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All Library branches will be closed and the Mobile Library will not make its scheduled stops on Monday, Feb. 16, for Presidents’ Day.
One Read
Events
Past Titles
Join the 2026 One Read
"The Briar Club" By Kate Quinn
Kate Quinn is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of historical fiction. A lifelong lover of history, she hopes through her books to show the life, laughter and humanity that run through our common past.
Washington, D.C., 1950. At Briarwood House, a run-down all-female boardinghouse hidden behind neat white fences, residents keep to themselves and guard their secrets. That changes when Grace March, a beautiful and mysterious widow, moves into the attic and draws her eccentric neighbors into unexpected friendship.
Among them are Fliss, a polished Englishwoman hiding deep personal wounds; Nora, a police officer’s daughter involved with a dangerous gangster; Bea, a former baseball star whose career ended with the women’s baseball league of World War II; and Arlene, sharp-edged and fiercely devoted to McCarthy’s Red Scare.
Grace’s weekly attic dinners and pitchers of sun-brewed tea offer comfort and connection, but she conceals a devastating secret. When a shocking act of violence fractures the house, the women must decide who the real enemy is among them.
"The Briar Club": A Conversation with Kate Quinn
Thursday, April 23, 7-9 p.m. in the Library Center Hatch Auditorium
Books will be available for purchase and signing.
Haunting, powerful and richly layered, Kate Quinn's "The Briar Club" follows a group of women navigating friendships and secrets in a Washington, D.C., boardinghouse during the McCarthy era.
Written through the stories of the women's unexpected bonds and their weathered home, "The Briar Club" weaves a gripping tale of hidden truths, loyalty and the pressures of society. Come together in this annual community read event to hear the author discuss her acclaimed novel — a story of discovery, the power of human resilience and the beauty of community.
Register for event
"The Briar Club": A Conversation with Kate Quinn
Thursday, April 23, 7-9 p.m. in the Library Center Hatch Auditorium
Books will be available for purchase and signing.
Haunting, powerful and richly layered, Kate Quinn's "The Briar Club" follows a group of women navigating friendships and secrets in a Washington, D.C., boardinghouse during the McCarthy era.
Written through the stories of the women's unexpected bonds and their weathered home, "The Briar Club" weaves a gripping tale of hidden truths, loyalty and the pressures of society. Come together in this annual community read event to hear the author discuss her acclaimed novel — a story of discovery, the power of human resilience and the beauty of community.
Register for event
Book Discussions for "The Briar Club" by Kate Quinn
● Thursday, March 12, 2 p.m. in the Republic Branch Library Oak Room
● Friday, March 13, 10 a.m. for ages 55 and older at the Northview Center, 305 E. Talmage St.
● Thursday, March 19, 4 p.m. at the Strafford Branch Library
● Wednesday, April 8, 1 p.m. at the Fair Grove Branch Library
● Wednesday, April 8, 1-2:30 p.m. in the Library Center meeting room B
● Thursday, April 9, 6-7:30 p.m. at the Creamery Arts Center, 411 N. Sherman Parkway
● Thursday, April 23, 1:30 p.m. in the Midtown Carnegie Branch Library Conference Room
Event page
Women of Abstract Expressionism: Art & Technique Workshop
Monday, March 30, 1-3 p.m.
For ages 12 and older at the Strafford Branch Library.
Explore the New American Painting movement referenced in "The Briar Club" and the women artists who helped shape its techniques. Then create your own piece inspired by their work using a Creativebug tutorial on the abstract expressionist process. Materials will be provided.
Register for event
First Friday Art Walk
Friday, April 3, 6:30-9 p.m.
Park Central Branch Library
Join us for First Friday Art Walk and the opening of a new exhibit. View "Between the Lines: 'The Briar Club,'" featuring works of art by submissions from the public. Artist reception and award ceremony at 7:30 p.m.
Event page
Vintage Recipes: Author Talk and a Recipe Swap
Saturday, April 4, 2-3:30 p.m.
Schweitzer Brentwood Branch Library
Ozarks Alive’s Kaitlyn McConnell will discuss creating "The Ozarks Pie Project Diary" cookbook. Bring a copy of a favorite family recipe to swap with other attendees after the presentation. Need help copying your recipes? Stop by the branch’s Adult Services desk beforehand. Books will be available for purchase and signing.
Event page
1950s Trivia
Saturday, April 11, 2-4 p.m. at the Schweitzer Brentwood Branch Library. Could you travel back to the 1950s and stay under the radar? Teams of 4–6 will compete in five rounds of trivia to test their knowledge of the decade. Prizes will be awarded for the winning team and best costume. Register a team or ask to be placed on one starting March 28; call 417-616-0706.
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Second Sunday Concert: A Celebration of ’50s Jazz
Sunday, April 12, 2-4:30 p.m.
Library Center Hatch Auditorium
Step into the rhythm of the 1950s with a lively double jazz performance. The Brueggemann Gouge Jazz Band, featuring vocalist Laura French, kicks off the afternoon, followed by the Springfield Community Jazz Ensemble, directed by Bob Holden, each performing arrangements inspired by the era. Light refreshments available during intermission.
Event page
"A League of Their Own" at the Moxie
Sunday, April 12, 7-9 p.m.
Moxie Cinema, 305 S. Campbell Ave. #101
During World War II, sisters Dottie and Kit join the first professional women’s baseball league, facing challenges on and off the field as they navigate rivalry, ambition and teamwork. "A League of Their Own," rated PG, captures their journey as they push for success while discovering the strength of camaraderie and perseverance in a male-dominated world. Admission is free, courtesy of the Friends of the Library.
Event page
’50s Fashion: A Look Back
Thursday, April 16, 6:30-8 p.m.
Library Center Annie Busch Auditorium
Step back into the style and culture of the 1950s by exploring a collection of department store ads and vintage News-Leader photos. Katy Jessee, an instructor in merchandising and fashion design at Missouri State University, will discuss the history and trends of 50s fashion. Cap off the evening with a show-and-tell of your 50s treasures; if you have something you'd like to share, email vickieh@thelibrary.org.
Event page
Swedish Meatballs: Cooking Demonstration
Saturday, April 18, 1-3 p.m.
Midtown Carnegie Branch Library upstairs meeting room
Learn to make Pete’s Swedish meatballs from "The Briar Club" by Kate Quinn as staff demonstrate the recipe and you enjoy samples. Vegan options will be available. Registration starts April 3.
Please be advised that food prepared here may contain these ingredients: milk, eggs, wheat, soybean, peanuts, tree nuts, fish, shellfish and sesame. Please notify staff if you have a food allergy.
Register for event
Dance With Me Into the 1950s
Sunday, April 19, 3-6 p.m
Savoy Ballroom, 224 E. Commercial St.
Feeling the urge to boogie to 1950s jazz? Step into a dance lesson from the dance hall era with professional instructors from Dance With Me studio, who will guide you through the iconic moves from that time. Afterward, enjoy an open dance hall while a DJ spins songs featured in "The Briar Club." All skill levels are welcome to dance, connect and enjoy the lively spirit of the 1950s. Registration starts April 3.
Register for event
Book Discussions for "The Briar Club" by Kate Quinn
● Thursday, March 12, 2 p.m. in the Republic Branch Library Oak Room
● Friday, March 13, 10 a.m. for ages 55 and older at the Northview Center, 305 E. Talmage St.
● Thursday, March 19, 4 p.m. at the Strafford Branch Library
● Wednesday, April 8, 1 p.m. at the Fair Grove Branch Library
● Wednesday, April 8, 1-2:30 p.m. in the Library Center meeting room B
● Thursday, April 9, 6-7:30 p.m. at the Creamery Arts Center, 411 N. Sherman Parkway
● Thursday, April 23, 1:30 p.m. in the Midtown Carnegie Branch Library Conference Room
Event page
Women of Abstract Expressionism: Art & Technique Workshop
Monday, March 30, 1-3 p.m.
For ages 12 and older at the Strafford Branch Library.
Explore the New American Painting movement referenced in "The Briar Club" and the women artists who helped shape its techniques. Then create your own piece inspired by their work using a Creativebug tutorial on the abstract expressionist process. Materials will be provided.
Register for event
First Friday Art Walk
Friday, April 3, 6:30-9 p.m.
Park Central Branch Library
Join us for First Friday Art Walk and the opening of a new exhibit. View "Between the Lines: 'The Briar Club,'" featuring works of art by submissions from the public. Artist reception and award ceremony at 7:30 p.m.
Event page
Vintage Recipes: Author Talk and a Recipe Swap
Saturday, April 4, 2-3:30 p.m.
Schweitzer Brentwood Branch Library
Ozarks Alive’s Kaitlyn McConnell will discuss creating "The Ozarks Pie Project Diary" cookbook. Bring a copy of a favorite family recipe to swap with other attendees after the presentation. Need help copying your recipes? Stop by the branch’s Adult Services desk beforehand. Books will be available for purchase and signing.
Event page
1950s Trivia
Saturday, April 11, 2-4 p.m. at the Schweitzer Brentwood Branch Library. Could you travel back to the 1950s and stay under the radar? Teams of 4–6 will compete in five rounds of trivia to test their knowledge of the decade. Prizes will be awarded for the winning team and best costume. Register a team or ask to be placed on one starting March 28; call 417-616-0706.
{Link}
Second Sunday Concert: A Celebration of ’50s Jazz
Sunday, April 12, 2-4:30 p.m.
Library Center Hatch Auditorium
Step into the rhythm of the 1950s with a lively double jazz performance. The Brueggemann Gouge Jazz Band, featuring vocalist Laura French, kicks off the afternoon, followed by the Springfield Community Jazz Ensemble, directed by Bob Holden, each performing arrangements inspired by the era. Light refreshments available during intermission.
Event page
"A League of Their Own" at the Moxie
Sunday, April 12, 7-9 p.m.
Moxie Cinema, 305 S. Campbell Ave. #101
During World War II, sisters Dottie and Kit join the first professional women’s baseball league, facing challenges on and off the field as they navigate rivalry, ambition and teamwork. "A League of Their Own," rated PG, captures their journey as they push for success while discovering the strength of camaraderie and perseverance in a male-dominated world. Admission is free, courtesy of the Friends of the Library.
Event page
’50s Fashion: A Look Back
Thursday, April 16, 6:30-8 p.m.
Library Center Annie Busch Auditorium
Step back into the style and culture of the 1950s by exploring a collection of department store ads and vintage News-Leader photos. Katy Jessee, an instructor in merchandising and fashion design at Missouri State University, will discuss the history and trends of 50s fashion. Cap off the evening with a show-and-tell of your 50s treasures; if you have something you'd like to share, email vickieh@thelibrary.org.
Event page
Swedish Meatballs: Cooking Demonstration
Saturday, April 18, 1-3 p.m.
Midtown Carnegie Branch Library upstairs meeting room
Learn to make Pete’s Swedish meatballs from "The Briar Club" by Kate Quinn as staff demonstrate the recipe and you enjoy samples. Vegan options will be available. Registration starts April 3.
Please be advised that food prepared here may contain these ingredients: milk, eggs, wheat, soybean, peanuts, tree nuts, fish, shellfish and sesame. Please notify staff if you have a food allergy.
Register for event
Dance With Me Into the 1950s
Sunday, April 19, 3-6 p.m
Savoy Ballroom, 224 E. Commercial St.
Feeling the urge to boogie to 1950s jazz? Step into a dance lesson from the dance hall era with professional instructors from Dance With Me studio, who will guide you through the iconic moves from that time. Afterward, enjoy an open dance hall while a DJ spins songs featured in "The Briar Club." All skill levels are welcome to dance, connect and enjoy the lively spirit of the 1950s. Registration starts April 3.
Register for event