Jul
20
Thu
Adult Songwriting with Lisa
Jul 20 @ 12:30 pm – 1:30 pm
Adult Songwriting with Lisa

Please RSVP at tinyurl.com/epl-adult-songwriting so we have an idea of how many folks will be attending. Recommended but not required.

Participants will listen to a few classic examples of powerfully vivid songwriting, and will generate ideas for new songs using a variety of writing exercises. No songwriting experience is required. Participants will be invited to share songs in process, time permitting.

Lisa Bastoni is a Northampton, MA-based singer-songwriter who has enjoyed a longtime presence in the northeast folk/Americana scene. She is a 2021 New England Music Award nominee (Roots), 2020 & 2019 Boston Music Award Nominee (Folk) and winner of 2019 New Folk at the esteemed Kerrville Folk Festival. In addition to her work in music, Lisa Bastoni is an accomplished visual artist and teacher, and mother to two young children. For more info, visit www.lisabastoni.com

Find Your Voice is sponsored by the Easthampton Public Library, Emily’s Friends of the Library, the Massachusetts Library System, the Boston Bruins, and the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners.

Jul
26
Wed
Theater Improv Games with Heidi!
Jul 26 @ 2:30 pm – 4:00 pm

We are delighted to have theater teacher, Heidi Haas, join us for this series! Every workshop includes warm-up exercises, scene work, and theater games. The workshop introduces the value of using drama to express feelings, playfully solve problems, and encourages children to challenge themselves and participate as fully as they feel comfortable. Team building and creating a sense of safety are integral parts of the process and draw on the strengths of the students to foster a sense of pride in what they can accomplish as a group. Come to one or all of these workshops; recommended ages 6-11. Registration is encouraged–register at the library in person or by calling us at 413-527-1031 or emailing us at youthdept@ewmlibrary.org

Aug
2
Wed
‘Speak Up’ Book Club
Aug 2 @ 3:30 pm – 4:30 pm

Join Patti for a fun book club discussion of Better Nate than Ever by Tim Federle. Registration encouraged, ages 7+.

Aug
7
Mon
Memories of Summer, Summer Reading Celebration
Aug 7 @ 1:30 pm – 3:30 pm

Our celebration of summer includes a program of making special summer memory jars and an outdoor visit from Crooked Stick Pops! Complete your Summer Reading Program with a fabulous treat for reaching your goal! Make sure all your earned raffle tickets are entered for a chance to win one of our fun, experiential prizes. Registration for making the memory jar required; Sign up at the library in person or by calling us at 413-527-1031 or emailing us at youthdept@ewmlibrary.org.

Sep
13
Wed
Breath, Body, and Sound: Embodied Mindfulness with Kat Now
Sep 13 @ 6:00 pm – 7:15 pm
Breath, Body, and Sound: Embodied Mindfulness with Kat Now

RSVP encouraged at tinyurl.com/epl-bbs

Learn Embodied Mindfulness tools and practices that can be integrated into your daily life to gently guide you back to the present moment. This class includes group singing in English and Sanskrit, breathwork, and gentle movement. Absolutely no singing experience is necessary to benefit from this class, only the willingness to try!

What to bring to class:
*your curiosity
*water
*journal
*anything that would support your comfort for relaxation at the end of class (yoga mat, blanket, etc.)

Breath, Body, and Sound is guided and created by Kat Now, based on her many years of training and practice in voice, yoga, conscious dance, mindfulness, and trauma-informed facilitation. Read more about this creation here: embodiedmindfulness.wixsite.com/website/breathbodysound


Instructor Bio:

Kat Now (she/her) is an educator, creator, and lifelong singer. Kat has dedicated her life’s work to advancing access and inclusion in education and the arts. Kat is a teacher of the Embodied Mindfulness practices of Kripalu yoga, JourneyDance, and song. She is also ridiculously proud to be Polish & spends as much time in nature as she can.

Connect with Kat on Instagram @embodiedmindfulness (instagram.com/embodiedmindfulness/) & her website embodiedmindfulness.wixsite.com/website.
Nov
15
Wed
Embodied Mindfulness: Breath, Body, and Sound with Kat Now
Nov 15 @ 6:30 pm – 7:45 pm
Embodied Mindfulness: Breath, Body, and Sound with Kat Now

RSVP encouraged at tinyurl.com/epl-bbs

Curious about mindfulness practices but not sure if you are up for the task of sitting silently? Learn Embodied Mindfulness tools as active mindfulness practices that are often more accessible than silent meditation. These tools can be integrated into your daily life to gently guide you back to the present moment. This class includes group singing in English and Sanskrit, breathwork, gentle and accessible movement. Absolutely no singing experience is necessary to benefit from this class, only the willingness to try!

What to bring to class:
*your curiosity
*water
*journal
*anything that would support your comfort for relaxation at the end of class (yoga mat, blanket, etc.)
Breath, Body, and Sound is guided and created by Kat Now, based on her many years of training and practice in voice, yoga, conscious dance, mindfulness, and trauma-informed facilitation.

Instructor Bio:
Kat Now (she/her) is an educator, creator, and lifelong singer. Kat has dedicated her life’s work to advancing access and inclusion in education and the arts. Kat is a teacher of the Embodied Mindfulness practices of Kripalu yoga, JourneyDance, and mindful singing. She is also ridiculously proud to be Polish & spends as much time in nature as she can.

Connect with Kat on Instagram @embodiedmindfulness (https://www.instagram.com/embodiedmindfulness/) & her website https://embodiedmindfulness.wixsite.com/website.
Mar
22
Fri
Family Eclipse Program with Meg Thacher
Mar 22 @ 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm

Come prepare for the eclipse with us! Smith College astronomy professor and science writer for children, Meg Thacher, will be talking with families about the coming eclipse and leading us in an activity to make a pinhole eclipse viewers! Program geared for elementary aged children but siblings and families are welcome. Registration is recommended–stop by the library, give us a call at 413-527-1031, or send us an email at youthdept@ewmlibrary.org.

Apr
3
Wed
CANCELLED – Valley Bloomers: The Tulip-Not Just Another Pretty Face
Apr 3 @ 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm

CANCELLED -Valley Bloomers Garden Club hosts speaker Ginny Blake to discuss The Tulip: Not Just Another Pretty Face. Free and open to all.

Learn the fascinating history of this beloved spring bulb as well as view the many stunning varieties in bloom at the Keukenhof in Holland at the height of the tulip season.
Apr
12
Fri
An Interactive Introduction to Storyboarding!
Apr 12 @ 3:45 pm – 4:45 pm

Are you interested in art, movies, or just want to try something new?  Come to the library to learn all about the art of making storyboards! A storyboard is a series of drawings that visualize what shots will be needed before the crew sets out to film.  Instead of a camera, we use pencils, paper, and our imagination to bring the words to life.  At this program, you’ll get to learn about filmmaking, get a few drawing tips, and make some storyboards of your very own.  No prior experience or skill is required!  Storyboarding is about visualizing ideas, not making brilliant works of art, so there is literally zero pressure.  Ages 10+, Registration is recommended–stop by the library, give us a call at 413-527-1031, or send us an email at youthdept@ewmlibrary.org.

Apr
17
Wed
Time to Make Art with Jeff Mack!
Apr 17 @ 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm

Join local author/illustrator Jeff Mack to celebrate his amazing new book, learn about artists from around the world, their art and their ideas. There will be a drawing activity as well as time to ask Jeff questions. This is a special event, not to be missed! Registration is encouraged–stop by the library, give us a call at 413-527-1031, or send us an email at youthdept@ewmlibrary.org.