We're Back, Better Than Ever! Springfield Library Open House, Sunday, September 10, from 1:00 to 4:00 PM

We're back, better than ever and to prove it, the Springfield Free Public Library will host an open house from 1 to 4 PM on Sunday, September 10. We are planning an afternoon of fun and games for the entire community, including kids, teens and adults. The centerpiece of the afternoon will be a series of mini sessions presented by members of the library staff, as follows:

1:15 pm-1:30 pm
Kids and Teens at the Library: More Than Books
In this session you will discover all that the library has to offer kids and teens. Discover ways to get involved from attending Monday Chess or Family Craft, to STEM Programming, special events, teen volunteering and more.

1:45 pm-2:00 pm
Our Catalog: 30+ Libraries At Your Fingertips
Order the latest bestsellers from home! In this session we’ll discuss Springfield’s online catalog and the resources it offers. A brief overview of our adult collection and partnerships with other libraries will be provided.

2:15 pm-2:30 pm
Beyond Google: Searching Library Databases
This session profiles highly useful (and free) databases: scholarly journals in Academic Search Premier, Consumer Reports Online, White Pages in Reference Solutions, and language learning with Rosetta Stone.

2:30 pm-2:45 pm
An Introduction to Ancestry
Budding genealogists will benefit from this look at Ancestry.com. We’ll go over tips and tricks for power searching while exploring its ever-expanding collection of data.

2:45 pm-3 pm
Let’s Go Digital: Library Resources
During this session, you will receive an overview of our streaming services: Kanopy, Hoopla, and Libby. These platforms allow you access to thousands of ebooks, audiobooks, movies, and much more. Additionally, you will learn about our most recent digital resource, Northstar Digital Learning, which can help you improve your technology and digital literacy skills.

3:15 pm-3:30 pm
Digital Resources and Homework Help for Kids
Got the back-to-school homework blues? The library can help! Come to this session to find out all about the digital resources available to students.

These drop-in sessions will be held in the library's Donald B. Palmer Museum and will be open to everyone.

Because September is also National Library Card Sign Up Month, the library's circulation desk will be fully staffed so that members of the community who do not yet have library cards will be able to sign up for them, and anyone with a valid Springfield Library card in good standing will be able to check out books, DVDs and more during the hours of the open house.

And that's not all! Both the library and the Friends of the Springfield Free Public Library will be handing out small gifts to all attendees, while supplies last. We have also planned numerous other surprises that are sure to delight you.

Alas, with so many activities going on that afternoon, the library will not be able to provide reference or computer services during the hours of the open house.

We look forward to seeing you on September 10. We are confident that you are going to like what you see.

For more information, please contact Dale Spindel, Library Director, at [email protected]