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Library News & Upcoming Events

In-person browsing!

Book a browsing appointment here

25 minute in-person browsing appointments are available on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays.
Outside pickup of materials will continue to be available too.

NEW!

Open for Walk-in Visits Next Week

Beginning Wednesday, September 8^th, the Library will be open for walk-in visits, no appointment needed, three days a week.

Masks must be worn while visiting the library.

Our new, open hours for the fall:

Wednesdays: 11-1 and 3-6

Fridays: 3-6

Saturdays: 10-1

As we all know, the Library is very small, so capacity is limited to no more than five visitors.

Enter through the ramp door, the interior door will have a sign that says either, “come in” or “please wait”.

We will continue to offer outdoor pickup only on Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday. Outdoor pickup will also continue to be available on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday.

The restroom is closed.

Outdoor Pickup!

Outdoor pickup of library materials is available Tuesday through Saturday, by appointment.
To schedule an appointment call 259-1213 or email library.director@shutesbury.org.

Have you received a hold available notification?

Click here to schedule a pickup!

Click here for more info.

Small Library Pilot Project

Mediated community conversation about Shutesbury's efforts to build a new library.

Thursday, September 9^th, 6 pm on Zoom

To register, please email library.director@shutesbury.org

In 2011, Shutesbury was awarded a provisional library construction grant. If the town agreed to match the grant with $1.1 million, the state would contribute $2.1 million towards the cost of new library.

Efforts to secure the matching funds through town appropriations was more difficult than the committees involved in getting the grant and promoting the project anticipated.

A difficult and lengthy town-wide conversation ensued. Many townspeople were surprised by the size and cost of the proposed project, others were surprised by the resistance to the opportunity to build a new library. The conversation was heated and painful for many.

We have a new opportunity to apply for a library construction grant, one that will cover a higher percentage of the construction costs. But there are still townspeople who have questions and concerns about the impact of a municipal construction project like a new library.

In an effort to include everyone in the conversation about a new library, and to promote respectful dialog, we have planned a mediated community conversation about the library.

This meeting will be facilitated by Christopher Sabo and Court Dorsey of the Collaborative Resolutions Group.

Please join us!

Programs

Clothing and Accessories Drive

Donate gently used clothing, accessories and linens. Help our new library fund grow!

Bring your donations to Town Hall on one the four following dates.

This week! Saturday, September 4^th, 9 am – noon

Sunday, September 12^th, 10 am - noon

Saturday, September 18^th, 9 am - noon

Sunday, September 26^th, 10 am – noon

Walk With Ease

The M.N. Spear Memorial Library is pleased to present Walk With Ease, a self-directed program certified by the Arthritis Foundation.

The Arthritis Foundation Walk With Ease Program is an exercise program that can reduce pain and improve overall health. If you can be on your feet for 10 minutes without increased pain, you can have success with Walk With Ease.

The Library, in collaboration with the Springfield College Department of Physical Therapy is offering this free 6-week program. It includes guided coaching sessions, a Walk With Ease book and access to Arthritis Foundation Resources.

The program is self-directed and the weekly coaching session occurs at a mutually agreed upon time between the participant and their coaching team.

September 12^th through 23^rd

Pick up a copy of Walk With Ease at the Library. Intake interview by phone or Zoom with a coach

September 27^{th -}Program begins! Space is limited – reserve your spot now!

Zumba Gold with Aimee

Fridays - September 10th through December 17th - 10 am - On Zoom

Zumba Gold is a low-impact dance based exercise class. This class is set to lively international music and it is designed for older adults who want a lower intensity aerobic workout.

The class is free. To register, email library.director@shutesbury.org.

Gentle Yoga with Jeannette

Wednesdays, 9 am, On Zoom

Email library.director@shutesbury.org to join.

his program is supported in part by a grant from the Shutesbury Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency.

Additional funding is provided by the Shutesbury Council on Aging and the Friends of the M.N. Spear Memorial Library.

Strength Foundations with Jay

Saturdays - 8:30 am - Online!

This is an ongoing strength training class. Participants use dumbbells and exercise bands.

Email library.director@shutesbury.org to join.

Ukulele- Musical Zoom-Along

Join Julie for an hour of music and song on Zoom!

4th Monday of the month!

September 27th, October 25th, November 22nd, December 27th,

7 pm, Online

Email library.director@shutesbury.org to join the list!

This program is supported in part by a grant from the Shutesbury Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.Additional funding is provided by the Friends of the M.N. Spear Memorial Library.

Science Fiction Book Club

Wednesday, September 1st, 7:30 pm, Online

For September, we are reading

Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo

Email library.director@shutesbury.org to join the list!

Books are available at the library.

Public Resources

Look4Help

The Look4Help Public Resource Directory, a program of Community Action Pioneer Valley, is a free, web-based public information service that is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. There are close to 1,000 agencies, programs or services at over 450 locations, available to serve you.

Click here

Summer Fun for Children

Summer Reading Bingo

Children ages four to twelve are invited to play Summer Reading Bingo. Pick up a card at the Library, complete any five squares and return the card to the Library by August 15^th to be entered into a drawing for prizes!

Take-home Activity Kits

Throughout the summer, the Library will offer take-home activity kits designed to inspire creativity and discovery. These kits are designed for children ages four to twelve.

About every other week, we will announce a new kit. Families can arrange to pick up kits via outside pickup or during in-person visits. Email library.director@shutesbury.org to reserve a kit. Each kit is available while supplies last.

July 20th through 31st

For children ages three to six we are offering the book, Backyard Explorer: Bug Hunt and some of the supplies needed to search for bugs in your yard.

For children ages seven to thirteen, we are offering the book, Wildlife Ranger Action Guide by Mary Kay Carson, along with some of the supplies needed to complete some of the projects in the book.

One kit per age group, per family. Kits are distributed while supplies last.

The kits are supported in part by a grant from the Shutesbury Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency. Additional support is provided by the Friends of the M.N. Spear Memorial Library.

What’s Your Four Teen Challenge

Shutesbury Teens, ages 12 and up are encouraged to join our local #WhatsYourFour challenge!

Children who read four or more books over the summer fare better on reading-comprehension tests in the fall than children who read one or no books over the summer. The Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners is challenging everyone to read four books this summer - and to share their experience with others. Join the conversation and tell us, #WhatsYourFour?

1. Post the titles and authors of the books you are reading on social media along with a picture of yourself reading.

2. Use the hashtag #WhatsYourFour.

3. Tag the Library and your friends and ask them to share their four!

Together, we can share in the fun of reading and encourage children and teens to read this summer.

Stop by the Library to pick up at #WhatsYorFour challenge card. Read and record four books, and return the card by August 15^th to be entered into a drawing for prizes!

Anti-Racism Study Group

Wednesdays: July 14th, August 11th, & September 15th, 6 pm, On Zoom

Last fall a group of Shutesbury residents began a weekly study group dedicated to supporting each other as we explored topics of racism and white privilege.

From October to June, participants read and discussed the following books.

White Fragility: Why It's So Hard for White People to Talk About Racism by Robin DiAngelo

Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates

The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness by Michelle Alexander

For the next few months, participants will explore opportunities to learn more about topics discussed in these books on their own. We will have monthly meetings to share our individual experiences.

Newcomers are welcome.

To join us, email library.director@shutesbury.org

Taichi with Henry Geddes

Thursdays, July 1^st through August 19^th, 10 am, in the outdoor pavilion at the Shutesbury Athletic Club

The M.N. Spear Memorial Library and the Wendell Free Library are pleased to offer Taichi with Henry Geddes.

Registration required. Preference given to those who can attend all (or most classes).

Class size is limited. Register by emailing library.director@shutesbury.org.

Join us for an introduction to Taichi short form developed in the 1940's by Cheng Man-ch'ing, a notable expert of Taichi, Chinese medicine, calligraphy, painting, and poetry. Henry has been teaching Taichi for the past ten years and practicing it for 26 years, ten of which were spent as a senior student of Wolfe Lowenthal, a student of Cheng Man-ch'ing. The classes will introduce the form as well as warmup movements and qi gong routines. Attention given to the health benefits as well as the deeper cultural aspects of the practice.

This program is brought to you with federal funds provided by the Institute of Museum and Library Services and administered by the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners.

Inclement Weather?

If possible, announcements about weather related closures will be posted on the Library's Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/ShutesburyLibrary/. If situations allow, closure information will also be posted on this website.

Your safety is our first priority. Late fees are not assessed on items owned by our Library and will be waived on items belonging to other libraries when returned late due to weather conditions.

COVID-19 Information

Shutesbury Board of Health

Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC)

Information from the U.S. public health agency - including steps to prevent illness, advice for talking with children, and much more.

Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH)

Statewide updates – including cases, quarantines, and monitoring

Global Map of COVID-19 Cases - John Hopkins University

Free Fun Stuff for Kids!

Fun ~ Free ~ Online resources for families!

Digital Escape Rooms!

NASA at Home

Harry Potter