When do you think the pile of snow in the Food City parking lot will be gone? The Carnegie Library's annual free contest has returned along with the huge mound of snow across the street. Come into the Carnegie and give us your best guess and contact information. One entry per person by Valentine's Day. Winner will receive a Second St. Bakery Gift Certificate. The Carnegie Library is open M, Tu 1 - 8 p.m., W 10 a.m. - 8 p.m., Th 1 - 5 p.m., F 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., Sa 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
 

In case of bad weather this winter, programs may be cancelled.
There are a few ways to check, before heading to the library:

www.montaguepubliclibraries.org

Facebook: Montague Public Libraries

http://www.wggb.com/weather/storm-closings/

http://whai.com/closings/
 

Would you like to help support the Montague Libraries? Are you available for one or two evening meetings a month? An Interim Trustee is needed until the next town election in May. If interested, please send a letter of interest by November 16th to the Montague Public Libraries, 201 Ave. A, Turners Falls, MA 01376.
 

Summer Reading Sign-Up Begins Friday, June 23!

Children and teens can sign up (once) at any one of the Montague Public Libraries - Carnegie Library in Turners Falls, Montague Center Library and Millers Falls Library - starting June 23rd and throughout the summer. Once you are signed up, you can get your reading logs stamped at any of the library branches. Participants receive a prize, a reading log and a bag that contains information about upcoming programs! Call 413-863-3214 or stop by one of the libraries for more information.


Hands-On STEM at Montague Public Libraries!

Turners Falls - MAKERSPACE MONDAYS SERIES- 2:00-4:00p.m. Carnegie Library.

• MON July 10 - K'NEX Ball Run Challenge
Build a giant ball run by connecting and snapping together K'NEX pieces, working as a group.

• MON July 24 - MaKey MaKey
Program a simple circuit using MaKey MaKey kits and household items.

• MON July 31 - Technology Petting Zoo
Explore various tech-tools at three different stations: MaKey Kits, LEGO WeDo 2.0 robotics, and K'NEX building sets.

Turners Falls - THE POWER OF GEOMETRY SERIES, with Brian Hydefrost
Three Wednesdays, 1:00-2:00p.m. Carnegie Library.
Explore how we use geometry to make strong and stable buildings. See how an understanding of geometry can give us superhuman strength with the use of simple machines.
• WED July 12
• WED July 26
• WED August 2

Turners Falls - LEGO SERIES. Carnegie Library.
• FRI, June 30 11:00-1:00p.m.
• FRI, July 28 11:00a.m.-1:00p.m.
• THE LEGO LADY, Jean Daley
FRI, August 11, 11:00a.m-1:00p.m.
Children grades 3-8 are invited to bring their imaginations and Jean Daley, The Lego Lady, will bring thousands of different kinds of Legos.

Hands-On STEM at Montague Public Libraries is brought to you with federal funds provided by the Institute of Museum and Library Services and administered by the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners.


JULY
Turners Falls - BEE SERIES, for Children and Teens, with local beekeeper and educator, Angela Roell. Ms. Roell will discuss the role of bees as builders and the importance of honeybees to our food system, at the Carnegie Library.
• FRI July 7, 10:30a.m. HONEYBEE HIVE ANATOMY
• FRI July 14, 10:00a.m. HONEYBEES AS BUILDERS

This program is supported by a grant from the Montague Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency.

Turners Falls - K-9 DEMONSTRATION. Carnegie Library.
Wednesday, July a.m. Date & Time TBD
Local policeman, Officer Jim Ruddock and K-9 Artie, will visit the library!

AUGUST

Turners Falls - TURNERS FALLS FIRE DEPARTMENT VISITS the Carnegie Library!
Wednesday, August 9, 10:15a.m.
Local firefighters will bring a fire engine to the Carnegie Library. Children will learn all about a fire engine, inside and out!

Turners Falls - NO STRINGS MARIONETTES PRESENTS...
BULLY! FOR THE BIG PIGS, a puppet show.
Friday, August 4, 10:30a.m
The show will take place at Peskeomskut Park, weather permitting; bring a blanket to sit on! If weather is unpleasant, the show will be held at the Carnegie Library.
 

Starts at the Millers Falls Library on Thursday, June 15th at 6:30 p.m. Element Brewing Company brewers will discuss beer and distilling. Library books on these topics will be featured. Afterwards tour the Element Brewery across the street. Tastings will be available. Free. Call 863-3214 for more info.
 

The pile of snow across the street in the Food City parking lot disappeared on April 16th. The Carnegie Library has an annual tradition of a free raffle celebrating its departure date. 89 people participated. Julian Kaiser and Janelle Rivers guessed the exact day. They both won $15 2nd St. Bakery Gift Certificates donated by the bakery. Thanks to the 2nd St. Bakery for the prizes!
 

Free Tech Help will once again be available weekly at the Carnegie Library starting April 1st. The service will be offered Saturdays, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. Scheduling an appointment is suggested, but walk-ins will also be welcome, if the schedule allows. Topics can include ordering library books, down-loading tax forms, word processing, internet use and security, on-line shopping, help with applications, downloading e-books, Excel, Facebook and other social media, and e-mail. Instructor is Bridget Mientka. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 863-3214.
 

The Millers Falls and Montague Center Libraries will have slightly different hours starting the first week in April. The branches will now be open from 2 - 7 p.m., instead of 2 - 5 and 6 - 8 p.m. The Montague Center Library will continue to be open on Mondays and Wednesdays, the Millers Falls Library on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The total number of open hours will not change. The change is happening to make the library hours less confusing and allow easier commuter access to the libraries.

The Carnegie Library is open Monday and Tuesday, 1 - 8 p.m., Wednesdays 10 a.m. - 8 p.m., Thursdays 1 - 5 p.m., Fridays 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., and Saturdays 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. year round. For more information, call the Carnegie Library, 863-3214.
 

The Carnegie Library's annual Snow Off the Avenue contest is back. The snow pile in the Food City parking lot is large. When do you think it will be completely gone? Come to the Carnegie Library by March 11th and fill out one free raffle entry per person. The closest guess wins a gift certificate to the Second Street Bakery. The library is open Monday & Tuesday 1 - 8 p.m., Wednesday 10 a.m. - 8 p.m., Thursday 1 - 5 p.m., and Saturday 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
 

JANUARY PROGRAM SCHEDULE for the Montague Public Libraries

Weekly Programs:

Carnegie Library. Tuesdays, 3:30pm-4:30pm. Craft Time. Drop-In crafts for children of all ages, with Angela.

Carnegie Library. Wednesdays, 10:15am (doors open at 9:45). Story Time. Thematic stories, projects and snacks for young children and their caregivers, with Karen Wartel.
Carnegie Library. Homeschool Science. Hands-on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) The Winter Session resumes January 18. Wednesdays, 1:00.

Carnegie Library. January through April - Thursdays, 10:00am. Music and Movement, for children, with Tom Carroll and Laurie Davidson.

MONTHLY PROGRAMS:

Carnegie Library. Lego Club. Saturday, January 28, 11:00am – 1:00pm. Children of all ages and their families are invited to come build and play with library Legos.

For more info, call the Carnegie Library, 201 Avenue A, Turners Falls, 413-863-3214.
Website: www.montaguepubliclibraries.org
Like the Montague Public Libraries on Facebook
 

The used book room at the Carnegie Library is open for business today, tomorrow, and Wednesday from 1:15 - 7 p.m. Looking for last minute inexpensive gifts? Many of the books available for purchase are in excellent condition. There are thousands of titles to choose from, as well as DVDs, audio books, and music CDs.
 

The Montague Public Libraries were awarded a $7,500 grant from the federal Institute
of Museum and Library Services through the Library Services and Technology Act, administered by the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners, to be used for the addition of “Hands-On STEM at Montague Public Libraries,” which will be comprised of STEM-themed programs, activities and materials.

In collaboration with local schools, the Gill-Montague Community School Partnership, and Northfield Mountain Recreation and Environmental Center, the Montague Public Libraries seek to increase STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) knowledge and skills by providing access to 21st Century STEM programs and materials for children grades 3-8 from Montague and surrounding towns. Programs begin later this fall.
 

The hours at the Carnegie Library will been expanded as of July 6th. The library will be open Saturdays year round, and open to the public on Wednesday mornings. Previously the library was closed on Saturdays for the summer and opened at one p.m. on Wednesdays. Many library users have requested additional hours, both in person and in writing. Thank you to the Town of Montage for making this possible and to everyone who has asked for additional open hours!
 

Thousands of book to choose from priced at $3 a bag at the Carnegie Library from 10 - 2 on Saturday, July 9th! DVDs, CDS, and audio books are $1 each. Benefits the Friends of the Montague Public Libraries. Held in the library basement. Weather permitting, some books will be available on the library lawn. For more information, 863-3214.
 

Weekly Programs:

Carnegie Library. Tuesdays, 10:00pm-11:00am. Play Group. Visit the Children’s Room, where grown-ups can connect with other parents and caregivers while supervising their children’s play.
Carnegie Library. Tuesdays, 3:30pm-4:30pm. Craft Time. Drop-In crafts for children of all ages, with Angela.

Carnegie Library. Wednesdays, 10:15am (doors open at 9:45). Story Time. Thematic stories, projects and snacks for young children and their caregivers.

Montague Center Library. March through June - Thursdays, 10:00am. Music and Movement for Children,with Tom Carroll and Laurie Davidson.
Carnegie Library. July & August - Thursdays, 10:00am. Music and Movement for Children, with Tom Carroll and Laurie Davidson.

SUMMER READING PROGRAMS:

Carnegie Library. Kick-Off! Teaching Creatures – Animals On the Go. Wednesday, June 22, 10:00am. Come see a live animal program featuring fast animals. Some of the animals that may be featured are snakes, tree frogs, and rabbits. This program is supported by a grant from the Montague Cultural Council.

Carnegie Library. Lego Club. Friday, June 24, 11:00am-1:00pm. Children of all ages and their caregivers are invited to build and play with library Legos.

Carnegie Library. Life Underground. Tuesday, June 28. 10:30am. Many creatures call the underground their home for all or part of their lives. We see and admire trees, but we see only part of them. Underground, their roots interact in fascinating ways. Explore these many facets of the underground biosphere with Nature/Science Educator, Kevin Kopchynski.

Carnegie Library. X-Ray Vision. Tuesday, July 12, 10:30am. Beth Palmquist R.T.(R)(CT), from Baystate Medical Center, Greenfield, is bringing Slim the Life-sized Skeleton to the Carnegie Library. Beth will also show a slide-show of real X-ray images and children will have a chance to match real bones to Slim. Designed for ages 9-13.

Carnegie Library. Lego Club. Friday, July 15, 11:00am-1:00pm. Children of all ages and their caregivers are invited to build and play with library Legos.

Millers Falls. Talking Hands Theatre presents Buggaboo Revue. Tuesday, July 19, 10:30am. Learn more about why it’s important to keep bugs alive and eat and garden organically. Designed for ages 2-8. This program is supported by a grant from the Montague Cultural Council.

Carnegie Library. Puppet Show. Friday, July 29, 10:30am. No Strings Marionettes present Treasure Hunt, at Peskeomskut Park. The show will be inside the Carnegie Library if the weather is unpleasant. This program is supported by The Friends of the Montague Public Libraries.

Carnegie Library. Lego Club. Friday, August 5, 11:00am-1:00pm. Children of all ages and their caregivers are invited to build and play with library Legos.

For more info, call 413-863-3214.

Library Hours:

Carnegie Library, Turners Falls, 863-3214
Mon. - Wed. 1 p.m. - 8 p.m., Thurs. 1 p.m. - 5 p.m., Fri. 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., Sat. 10a.m. - 2:00p.m.
(Closed Saturdays in summer, from May 28 to July 2
Opening on Saturdays, beginning July 9)

Millers Falls Library, 659-3801
Tues. and Thurs. 2 p.m. - 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. - 8 p.m.

Montague Center Library, 367-2852
Mon. and Wed. 2 p.m. - 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. - 8 p.m.
 

Come to the Millers Falls Library on Thursday, June 16th at 6 p.m., and hear Element brewers discuss the process of brewing beer, beer type appreciation, and how to access additional resources, including library books. After the discussion, tour the nearby Element Brewery. Tastings will be available. For more information, call 863-3214.
 

The Friends of the Montague Public Libraries will be holding their annual meeting at the Carnegie Library in Turners Falls on July 28, 2016 from 6 to 6:30 p.m.

Immediately following the meeting, Ed Gregory will offer an inter-active, visual program showing the Upper Fall River Dam and its environs at the Carnegie Public Library.

The program is free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be served, courtesy of the Friends of the Libraries.

Please join us . . . become a Friend of the Libraries.
 

Millers Falls Historical Walking Tour: Begins at the Millers Falls Library on Sunday, May 22nd, at 1 p.m. Enjoy a leisurely stroll and learn more about local history with David Brule, Sara Campbell, and Ed Gregory. An introduction will be held first inside the Millers Falls Library. For more information, call the Montague Public Libraries at 863-3214.
 

Used book sale at the Carnegie Library on Saturday, May 7th, from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. All books are $3 a bag. DVDs, CDs, and audio books are $1 each. Proceeds benefit the Friends of the Montague Public Libraries. Donations of used books in good condition that are not out of date are being accepted. For more information call 863-3214.
 

The next Non-Fiction Book Discussion book will be discussed on Saturday, May 21st, at 2 p.m. at the Carnegie Library The title is "Outliers: The Story of Success" by Malcolm Gladwell. This #1 national bestseller, non-fiction book analyzes what makes people successful. How are they different? The answers may surprise you. Copies of the book are available at the circulation desk. The facilitator is Linda Hickman, Library Director. This series is sponsored by the Friends of the Montague Public Libraries. For more information, or to be put on the mailing list, call 863-3214.
 

"Many people go to the building looking for Town Hall, not realizing it is located at 1 Ave. A, in Turners Falls."

I'm not opposed to updating the sign, though I also think that preserving history has its merits -- I grew up in a house down in Connecticut that had a sign identifying it as a tavern that hadn't been in operation for over a hundred years.

I do wonder, though -- do we need to replace the sign, or just add another one explaining that the town hall has moved and giving its current location?

PS: Repainting the existing sign would be nice, too. :-)
 

Should the Montague Center Library Building still have a large, badly faded sign reading "1858 Town Hall" as the prominent sign? The current signage is both difficult to read and confusing. Many people go to the building looking for Town Hall, not realizing it is located at 1 Ave. A, in Turners Falls. There have been requests to redo and/or update the signs. Some residents do not want to see any changes, citing the historical nature of the building. The building has housed the Montague Center Library since 1869. It has not served as the Town Hall since well before the 1950s. The Selectmen are giving the public a chance to discuss the issues at their meeting, Monday, 3/21, at 7:10 p.m. in the Town Hall in Turners Falls.
 

The next used book sale is Saturday, April 2nd, from 10 - 2 at the Carnegie Library. Hardcovers, DVDs, CDs, and Audio Books will be $1 each, Paperbacks will be .25 each. The Deal of the month is buy more than one hardcover by the same author and pay half price. Proceeds benefit the Friends of the Montague Public Libraries. For more information, contact the Carnegie Library, 201 Ave. A, Turners Falls, 863-3214.
 

Homeschoolers of all ages are invited to join us for special guest, Sarah Doyle, from the Jurassic Roadshow, at the Carnegie Library on Wednesday, February 24, 1:15p.m. Sarah, local dinosaur track expert, and her team will have real fossils from the local area — dinosaur footprints, raindrop impressions, mud cracks and insect trails that tell us about life-forms and climate during the Jurassic Period, when these fossil traces were formed. 
Join us to touch the fossils and ask questions!
Contact the Carnegie Library, Turners Falls, 201 Avenue A, with questions - 413-863-3214.
 

An Adult Book Discussion Group is starting at the Carnegie Library. It will be held on the third Wednesday of each month at 6 p.m. The first title is "The Notebook" by Nicholas Sparks. Copies will be available at the circulation desk. The facilitator is Amada Traynor. This series is sponsored by the Friends of the Montague Public Libraries. For more information, or to be put on the mailing list, call 863-3214.
 

The Friends of the Montague Public Libraries' next meeting is Monday, Jan. 11th, at 5:30 p.m. at the Carnegie Library. Would you like to help your local libraries and plan programs? Come find out how you can become involved. Can't make the meeting? Please leave your contact information at the front desk, or call Linda at the Carnegie Library, 863-3214.
 

Bag Book Sale from 10 - 2 at the Carnegie Library on December 5th.
All Books and VHS Tapes are $3 a Bag.
DVDs and Audio Books are $1 each
Thousands of books and AV items to choose from in our newly organized book sale room!
Proceeds to benefit the Friends of the Montague Public Libraries
For more information, contact the Carnegie Library, 201 Ave. A, Turners Falls, 863-3214
 

The Friends of the Montague Public Libraries will be opening for the public the used book room in the basement of the Carnegie Library on Saturday, November 21st from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Books and DVD’s will be priced individually at tag sale prices: Paperbacks 25 cents or 5 for $1.00. Hardcover, DVD’s and Audio books $1.00 each. Not to worry, we will still have our books by the bag sales a couple of times a year. The next one is scheduled for Saturday, December 5th from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. All funds will be used to support our libraries. Donations of gently used clean books (no textbooks )are welcome. Please note, books that have been stored a long time or in a damp place often develop mold, you can identify this by black or brown speckles on the end pages or page tops, these books should be recycled. For more information, please contact the Carnegie Library, 201 Ave. A, Turners Falls, 863-3214.
 

The Friends of the Montague Public Libraries will be opening for the public the used book room in the basement of the Carnegie Library on the first and third Saturday of the month from 10 a.m. -noon, starting in November. November 7th and November 21st are the two dates to mark on your calendar. Books and DVD’s will be priced individually at tag sale prices: Paperbacks 25 cents or 5 for $1.00. Hardcover, DVD’s and Audio books $1.00 each. Not to worry, we will still have our books by the bag sales a couple of times a year. Why wait, come Saturday, November 7th and get the best selection. All funds will be used to support our libraries. Donations of gently used clean books (no textbooks )are welcome. Please note, books that have been stored a long time or in a damp place often develop mold, you can identify this by black or brown speckles on the end pages or page tops, these books should be recycled. For more information, please contact the Carnegie Library, 201 Ave. A, Turners Falls, 863-3214.
 

Homeschool Science, a hands-on science program for homeschoolers of all ages and their caregivers, resumes Wednesday, October 14 at 1:00pm at the Carnegie Library in Turners Falls. The first three weeks we will have special guest, The Rogue Math Teacher. He will do a series of programs centered on geometry.
 

Used book sale this Saturday from 10-2 at the Carnegie Library. All books and VHS tapes are $2 a bag. Audios and DVDs are $1 each. New this sale, much of the fiction is organized by author. Proceeds benefit the Friends of the Montague Public Libraries. We are not accepting more book donations at this time. 863-3214 for more info.
 

Would you like to help support the Montague Libraries? Are you available for one or two evening meetings a month? Two interim Trustees are needed until the next town election in May. If interested, please send a letter by January 31st to the Montague Public Libraries, 201 Ave. A, Turners Falls, MA 01376.
 

There will be a free workshop on downloading electronic books through the CWMARS library system at the Carnegie Library on Saturday, January 17th, at 2 p.m. Bring your own laptop, tablet, or smart phone, or use the library’s. Sign-ups suggested. Taught by Shirley Keech. This workshop is part of the Bridging the Digital Divide project in Montague funded in part by the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts. For more information, call Linda at 863-3214.
 

Used Book Sale at Carnegie Library on Saturday, December 6th. Thousands of books are available in the library basement. All books and VHS tapes are $2 a bag. DVDs, CDs, and Audio Books are $1 each. Proceeds to benefit the Friends of the Montague Public Libraries. We are not accepting more donations until after the sale. For more information, call 863-3214.