What's New/Hot Topics

Old Maps of Greenfield Talk at GPL

2010-11-05T11:25:00.002-04:00

Harry Potter Party

2010-11-05T11:24:00.002-04:00

Poetry Reading Tomorrow!

2010-11-05T11:20:00.002-04:00

Author Reading at Greenfield Public Library

2010-08-04T13:36:00.001-04:00

Libraries more popular than Netflix for DVD rentals in US.

2010-07-30T09:06:00.002-04:00

Online DVD rental websites like Netflix may be extremely popular, spelling doom for video rental stores, but it turns out that local libraries are still top dog for loaning out DVDs according to a recent survey by the Online Computer Library Centre (OCLC).

The study found that while people rent two million DVDs from Netflix every day, over 2.1 million borrow DVDs from US libraries on a daily basis. It turns out libraries are far from dead after all. In fact, the next best thing to Netflix in the US, Redbox, only rents out 1.4 million DVDs a day, giving public libraries a significant edge.

One reason for the substantial volume of DVD loans from libraries is that the video catalogue has more than doubled over the past ten years. In 1999 there were 73.5 DVDs and VHS tapes per thousand people, while in 2008 that figure has jumped to 166.7 per thousand.

Another reason may be the tightening of belts as people lost jobs or received pay cuts during the recession. Many Americans may have chosen to get a DVD for free from their library rather than pay Netflix cash for it.

However, film buffs are more likely to find modern movies and TV shows on Netflix, which has a larger collection of material to offer, numbering in the thousands.

Meanwhile British DVD rental service Lovefilm has signed an agreement with US-based Widevine. The deal will see Widevine take over Lovefilm's digital rights management and video optimisation in efforts to deliver more content to a larger number of devices. This will give users increased access to Lovefilm's rental collection and may help to increase its 1.4 million subscriber base.

Last we checked UK libraries offer DVD rentals. But in recent times, after major spending cuts, we're not 100 percent sure if libraries still exist.

Upcoming events at the GPL

2010-07-15T11:31:00.003-04:00

Friday Night Films; July 16- August 13!

Super Cold Science; Thursday, July 15; 3pm

Glue and Go Costumes; Tuesday, July 20; 4pm

Animal Behaviors; Wednesday, July 21; 3:30pm

Writing Poems from Nature: Workshop for Adults; Tuesday, July 27; 6:30pm

Life2Poetry: Workshop for Teens; Thursday, July 29; 3pm

Rock Band for Teens; Tuesday, August 3; 2-4:30pm

Rock Band for Adults; Tuesday, August 3; 5:30-8pm

For more information on any of these programs, check our website at greenfieldpubliclibrary.org

Friday Night Films at the Greenfield Public Library

2010-06-24T14:47:00.000-04:00

Permaculture Program

2010-06-24T14:25:00.003-04:00

Brigadoon June 26, 2010

2010-06-18T11:55:00.001-04:00

Lou's Upcycles Program for Teens

2010-06-18T11:54:00.004-04:00

New Library Hours Starting July 1, 2010

2010-06-07T15:45:00.000-04:00

Starting July 1, 2010 the Greenfield Public Library will be changing its hours. Our new hours will be as follows:

• Monday – 2pm-5pm
• Tuesday – 9:30am-8pm
• Wednesday – 9:30am-5pm
• Thursday – 9:30am-5pm
• Friday – 9:30am-5pm
• Saturday – 9:00am-1pm

With these hours we will be open six days a week for the convenience for our patrons. We look forward to seeing you again on Mondays.

Summer Reading Program 2010

2010-06-04T12:46:00.002-04:00

Registration has started for the 2010 Summer Reading Program: Go Green@ Your Library! This year in addition to our popular Summer Reading Program for Kids, we have added a Teen component -- tnk grEn -- and an adult component.

All three programs will have events that go throughout the summer, so keep your eyes open for our posters and postings on Facebook and Twitter.

The kickoff party for the Kids program will be on Saturday, June 19 at 10:30am and will feature the Animal World Experience presenting Going Green in Your Backyard! with Matt and Melissa Gabriel and the live animals they bring to the library. Kids will meet animals they may hope to encounter outside their homes as we explore the many ways to help them.

Library Closing -- Heat Related

2010-05-25T14:57:00.002-04:00

Due to rising heat and a broken A/C system, the Greenfield Public Library will close at 3:00pm today, Tuesday, May 25.

The Steve Alves Program, scheduled for this evening at 6:30pm will go on as planned in the library's LeVanway Meeting Room. Please enter through the rear of the building.

Steve Alves to speak at the GPL; 4/25; 6:30pm

2010-04-30T16:21:00.003-04:00

Hearing Loss Program at Greenfield Public

2010-04-23T13:36:00.000-04:00

What is a Rain Garden? April 6 @ GPL

2010-03-12T12:26:00.001-05:00

Consumer Protection Program at the GPL

2010-03-12T12:24:00.000-05:00

Library closing

2010-02-24T09:36:00.002-05:00

The library will be closed Wednesday, February 24, 2010 due to snow.

Magazines saved!

2010-02-23T13:19:00.003-05:00

Thanks to many generous magazine readers, the 33 magazines slated to be cut have been saved!

If you still want to help, please consider adopting one of our other magazine subscriptions. See the main circulation desk for details.

Reductions in Magazine Subscriptions -- What Can You Do to Help?

2010-02-09T17:09:00.001-05:00

Due to mid-year budget cuts, the Greenfield Public Library will have to discontinue 33 of its magazine subscriptions. This will be a savings of $1,520.

If you would like to preserve any of these subscriptions, you may donate the renewal fee and the magazine will be re-instated.

As always, thank you for your understanding, patience and support!

The magazines listed below will be discontinued. Here is the list of magazines that have been saved.

ADBUSTERS $60.00	MORE $20.00
AMERICAN WOODWORKER $24.00	MOTHER JONES $18.00
ARCHITECURAL DIGEST $42.00	MS $45.00
ART NEW ENGLAND $44.00	NATION $76.00
BACKPACKER $30.00	NEW YORK TIME SUNDAY PAPER $360.00
BARRON'S $145.00	OUTSIDE $18.00
BICYCLING $25.00	PC WORLD $20.00
BLACK ENTERPRISE $22.00	PETERSON'S 4 WHEELER $18.00
BOSTON GLOBE SUNDAY PAPER $240.00	POETS & WRITERS $20.00
BRIDES $20.00	POPULAR PHOTOGRAPHY $12.00
COBBLESTONE $30.00	PREVENTION $22.00
DISCOVER $35.00	PSYCHOLOGY TODAY $21.00
FAMILY FUN $17.00	RUNNER'S WORLD $24.00
HISPANIC $18.00	SNOWBOARDER $18.00
MAC WORLD $20.00	SPORTS ILLUSTRATED $90.00
MAD $24.00	SPORTS ILLUSTRATED KIDS $32.00
MENTAL FLOSS $22.00	YOUR BIG BACKYARD $20.00

Library Closing Early 1/20/10

2010-01-20T10:22:00.002-05:00

The library will close at 5pm tonight due to staff illnesses.

We are sorry for any inconvenience this may cause.

Mass Answers discontinued

2009-12-31T09:36:00.001-05:00

As of January 1, the online Reference chat service Mass Answers is being discontinued. Regional Reference Centers throughout the Commonwealth (including Boston) are ceasing participation, due to funding and staffing issues.

Discussions about providing an alternate chat service are in process but we are unsure as to when this may happen.

Classics Book Discussion Group

2009-12-28T11:41:00.003-05:00

The GPL's Classics Book discussion group will be doing a series on Louisa May Alcott. Coincidently, PBS's Amercian Masters will be showing a new documentary film on Alcott this evening at 9pm.

There was also a great interview this morning on NPR with Alcott scholar Harriet Reisen. Louisa May Alcott: The Woman Behind 'Little Women' is the title of the documentary and Reisen's book about Alcott that was published in October 2009. For those interested, the GPL has a copy of this new biography that can be put on hold.

Holiday Closing

2009-12-28T11:34:00.002-05:00

The library will close Thursday, December 31 at noon for observance of the New Year's holiday. We will remain closed throughout the weekend to conserve heat and electricity as a budget saving measure. The library will reopen on Tuesday, January 5 at 9:30am.

We wish all of our patrons a happy and healthy new year.

New Library Hours Starting January 4, 2010

2009-12-28T11:25:00.002-05:00

After listening to supporters’ statements at the recent budget hearing, GPL staff decided to restructure our hours to be more available to working people, students, and families.

As of Monday, January 4, our new hours will be as follows:

Monday -- Closed
Tuesday -- 9:30-8pm
Wednesday -- 9:30-8pm
Thursday -- 9:30-5pm
Friday -- 9:30-5pm
Saturday -- 9:00-1pm
Sunday -- Closed

The staff wishes to thank everyone who supported us during the past few months and hopes the new schedule will better accommodate the needs of our patrons.

Holiday Closings

2009-11-20T11:52:00.002-05:00

The library will close Wednesday, November 25 at 5pm for observance of the Thanksgiving Holiday. We will remain closed through the weekend to conserve heat and electricity as a budget saving measure.

The library will reopen Monday, November 30 at 1pm.

We wish all of our patrons a happy and healthy Thanksgiving.

New Library Hours

2009-11-20T11:50:00.001-05:00

Effective November 23, the library's new hours will be as follows:

Monday 1-5pm
Tuesday 9:30-8pm
Wednesday 9:30-5pm
Thursday 9:30-5pm
Friday 9:30-5pm
Saturday 9:30-12:30pm

We greatly regret any inconvenience this may cause our patrons.

Library Budget Hearing

2009-11-20T11:48:00.002-05:00

For those who missed it, the library budget hearing can be viewed at GCTV's Video On Demand page. Here is the link for those who are interested:

http://gctv.org/Video_on_demand_gctv.htm

Sarah Pirtle in concert at the GPL!

2009-11-20T11:42:00.001-05:00

Families with young children, treat yourselves to a special free concert Saturday morning, December 5 at 10:30 with the wonderful Sarah Pirtle. The community is invited to the Greenfield Public Library for a joyful concert for all ages with the award-winning singer-songwriter.

With humor and warmth, Sarah beckons us to experience the exploration and enchantment of the seasons, farm life, city neighborhoods, and family time. These lively songs encourage outdoor play and a childhood nourished by imagination, curiosity, and nature. The concert is free and open to all; for more information contact Kay Lyons at 772-1544 ext. 5 or online at www.greenfieldpubliclibrary.org.

New Library Hours

2009-11-16T10:04:00.000-05:00

New Library Hours

Due to budget cuts the library finds it necessary to reduce the number of hours we are open. As of November 19, 2009, library hours will be as follows:

Monday	1-5pm
Tuesday	9:30-8pm
Wednesday	9:30-5pm
Thursday	9:30-5pm
Friday	9:30-5pm
Saturday	9:30-12:30pm

We greatly regret any inconvenience this may cause our patrons.

updated budget information

2009-11-03T08:02:00.001-05:00

Please look at our updated page for information about the library's FY10 budget and it's ramifications for our patrons.

Library Budget Cuts: How will this impact you?

Library Budget Cuts -- how will this affect you?

2009-10-29T09:48:00.003-04:00

The Greenfield Recorder published a story this morning announcing a budget cut to the library that will reduce our hours from 47.5 to 40 each week. How will this affect your usage of the library? Below,you can see what this cut will do to library services in Greenfield.

Greenfield Public Library

Budget cuts Fall 2009

The Greenfield Public Library has already lost 3 staff members, and 3.5 open hours this year.

We are now facing:

· losing 4 more staff people, bringing us to a staff cut of 35% in less than a year

· closing 2 evenings and 1.5 hours on Saturdays

· reducing our magazine holdings by ½

· greatly reducing reference services and online databases subscriptions

· severely reducing or eliminating children and adult programming

· increasing wait time for holds to 2+ weeks

· longer lines at check out and more noise

· not being able to repair or replace any equipment or materials

· 2 more potential rounds of budget cuts; services now being reduced could be eliminated entirely

· the possibility of losing Interlibrary Loan next year if monies taken now are not replaced in next year’s budget.

The Greenfield Public Library is a service organization; when we lose staff, we cannot provide services.

Springfield Republican Editorial on Libraries

2009-10-08T09:03:00.002-04:00

Take a look at this editorial from the October 7 Springfield Republican about libraries in our area. It advocates strongly supporting the region's libraries.

Here is the link: http://www.masslive.com/opinion/index.ssf/2009/10/regions_libraries_need_our_sup.html

New links on the library website

2009-09-11T14:00:00.002-04:00

When it rains, it pours! Check out the new links on our website:

The Greenfield High School Blog

Mangablog -- Reviews of the latest manga

BookClubGirl

Authors on Air

The Roaring 20s -- Up and coming titles for 20something readers

NPR Book Reviews

Library Book Sale

2009-09-11T11:47:00.000-04:00

The Friends will be holding their annual Fall Book Sale starting on Thursday evening, October 1 from 5-8pm. The first evening is for Friends only, but you can become a Friend at the door!

The sale will continue Friday, October 2 from 10-5pm and Saturday from 10-2pm. Come support the Friends and the library!

Good new for users of our downloadable books!

2009-09-11T11:46:00.002-04:00

We are happy to announce that a Windows Mobile version of our Digital Books Catalog is available for patrons who use compatible devices. Now, with OverDrive Media Console for Windows Mobile, patrons can browse, checkout and download digital books directly to their device. They no longer have to download to a computer then transfer!

Windows Media Console for Windows Mobile just recently became available; the C/W MARS Windows Mobile site went live today. You can check it out by going to http://digitalbooks.cwmars.org/72119BAC-1D73-4D6C-91EF-D7F041E01AC0/40/20/en/Default.htm or by using your mobile device.

LIBRARY CLOSED Monday, July 21

2009-07-18T10:03:00.001-04:00

The library will be closed Monday, July 21 so we can reorganize our main circulation desk to serve you better. We will reopen on Tuesday at our regular time at 9:30.

New Library Hours and Meeting Room Policy

2009-07-18T09:58:00.003-04:00

Starting July 1, the library will be closed on Monday mornings due to budget cuts. Hours the rest of the week will remain the same. Our hours are now as follows:

Monday 1pm to 8pm
Tuesday 9:30am to 8pm
Wednesday 9:30 am to 8pm
Thursday 9:30am to 5pm
Friday 9:30am to 5pm
Saturday 9:30am to 2pm

In addition, the library trustees have voted in a new Meeting Room Use Policy. It can be viewed on our website. The Meeting Room Fee Schedule and Reservation Form can be printed from the website and mailed or faxed in to us.

Improved access to e-audios for iPod users!

2009-06-22T14:16:00.000-04:00

OverDrive, the vendor for the C/W MARS Digital Books Collection, recently announced that with the latest version of the OverDrive Media Console software most WMA format audiobooks will be compatible with iPods. Only the MP3-format titles were compatible in the past.

New digital books patrons will download OverDrive Media Console v. 3.2 immediately. Current users of version 3.1 will be prompted to upgrade starting the end of June or beginning of July. Version 3.2 "transcodes" the WMA files before sending them directly to the iPod, leaving no unnecessary files on the user's PC.

Publishers have reserved the right to allow this file conversion on a title-by-title basis. However, some of OverDrive's largest and most popular publishing partners have allowed this for all their titles currently offered by OverDrive. These publishers include BBC Audiobooks America, Books on Tape, Brilliance Audio, Penguin Audio, and Hatchette Audio. This means that all of the titles by these publishers in the C/W MARS Digital Books Collection are available to iPod users!

Information can be gotten here: http://www.overdrive.com/aboutus/getArticle.aspx?newsArticleID=20090527

New Monday Hours starting July 1

2009-06-15T13:17:00.001-04:00

Starting July 1, the Greenfield Public Library will have new Monday hours: 1:00pm - 8:00pm with hours the rest of the week remaining unchanged: Tuesday and Wednesday 9:30am - 8:00pm, Thursday and Friday 9:30am - 5:00pm, and Saturday 9:30am - 2:00pm.

With the monies budgeted by City Council, the Library will be able to remain open on Mondays, reducing service hours instead of closing for the day. Despite an overall budget cut and a loss of three positions, the Library staff is dedicated to remaining open as many hours as possible to serve the residents of Greenfield and the surrounding communities. Though saddened we will be losing Monday morning, the staff looks forward to seeing everyone throughout the summer and the rest of the year.

Libraries Lend a Hand in Tough Times

2009-06-11T15:48:00.003-04:00

The Today Show had a story today on the importance of libraries in these tough economic times.

Libraries all across the country are experiencing just what we are here in Greenfield -- people at the doors waiting for us to open, lines to use free Internet computers, and increased use of materials. Now more than ever the library is the place to be.

Database trial membership

2009-06-09T14:26:00.005-04:00

The Greenfield Public Library is happy to announce a six-month trial membership for VerbaLearn, a vocabulary boosting program! Log in from home with your library card.

VerbaLearn is jam-packed with great features to help you study more efficiently, track your progress, score higher, and simply save you time!

Here are some of the great ways you can boost your vocabulary with VerbaLearn!

	Listen To An MP3 − Review your words by listening to MP3's online at VerbaLearn.com, offline on a computer, or anywhere on an MP3 player.

	Watch A Video Flashcard − Review your words by watching video flashcards with audio online at VerbaLearn.com, offline on a computer, or anywhere on a video iPod.

	Crossword Puzzle − Review your words by completing a customized crossword puzzle made just for you.

	Print Flashcards − Print customized VerbaLearn flashcards of your current words to help you review.

	Standard Review − Complete example sentences online to learn your words in context and improve your understanding of word usage.

	Advanced Review − Complete fill-in-the-blank questions online to improve your word recall and spelling accuracy.

New Museum Passes!

2009-06-02T10:15:00.001-04:00

The Greenfield Public is pleased to announce two new passes for local area attractions. Thanks to a generous contribution from a local resident, the library now has a pass to the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame that will admit up to six people at reduced admission rates ($12 for adults and $8 kids 5 -15). In addition, the Mohawk Trail Concerts have donated two free tickets to each concert on June 26/27, and July 3/4, 10/11, and 24/25.

Passes can be reserved by calling the library at 413-772-1544 or by accessing the library’s website www.greenfieldpubliclibrary.org/attractions.html. To reserve passes, you must have a valid C/W MARS library card.

Graphic Novel Links

2009-05-12T17:06:00.002-04:00

For those interested in Graphic Novels, here are some great links for you:

ElfQuest is now available online for free! The entire run of ElfQuest is here, so read to your heart's content.

For those of you new to manga, check out Mangablog.net for information about this genre.

Enjoy. Read more comic books.

Swine Flu

2009-04-29T12:53:00.002-04:00

With Swine Flu hitting the news, we thought we'd post some links where you can get information about it.

Here they are:

Swine Flu information from MA

Information from the CDC

Wash your hands frequently and stay healthy!

Reduction in Number of Holds Requests

2009-01-16T11:23:00.002-05:00

Effective February 2, 2009 the number of holds requests patrons may have on their library cards will be reduced from 20 to 10. This action has been taken due to concerns about the state budget for the remainder of FY09 and the upcoming FY10.

This limit will not affect current holds requests.

New requests will not be accepted until there are fewer than 10 on the card.

Inauguration Day

2009-01-09T10:11:00.000-05:00

The GPL will broadcast the Inauguration of President Barack Obama on Tuesday, January 20, 2009 from 11-1 in the LeVanway Meeting Room. All residents of Franklin County who wish to watch the inauguration in a community setting are invited to join us for this historic event.

The GPL turns 100!

2009-01-09T10:05:00.002-05:00

Join us Saturday, January 10 from 1-3 to celebrate the library's 100th year! This party will kick off a year-long celebration of the library and its place in the community.

The Greenfield Recorder has written a great article about the library.

NEW AUDIOBOOKS

2009-01-02T12:04:00.003-05:00

ARCTIC DRIFT
Clive Cussler/read by Scott Brick

THE BOOK OF LIES
Brad Meltzer/read by Scott Brick

THE BRASS VERDICT
Michael Connelly/read by Peter Giles

CROSS COUNTRY
James Patterson/read by Peter Fernandez & Dion Graham

SAIL
James Patterson/read by Dylan Baker & Jennifer Van Dyck

DEVIL BONES
Kathy Reichs/read by Linda Emond

DIVINE JUSTICE
David Baldacci/read by Ron McLarty

THE WHOLE TRUTH
David Baldacci/read by Ron McLarty

GRACE
Richard Paul Evans/read by John Dossett

GREAT ESCAPE
Paul Brickhill/read by Robert Whitfield

HEY, THAT'S FUNNY

HOT MAHOGANY
Stuart Woods/read by Tony Roberts

MINE ARE SPECTACULAR
Janice Kaplan/read by Susan Denaker

THE LAST LECTURE
Randy Pausch/read by Erik Singer

LIBERTY
Garrison Keillor/read by the author

ROUGH WEATHER
Robert Parker/read by Joe Mantegna

THE SHACK
William Young/read by Roger Mueller

SILKS
Dick Francis/read by Martin Jarvis

THE STORY OF EDGAR SAWTELLE
David Wroblewski/read by Richard Poe

WHEN WILL THERE BE GOOD NEWS?
Kate Atkinson/read by Ellen Archer

BETRAYAL
John Lescroart/read by David Colacci

CHANGE OF HEART
Jodi Picoult/multiple readeers

CHILD 44
Tom Rob Smith/read by Dennis Boutsikaris

CONVERSATIONS WITH GOD, BOOKS 1, 2, & 3
Donald Neale Walsch/read by the author

THE LODGER
Charles Nicholl/read by Simon Vance

THE THIRD ANGEL
Alice Hoffman/read by Nancy Travis

THE AFGHAN
Frederick Forsyth/read by Robert Powell

BONK: THE CURIOUS COUPLING OF SCIENCE & SEX
Mary Roach/read by Sandra Burr

THE CREATOR'S MAP
Emilio Calderon/read by Tony Chiroldes

DADDY'S GIRL
Lisa Scottoline/read by Barbara Rosenblat

DIRTY GIRLS ON TOP
Alisa Valdes-Rodriguez/read by Cynthia Holloway

ECLIPSE
Stephenie Meyer/read by Ilyana Kadushin

BREAKING DAWN
Stephenie Meyer/read by Ilyana Kadushin

THE GRAVE TATTOO
Val McDermid/read by Kate Reading

THE ILIAD
Homer/ready by Stanley Lombardo

THE INCREDIBLE SHRINKING MAN
Richard Matheson/read by Yuri Rasovsky

LORD OF THE FLIES
William Golding/read by the author

MARTIN MISUNDERSTOOD
Karin Slaughter/read by Wayne Knight

THE ODYSSEY
Homer/read by Ian McKellen

THE PLACES THAT SCARE YOU
Pema Chodron/read by Joanna Rotte

A POCKET FULL OF RYE
Agatha Christie/read by Rosalind Ayres

CAT AMONG THE PIGEONS
Agatha Christie/read by Hugh Fraser

THE TANGLE BOX
Terry Brooks/read by Dick Hill

THE WORDY SHIPMATES
Sarah Vowell/read by the author

THE HOST
Stephenie Meyer/read by Kate Reading

WHEN YOU ARE ENGULFED IN FLAMES
David Sedaris/read by the author

THE GREAT SECRET
L. Ron Hubbard/read by Bruce Boxleitner

THE MAN WHO LOVED CHINA
Simon Winchester/read by Suzanne Toren

THE ZOOKEEPER'S WIFE
Diane Ackerman/read by Suzanne Toren

YOU CAN HEAL YOUR LIFE
Louise Hay/read by the author

THE PLAGUE OF DOVES
Louise Erdrich/read by Kathleen McInerney & Peter Francis James

SMOKE SCREEN
Sandra Brown/read by Victor Slezak

THE CASEBOOK OF SHERLOCK HOLMES, VOLS. 1 & 2
Arthur Conan Doyle/read by David Timson

DEATH OF A GENTLE LADY
M. C. Beaton/read by Graeme Malcolm

FEARLESS FOURTEEN
Janet Evanovich/read by Lorelei King

THE MIRACLE AT SPEEDY MOTORS
Alexander McCall Smith/read by Lisette Lecat

SWAN PEAK
James Lee Burke/read by Will Patton

FOREIGN BODY
Robin Cook/read by George Guidall

Overdrive for Macs!

2008-12-01T10:37:00.000-05:00

OverDrive Media Console for Mac, the free software for playing and organizing digital audiobooks from public libraries, is now available for download at http://overdrive.com/software/omc.

With this free software, Mac users can download audiobooks in the MP3 format from an OverDrive partner library's download website and transfer titles to Apple® devices including iPod® Classic, iPod Touch, iPod Nano and iPhoneTM. OverDrive Media Console for Mac also provides the same superior listening features of the popular Windows version, which is installed on millions of computers worldwide.

Friends' Holiday Book Sale

2008-12-01T10:36:00.001-05:00

The Friends are having a holiday book sale on Saturday, December 13 from 10-2. Stock up on gifts and stocking stuffers for your friends and family and support the library at the same time!

NEW CDS

2008-10-23T11:38:00.000-04:00

CAMP ROCK

BLUE ALBUM
Weezer

BAT OUT OF HELL
Meatloaf

NIGHT MOVES
Bob Seger

RIOT!
Paramore

THEM VS YOU VS ME
Finger Eleven

COCO
Colbie Caillat

METRO STATION
Metro Station

FLYLEAF
Flyleaf

E=MC2
Mariah Carey

ONE OF THE BOYS
Katy Perry

EURO GROOVE

JORDIN SPARKS
Jordin Sparks

A LITTLE BIT LONGER
Jonas Brothers

MAMMA MIA!

NOW THAT'S WHAT I CALL MUSIC
Vols. 27 & 28

HARPS & ANGELS
Randy Newman

ROCKFERRY
Duffy

WE SING, WE DANCE, WE STEAL THINGS
Jason Mraz

VIII
Stone Coyotes

CONSOLERS OF THE LONELY
Raconteurs

LAY IT DOWN
Al Green

ALL I INTENDED TO BE
Emmylou Harris

GOLD: GREATEST HITS
ABBA

NEW DVDS

2008-10-23T10:29:00.000-04:00

IN BRUGES
with Colin Farrell

AUTUMN SONATA
starring Ingrid Bergman

THE BANK JOB

BLUE BUTTERFLY
starring William Hurt

BONNIE & CLYDE
with Warren Beatty & Faye Dunaway

BOYNTON BEACH CLUB

THE CONVERSATION
starring Gene Hackman

CRANFORD
with Dame Judi Dench

DAMAGES
Season 1, starring Glenn Close

DAYS OF HEAVEN
Richard Gere

DEFINITELY, MAYBE

GHOST WORLD
based on the graphic novel

THE GRIFTERS
with Anjelica Huston & John Cusack

HIGHWAY TO HEAVEN
Season 1, starring Michael Landon

IRON MAN
Robert Downey Jr., Jeff Bridges, Gwyneth Paltrow

THE KINGDOM
Complete series, directed by Lars von Trier

LOST
Seasons 2 & 3

MARNIE
Directed by Alfred Hitchcock; starring Tippi Hedren & Sean Connery

THE LOST ROOM
with Peter Krause

MARRIED LIFE

MISS PETTIGREW LIVES FOR A DAY
with Frances McDormand & Amy Adams

MONARCH OF THE GLEN
The final season (7)

MY BLUEBERRY NIGHTS

NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD
the original

ONE NIGHT WITH THE KING

PEARL DIVER

PENELOPE
starring Christina Ricci

POLICE SQUAD
Complete series; starring Leslie Nielsen

ROBOT CHICKEN
Season 1

SENSATION OF SIGHT
David Strathairn

SEX AND THE CITY
the movie

SHAUN OF THE DEAD

SHIRLEY VALENTINE

SLEDGE HAMMER!
Seasons 1 & 2; starring David Rasche

SMART PEOPLE
with Dennis Quaid & Sarah Jessica Parker

STREET KINGS
with Forest Whitaker & Keanu Reeves

THEN SHE FOUND ME
starring Helen Hunt & Colin Firth

21
based on the book "Bring down the house"

UNDER THE SAME MOON
also known as "La Misma luna"

VANTAGE POINT
with Forest Whitaker, Matthew Fox, & Dennis Quaid

THE WAY WE WERE
starring Robert Redford & Barbra Streisand

WELCOME TO THE DOLLHOUSE
with Heather Matarazzo

THE WIRE
Season 4

AUDUBON BUTTERFLY

AUTISM: THE MUSICAL

ICE ROAD TRUCKERS
Season 1

SURFWISE
about the Paskowitz family of surfers

LIFE AFTER PEOPLE
what would it be like?

THE UNIVERSE
Season 1

YOU CAN HEAL YOUR LIFE
with Louise Hay

LIFE IN COLD BLOOD
a David Attenborough production

YOUNG@HEART
the chorus from Northampton, MA

Local Help for Residents: Community Meals & More

2008-10-16T09:52:00.000-04:00

The Town of Greenfield has a new wiki filled with information that town residents might need during this time of economic uncertainty.

There are sections on Community Meals, Food Pantries, Heating Assistance, Seniors, the Library, the DPW, and others. Check it frequently for information as winter approaches.

For your listening pleasure: NEW MUSIC CDS SEPTEMBER 2008

2008-09-11T14:18:00.002-04:00

MOVIE SOUNDTRACKS:

Pineapple Express

Step Up 2 the Streets

Eddie Vedder - Into the Wild

BLUES:

Willie Nelson/Wynton Marsalis - Two men With the Blues

Sonny Terry - Absolutely the Best

Chris Smither - Leave the Light On

MUSICALS:

In the Heights

Passing strange

FOLK:

Too Human - From There to Here

Too Human - True

Baltimore Consort - On the Banks of the Helicon

COUNTRY:

Sugarland - Love on the Inside

Raul Malo - You're Only Lonely

LOCAL:

Sonya Kitchell - This Storm

INTERNATIONAL:

Patrice Larose - Set Luna

GoTan Project - Lunatico

Bob Marley - Catch a Fire

OPERA:

Gilbert & Sullivan - HMS Pinafore

ROCK/POP:

Sara Bareilles - Little Voice

Boys Like Girls - Boys Like Girls

Coldplay - Viva la Vida

Death Cab for Cutie - Narrow Stairs

Onerepublic - Dreaming Out Loud

Jimi Hendrix - Are You Experienced

John Mellencamp - Life, Death, Love...

Leona Lewis - Spirit

Neil Diamond - Home Before Dark

Nightwish - Once

NEW DVDS AUGUST 2008

2008-09-04T16:43:00.006-04:00

27 DRESSES
starring Katherine Heigl

DR. BELL & MR. DOYLE
starring Ian Richardson; based on book series by David Pirie

HOGFATHER
based on Terry Pratchett's novel

DAY THE EARTH STOOD STILL
the original! Remake opening in theaters in December

SUPERNATURAL: THE COMPLETE SECOND SEASON
starring Jensen Ackles & Jared Padalecki

BUCKET LIST - currently the most requested title in the Western Mass. library system

DAM BUSTERS - with Michael Redgrave. A WWII story about a British air squadron

BELLA - Toronto film festival winner

BLACKBOARD JUNGLE - starring Glenn Ford

FLAWLESS - with Demi Moore & Michael Caine

GREAT DEBATERS - Denzel Washington. About a college's first debate team, inspired by
true events

LARS AND THE REAL GIRL - a quirky romantic comedy

LIONS FOR LAMBS - with Robert Redford, Meryl Streep, & Tom Cruise

PS I LOVE YOU - starring Hilary Swank, based on the Cecelia Ahern novel

WEEDS: SEASON 3 - the cable hit about a pot dealer and her community

CENTENNIAL: THE COMPLETE SERIES - the 1970s TV series based on James Michener's novel

MONARCH OF THE GLEN, SERIES 6 - PBS series about a Scottish laird

MAD MEN: SEASON 1 - hit TV series about Madison Avenue

JOHN ADAMS: the blockbuster TV miniseries

INSPECTOR MORSE: INFERNAL SERPENT - 6 disc set of episodes from the PBS show;
inspired by the Colin Dexter books

ART SCHOOL CONFIDENTIAL - based on the graphic novel by Daniel Clowes

MARTIAN CHILD - starring John Cusack

MONASTERY: MR. VIG & THE NUN - Danish film about a man who wants to convert his
castle into a monastery

STEAMBOY - anime with the voices of Patrick Stewart and Alfred Molina

PROOF - an Australian film, with Russell Crowe before he got famous

DEATH AT A FUNERAL - a comedy with Matthew Macfadyen and Peter Dinklage (of THE
STATION AGENT fame)

FRENCH LIEUTENANT'S WOMAN - starring Meryl Streep & Jeremy Irons

KNIGHT'S TALE - starring the late Heath Ledger

HOUSE OF GAMES - mind games with Joe Mantegna

NATIONAL TREASURE: BOOK OF SECRETS - more historical treasure-hunting with Nicolas Cage

PERSEPOLIS - animated film based on the award-winning graphic novel biography by
Marjane Satrapi

OTHER BOLEYN GIRL - drama about Anne Boleyn and her sister, starring Natalie
Portman & Scarlett Johansson

PARIS JE T'AIME - love stories from the City of Lights

MAN WHO NEVER WAS - wartime espionage with Clifton Webb & Gloria Grahame

FOYLE'S WAR, SET 5 - final 3 episodes of the PBS series about a policeman in wartime
Great Britain

HOUSE OF CARDS - a 3 movie set about a scheming politician in modern London,
starring Ian Richardson

SANDBAGGERS - British TV drama about spying, starring Roy Marsden

RAPTOR FORCE - a NATURE episode about birds of prey

BUSH'S WAR - a FRONTLINE documentary about the Iraq war

ANNE FRANK REMEMBERED

FREE SPIRITS - documentary about the Renaissance commune

GRANGE FAIR

GUERRILLA: THE TAKING OF PATTY HEARST

INTO GREAT SILENCE - film about the Grande Chartreuse, a monastery in the French Alps

MY KID COULD PAINT THAT - true story of the sudden celebrity of a toddler artist

STEEP - documentary about the world's best skiers

AMERICA'S SWEETHEARTS

RED SOX MEMORIES

AURORA, RIVER OF LIGHT IN THE SKY

YOU BET YOUR LIFE: BEST OF GROUCHO

INRODUCING DOROTHY DANDRIDGE - with Halle Berry

PERSONAL VELOCITY

AT WAR WITH THE ARMY/AFRICA SCREAMS

BORN FREE

TROY

WEST SIDE WALTZ

SWINGERS

COUSIN BETTE

ROGER DODGER

AT FIRST SIGHT

BE COOL

BRING IT ON

Documentaries donated by the Media Education Foundation:

BLOOD & OIL

DIAMOND EMPIRE

GIRLS: MOVING BEYOND MYTH

MICHAEL KIMMEL ON GENDER

ON WHITE PRIVILEGE

WRITING ABOUT MEDIA

BOYS TO MEN?

FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION

IN DEBT WE TRUST

MILITAINMENT

WAR MADE EASY

Holiday Closing

2008-08-23T11:21:00.000-04:00

The library will be closed Saturday, August 30 through Monday, September 1 in observance of Labor Day.

We will reopen Tuesday, September 2 at 9:30.

Twilight Party

2008-08-15T10:17:00.000-04:00

Calling all fans of Stephenie Meyer's Twilight series. The library will host a Twilight Party on Friday, September 26 from 7:00-9:00. Details will follow, but come prepared to answer the important question: Edward or Jacob?

Facebook

2008-08-12T14:54:00.000-04:00

The library now has a Facebook presence. Become a fan of the GPL. You can find us here.

iPod compatible audiobooks

2008-08-12T14:23:00.001-04:00

Now Playing - OverDrive MP3 Audiobooks for iPods! (Not yet available for the Mac.*)

C/W MARS is proud to announce the addition of OverDrive MP3 Audiobooks to our Downloadable Media collection! The OverDrive MP3 Audiobook offers iPod®, iPhone™, and iPod Touch support!

To download our MP3 content, please make sure you have OverDrive Media Console 3.0 installed on your computer.

*At this time, only the MP3 format OverDrive Media files can be used on iPods, but they require a Windows PC to download. We hope to have support for Mac computers soon.

Check out the GPL on MySpace!

2008-08-04T12:36:00.001-04:00

Our MySpace page is finally getting the attention it deserves! Check us out at http://www.myspace.com/greenfieldpubliclibrary.

2008 Economic Stimulus Payment - It's Not Too Late

2008-08-02T09:51:00.000-04:00

Even though the April 15 tax deadline has passed, it is not too late to file for your economic stimulus payment this year. Persons who qualify for the payment must file a 2007 tax return by October 15, 2008.

Millions of people are eligible but may not know it, or think it is too late to get a payment. These are certain retirees, disabled veterans and low-wage workers who normally don’t file a tax return because their income is too low or nontaxable.

People who have no tax filing requirement but have at least $3,000 in qualifying income must file a simple Form 1040A tax return to obtain their stimulus payment. The law provides a minimum payment of $300 ($600 for married couples) plus the $300 payment per eligible child, if the person (or married couple) qualifies. Qualifying income includes any combination of earned income, nontaxable combat pay as well as certain payments from Social Security, Veterans Affairs and Railroad Retirement.

Form 1040A and instructions are available at the Greenfield Public Library, on the IRS Web site at www.irs.gov or by calling 800-TAX-FORM (800-829-3676).

For more information:http://www.irs.gov click on “Rebate - It's Not Too Late ”

Community Action is offering FREE ASSISTANCE to help
file the necessary form for economic stimulus returns only.

Tuesday August 12th
Wednesday August 13th
Wednesday August 20th.

Call 413-387-1201 to schedule an appointment.

New checkout limits for digital downloads!

2008-07-08T11:12:00.000-04:00

As of this week, patrons are allowed to check out up to seven items from the digital books site (http://digitalcatalog.cwmars.org). The items may be any combination of audiobooks, Adobe Reader e-books, and downloadable videos; however, patrons are allowed to check out no more than two videos at a time. This new limit replaces the previous five item limit.

The only items that patrons may return early are the Adobe Reader e-books. Therefore, patrons placing items on their waiting list should not check out the maximum number of items. This is so that they are able to check out the waitlisted title when it becomes available.

If you haven't been to this site yet and you have a vacation coming up, check it out!

Summer Movies

2008-07-03T16:20:00.000-04:00

Summer Movies start on July 11!

Are you a fan of fantasy? This summer the GPL will show the Lord of the Rings (LOTR to real fans) trilogy Friday nights starting on July 11. Are hobbits not really your thing? Do you prefer Harry Potter? Well, what a coincidence; we're showing the 5 Harry Potter movies Friday nights in August!

The library's back door opens at 6:45 and movies start promptly at 7:00. Escape the humidity and thunderstorms and visit another world for an evening.

Thanks to the Friends of the Greenfield Public Library for sponsoring this free event.

computer help

2008-07-03T16:13:00.000-04:00

Have you ever had trouble using Microsoft Office, OpenOffice.org, or Dreamweaver? Our crack information librarians have found the website for you: http://inpics.net/. This fabulous site offers FREE pictorial tutorials (say that 10 times fast) so you can see what you need to do in the program. Check it out.

Closed for July 4!

2008-07-03T16:11:00.000-04:00

Just a reminder that the library is closed for Independence Day! We will be open Saturday, July 5.

The GPL tweets and IMs. Do you?

2008-06-11T14:28:00.001-04:00

The Information Desk at the GPL has entered the 21st century! Oh, wait, we've done that already. We're going where no one has gone before! No, actually people are there now. Well, we'll have to join them.

Anyway, this is a long way to introduce two new services on our website. You can now IM our helpful Information Librarians questions right from our homepage! Chat with a GPL Librarian in real time and get the information you need. If we don't respond right away, we're helping someone in the library. Please be patient, and we'll be with you as soon as possible. Please have your library card handy just in case.

Also, the GPL now has a presence on Twitter! For those of you who don't know, Twitter is a free social networking and micro-blogging service that allows users to send "updates" (or "tweets"; text-based posts, up to 140 characters long) that are displayed on the user's profile page and instantly delivered to other users who have signed up to receive them. (Thanks, Wikipedia!)

So now you have even more ways to keep up with the library. Isn't that great?

New DVDs

2008-05-19T15:16:00.001-04:00

10 Things I Hate About You

12 Angry Men

Alone In the Dark

Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy

Anger Management

Atonement

August Rush

Awakenings

Balls of Fury

Battlestar Galactica Season One

Battlestar Galactica Season Two

Beetlejuice

Before the Devil Knows You're Dead

Beowulf

Brain Candy

Charlie Wilson's War

Cloverfield

Chappelle's Show: Season one

Curb Your Enthusiasm: Season four

Curb Your Enthusiasm: Seasom five

Curb Your Enthusiasm: season six

Dan in Real Life

Dead Man

Delicatessen

Deliverance

Diving Bell and the Butterfly

Doctor Who: Season One

Dune

Exorcism of Emily Rose

Fear and Loathing In Las Vegas

Friendly Persuasion

Fools Rush In

The Golden Compass

I Am Legend

I, Claudius

I'm Not There

In the Shadow of the Moon

In the Valley of Elah

Jesus is Magic

Juno

Khakee: Bollywood Feature Film

The Kingdom

Kite Runner

Limbo

Man on Fire

Manchurian Candidate

Meet the Fockers

Meet the Parents

No Country for Old Men

Opposite of Sex

Persuasion

Pixar Short Film Collection

Red Dwarf: Series Three

Red Dwarf: Series Four

Romulus, My Father

The Savages

Stardust

Star Trek the Next Generation Season One

Star Trek the Next Generation Season Two

Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street

There Will Be Blood

The Tudors: Complete First Season

Ulee's Gold

Walk Hard

We Own the Night

What's Eating Glibert Grape

World's Funnyman: Neil Hamburger

New Compact Discs

2008-04-03T11:20:00.000-04:00

Rock

Road to Ruin - Ramones

Echoes, Silence, Patience & Grace - Foo Fighters

Riot! - Paramore

Raising Sand - Robert Plant and Allison Krauss

Neon Bible - Arcade Fire

Odelay - Beck

Life Pursuit - Belle and Sebastien

Mass Romantic - New Pornographers

69 Love Songs - Magnetic Fields

Look Directly Into the Sun: China Pop 2007 - Various Artists

Michigan - Sufjan Stevens

Either/Or - Elliot Smith

Infinity on High - Fall Out Boy

Back to Black - Amy Winehouse

Good Girl Gone Bad - Rihanna

Headstrong - Ashley Tisdale

Country and Bluegrass

Taylor Swift - Taylor Swift

Anthology - Bill Monroe

At Folsom Prison - Johnny Cash

Last of the Breed - Willie Nelson

Cherryholmes II: Black and White - Cherryholmes

Carnival Ride - Carrie Underwood

International

Songs of Our Fathers: Traditional Jewish Melodies - Andy Statman & David Grisman

Black and White - The Definitive Collection - Ewan MacColl

Babylon by Bus - Bob Marley

La Llave De Mi Corazon - Juan Luis Guerra

Blue Idol - Altan

Redwood - Lunasa

Tango: Zero Hour - Astor Piazzolla

Jazz

Duets: An American Classic - Tony Bennett

Italia - Chris Botti

River: The Joni Letters - Herbie Hancock

Folk

Shine - Joni Mitchell

Clouds - Joni Mitchell

All the News That's Fit to Sing - Phil Ochs

Misc.

Kala - M.I.A.

New Books on CD - Fiction

2008-02-27T12:59:00.001-05:00

Spook Country by William Gibson
World Without End by Ken Follett
Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett
Witch Hunt by Ian Rankin
The Dubliners by James Joyce
Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes
The Sea by John Banville
The Road by Cormac McCarthy
House of Meetings by Martin Amis
Run by Ann Patchett
Loving Frank by Nancy Horan
Songs Without Words by Ann Packer
Drop Dead Beautiful by Jackie Collins
The Abstinence Teacher by Tom Perrotta
Rope Walk by Carrie Brown
Love Over Scotland by Alexander McCall Smith
Lord John and the Brotherhood of the Blade by Diana Gabaldon
Atonement by Ian McEwan
Mr. Sebastian and the Negro Magician by Daniel Wallace
North River by Pete Hamill
Find Me by Carol O'Connell
Christine Falls by Benjamin Black
In the Woods by Tana French
The Night Ferry by Michael Robotham
Next by Michael Crichton
The Ambler Warning by Robert Ludlum
Anansi Boys by Neil Gaiman
A Passage to India by E.M. Forster
The Good Earth Pearl S. Buck
Playing for Pizza by John Grisham
The Dead Fathers Club by Matt Haig
Herzog by Saul Bellow
The God of Animals by Aryn Kyle
Rhett Butler's People by Donald McCaig
People of the Book by Geraldine Brooks
Maisie Dobbs by Jacqueline Winspear
The Tin Roof Blowdown: a Dave Robicheaux novel by Dave Robicheaux
The Appeal by John Grisham

New DVDs- Februrary 20, 2008

2008-02-20T14:28:00.001-05:00

New Nonfiction Books on CD - February 20, 2008

2008-02-20T13:45:00.001-05:00

Lunar Eclipse

2008-02-20T11:46:00.000-05:00

Just a reminder to all our patrons that tonight there is a full lunar esclipse that will happen this evening.

There is a great story on lunar eclipses and on the one scheduled for tonight at Sky and Telescope.

The eclipse will start around 9:00 and the moon will be in full shadow around 10.

Enjoy the view.

Digital TV

2008-02-14T14:38:00.000-05:00

Sorry for the long time with no blog entries. Libraries are incredibly busy places these days!

Anyway, here's something we learned at GPL that may come in handy for some of you when Digital TV goes live:

Re the upcoming switch to digital TV, I'd think libraries would be a good way to get some information out. Especially noteworthy is the offer of up to two $40 coupons per household for converter boxes. I'd hate to think of free money not being gotten, just because someone didn't know about it.

http://www.dtv.gov/index.html includes FAQs, an Outreach Toolkit, and publications in English and Spanish.

http://www.ntia.doc.gov/dtvcoupon/ includes information about the coupon program and brochures in several languages.

This comes courtesy of the PUBLIB listserv.

Fall Friends Event

2007-10-15T17:18:00.000-04:00

Friends of the Greenfield Public Library Annual Fall Event

Saturday November 3, 2007 5:00 -7:00 pm Stoneleigh Burnham School

** Hale Johnson’s “Meadowbrook” print—last chance to purchase raffle tickets for this gorgeous print donated by Hale. Winner will be drawn during of the evening.

** Farewell to Dianne Ryan--toasting the tenure of our wonderful library director who is retiring this year.

** Silent auction—of over 40 gift baskets. Themes include sports, dogs, gardening, cooking, birds, knitting, wellness and kids ($50+ value).

** Live auction -- 2008 Red Sox Tickets donated by Trenholm Electric

Hors d’oeurves will be provided by Hope & Olive. Wine, beer and soft drinks will be provided by Ryan & Casey, People’s Pint and other generous donors. We are also awarding door prizes of $50.00 to Hope & Olive.

Tickets are $15.00 and are available at the library, contacting the Friends at fgpl402main@hotmail.com or by mailing a check payable to the FGPL 402 Main St., Greenfield, MA 01301.

Sponsored by Bete Fog Nozzle, Greenfield Cooperative Bank, Stoneleigh Burnham School, Greenfield Savings Bank and Northeast Foundation for Children.

Updates!

2007-10-10T15:47:00.000-04:00

We've added new links to our website page. Want to learn a language? Take a look at the BBC's languages page. It offers French, Greek, Portuguese, Mandarin Chinese, German, Urdu, and Celtic languages. There are also some new blogs to read. LibVibe, library news from libraries and librarians, and Libraries for My Friends, tips for using Western MA libraries written by a librarian!

Libraries being outsourced

2007-10-05T11:07:00.000-04:00

This story came from the AP. Across the country, towns are trying to save money by outsourcing their libraries to private companies. The results are not always good for patrons.

Internet demand outpacing libraries' capacity, study finds

2007-09-14T15:14:00.000-04:00

Long time, no blog!

Here's an article from the Boston Globe that library readers might find interesting. For those of you who have had to wait an hour or longer for a library Internet terminal, you are not alone. All across the country there are those who share your pain.

Read on.

Changes @ Your Library

2007-06-12T16:44:00.000-04:00

Have you been in lately? We've been making some changes, the biggest of which is the Picture Book Room! That's right, the picture books now have a room of their very own.

The sky, I mean, ceiling, is blue with clouds that have things hidden in them, so you'll need to lie down on the green grass, uh, rug, to find them.

Come in and see the changes we are making for you.

Winning Poems

2007-05-23T16:40:00.000-04:00

The winning poems from the Poet's Seat Poetry contest are now up on our site! Click, read, and enjoy.

Book sale!

2007-05-16T14:27:00.000-04:00

Come one, come all to the GPL for the Friends' semi-annual book sale!

The sale starts Thursday, May 17th at 5:00. Yes, the Preview is back! The Preview is for Friends only and ends promptly at 7:30; you still have time to join or you can join at the door! Be sure to use the library's back door for the sale.

The book sale itself will be Friday from , May 18 from 10 - 5 and Saturday, May 19 from 10 - 2.

Support the Friends and all they do for the library by buying a book! Buy a lot of books! They need the room.

Georgetown (Washington DC) library destroyed by fire

2007-05-16T14:19:00.000-04:00

On May 5, Scott Simon of National Public radio did a piece on the Georgetown library that was destroyed in a construction accident. If you missed it the first time, here it is in its entirety. It defintely is food for thought.

Library Stories

2007-05-01T16:45:00.000-04:00

Libraries open doors for many people, and everyone has a different story to tell about how the library has changed their life for the better.

The GPL is interested in hearing your stories and sharing them on our blog. Send us an IM or an email with your library story. We look forward to reading them.

Garbage@GPL!

2007-05-01T16:44:00.002-04:00

Want to know what happens to your recyclables once they leave the curb? Come to GPL for a Trash Bash!

Trash Bash is an evening of fun and games that teaches us all about recycling and trash. You can make trashy inventions, make a landfill snack, think outside the bag and identify buried trash from the library's mini-landfill (you get to dig it up!), and learn about squrimy worms!

Join in the fun on Friday, May 11 from 6:30 - 8:00.

Library Trustee Openings

2007-05-01T16:44:00.001-04:00

The Board of Library Trustees is seeking interested candidates to fill two trustee seats. The 7 board members are appointed by the Mayor and charged with setting library policies, overseeing the expenditure of funds, and providing an essential link between the library and the community it serves.

Key qualifications include residence in Greenfield, a genuine interest in library services, and a willingness to be an advocate for this unique institution. The board holds monthly evening meetings; members are also expected to represent the library at other meetings and events at various times during the year.

Interested persons are encouraged to send a letter that includes the reasons for their interest in serving on the Board and information about specific qualifications or areas of expertise to: Board of Trustees, Greenfield Public Library, 402 Main Street, Greenfield, MA 01301. You may ask to speak to Library Director Dianne Ryan for more information.

New Sites

2007-03-21T13:02:00.000-04:00

Take a look at the new sites we have posted on the Recommended Websites portion of our website. We have added some that will be sure to appeal to those of you looking for consumer information, study guides, or historical maps of Massachusetts.

We're here working for you.

Afghan Raffle!

2007-03-06T12:02:00.000-05:00

The Friends of the Greenfield Public Library’s latest raffle item is a warm, cuddly afghan crocheted by library supporter, Alice Jurcik. The afghan is extra thick, employing Tunisian crochet stitches, and measures 48” x 72” . The colors used are a soft colonial blue, off white, and navy blue. Alice has been knitting and crocheting for over 40 years and many in the community can attest to her skill at creating beautiful sweaters and afghans. She is pleased to be supporting the work of the Friends.

Raffle tickets can be purchased at the library or at the Poet’s Seat Poetry Contest on Thursday, April 26 at 7 p.m. at the Capen Room, Stoneleigh Burnham School, Greenfield.

Tickets are $1 each or 6 for $5. The drawing will be held at the library on Tuesday, May 1.

We're back!!!

2007-02-28T13:00:00.000-05:00

As you may have noticed, the blog hasn't had any new postings in a while. Well, the good news is we're back. Our new website is up and we are better than ever with more ways to contact us and get information from the GPL.

Need a question answered quickly? Try IMing the library. The Help Desk can be reached at: greenfieldpublib via AIM; greenfieldpubliclibrary via Yahoo; greenfieldpubliclibrary@hotmail.com via MSN; 321204489 via ICQ. Or you can still email us at librarian@greenfieldpubliclibrary.org. Phone calls are also still welcome at 413-772-1544 ext. 13.

Monday Openings!!!

2006-11-20T09:19:00.000-05:00

As of today, November 20, 2006, the library is again open on Mondays! Hours will be from 9:30 - 8:00. We hope to see you here!

Quilt Winner

2006-10-12T16:12:00.000-04:00

Congratulations to Nancy Pachalis, winner of the Friends of the Greenfield Public Library quilt raffle. The quilt was designed and made by Marjorie Reid.

Enjoy your quilt, Nancy!

Access the Boston Public Library's Databases Without Leaving Home!

2006-10-05T17:09:00.000-04:00

Have you every looked at the BPL's Electronic Resource Page and thought, "Gee, I wish I could get access to some of these." Well, now you can, and without leaving western MA!

Any MA resident (who lives in a town with a certified library) can get a library card at any other town or city in MA, and this includes Boston! The BPL has just stared a program where people can get an eCard, giving them access to the same resources as Boston residents. The eCard is good for six months. To continue using the databases from home, all you need to do is visit the Boston Public Library and show them your eCard so the BPL can convert it to a regular library card. While you're there you can take advantage of the in-library use databases (Ancestry.com among them) and check out their extensive collections.

For more information about this exciting opportunity, click here.

Illustrated Chair Auction

2006-10-04T17:32:00.000-04:00

The Friends of the Greenfield Public Library cordially invite you to the premier auction of the season featuring more than forty chairs, stools, and wheelbarrows illustrated by local artists. Each piece will highlight the artist's favorite piece of literature, including The Wizard of Oz, Alice in Wonderland, the Teddy Bears' Picnic, Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star, and many others. Chairs will be on display at the library, Wilson's Abbot Gallery, and other local businesses from October 19 until November 4.

The auction will take place at Stoneleigh-Burnham School in Greenfield on November 4 from 5 - 7 with cocktails and hors d'oeuvres provided and a chair preview from 3 - 5. Joe Poirier, President of Greenfield Savings Bank, will host as auctioneer for the live auction. Silent bidding will commence on October 19 with a bid book at the library and be finalized at the event. Tickets for the auction are $15 and can be purchased at the library, the World Eye Book Shop, or Wilson's Department Store.

The Friends would like to thank Greenfield Savings Bank, Bete Fog Nozzle, Greenfield Co-operative Bank, Cleary Jewelers, the Northeast Foundation for Children, and the Stoneleigh-Burnham School for sponsoring this fundraiser and supporting the Greenfield Public Library.

Artists whose work will be seen include:
Sarah Adams
Pam Adorno
Nancy Baker
Janet Barnum
Kayla Bernard
Sue Blauner
Nancy Buchanan
Gail Callahan
Bill Cardarapoli
Jane Chang
John Chapin Jr.
Connie Corsiglia
JoAnn Denehy
Sandy Denis
Al Dray
Gilette Griffin
Morgan Hale
Anne Hare
Judith Harper
Mary Hernandez
Hale Johnson
Lorraine Johnson
Tom LaChance
Robin Logan
Kay Lyons
Robert Markey
Jack Marmaras
Kara McColgan
Marcus and Janet McLaurin
Ami Polenski
Carol Reed
Cheryl Rezendes
Bill Roberts
Pam Roberts
Joan Rockwell
Chris Rooks
Lynne Rudie
Peggy Sanders
Maureen Scanlon
Astrid Scheckels
Hope Schneider
Kate Schoenberger
Joanne Sherburne
Martie Stiles
Grant Strange
David Sund
Nancy Uchman
Lauren Watrous
Jordy Williams
Marcia Wise

Your Most Reliable Search Tool Could Be Your Librarian

2006-09-30T10:28:00.000-04:00

This just in from CNET.com: Your most reliable search tool could be your librarian. It's fascinating reading, even for the non-librarians among us. Take a look and let us know what you think.

New website in the works

2006-08-10T14:46:00.000-04:00

Greetings from the library. Postings have been few and far between lately, and we are sorry, but the reason for this is very exciting...

We are designing a new website! You'll still find us at www.greenfieldpubliclibrary.org, but we'll have a new look, easier navigation, and much more content.

The new site will be up and running at the beginning of September. We look forward to sharing with you.

2006-08-10T14:12:00.000-04:00

What's buzzin'? A special showing of The Ant Bully at the Garden Cinema at 9:00 on August 19th, that's what!

If you participated in the Summer Reading Program, bring your certificate or reading log to the Garden Theater for free admission. Otherwise, there is a charge of $4 to see the film, with the money being donated to the Friends of the Greenfield Public Library. (Concessions are extra.)

Our thanks to the Garden Cinema for this exciting event!

Winnie the Pooh Party

2006-08-10T14:11:00.000-04:00

Kids! Bring your bear to a Winnie-the-pooh party! A hunny of a good time will be had by all. Thursday, August 17th from 3 - 5. Suggested ages 3 and up.

Call the Children's Room for details.

DDR Workshop

2006-08-10T14:06:00.000-04:00

The Greenfield Public Library is pleased to announce a Dance Dance Revolution (DDR) program for youth entering grades 6-12 on Friday, August 11, 2006 from 7:00-9:00 PM.DDR is a video game players can dance to, like an electronic version of "Twister," or "Simon Says" for your feet. Up to four players can compete at once, following directional arrows on the screen by stepping on corresponding arrows on a floor mat controller. More details can be found at http://www.ddrfreak.com.

Registration for Greenfield residents begins on July 11, with the first ten (10) slots being reserved for Greenfield residents. Starting July 25, residents of other towns may sign up for any remaining slots. The first twenty (20) players to return a signed permission slip will be eligible for participation. DDR is a safe and fun game; however, participants play this game at their own risk. The Library cannot be responsible for participants’ health or fitness. Permission slips/fact sheets can be picked up at the library. There are still spaces available!

Contact: Lisa Prolman 413-772-1544 lprolman@townofgreenfield.org

What's Buzzin' Pictures

2006-06-29T10:34:00.000-04:00

Pictures of the wheelbarrow club are now on the library's website! Photos from the other clubs and events the library is having as part of the 2006 Summer Reading Program "What's Buzzin' at your library?" will soon follow.

Da Vinci Code Fundraiser

2006-06-05T15:48:00.000-04:00

Poet's Seat Poetry Contest

2006-05-08T16:57:00.000-04:00

The winning poems from the 2006 Poet's Seat Poetry contest are now on the website on the Poet's Seat Poem page.

Enjoy reading them, and congratulations to all who contributed poems to the contest.