Dear Library Friends and Followers,
Solidarity forever! Happy May Day, whether you celebrate with labor organizing or beribboned floral dances (we recommend both). To get you fired up, I invite you to check out the new PBS documentary Free for All: The Public Library–a wonderful and invigorating look at everyone’s favorite civic institution. Another upcoming project I’m looking forward to seeing soon, This Place is Our Place follows former American Library Association president Emily Drabinski on a road trip through America’s libraries in 2024. From Easthampton to Alaska, libraries are always working to support our communities in joy, in learning, in struggle, and above all in building community.
Everything we do is grounded in our mission: to be Easthampton’s heart and hub—a free gathering space where everyone belongs.Together, we’re building something special. Help us keep it growing.
Now, what’s happening here this month?
New displays are going up, celebrating AAPI & Jewish American Heritage months, as well as our new provoking puzzles display–guess what the materials on display have in common!
Tuesday, May 6th, join us for Movie Club at 6:30pm to discuss Paint Your Wagon.
Wednesday, May 14th, at 6pm, join Community Legal Aid at the Annex for a Know Your Rights workshop on age and disability-based housing discrimination. Learn more about your fair housing rights and tenant rights as an elder and/or disabled renter, and ways in which you can protect yourself against illegal treatment. No registration is required. Pizza will be provided!
On Tuesday, May 20th, at 5:30pm, Quilting and Sewing Group takes place at the Annex. Gather with other quilters and sewers for a casual time. Support will be available but this is not a class. BYO sewing machine if needed.
In an effort to provide a broader range of support, we are now offering three Tech Help times weekly, plus a drop-in morning! Sign up for a half hour session if you need some one on one assistance.
We now have FOUR different book discussion groups AND a Movie Discussion Club! Find out all the details about the Monday Night Book Club, Intersectional Speculative Fiction Club, Easthampton Council on Aging Book Club, Graphic Novel Book Club, and Movie Club. Is one or all right for you?
We have not one but three author visits in May, with a wealth of snacks and crafts:First, Lisa Rogers, author of Joan Mitchell Paints a Symphony, joins us on Wednesday, May 9th from 4-5pm for a special read-aloud and painting time.
On Monday, May 19th, award-winning local author (and former Easthampton and Southampton librarian) Barbara Diamond Goldin will read books focused on Jewish traditions, including her book A Mountain of Blintzes (yum) about the spring holiday of Shavuot.
Finally, on Friday, May 30th, at 5:30pm bring your pajamas (and a stuffie if you like) to the Annex for Finding Home: A Palestinian Pajama Storytime with local author Hannah Moushabeck (Homeland) and special visitor Safa Suleiman, author of the newly released Hilwa’s Gifts.
The Make-It-Yourself Teen Workshop Series returns on May 16th and 23rd at 3pm. At this teen program, discuss how to use household items (and even trash!) to accessorize, and do a DIY project together (patches, clothing alterations, embroidered designs, studding, fabric painting etc.) Ages 12+, Registration is encouraged; register in person at the library, or by email at youthdept@ewmlibrary.org, or on the phone, 413-527-1031. Optional: Bring an old t-shirt/piece of clothing, trash, recycling, or other odds and ends to craft with!
As always, we love reading with our therapy dog, Molly. Spots are available weekly.
Follow us on Facebook or Instagram for our latest updates on programming and new titles. We also welcome suggestions–if you have a book, DVD, or audiobook that you’d like to see in our collection, let us know.
For our full lineup of April activities, check out our Calendar.
We’ll see you soon at the Library!
Katya
