Springfield Library to close for final remodel
SPRINGFIELD – To complete the final phase of a remodel, the Springfield Public Library is closed through Monday, Sept. 9. Regular hours will resume on Tuesday, Sept. 10, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Improvements during the renovation include:
• Additional public meeting spaces
A new teen area for focused study and socializing
• Improved accessibility and collections access
• A new flow for the Kids and Tweens area, including easier checkout near this area
• An expanded book sale nook supported by our Friends of the Springfield Library and Museum
• An improved front service desk for staff to serve the public
Please visit the library before it closes if you want physical items such as books and DVDs. During the closure, members of the public will be unable to check out physical materials, access printing, or use public computers inside the library. City Hall’s lobby will remain open for continued access to WiFi, tables, and seating. A list of alternative resources will be provided at wheremindsgrow.org. During the three-week closure period, the public can:
• Use the digital library 24/7, from downloading eBooks to streaming video
• Return checked-out items to the book drop at street level or at the Splash! book drop
Call Monday-Friday from 10 a.m –5 p.m. for limited assistance, except on Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 2.
‘Letters to strangers’ needs participants
SPRINGFIELD — For 10 years, Oregon Humanities’ Dear Stranger project has invited Oregonians to exchange letters with people they’ve never met.
Since 2014, over 1,000 people have sent letters to Dear Stranger and received letters from other writers in exchange. Participants have hailed from every county in Oregon, as well as 35 other states and four countries.
Oregon Humanities is partnering with libraries and museums across Oregon to host letter-writing stations. The bright red drop-boxes come with everything patrons need to participate in Dear Stranger. In Springfield, a station will be available at Springfield History Museum and, starting Sept. 10, at the remodeled Springfield Public Library through Oct. 31.
The aim of Dear Stranger is to create shared understanding among Oregonians with different backgrounds, experiences, and beliefs. More info: oregonhumanities.org.
Springfield History Museum adds online collections access
SPRINGFIELD — The Springfield History Museum has taken a significant step in making its extensive collection of artifacts more accessible to the public. With over 12,000 items that chronicle the rich history of Springfield and rural east Lane County, the Museum is now offering an online catalog that allows users to explore its collection from anywhere.
Over the past several months, Museum staff and volunteers have been working diligently to transfer the Museum’s catalog records to a new, cloud-based database powered by CatalogIt Collections Management. This move marks the first time that the public can access portions of the Museum’s collection online.
Currently, more than 5,000 photographs from the permanent collection are available, with plans to add 3D objects and archival materials in the coming months.
“This is a momentous step for the Museum,” said Maddi McGraw, curator at the Springfield History Museum. “Only about 3% of our collection is on display at any given time, so this new online access allows the public to explore Springfield’s history without needing to visit in person.”
The online catalog can be accessed through the CatalogIt “Hub”, where Springfield’s collections are featured alongside those of other museums. The public can visit the catalog directly or at tinyurl.com/SpringfieldMuseumArchives.
