June 2022 Library Events

The month of June means the return of our popular Summer Library Program for all ages! This year’s theme is READ BEYOND THE BEATEN PATH.  Look for a variety of programs and events for all ages, toddlers through seniors. Registration begins on Friday, June 17 (the last day of school) – watch our website for registration details and check the online calendar for the full schedule of programs.

Cooling Shelter
Please remember that the South Hadley Public Library is one of the town’s cooling shelters (along with the Senior Center) and everyone is welcome to use our air-conditioned facility when the building is open. 

Adult Programs at South Hadley Public Library (Main Branch)

A House in South Hadley through Time – 5 Walnut Street
Wednesday, June 1 at 6:30
Hugh Scott moved with his family from Connecticut to Salem Massachusetts, and finally in 1868 to South Hadley Falls. In 1883 he had a house built for the family at 5 Walnut Street in the same neighborhood.  This program will also serve as a primer on local history research techniques. Presented by Bob Comeau, this program is funded by the South Hadley Cultural Council and Co-Hosted by the Holyoke Preservation Trust.

Color Me Calm Adult & Teen Coloring Group. Monday, June 6 from 4:00 – 6:00
Color Me Calm is a laid-back coloring group for ages 13 & up.  Join us in the Community Meeting Room for an afternoon of coloring your cares away! Coloring pages and utensils will be provided, or BYOCB (Bring Your Own Coloring Book).

Senator Jo Comerford’s Library Tour/Resched. Democracy Works Talk
Wednesday, June 8 at 5:00
Sen. Comerford will be giving a brief legislative update and then opening the floor for informal conversation and questions. She will then give a talk on how democracy works best when everyone participates, talking about effective strategies for engaging with the state legislative process. Jo Comerford is the State Senator for the Hampshire, Franklin, Worcester district. 

Zoom Program: Stop Arguing with Your Teens
Saturday, June 11 at 11:00 | Register by clicking here
Discover high impact strategies that create less room for arguing and more room for connection with your teens. Explore the benefit of using visualization to help create the relationship you want. Create and learn mindful practices that are critical in setting the scene for more peaceful communication and joyful connection. Our facilitator Lianne Dixon is a Parent Coach dedicated to helping parents who are tired of arguing with their teenagers.

Adult Take Home Craft: Paint Stick Herb Markers. Sign Up By Wednesday, June 15
Make cute Herb Markers from Paint sticks! All the materials provided that are needed to make the items. Sign up on our website

The Highwaymen: Songs & Stories (Outdoor Concert)
Wednesday, June 22 at 6:30
Longtime New England singer/songwriter Matt York will perform the songs of Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, Kris Kristofferson and Waylon Jennings and tell stories of their careers in an hour-long performance. York has twice been nominated as Best Male Artist by the New England Music Awards and his latest release was named one of the Boston Globe’s best albums of 2019.This program is supported in part by a grant from the South Hadley Local Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency. In case of inclement weather, this program will take place in the Community Room.

Zoom Program: Orphan Trains of the East Coast by author Andrea Warren.
Wednesday, June 29 at 6:30 | Register by clicking here
Religious societies believed removing children from impoverished areas away from their parents, alive or dead, and into the countryside would give them a better life. Find out more about this sometimes happy, but often times tragic time in history.

Teen Programs at South Hadley Public Library

Xbox in the Afternoon
Teens ages 11 through High School – come play our Xbox 1 and discover some new games and old favorites! Xbox 1 is played in the Teen Room. No sign up is ever needed. 

·       Friday, June 10 @ 4:00
·       Tuesday, June 14 @ 4:00

Button Making. Thursday, June 23 at 3:30
Teens ages 11 through HS are invited to come and make your own unique buttons! All supplies are provided. No sign up needed. 

DIY Suncatchers
Teens ages 11 through HS, come and make your very own suncatcher! All supplies provided by the library. No sign up needed. 

Teen Takeaways
Teens ages 11 through High School can enjoy our monthly Teen Takeaways. Sign up once and receive a new Takeaway every month! A craft with all supplies and directions are provided, as well as some other surprises in each bag! No monthly meetings or online meetings – craft on your own time with no pressure or stress! This month’s Teen Takeaway features Sand Clay!

Children’s Programs at South Hadley Public Library

Nature Up Close: Explore Nature with Your Child
On Wednesday, June 8 at 10:00, we will have a hands on STEM program for families of young children up to age 8.  Nature Up Close will be presented by Doug Fleury, aka the Bug Man.  Children will learn about and observe nature while their grown-ups will be taught techniques to help their children discover the world around them.  Pre-registration IS required by either visiting or calling the library at 413-538-5045.  This activity is made possible by a grant from the Coordinated Family Community Engagement Program.

Draw Your Heart Out – Art & Music for Children
Children and families are invited to join us on Saturday, June 11 at 10:00 for “Draw Your Heart Out”, a fun filled hour of drawing to music, creating hand print art, and painting on items from nature. This activity is recommended for ages 4 and older but younger siblings are welcome to participate too.  NO pre-registration needed.  Weather permitting we’ll be outside near the Children’s Room.  If it rains we’ll be inside.

Reading Buddies with Duchess and Gwen
Kids will have a few opportunities to practice their reading with Bright Spot therapy dogs Duchess and Gwen.  Duchess is an adorable Yorkshire terrier.  Gwen is a lovable greyhound. Children in kindergarten and above can participate in a 15 minute time slot.  Duchess will be here on Mondays June 13 & June 27 from 6:00 to 7:00.  Gwen will be here on Wednesday, June 22 from 3:30 to 5:00. Pre-registration is required.  Parents/caretakers can sign their children up by either calling the library at 413-538-5045 or stopping by the library.

READ BEYOND THE BEATEN PATH:

Take & Make Crafts
During the eight weeks of our summer reading program, children up to age 10 are invited to stop into the Children’s Room and pick up a ‘Take & Make’ craft bag to bring home.  Craft bags will be available each week beginning on Mondays throughout the week while supplies last.  We ask that children take ONE bag only to ensure that as many children as possible will be able to participate.  NO pre-registration is needed.  Just pop into the Children’s Room and grab a bag. The week of June 21 kids will receive a CAMP NAME TAG NECKLACE craft bag.  The week of June 27 they’ll get a FOAM 3D CAMP SCENE craft bag.

Yoga & Mindfulness for Kids
Children ages 7-12 are welcome to take part in an introductory yoga class especially geared toward kids on Monday, June 27 at 3:00.  Certified yoga instructor Barbara Paulo will lead participants through a class and give tips on ways to reduce stress with yoga and mindfulness practices.  At the end of class we’ll have a mindfulness based craft.  Pre-registration IS required.  Call or stop in to sign up.

Toto the Tornado Cat
Toto the Tornado Cat returns to the library on Tuesday, June 28 at 2:00.  Toto and his human Jonathan Hall will tell the tale of Toto’s experience surviving the 2011 tornado that ripped through Massachusetts.  Meet this friendly feline who gives back to the community since being saved.  No pre-registration needed but please consider bringing a donation of cat food for Legacy Cat Rescue of South Hadley.

Springfield Thunderbirds Mascot Boomer will Visit
Kids and adults are invited to come for a meet and greet event with Springfield Thunderbirds hockey team mascot Boomer on Thursday, June 30 at 2:00.  Folks will want to have their cameras/phones with them to take a photo with Boomer.  No pre-registration is needed – just come to the Community Meeting Room for the fun.

Summer Bingo for Kids
Summer Reading Program BINGO for kids is back!  Bingo will be held for six consecutive Thursdays beginning June 30 at 3:00. Join us for several exciting games of Bingo with cool prizes for winning Bingo games. No pre-registration is ever needed for Bingo but you may want to come early to choose your lucky seat in the Community Meeting Room.  While adults are welcome to assist their children, Bingo boards are only given to children and teens.

Rhymetime on Tuesday Mornings
Rhymetime takes place every Tuesday morning at 10:30.  This parent and child interactive song & dance time is for children from infants to toddler age. Weather permitting, this program takes place outdoors on the library lawn and will move indoors if necessary. No pre-registration is needed.  

Plains Elementary School Guest Reader Storytime on Thursday Mornings
Every Thursday morning at 10:30 during the summer we are happy to host a Plains Elementary School teacher or other staff member to read during our Storytime.  This is fun way for children to meet their new teachers or to come and talk with a former teacher.  Each week we will have a different guest reader. No pre-registration is needed.  If the weather permits we will meet outside on the library lawn.  

Gaylord Library Programs

Story Time with Miss Janet. Fridays at 10:30
Join Miss Janet Friday mornings at 10:30 for story time and a craft.

Outdoor Games at Gaylord with Miss Janet. Saturday, June 18 at 10:30
Join Miss Janet for some outdoor family friendly fun! Pre-registration is requested to plan accordingly and notify participants about any changes due to the weather. Register via our online calendar.

Outdoor Story Stroll
Our second story stroll of 2022 is now on display! Come visit and read, Dog’s Colorful Day, A Messy Story about Colors and Counting written by and illustrated by Emma Dodd. Story strolls are installed on the grounds of the Gaylord Memorial Library from April-October with a new story installation every 4-6 weeks. Visitors are welcome to walk and read the story anytime.

Composting with HHCD. Thursday, June 2 at 6:30
Join us to learn all the ins and outs of Composting! Learn all you need to know and then participate in a hands-on project to get you composting in a fun and unique way. This program is being offered by the Hampden Hampshire Conservation District (HHCD). Sign up to learn about composting.

Virtual Sit and Stitch with Ina Forman. Thursday, June 9 from 6:00 to 8:00
Log in and spend an evening with your crafty neighbors. Bring your portable handwork of choice – quilting, crocheting, knitting, cross-stitch etc. – and enjoy the company of fellow slow stitchers while you work on your project from the comfort of your own home. Ina Forman creates quilts for warmth and art, along with fiber pieces for fashion and the eye. Details to connect to this virtual meeting will be sent via email to registered participants. The event is limited to 8 people. Register here.

Soil Testing with WMMGA. Saturday, June 11 from 10:00 to 11:30
Western Massachusetts Master Gardeners Association (WMMGA) is testing residents’ lawn and garden soil and answering gardening questions. Bring 1 cup of soil for the test. No sign-up needed! Soil testing will be done on a first-come, first-served basis.

Cameron Sutphin Outdoor Concert. Thursday, June 16, 6:30-7:30
Bring your lawn chairs and get ready for a relaxing and joyful evening! Cameron Sutphin is back again this summer to perform his original material, as well as classic country and folk cover songs such as, The Times They Are A-Changin’ (Bob Dylan,) Take Me Home, Country Roads (John Denver,) Where Have All The Flowers Gone (Pete Seeger,) Hallelujah (Leonard Cohen,) and Wake-Up Little Susie (Everly Brothers) as a solo acoustic act. Sign up to attend the concert.

Natural Lawn Care with HHCD. Thursday, June 23 at 6:30
Join us in learning about how to care for your at home landscapes in a more environmentally friendly way. Learn how to use native plants to create lasting perennial beauty, why soil health is important at home, and best practices for maintaining a beautiful lawn and more! This program is being offered by the Hampden Hampshire Conservation District (HHCD). Sign up to learn about natural lawn care.

Need Books Delivered? Check out our Homebound Delivery Service
The Gaylord Memorial Library continues to offer a Homebound Delivery Service to residents of South Hadley who have health or transportation issues. Books and other library materials are delivered and picked up on a monthly basis. If you, or someone you know would like to learn more and sign up for Homebound Delivery, please visit: https://gaylordlibrary.org/homebound-delivery/ or call 538-5047

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KEY WEBSITES to STAY CONNECTED

·        Event calendar for library programs (including registration information)

·        SHPL Facebook page

·        Vimeo for recorded library programs & crafts

·        South Hadley Public Library homepage

·        Gaylord Memorial Library homepage

·        Town of South Hadley homepage

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Know Your Town (KYT) is a nonpartisan organization based in South Hadley, Massachusetts that seeks to acquaint townspeople with the various issues and functions of town government and all of the resources the town has to offer.
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