April 10, 2012 – Springfield Mayor Domenic J. Sarno will present a proclamation to Library Director Molly Fogarty at 3 p.m. during Open House at the Forest Park Branch Library. All week each branch library will welcome visitors to their unique spaces and show off their extraordinary resources; in fact most have been open since the very first National Library Week in May 1957, when the theme was “Wake Up and Read!” This week, April 9-15, special demonstrations, programs, and entertainment are planned. Stop in to any branch to sign up for a library card, check out materials and resources, and enjoy free refreshments! Through the generosity of the Friends of the Springfield Library as well as funding from the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency, we are able to offer these Open House dates:

• Tuesday, April 10, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Forest Park Branch, 380 Belmont Avenue (263-6843). Please join us at 11 a.m. for Robert Rivest’s “Laughter Yoga.”
• Wednesday, April 11, 1-8 p.m., East Forest Park Branch, 122 Island Pond Road (263-6836). From 2:30-4 p.m. join professional photographer Suzanne Larocque and learn how to use your digital camera. Suzanne will help you figure out what all those buttons are for and teach you when to use the different settings! Bring your camera and your questions!
• Wednesday, April 11, 1-8 p.m., Pine Point Branch Library, Boston Road (263-6855). From 3:30-5 p.m. watch author/artist Dean Nimmer create original artwork, and talk to him about his “Library Collage” series, opening today in our new Gallery Space!  At 6 p.m. join us for “Healthy Cooking with Michele,” a talk and cooking demonstration with nutritionist Michele LaRock.
• Wednesday, April 11, 1-8 p.m., East Springfield Branch Library, 21 Osborne Terrace (263-6840). Celebrate the 100th birthday of Springfield City Library and National Library Week with food, fun, conversation, cupcakes, children's' crafts, and music. Troubadour Michael Rancitelli will perform music from 100 years ago for the enjoyment of all, ages 1-100. Library staff will be dressed in 1912 era clothing. Catch up with old friends, meet new ones, and see what your library has to offer you!
• Thursday, April 12, 1-8 p.m., Brightwood Branch, 359 Plainfield Street (263-6805). Join us at 1 p.m. for One Story, One Poem / Una Historia, Un Poema  by Poet Perfecta Oquendo; at 2 p.m. swing to the music of Carol R. Daggs, blending jazz standards and hip originals in her solo jazz concert; plus during open hours you may view the Art Exhibit, "Paper Mosaic," by the Riverview Senior Center.
• Thursday, April 12, 1-8 p.m., Mason Square Branch, 765 State Street (263-6853). Celebrating the first anniversary of our Grand Reopening, we’ve planned a full day of activities and programs, beginning with tea and sandwiches hosted by our Branch Advisory Committee from 1-3:30 p.m.; from 3:30-4:30 p.m. we’ll highlight literacy and book activities; from 4:30-5:15 p.m. all ages are sure to enjoy listening to master storyteller Onawumi Jean Moss; again from 5:30-6:30 p.m. we’ll highlight literacy and book activities; and from 6:30-8 p.m. will be Part 3 of “So You Want to Get Published,” with Keshawn Dodds and Crystal Senter Brown. We’ve had a very successful year and look forward to many more.
• Saturday, April 14, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Indian Orchard Branch, 44 Oak Street (263-6846). At noon will be a concert by the Eric Bascom Jazz Trio, performing in the rotunda of our 1909 Classical Revival style library, made possible through the generosity of philanthropist Andrew Carnegie. In fact, the Indian Orchard Branch was the first fully staffed suburban branch library in Springfield.
• Saturday, April 14, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Liberty Branch, 773 Liberty Street (263-6849). Eighty years ago, in May of 1931, this branch opened to the public. Celebrate with food, fun, conversation, children's' crafts and music. Catch up with old friends, meet new ones, see what your library has to offer you. We will offer e-reader (Kindle, Nook) demos, see our latest bestseller books, movies, music and puppets.  We will be showcasing our extensive Latin Music collection and playing selections throughout the day.  Join us!
• Saturday, April 14, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Sixteen Acres Branch, 1187 Parker Street (263-6858). At this always busy branch you don’t need an appointment to check out library materials, but to enjoy the free concert by “Shave and a Haircut,” a local Barbershop Quartet, you’ll need to be here at 1 p.m.!
• Central Library, April 15, 12 p.m.-4 p.m., Central Library, 220 State Street (263-6828). The historical and architectural details of the building, celebrating its Centennial year, will be highlighted at 1:30 p.m. by Ed Lonergan, who’ll be leading a free guided tour. We believe that “you belong at your Library!”