Library

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    Chesterfield Library

Our beloved librarian, Cindy Squier, has had a significant health set-back and will be out of the library for an extended time. Cindy has touched many lives in our small town and is the personification of a "custom" librarian. She knows what we all read and her readers' advisory services are amazing. Many, many people are hoping for her speedy recovery. Please know that the library is striving to be open its regular hours although programming may be interrupted and it is worth a call to check. Kudos to our wonderful part time staff for filling in!

Mission Statement

The Chesterfield Public Library is the community connection to reading, lifelong learning, and personal enrichment for people of all ages. The library maintains an open, unbiased environment and upholds the public's right of access to information. The library also serves as an informal community gathering place.

Services

In house and online materials and resources are available to you. Browse and place holds for delivery with your library card by clicking here for books, ebooks, magazines, audios, movies, music, and databases.

Can't find it in the CWMARS catalog? Search other libraries across Massachusetts through the Commonwealth Catalog by clicking here.

Connect to Massachusetts Library System online databases that are available to all card holders by clicking here

For your electronic devices, explore Libby the library reading app by clicking here or searching for the free Libby app in your app store.

Wifi access is available to the public 24/7 on the Library grounds and a public computer is available for for use by patrons.

Children's Storytime

  • Wednesdays at 10:30 AM! All ages welcome.

For other children's storytimes, art projects, science experiments, sing-a-longs, and more, go the following state website and enjoy!

Access the statewide calendar listings of free virtual library program events at this website.

We're now on Facebook. Please follow us here!

2023 Special Programming

We have some fantastic programs coming up, plus our Wednesdays in July series! All programs are free and open to the public. See our Facebook page here for further details.

  • Friends of the Library Family Game nights! January 12, February 9, and March 9, 2023 at 6:30-8:30 PM at the Community Center. Board games, cards, and dominoes will be provided and bring your favorite holiday gift game. Coffee, tea, cocoa and popcorn will be provided.
  • A Special Saturday in February has returned! Saturday, February 11, 2023 from 9 -1 PM. A hot or cold cup awaits you along with home-made goodies and other treats to enjoy. Stop by for good conversation and mid-winter fellowship with your neighbors.
  • Local Author Roslyn Malkin! A local Chesterfield resident has written her first book "Paws & Fins: Gifts and Wisdom from my Animal Friends" and graciously donated a copy to our library. Stop by and check out this endearing memoir and hear her speak at the Community Center on Sunday, March 26, at 1 PM. This program is sponsored by the Friends of the Library.
  • Welcome Spring! Join us on Saturday, April 29 from 9 to 1 PM to pot a pansy, make a basket, and pass it on to someone following an old May Day tradition. Have fun a share a simple gift.
  • A New Storywalk is on the lawn in May! "I Like Myself" loaned to us by The Support Network.
  • Join us for Wildlife Connections on Sunday, May 7, 2 PM at the Community Center. Sally Naser of CR Wildlife Cams will teach us about our wildlife neighbors, including those in our backyards. All ages welcome and sponsored by the Friends of the Library.
  • A special storytime on May 17 at 10:30 with local author Margaret Allard reading her first book titled A Surprise at Jubilee Park to the children along with our local painter, Boo Cherau, who illustrated it.
  • The bunnies are back! This year their care and keeping will be presented by the Bowles family of Worthington on Saturday, June 10, from 10 to 12 PM at the library

Summer Programs for 2023! 

  • Interactive family concert with Roger Tincknell, Wednesday, July 5, at 10:30 at the old Town Hall
  • Tanglewood Marionettes perform Hansel and Gretel, Wednesday, July 12, at 10:30 at the old Town Hall
  • Ink block printing with local artist Helena Garcia, Wednesday, July 19, at the old Town Hall. (9:30 for ages 5 and under - 10:30 for ages 5 and up)
  • Summer fun and games, weather permitting, Wednesday, July 26, at the library. (9:30 for ages 5 and under - 10:30 for ages 5 and up)
  • Folktale dancing with local artist Ellie Goudie-Averill, Wednesday, August 2, at the old Town Hall. (9:30 for ages 5 and under - 10:30 for ages 5 and up)

*These events are supported by the library, our COA's multigenerational grant funds, and the Friends of the Library.

Fall Programs 2023

  • Enjoy a Fall Storywalk on the library lawn in September to celebrate our beautiful autumn season! "In the Woods: Who's Been Here" by Lindsay Barrett George.
  • Rock Painting in October! Choose a river rock, pick a color and a paintbrush, and begin! Let it dry and when you come in again we'll coat it with clear gloss for weather wear.

"Cycle of Memory" on October 8 at 2 PM at the Chesterfield Community Center. This award-winning, inter-generational documentary is about two siblings' bicycle adventure to find the memories their grandfather lost to Alzheimer's. Sponsored by the Friends of the Chesterfield Public Library and the Council on Aging.

Winter Programs 2024

  • Tis the Season for Merry and Bright! We will be hosting a New Year's toasting on Saturday Dec. 30, 2023 from 9-1 with sparkling apple cider and Challah bread with butter and honey. Stop by the library and peruse our seasonal holiday materials to enjoy.
  • Pinecones for the Birds is January's simple fun craft for winter creatures. Come coat a pine cone with peanut butter and birdseed to hang in your yard for birds and animals to nibble. All supplies are provided for as long as they last.
  • It's time for our Winter Social! Saturday, February 17, 9 AM-12. Coffee, tea, cocoa, baked goods and fruit. Join us and catch up with your neighbors as the light begins to return.

 

2023 Library Pass Program

Passes to local Museums and destinations are available at the Library!  Passes may be checked out during open library hours, are expected to be returned promptly after use so they are available for others, and may be returned in our outside return box if the library is closed. If you need more information or have questions about specific passes and library events please come by or contact the library by phone 296-4735 or email chesterfieldpubliclibrary@gmail.com.

  • USS Constitution Ship Museum in Boston
  • DCR MASS PARKS
  • Clark Museum in Williamstown
  • Look Park in Florence
  • Magic Wings Butterfly Conservatory in South Deerfield
  • MASS MoCA in North Adams

Friends of the Chesterfield Public Library

The purpose of the Friends of the Chesterfield Public Library is to foster support for the Chesterfield Public Library in the community. Library lovers are invited to join this group that has produced author talks and the popular town phone book, sponsored summer reading programs, purchased needed equipment, and wonderful museum passes. Friends help the library and make fun and friends while at it. Meetings are short and few, usually an annual meeting with project groups getting together as needed. It's easy to become a Friend!  Call FOL president Sarah Prince at 413-296-9201. 

Need a library card? Complete the "Library Registration Card Form" (see upper left link) and bring it to the library. Forms may be dropped in the book return when the library is closed. Please note that the form requests a license or ID#. This should be an identification number other than your social security number. If you already have a CWMARS card from another library, you do not need to register for an additional card.

What is anti-racism?  It includes beliefs, actions, movements, and policies adopted or developed to oppose racism.  Learn more through books, films, podcasts, organizations, social media, and more at the website. Check it out!
 
Books to Spare? Donations are accepted throughout the year during open library hours. Please DO NOT leave outside when the library is closed.
 
  Email the Library

Staff Contacts

Name Title
Cynthia Squier Librarian

Board Members

Name Title
Amy Gavalis Library Trustee
Jennifer Peotter Library Trustee
Linda Urban-Lyon Library Trustee