The Library

Sunday, September 23, 2018

• Winter Gardening
  Library Station in the Santa Fe Room
  2-3:30 p.m. for adults
  Master Gardener Gaylene Seibold will discuss how to start a winter garden, including transitioning from summer to winter gardening, best time to plant, vegetable varieties that work best and season extenders.

Monday, September 24, 2018

• "Braxton Bragg: The Most Hated Man of the Confederacy" by Earl J. Hess
  Civil War Book Discussion Group
  Library Center in the meeting room A
  7 p.m. for adults
  "Braxton Bragg: The Most Hated Man of the Confederacy" by Earl J. Hess

Tuesday, September 25, 2018

• Small Business Resource Fair
  Library Center in the auditorium
  9 a.m.-2 p.m. for adults
  Learn about local resources and services designed to help you start, operate and expand your business. Whether you're an entrepreneur in the start-up phase or a small business in growth mode, this event will offer invaluable insights and networking opportunities. From 9 a.m.-noon, attend short presentations by local business support agencies that will provide information on low-cost/no-cost resources available to you and your business. From noon-2 p.m., network and visit one-on-one with support agencies in the Library Center concourse. Sponsored by the Library and Small Business Majority. Registration starts September 1; call 417-616-0706.
• Let's Letter!
  Park Central Branch Library
  2 p.m. for adults
  Who says snail mail is a dying art? Stop by and write a letter or two. Each week we'll provide stamps, materials for DIY stationery, and everything else you need to keep good old-fashioned correspondence alive.
• The Great Cobra Scare of '53
  Library Center in the auditorium
  7 p.m. for adults
  On the evening of August 22, 1953, Wesley Rose killed a snake in his front yard. The snake, however, was not native to the Ozarks and was later identified as a cobra. Local History & Genealogy Department Manager Brian Grubbs will talk about how the Great Cobra Scare of '53 unfolded.
• Suicide Awareness Series: Understanding the Why
  Springfield Art Museum at Springfield Art Museum, 1111 E. Brookside Drive
  7-9 p.m. for adults
  Grief: Those Left Behind. The ripple effect of a suicide reaches families, friends, classmates and coworkers and can have an enormous impact on survivors of all ages. Mental health experts will discuss the range of emotions that those left behind experience, including how to cope with emotions such as shame and judgment. Suicide is a crisis in our community that affects people of all ages, races and socioeconomic groups. If we have any hope of preventing suicide, we must first find a way to talk about and understand it. The goal of this series is to help the community discuss the suicide crisis openly without judgement, shame, stigma or guilt. Brought to you by Springfield-Greene County Library District in association with Burrell Behavioral Health, NAMI Southwest Missouri and Touchstone Counseling.

Thursday, September 27, 2018

• "Killers of the Flower Moon" by David Grann
  Book Discussion
  Library Station in the Santa Fe Room
  1:30 p.m. for adults
  "Killers of the Flower Moon" by David Grann
• "The Sun Also Rises" by Ernest Hemingway. In honor of Banned Books Week
  Great American Read Book Discussion
  Strafford Branch Library
  2 p.m. for adults
  "The Sun Also Rises" by Ernest Hemingway. In honor of Banned Books Week Discuss titles from PBS' Great American Read. A Great American Read event.
• An Introduction to Contract Bridge
  Library Center in the meeting room A
  6:30-8:30 p.m. for adults
  Exercise your brain and have fun making new friends as you learn to play Contract Bridge. Whether you're a beginner or want to update your bidding and play, this class is for you. Members of the Bridge Center will give an introductory course over four consecutive Thursday evenings. Registration starts August 6; call 417-883-5341.
• Harry Potter Wand Making
  Library Station in the Frisco Room
  7 p.m. for adults
  Ever wonder what wand would choose you? Find out with Library staff member Tysha Shay as she helps you craft your very own wand. Materials will be provided. Harry Potter event. Registration starts September 13; call 417-616-0683.

Saturday, September 29, 2018

• Blockbusters at the Library
  Fair Grove Branch Library
  3-5:30 p.m. for age 13 and older
  "The Fast and the Furious," rated PG-13 Celebrate the movies that started a franchise as you watch them on the big screen, popcorn provided.

Monday, October 1, 2018

• Exploring Genealogy
  Library Center in the auditorium
  7 p.m. for adults
  "Queen for a Day!" Eric Wells, OGS member and education coordinator for NextGen, created a video of his grandmother's experience being a grand prize winner on the old TV show, Queen for a Day! Find out how Eric used family research, his grandmother's photos and an audiotape found in an attic to create an interesting "memory" for his family Sponsored by Ozarks Genealogical Society.

Tuesday, October 2, 2018

• Let's Letter!
  Park Central Branch Library
  2 p.m. for adults
  Who says snail mail is a dying art? Stop by and write a letter or two. Each week we'll provide stamps, materials for DIY stationery, and everything else you need to keep good old-fashioned correspondence alive.

Wednesday, October 3, 2018

• Chess Club
  Schweitzer Brentwood Branch Library in the community room
  6-8 p.m. for adults
  Whether you’re just getting started or an experienced player, you’ll have fun and improve your skills playing with other chess enthusiasts. Members of the Springfield Greene County Park Board Chess Club will be there to share their expertise.
• History Explorers Presents: Washington's Cabinet
  Library Center in the auditorium
  7 p.m. for all ages
  President George Washington selected a small cadre of American Patriots, including future president Thomas Jefferson and statesman Alexander Hamilton, to help him establish a new nation and govern her people. We'll explore the lives of Washington’s Cabinet, four American Patriots who shaped the world we live in today. Presented in partnership with the Sons of the American Revolution.

Thursday, October 4, 2018

• "Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine" by Gail Honeyman
  British Literature Book Club
  Midtown Carnegie Branch Library in the upstairs meeting room
  1:30 p.m. for adults
  "Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine" by Gail Honeyman Discuss books written by British authors. Tea and biscuits will be provided.
• Music at Midtown: The Cider Sessions
  Midtown Carnegie Branch Library in the upstairs meeting room
  6 p.m. for adults
  Enjoy original songs and old favorites with Donnie (D. Clinton) Thompson's acoustic finger-style blues and Michael Cochran's electric flat-picked stylings Let's toast the start of fall with warm apple cider and intimate musical performances by local artists. Sponsored by Friends of the Library.
• Kayaking at Lake Springfield. Meet at the Lake Springfield Boathouse for a kayaking session on Lake Springfield. Afterwards, discuss "No Barriers: A Blind Man’s Journey to Kayak the Grand Canyon" by Erik Weihenmayer and Buddy Levy. Kayaking equipment provided for free or bring your own. Limited to 10 participants
  The Outdoor Adventure Book Club
  Lake Springfield Boathouse at Lake Springfield Boathouse, 5324 S. Kissick Ave.
  6-8 p.m. for adults age 18 and older only
  Kayaking at Lake Springfield. Meet at the Lake Springfield Boathouse for a kayaking session on Lake Springfield. Afterwards, discuss "No Barriers: A Blind Man’s Journey to Kayak the Grand Canyon" by Erik Weihenmayer and Buddy Levy. Kayaking equipment provided for free or bring your own. Limited to 10 participants The Library is heading into the great outdoors! Join us for this series of nature-themed book discussions held at parks in Springfield. Each discussion is paired with a related outdoor activity led by Springfield-Greene County Park Board Outdoor Initiatives staff. Registration starts September 13; call 417-883-5341.
• Adulting 101
  Library Station in the Santa Fe Room
  6:30 p.m. for adults
  Preventative Care: How to Pick a Doctor, Checkups and More, with Shahnaz Jaleel, application counselor with CoxHealth Wish you had classes on how to be an adult? Join us for life skills classes every first Thursday of the month.
• Monsters of the Ozarks
  Library Center in the auditorium
  7 p.m. for adults
  Local hills have long been filled with lore and legends, and according to some Ozarkers, monsters like Momo, Gowrow and even the Goat Man. Kaitlyn McConnell, founder of Ozarks Alive, talks about these stories that entertained (and scared) locals from days gone by. An Oh, the Horror! event.
• "We Eat Our Own" by Kea Wilson
  NXT Chapter: A Book Group for 20/30-Somethings
  Schweitzer Brentwood Branch Library in the community room
  7:30 p.m. for adults
  "We Eat Our Own" by Kea Wilson

Friday, October 5, 2018

• First Friday Art Walk
  Park Central Branch Library
  6-9 p.m. for adults
  At 6 p.m. Hanna Flanagan, journalism major and art history/communications minor at Missouri State University, will present "A Review of Byzantine Iconoclasm and Imperial Power During the Eighth Century." At 7 p.m. Nigerian artist Ibiyinka Alao, first prize recipient of the United Nations International Art Competition, will present "Visions of True Colors," about his work and display samples. Alao's paintings are a rare collection of an artist who has spent 21 years expressing a peaceful view of integration of cultures in our world today through the use of colors. On Display: Downtown Springfield in Black & White Photography by Gerry Toler Join us for First Friday Art Walk and the opening of a new exhibit.

Saturday, October 6, 2018

• Celebrate Frankenstein's 200th Birthday!
  Republic Branch Library
  8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. for adults
  Drop by the library to enjoy make-and-take activities celebrating the 200th anniversary of Mary Shelley's "Frankenstein." Materials will be provided.
• Fix-it Fair
  Midtown Carnegie Branch Library in the upstairs meeting room
  9 a.m.-1 p.m. for all ages
  Give your household appliances, computers, bicycles or even clothes a new lease on life. Volunteer experts will assist you with your repairs. Reduce waste while learning a valuable repair skill. Presented with the Community Partnership of the Ozarks Tool Library and Queen City Beard and Moustache Federation.
• Godzilla Day
  Library Station in the Frisco Room
  1 p.m. for teens and adults
  Godzilla in Comics. Cullen Bunn, author of the graphic novel, "Godzilla: Cataclysm," will discuss how he imagined the monster in a post-apocalyptic world, followed by Q&A. Books will be available for purchase and signing in the lobby afterward Celebrate Godzilla with a monster-filled day of programs and activities.
• Godzilla Day
  Library Station
  1-9 p.m. for all ages
  Stop by the selfie station in the lobby and snap a photo of yourself in monster mode Celebrate Godzilla with a monster-filled day of programs and activities.
• Godzilla Day
  Library Station in the Frisco Room
  2 p.m. for teens and adults
  Civic Defense In Case of a Godzilla Attack. What would you do if Godzilla or another monster attacked? The Greene County Office of Emergency Management will help you strategize for this and other more likely emergency situations Celebrate Godzilla with a monster-filled day of programs and activities.
• Godzilla Day
  Library Station in the Frisco Room
  3 p.m. for all ages
  Monster Draw Along. Get tips for drawing Godzilla and friends as you draw-along with artist Joey Borovicka. Materials will be provided Celebrate Godzilla with a monster-filled day of programs and activities.
• Godzilla Day
  Library Station in the Santa Fe Room
  3:30-9 p.m. for all ages
  Catch big monsters on the big screen with a Godzilla movie marathon, not rated, along with popcorn, Japanese candy and movie bingo in the Santa Fe Room: 3:30 p.m. "Godzilla vs. King Ghidorah;" 5:15 p.m. "Godzilla vs. Destoroyah;" 7 p.m. "Godzilla, Mothra and King Ghidorah: Giant Monsters All-Out Attack" Celebrate Godzilla with a monster-filled day of programs and activities.

Tuesday, October 9, 2018

• Health Insurance 101
  Midtown Carnegie Branch Library in the basement meeting room
  noon for adults
  A certified application counselor from CoxHealth will offer insights on health insurance -- including how to use, keep and understand it. Specific instruction will be given on the Health Insurance Marketplace. Participants will receive a free health resource guide with information about where consumers can get health care even if they are not currently covered.
• Flying Needles
  Ash Grove Branch Library in the 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.
• "Lab Girl" by Hope Jahren. In conjunction with Missouri State University’s Common Reader Program. An MSU faculty member will lead the discussion
  Center City Book Club
  Midtown Carnegie Branch Library in the upstairs meeting room
  1:30 p.m. for adults
  "Lab Girl" by Hope Jahren. In conjunction with Missouri State University’s Common Reader Program. An MSU faculty member will lead the discussion
• Let's Letter!
  Park Central Branch Library
  2 p.m. for adults
  Who says snail mail is a dying art? Stop by and write a letter or two. Each week we'll provide stamps, materials for DIY stationery, and everything else you need to keep good old-fashioned correspondence alive.
• "We Eat Our Own" by Kea Wilson
  Donuts & Death
  Hurts Donut Company at Hurts Donut Company, 320 Park Central West
  6 p.m. for adults
  "We Eat Our Own" by Kea Wilson Horror has never tasted so sweet. Join our horror book club and sink your teeth into a good book while enjoying Hurts donuts.
• "Lab Girl" by Hope Jahren. In conjunction with Missouri State University's Common Reader Program. An MSU faculty member will lead the discussion
  Evening Book Discussion
  Schweitzer Brentwood Branch Library in the community room
  6:30 p.m. for adults
  "Lab Girl" by Hope Jahren. In conjunction with Missouri State University's Common Reader Program. An MSU faculty member will lead the discussion
• Movies for Grown-ups
  Library Center in the auditorium
  6:30-9 p.m. for adults
  Join AARP for standout films with unique appeal to movie lovers with a grown-up state of mind. Enjoy "Field of Dreams," rated PG, with light refreshments provided.

Wednesday, October 10, 2018

• "From Here to Eternity: Traveling the World to Find the Good Death" by Caitlin Doughty. A Death & Dying event
  Book Discussion
  Library Center in the meeting room B
  1-2:30 p.m. for adults
  "From Here to Eternity: Traveling the World to Find the Good Death" by Caitlin Doughty. A Death & Dying event
• "Wonder" by R.J. Palacio
  Book Discussion
  Fair Grove Branch Library
  1:30 p.m. for adults
  "Wonder" by R.J. Palacio

Thursday, October 11, 2018

• "The Dry" by Jane Harper
  Book Discussion
  Republic Branch Library in the community room
  1:30 p.m. for adults
  "The Dry" by Jane Harper
• Music at Midtown: The Cider Sessions
  Midtown Carnegie Branch Library in the upstairs meeting room
  6 p.m. for adults
  Emily Higgins, producer and host of "The Mulberry Tree," will perform original songs from her albums and live performances Let's toast the start of fall with warm apple cider and intimate musical performances by local artists. Sponsored by Friends of the Library.
• Bigfoot: History, Legends and Modern Sightings
  Library Center in the auditorium
  7 p.m. for adults
  Bigfoot, Sasquatch, skunk ape. Whatever you call him, for decades there have been documented reports of strange sightings with one thing in common -- a large, hairy man-like creature roaming the woods and swamps of the southern U.S. But where do fact and fiction separate when it comes to Bigfoot? Cryptozoologist and author Lyle Blackburn will discuss his lifelong fascination with Bigfoot lore and introduce us to Momo -- Missouri’s own Bigfoot legend. Books will be available for sale and signing. An Oh, The Horror! event

Friday, October 12, 2018

• "From Here to Eternity: Traveling the World to Find the Good Death" by Caitlin Doughty. A Death & Dying event.
  Northview Center Book Discussion
  Northview Center at Northview Center, 301 E. Talmage St.
  10:30 a.m. for adults
  "From Here to Eternity: Traveling the World to Find the Good Death" by Caitlin Doughty. A Death & Dying event. Join us for this library-sponsored book group just for seniors.
• "The Silence of the Lambs" at The Moxie
  Moxie Cinema at Moxie Cinema, 305 S. Campbell Ave. #101
  8:30-10:30 p.m. for adults
  The terrifying tale of FBI trainee Clarice Starling teaming up with the infamous Hannibal "the Cannibal" Lecter to catch serial killer Buffalo Bill. "The Silence of the Lambs," rated R, has haunted audiences for decades. Experience the horror classic on the big screen during this free presentation. An "Oh, The Horror" event.

Saturday, October 13, 2018

• Genealogy Symposium
  Library Center in the auditorium
  9:30 a.m.-4 p.m. for adults
  Learn tips for genealogy research from Library’s Local History and Genealogy Department staff. 9:30-10:30 a.m. Beginning Genealogy. Local History Associate Renee Glass will present the basics of genealogy, including what records to search and how to use the information to establish a family tree. 11 a.m.-noon. Westward Ho! Understanding the Federal Land System. Migration to the west was in large part due to the availability of land first sold by the federal government. Local History Associate Patti Hobbs will discuss the mechanics of the federal land system, finding the records and locating ancestral properties. 1-2:30 p.m. Tracing Your Civil War Ancestor. Local History Associate Michael Price will present tips for researching your ancestors who fought in the Civil War. Learn about the records available for studying Civil War soldiers and how to trace their military experiences throughout the war. 3-4 p.m. Tips for Research at FamilySearch.org. Local History Associate John Rutherford will discuss features of FamilySearch's catalog, which records are indexed, finding your family in the non-indexed digital records and the difference between submitted family trees and the global tree.
• Ask the Experts: Planning for Retirement
  Midtown Carnegie Branch Library in the upstairs meeting room
  10-11:30 a.m. for adults
  It’s never too early (or too late!) to start planning for retirement. Learn the ins and outs of retirement planning from an expert during Ask the Experts, an instructional series from Making Sense of Money, a program of Community Partnership of the Ozarks. Each quarter a financial expert will provide guidance on a different money topic. Sponsored by Community Partnership of the Ozarks.
• Second Saturday Crafts
  Park Central Branch Library
  1 p.m. for adults
  Halloween Pompom Garlands Stop in for a craft session. Materials will be provided.
• Sci-Fi Cinema Series
  Fair Grove Branch Library
  3-5:30 p.m. for age 13 and older
  "Galaxy Quest," rated PG Enjoy these science fiction classics on the big screen, popcorn provided.

Sunday, October 14, 2018

• Sunday Concert Series
  Library Center in the auditorium
  2-3:30 p.m. for adults
  Finley River Boys. This award-winning band will play a mix of traditional bluegrass and gospel songs Sponsored by Friends of the Library.

Monday, October 15, 2018

• "Tuck Everlasting" by Natalie Babbit
  YA for Adults Book Club
  BYOPizza at BYOPizza, 431 S. Jefferson Ave.
  6 p.m. for adults
  "Tuck Everlasting" by Natalie Babbit We'll read a mix of old and new favorites in this book club for Young Adult fiction fans who aren't so "Y" any more.

Tuesday, October 16, 2018

• "Futilitarians: Our Year of Thinking, Drinking, Grieving, and Reading" by Anne Gisleson
  Ash Grove Bibliophiles
  Ash Grove Branch Library in the community room
  1:30 p.m. for adults
  "Futilitarians: Our Year of Thinking, Drinking, Grieving, and Reading" by Anne Gisleson
• Let's Letter!
  Park Central Branch Library
  2 p.m. for adults
  Who says snail mail is a dying art? Stop by and write a letter or two. Each week we'll provide stamps, materials for DIY stationery, and everything else you need to keep good old-fashioned correspondence alive.
• "Missouri's Mad Doctor McDowell: Confederates, Cadavers and Macabre Medicine" by Victoria Cosner and Lorelei Shannon
  Books & Brew
  Mother's Brewing Company at Mother's Brewing Company, 215 S. Grant Ave.
  6 p.m. for adults
  "Missouri's Mad Doctor McDowell: Confederates, Cadavers and Macabre Medicine" by Victoria Cosner and Lorelei Shannon Enjoy a cold glass of beer and discuss aspects of American culture.

Wednesday, October 17, 2018

• Exploring Genealogy
  Library Center in the auditorium
  10 a.m. for adults
  Ireland and Its Religious Wars. Tom Strong, attorney with Strong-Garner-Bauer, P.C., will discuss the centuries-old conflict between the Catholic and Protestant people of Ireland, St. Patrick, King Henry VIII, the potato famine and Irish Civil War, and what we can learn from the Irish experience Sponsored by Ozarks Genealogical Society.
• Senior Social
  Midtown Carnegie Branch Library in the basement meeting room
  11 a.m.-1 p.m. for adults age 60 and older
  Spooky Stories from the Ozarks. Enjoy a storytelling session about creepy, spooky happenings in the Ozarks Enjoy social time and refreshments during this come-and-go event. 11 a.m.-1 p.m., browse materials, enjoy board games and breakout activities, get book recommendations and computer help. Noon-1 p.m., lunch program, Healthy Living for Seniors, will be provided by SeniorAge Area Agency on Aging's Choice Presenters. A $3.50 lunch donation to SeniorAge is encouraged. Materials will be provided for Choice and craft activities. Offered in cooperation with SeniorAge Area Agency on Aging and the Library's Stories for Life program. Registration starts October 1; call 417-862-0135.
• Brown Bag Travelogue
  Schweitzer Brentwood Branch Library in the community room
  12:30 p.m. for adults
  Civil War Battlefields in Northwest Arkansas. Like Missouri, Arkansas experienced a number of important battles and widespread desolation during the Civil War. Join Local History Associate Michael Price for a tour of battlefields at Pea Ridge, Prairie Grove and other Civil War points of interest in the "Natural State" Sit back, relax and explore a new place. You're welcome to bring a sack lunch.
• Chess Club
  Schweitzer Brentwood Branch Library in the community room
  6-8 p.m. for adults
  Whether you’re just getting started or an experienced player, you’ll have fun and improve your skills playing with other chess enthusiasts. Members of the Springfield Greene County Park Board Chess Club will be there to share their expertise.

Thursday, October 18, 2018

• "Manhattan Beach" by Jennifer Egan
  South Side Senior Book Discussion
  South Side Senior Center at South Side Senior Center, 2215 S. Fremont Ave.
  1:30 p.m. for adults
  "Manhattan Beach" by Jennifer Egan Liven up your afternoon by joining fellow readers and library staff to talk about the monthly book selection.
• Literary Trivia Night
  Schweitzer Brentwood Branch Library in the community room
  6-8 p.m. for adults
  Join Lauryl and Kyle, longtime hosts of Patton Alley Pub's Trivia Binge, for a night of trivia inspired by PBS' The Great American Read. Teams of four-six will compete on questions drawn from the characters, themes and plots of the 100 books on The Great American Read list. Snacks will be provided and prizes awarded to the winners. A Great American Read event. Registration starts October 4; call 417-883-1974.
• Music at Midtown: The Cider Sessions
  Midtown Carnegie Branch Library in the upstairs meeting room
  6 p.m. for adults
  Singer-songwriter Molly Healey will perform original songs from her new album "Human" as well her own interpretations of familiar songs Let's toast the start of fall with warm apple cider and intimate musical performances by local artists. Sponsored by Friends of the Library.
• DIY Pallet Frankenstein Votive Holder
  Library Station in the Frisco Room
  6:30-8:30 p.m. for adults
  Learn how to make a Frankenstein votive holder in this hands-on workshop. Materials will be provided; seating is limited. Registration starts October 4; call 417-616-0683.
• Missouri's Murderous Matrons
  Library Center in the auditorium
  7 p.m. for adults
  The 1928 arrest of Catawissa nurse Bertha Gifford exposed her as a serial killer, believed to be responsible for the deaths of 17 people. Twelve years later, Wentzville farmwife Emma Heppermann was accused of killing two of her husbands by putting arsenic in their potato soup. Further investigation revealed she killed five of her seven husbands. Author Victoria Cosner will unravel the stories behind these unusual Missouri murderesses. Books will be available for sales and signing. An Oh, The Horror! event.

Friday, October 19, 2018

• Monsters of Trivia at Missouri Spirits
  Missouri Spirits at Missouri Spirits, 507 W. Walnut St.
  7-9 p.m. for age 21 and older
  Do you like scary movies? Recruit and register a team of four to six horror devotees to compete in eight rounds of monster-themed trivia. An "Oh, the Horror!" event. Registration starts October 1; call 417-883-5341.

Saturday, October 20, 2018

• Ready, Set, Go! Potty Training Children with Disabilities
  Library Center in the auditorium
  9:30-11:30 a.m. for adults
  Toilet training a child with a disability can present a unique set of challenges for parents. Behavior Analyst Courtney June will guide parents through the process of toilet training - from identifying prerequisites for readiness to initiating and beyond. Child care will be provided. Presented in partnership with Include Ozarks. Registration starts October 1; call 417-883-5341.
• Yoga for Health
  Library Station in the Frisco Room
  2 p.m. for adults
  Join Library staff member and registered yoga teacher Kim Duquette for a gentle yoga class. Each class is designed to increase strength and flexibility, improve posture and balance, enhance concentration and calm the nervous system. Bring a mat or towel.
• Night at the Haunted Library
  Midtown Carnegie Branch Library
  7-8:30 p.m. for all ages
  Enjoy a spooktacular night of after-hours fun and games with creepy mazes, a spooky scavenger hunt, scary stories, cupcakes, punch and prizes. Families welcome; all youth must be accompanied by an adult caregiver.

Tuesday, October 23, 2018

• Let's Letter!
  Park Central Branch Library
  2 p.m. for adults
  Who says snail mail is a dying art? Stop by and write a letter or two. Each week we'll provide stamps, materials for DIY stationery, and everything else you need to keep good old-fashioned correspondence alive.

Thursday, October 25, 2018

• "Lab Girl" by Hope Jahren. In conjunction with Missouri State University’s Common Reader Program. An MSU faculty member will lead the discussion
  Book Discussion
  Library Station in the Santa Fe Room
  1:30 p.m. for adults
  "Lab Girl" by Hope Jahren. In conjunction with Missouri State University’s Common Reader Program. An MSU faculty member will lead the discussion
• "Frankenstein or The Modern Prometheus" by Mary Shelley. It's the 200th anniversary of this horror classic
  Great American Read Book Discussion
  Strafford Branch Library
  4:30 p.m. for adults
  "Frankenstein or The Modern Prometheus" by Mary Shelley. It's the 200th anniversary of this horror classic Discuss titles from PBS' Great American Read. A Great American Read event.
• Arm Knitting
  Library Center in the Harrison Room
  6-8 p.m. for adults
  Arm knitting allows you to create yarn crafts without using needles. Library staff will show you how to use your hands and arms to create a warm scarf to take home. Bring your own skein of super bulky yarn or use the yarn provided Registration starts October 11; call 417-883-5341.
• Midtown Workshop Series
  Midtown Carnegie Branch Library in the upstairs meeting room
  6 p.m. for adults
  Tree Identification. Dr. Michelle Bowe from the Department of Biology at Missouri State University will talk about the characteristics of Ozarks trees. Bring in photos or twigs with leaves from a tree to have it identified. In conjunction with MSU's Common Reader program Learn useful skills on a variety of topics from local experts. Registration starts October 1; call 417-862-0135.
• Cannibals and Drug Cartels: A Conversation with Author Kea Wilson
  Library Center in the auditorium
  7 p.m. for adults
  Loosely based on the 1980 Italian exploitation film "Cannibal Holocaust," called "The most controversial film of all time," Kea Wilson's debut novel, "We Eat Our Own," follows a film crew into the Amazon in search of cannibals as they film "Jungle Bloodbath," but what they find there are the very real threats of violent Marxist revolutionaries and drug cartels. Wilson will discuss the novel's inspiration, the forces that underlie human violence and the faint borderline between life and art. Books will be available for purchase and signing. An "Oh, The Horror" event.

Saturday, October 27, 2018

• Sci-Fi Cinema Series
  Fair Grove Branch Library
  3-5:30 p.m. for age 13 and older
  "Men in Black," rated PG-13 Enjoy these science fiction classics on the big screen, popcorn provided.
• Saturday Movie Night
  Library Station in the Santa Fe Room
  6-8:35 p.m. for age 13 and older
  "Star Wars: The Last Jedi," rated PG-13 Don't want to wait to watch popular new movies? Watch them on the big screen at the library, with popcorn provided.

Sunday, October 28, 2018

• Sunday Sounds: The Shandies
  Library Station in the Frisco Room
  2 p.m. for adults
  This female duo has a blend of unique musical backgrounds that makes for a distinctive and entertaining listening experience. They’ll play an eclectic mix of folk, pop, country and rock with an Ozarks twist! Sponsored by Friends of the Library.

Tuesday, October 30, 2018

• Let's Letter!
  Park Central Branch Library
  2 p.m. for adults
  Who says snail mail is a dying art? Stop by and write a letter or two. Each week we'll provide stamps, materials for DIY stationery, and everything else you need to keep good old-fashioned correspondence alive.

Thursday, November 1, 2018

• "Dear Mrs. Bird" by AJ Pearce
  British Literature Book Club
  Midtown Carnegie Branch Library in the upstairs meeting room
  1:30 p.m. for adults
  "Dear Mrs. Bird" by AJ Pearce Discuss books written by British authors. Tea and biscuits will be provided.
• Drum Circle Memory Cafe
  Library Station in the Frisco Room
  2 p.m. for adults
  Dr. Jennifer Jester, a Drums Alive® Golden Beats instructor, will lead the group in a gentle drumming circle during this informal social gathering for those living with early-stage memory loss and their care partners. Sponsored by Friends of the Library. Registration starts October 18; call 417-616-0683.
• Adulting 101
  Library Station in the Santa Fe Room
  6:30 p.m. for adults
  How to Start Recycling, with Laurie Duncan, education outreach coordinator with the City of Springfield's Environmental Services Wish you had classes on how to be an adult? Join us for life skills classes every first Thursday of the month.
• "From Here to Eternity" Conversations About Death with Caitlin Doughty
  Relics Event Center at Relics Event Center, 2015 W. Battlefield Road, Suite E
  7 p.m. for adults
  Back by popular demand, author Caitlin Doughty returns to Springfield to talk about her new book, “From Here to Eternity: Traveling the World to Find the Good Death.” Learn about death customs from around the world from the star of the popular YouTube series “Ask a Mortician” and founder of The Order of the Good Death, as she continues her mission to get people thinking and talking about death. A Q&A will follow her presentation. Books will be available for purchase and signing at the event. A Death & Dying event.
• "Bel Canto" by Ann Patchett
  NXT Chapter: A Book Group for 20/30-Somethings
  Schweitzer Brentwood Branch Library in the community room
  7:30 p.m. for adults
  "Bel Canto" by Ann Patchett

Friday, November 2, 2018

• First Friday Art Walk
  Park Central Branch Library
  6-9 p.m. for adults
  Madeline Brice, graduate of Missouri State University with Bachelor of Fine Arts in painting and art history, will present "Hildegard of Bingen and Elisabeth of Schönau: The Search for Female Agency." On Display: Paintings by Sarah Jones Join us for First Friday Art Walk and the opening of a new exhibit.

Saturday, November 3, 2018

• End-of-Life Legal Matters
  Library Center in the meeting rooms A and B
  10 a.m.-noon for adults
  Join the attorneys of Ozarks Elder Law for a presentation on end-of-life legal matters and trust and estate planning basics. Discover why estate planning should be a priority for any individual over 18. Develop your understanding of key end-of-life legal documents, including living wills, and learn techniques to avoid probate and the importance of durable powers of attorney. A Death & Dying event.
• Hospice Resource Fair
  Library Center in the concourse
  11 a.m.-2 p.m. for adults
  What is hospice care? How can my loved one benefit from hospice? Learn the answers to these questions and others during this opportunity to gather information and visit with representatives from area hospice organizations. A Death & Dying event.
• Día de los Muertos Community Celebration
  Library Center in the auditorium
  1-3 p.m. for all ages
  Día de los Muertos, the Day of the Dead, is a Mexican holiday observed October 31-November 2, when family and friends gather to remember and celebrate their loved ones who have died. Join Grupo Latinoamericano and the Library to learn about the traditions and celebrate the Day of Dead with dances, altars (ofrendas) and pan de muerto (bread of dead), hot chocolate, crafts and Catrinas face painting. A Death & Dying event.

Sunday, November 4, 2018

• Death Cafe
  Library Center in the auditorium
  2-4 p.m. for adults
  Having open, honest discussions about death and dying can help alleviate our fears, make educated decisions and remind us to live life to the fullest. Join us for casual conversations about death where you are welcome to share your curiosities, hopes, fears and experiences in a safe, judgment-free environment. Refreshments will be provided. A Death & Dying event.
• An Afternoon with Jere Gettle
  Library Station in the Frisco Room
  2-4 p.m. for adults
  Jere Gettle, founder of Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds, will discuss the history of Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds, his adventures collecting seeds and some of the weirdest varieties of plants he's come across.

Monday, November 5, 2018

• Advance Care Planning Workshop
  Library Station in the Frisco Room
  1:30 p.m. for adults
  If a sudden illness or injury left you unable to speak for yourself, who would you want to speak for you? Join Respecting Choices of the Ozarks facilitators for a conversation about advance care planning that will help you reflect on your values, choose a health care agent, take the first steps toward completing an advance directive and make your wishes known. A Death & Dying event.
• Exploring Genealogy
  Library Center in the meeting rooms A and B
  7 p.m. for adults
  Tracing Your World War I Ancestors. Local History Associate Michael Price will present techniques for researching your ancestors who fought in World War I. Although millions of WWI service records were destroyed in a fire, learn how to use surviving documents to discover your ancestors’ wartime experiences Sponsored by Ozarks Genealogical Society.

Tuesday, November 6, 2018

• Let's Letter!
  Park Central Branch Library
  2 p.m. for adults
  Who says snail mail is a dying art? Stop by and write a letter or two. Each week we'll provide stamps, materials for DIY stationery, and everything else you need to keep good old-fashioned correspondence alive.
• Coping with the Holidays and Grief
  Library Center in the meeting rooms A and B
  6:30-8 p.m. for adults
  The holiday season can be difficult for those grieving with the death of a loved one. Lost & Found Grief Center staff members Dr. Karen Scott and Jeanene Gerhardt will explore common grief responses, holiday grief triggers and strategies for getting through the holidays, including ways to adjust traditions to reduce physical and emotional demands, and ideas to honor the memory of the deceased. Participants can make a commemorative ornament to take home. Seating is limited; materials will be provided. A Death & Dying event. Registration starts October 23; call 417-616-0566.

Wednesday, November 7, 2018

• Chess Club
  Schweitzer Brentwood Branch Library in the community room
  6-8 p.m. for adults
  Whether you’re just getting started or an experienced player, you’ll have fun and improve your skills playing with other chess enthusiasts. Members of the Springfield Greene County Park Board Chess Club will be there to share their expertise.
• World War I: The American Soldier Experience
  Library Center in the auditorium
  7 p.m. for adults
  Examine WWI from the Doughboy's perspective as Dr. Jennifer Keene, history professor at Chapman University, explores the complexities of what it meant for Americans to "go to war," homing in on how America raised its forces during WWI and the expectations of those who served. Keene will explore the racial and cultural differences among American soldiers, exemplified by groups such as the Harlem Hellfighters, and the rocky return of many veterans once the war was won. A World War I program.

Thursday, November 8, 2018

• "The Ninth Hour" by Alice McDermott
  Book Discussion
  Republic Branch Library in the community room
  1:30 p.m. for adults
  "The Ninth Hour" by Alice McDermott
• Eat Well To Stop Diabetes
  Schweitzer Brentwood Branch Library in the community room
  6 p.m. for adults
  Diabetes is one of the leading causes of disability and death in the U.S. One in 10 Greene County residents has diagnosed diabetes. For American Diabetes Month, join dietitian Jordan Mize as she discusses diabetes, common misconceptions and provides practical lifestyle tips for prevention.
• Mighty Men of War: The Soldiers of Carthage in World War I
  Library Center in the auditorium
  7 p.m. for adults
  In 1918, a company of soldiers from Jasper County took part in one of the bloodiest battles of the "Great War." Local author Jeff Patrick will examine the experiences of Capt. Ward Schrantz and his men from their training camp in Oklahoma to France's Argonne Forest.

Friday, November 9, 2018

• "Sing, Unburied, Sing" by Jesmyn Ward
  Northview Center Book Discussion
  Northview Center at Northview Center, 301 E. Talmage St.
  10:30 a.m. for adults
  "Sing, Unburied, Sing" by Jesmyn Ward Join us for this library-sponsored book group just for seniors.
• Harry Potter Game Show Extravaganza
  Library Center in the auditorium
  7-9 p.m. for adults
  Put your Harry Potter knowledge to the test as you compete with others for Harry Potter-themed prizes. Adults age 18 and older can sign up for a chance to be a contestant when the doors open at 6 p.m.; no sign-up needed to be an audience member. Harry Potter event.

Saturday, November 10, 2018

• Legal Planning for Special Needs Parents
  Library Center in the auditorium
  9:30-11:30 a.m. for adults
  Attorney Danielle Kincaid will tackle the legal side of parenting a child with a disability to help you protect your child as they grow. Estate planning, guardianship, powers of attorney, special needs trusts, and ABLE accounts will be covered. Child care will be provided. Presented in partnership with Include Ozarks. Registration starts November 1; call 417-883-5341.
• Second Saturday Crafts
  Park Central Branch Library
  1 p.m. for adults
  Spinning Twig and Yarn Mobiles Stop in for a craft session. Materials will be provided.
• Constructing Loyalty and Identity: The German-American Experience in Missouri During World War I
  Library Center in the auditorium
  2 p.m. for adults
  For generations, German immigrants were welcomed in Missouri, prospered as farmers and businessmen, and adjusted to the American way of life while keeping their culture. Few Missourians noticed German-language newspapers or worried when hearing German spoken in the streets. Everything changed when WWI broke out, and German was the tongue of the enemy. Dr. Petra DeWitt, assistant professor of history at Missouri S&T, will explore how government rhetoric and insistent Americanism fed an "us versus them" mindset and forced German-American families to give up their culture or practice it in secret. A World War I program.
• Midtown Workshop Series
  Midtown Carnegie Branch Library in the upstairs meeting room
  2 p.m. for adults
  Coffee Tasting. Staff from Big Momma's Coffee & Espresso Bar will talk beans, roasting and preparation as we sample different types of coffee Learn useful skills on a variety of topics from local experts. Registration starts November 1; call 417-862-0135.
• Sci-Fi Cinema Series
  Fair Grove Branch Library
  3-5:30 p.m. for age 13 and older
  "Star Wars: The Last Jedi," rated PG-13 Enjoy these science fiction classics on the big screen, popcorn provided.
• Hike and Campfire at Ritter Springs Park. Gather at the pavilion in Ritter Springs Park (drive past the parking lot next to playground and through the open gate to reach pavilion parking lot) and embark on a moderate 2-mile guided hike. Activity will be followed by a campfire and discussion of "A Walk in the Woods: Rediscovering America on the Appalachian Trail" by Bill Bryson. Limited to 10 participants
  The Outdoor Adventure Book Club
  Ritter Springs Park at Ritter Springs Park, 3683 W. Farm Road 92
  4-6 p.m. for adults age 18 and older only
  Hike and Campfire at Ritter Springs Park. Gather at the pavilion in Ritter Springs Park (drive past the parking lot next to playground and through the open gate to reach pavilion parking lot) and embark on a moderate 2-mile guided hike. Activity will be followed by a campfire and discussion of "A Walk in the Woods: Rediscovering America on the Appalachian Trail" by Bill Bryson. Limited to 10 participants The Library is heading into the great outdoors! Join us for this series of nature-themed book discussions held at parks in Springfield. Each discussion is paired with a related outdoor activity led by Springfield-Greene County Park Board Outdoor Initiatives staff. Registration starts October 18; call 417-883-5341.

Sunday, November 11, 2018

• World War I in Music & Letters
  Library Center
  10:55 a.m. for adults
  The First World War ended officially at the 11th hour, on the 11th day, of the 11th month of 1918. On this 100th anniversary of Armistice Day, members of the Springfield Symphony Orchestra will perform a moving tribute honoring the history of World War I, including readings of correspondence between Missouri soldiers and their families during the war. The performance will begin at 11 a.m. with a moment of silence to commemorate both the victims and survivors of the Great War. Sponsored by Friends of the Library and The Library Foundation. A World War I program.
• Missouri and the Great War Exhibit Viewing and Reception
  Library Center in the concourse
  noon-1:30 p.m. for adults
  Explore the traveling exhibit, Missouri and the Great War, and visit with Local History staff about the exhibit while enjoying refreshments provided by the Friends of the Library. A World War I program.
• Memory & Legacy: Missouri in the Great War
  Library Center in the auditorium
  1:30 p.m. for adults
  More than 156,000 Missourians served in the First World War. How the state has remembered their service and sacrifice has changed greatly since the 1920s. Brian Grubbs, Local History & Genealogy Department Manager, will discuss the legacy of the war in Missouri and the state's efforts for commemoration in the digital age. A World War I program.

Tuesday, November 13, 2018

• Flying Needles
  Ash Grove Branch Library in the 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.
• "The Golden Legend" by Nadeem Aslam
  Center City Book Club
  Midtown Carnegie Branch Library in the upstairs meeting room
  1:30 p.m. for adults
  "The Golden Legend" by Nadeem Aslam
• Let's Letter!
  Park Central Branch Library
  2 p.m. for adults
  Who says snail mail is a dying art? Stop by and write a letter or two. Each week we'll provide stamps, materials for DIY stationery, and everything else you need to keep good old-fashioned correspondence alive.
• "The Good House" by Tananarive Due
  Donuts & Death
  Hurts Donut Company at Hurts Donut Company, 320 Park Central West
  6 p.m. for adults
  "The Good House" by Tananarive Due Horror has never tasted so sweet. Join our horror book club and sink your teeth into a good book while enjoying Hurts donuts.
• "Lincoln in the Bardo" by George Saunders
  Evening Book Discussion
  Schweitzer Brentwood Branch Library in the community room
  6:30 p.m. for adults
  "Lincoln in the Bardo" by George Saunders
• The Great War in Springfield
  Library Center in the auditorium
  7 p.m. for adults
  Local History Associate Michael Price will discuss life in Springfield during World War I, 1914-1918. Learn how Springfield residents supported the war effort while Greene County men went to France and fought in the trenches. A World War I program.

Wednesday, November 14, 2018

• "Beartown" by Fredrik Backman
  Book Discussion
  Library Center in the meeting room B
  1-2:30 p.m. for adults
  "Beartown" by Fredrik Backman
• "Born a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood" by Trevor Noah
  Book Discussion
  Fair Grove Branch Library
  1:30 p.m. for adults
  "Born a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood" by Trevor Noah
• The U.S. Coast Guard in the First World War: "To sink the foe or save the maimed"
  Library Center in the auditorium
  7 p.m. for adults
  World War I was the first combat operations of the newly formed U.S. Coast Guard, having been created in 1915 by President Woodrow Wilson. Todd Wilkinson, public affairs officer with the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary and U.S. Coast Guard Pipe Band, will discuss the Coast Guard's dual mission in the Great War, including its unfortunate distinction of the highest American naval combat casualty loss of the war. A World War I event.

Thursday, November 15, 2018

• "Little Fires Everywhere" by Celeste Ng
  South Side Senior Book Discussion
  South Side Senior Center at South Side Senior Center, 2215 S. Fremont Ave.
  1:30 p.m. for adults
  "Little Fires Everywhere" by Celeste Ng Liven up your afternoon by joining fellow readers and library staff to talk about the monthly book selection.
• "Krampus and the Old, Dark Christmas: Roots and Rebirth of the Folkloric Devil" by Al Ridenour
  Books & Brew
  Mother's Brewing Company at Mother's Brewing Company, 215 S. Grant Ave.
  6 p.m. for adults
  "Krampus and the Old, Dark Christmas: Roots and Rebirth of the Folkloric Devil" by Al Ridenour Enjoy a cold glass of beer and discuss aspects of American culture.
• Across the Ozarks with Ed Fillmer: An Ozarks Travelogue
  Library Center in the auditorium
  7 p.m. for adults
  Join video journalist Ed Fillmer for a visual journey across the Ozarks. You'll learn about an elephant refuge in Arkansas, the white squirrels of Marionville, a quilting bee in Ava, and the women, old and young, who carry on this time honored tradition, and other tales from Fillmer's archive of some 1,500 stories about life in the Ozarks from his four decades as a video journalist.

Saturday, November 17, 2018

• 6th Annual Mini Doctor WhoCon
  Strafford Branch Library
  1-3 p.m. for all ages
  Celebrate "Doctor Who" with fellow Whovians while enjoying themed snacks, trivia contests and games. Costumes are encouraged, but not required.
• Path to War: The Road to U.S. Entry into the First World War, 1914-1917
  Library Center in the auditorium
  2 p.m. for adults
  American entry into the Great War resulted from lengthy debate and soul-searching about national identity and the nation's role on the world stage. Michael Neiberg, chair of War Studies and professor of history in the Department of National Security and Strategy at the U.S. Army War College, will track American responses to the outbreak of the war in 1914, the sinking of the Lusitania in 1915, the debates about military preparedness in 1916 and how American sentiment changed by April 1917 to see war as the only remaining option. He'll also explain how the nation joining the war is fundamental to American history and America's relationship to the world in the century since. A World War I program.
• Yoga for Health
  Library Station in the Frisco Room
  2 p.m. for adults
  Join Library staff member and registered yoga teacher Kim Duquette for a gentle yoga class. Each class is designed to increase strength and flexibility, improve posture and balance, enhance concentration and calm the nervous system. Bring a mat or towel.

Monday, November 19, 2018

• "Fangirl" by Rainbow Rowell
  YA for Adults Book Club
  BYOPizza at BYOPizza, 431 S. Jefferson Ave.
  6 p.m. for adults
  "Fangirl" by Rainbow Rowell We'll read a mix of old and new favorites in this book club for Young Adult fiction fans who aren't so "Y" any more.
• "Lincoln's Body: A Cultural History" by Richard Wightman Fox
  Civil War Book Discussion Group
  Library Center in the meeting room A
  7 p.m. for adults
  "Lincoln's Body: A Cultural History" by Richard Wightman Fox

Tuesday, November 20, 2018

• "Over the Plain Houses" by Julia Franks
  Ash Grove Bibliophiles
  Ash Grove Branch Library in the community room
  1:30 p.m. for adults
  "Over the Plain Houses" by Julia Franks
• Let's Letter!
  Park Central Branch Library
  2 p.m. for adults
  Who says snail mail is a dying art? Stop by and write a letter or two. Each week we'll provide stamps, materials for DIY stationery, and everything else you need to keep good old-fashioned correspondence alive.

Wednesday, November 21, 2018

• Senior Social
  Midtown Carnegie Branch Library in the basement meeting room
  11 a.m.-1 p.m. for adults age 60 and older
  Creations of Thanksgiving. Make fun Thanksgiving crafts Enjoy social time and refreshments during this come-and-go event. 11 a.m.-1 p.m., browse materials, enjoy board games and breakout activities, get book recommendations and computer help. Noon-1 p.m., lunch program, Healthy Living for Seniors, will be provided by SeniorAge Area Agency on Aging's Choice Presenters. A $3.50 lunch donation to SeniorAge is encouraged. Materials will be provided for Choice and craft activities. Offered in cooperation with SeniorAge Area Agency on Aging and the Library's Stories for Life program. Registration starts November 1; call 417-862-0135.
• Chess Club
  Schweitzer Brentwood Branch Library in the community room
  6-8 p.m. for adults
  Whether you’re just getting started or an experienced player, you’ll have fun and improve your skills playing with other chess enthusiasts. Members of the Springfield Greene County Park Board Chess Club will be there to share their expertise.

Saturday, November 24, 2018

• Saturday Movie Night
  Library Station in the Santa Fe Room
  6-8:30 p.m. for age 13 and older
  "Avengers: Infinity War," rated PG-13 Don't want to wait to watch popular new movies? Watch them on the big screen at the library, with popcorn provided.

Tuesday, November 27, 2018

• Let's Letter!
  Park Central Branch Library
  2 p.m. for adults
  Who says snail mail is a dying art? Stop by and write a letter or two. Each week we'll provide stamps, materials for DIY stationery, and everything else you need to keep good old-fashioned correspondence alive.

Thursday, November 29, 2018

• "The Great Alone" by Kristin Hannah
  Book Discussion
  Library Station in the Santa Fe Room
  1:30 p.m. for adults
  "The Great Alone" by Kristin Hannah