It’s official! The Bushnell-Sage Library is launching
1,000 Books Before Kindergarten®!

1,000 Books Before Kindergarten® is a reading program designed to expose young children to as many books as possible while they are squishy, squishy little sponges. It sounds like a lot of books, and it is, but it goes quick! One bedtime story per night will have you wrapping up in just over 3 years. Re-reads count! Books a relative or a teacher reads to your child? Also counts! This is a fun way to track progress and stay motivated to keep sharing books with your child.

Sign up in person starting March 19th.

What a year! In 2023, we welcomed over 27,000 visitors, circulated over 40,000 items and 7700 digital titles, and hosted 554 events with 5351 attendees - and that doesn’t include all of the fantastic events and exhibits that Crossroads: Change in Rural America brought to Sheffield! Click on the image for a larger version.

We thank the residents of Sheffield, Library Trustees, Friends of the Bushnell-Sage Library, Select Board, and Town Administrator for their valued support. Bushnell-Sage Library is proud to inform, educate, and culturally enrich our town. We look forward to providing another year of community connections and service.

Bushnell-Sage Library grounds now boast two large sculptures by the late local artist, Robert Butler. On the front patio is "Red Legs," a boldly painted, kinetic, stainless steel piece. In the rear garden area looms "In Free," a very tall, three part stainless and polished steel sculpture accented with blue paint. Both were donated in 2022 to the Library by Susan Butler on behalf of the Butler Sculpture Park located on Shunpike Rd in Sheffield. As Butler said: "The library site cannot be more perfect for these playful, imaginative pieces."

Bushnell-Sage Library cardholders, you now have access to Hoopla! Search “hoopla digital” in your app store or visit hoopladigital.com to get started. Search for “Bushnell-Sage Library,” enter your library card with no spaces, and explore the collection!

Borrow audiobooks, ebooks, comics, music, movies, and TV with no waiting or holds lists. You’ll get ten free checkouts per month, per card. Email or call us at 413-229-7004 with any questions.

We’re happy to provide free online access to ConsumerReports.org!

Visit from our library homepage or our Digital Resources page, click the blue ConsumerReports.org button and enter your library card number for access to expert ratings, reviews, and buying guides.

Introducing the newest addition to the Library of Things - the GRIT Freedom Chair.

The GRIT Freedom Chair is an all-terrain wheelchair. Developed by MIT engineers, this easy-to-push, lever-driven wheelchair comes armed with rugged mountain bike wheels, a big, sturdy front wheel that doesn’t get stuck, and optional trail handles (the trail handles may be installed following the available trail handle installation guide) allowing you to choose your own adventure.

The chair may be checked out with your CW MARS card for a two week period, with renewal of another two weeks, if there is no demand. 

Please review the below materials before checking out the GRIT Chair.

• GRIT Freedom Chair User Manual and Assembly Guide

• Trail Handles Installation Guide 2021

• GRIT Chair Info (FAQ)

• GRIT Chair Liability Release Form - Sheffield

• Get to Know the GRIT Freedom Chair training session video (YouTube link)

The chair is funded by a Massachusetts Office of Disability award.

PLEASE NOTE:
One week advanced checkout notice is required if snow/sand tires and/or trail handles are to be put on the Grit Chair.

1) I understand that it is my responsibility to bring the Grit Freedom Chair back clean and ready for use by the next participant. If it is not brought back clean, I understand I may be charged a cleaning fee of $50 or more, depending on the condition.

2) I have read the instruction guide for the Grit Freedom Chair.

3) I am responsible for checking out/in the Grit Chair at the library’s front desk during normal library business hours and loading and unloading it from my vehicle. (Elevator available on ground level.)

Sheffield Saves Art Swap Cabinet Now Open

Now filling up with art and craft supplies for your use – the BIG RED Sheffield Saves Art Swap Cabinet now located in the lobby of the Bushnell-Sage Library!

Through the generosity of the Bushnell-Sage Library Trustees and the Sheffield Select Board, Sheffield Saves has set up a cabinet where anyone can drop off or pick up used art supplies during the library’s open hours.

All are welcome to use our art swap cabinet!

The BIG RED cabinet is located in the lobby on the main level of the Bushnell-Sage Library. The new cabinet can accommodate paper, poster board, crayons, markers, water color paints, paste, tape, brushes, and other materials appropriate for use in classroom and personal arts & crafts. Let’s give a second life to partially-used crafting materials, reams or pads of paper, and drawing and painting supplies.

Do you have materials to donate? Bring them to the circulation desk!

Did you find some great supplies in the cabinet? Be sure to tag us @bushnellsagelibrary so we can see your creations!

Try a free WiFi hotspot

Bushnell-Sage Library cardholders and Sheffield residents with a CW MARS card can borrow a WiFi hotspot free for up to 3 weeks. Create your own secure WiFi network at home or on-the-go.

Hotspot borrowers must be 18 years old and in good standing with the library. Only one hotspot is allowed per household. Each hotspot will support up to 10 connected devices. Visit the library to learn more. View our hotspot lending policy here.

These hotspots rely on the T-Mobile Network. Check this map for coverage.