Join us in May for a wide variety of interesting programs for all ages. Here is just a sample:
Free Comic Book Day
Saturday, May 4, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. for families with kids K-12 at the Library Station. Celebrate Comic Book Day in this annual event with themed activities and free comic books courtesy of Comic Force.
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Plant Swap
Saturday, May 4, 2-4 p.m. in the Midtown Carnegie Library reading room for all ages. Grow your jungle! Bring one or more of your houseplants, succulents, cactus plants, cuttings, or garden seedlings to swap with your neighbors. Remember to bring small containers or jars to carry your new plants home.
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Receiving an Autism Diagnosis Later in Life
Monday, May 13, 6:30 p.m. in the Library Center auditorium. With one in 36 people diagnosed with autism, there is a significant portion of autistic adults who are undiagnosed until later in life. This community is often referred to as the “lost generation” and reports not fitting in, feeling isolated, overwhelmed, and anxious in most social scenarios. Crystal Allen, ABA Director at The Pediatric Place, and providers from Burrell Behavioral Health, will provide information on adult autism services, including the importance of mental health supports and tools for one’s daily life.
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On Tour: Great Concerts in the Ozarks
Thursday, May 16, 7 p.m. in the Library Center auditorium. For decades, artists like Elvis Presley, Willie Nelson, Garth Brooks, Tina Turner, and the Eagles have entertained audiences throughout the Ozarks. Local History Associate Michael Price will discuss these and other memorable musical performances from Hammons Student Center to Branson.
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Music & Memories Along Route 66
Saturday, May 18, 10:30 a.m. at the Republic Branch Library. From Springfield staples like the Jewell Theatre and the Shrine Mosque to more modest venues like dance halls, bars and juke joints, the stretch of Southwest Missouri along Route 66 has made significant and memorable contributions to music history on the “Mother Road.” Local historians and archivists — including Tom Peters, Susan Croce Kelly, Sean FitzGibbons, and Tracie Gieselman France — will discuss how music on Route 66 grew and thrived.
For more information on these and other great programs, visit thelibrary.org. Katy Pattison is the Schweitzer Brentwood Branch manager for Springfield-Greene County Library District. She can be reached at katyp@thelibrary.org.