The City Thinks 2010 THE FINAL FRONTIER Focus on Space, Science and Technology Download City Thinks Schedule Download City Thinks Program Guide

The City Thinks program is a collaboration between the Springfield City Library and the Springfield Public Forum.

What is the future of time travel? Dr. Ronald Mallett, author of Time Traveler: A Scientist's Personal Mission to Make Time Travel a Reality, may answer that question, as well as talk about his personal journey. Professor Mallett is the 2010 City Thinks kick-off speaker, with a public reception, lecture, and discussion planned at American International College at 6:15 p.m. on Tuesday, October 5. One of America's first black PhDs in theoretical physics, Professor Mallett's book is “a story for scientists and non-scientists alike, and an inspirational text for aspiring young scientists.” (Publisher's Weekly).

Download Opening Reception & Lecture Flyer

Events tying into the 2010 City Thinks topic, The Final Frontier: Space, Science and Technology, blasts off with a contest.

Teen Video Contest

Download Teen Video Contest Flyer

Teens, what do you think is the future of space exploration? Answer this question by submitting a one to two minute video, and you could win a $1500 PeoplesBank Scholarship to Space Camp in Huntsville, AL! There will be three grade categories for the student video contest: 6-8, 9-10, and 11-12. See below for contest rules & entry form.

A recording session will be held in the Central Library Community Room from 1:30-5 p.m. on Saturday, September 25. These free 10-minute sessions are open to all students submitting a video for the contest. The Children's Room at the Central Library, 220 State Street, Springfield, will be the collection point for the video entries.

Complete Rules & Entry Form for Video Contest.

Programs planned by the Springfield City Library include:

City Reads Book Discussion Series:

Discuss Time Traveler, at three different library locations (Central Library, East Forest Park and Forest Park Branches). Special Highlight: Professor Mallett will join the book discussions on October 20th and 27th to answers questions and explain the science behind time travel.

Download Book Discussion Flyer.

Tuesday Noon Book Group
Tuesday, October 12, 12-1 p.m.
Central Library, 220 State Street, 263-6828, x442

Central Library Book Discussion Ronald Mallett, author, will attend!
Wednesday, October 20, 6 p.m.
220 State Street, 263-6828, x221

East Forest Park Wednesday Evening Book Group Ronald Mallett, author, will attend!
Wednesday, October 27, 6-7 p.m.
122 Island Pond Road, 263-6836

Forest Park Branch Library Book Discussion
Thursday, October 28, 6 p.m.
380 Belmont Avenue, 263-6843
Springfield

The City Thinks Film Series at Forest Park:

Time Travel at the Movies is planned for three Saturdays in October (2, 16, 23) with all movies to be shown in the Community Room at the Forest Park Branch Library, 380 Belmont Avenue, Springfield. Please call the Library at 263-6843 for specifics.

Saturday, October 2, 1 pm, Forest Park Community Room:
2006 feature film starring Denzel Washington and Val Kilmer. Rated PG-13.

Saturday, October 16, 1 pm, Forest Park Community Room:
John discovers the ability to talk to his father...who's been dead for 30 years. His attempts to change the past go awry as they set in motion a string of brutal, unsolved murders. Now they're fighting to find a way to stop the crime that could destroy the future for both of them.

Saturday, October 23, 1 pm, Forest Park Community Room:
H.G. Wells, whose time-travel pursuit of Jack the Ripper delivers him to a modern-day San Francisco, discovers a society far different from the utopia he had envisioned. Rated PG.

Family Fun Day! at the Central Library and Springfield Museums, Saturday, October 16

Download Space Scavenger Hunt Flyer

Space Scavenger Hunt for children ages 5-12.
Running from 9 a.m.-5 p.m., it's a drop in activity with prizes for those who participate.

A Space Themed Storytime for ages 3-8
Set to take off at 1:30 p.m.

The Quadrangle will host Weekend Family Fun:

Radical Robots, 10 a.m.- 4 p.m., including demonstrations, hands-on activities and shows. Don't miss these adventurous activities!

KESHAWN DODDS AT THE CENTRAL LIBRARY
Springfield Author to Speak as Part of City Thinks Programming
Wednesday, October 27, 6 pm

Download Meet the Author Flyer

If you and your children enjoy science fiction books, you'll want to be in the Community Room at the Central Library on Wednesday, October 27 for a very special author visit. As Keshawn put it, “please come out and enjoy a great night out with me. Bring your children and their friends as they will be able to hear a great story of a young superhero that is based right here in Springfield, MA!” From 6-7:30 p.m. Keshawn will read excerpts from and talk about his book, Menzuo in the Calling of the Sun Prince , a science fiction/fantasy book for ages 9+. He says “in the recently re-released book, readers will see improvements, including new illustrations and more detailed information about the storyline.” Copies of this book will be available for sale and signing. Please call 263-6828, x213 for more information. The Central Library is located at 220 State Street, with free parking directly across the street.

Sponsors for the 2010 City Thinks programming are American International College, Unity First and PeoplesBank.

Return to top of page