Calendar

Can an author tell a complete story in just 100 words? John Sheirer answers that question as he reads from and discusses his new book, For Now: One Hundred 100-Word Stories. These stories combine humor, depth, meaning, love, loss, and connection–all in exactly 100 words each. Copies of the book will be available for purchase.

“Here, in these finely wrought tales, is a universal current of humanity that connects us all.” – Robert Scotellaro, author of Ways to Read the World. “Unsettling in their precise focus, Sheirer’s brief and crystalline works sharpen the reader’s awareness of the irrevocable. – Gina Barreca, author of They Used to Call Me Snow White, but I Drifted. “With so many big stories in such compact spaces, John Sheirer will titillate and delight you.” – Joshua Michael Stewart, author of Love Something.

Author Bio: John Sheirer lives in Western Massachusetts and is in his 31st year of teaching at Asnuntuck Community College in Northern Connecticut. He writes a monthly column for The Daily Hampshire Gazette. His most recent books are For Now: One Hundred 100-Word Stories and Stumbling Through Adulthood: Linked Stories. Find him at JohnSheirer.com.

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.

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.

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.

Join us for this special event, which is part of, and made possible by, the Mass Kids Lit Fest !

Christina Uss, author of A Girl Called Bicycle and many other “odd books with guaranteed happy endings” will be leading a workshop about how to fix a flat tire while talking about her own 4,000-mile bicycle trip across the United States! Recommended for school aged children; registration encouraged. Sign up here in person or by calling us at 413-527-1031 or emailing us at youthdept@ewmlibrary.org

Come join Emily this summer for weekly family book celebrations. Each week will focus on a different book for us to enjoy together. These gatherings will include an interactive storytime geared for elementary students and their families and then a celebratory project prompted by what we’ve shared. Attend one week or all five! Registration is encouraged; sign up at the library in person or by calling us at 413-527-1031 or emailing us at youthdept@ewmlibrary.org

Come join Emily this summer for weekly family book celebrations. Each week will focus on a different book for us to enjoy together. These gatherings will include an interactive storytime geared for elementary students and their families and then a celebratory project prompted by what we’ve shared. Attend one week or all five! Registration is encouraged; sign up at the library in person or by calling us at 413-527-1031 or emailing us at youthdept@ewmlibrary.org

Jarrett J. Krosoczka, the acclaimed and amazing creator of the Lunch Lady series, Peanut Butter and Jellyfish, Hey Kiddo, and so much more, is coming to visit our library this summer! He’ll give a presentation on how he became a graphic novelist, how he writes books, and then will answer questions from the audience while he draws! Registration is encouraged.

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