Online Resources

Please explore these online resources while our library is closed to help slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

Digital Catalog

Digital Catalog (downloadable eBooks, Audiobooks, Videos, Magazines, as well as sections with things of interest for kids and teens.

Statewide Reference Databases

http://galesites.com/menu/mlin_w_heathfpl

The Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners licenses many electronic resources for use by all Massachusetts residents from their homes, local libraries, and schools.

Newspapers

http://infoweb.newsbank.com/signin/HeathFreePublicLibrary

Advocate, The (North Adams, MA) 2010 - 2014
Amherst Bulletin (MA) 1994 - Current
Berkshire Eagle, The (Pittsfield, MA) 2003 - Current
Daily Hampshire Gazette (Northampton, MA) 1994 - Current
North Adams Transcript (MA) 2003 - 2014
Recorder, The (Greenfield, MA) 1997 - Current
Republican, The (Springfield, MA) 1988 - Current
Springfield Advocate (MA) 1996 - 1998
Springfield Examiner (MA) 2011 - 2016
English Valley Advocate (Easthampton, MA) 1996 - Current

For in-library access on the Heath Library desktop computers, clicking on this address should automatically get you in, and then click on the link for “Massachusetts.”  This same address can be used by patrons remotely or using the Heath Library laptops.  You will be prompted to enter your library card number.

C/W MARS Reference Databases

https://www.cwmars.org/search/databases

Enter your library card number and password to access these databases. Available databases are:

• NoveList Plus  -  NoveList Plus is a comprehensive online readers’ advisory tool. Patrons can search among hundreds of thousands of popular fiction titles, and also retrieve author read-alikes, book lists, book discussion guides and more.
• OverDrive  -  Borrow ebooks, audiobooks, magazines and streaming video on your phone, mobile device or computer. Read, listen or watch instantly or download for offline usage. Gale databases are funded and supported by the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners and the Massachusetts Library System

Boston Public Library Electronic Resources

Use of these resources may require a Boston Public Library eCard.

An eCard is a Boston Public Library card that you can sign up for online and which provides access to all online resources, including OverDrive and Hoopla.

https://www.bpl.org/online-resources/

Spotted Salamanders Program

Learn About Spotted Salamanders with Ted Watt- CANCELLED

Friday, March 27, 6:30 pm until 8:00 pm
18 Jacobs Rd at the former Heath Elementary School building

Adult Spotted Salamander

Update 3/17/2020

Interested in watching the spring salamander migration? There are many vernal pools in Heath that are destinations for the migrating salamanders. We hope to make some suggested locations available soon.

Here are some tips from the Hitchcock Center that they observe each spring for their Big Night.

Big Night occurs each spring when spotted salamanders and wood frogs migrate from their winter woodland habitats to nearby vernal wetlands to breed. During the first warm spring rains, in March or sometimes April, after dark and with a stable temperature of 40 degrees or above amphibians are likely to be moving.

• If you have reflective clothing, please wear it for safety.
• Please do not touch the animals unless they are in danger while on the road. If you do have to help one, please do not carry them in your hands, use a wet leaf. The very best thing to do is find the volunteers whose job will be to have buckets ready for collecting critters on the road.
• Please make sure your flashlights are covered in red cellophane because regular light can impact the migrating creatures. We do have a supply of cellophane so please ask for some.
• Be very careful if you have to cross the road as the vehicles can have difficulty seeing you. DO NOT TAKE ANY CHANCES, CARS WILL NOT BE ASKED TO SLOW DOWN.
• Please be aware of where your children are at all times and make sure they and you know the rules to correctly enjoy the salamander and frog migration. For young children, please accompany them at all times for everyone's safety.

More information can be found in this Highlights Magazine article.

Below is a page from the book A Field Guide to the Animals of Vernal Pools, Lots of good information about the Spotted Salamander. Click on the image to enlarge for easier reading.

 = = = Original post below = = =

Come out on an early spring evening to learn more about these amazing amphibians, living in the forests all around us. Ted, a Naturalist with the Hitchcock Center for the Environment in Amherst, will show images and explain their habitats, life cycle, food, and predators. Come find out more about Salamander Big Night and how you can learn about them for yourselves. We will be presenting a community-wide citizen science project that all can be involved with.

Recommended for ages 8 and up.

This indoor program will prepare you to head outside on a rainy evening in the early spring and look for migrating spotted salamanders.

Light desserts will be available.

 The program is sponsored by the Heath School Building Use Committee and the Heath Free Public Library.

Community Read: Braiding Sweetgrass

Twenty-four small town libraries in this area will be presenting book discussions, lectures, and demonstrations related to the book Braiding Sweetgrass, by Robin Wall Kimmerer. It is a book of essays about Indigenous wisdom, scientific knowledge, and the teachings of plants. We will have more details available soon in the library and on the library and town websites. Please see the event Facebook page for more information: https://www.facebook.com/librariesinthewoods/

We are hosting a book discussion group on Wednesday, March 25, from 6:00 - 7:00 pm in our library. CANCELLED. If we reschedule information will be posted on this website.

Closed for Washington's Birthday February 17

The library will be closed on Monday, February 17, 2020 in observance of  Washington's Birthday.

Climate Disruption Program

Please join us for a presentation and conversation about climate disruption led by Heath residents Janis Steele, Ph.D. and Brooks McCutchen, Ph.D.

Can vibrant indigenous and local leadership unite us across distance and distance to stem global biological and cultural collapse?

Friday, January 31, 2020, 7:00 pm

(snow date February 7)

Heath Community Hall
1 West Main Street

Heath Town Center

Free admission

All ages welcome

Hot and cold beverages and desserts provided

Question? Call 413-337-8301

This event is sponsored by the Heath Free Public Library and the Heath School Building Use Committee.