You can bring more than just your books to the library during the festive month of December! For those that are feeling generous or want to help out locally this holiday season, South Hadley Public Library is accepting food and toiletry donations for Neighbors Helping Neighbors. Our local food pantry is seeking much needed soup, hot and cold cereal, canned meat, tomato products, shampoo, toothbrushes and toothpaste, deodorant and women’s hygiene products. Please check the dates on your food items and do not bring any expired items. You can drop items off in the gift boxes under our tree by the elevator.
Adult Programs at SHPL
Our book groups are in full swing this month. The Hello Sunshine Book Club meets on Wednesday, December 4 at 6:30 to discuss Small Great Things by Jodi Picoult. Our Between the Covers Book Group meets on Tuesday, December 10 at 3:00 to talk about The Cliff House by RaeAnne Thayne. Copies of the January discussion titles will be available at those meetings and new members are always welcome. Not ready to join in? Feel free to pick up a copy of these books and see if you enjoy them!
Meet artist Ruth Sanderson on Monday, December 9 at 6:30 and view her exhibition of children’s book illustration, including original artwork from her fairy tales and her two new board books, Good Morning Farm Animals and Good Night Farm Animals at the opening of her new exhibit: The Children’s Book Art of Ruth Sanderson. Refreshments will be served, and signed books and prints will be available for purchase.
Chief of Police Jennifer Gunderson of the South Hadley Police Department, will hold office hours in the library lobby on Tuesday, December 10 from 5:00 to 7:00. This is a wonderful opportunity to connect with one of our community leaders.
The Winter Solstice, also known as Yule, is the longest night and the shortest day of the year. Since ancient times, many cultures have celebrated the “return of light” to illuminate and bring wassail, good health and good cheer, during the cold days of winter. There are many wonderful, meaningful, “old world” traditions and ways you can celebrate Yule and the Solstice-tide. Come together for Ways to Celebrate Yule with Winifred of Awentree on Wednesday, December 11 at 6:00. Join Winifred Costello for an engaging and informative evening during which you will learn several family friendly ways to kindle the Winter Solstice light and celebrate the magic of the season.
Do you have jigsaw puzzles over 500 pieces? 300 Pieces? Want a new one… or two? Come on down and bring a complete puzzle for our Jigsaw Puzzle Swap happening on Saturday, December 14at 10:00. Drop off your complete puzzle from Monday, December 2 through Friday, December 13 at the Library Front Desk. Get a ticket for each puzzle dropped off. We will have all the puzzles available the morning of the swap, just bring your ticket to swap for the number of puzzles you brought.
We are excited to host A Night of Classical Vibes with David Van Tassel on Wednesday, December 18 at 6:00. This is a night of classical and classically inspired music. David, who is now 16, has been passionately studying music since he was 3 years old and piano since he was 9 years old. He especially loves the musical compositions of Franz Liszt, Fredric Chopin, and Sergei Rachmaninoff. Come sit back, enjoy the live pianist, and forget the day’s troubles.
Gaylord Memorial Library Programs
At Gaylord, Spice Club will be trying Southern New England Spice Company’s Thai Spice Rub. Sign up online by clicking here or stop by the Gaylord circulation desk to register in person. Then attend the meeting on Thursday, December 5 at 6:30 and take home your spice packet!
If winter is garden-planning season for you, come check out our newly expanded Seed Library! Thanks to a donation of seeds from Rocky’s Ace Hardware, you’ll have lots to choose from – especially vegetables!
Online Author Programs (click each program for more information)
- Unearthed: Exploring the Smithsonian National Gem Collection with Dr. Jeffrey Post. A Library Speakers Consortium and Smithsonian Institution Collaboration. Wednesday, December 4 at 2:00
- On Pulse-Pounding, Family Driven Mysteries: A Conversation with Laura Dave. New York Times Bestselling Author of The Last Thing He Told Me. Wednesday, December 11 at 2:00
STAY CONNECTED WITH THESE LINKS:
- For Teen and Children’s programs, as well as registration information please see the Library’s new Online Calendar at: shadleylib.libcal.com
- SHPL Facebook page
- South Hadley Public Library homepage
- Gaylord Memorial Library homepage
- Town of South Hadley homepage