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Library Hours
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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.
Closings:
The library will be closed on Monday, February 18th for President's Day.
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Free Tax Prep at JEL
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JEL is pleased to be partnering again this year with the AARP to provide free income tax preparation for low- and moderate-income persons, running through early April.
Appointments are available on Monday and Thursday evenings. Please call 508-764-5426 to make an appointment.
For information on eligibility requirements and the documents you need to bring with you to your appointment, click here.
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Free Computer Classes
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The Literacy Volunteers of South Central Massachusetts is offering a FREE computer training course on Saturdays at JEL over a five week period.
The class is limited to 10 participants. Classes will be held at JEL starting on Saturday, February 16th, and will continue through March 16th (every Saturday at 10:00 a.m.). The class will address five skill areas.
Please see the entry on our web calendar for all the details!
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Ongoing Programs
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Inkwell Imaginings
This group of aspiring writers meets every Monday at 6:00 p.m. in the Mills Room. New members are always welcome!
Anime Club for Teens
The Anime Club meets every Tuesday in the Pioppi Room, from 3:10 - 4:30 p.m. Stop by for manga, video games, cosplay, movies, and more!
Knitting with Sonya
From 10:30-12:30 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!
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Library eBooks!
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You can download FREE ebooks from the library!
Library ebooks are available to download for Nook, Kindle, Sony, iPad/iPhone, and other devices! Just visit the Digital Catalog to get started.
Why Can't You Find the eBook You Want From the Library?
Although demand for eBooks is growing, the biggest book publishers are limiting library access to their eBooks. Some publishers cite security concerns while others point out that eBooks, unlike print books, will never need replacing in a library's collection. They fear that library eBook lending cuts into income for both publishers and authors. As library users, it means limited access to some of the current, popular titles we want to read on our new e-readers.
As we continue to expand our eBook collection, we hope you understand some of the limitations that are placed on us. The eBook industry continues to evolve and we're optimistic that a workable solution between publishers and libraries will come about.
If you have any questions about downloading an ebook or transferring it to your device, just ask a staff member! Informational brochures for each device are also available at the desk to walk you through the steps. | |
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Friends of the Library
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The Friends will meet in the Mills Room at
6:00 p.m. on Monday,
February 25th.
The Friends extend an invitation to all library patrons to join their group. To find out more, please visit
The Friends Page
on our website.
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Board of Trustees
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The Board of Trustees of the Jacob Edwards Library will meet in the Pioppi Room at
12:00 Noon on Tuesday,
February 19th. All meetings are open to the general public.
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JEL News & Events
February 2013
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Greetings!
February isn't just for Valentine's Day! Did you know that it is also Black History Month and Heart Health Month? While we have displays of materials on both in the Main Hall, we also celebrate Black History Month with a program from Tom Ingrassia on the cultural significance of The Supremes, the most successful female group in music history, on the 21st.
And what would Valentine's Day be without a great romance? At 6:00 p.m., join us for a screening of The Republic of Love, and independent Canadian film. Tom is a radio host with three ex-wives, and Fay is a practical academic - they fall in love, of course, but can they make it work?
A new WRTA bus service has come to Southbridge, schedules are available at the Main Desk.
Please read on for information on all of this month's programs, library news, and more!
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February's JEL Staff Picks
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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Book Club - Light Thickens by Ngaio Marsh
Monday, February 4th at 6:30 p.m.
 JEL is pleased to present a monthly book discussion! The group is informal and friendly, and new participants are always welcome.
"'Is this a dagger which I see before me...'
Four murders. Three witches. A fiendish lady. A homicidal husband. A ghost. No wonder Macbeth is considered such bad luck by theatre people that they won't mention its name out loud. But the new London production of "the Scottish play" promises to be a smash until gruesome pranks begin plaguing rehearsals. And when the last act ends in real-life tragedy, Chief Superintendent Alleyn takes center stage-uncovering a heartbreaking secret, murderous jealousy, and a dark, desperate reason for 'murder for foul'..."
Library staff will obtain copies of each title for participants, available one month before the discussion date. Please ask at the Information Desk to reserve your copy of next month's title!
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Featured Exhibit: Black, White & Blue by John Ferrara and Vivien Goldman
Reception Thursday, February 7th at 6:30 p.m.
In August 2012, John Ferrara was introduced to photographer Vivien Goldman while her exhibit "Left and Let Be" was on display here at the library.
The exhibit featured stark, high contrast, black and white images featuring photographs of abandoned structures in North Dakota - shot on film, with her 4x5 view camera.
Goldman, a native of San Francisco and longtime resident of Brookline, MA, was intrigued when John posited that his portrait paintings and her desolate interiors could work well together. By joining their works, John felt, they could infuse a specific human presence or character, which is left to the imagination in Goldman's work, and create entirely new works from amalgamations of the two.
The groupings were undertaken with the goal that neither photograph nor portrait would be the dominant element, rather that each artist's contribution would become fused with the other to create a new image.
John took several months modifying, grouping and composing these original images from a selection of pre-existing works of each artist. The two then reviewed the results and collaborated on final modifications to their collection which will be debuted at the Jacob Edwards Library with a reception and exhibit in February 2013.
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Library Box Office: The Republic of Love
Thursday, February 14th at 6:00 p.m.
"Based on the novel by Carol Shields, The Republic of Love is a romantic comedy about the barriers facing the lucky and the unlucky in love in the 21st century.
Tom (Bruce Greenwood) is a charismatic late-night radio talk show host whose unconventional upbringing has made him a little too quick to fall in love and marry. Fay (Emilia Fox) is an academic whose expectations are impossibly high as a result of the living perfection that is her parents' marriage. The characters connect in a maze of malls, condos and family homes, underpinning the idea that 'geography is destiny' and that each of us has our own 'republic', where lives intersect."
In English (Canadian). Running time: 96 minutes.
All screenings are held in the Pioppi Room, lower level.
About the Library Box Office: Most true independent and foreign films get squeezed out of commerical theaters by Hollywood blockbusters, and face skyrocketing costs that make it daunting - if not impossible - to reach appreciative audiences. JEL subscribes to the Film Movement series to bring "art house" independent and foreign films to you. |
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"Girl Power: The Supremes as Cultural Icons" with Tom Ingrassia
Thursday, February 21st at 6:30 p.m.

Join Motown historian and music journalist Tom Ingrassia for a multimedia lecture program highlighting the social and cultural contributions of The Supremes--the most successful female group in music history. "Girl Power" takes audiences on a remarkable trip back to a turbulent time in American history, when blacks and whites were trying to change things, and the music of Motown helped to bridge the gaps...and three young African-American women from the Detroit housing projects conquered the world. The Supremes were trendsetters who broke down racial, gender and societal barriers during the 1960s and early 70s. In the process, they amassed an incredible string of 12 Number One records, selling over 60 million copies. Using archival audio and video clips, Ingrassia explores what made The Supremes so special--and why their accomplishments remain relevant today, almost 50 years after their rise to the top. A motivational speaker and success coach, Ingrassia is president of The MotivAct Group LLC, a holistic personal and professional development company. From 2001-05, he worked as Executive Assistant to Mary Wilson, of The Supremes, and also managed legendary Girl Group members including Arlene Smith (The Chantels), Barbara Alston (The Crystals), June Monteiro (The Toys), and The Velevelettes. He is co-author of the forthcoming book, One Door Closes: Overcoming Adversity By Following Your Dreams.
Funding for this program provided by
The Friends of the Jacob Edwards Library.
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Children's Corner
Upcoming and Ongoing Children's Programs
Special Programs
A Pinkalicious Valentine's Party
Saturday, Feb. 2nd, 11:00 a.m. - Noon
Make a few crafts, play fun games, listen to a story, decorate a cookie, and make some Valentine's Day cards! For children 12 years and younger and their caregiver. This is the second year that JEL is participating in Take Your Child to the Library Day, a national initiative!
Recycled Craft Project
Tuesday, Feb. 19th, 3:00-4:00 p.m.
Come do a fun craft project during school vacation week!
Vacation Week Movie Madness
Feb. 19th - 22nd, 1:00 p.m.
Short movies showing in the Children's Department, stop on by!
Regular Programs
Pajama Story Time
Every Monday at 6:30 p.m.
Listen to some stories, sing some songs, and watch a short film. Pajamas optional! Geared towards ages 4-8, but all ages welcome.
Crafty Wednesdays
Every Wednesday, All Day, All Ages
Drop by make a special craft! Display of future crafts on view in the Children's Room.
SuperKids
Every Wednesday at 10:30 a.m.
Stories and songs aimed at the preschool crowd, but all ages welcome!
LEGOs Club
Every Thursday 3:00 - 4:30 p.m.
We'll bring the LEGOs - you bring the skills and ideas! Best for builders 5 years and older. Work on your own project or work as a team! Take photos of your creation.
Babytime
Fridays, 10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Designed for children under 3 and their caregivers, this is a mini storytime and specialized play group. This is a 'drop in and leave' program: you are welcome anytime between 10:30 and Noon.
No registration necessary for any of our regular programs!
Questions? Call 508-764-5426 or email Kim.
All other programs funded by the Friends of the Jacob Edwards Library unless otherwise specified.
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Don't forget that we are here during February school vacation! The Children's Room has board games, a coloring table, a Lego table, and much more! Make a puzzle or play chess in the Adult section!
Even when our doors are closed you can visit our website to access databases, renew and request materials, download ebooks, and so much more!
We hope to see you soon! Happy Valentine's Day!
Staff
Jacob Edwards Library
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| Programs at Jacob Edwards Library may be recorded for Southbridge Public Access TV and/or photographed for promotional purposes. |
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