The Public in the Library is a snapshot of the people who use the M.N. Spear Memorial Library during this moment in time, 2022. The photos will be on display in the library and eventually, they will be on exhibit in the new Shutesbury Library, bringing a piece of the old to the new.
This project was supported by the Shutesbury Cultural Council and the photos were taken by Shutesbury photographer, Jamie Malcolm Brown.
Click here to see more photos.
New
How to contact the Library
If you want to request a pickup (for people in households that have Covid), place a hold, renew your library card, or ask a general question, call 259-1213 during our regular open hours or email us at our new address, spearlibrary@shutesbury.org
Holiday Closings
Monday, October 14th
Indigenous Peoples' Day
Books, Audiobooks, Magazines, DVDs and More
Didn’t find what you were looking for in CW MARS?
Try the Commonwealth Catalog, a statewide resource beyond our local resources. Requests will be delivered for pickup here in Shutesbury.
Digital Resources
Thousands of free digital books, audiobooks and magazines through Overdrive.
Stream popular, independent, and documentary films on kanopy. Free with your Shutesbury library card.
Digital streaming of movies and TV shows, eBooks, Audiobooks, and music on Hoopla. Four free borrows a month with your Shutesbury library card.
Scroll to the bottom of this page for Friends of the Library News!
Upcoming Programs
Community Halloween Party
Saturday, October 26th, 5:30 - 7:30 pm
Shutesbury Athletic Club
This event is outdoors, dress for the weather.
Pumpkin Carving - Pumpkins provided while supplies last, bring your own carving tools.
Hay Rides!
Grilled hotdogs and hamburgers - $7 to $10 each.
Needle Felting with Rory Valentine
Sunday, November 3rd, 2 pm, at Town Hall
Email library.director@shutesbury.org to register
Discover the art of needle felting in this hands-on workshop, where you'll learn the basics of sculpting wool into creative shapes and designs using simple tools.
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.
Tales & Tunes with Katie
Fridays, 10 am, at Shutesbury Elementary School
Co-sponsored by the Community Network for Children
Registration not required but recommended if you'd like to receive notifications of cancellations and changes.
Ukulele Play-Along with Julie
Fourth Monday of each month at 7 pm on Zoom.
October 28th, November 25th, and December 23rd
Email library.director@shutesbury.org to register.
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.
Work It Out Wombats!
Calling all families of 4 & 5 year olds!
Participate and receive $250.
We are partnering with the Pelham Library and the producers of the PBS KIDS series, Work It Out Wombats, to test a new app for families!
This app is designed to help families of preschoolers learn together in fun ways. Participating families will be asked to use the app for 6 weeks at home.
If selected for the study, some families will be asked to attend weekly in-person sessions at the library, while some families will be asked to use the app at home only.
Groups will be assigned randomly.
As a thank you for trying out the app and filling out 2 online surveys, participating families will receive $250.
*In-Person Session Dates:
Shutesbury Library: Sundays October 20th and 27th at 2 pm
Pelham Library: Sundays November 3rd, 10th & 17th at 2 pm
Shutesbury Library: Sunday, November 24th at 2 pm
Click HERE to register by September 27th.
Shutesbury residents may borrow and use the library's kayaks!
Kayaks are available to borrow through Sunday, October 13th.
State Representative Aaron Saunders
Monthly Office Hours
Rep. Saunders office hours schedule will be impacted by holidays during October and November.
State Representative Aaron Saunders and/or his Legislative Aide, Madeline Sinsley, will host monthly office hours.
In October, these office hours will be held virtually on Monday, October 28th from 1-2 pm. Instructions about participating in the virtual office hours will be posted here soon.
Currently the Rep. is not planning to hold office hours in Shutesbury in November.
A regular schedule will resume in December.
NEW ONLINE WELLNESS RESOURCE
OMPRACTICE
Ompractice is an online fitness and mindfulness company focused on live, camera-on classes.
Live Classes
They offer over 100 live classes a week, designed to help students build their fitness, reduce stress, alleviate pain, increase mindfulness, and more. The platform is inclusive and accessible, with options for all fitness levels.
Video Library
Get a feel for a class before trying it out live with videos that fit into your busy schedule. Discover new classes and teachers that you'll love. Sneak in a late night session before bed, or listen to one of our quick audio meditations during a packed day.
Ompractice is free for Shutesbury Library card holders!
Sign up and take a class today!
Friends of the Library News!
Donate an Engraved Paver to the New Shutesbury Public Library!
Honor a loved one, celebrate a memory, or show your support with a lasting tribute.
THE DETAILS!
A minimum donation of $150 covers the costs of one paver for this fundraiser.
Ordering each paver is a TWO STEP PROCESS: you must complete this PAYMENT FORM and an ORDER FORM
Each paver can have up to three lines of text with 30 characters, including punctuation and spaces, per line.
If you haven't already placed your order, please complete THIS FORM to do so.
If you prefer, checks made out to FSML can be mailed to the following address.
FSML
PO Box 256
Shutesbury, MA 01072
Thank you for your contribution and your support for the new Shutesbury Public Library.
2nd Annual Roadtown Turkey Trot
We’re thrilled to announce that registration for the 2nd Annual Roadtown Turkey Trot is now open.
Event Details:
Date: Saturday, November 23
Time: Race begins at 9:00 AM
Location: Shutesbury Elementary School, 23 West Pelham Rd, Shutesbury, MA
Registration Information:
Early Bird Pricing: $30 (until September 29)
Standard Pricing: $35 (September 30 – November 22)
Day of Registration: $40
Children’s Fun Run!
Children’s Fun Run will be returning and will start at 9:30 AM on November 23. Tickets for the fun run are $15 each.
To secure your spot and take advantage of early bird pricing, please visit roadtown.org to register today.
We look forward to seeing you there and running together to support the new Shutesbury Public Library.
Deadline to submit photos is next week!
Florence Bank Customer’s Choice Community Grants!
The Friends of the M.N. Spear Memorial Library have won grants from the Florence Bank Customer’s Choice Community Grants every year since 2015. Last year, we were award $4,079.64! These grants give a big boost to our new Shutesbury Library fund! If you are a Florence Bank Customer, please cast your vote for the Friends of the M.N. Spear Memorial Library!
Thank you!
Shutesbury - Always Cooler Mugs in maroon and purple
Shutesbury - Not Shrewsbury Mugs in blue and green
$15 each, cash or checks made out to FSML
Available at the Library
Science Fiction Book Club
Usually meets on the first Wednesday of the month.Next Meeting: Wednesday, October 2nd, 7:30 pm on ZoomEmail library.director@shutesbury.org to join the list! Books are available at the library.Newcomers are welcome!
Fitness Classes!
The Library is pleased to offer a variety of ongoing fitness classes for adults. These free classes are funded by the Library, the Friends of the Library, the Recreation Committee and the Council on Aging. In 2024, the strength training classes are also supported by a grant from the New Salem Academy.
Email library.director@shutesbury.org to register.
Strength Training: The Anti-Aging Solution
taught by Dr. Kathy Sward
Tuesdays, 9 am, on Zoom
Gentle Yoga with Jeannette
Wednesdays, 9 am on Zoom
Therapeutic Yoga with Dr. Kathy Sward
Thursdays, 9 am on Zoom
Fun for Kids!
An innovative early learning product for students in grade levels kindergarten through second grade
Pebble Go Animals & Biographies is specifically designed for K-3 students. Packed with informational articles, ready-made activities, and literacy supports for students of all abilities, it boosts engagement and fosters independent learning in core subject areas.
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.
Free Fun Stuff for Kids!
Fun ~ Free ~ Online resources for families!