The Library

Saturday, May 14, 2022

• Simple Steps for Starting Your Business
  Schweitzer Brentwood Branch Library community room
  8 a.m.-5 p.m. for adults.
  Southwest Missouri SCORE's Simple Steps for Starting Your Business workshop will help you avoid costly mistakes and simplify the startup process. This five-part series is being offered as a one-day workshop with lunch provided by SCORE. Session 1: Startup Basics - This introductory workshop focuses on the basics of testing your business idea and identifying the key factors that influence start up success, and provides you with an overview of the skills and tools you need when deciding to start a business. Learn about the advantages and disadvantages of owning a business, the most profitable form for your business and the fundamentals of formation, organization, marketing, cash flow and funding sources. Session 2: Business Concept - Get step-by-step guidance in researching your idea, your market and your competition. Learn to identify your target markets, describe your products and services and collect key competitive information to support your feasibility plan. Session 3: Marketing Plan - This session will introduce you to marketing communication methods and tools to maximize your customer reach. Topics include pricing strategies, positioning and features and benefits of differing marketing strategies. Learn to outline your marketing strategy, test your marketing message, choose the right sales channel and exercise your marketing strategy. Session 4: Financial Projections - This session includes hands-on exercises to help you better understand financial concepts, how to use the SCORE financial model to forecast sales revenue and build solid pro-forma financial forecasts. Topics include sales and prices, financial risks and rewards, true start-up costs, ongoing operating expenses, setting benchmarks for tracking progress and organizing your financial information. Session 5: Funding Sources - Learn how to finance your small business with information on funding sources, accounting, the six Cs of credit, banking relations, ratio analysis and monthly preparing and review of financial statements. A bank loan officer will give an inside view of how a banker assesses the merit of business plans and loan applications.
  Registration starts April 16; call 417-883-1974.
  Go to program page
• CANCELED - Making an MPACT
  The Library Center Harrison Room
  10 a.m. for adults.
  The May 14 session is canceled. This series of classes targets topics of interest to families of children with special needs. They provide parents and caregivers with knowledge and tools to advocate for their children or loved ones. Presented in partnership with MPACT.
  Canceled: Bullying Prevention: What Parents Can Do. Learn about the dynamics of bullying and steps to intervene in bullying behavior.
  Registration starts April 30; call 417-883-5341.
• Never Too Old for YA
  Willard Branch Library community room
  10:30 a.m. for adults.
  If you like to read young adult and teen literature, join the Never Too Old book group for monthly discussions on forgotten favorites and newly-released titles.
  "Within These Wicked Walls" by Lauren Blackwood.
• Seeding a Healthy Life
  Midtown Carnegie Branch Library upstairs meeting room
  1 p.m.-3 p.m. for adults.
  Healthy eating and gardening go hand-in-hand. Foods that are good for us taste even better when we grow them ourselves. And gardening provides great opportunities to get outside and move! Plant the seed for healthy food and lifestyle choices with this series of programs presented by Sherri Hull, nutrition educator with the Greene County MU Extension Office. Fresh produce samples at these programs provided by Springfield Community Gardens. Provided in partnership with the Springfield-Greene County Library District’s Heirloom Seed Library, the Greene County MU Extension Office and Springfield Community Gardens. This project is supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act as administered by the Missouri State Library, a division of the Office of the Secretary of State.
  Preparing to Plant: Seeds provide nutrients for both plants and people. Examine different kinds of seeds and learn about the benefits of the parts of plants we do eat – our fruits and vegetables.
  Registration starts April 30; call 417-862-0135.

Monday, May 16, 2022

• "Coming to America" Reading Groups for Public Libraries
  The Library Center auditorium
  7 p.m.-9 p.m. for adults.
  "Coming to America" helps readers think about immigrants' experiences encountering America. Featuring Yiddish literature in translation, this discussion explores questions of identity, assimilation and generational change. Funded by a grant from the Yiddish Book Center.
  "American Like Me: Reflections on Life Between Cultures" edited by America Ferrera with E. Cayce Dumont; led by Rebekah L. Thomas, director of the International Institute of Southwest Missouri.

Tuesday, May 17, 2022

• Racing to Read Storytime
  The Library Station Story Hour Room
  10 a.m. for infants-age 6.
  Our interactive storytimes introduce young children to books, reading and language with stories, songs and activities. Parents learn fun ways to build the early literacy skills their children need to learn to read.
• Stories in the Park
  Offsite J.R. Martin Park, 300 E. Hines Street, Republic
  10 a.m. for infants-age 6.
  Join your favorite children's librarians for a weekly, outdoor storytime featuring stories, songs and activities. Meet at The Amp, we'll move to the pavilion in case of rain. Provided in partnership with the Republic Parks & Rec Department.
• Racing to Read Storytime
  For infants-age 6.
  Our interactive storytimes introduce young children to books, reading and language with stories, songs and activities. Parents learn fun ways to build the early literacy skills their children need to learn to read.
  • 10 a.m. Strafford Branch Library community room
  • 10:30 a.m. Willard Branch Library community room
  • 11 a.m. The Library Station Story Hour Room
• Ash Grove Bibliophiles
  Ash Grove Branch Library community room
  1:30 p.m. for adults.
  "The Witch of Blackbird Pond" by Elizabeth George Speare.
• Build Your Business with Reference Solutions
  Offsite The efactory, 405 N. Jefferson Ave
  2 p.m.-4 p.m. for adults.
  Andra Roussel of Reference Solutions will provide an overview of Reference Solutions by Data Axle, the leading source for business and residential data in the United States, an online resource free to use with a Springfield-Greene County library card. Learn how Reference Solutions can help you gather data on millions of U.S. businesses and consumers and generate sales leads, marketing and mailing lists. A Library staff member will be on-hand for library card sign up, free to Greene County residents or owners of Greene County businesses.
  Registration starts April 15; call 417-837-2609.
• Racing to Read Pajama Storytime
  The Library Station Story Hour Room
  6:30 p.m. for infants-age 6.
  Our interactive storytimes introduce young children to books, reading and language with stories, songs and activities. Parents learn fun ways to build the early literacy skills their children need to learn to read.

Wednesday, May 18, 2022

• Racing to Read Storytime
  Schweitzer Brentwood Branch Library community room
  10 a.m. for infants-age 6.
  Our interactive storytimes introduce young children to books, reading and language with stories, songs and activities. Parents learn fun ways to build the early literacy skills their children need to learn to read.
  Registration starts February 21; call 417-616-0703.
• Exploring Genealogy
  The Library Center auditorium
  10 a.m. for adults.
  Sponsored by Ozarks Genealogical Society.
  Do You Think You Have an Ancestor Who Served in the Revolutionary War, War of 1812 or Civil War? OGS member Fran Black will present her methods for going beyond recording only names, dates and places to set your ancestor in the historical context of the military events that shaped our nation. It may even help you join a lineage society.
• Racing to Read Storytime
  For infants-age 6.
  Our interactive storytimes introduce young children to books, reading and language with stories, songs and activities. Parents learn fun ways to build the early literacy skills their children need to learn to read.
  • 10:30 a.m. Ash Grove Branch Library community room
  • 11 a.m. Fair Grove Branch Library community room
• Virtual Brown Bag Travelogue
  Virtual
  noon for adults.
  Sit back, relax and explore a new place from the comfort of your own home. A new video featuring a different adventure will be posted to the Library’s YouTube channel, youtube.com/SpringfieldGreene, on the third Wednesday of each month.
  Astrophotography Across the U.S. Library staff member Andrew Mann will share his travels throughout the U.S., from the Great Smoky Mountains to Yellowstone and areas in between, along with astrophotography he took along the way. Experience the night sky without having to stay up late. A "Discover Exoplanets" event.
  Go to program page

Thursday, May 19, 2022

• iPhone Class for Seniors - Registration is full for this event.
  Schweitzer Brentwood Branch Library community room
  10 a.m.-noon for older adults.
  If you’re an older adult who would like to get more out of your iPhone or iPad, join us for free classes taught by veteran instructor Julie Mahaffey. Attend one session or all four; seating is limited.
  Making/Receiving Text Messages, Using Voice Dictation.
  Registration starts April 7; call 417-883-1974.
• Astrophotography
  The Library Station Frisco Room
  7 p.m. for adults.
  Astrophotographer Dr. Richard Hammar shares tips on how to take pictures of the night sky using a cell phone or high tech equipment. He'll also talk about how he takes pictures remotely in New Mexico to reduce light pollution. A "Discover Exoplanets" event.

Friday, May 20, 2022

• Racing to Read Storytime
  The Library Station Story Hour Room
  For infants-age 6.
  Our interactive storytimes introduce young children to books, reading and language with stories, songs and activities. Parents learn fun ways to build the early literacy skills their children need to learn to read.
  • 10 a.m.
  • 11 a.m.
• Game Nights
  Strafford Branch Library
  4 p.m.-6 p.m. for grades 5-adults.
  Join us for a night of snacks and board games at the Library!
• "My Garden of a Thousand Bees"
  The Library Station Frisco Room
  6 p.m. for adults.
  Immerse yourself in the world of bees with a screening of this bee-utiful and surprising story, rated TV-G. Martin Dohrn, veteran wildlife cameraman and bee enthusiast, embarked on a challenge during the COVID-19 lockdown of 2020, filming all the bees he could find in his tiny urban garden in Bristol, England. By the end of the summer, he became bee obsessed and developed relationships with them. #PlantWildflowers

Saturday, May 21, 2022

• Racing to Read Storytime
  Park Central Branch Library
  10:30 a.m. for ages 3-6.
  Our interactive storytimes introduce young children to books, reading and language with stories, songs and activities. Parents learn fun ways to build the early literacy skills their children need to learn to read.
• Plant Swap
  Midtown Carnegie Branch Library upstairs meeting room
  2 p.m. for adults.
  Grow your jungle! Bring one or more of your own houseplants, succulents, cactus plants, cuttings or garden seedlings to swap with your neighbors. Bring small containers or jars to carry your new plant pups home.
• Space Fest
  The Library Station Frisco & Santa Fe Rooms
  2 p.m.-4 p.m. for families with children age 3 and older.
  Drop in for games, crafts, experiments, virtual reality and other activities designed to help you learn more about our universe! A "Discover Exoplanets" event.
• Spring Geezerfest
  The Library Center patio
  6:30 p.m.-9 p.m. for adults.
  Geezer is back and ready to rock with your favorite tunes from the 60s, 70s, 80s and 90s. Bring the whole family for a night of singing and dancing unlike any other! Geezer members are: Richard Struckhoff, Mark Ellman, Mark Pasquale, Jana Henderson, Rusty Swift, Duane Lewis and David Sharon. Concert will be canceled in the event of rain. Sponsored by Friends of the Library.

Sunday, May 22, 2022

• Escape Room: Conductor's Office
  The Library Station Frisco Room
  10 a.m.-4 p.m. for adults.
  The conductor has locked you in his office for a crime you didn't commit! The clock is ticking and if you don't escape quickly you'll miss your train home. Register for a time slot with a group of six or less.  
  Registration starts May 8; call 417-865-1340.
• Money Matters
  Schweitzer Brentwood Branch Library community room
  1 p.m.-3 p.m. for adults.
  Build your financial fitness during this series of workshops with Northwestern Mutual Financial Representative Celestine Copeland. She will begin each session with the basics of personal finance and will discuss the topic after a short break. Refreshments provided.
  Smart Strategies for Managing Debt. Take control of your debt by identifying the types of debt and developing strategies for budgeting and goal setting.
  Registration starts May 8; call 417-883-1974.

Tuesday, May 24, 2022

• Racing to Read Storytime
  The Library Station Story Hour Room
  10 a.m. for infants-age 6.
  Our interactive storytimes introduce young children to books, reading and language with stories, songs and activities. Parents learn fun ways to build the early literacy skills their children need to learn to read.
• Stories in the Park
  Offsite J.R. Martin Park, 300 E. Hines Street, Republic
  10 a.m. for infants-age 6.
  Join your favorite children's librarians for a weekly, outdoor storytime featuring stories, songs and activities. Meet at The Amp, we'll move to the pavilion in case of rain. Provided in partnership with the Republic Parks & Rec Department.
• Racing to Read Storytime
  For infants-age 6.
  Our interactive storytimes introduce young children to books, reading and language with stories, songs and activities. Parents learn fun ways to build the early literacy skills their children need to learn to read.
  • 10 a.m. Strafford Branch Library community room
  • 10:30 a.m. Willard Branch Library community room
  • 11 a.m. The Library Station Story Hour Room
• Racing to Read Pajama Storytime
  The Library Station Story Hour Room
  6:30 p.m. for infants-age 6.
  Our interactive storytimes introduce young children to books, reading and language with stories, songs and activities. Parents learn fun ways to build the early literacy skills their children need to learn to read.
• "Coming to America" Reading Groups for Public Libraries
  The Library Center auditorium
  7 p.m.-9 p.m. for adults.
  "Coming to America" helps readers think about immigrants' experiences encountering America. Featuring Yiddish literature in translation, this discussion explores questions of identity, assimilation and generational change. Funded by a grant from the Yiddish Book Center.
  "Enemies, A Love Story" by Isaac Bashevis Singer; led by Nora Cox, Missouri State University Communication Department senior instructor.

Wednesday, May 25, 2022

• Racing to Read Storytime
  For infants-age 6.
  Our interactive storytimes introduce young children to books, reading and language with stories, songs and activities. Parents learn fun ways to build the early literacy skills their children need to learn to read.
  • 10 a.m. Schweitzer Brentwood Branch Library community room
    Registration starts February 21; call 417-616-0703.
  • 10:30 a.m. Ash Grove Branch Library community room
  • 11 a.m. Fair Grove Branch Library community room

Thursday, May 26, 2022

• iPhone Class for Seniors - Registration is full for this event.
  Schweitzer Brentwood Branch Library community room
  10 a.m.-noon for older adults.
  If you’re an older adult who would like to get more out of your iPhone or iPad, join us for free classes taught by veteran instructor Julie Mahaffey. Attend one session or all four; seating is limited.
  Calendar and Other Useful Apps.
  Registration starts April 7; call 417-883-1974.
• Racing to Read Storytime
  Midtown Carnegie Branch Library Children's Department
  10:30 a.m. for infants-age 6.
  Our interactive storytimes introduce young children to books, reading and language with stories, songs and activities. Parents learn fun ways to build the early literacy skills their children need to learn to read.
• Afternoon Book Discussion
  The Library Station Santa Fe Room
  1:30 p.m. for adults.
  "This Tender Land" by William Kent Krueger.

Friday, May 27, 2022

• Racing to Read Storytime
  The Library Station Story Hour Room
  For infants-age 6.
  Our interactive storytimes introduce young children to books, reading and language with stories, songs and activities. Parents learn fun ways to build the early literacy skills their children need to learn to read.
  • 10 a.m.
  • 11 a.m.
• Teen Anime Night
  The Library Station Frisco Room
  6 p.m.-7:30 p.m. for age 14-grade 12.
  Munch on popcorn while watching some of our favorite anime, rated TV-14 or under, on Crunchyroll! Popcorn provided.

Saturday, May 28, 2022

• Introduction to Laser Engraving: Wooden Bookmarks
  Midtown Carnegie Branch Library Maker Space
  2 p.m. for adults.
  Library staff will teach you how to design a personalized, wooden bookmark using the Glowforge Laser Engraver. Materials will be provided.
  Registration starts May 14; call 417-862-0135.

Tuesday, May 31, 2022

• Racing to Read Storytime
  The Library Station Story Hour Room
  10 a.m. for infants-age 6.
  Our interactive storytimes introduce young children to books, reading and language with stories, songs and activities. Parents learn fun ways to build the early literacy skills their children need to learn to read.
• Stories in the Park
  Offsite J.R. Martin Park, 300 E. Hines Street, Republic
  10 a.m. for infants-age 6.
  Join your favorite children's librarians for a weekly, outdoor storytime featuring stories, songs and activities. Meet at The Amp, we'll move to the pavilion in case of rain. Provided in partnership with the Republic Parks & Rec Department.
• Racing to Read Storytime
  For infants-age 6.
  Our interactive storytimes introduce young children to books, reading and language with stories, songs and activities. Parents learn fun ways to build the early literacy skills their children need to learn to read.
  • 10 a.m. Strafford Branch Library community room
  • 10:30 a.m. Willard Branch Library community room
  • 11 a.m. The Library Station Story Hour Room
• Racing to Read Pajama Storytime
  The Library Station Story Hour Room
  6:30 p.m. for infants-age 6.
  Our interactive storytimes introduce young children to books, reading and language with stories, songs and activities. Parents learn fun ways to build the early literacy skills their children need to learn to read.