This Week at the Jones Library
It sure is cold out there! We hope that you are snug and warm inside this weekend - maybe even curled up with a library book and your favorite warm beverage. We invite you to take a few minutes to look over the upcoming events that are highlighted below. There is something for everyone! And be sure to visit our webpage to connect with our resources and learn more about upcoming events.
Today's Author Event Postponed!
The author event planned for 11:00 am on Saturday, February 4 at the Munson Memorial Library has been postponed due to the severe cold. The event will be rescheduled, and those details will be shared when finalized.
February in the Burnett Gallery
Opening Reception:
Tuesday, February 7 from 3:00 - 6:00 pm
Stop by the Burnett Gallery this month to enjoy an exhibit of watercolors by Hongbing Tang. Hongbing, a native of Beijing, grew up near the Forbidden City, which served as her source of inspiration. Watercolor is her favorite medium, though she paints and draws with a variety of media. Learn more.
Kids Valentine Drop-in Craft
Wednesday, February 8 from 4:00 - 5:00 pm
Kids of all ages are invited to drop in to make a Valentine card for someone special. We'll also be collecting cards that we make to share with the Amherst Senior Center!
50+ Job Seekers Networking Group
Wednesday, February 8 from 6:00 - 8:00 pm
Are you a 50+ job seeker? Start the new year by building your job search tool kit with this online networking group! This week's topic is "Your Marketing Plan/Marketing Brief". Attend either morning (1st and 3rd Wednesday) or evening (2nd and 4th Wednesday) sessions - whatever works best for you. Job seekers can join the group at any time. Learn more and register!
Participation in this series is made possible by the Friends of the Jones Libraries.
The Beauty of Colour
Friday, February 10 from 10:30 - 11:30 am
Join us for this Zoom conversation with prominent contemporary composer Brandon Waddles, Amherst College Director of Choral Activities, Arianne Abela, and local historian Steve Strimer of the David Ruggles Center as we discuss the upcoming world premiere of Waddle's new choral work, "The Beauty of Colour." Dr. Waddles will also describe his career as a successful composer, and Dr. Abela will discuss her own journey to become a prominent conductor and soloist, as well as her professional vocal ensemble Kaleidoscope, which pursues "artistic excellence, while celebrating racial, ethnic, and gender diversity." Moderated by Martin L. Garnar, Director of Libraries at Amherst College, with an introduction by Amherst Cultural Council co-Chair, Matt Holloway. Click here to join the Zoom event.
Zoom discussion sponsored by Amherst College, Amherst Regional High School, the Amherst Cultural Council, the South Hadley Cultural Council, the Jones Library, the Forbes Library, the South Hadley Public Library and the David Ruggles Center. "The Beauty of Colour" will premiere at the February 11 concert "Mercy," which is supported in part by a grant from the South Hadley Cultural Council, a local agency supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.
Call for Submissions: I AM HOME
I AM HOME is a creative project in honor of Black History Month, to engage participants in understanding how miserable, horrible situations can bring about new expressions of human dignity in the world of art, education, community, and self realization. The influence of the Black Church is the inspiration for this community presentation. By looking at historical pictures of monumental figures such as Dr. Martin Luther King, listening to Gospel hymns, reading quotations from leaders and poets, the public is invited to create their own interpretation of "home", where they find peace amidst storms of despair no matter how great or small they may seem. The call for art is open to all, but artwork by youth ages 11-16 will be prioritized for this exhibit. Submissions are due by Wednesday, February 22. Learn more.
Reading the Classics
Our virtual classics book discussions continue! Moderated by Amherst College professor Ilan Stavans, this series is a collaboration of the Jones Library, the New York Public Library, and Restless Books, and together we explore various world literature classics. Join us via Zoom on Tuesday, February 14 at 7:00 pm to discuss this month's selection of three short stories by Jorge Luis Borges. Learn more and register.
Graphic Novel Book Club
Join us on Tuesday, February 14 from 4:00 - 5:00 pm to discuss Freestyle by Gale Galligan. We'll also do a fun craft related to the themes of the book! This program is for ages 9 - 12. To learn more and register, email us!
February in the Virtual Burnett Gallery
Visit the Virtual Burnett Gallery during February to view the works of Janna Essig, Mary Kersell, Edith Allison, Ruth Elcan, and Linn Bower.
Playful Engineers Steam Make and Take Workshop
Playful Engineers returns to the Jones Library with a new program on Wednesday, February 22 from 3:00 - 4:30 pm, exploring artful mechanisms and mechanical linkages. In this workshop, kids build basic structures for their own artful mechanisms that send messages, tell stories, or accomplish tasks. Participants will keep their creations at the conclusion of the program! This program is for ages 8 - 11. To learn more and register, email us!
This program is made possible by the Friends of the Jones Libraries.
Nonfiction Book Club
Join us on Thursday, February 23 from 4:00 - 5:00 pm to discuss Dream Builder: The Story of Architect Philip Freelon by Kelly Starling Lyons. We'll also be doing a STEAM activity together! This program is for ages 6-9. To learn more and register, email us!
Massachusetts Center for the Book 2023 Reading Challenge
The Jones Library & branches is please to be partnering with the Massachusetts Center for the Book in their 2023 Reading Challenge for adults. Readers participating in the challenge will choose a book to read corresponding to each month's category. When they finish reading, they will report on the book using a short web form. Everyone who participates will be invited to a year-end celebration hosted by the Mass Center for the Book, and anyone who participates all 12 months will be entered into a drawing to win a tote filled with books and Mass goodies. February's challenge is to read a book set in your home town/city or state. Learn more and register!
Tax Form Distribution Begins
Federal and state income tax filing season has begun, and tax forms are available for those in need of these paper forms. Forms can be found under the staircase in the front entry of the Jones Library and at the branches.
You can visit the Income Tax Information page on our website for other information, as well as links to the IRS website and the Massachusetts Department of Revenue.
Click Here for more information.
