The Springfield Public Library is thrilled to announce that our Give Light supply drive is booming! The Springfield community has come together to contribute 367 supplies so far to support our most vulnerable neighbors in Springfield who are either unhoused or experiencing housing insecurity. Thanks to our partnership with local Springfield businesses, both staff and patrons have had the opportunity to easily drop-off critical supplies with ease.

You can donate to the Give Light supply drive at any of the following locations now through March 1, 2021. Supply needs include new and unused warm socks, hats, gloves, as well as hand and foot warmers.

  • Any Springfield Public Library Book Drop
  • Springfield Public Library
  • Drive-up book drop is off A Street between 5th and 6th streets
  • Splash! at Lively Park
  • Parking lot, 6100 Thurston Road
  • Any Springfield Public Library staff member during curbside pickup
  • Also at these participating businesses:
  • Trash-n-Treasures Antiques and Collectables
    • Chuck & Alice
    • Plank Town Brewing Company
    • The Washburne Cafe
    • Heartless & Hopeless Tattoo
    • Mezza Luna Pizzeria
    • Remember the Moon
    • Lovely
    • Haphazard Creativity

During this dark, cold season it is a good reminder that gratitude brings light to our lives. Many of us have much to be thankful for, while many in our community are struggling. Springfield Public Library in partnership with Carry It Forward invites you to Give Light to someone less fortunate by donating basic, life-saving supplies.

Our intention is to cultivate equity and access to both cultural and basic resources in our region. We envision a Springfield community where race, class, sexual orientation, gender, age, mental or physical ability and socio-economic status do not pre-determine the success, safety, or health of our residents.

Give Light is part of a larger celebration of gratitude and hope through bringing light to the darkest months of the year. Season of Light (SoL) is a project of the Springfield Public Library and Springfield History Museum, with support from the Springfield Arts Commission. Featured programming includes:

DIY Luminaria Kits – while supplies last!

Springfield Public Library invites families to pick up a luminaria (traditional candle and paper-bag lanterns) kit during Curbside Pickup Service (1-3 p.m., Monday-Saturday), while supplies last. We encourage participants to showcase their luminaria in their windows, on porches, and at the front doors of their homes during these darkest days of the year to help bring light into our community. Participants are encouraged to send photos of illuminated luminaria to library@springfield-or.gov or tag us on social media and use #splseasonsoflight to be included in our photo compilations.

Winter Reading Program

A relaxed reading program consisting of reading challenges, virtual programs, scavenger hunts and rewards to inspire readers during our rainy winter months. This includes an in-person-not-zoomed-choose-your-own-adventure experience for families in historic Downtown Springfield commissioned by the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington D.C. The project is in cooperation with Oregon Literary Fellow and local playwright Rachael Carnes, a team of creative local teen writers, the Springfield Public Library, and local businesses.

Illumination

The City of Springfield through its cultural institutions, the Springfield Public Library and Springfield History Museum, with support from the Springfield Arts Commission, invited artists who live or work in the Springfield-Eugene area to develop unique luminaria art pieces. These pieces explore, express or reflect on the core exhibition concepts that include bringing light to the darkness, shedding light on the cultural and racial diversity in our community, and offering a light of hope for the new year. The Illumination exhibit is open now through March 1, 2021 in the front display windows of the Springfield History Museum.

You can follow all Seasons of Light activities on social media with the hashtag #splseasonsoflight. You can also visit https://wheremindsgrow.org/c.php?g=1085272&p=8050244 for a full list of details.

Springfield Public Library thanks our partners including Springfield History Museum, Springfield Arts Commission and Carry It Forward.

What: Supply Drive — Seasons of Light 2020: Give Light

When: The Give Light supply drive is running now through March 1, 2021

Where:  Donations can be made at any Springfield Library book drop, Library curbside pickup and at participating businesses.

Additional Information: Mindy Linder, 541.726.3766, mlinder@springfield-or.gov

 

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