Library News

Jacob Edwards Library

June 2024

Library Hours

Monday & Thursday 9 am - 8 pm

Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday 9 am - 5 pm

Curbside pickup is available during library hours!

Please note: the Library will be CLOSED on

Wednesday, June 19th in observance of Juneteenth.

Summer Reading

Summer Reading for all ages will be held from June 24th - August 2nd.

Lunch for patrons 18 and under will be held Monday-Friday, beginning Monday, July 1st, from 11 am to 1 pm.



Learn to play the guitar, bass guitar, and ukulele with the Fret Zealot BingePass on hoopla! Browse more than 3,500 video lessons from the world's top instructors. These curated courses cater to all skill levels and let you learn at your own pace.

The Jacob Edwards Library provides FREE access to hoopla with your library card! Hoopla is a streaming service that lets you instantly borrow eBooks, audiobooks, comics, music, movies & TV - 24/7 - and items are always available, so there's no waiting! Get started at https://www.hoopladigital.com/

Chess Park

This is a conceptual rendering of the future Chess Park that will be located on the Southeast corner of the Library accessible from Main Street. Joseph Coan, Landscape Architect created the rendering. The plan was approved at the Board of Trustees meeting on September 26, 2023. The Trustees, Staff, and Friends are very excited to share this future development for the community!

At the Town Council meeting March 25, 2024, management of the funds raised through the fundraising efforts was approved by the Council:

"Vote the creation of a Chess Park at the Jacob Edwards Library and to allow the Town Manager to work with the Finance Department to establish and create an account to receive donations." 

There will be a meeting of the Chess Park Committee on 

Thursday, June 20th at 5:30 pm (agenda to follow).

Summer Reading

The summer reading program will be held from June 24th - August 2nd.

Teens and adults can sign up here: 2024 Summer Reading Sign Up

For adult participants, two prizes will be awarded in August - each program attended, activity completed, or item checked out will earn you a ticket for a chance to win!

Lunch for patrons 18 and under will be held Monday - Friday from 11 am - 1 pm beginning Monday, July 1st.

Mindfulness Meditation with Iris

Wednesdays, June 5th & 26th

3:30 - 4:30 pm

The Jacob Edwards Library is pleased to host Iris Vega, certified Mindfulness Meditation teacher and mentor, to present a series of sessions.

Inviting Mindfulness Meditation into your daily routine is an opportunity to cultivate awareness and presence.

You may bring your Yoga mat if you prefer doing the practice lying down.

Sponsored by Friends of Jacob Edwards Library.

June Art Exhibit

Pride in Southbridge

Mixed Media Group Show

Meet & Greet

Thursday, June 6th

6:30 - 7:30 pm

The Jacob Edwards Library is pleased to present a mixed media exhibit, as part of the Pride in Southbridge programs.

Artists’ Statements:

Laura O. Cenedella is an award-winning New England Artist born in Western Massachusetts. Her family relocated to Cape Cod where she spent her childhood. Laura was inspired by her mother and started painting at an early age. She has always felt that Art should be accessible to everyone. To achieve that Laura has worked and taught others through many nonprofit organizations and public schools. Self-taught in all mediums Laura prefers to work with oils. She is always trying new techniques and learning to enhance her skills. Laura is her toughest critic, and her passion is endless. She is humble and kind while seeking the path to success.

Michele Fontaine (she/her) - “My creative inspiration comes from an exploration of line, color and texture in spatial relationships in various media.”

John Polakowski (he/him) - Capturing Cape Cod’s beauty isn’t a matter of duplicating the colors onto canvas, rather it is sharing the impression of my experiences there with you. I hope you see the diversity of life through my work. I’d like you to love life and enjoy this special show.

Mara DeWitte (she/her) - Spending my free time in nature leads to shooting what catches my eye with color, shape, and contrast. I am inspired and in awe of what Mother Nature puts in front of me and the changes that happen with the cycles of the seasons. My photographs are an expression of my appreciation of the natural world and also a reminder to myself, and hopefully others, of the incredible beauty that exists right outside our doors. Please follow Mara on Facebook at On My Feet Photography. 

Cas Reyes (they/them) – Cas finds inspiration through advocacy. For them, fiber craft offers both beauty and connection to the past. Cas is an advocate for gender equality and expresses this through traditional methods of expression and human connection.

Karen Ryker – Karen loves to uncover the art hidden beneath the surface. Using just enough ink and scratch to reveal the beauty that lies below.

Gabriella Gonzalez-Kiernan (she/her) - A queer, mixed media, visually impaired artist, Gabby, is inspired by nature. She aims to create sustainable art by painting vibrant abstract florals on recycled canvases using left over paint from other projects to minimize waste. 

Paulette Renaud – Paulette is inspired watching other artists and their techniques. She is also inspired by nature and uses acrylic paints to bring her visions to life.

Sponsored by Friends of Jacob Edwards Library.

Author Talk with Christopher Castellani

(Virtual)

The Jacob Edwards Library is pleased to co-host Christopher Castellani's virtual presentation with our colleagues from the Sturbridge and Charlton libraries, as part of our Pride celebration. Christopher Castellani is the author of Leading Men and will discuss the book and his writing process.

Sponsored by Jacob Edwards Library,

Joshua Hyde Library, and Charlton Public Library

In June, the group will discuss What You Are Looking For Is in the Library by Michiko Aoyama, translated by Alison Watts.

"What are you looking for? So asks Tokyo's most enigmatic librarian. For Sayuri Komachi is able to sense exactly what each visitor to her library is searching for and provide just the book recommendation to help them find it. A restless retail assistant looks to gain new skills, a mother tries to overcome demotion at work after maternity leave, a conscientious accountant yearns to open an antique store, a recently retired salaryman searches for newfound purpose. In Komachi's unique book recommendations they will find just what they need to achieve their dreams. What You Are Looking For Is in the Library is about the magic of libraries and the discovery of connection. This inspirational tale shows how, by listening to our hearts, seizing opportunity and reaching out, we too can fulfill our lifelong dreams. Which book will you recommend?" - Provided by publisher.

Banjo Pickin’ Gals

Thursday, June 13th

6:30 - 7:30 pm

The Jacob Edwards Library is pleased to present Paula Bradley and MaryLou Ferrante a.k.a. "Banjo Blue."

This program showcases groundbeaking female banjo players from 1920-1940's, their stories, songs and struggles. Artists featured include: Bertie Mae Dickens, Cousin Emmy, Matokie Slaughter Lily Mae Ledford, Samantha Bumgarner, Ola Belle Reed, Maggie Parke-Hammons and Maybelle Carter, among others. Both Bradley and Ferrante are devoted to learning and sharing traditional American music and their program "Banjo Pickin' Gals" explores female banjo players in song and story, with a little flatfoot dancing to boot!

Sponsored by the Southbridge Cultural Council. The Southbridge Cultural Council is a local agency funded by Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.

Juneteenth Celebration with Michael Carabello

Thursday, June 20th

6:30 - 7:30 pm

The Jacob Edwards Library is pleased to celebrate Juneteenth with a performance by Michael Carabello.

Michael B. Carabello is a multifaceted pianist in the tri-state area. Carabello is a product of the Artists Collective Youth Jazz Orchestra under master artist in residence Rene McLean, as well as the Jackie McLean Institute of Jazz at the Hartt School of Music, University of Hartford. 

Mike has worked with many artists and diverse settings including bassist Nat Reeves, drummer Ronnie Burrage, saxophonist Rene McLean, Saxophonist Antoine Roney, and trombonist Steve Davis. He has studied piano under pianists Rick Germanson, Andy Laverne, Alan Palmer and Rashid Lanie. His performances include stints at New York Jazz Piano Festival at Kalvierhaus, Jazz at Lincoln Center Live in Times Square, The Side Door Jazz Club and The New Haven “On The Green” Jazz Festival, and Rubber City Jazz Festival to name a few.  

He was among honorees to perform at The White House for First Lady Michelle Obama, honorary chair of the President’s Committee on the Arts and the Humanities (PCAH).

He remains active in leading his own ensembles, free-lance appearances and is integral to several exciting projects in the Connecticut area including Erica T. Bryan and the New Mosaic, the Lost Tribe, and Mixed Company.

Sponsored by Friends of Jacob Edwards Library.

Tuesday, June 25th

3:30 - 4:30 pm

The Sturbridge, Charlton and Southbridge libraries are pleased to present a program featuring the Kiva Centers. 

The Kiva Centers will present a panel discussion where participants will discuss mental health support for LGBTQA+ people and how, during these difficult times, our friends family and allies can help care for us as well as how we can care for ourselves. The panelists will share some personal anecdotes about how they manage their mental health and care for themselves as part of a community that is often judged and treated unfairly. They will share some of their own tools used for coping and self-care in the nation's current climate.

Sponsored by Jacob Edwards Library,

Joshua Hyde Library, and Charlton Public Library.

Afternoon Author Talk

Edward Londergan

Wednesday, June 26th

2:00 - 3:00 pm

The Jacob Edwards Library is pleased to host Edward Londergan who will present a talk on his books, as part of the Afternoon Author Talk series.

Edward has published the award-winning Devil's Elbow, The Long Journey Home and Unlike Any Other. 

From the author:

"I've always had a fascination with the written word from the time I was in elementary school. After wondering what I was going to be when I grew up, and writing part-time for years, one day I quit my job and now pursue my passion of working with words as an author. I have many stories to tell and write every day. It's only work if you don't enjoy it.

I've been reading every night since I was a kid and read a few books a week. Even though I'll read just about anything you put in front of me, my favorite authors are John Steinbeck, Paulo Coehlo, Stephen King, Robert B. Parker, Margaret Atwood, Carl Hiaasen, Harper Lee, David Baldacci, John Sandford, and Kenneth Roberts."

Sponsored by Friends of Jacob Edwards Library.

Short Plays by Museful Intent

Thursday, June 27th

6:30 - 7:30 pm

The Jacob Edwards Library is pleased to present this program in conjunction with the Joshua Hyde Library and Charlton Public Library in celebration of Pride in Southbridge.

Playwright Mary Darling will present a staged reading series of 10-minute plays with an LGBTQA+ theme. There will be an opportunity to discuss the plays and chat with the actors.

Sponsored by Jacob Edwards Library,

Joshua Hyde Library, and Charlton Public Library.

The Deviant's War:

The Homosexual vs. the United States of America

by Eric Cervini

Finalist for the 2021 Pulitzer Prize in History.

"In 1957, Frank Kameny, a rising astronomer working for the U.S. Defense Department in Hawaii, received a summons to report immediately to Washington, D.C. The Pentagon had reason to believe he was a homosexual, and after a series of humiliating interviews, Kameny, like countless gay men and women before him, was promptly dismissed from his government job. Unlike many others, though, Kameny fought back.

Based on firsthand accounts, recently declassified FBI records, and forty thousand personal documents, Eric Cervini's The Deviant's War unfolds over the course of the 1960s, as the Mattachine Society of Washington, the group Kameny founded, became the first organization to protest the systematic persecution of gay federal employees. It traces the forgotten ties that bound gay rights to the Black Freedom Movement, the New Left, lesbian activism, and trans resistance. Above all, it is a story of America (and Washington) at a cultural and sexual crossroads; of shocking, byzantine public battles with Congress; of FBI informants; murder; betrayal; sex; love; and ultimately victory." - Provided by publisher

Summer Reading

The summer reading program will be held from June 24th - August 2nd.

Sign up here: 2024 Summer Reading Sign Up

For teen participants, one prize will be awarded each week - each program attended, activity completed, or item checked out will earn you a ticket for a chance to win!

Lunch for patrons 18 and under will be held Monday - Friday from 11 am - 1 pm beginning Monday, July 1st.

Teen Advisory Group

Tuesday, June 18th

3:00 - 4:00 pm

Open to Southbridge students/residents ages 12-18.

Join our Teen Advisory Group (TAG) and help us improve our library services for teens. At monthly TAG meetings, you will weigh in on library programs, services, and materials, earn volunteer hours, make new friends, and build your leadership skills.

Tween Escape Room

Monday, June 24th

1:00 - 2:30 pm

Registration required in advance by calling 508-764-5426

OSV AmeriCorps presents an escape room for ages 10-14!

Registration for Summer Reading begins on Monday June 17, 2024

Drop in and register and receive your Summer Reading Logs and a free box of crayons for the first 50 kids who register!

Also returning this year is our Treasure Chest filled with new awesome prizes!



Drop in and see our weekly prizes you can win by collecting your raffle tickets! We have more prizes than ever this year!

Summer Reading Kick off program

Pumpernickel Puppets

June 24, 2024 at 6:30pm

This performance is being supported by a grant from the Southbridge Cultural Council,

a local agency which is supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency.

Lego Club

Tuesdays

3:30pm - 4:30pm

Crafty Wednesday

All Day

Every Week



The DPW crew have been here to do the Spring clean up and what a difference it makes to our space. Plantings have been done in our urns and the flowerbeds by our unsung volunteer.

See you at the library!

Jacob Edwards Library

508.764.5426

jelibrary@cwmars.org