The Library

Tuesday, December 7, 2021

• 3 for 3 on Facebook: Holiday Gift Edition
  Virtual
  7 p.m. for adults
  Books make the best gifts! Need some help shopping for that picky reader or a kid who has read everything? Hop on our Facebook page, facebook.com/thelibrary.org, during this hour to tell us three books or authors the gift recipient has read or enjoys and we'll give you three suggestions of books that would make great gifts.
  Go to program page
• Profit and Punishment: An Evening with Authors Tony Messenger and Nancy Allen
  Schweitzer Brentwood community room
  7 p.m. for adults
  Pulitzer Prize-winning reporter and author Tony Messenger sits down for a conversation with author Nancy Allen about debtors' prisons – the underlying theme in each of their latest books. The authors will discuss how minor crimes often result in monumental financial catastrophes for some of America's poorest citizens and perpetuate the cycle of poverty. Books by both authors will be available for purchase and for signing.

Wednesday, December 8, 2021

• Book Discussion
  The Library Center meeting room B
  1 p.m.-2:30 p.m. for adults
  
  "The Personal Librarian" by Marie Benedict.

Tuesday, December 14, 2021

• Mystery Book Club
  Midtown Carnegie upstairs meeting room
  1:30 p.m. for adults
  Join us to discuss all manner of mystery from classic to current, cozy to thriller, series and standalone.
  "Hercule Poirot's Christmas" by Agatha Christie.
• Flying Needles
  Ash Grove community room
  1:30 p.m. for adults
  Bring your knitting and crochet projects and join other fiber artists on the second Tuesday of every month. Work on your current projects, share patterns and ideas, and check out our knitting and crochet resources. All levels of experience are welcome.
• SCORE Tuesdays @Two: Beyond the Buzzwords - Advancing Diversity to Benefit Your Business
  Virtual
  2 p.m. for adults
  The latest census data shows that the city of Springfield and its workforce are growing more diverse. Leveraging diversity in the workplace can have a positive impact on your business' bottom line. Join Taj Suleyman, the City of Springfield's Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, to learn how to move beyond good intentions and start making actionable plans towards advancing diversity in your business or organization. Presented in partnership with Southwest Missouri SCORE and the City of Springfield. Register by clicking below; a link to the virtual event will be shared with registered participants. Registration starts November 30.
  Go to program page
• The Ozarkers
  The Library Center auditorium
  6 p.m. for adults
  Between the First and Second World Wars, the nation accepted the Ozarks as a remote region populated by a backwoods people resistant to change, missing the complexity of the area beneath the mythology built around it. Discussing the conclusion to his acclaimed trilogy, "The History of the Ozarks, Volume 3: The Ozarkers," Dr. Brooks Blevins will discuss how the story of the Ozarks is a quintessentially American story more consistent with the mainstream than is sometimes depicted, and explain how Ozarkers were affected by poverty and geographic barriers, painting a more accurate picture of the region that exists where myth and reality meet. Books will be available for sale and signing. Call 417-882-0714.

Wednesday, December 15, 2021

• Exploring Genealogy
  The Library Center auditorium
  10 a.m. for adults
  Sponsored by Ozarks Genealogical Society.
  Tracking Territorial Families through Missouri Repositories. As 2021, the bicentennial of Missouri's statehood, comes to a close, Patti Hobbs, Certified Genealogist®, shares the story of three families who came to Missouri during its territorial days as told through their records. These records highlight the rich resources of our Missouri repositories.
• 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.
  Ireland. During the summer of 2019, Library Assistant Samantha Monk spent a month in Galway for a study abroad program. She'll recall what life was like in the harbor city and share her visits to other places of interest in Ireland, including the Cliffs of Moher and Trinity College.

Thursday, December 16, 2021

• Afternoon Book Discussion
  The Library Station Santa Fe Room
  1:30 p.m. for adults
  
  "The Glass Hotel" by Emily St. John Mandel.

Tuesday, December 21, 2021

• Ash Grove Bibliophiles
  Ash Grove community room
  1:30 p.m. for adults
  
  "Educated" by Tara Westover.

Monday, January 3, 2022

• Exploring Genealogy
  The Library Center auditorium
  7 p.m. for adults
  Sponsored by Ozarks Genealogical Society.
  Don’t Lose Your Data! OGS member John Carter will discuss methods to back up our data, both locally and "in the cloud." He'll also talk about syncing files to more than one computer.

Tuesday, January 4, 2022

• Dream Intentions for the New Year
  Schweitzer Brentwood community room
  6:30 p.m. for adults
  Create an art journal page to help set dream intentions for the new year. Artist and author Nicole Chilton will lead you through this easy and empowering activity; materials provided. Nicole's book, "How Dreams Speak," will be available for purchase and signing. Registration starts December 21; call 417-883-1974.

Friday, January 7, 2022

• First Friday Art Walk
  Park Central
  6:30 p.m.-9 p.m. for adults
  Join us for First Friday Art Walk, including the opening of a new exhibit.
  On display: A Journey of Awakening: Artwork by Dawna Middleton.

Saturday, January 8, 2022

• Fix-It Fair
  Midtown Carnegie upstairs meeting room
  noon-4 p.m. for adults
  Did you resolve to save money this year? What about shopping less or reducing waste? Start the New Year off right by giving your worn or broken items a new lease on life. You'll reduce waste while learning a valuable repair skill! Volunteer experts will help you repair your fixable items. Bikes OK; no over-sized, gas-powered items or safety hazards. For other guidelines call 417-862-0135. Presented with Community Partnership of the Ozarks.
• FilmStubs
  Virtual
  2 p.m. for adults
  Both novice and seasoned cinephiles are welcome to join our virtual discussion of the monthly cult-classic film selection. Films are available to watch for free with your library card on Hoopla at thelibrary.org/digital, or find a DVD copy at thelibrary.org/catalog. Register by clicking below; a link to the virtual event will be shared with registered participants.
  "Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale," rated R. Registrations accepted December 26-January 8.
  Go to program page
• Marmaduke's Southwest Missouri Raid and the Battle of Springfield
  The Library Center auditorium
  2 p.m. for adults
  Library Local History Associate John Rutherford and retired Missouri State University Professor Bill Piston, co-authors of ""We Gave Them Thunder" Marmaduke's Raid and the Civil War in Missouri and Arkansas," will speak on the Battle of Springfield and Marmaduke's Raid. Books will be available for purchase and signing from 1-2 p.m. A Civil War Symposium event.

Sunday, January 9, 2022

• Greyhounds: The First Iowa Infantry and the Campaign and Battle of Wilson's Creek
  The Library Center auditorium
  2 p.m. for adults
  Wilson's Creek National Battlefield Curator Jeff Patrick examines the pivotal role of the 90-day regiment in Missouri in 1861 and the unit's postwar legacy in Iowa, based in part on his book about the Battle of Wilson's Creek. Copies of Jeff's book, "Campaign for Wilson's Creek: The Fight for Missouri Begins," will be available for purchase and signing after the event. A Civil War Symposium event.

Monday, January 10, 2022

• "Mark Well The Spot Where They Meet:" A History of Wilson's Creek National Battlefield
  7 p.m. for adults
  Local History Associate Michael Price will trace the development of Wilson's Creek National Battlefield. Learn how community leaders preserved this local landmark and see the changes that have taken place over the years. The program will take place virtually with a livestream provided in the Library Center for anyone who wishes to watch it there. Register for the virtual event by clicking below; a link will be shared with registered participants. A Civil War Symposium event.
  • Library Center auditorium
  • Virtual
    Registration starts December 27.
    Go to program page

Tuesday, January 11, 2022

• Mystery Book Club
  Midtown Carnegie upstairs meeting room
  1:30 p.m. for adults
  Join us to discuss all manner of mystery from classic to current, cozy to thriller, series and standalone.
  "The Sun Down Motel" by Simone St. James.
• Flying Needles
  Ash Grove community room
  1:30 p.m. for adults
  Bring your knitting and crochet projects and join other fiber artists on the second Tuesday of every month. Work on your current projects, share patterns and ideas, and check out our knitting and crochet resources. All levels of experience are welcome.
• Tuesdays @ Two: Mental Health for Business Owners - Why It's Important and What You Can Do
  Virtual
  2 p.m. for adults
  Lindsey Bell, Career Resources Specialist at the Missouri State University Career Center, will offer an overview of common mental health issues faced by business owners. Plus, learn realistic strategies for implementing work-life balance, coping with stress and anxiety and preventing burnout. Register by clicking below; a link to the virtual event will be shared with registered participants. Registration starts December 28; call 417-883-1974.
  Go to program page
• The Battle of Hartville and Marmaduke's Southwest Missouri Raid in American Memory
  The Library Center auditorium
  7 p.m. for adults
  Local History Associate John Rutherford and retired Missouri State University Professor Bill Piston will speak on the Battle of Hartville and Marmaduke's Raid. Copies of their book, ""We Gave Them Thunder" Marmaduke's Raid and the Civil War in Missouri and Arkansas," will be available for purchase and signing from 6-7 p.m. A Civil War Symposium event.

Wednesday, January 12, 2022

• Book Discussion
  The Library Center meeting room B
  1 p.m.-2:30 p.m. for adults
  
  "In a Sunburned Country" by Bill Bryson.

Tuesday, January 18, 2022

• Ash Grove Bibliophiles
  Ash Grove community room
  1:30 p.m. for adults
  
  "Miseducated" by Brandon P. Fleming.
• Creating a High Performance Business Operations Structure
  7 p.m. for adults
  The way a company is run internally can be the difference between success and failure. Is your customer experience consistent? Do your employees know what to do, when to do it and how? Could you sell your business at a price with which you would be happy? Businesses with a strong operations structure are more efficient, have greater customer satisfaction, are more profitable and command a higher value when it comes time to sell. In this workshop, David Jarkins, president and founder of Allus Business Solutions, will share the four basic components of business operations, why they are important and how building them in the proper order can enhance your company's performance. This event is offered in person and virtually; register at the link below for either option. A link to the virtual event will be shared with registered participants. Provided in partnership with Southwest Missouri SCORE.
  • Library Center meeting rooms A and B
    Registration starts January 4.
    Go to program page
  • Virtual
    Registration starts January 4.
    Go to program page

Wednesday, January 19, 2022

• Exploring Genealogy
  The Library Center auditorium
  10 a.m. for adults
  Sponsored by Ozarks Genealogical Society.
  Before 1850: Early American Research. The 1850 U.S. Federal Census was the first census to document everyone living within a household. Jacob Eubanks, assistant manager of the History & Genealogy Department at St. Louis County Library, will provide techniques for resolving who your ancestors were before the 1850 census.
• 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.
  9 European Countries in 10 Days. Midtown Reference Associate Hannah Northern and her husband Mitchell took a whirlwind trip through Europe in November 2019. Hear about their travels to the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany, Liechtenstein, Switzerland, France, Italy and Austria.

Thursday, January 20, 2022

• Keep Your Keys
  Schweitzer Brentwood community room
  10 a.m. for adults
  Amber Allen, field specialist in Human Development and Family Science with the University of Missouri Extension, will discuss how to stay medically and physically fit to drive, when and how to prepare for "driving retirement" and other tools and resources to help keep you safe on the road. Registration starts January 6; call 417-883-1974.

Tuesday, January 25, 2022

• Tuesdays @ Two: Start a Home Bakery and Turn Your Hobby into a Side Hustle
  Virtual
  2 p.m. for adults
  Do you love to bake in your spare time? Do your family and friends ask you to make treats for special events? Have you ever imagined that you could use that skill to create extra income from your own kitchen? In this fun and inspiring session with baking business coach Allyson Grant of the Better Baker Club, you’ll learn about the potential your baking craft has to create a reliable income stream. We'll cover the possibilities and limitations of a cottage foods business, and attendees will receive a link to download a digital workbook with the steps to get started selling baked goods from home, along with Allyson’s Ultimate List of Things to Sell guide, which will get your baking creativity flowing. Join Allyson in a question and answer session after the presentation and get personalized advice and ideas to get you started in this popular and trendy way to make extra money from home! Presented in partnership with Southwest Missouri SCORE and the City of Springfield. Register by clicking below; a link to the virtual event will be shared with registered participants. Registration starts January 11.
  Go to program page

Thursday, January 27, 2022

• Afternoon Book Discussion
  The Library Station Santa Fe Room
  1:30 p.m. for adults
  
  "The Splendid and the Vile: A Saga of Churchill, Family, and Defiance During the Blitz" by Erik Larson.

Thursday, February 3, 2022

• iPhone Class for Seniors
  Schweitzer Brentwood community room
  10 a.m.-noon for 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. This four-part series covers different topics at each session. Seating is limited; masks are required.
  Navigating Your iPhone, Setting Up Contacts. Registration starts November 16; call 417-883-1974.

Friday, February 4, 2022

• First Friday Art Walk
  Park Central
  6:30 p.m.-9 p.m. for adults
  Join us for First Friday Art Walk, including the opening of a new exhibit.
  On display: The Best Of SWMCC: Photography by members of Southwest Missouri Camera Club.

Saturday, February 5, 2022

• FilmStubs
  Virtual
  2 p.m. for adults
  Both novice and seasoned cinephiles are welcome to join our virtual discussion of the monthly cult-classic film selection. Films are available to watch for free with your library card on Hoopla at thelibrary.org/digital, or find a DVD copy at thelibrary.org/catalog. Register by clicking below; a link to the virtual event will be shared with registered participants.
  "Trollhunter," rated PG-13. Registrations accepted January 23-February 5.
  Go to program page

Sunday, February 6, 2022

• The Civil War in Music and Memory
  The Library Center auditorium
  2 p.m. for adults
  Missouri State University voices and musicians will perform Civil War-themed music, and MSU Professor James Baumlin will lead dramatic readings from the book "We Gave Them Thunder": Marmaduke's Raid and the Civil War in Missouri and Arkansas"" by John Rutherford and William Piston. Books will be available for purchase and signing from 1-2 p.m. A Civil War Symposium event.

Monday, February 7, 2022

• Exploring Genealogy
  The Library Center auditorium
  7 p.m. for adults
  Sponsored by Ozarks Genealogical Society.
  Unearthing Cemetery Records. OGS member Taylor Baldwin will talk about the various records available for cemeteries and the meanings of many common inscriptions and symbols.

Tuesday, February 8, 2022

• Mystery Book Club
  Midtown Carnegie upstairs meeting room
  1:30 p.m. for adults
  Join us to discuss all manner of mystery from classic to current, cozy to thriller, series and standalone.
  "The Thursday Murder Club" by Richard Osman.
• Flying Needles
  Ash Grove community room
  1:30 p.m. for adults
  Bring your knitting and crochet projects and join other fiber artists on the second Tuesday of every month. Work on your current projects, share patterns and ideas, and check out our knitting and crochet resources. All levels of experience are welcome.
• Tuesdays @ Two: From Zoom to the Boardroom to the Stage - Using Your Voice to Your Best Advantage
  Virtual
  2 p.m. for adults
  Whether we like it or not, we can be judged by our voices. Dr. Heather Nelson, vocologist and vocal teacher, offers a highly practical how-to for anyone who speaks in front of groups. Learn tips, tools and best practices for strengthening the vocal mechanism and using the voice in a healthy and efficient way. We'll talk about the differences between speaking on Zoom, in a board room and on a large stage, and how to adapt vocal technique to each situation. Dr. Nelson will take attendees through vocal exercises and offer suggestions on when and how to use them. Presented in partnership with Southwest Missouri SCORE and the City of Springfield. Register by clicking below; a link to the virtual event will be shared with registered participants. Registration starts January 25.
  Go to program page

Wednesday, February 9, 2022

• Book Discussion
  The Library Center meeting room B
  1 p.m.-2:30 p.m. for adults
  
  "Call Your Daughter Home" by Deb Spera.

Thursday, February 10, 2022

• iPhone Class for Seniors
  Schweitzer Brentwood community room
  10 a.m.-noon for 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. This four-part series covers different topics at each session. Seating is limited; masks are required.
  Making & Receiving Phone Calls, Using SIRI. Registration starts November 16; call 417-883-1974.
• "Ozarks Hillbilly: Stereotype and Reality"
  The Library Center auditorium
  7 p.m.-8:30 p.m. for adults
  Using personal stories, family histories and photos, authors Tom Koob and Curtis Copeland take a deep dive into the source of the term "hillbilly" and trace its development through the present. Books will be available for purchase and signing.

Saturday, February 12, 2022

• 3 for 3 on Facebook: Romance Edition
  Virtual
  2 p.m. for adults
  Curl up with a good book with our romance edition of 3 for 3. Hop on our Facebook page, facebook.com/thelibrary.org, during this hour to tell us three books or authors you have enjoyed, and we'll give you three suggestions of books you might like to read next that are sure to make you believe in happily ever after.
  Go to program page

Tuesday, February 15, 2022

• Ash Grove Bibliophiles
  Ash Grove community room
  1:30 p.m. for adults
  
  "Jesus Land" by Julia Scheeres.
• Credit Strategies for Small Business Owners
  7 p.m. for adults
  Mary Overbey, owner of Borealis Consulting, will provide information on simple strategies for building strong business credit, credit mistakes to avoid, how small business lenders view personal credit scores, funding options when you have low credit and more. Provided in partnership with Southwest Missouri SCORE. This event is offered in person and virtually; register at the link below for either option. A link to the virtual event will be shared with registered participants.
  • Library Center meeting rooms A and B
    Registration starts February 1.
    Go to program page
  • Virtual
    Registration starts February 1.
    Go to program page

Wednesday, February 16, 2022

• Exploring Genealogy
  The Library Center auditorium
  10 a.m. for adults
  Sponsored by Ozarks Genealogical Society.
  Patriot Paths: Tracking Tennessee’s Revolutionary War Veterans. Based on a GIS mapping project of the migration patterns of 2,500 Revolutionary War veterans, Tennessee State Librarian and Archivist Charles A. Sherrill, will show migration trends and paths to and through Tennessee when it served as the nation's crossroads. Participants will also learn about the settlement of Tennessee, the land grants North Carolina provided to its soldiers and case studies showing how the Patriot Paths information can be used to find new clues about Revolutionary War veterans and their families.
• 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.
  Italy. University of Missouri Extension County Engagement Specialist David Burton traveled to Italy as part of a team of six to establish partnerships for future exchanges of music and education between Springfield and Italy. The team visited Venice, Vasto, Bulleno, Moreno, Verona, Florence and Rome. Learn some history, see the art and hear about the people of Italy .

Thursday, February 17, 2022

• iPhone Class for Seniors
  Schweitzer Brentwood community room
  10 a.m.-noon for 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. This four-part series covers different topics at each session. Seating is limited; masks are required.
  Making & Receiving Text Messages, Using Voice Dictation. Registration starts November 16; call 417-883-1974.

Thursday, February 24, 2022

• iPhone Class for Seniors
  Schweitzer Brentwood community room
  10 a.m.-noon for 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. This four-part series covers different topics at each session. Seating is limited; masks are required.
  Calendar and Other Useful Apps. Registration starts November 16; call 417-883-1974.
• Afternoon Book Discussion
  The Library Station Santa Fe Room
  1:30 p.m. for adults
  
  "The Mothers" by Brit Bennett. Call 417-865-1340.
• Type 1 Diabetes: From A to Z
  The Library Center auditorium
  6:30 p.m. for adults and families
  Eight-year-old author Elinor Rowe will read her book, "Type One Diabetes: A to Z," and then, Natalie Allen, registered dietician and Missouri State University clinical assistant professor, will provide information on how to read nutrition labels, calculate carbs and make simple family-friendly changes in the kitchen to help manage Type 1 diabetes, also known as juvenile diabetes. Books will be available for purchase and signing.