3/13-Gaylord March Melt Wine Down

Please join the Friends of the Gaylord for the MARCH MELT Wine Down!

Gaylord March Melt Wine Down
Friday, March 13, 2026
5:30 to 7:00pm | 21+ Only
$12 entry (cash/credit – please note new entry cost)
Gaylord Memorial Library
47 College Street, South Hadley

Our sponsor, Marie Rohan, and the P.E.O. sorority (Philanthropic Educational Organization) will celebrate women’s history month with special treats and news about RBG events coming up!

Library Director Joe Rodio will be on hand to discuss what the town budget crisis might mean for the Gaylord.

 

S Hadley Library-December Programs

Winter weather and a good book just seem to go together. As we move into December, we invite you to visit the South Hadley Public and Gaylord Memorial libraries to pick up a bestseller, discover a new author, or reconnect with a classic. You can find the most recent additions to the collection by clicking here. The page is updated weekly and you can even sign up for email alerts for new materials. In addition to the adult programs outlined below, visit our websites for more programs for teens, children, and families.

South Hadley Public Library-Adult Programs

  • Puzzle lovers can join us for a Jigsaw Puzzle Swap on Saturday, December 13 at 10:00 —drop off complete puzzles (no missing pieces) at the Front Desk from December 1–12 to receive swap tickets and pick up new-to-you puzzles the morning of the event.
  • Celebrate the season with Wassail! A Victorian Holiday on Wednesday, December 17 at 6:00. The Small Planet Dancers will feature songs, a parlor game, and a festive march through a lively Victorian-inspired holiday ball. This program is sponsored by the South Hadley Cultural Council; registration is required by clicking here.
  • Looking to join a book club? The library has a selection of books being talked about by groups at the library and senior center. Library groups include the Hello Sunshine Book Club meeting on Wednesday, December 3 at 6:30 to discuss The Book of Doors by Gareth Brown. We also have our Between the Covers Romance Book Club meeting on Tuesday, December 9 at 3:00 – 4:00 to talk about Mrs. Nash’s Ashes by Sarah Adler.

If you have ideas for programs, please share your ideas with Adult Services Librarian Desi Smelcer.

Gaylord Memorial Library-Adult Programs

  • Spice Club is sampling Southern New England Spice Co.’s Lemon Pepper Seasoning this month! Sign up here  and discuss your cooking and baking plans with other spice enthusiasts on Thursday, December 4 at 6:30.

  • Castle Nitor returns to Gaylord on Thursday, December 11 at 6:30 for Tablet Weaving. Learn one of the most unique weaving techniques from the past and take home a new treasure that you made on your own! Register here.

Online Author Programs (click each program for more information)

KEY WEBSITES to STAY CONNECTED:

Happy Holidays! Our schedule has some adjustments this month:

  • Wednesday, December 24, closing at 1:00
  • Thursday, December 25, both libraries closed
  • Friday, December 26, open normal hours at SHPL and GML
  • Wednesday, December 31, closing at 6:00

December 12: Gaylord Winter Warmer Wine Down

Ready to warm up with new and old library friends?
Then come to the Winter Warmer Wine Down!

GAYLORD DECEMBER WINE DOWN
Friday, December 12, 2025
5:30pm – 7:00pm | 21+ Only
$10 entry (cash/credit)
Hosted by Denise and Gary Hammon

Snow is on the way, and whether this weather makes you whine or “wahoo!,” warming up with friends is always welcome! We will have our usual wine tasting and light appetizers, but this month’s event also includes mulled wine, and a sharing table if folks want to bring a festive treat for everyone to enjoy.

OH AND ONE MORE THING...

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 2 is GIVING TUESDAY!
Please consider supporting your historic community library with a one-time or recurring donation to the Gaylord Memorial Library Association, which cares for the Gaylord’s building and grounds: gaylordlibrary.org/donate/

Senior Center Library: Take One, Share One

Take a book, share a book!

To keep the COA library full of good choices for the community, the next time you visit the South Hadley Senior Center (at 45 Dayton Street), bring a book to share and check the library to see if there’s one you’d like to take home.

The Council on Aging (COA) library at the South Hadley Senior Center is offering a new, easy way to obtain new books, while taking those you’ve finished reading to a new home to be enjoyed by someone else. There’s no need to sign a book in or out, and you don’t need to return the same book you took out. The library operates on the honor system; everyone contributes to ensure there are always quality books on the shelves.

Thanks for sharing only one at a time, as space is limited!

To view the December Senior Center newsletter:
https://www.southhadley.org/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/2092

 

Buttery Brook Park Santa’s Land-Dec. 11-14 and 18-21

Annual Santa’s Land 2025

December 11-14 and December 18-21, 2025
Thursday-Sunday, 5:30-7:00pm
Buttery Brook Park
123 Willimansett Street (Rt. 33), South Hadley MA
www.southhadley.org/1200/Buttery-Brook-Park

The outdoor decorations are up and the Friends of Buttery Brook Park and Park Staff look forward to welcoming everyone to the 53nd year of Santa’s Land. Visitors are invited to come and visit Santa, Mrs. Claus and the elves. After visiting with Santa, children receive a cookie and coloring book from Mrs. Claus. There is no admission charge, but donations in support of the Park are always appreciated.

Parents are welcome to take their own family photographs with Santa, and everyone can enjoy a free cup of hot chocolate on the log cabin porch (across from the playground) and take a walk to delight in all of the displays outside. In season, Santa’s Land information and updates are posted at the Buttery Brook Park Friends Facebook page, www.facebook.com/butterybrookpark or www.facebook.com/southhadleyrecreation.

11/16-Bachelor/Stony Brook North Loop Trek

Bachelor Brook-Stony Brook North Loop Trek
SUNDAY, November 16, 2025 at 11:00am  
Meet at 10:45am at the small hiker parking lot at the trailhead on Rt. 47/Hadley Street just north of the Community Garden 
Bachelor Brook-Stony Brook Conservation Area-North Loop Trek Map (PDF)

South Hadley Bike/Walk Committee will lead a free, guided Trek on the on the North Loop of the Bachelor Brook-Stony Brook Conservation Area located off Hadley Street/Route 47 in South Hadley. Bike/Walk members Anne Barry and Riley Kranz will lead the Trek through the area’s beautiful, but underused, north section trail, which can be accessed from a trailhead on Hadley Street/Route 47. The beginning part of the hike is somewhat steep while the return section is more wide-open and either flat or downhill. The area is fairly wild and there are lots of interesting plants and many birds, as well as a view of river on the way in. The loop will take approximately 90 minutes to complete.

Parking for 12-15 cars is available in a small hiker lot on the left (just before the bridge over the brook) as you head north on Rt. 47/Hadley Street. If that lot is full, more parking is available in the larger Town Farm lot, about a quarter mile south of the small hiker lot. Please use caution when walking on Rt. 47 from parking areas as the road is a bit curvy. There is room to move off the road and walk on the adjacent grassy strip.

Meet at 10:45am at the small hiker lot (just north of the Community Garden, which is at 100 Hadley Street). We will leave at 11:00am from the trailhead, which is on Rt. 47 and marked by a brown wood sign with yellow letters. Wear weather-appropriate clothing and safe footwear, and bring water and walking poles, if desired. Please keep in mind that some areas of the trail can be wet and one section in particular can be quite muddy, so hiking footwear is preferable to sneakers. While no hunting is allowed in MA on Sundays, bright clothing is always a good idea.

All events are subject to change or cancellation due to weather or ground conditions and any decision to cancel will be made and posted by 9:00am the day of the Trek. For more information, to check for a weather notification at www.southhadley.org/bikewalk.

Our Roots, Our Voices-This Friday and Saturday!

Our Roots, Our Voices

AMERICAN STORIES, AROUND THE CLOCK FOR 25 HOURS
From Friday, November 7 at 5:00pm
to Saturday, November 8, 2025 at 6:00pm

Each of us living in America today has a singular story to tell about our origins, our families, our lives, passions, and dreams, and who we are as individuals. Together, our stories form a powerful narrative about this land and who we are as a people as we approach our 250th year as a nation. Come and learn more about your neighbors in South Hadley and other communities, and the people who lived here before us.

PLAN TO COME THIS WEEKEND!

Fellowship Hall at Center Church
1 Church Street (enter on Church Street; elevator accessible)
South Hadley, Massachusetts

www.OurRootsOurVoices.org
A nonpartisan, nonsectarian civic event hosted by Center Church and South Hadley DTC

Free admission and refreshments:
There is no admission charge and the public is invited to come and listen at any time. Refreshments will be served, and visitors may stop in as often as they wish to hear stories. During early AM overnight hours, some pre-recorded video and live constitution-reading may be presented.

Presented with support by  Fiberspring Gig Speed Internet  |  SHELD

October 6-10 | Morning Walks at Buttery Brook Park

Take a Walk in the Park
MONDAY-FRIDAY, October 6-10, 2025, daily at 10:00am (weather permitting)
Meet at 9:45am at the Log Cabin, adjacent to the playground 
Buttery Brook Park, 123 Willimansett St (Rt 33), South Hadley

In celebration of Active Aging Week, the Friends of the South Hadley Seniors is sponsoring a series of morning walks at Buttery Brook Park, to introduce the local community to the Park’s new accessible walking trail and new disc golf trail, both of which offer benches along the way.

Walk Schedule:
Accessible Walking Trail on Monday, Wednesday and Friday (easy, flat walk)
Disc Golf Trail on Tuesday and Thursday (moderate, uneven surface).
Participants are invited to stay for coffee and conversation after the walks. All are welcome!

Oct. 10-Gaylord Wine Down

Please join the Friends of the Gaylord Library!

OCTOBER WINE DOWN (and CIDER!)
Friday, October 10th
5:30pm – 7pm | 21+ Only
$10 entry (cash/credit)
Gaylord Memorial Library
47 College Street, South Hadley, MA

Kick off the weekend with wine tasting and appetizers at the historic Gaylord Library. The leaves are changing color, the air is getting more crisp, so let’s enjoy some fall treats and cider tasting to go along with our wine. We will also have some festive mocktails for sampling! Wine Downs are a great way to meet new people in town and to catch up with old friends–hope to see you there!

 

Sept. 25-KYT program with Town Administrator Lisa Wong

The Know Your Town community group will sponsor “All Roads Lead Local-South Hadley in a Changing Landscape,” on Thursday, September 25, 2025 at 6:00pm in the Community Room of the Main Public Library, 2 Canal Street, South Hadley. Town Administrator, Lisa Wong will lead a robust discussion about the importance and impact of town government on the community’s residents and businesses.

This is the first Know Your Town-sponsored event of the 2025-2026 KYT Season. The program is free of charge and open to the public, and refreshments will be served.