book. This 45 minute group is where Katelyn and kiddos work together to bring a story to life! Best for ages 2.5-4

 

About Katelyn:

Katelyn graduated from Antioch University, New England, where she earned a Master of Arts degree in Dance/Movement Therapy and Counseling. She studied psychomotor development of children, along with focuses on the intellectual/developmental disability and autistic communities, and older adults. Katelyn has been providing dance experiences to Massachusetts and Northeastern Connecticut for 15 years as well as working in various day habilitation and residential programs.

She also earned a Bachelor of Arts in Dance with a minor in Disability Studies from Springfield College where she focused her studies on choreography, modern dance and improvisation, and pedagogy. Katelyn teaches dance classes to all ages at several studios.

Sponsored by Katelyn Cramer MA, R-DMT.
Diamond Art
Thursday, Aug. 1, 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Help work on one of our diamond art kits.
Artist of the Month
Thursday, Aug. 1, 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm

The Jacob Edwards Library is pleased to host the work of portrait photographer Dino Lusa. The show will be on display throughout the month of August, in the main hall. The Meet and Greet will be on Thursday, August 1st at 6:30 pm. You are invited to come by and view the photography and chat with the artist.

The Artist

Dino Lusa captures the essence of his subject with precision. As a storyteller, Dino focuses on what makes each person unique. He highlights these experiential qualities using light, form, texture, and space as tools. Dino builds each photograph with a playful consideration which gives the final product a polished yet earnest look. This collection represents Dino and some of his work as a practicing artist.

 

The Studio

Available Light Studio is located in Stafford Springs, CT and was created to be an empowering space for everybody to seen, heard, and celebrated!  The studio offers limitless possibilities; different environments, access to furniture, props, and clothes, as well as ample space, capable of accommodating any photoshoot. Available Light Studio is a place for expression and powerful transformation by using the light and space at hand to capture art through the lens.

Sponsored by Friends of Jacob Edwards Library.
Tales for Twos Story
Children's Room Jacob Edwards Library
Friday, Aug. 2, 10:30am
Join us every Friday for Story Time at 10:30 am 
Great for those 3 and under
Enjoy stories and fun with Ms. Liz!
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