This Week at the Jones Library

It's hard to believe that we are heading into November after the past few days of beautiful warm weather.  But the days are getting shorter and Daylight Saving Time ends next weekend.  Please take a few minutes to enjoy this newsletter with its listing of upcoming events and other news.  There is something for everyone - and our website is always there for you to connect with our calendar, collections, and resources.  

See you at the library!

50+ Job Seekers Networking Group

Wednesday, November 1 from 9:30 - 11:30 am

Are you a 50+ job seeker? Join us via Zoom in a professional forum for networking with peers in a safe and comfortable environment conducive to developing new relationships and developing skills and strategies to help in your career transition. Each meeting features a new topic. This week's topic is Thinking Outside the Box. (This topic will be repeated at next week's evening session.) Learn more and register.

Participation in this series is made possible by the Friends of the Jones Libraries.

Teen Lounge

Friday, November 3 from 3:30 - 5:00 pm

Stop by the Woodbury Room after school on Friday afternoons. Come play Mario Kart or Super Smash Bros on the big screen. There will also be some crafts, board games, and good times. Come hang out with friends or make some new ones! No reservation required. This program is for ages 11 to 17.

Kids Chess Club

Saturday, November 4 from 2:00 - 3:30 pm 

Join Andy Morris-Friedman to learn the basics of chess and advance to other exciting strategies of the game! This is our 25th year offering Chess Club for young people at the Jones Library! We will meet again on December 2nd. This program is for children ages 9 and up. To register and learn more, send us an email!

Words Together:
A Teen Poetry Workshop

Saturday, November 4 from 4:00 - 5:00 pm

Join us this fall in the Amherst Room on Saturday afternoons for an ongoing series of poetry workshops for teens led by students from the Amherst College Poetry Club. We'll discuss some of our favorite poems, discover new favorites, and write some of our own. Please email us for more information. This program is for ages 12-17.

ESL Volunteers Needed

The ESL program needs volunteers to work with adult immigrants from a variety of countries. Volunteers should be fluent English speakers, but no prior teaching experience or second language skills are required. We are looking for one-on-one instructional tutors as well as conversation partners. 

Learn more.

Kanopy Update

Kanopy is changing! Starting November 1, Kanopy will provide users with tickets, rather than play credits. Jones Library patrons living in Amherst will be allotted 30 tickets per month. Each title will be labeled with a ticket value and viewing window, so that you will know how many tickets it requires and how long you have access to it. Learn more.

Reading the Classics Book Discussion

Our virtual classics book discussions resume! Moderated by Amherst College professor Ilan Stavans, this series is a collaboration of the Jones Library, the New York Public Library, and Restless Books, and together we explore various world literature classics.

Join us via Zoom on Tuesday, November 14 to discuss this month's title, Dracula by Bram Stoker.

Learn more and register.

MCB Reading Challenge

We're proud to be partnering with Massachusetts Center for the Book on their 2023 Reading Challenge! Each month has a new theme. It's time to submit your October read (a best seller from the year you turned 18) and start thinking about the title you will select for November (a book recommended by a local book seller).
Learn more and register for the challenge.

Graphic Novel Book Club

Join us on Tuesday, November 14 from 4:00 - 5:00 pm to discuss Little Monarchs by Jonathan Case. We’re excited to host student educators from the Amherst College MassMammals program, who will lead us in an art activity related to the themes of the book! This program is for ages 9 - 12. Copies of the book will be available to check out at Jones Library Kids Desk. To learn more and register, email us!

Ultimate Library Road Trip

It's the perfect time of year to take a journey through Western Massachusetts and see all the awesome things our libraries have to offer while you enjoy some fall color! Stop by the reference desk at the Jones Library to pick up your passport (or download a copy here) and see how many libraries you can visit before November 18th. You'll receive a stamp on your passport at each destination - and maybe even a small prize! Learn more.

Exhibit at Munson Memorial Library

Visit Munson Memorial Library to view a showcase of artwork in memory of Sandy Woolley. During your visit, you'll see three of Sandy's pieces and learn more about her incredible life through a profile written by her son, Mason.

Collection for Dakin Humane Society

One of our tween library patrons has organized a collection drive for the Dakin Animal Shelter. Some of Dakin's current needs include food and water dishes, pet beds, crates, carriers, collars, leashes, harnesses, toys (no stuffed animals). Unopened, unexpired pet food and treats will also be accepted. Items can be brought to the Jones Library until Sunday, November 5. There is a collection box in the lobby. Items can also be donated directly via their Amazon and Chewy wish lists.