Find Your Voice with Springfield Public Library

Springfield Public Library’s Summer Reading Challenges begins June 17

Springfield Public Library invites readers all of ages to participate in their 2023 Summer Reading Challenge, which opens for registration and begins on Saturday, June 17. The challenges run until August 25 and no library card is needed. This year’s theme is “Find Your Voice.” Challenges for young children, kids, teens, and adults means there is something for everyone this summer at the library! 

Young children, kids, and tweens who sign up receive a free book to keep, immediately. Teens can earn small incentives all summer long. Adults receive a free book once they have read five. All readers can participate to earn points and entries towards our grand prize drawings. 

Additionally, everyone is invited to our weekly special performance events on the fountain plaza during the summer. These events include guests from a myriad of backgrounds and with a wide variety of talents. Each event is sure to please kids and their families. More information can be found at wheremindsgrow.org/events. 

What: all ages Summer Reading Challenge

When:  June 17 – August 25

Where: Springfield Public Library, 225 5^th Street, Suite 301, Springfield, OR 97477 and www.wheremindsgrow.org/events and www.wheremindsgrow.beanstack.org  

Additional Information: LuCinda Gustavson, Associate Manager, Springfield Public Library, [email protected], 541-726-3766 x2287 

Judas and the Black Messiah

Springfield Public Library’s film series SPRINGfilm presents a critically acclaimed hidden gem.

See the riveting Academy Award winning crime drama, set against the backdrop of the 1960s Civil Rights Era. Join Springfield Public Library and the Wildish Theater for a free viewing and discussion of Judas and the Black Messiah at 6:30 p.m., Wednesday, June 21. Set during the age of J. Edgar Hoover’s tenure over the FBI, the Bureau taps a young thief to infiltrate the Black Panthers and investigate their charismatic leader, Fred Hampton. The film was nominated for 6 Academy Awards including Best Picture, and won Daniel Kaluuya, of Get Out fame, his first Oscar for Best Supporting Actor.

Starring: Daniel Kaluuya, LaKeith Stanfield, Jesse Plemons and Martin Sheen; directed by Shaka King; 126 mins; (2021).

SPRINGfilm continues at 6:30 p.m., Wednesday, July 19 with a free showing of the classic sci-fi film, “Star Trek II – The Wrath of Khan”.

SPRINGfilm is made possible by a partnership between the Springfield Public Library, the Springfield Public Library Foundation, Willamalane Parks and Recreation District, and the Wildish Community Theater, and is generously sponsored by Plank Town Brewing Company.

All events are free and open to the community.

What: SPRINGfilm presents a free movie screening of Judas and the Black Messiah (2021)

When: 6:30 p.m., Wednesday, June 21

Where: Richard E. Wildish Community Theater, 630 Main Street, Springfield, Oregon, 97477

Additional Information: Adult Services Librarian Tim Williams, [email protected],  541-726-2239. 

Teen Summer Reading Challenge Kickoff Party

Free Laser Tag in Springfield Public Library 

“Find Your Voice” this summer at Springfield Public Library’s summer reading challenge. The fun kicks off for teens with our annual Teen Summer Reading Kickoff Laser Tag Party from 7-9 p.m., Friday, June 23, in the lobby of Springfield City Hall.

There will be free laser tag in the library, as well as activities, games, and snacks for teens between the ages of 12 and 19. Sign up for the summer reading challenge and pick out a free book. All summer long, teens can log reading and activities to earn badges, raffle tickets and prizes.

While participants are welcome at the party for two hours, laser tag will be split into two age groups to shorten wait times. Middle school laser tag (teens going into 7^th-9^th grades) will play from 7-8 p.m., and high school laser tag (teens going into 10^th grade through just graduated) will play from 8-9 p.m. You do not need to play laser tag to enjoy the party, but if you are going to play, you need a signed waiver. Waivers can be turned-in in advance, brought with you to the event, or signed by a parent when you arrive! For a print copy of the waiver, come to the library or go to www.wheremindsgrow.org/events/teen.

Follow Springfield Public Library on Facebook, check out the library website, or reach out to Teen Services Librarian Cara Kinsey for more information about ongoing library offerings for teens including free online tutoring, weekly programs, monthly book club, and volunteer opportunities. Thanks to the Teen Advisory Board for helping choose our program lineup! 

What: Teen Summer Reading Kickoff Laser Party

When: 7 p.m. Friday, June 23

Where: Lobby, Springfield Public Library, 225 5th Street, Springfield OR 97477

Additional Information: Cara Kinsey, 541-726-4653, [email protected]