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FOJEL Annual Booksale
The booksale is on! In addition to the ongoing book sale that takes place in the lobby area of the library, the annual Friends of the Jacob Edwards Library Booksale will take place in March.
Starting on Thursday evening, March 24th at
4:00 p.m., all day Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday, March 26th from 9 a.m. to 12 noon.
Plan on stopping by to check out the gently used books. Maybe you will even find an out of print item you were looking for? Or perhaps a rare book! There will be lots of bargains!
Consider purchasing a reusable book bag for $5 to go green and support the Friends!
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Save the Date
A retirement celebration
and farewell for
Vincent Chenevert will be held on Wednesday,
April 13th from
1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Our dear friend and colleague, Vincent Chenevert will be retiring on Friday, April 15, 2011 after many years of loyal service to the library and the community.
Starting in 1985, Vin worked at the Jacob Edwards Library as custodian, until 1989. Later, he worked at the School Department for the Town of Southbridge for an eight year period, from 1992 to 2000, working in each and every one of the 5 schools throughout town! West Street, was his last school posting. In May 2000, when the Jacob Edwards Library returned to the refurbished and extended building at 236 Main Street; Vin began a new chapter with the library, helping us to acclimate to our newly configured space and has been with us since.
The Staff, Board of Trustees and The Friends of the Jacob Edwards Library would like to invite you to celebrate Vin's retirement with us and wish him many years of enjoyment.
We will miss you, Vin!
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Blogging at the Library
Check out our new blog on the homepage!
Check the blog for the latest updates and news from JEL. To read beyond the most recent entries, or to view the entry in full, just click on the link! You can also subscribe in your RSS reader or by email to stay up to date!
To go straight to the blog, click here. | |
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| Library Hours | |
Monday:
9:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Tuesday:
9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Wednesday:
9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Thursday:
9:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Friday:
9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Saturday:
9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
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JEL has a new Facebook page! "Like" us for updates on library events and more! |
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Due to changes in the tax tables, the publication dates have been moved back for IRS tax forms and publications. A limited selection of forms is availably currently at the library, and we hope to receive in the near future. The IRS has announced that they will be discontinuing mailing tax packages to individual filers. To get forms and instructions:
-Download from the IRS website (library staff is available to assist with downloading forms)
-Call toll-free, 1-800-829-3676 to request forms.
-Obtain them at the library (forms only - the IRS will not be sending us any instructions in hard copy). Please click here for more information. AARP volunteer tax assistance program is already booked up. If the library has other sessions to offer, we will post it immediately. Also, assistance is available through the Council on Aging - 508-764-5436. |
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Sign up today!
A free introduction to the internet for seniors!
Sponsored by Catholic Charities and Senior Service America, this new program will allow those with little or no computer experience to learn! Please call to schedule a session or to learn more: 508-764-5426 Once you become an accomplished user, we hope you will take advantage of the Library Catalog training to optimize the use of the online catalog and all of its features!
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Memorial Gifts and the Library
In recent months, the library has received some donations to honor the memory of a recently deceased family member or friend. This is an excellent way of celebrating the life of a loved one. Library staff has the opportunity to acquire books from a wish list that would otherwise not have been possible to purchase due to budget limitations. Please consider remembering your friend or family member with a memorial gift. |
Southbridge Solar Seminar
Monday, March 14th
at 6:30 p.m. | |
Sunlight Solar Energy will host an informational seminar about solar energy and the various incentives that make solar more affordable for Massachusetts homeowners.
The presentation will provide an overview of solar technology and will explain how Massachusetts residents can avoid rising utility rates and reduce their energy consumption, while spinning their electric meter backwards.
Sunlight Solar representatives Dan Britton and Amy Levine will discuss the various state and federal incentives that reduce the cost of solar energy for homeowners. Homeowners are encouraged to bring their electric bills to receive an on-the-spot usage evaluation. A question-and-answer session will follow.
This event is free and open to the public; food and drink will be provided. Pre-registration is recommended, as space is limited. For registration and information, please call (617) 332-1870 or send an email to Amy.Levine@sunlightsolar.com. |
2011 Regional Health Dialogues
Monday, March 28th
at 10:00 a.m. | |
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health Invites You to Participate in Our Sixth Round of Regional Health Dialogues.
One of two Central MA sessions will be held here at JEL on Monday, March 28th froom 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Please Join MDPH Commissioner John Auerbach for a statewide series of Regional Health Dialogues to discuss New Priorities in Public Health Policy and Programs. Each session will provide the opportunity to meet the Commissioner and members of his senior staff and to discuss how to strengthen public health in this challenging economic environment. We look forward to your participation! |
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2 GB USB Flash Drives are now Available at your Library!
$10 Each! |
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Did you Know?
You can pay your overdue book fees online?
Click here to login to your account! Have Questions?
Call us at 508-764-5426
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Meeting to take place in the Mills Room, at
6:00 p.m. on
Monday, March 21st
The Friends extend an invitation to all library patrons to join their group.
They run an ongoing booksale, on the lower level, of gently used books that are available for purchase. The money generated goes to support the programs at the library. The staff is very appreciative of this support.
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Board of Trustees |
Jacob Edwards Library
Meeting to take place in the Mills Room,
Tuesday, March 15th at 12 Noon. |
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Greetings!
This month, we celebrate both Women's History Month and St. Patrick's Day!
Please stop by for the Women's Handwork Show, on display all month long with a reception on Thursday, March 3rd at 6:30 p.m. Featuring artwork and crafted items from female artists in the community, the show has plenty of variety - something for everyone! We also have a guest lecturer from Anna Maria College, who will be discussing the history of battered women's rights in Massachusetts on the 31st.
March 6th through 12th is Teen Tech Week, and we're celebrating this year by offering a mini-workshop on using Facebook's privacy settings, and of course an afternoon of Wii gaming!
The monthly bilingual program, Cuentos para Niños, will be held on Friday, March 4th in the program room at 10:30 a.m., followed by a craft.
Get in the mood for St. Patrick's Day on the 14th with Boys of the Town! The band performs traditional Irish music, and are once again sponsored by the Southbridge Cultural Council.
Spring is almost here - if you're thinking about buying a home, stop by on the 21st for a program on USDA Resources for Homebuyers.
And of course, our recurring programs continue - Knitting with Sonya, the Inkwell Imaginings writing group, the new Teen Center, and the Anime Club.
Read on for the details on all of these programs and more! |
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Looking for a good book? Here are some that JEL staff have recently enjoyed! Clicking on the title will take you right to the library's catalog, where you can check to see if it's available, and put a hold on popular titles!
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Annual Women's Handwork Show
Reception Thursday, March 3rd at 6:30 p.m. | |
 March is National Women's History Month! During this month, the contributions of women to American culture and history are celebrated.
The stories of women's achievements are integral to the fabric of our history. Until relatively recently, this sphere of women's history was overlooked and undervalued. Women's achievements were often distorted, disdained, and denied. But, knowing women's stories provides essential role models for everyone. And role models are genuinely needed to face the extraordinary changes and unrelenting challenges of the 21st century. For many years now, JEL has promoted women's achievements in creativity in this annual arts & crafts show. We hope you take this opportunity during the month to come and view the show.
The Jacob Edwards Library will host a group art exhibit for the month. This exhibit will include the work of local artists and will include a variety of artistic media.
The opening reception is scheduled for Thursday, March 3, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Please join us to meet the artists and chat about their work. Refreshments provided by the Friends of the Jacob Edwards Library. Everyone welcome!
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Mystery Book Club
Monday, March 7th at 6:30 p.m. | |
 The Jacob Edwards Library is pleased to present a monthly Mystery Book Club! The group is informal and friendly and new participants are welcome!
For March's meeting, the group will discuss Happy are Those Who Search for Justice by Andrew M. Greeley. Group participants can pick up their copy of next months title at the circulation desk following the meeting.
The staff at the library will assist in obtaining copies of the title for discussion, in advance of the event. For more information, or to reserve your copy of an upcoming title, stop by the library or call 508-764-5426. |
Library Catalog: Get the Best Results
Wednesday, March 9th at 10:00 a.m. |
Do you know somebody who feels the computer is not for them? That they missed the opportunity to become familiar with the online world? The library is pleased to offer the Generations Online instruction program, specifically aimed at the novice user. For the more experienced computer user who is unfamiliar with the functionality of the catalog, library staff offers a monthly training opportunity to introduce users to the features of the online catalog that go beyond what card catalog could do.
Space is limited, so please call 508-674-5426 to register. Wondering about something other than the catalog, like how to download ebooks or access a database? We can teach you that too! Have you ever wished someone could show you how to use our online catalog? Then you're in luck! Sign up for this one-hour session to learn the basics of using our catalog, plus some tips and tricks!
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Wednesday, March 9th at 3:30 p.m., Friday, March 11th at 3:00 p.m. |
To celebrate this year's Teen Tech Week, we have two great programs!
First up on Wednesday the 9th, at 3:30 p.m.:
A little confused by Facebook's privacy settings? Whether you're overwhelmed by all the options, unsure about what each one means, or just not sure where to start, we can help! As part of 2011's Teen Tech Week, JEL is offering a mini-workshop on how to use them. Although this program will be geared towards teens, parents and other adults interested in learning are welcome as well!
And on Friday the 11th after school (3:00 - 4:30), all teens are welcome to stop by the Pioppi Room and play Wii games!
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Library Box Office Presents: The Window
Thursday, March 10th at 6:00 p.m. | |
The Friends of the Jacob Edwards Library present The Window, which will begin at 6:00 p.m. in the Pioppi Room, lower level. Candy will be available for purchase.
The Window was the winner of the FIPRESCI Prize at the Valladolid International Film Festival, and an Official Selection of several International Film Festivals, including the Toronto and Havana Festivals. Synopsis:
"It is a significant day for 80 year old Antonio. After an absence of many years, his estranged son is coming to visit. All must be perfect. There will be a toast with a very special champagne; an embrace; warm words that may finally bridge the gap between them... But before, Antonio must wait. Bedridden, he looks out his window at the Patagonian landscape and sees light and life, the past and the present, while sensing the future. He decides to secretly leave the house, unseen by his faithful caretakers, to take what might be a last walk in his fields, breathing the air, treading the earth, inhaling the scent of the land that had been his life. What could otherwise seem like insignificant memories or moments in one's life, take a special, beautiful meaning and weight in this poetic, humanistic film.
Distinguished Argentine filmmaker Carlos Sorín ('Bombón, El Perro', 'Historias Minimas') once again trains his camera on the small stories written by life, on the humanity behind human beings. By casting the great Uruguayan writer and scriptwriter Antonio Larreta in the lead role, Sorin establishes a link between fiction and reality that makes the protagonist's fears, hopes and wishes even more palpable." About the Library Box Office:
Most true independent and foreign films get squeezed out of commercial theaters by Hollywood blockbusters and face skyrocketing marketing costs that make it daunting - if not impossible - to reach appreciative audiences. The Jacob Edwards Library subscribes to the Film Movement series to bring "art house" independent and foreign films to you. |
Boys of the Town
Monday, March 14th at 6:30 p.m. | |
Come and celebrate St. Patrick's Day! The traditional Irish music group Boys of the Town will be performing on Monday, March 14th, from 6:30 to 7:30 PM.
With John Ebersold on guitar and vocals, Hunter Foote on fiddle, and Tim Loftus on flute, whistle and bodhrán, the Boys of the Town deliver top-shelf entertainment -from high energy, toe tapping jigs and reels to heartfelt ballads. Their unique blend of traditional Irish tunes, original songs, and favorite covers is guaranteed to leave the audience with a skip in their steps and a song in their hearts.
This program is free to the public and is supported in part by a grant from the Southbridge Cultural council, a local agency which is supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency.
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USDA Resources for Homebuyers
Monday, March 21st at 6:30 p.m. | |
 Seth Pitts of the USDA will discuss the many resources available to the community from his agency and explain how potential home owners can negotiate the process. The Rural Development sector of the USDA is committed to the future of rural communities.
Brenda Ryan of Aucoin Ryan Realty in Southbridge will be on hand to talk about how her company can liaise with a prospective buyer and assist them to negotiate the buying process.
Giovanny Zuniga of Keller Williams Realty , Longmeadow MA will present a program outlining the various resources available to prospective home owners. Mr. Zuniga will talk about the agency and how as a real estate agent he works with the USDA, and how a buyers agent can help a buyer find the right property by using local knowledge and computer technology.
The banking community will be represented by Southbridge Savings Bank, Southbridge Credit Union and Savers Bank. Representatives will be on hand to help you negotiate the homebuying process and answer any questions you may have.
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Financial Literacy Workshop: Train the Trainers
Tuesday, March 22nd at 9:30 a.m. | |
Parent Support Network in the Southbridge area is hosting a financial literacy workshop for local agencies. Paul Raffa of the Southbridge Credit Union will speak on the services that are offered by financial institutions.
Rural Community Assistance Partnership (RCAP) is national service-delivery network that works toward improving the quality of life in rural communities. A speaker from RCAP will also be attendance to discuss housing. |
US Census Bureau Workshop
Wednesday, March 30th at 10:00 a.m. | |
Would you like to be more statistically savvy? Well now is your opportunity! Learn more about the expanded features of Census 2010.
 Laura Medrano, Partnership and Data Services of the US Census Bureau will present a workshop on the effective use of the census data, especially for community based human service agencies. Join us for a two hour presentation that could help you improve your pitch to your funders, and become more familiar with the data that is available. Find out how to use the database to customize the results for your community or target audience.
Southbridge-based agencies are especially welcome! |
Women's History Lecture: Dianne White
Thursday, March 31st at 6:30 p.m. | |
Dianne M. White, Assistant Professor of Legal Studies/Political Science at Anna Maria College will present a lecture on the criminal prosecution of battered women who kill their abusive male mates (husbands, boyfriends, exs) and who assert self-defense and/or battered women syndrome.
Dr. White conducted a 25 year empirical study of the phenomenon in Massachusetts.March is Women's History Month and a time to reflect on some of the issues that affect women and that are often taboo.
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Inkwell Imaginings
Mondays, March 7th, 14th, 21st, 28th at 6:00 p.m. |
The writing group continues with its weekly schedule this month - all aspiring writers are welcome!
"Remember the first sentence you ever read? Okay, so probably not. Do you remember, though, tha t wonderful feeling the vivid scenes and imagery gave you? Sweeping you up in a maelstrom of emotion, chaos, and tragic beauty that so seems to elude you no matter how many times you re-write it or bang your head on the table?
Well, welcome to the club. In the immortal words of Douglas Adams: "DON'T PANIC!" There is hope and there is help. While this group won't be the answer to all of your descriptive dilemmas we may be able to help you through at least a few scenes on your way to your ultimate masterpiece.
We welcome you with open arms and bleeding pens to Inkwell Imaginings, a writing group started by two struggling authors (much like yourself), looking to provide an outlet and support through the trials and tribulations of the writing world. While not experts we can lend a helping hand and sympathetic ear, allowing each of us to grow and empower you and your quest to become published... or just to write a story that you can be proud of." |
Knitting with Sonya
Tuesdays, March 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd, 29th at 10:30 a.m. |
From 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. every Tuesday come knit with Sonya in the Reading Room! Assistance will be given to anyone needing help with a pattern. Any handcrafters are welcome to join! |
Teen Center
Mondays, March 7th, 14th, 21st, 28th at 4:00 p.m. |
Monday afternoons from 4:00-5:30 p.m. check out the Teen Center in the Jacob Edwards Library. Usually held in the Pioppi Room on the first level, it is a safe space for teens to hang out, eat snacks, talk about issues that they're dealing with, and watch videos or listen to music. All of the activities are related to violence prevention and media literacy, helping teens to really understand what they images they see are telling them. Two counselors (Natalie and Amparo) from the Rape Crisis Center of Central Massachusetts, located in Worcester, run this group weekly. Anyone wanting more information on this group can contact Natalie at 508-852-7600 x239. |
Anime Club for Teens
Tuesdays, March 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd, 29th at 3:10 p.m. |
The Anime Club continues to meet in the Pioppi Room, every Tuesday after school! Stop by from 3:10 p.m. to 4:45 p.m. for some fun!
Manga - Video Games - Cosplay - Movies - Parties
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Since the 19th Amendment was passed there has been universal suffrage, and women obtained the right to vote, a timely reminder during Women's History Month. Let's keep this in mind during the current election season.
We look forward to seeing you, either at a program or just browsing! Perhaps you didn't know, the library has lots of public space that can be used for meetings, study groups, and more - stop by and have a look!
Beannachtaí na Féile Pádraig
Staff
Jacob Edwards Library
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