Sep
21
Sat
Teen Tech Takeover: Virtual Reality Reboot
Sep 21 @ 10:30 am – 12:30 pm

Are you as fascinated by Virtual Reality as we are? Want to learn more about this budding technology? Help us welcome back Arthur and Peter Evans of Makerspace Workshops, who will share their two-player VR system with us. PLUS we’ll reveal exciting plans that the Library has to make VR more accessible to YOU!

This program is geared toward teens is grades 7-12, and registration is strongly encouraged.

“Teen Tech Takeovers” are brought to you with federal funds provided by the Institute of Museum and Library Services and administered by the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners.

Sep
23
Mon
Adulting 101: Clothing Alteration & Cosplay
Sep 23 @ 5:00 pm – 6:30 pm

Ever wish you could make your clothes fit a little better? Or maybe you found an almost-perfect piece that needs a touch of your own personal style? Or is it a costume that you need, and you wish you could mash-up other clothes to make it just right?

If any of these sound like you, let Libby help. Our local artist and sewing extraordinaire returns once more for a more advanced look at using a modern-day sewing machine, and we’ll get some hands-on practice putting one to use. You can bring your own clothes and materials to play with, or you may use what we have available to explore the same skills.

This program builds upon the skills learned in our Upcycled Tote Bags & Sewing Basics workshop, scheduled for September 16th. While it is not required, please consider attending both workshops in order to get the most out of each.

This program is geared toward teens in grades 7-12, and registration is strongly encouraged.

“Artists in Action” is brought to you with federal funds provided by the Institute of Museum and Library Services and administered by the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners.

Sep
25
Wed
Critical: Food Insecurity in Western MA
Sep 25 @ 5:30 pm – 6:30 pm

This new series, geared toward teens but open to all, will tackle important issues facing our local community and beyond.

Did you know that, at the Easthampton Community Center alone, over 1400 families facing food insecurity are served each month, with over 8000 pounds of food distributed every week? So often the struggles these families face remain invisible to most, and it’s critical that we shed light on this issue.

Join us in welcoming a panel of food-access-experts to the Library, who will share their perspectives on this important topic. Please consider bringing your own questions, comments, or stories to share as well.

“Critical” is brought to you with federal funds provided by the Institute of Museum and Library Services and administered by the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners.

Oct
30
Wed
Meat for Tea Author Reading with Andrew Varnon
Oct 30 @ 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm

Join us for this special event — A Meat for Tea author reading with Andrew Varnon! Andrew will read his essay “The Other Side of the Net”. This event is drop-in. 

In “The Other Side of the Net,” writer Andrew Varnon imagines playing tennis with the ghost of David Foster Wallace, the author of the monumental novel Infinite Jest. Wallace committed suicide in 2008, but has a devoted following of readers and fans. In his essay, Varnon describes how he came to read Wallace’s novel Infinite Jest through his interest in tennis. The novel is partially set at the fictional Enfield Tennis Academy in Massachusetts. In the tennis community, Wallace is also known for his essay on tennis icon Roger Federer, “Both Flesh and Not,” and is widely credited with the appellation for tennis as “chess on the run.” In his essay, Varnon engages Wallace’s writing style – complete with end notes – and explores the idea of how the activity of reading and writing is, in fact, like playing tennis.

Writer and teacher Andrew Varnon lives in Greenfield with his wife and family. He is the boys tennis coach at Greenfield High School and an active recreational tennis player. He is also a journalist and an award-winning poet. “The Other Side of the Net” was originally published online at The Smart Set (www.thesmartset.com/the-other-side-of-the-net/) and was republished locally in Meat for Tea. Varnon presented a portion of his essay to the David Foster Wallace Conference in Normal, Illinois, this June.

Nov
6
Wed
Comics and Chronic Illness with Grace Desmarais
Nov 6 @ 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm

Author and artist Grace Desmarais is back! Grace will give background on her medical experience and then discuss her comic Spoons: a dairy on chronic illness, Tubes: diaries from the hospital and her up-coming book Healing Year. She will then hold a Q&A. At the end, attendees will have an opportunity to buy her mini comics and have them signed.

Artist Bio: 
Grace Desmarais is a French-Canadian illustrator and cartoonist. She currently lives in Eastern Massachusetts and spends most of her time drawing.

Grace Desmarais primarily self-publishes auto-bio comic while also being involved in a variety of anthologies. Most of Grace’s work is rooted in subjects like art history, dis/ability and personal experience. Her long-term goal is to be a published author/illustrator with a committed comics publisher.

When Grace isn’t drawing she can be found playing Dungeons and Dragons or enjoying a craft beer.
Nov
20
Wed
Curly Soap Making!
Nov 20 @ 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Curly Rainbow Soap!! A 60 minute workshop. Each participant will make their own fun and quirky swirl soap using a glycerin based soap, colorful soap curls, cosmetic glitter and a variety of scents. We will discuss the process of making cold process soap, blending of essential oils and the role of exfoliants in soap making. There is no lye exposure since does not involve traditional soap making techniques. Ages 12+
Dec
11
Wed
ZENTANGLES-Relax and instill a sense of Calm for yourself! Teen Workshop
Dec 11 @ 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm

This form of art is one that can be practiced successfully be everyone, for even if you think you have no drawing skills. It is a method of creating artwork by drawing simple tangles, or patterns, one line at a time. Zentangle isn’t just about drawing. It focuses on the mind, relaxes the body, and builds confidence. Just go slowly and relax. We will supply the materials and you come ready to create. Snacks will be available. Ages 11+

 

Jan
18
Sat
Sumo Bots for TEENS!
Jan 18 @ 11:00 am – 1:00 pm

Show your Skills in the Ring!

Students learn to create a vehicle that can compete in a SumoBot tournament. Each robot attempts to push the others out of the ring while avoiding falling out. In addition to the coding, students have an engineering challenge to create attachments that can increase the defensive or offensive capabilities of their SumoBot. This workshop develops teamwork and cooperation as well as friendly competition during the tournament! Ages 12+

Feb
12
Wed
Writing Personal Essays inspired by FOOD & MEMORY!! Teen Workshop
Feb 12 @ 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm

Meet Lori Pelliccia! Lori will lead this workshop to get you started, she comes with great experience with both writing and food! Perfect for those interested with little, some, or a lot of writing experience. Fun and of course with FOOD! Ages 12+ LSTA grant sponsored

Feb
18
Tue
Food for Fines!
Feb 18 – Mar 14 all-day
Food for Fines!

We’ll be collecting non-perishable, not expired food items from Tues, Feb 18th through Sat, Mar 14th to benefit the Easthampton Community Center. Each item donated earns $2 off of overdue fines. If there is no expiration date, we cannot accept the item. We cannot clear items that are marked as “Lost”. We can only clear current overdue fines. No credit can be given for future fines.