Upcoming events at the Montague Public Libraries and other libraries

February is a very busy month for public libraries. Winter weather encourages indoor pursuits, including reading and watching DVDs. When cabin fever hits, libraries are warm inviting spaces with a wide variety of free programs and friendly faces.

Many libraries offer special programs for February school vacation. There are four special events at the Carnegie Library in Turners Falls, for example, as well as the Art-To-Go box all week. That week, on Tuesday, Feb. 18, there will be a family movie at 1 p.m. Call 413-863-3214 to learn the title. On Wednesday, there will be a Special Book Sale from noon to 3 p.m. in the library basement. Tom Ricardi will bring live Birds of Prey on Wednesday at 1 p.m. On Friday, children of all ages are invited to play with the library’s Lego pieces from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Art-To-Go box will be in the Carnegie’s children room all week.

Children can take home craft materials to make at home.  

Two of the Carnegie Library’s regular weekly programs will also be held during the vacation week. Story Time with Karen Wartel is held on Wednesday mornings at 10:15 a.m. year-round at the Carnegie Library. The thematic stories, projects and music is designed for young children, but older siblings are always welcome. Music and Movement for children with Tom Carroll and Laurie Davidson is held on Thursday mornings at 10 a.m. It is currently at the Carnegie Library through April, but rotates through all three libraries.

Other activities and library hours

Tom Ricardi and his Birds of Prey is taking the place of the weekly Homeschool Science series on Wednesday, Feb. 19. The hands-on STEM for homeschoolers and their caregivers will resume the following Wednesday at 1 p.m. The Carnegie Library at 201 Ave. A in Turners Falls, 413-863-3214, is open Mondays and Tuesdays from 1 to 8 p.m., Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Thursdays from 1 to 5 p.m., Fridays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Montague Center Library at 17 Center St., 413-367-2852, is open Mondays and Wednesday from 2 to 7 p.m. The Millers Falls Library at 23 Bridge St., 413-659-3801, is open Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2 to 7 p.m.  For more information, visit  montaguepubliclibraries.org or on Facebook: Montague Public Libraries.

On Wednesday, Feb. 9 at 5:30 p.m., The Griswold Memorial Library in Colrain is hosting the first talk in a three-part series, “Trash Talk,” which is in collaboration with Franklin County Waste Management. A short description is attached.

Events at the Cushman Library in Bernardston

Book Discussion: The Bookshop of the Broken Hearted, Monday, Feb. 24 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Color Dr. Seuss: For kiddos and their adults, Thursday, Feb. 20 from 6 to 7:30 p.m.

So, You Wanna Have a Beehive? Wednesday, Feb. 26 from 7 to 9 p.m.

Play the Game Dictionary: Monday, March 2 from 7 to 8:30 p.m.

Color! for adults & teens (12+): Every Monday from 2:30 to 5 p.m.

Story Hour for all ages of children: Every Wednesday from 4 to 5 p.m.

Wednesday Night Knitters for all skill levels: Every Wednesday from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

BONJOUR! French Conversation Group: Every second Tuesday from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.

Greenfield Public Library

Downtown Poetry Walk: The month of February . Stop by the library or look online for a map of the library’s second annual winter themed poetry walk. A dozen poems will be posted around town for reflection and to enhance the downtown experience. Access the online map at: greenfieldpubliclibrary.org/d/319/Downtown-Poetry-Walk

Blind Date with a Book, February: Starting Feb. 1, stop by the library and check out one of our “mystery” books. 

The rules are simple: read the first sentence on a wrapped book, and make a selection. Check out the “mystery” book, and when you get home, unwrap, and read. Inside each book will be a comment card; we would love to hear your reaction. The program, sponsored by the Friends of the Greenfield Public Library, is free, open to the public, and designed to stretch the boundaries of comfort.

Love Your Library February Reading Challenge for kids: Stop by the Children’s Room to sign up. Read and list all the books you read in February, and bring your list in for a small prize at the GPL’s kids’ desk.

Not sure what to read? Check out one of the many books celebrating Black History Month, or one of the Caldecott and Newbery Award winners.

DIY Valentines: Valentine’s Day is just around the corner. Come over to the Greenfield library’s “We Love Kids Art Corner” and make a valentine for that special person (or furry friend) in your life.

Arms Library in Shelburne Falls

Blind Date With a Book: Feb. 13 and 15. Stop by and pick up a wrapped book and be surprised when you unwrap it at home. All ages.

Loom Knitting Mid-Winter Crafternoon: Feb. 15 from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. Even if you don’t knit the traditional way, this is an easy and quick way to knit hats on small hand-held looms. We have lots of beautiful colors of yarn to play with. We will also be showing you how to make cloche hats for cancer fighters. You can make a loom hat in one evening. This is geared toward ‘tweens, teens and adults.

Linda Hickman is director of the Montague Public Libraries.