Summer at South Hadley Public Library

Moving into June, summer is almost upon us. The theme to our ever popular summer reading this year is Level Up at Your Library and we’re definitely kicking things up a notch! Our summer kicks off with an amazing family event featuring Mass Capoeira on Wednesday, June 25 at 3:30pm. Join us for a demonstration of this Afro-Brazilian martial art that incorporates fighting, dance, music, and acrobatics. Join us all season long for programs and activities to help you “level up” your skills and knowledge.

Adult Programs at South Hadley Public Library (SHPL)

Jump into June with music, movement, and more at the South Hadley Public Library! From cultural celebrations to swingin’ tunes and climate-inspired choruses, our June programs offer something for every mood and moment. On Saturday, June 7 at 11:00am, experience the shimmering artistry of the Crescent Dancers, who’ve been enchanting audiences with Middle Eastern dance for 50 years. Then, don’t miss the soulful stylings of The O-Tones Trio on Wednesday, June 11 at 6:00pm —a crowd-pleasing mix of Swing, Blues, and Motown sponsored by the Mass Cultural Council. Feeling inspired to heal the planet? On Saturday, June 14 at 11:00am, A Beautiful Future brings harmony and hope to climate action through music rooted in community and sustainability. All these musical programs are perfect for families.

The South Hadley Chess Club is a new group that will hold its first meeting at the library on Saturday, June 7 at 3:30. The club is a place for beginners and experienced players alike to learn, play, or compete. We will teach those who have never played before and support skill development for those wanting to improve their game. The Chess Club is a casual place for anyone to enjoy the game of kings!

Looking for a summer book club? We’ve got you covered! The Hello Sunshine book club will meet on Wednesday, June 4 at 6:30pm to discuss Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid. The brand new Sustainable Living Book Club, sponsored by the South Hadley Sustainability & Energy Commission, will meet on Monday, June 9 at 6:00pm to discuss The Overstory by Richard Powers. Romance readers can join the Between the Covers Book Club on Tuesday, June 10 at 3:00pm to discuss It Had to Be You by Eliza Jane Brazier.

Our Spanish Conversation Circle meets on Saturday, June 21 at 10:30am. This monthly group provides an opportunity for Spanish speakers to practice their language skills with peers.  Participants should have some basic conversational skills to join the group. This is not a language class.

Leading off our Adult Summer program, Level Up At Your Library, will be Constance Hallinan Lagan to begin to recharge your spirit, with a virtual webinar, Level Up Your Happiness, on Wednesday, June 25 at 6:00pm. Discover practical tools to bring joy back into your life (register here). Finally, puzzle lovers rejoice—our Puzzle Swap is back on Saturday, June 28! Drop off your complete jigsaw puzzles (300+ pieces) from June 9–27 at the front desk, and trade them for new challenges during the big swap. Let June be your month to dance, sing, swap, and smile!

Online Author Programs (click each program for more information)

Gaylord Memorial Library Adult Programs

Gaylord’s Pollinator Garden is in full swing now, with several native plants blooming for the beginning of June. If you want to join the team to help maintain the garden, you can come to a hands-on training with members of Growing Wild South Hadley on Friday, June 6 at 4:00pm.

As part of the Adult Summer program we have a workshop from Peter Glass: Level Up Your Smartphone Photography on Thursday, June 26 from 5:15-8:00pm. Sign up here and don’t forget your phone!

For more information and programs for children and teens, visit us online.
KEY WEBSITES to STAY CONNECTED:

Online calendar for library programs (including registration information)

SHPL Facebook page

South Hadley Public Library homepage

Gaylord Memorial Library homepage

Town of South Hadley homepage

June 28 Food Drive for Neighbors Helping Neighbors

Get ready to help support Neighbors Helping Neighbors-South Hadley Food Pantry, and save the date to DRIVE UP and DROP OFF items at South Hadley High School!

Food Drive for Neighbors Helping Neighbors Food Pantry
Saturday, June 28,2025
9:00am to 12:00pm (rain or shine)
South Hadley High School, 153 Newton Street
Hosted by South Hadley Democratic Town Committee

All food and monetary donations are accepted; please make checks payable to Neighbors Helping Neighbors.

Items most in demand include any and all feminine hygiene products, shampoo and conditioner, toothpaste, deodorant, bar soap, pet food for cats and dogs (canned or dry), hot or cold cereal, soups, and canned meats such as Spam, corned beef hash, and beef stew. Please be sure to check expiration dates.

Thank you. Your help for our local food pantry is much appreciated! Food Drive Flyer (pdf)

South Hadley Farmers’ Market Opens June 4

South Hadley Summer Farmers’ Market at Buttery Brook Park
OPENS FOR THE SEASON ON JUNE 4

2:00 to 6:00pm on Wednesday, Weekly from June 4 to October 1, 2025
The Summer Farmer’s Market has been held for several years Wednesday afternoons near the south entrance at Buttery Brook Park, which is located at 123 Willimansett Street/Rt. 33, just south of the Big Y. Enjoy the park while you shop at this family-friendly market for local produce, prepared foods, and work by craft artisans. SNAP match program available.

For more information, visit Farmers’ Market South Hadley on Facebook or farmersmarketsouthhadley.com.

Summer 2025 at Buttery Brook Park

Children’s Series
10:00am on Friday, July 11; and on Wednesdays July 16, 23, and 30, 2025
The Park’s long-running free weekday morning performance series for younger children returns again for July 2025. Events are held under cover of a pavilion. Performers in 2024 included: In the Nick of Time Music, Annie and the Natural Wonder Band, and The Toe Jam Band. For information and any inclement weather cancellations, see: www.facebook.com/butterybrookpark.

Free Friday Night Concerts
5:00pm, Weekly from June 6 to September 5, 2025
(5pm-7:30pm/dusk; no concert on July 4)
2025 Friday Concerts and Cruise Nights Schedule Flyer-PDF
Friday concerts return for 2025, with a new group scheduled each week (except July 4) all summer long. Food and beverages available; cash, credit and Venmo accepted. Concerts are scheduled in conjunction with Friday Cruise Nights-bring your folding chairs and take a stroll around to enjoy some great some classic cars along with the music! The Concert Series is supported by the Friends of Buttery Brook Park, Friends of South Hadley Seniors, Pickleball South Hadley, and the Town of South Hadley. This program is funded in part by a grant from the South Hadley Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency. For information and any inclement weather cancellations, see: www.facebook.com/butterybrookpark.

Friday Cruise Nights
5:00pm, Weekly, May 16 to September 5, 2025
(5pm-7:30pm/dusk; no Cruise Night on July 4)
2025 Friday Concerts and Cruise Nights Schedule Flyer-PDF
Buttery Brook Park Friends’ Cruise Nights are held from each week during the season (except July 4). The public is invited to come and see each week’s vintage vehicles (admission is free) and enjoy pleasant warm-weather nights at the Park. There are special nights for Fords, Mustangs, GTOs, a Corvette/Mustang Shoot-Out, and more. Live bands also perform free community concerts during Cruise Nights. Beverages including beer, soda, and water are available from the Friends, with a food truck also on site. Funds raised through Cruise Nights help to support Park improvements. For information and any inclement weather cancellations, see: www.facebook.com/butterybrookpark.

 

Gaylord Library Wine, Cheese, and Chocolate 2025

Don’t miss the annual Friends of the Gaylord fundraiser!

Gaylord Library Wine, Cheese and Chocolate 2025
Friday, June 13 – 5:30 to 7:30pm
On the Lawn at Gaylord Library, 47 College St, South Hadley
gaylord library.org/friends

Share an evening of music and local history on th, followed by a raffle and silent auction in support of Gaylord Memorial Library’s accessibility initiatives.

Tickets are $35 in advance or $40 at the door.
To order tickets online:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/wine-cheese-chocolate-2025-tickets-1341979028399

MHC Geothermal Hub Info Session

The public is invited to join Mount Holyoke College officials and project managers at Gamble Auditorium on June 5 at 7:30 p.m. to hear the latest information regarding the college’s Geothermal Hub project. Members of our Geothermal and Facilities team will be on hand to answer questions and talk about the Geothermal Hub. All are welcome to attend. Learn more about the project at: https://www.mtholyoke.edu/geothermal-project

Gamble auditorium can be accessed through the Mount Holyoke College Art Museum.  There will be parking available on both Lower Lake Road and in the Prospect Hall parking lot. Please plan to enter through Lower Lake Road via Park Street due to construction at the Morgan Street end.

Know Your Town Annual Meeting and Banquet on June 5

All KYT members, friends, guests, and newcomers to KYT are invited to the Know Your Town end of the year meeting and potluck banquet.

PLEASE PLAN TO COME!
KYT Annual Meeting and Banquet
Thursday, June 5, 2025 at 5:00pm*
Community Room
South Hadley Public Library, 2 Canal Street
www.knowyourtown.org

Our featured speaker is Michael DeChiara, Chair of the Energy and Climate Action Committee and a member of the Planning Board in Shutesbury, who will speak on the future and feasibility of solar energy, local control over solar arrays and battery storage projects, and state mandates to allow such projects in towns and communities.

The Anne Battersby KYT Scholarship awardeee and the Know Your Town Citizen of the Year will be introduced

If you are able, please bring a dish to be enjoyed by all attendees; if not, don’t hesitate to come and enjoy! If you’re new to town or just to KYT, we’d love to have you come–its a great way to meet new people and learn about South Hadley. To help us plan, please RSVP to Martha Terry (MarthaTerry25@gmail.com) to let her know you’re coming and what ‘food group’ you anticipate bringing (salad, vegetable, main dish, etc.).

*Please note time change from 5:30pm so those wishing to attend the 7:30pm Mount Holyoke College info session at Gamble Auditorium on their Geothermal Hub will be able to attend.

South Hadley Town Meeting on May 14th

South Hadley’s 2025 Annual Town Meeting will be held at 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 14, 2025 in the auditorium at South Hadley High School, 153 Newton Street. A short Special Town Meeting will take place directly before the Annual Town Meeting.

The Meeting Warrants listing the business to be addressed on May 14, along with budgets and other background information, can be found at: https://www.southhadley.org/1480/_2025

The Annual Town Meeting serves as a legislative session to vote on policies and the budget for the year. The Town of South Hadley has a Representative Town Meeting with 120 elected Town Meeting members from the Town’s five precincts (Shadowbrook is in Precinct A, shown in green on the map). Each precinct is represented by 24 members elected to three-year staggered terms. A third of the Members are elected each year at the Annual Town Election. To learn more about Town Meeting in South Hadley, visit www.southhadley.org/townmeeting.

Residents may attend in person to watch the meeting, which can also be viewed on Channel 15 or online at https://shctv15.com/watch-live/. Annual Meetings are also recorded for later viewing at https://shctv15.com.

South Hadley Public Library-May Programs

May Adult programs at South Hadley Public Library

Picture this: Two free photography workshops happening at SHPL! Presented by Peter Glass, the first class, Fast Track from AUTO to MANUAL, takes place on Saturday, May 3 from 10:00 – 1:00. Learn everything you need to take your digital camera off AUTO or Program mode and put you in charge of your shots. Registration required, click here – only 15 spaces available! The second class will be Take Great Photos with Your Smartphone on Saturday, May 17 from 10:00-1:00. Learn how to understand and use your smartphone camera controls to capture great shots (note: this class doesn’t cover selfies!). Registration required, click here —only 15 spaces available.

South Hadley has an amazing history and we’re diving into it with a local history talk by Leo Labonte on The Life of Horatio Horatia, Wednesday, May 7 at 6:00. Through a tiny, unfinished 15-page diary, we’ll get a rare look into the life of a seemingly ordinary man living through extraordinary times. What we discovered is that his experiences during some of the most difficult periods in our nation’s history were anything but ordinary.

Romance readers – we have a group we’d love you to join. The Between the Covers book club will meet on Tuesday, May 13 at 3:00 to discuss The Sea Glass Cottage by RaeAnne Thayne.  Whether you are already a romance reader or are new to the genre, join us for a monthly get-together of romance novels that offer happy endings and often are part of a series. Books will be available to check out from the library in the weeks prior to each meeting.

As food prices rise, knowing how to make smart choices at the grocery store becomes even more important. Join the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts on Wednesday, May 14 at 6:00 to learn about the Explore MyPlate healthy eating guidelines. Learn how to read nutrition labels, pick up tips on how to add more movement to your day, and discover how to create budget-friendly meals. This program is open to adults and families. Registration required, click here.  

Looking for a timely and important talk that reflects today’s headlines? Come to Birthright Citizenship and the 14th Amendment, presented by Professor Montana Martinez, Assistant Professor of Law at Western New England Law School on Wednesday, May 21 at 6:00. Bring your questions—or just your curiosity—and come learn more about this vital topic.

South Hadley has been designated an Age & Dementia Friendly Community and we’re excited to collaborate with the Council on Aging to screen a new documentary coming soon to public television.  Join us for a free viewing of the new film Matter of Mind: My Alzheimer’s on Friday, May 30 at 4:00. This is an intimate portrayal of three families confronting the unique challenges of Alzheimer’s and how this progressive neurodegenerative disease transforms roles and relationships. Whether it’s a partner caring for a loved one or an adult child shifting into being their parent’s caregiver, these stories show how families evolve when a loved one is diagnosed. View the trailer here.

As we learn to nourish our bodies and our communities with real food and tangible support, it’s easy to forget that plants have also nourished our stories for centuries. On Saturday, May 31 at 10:00, author Varla Ventura will present Enchanted Plants: An Exploration of Common and Uncommon Plants in Folklore and Magic. From the tangled forest to the garden hedge, join folklorist, “rotten botanist,” and author Varla Ventura as she explores some of the world’s most magical plants. From the ordinary apple to the fabulous foxglove, we’ll uncover the roles plants have played in fairy tales, folklore, and history.

May Adult programs at Gaylord Branch Library

More timely programming: Learn about Book Banning in the US on Thursday, May 8 at 6:00.  Join author Sarah Prager to learn about the history of book bans in the US, including her own experience as an author of banned books. You’ll hear about book bans by the numbers, why specific books were targeted, the history of banning LGBTQ+ books in particular, and what you can do to fight book bans today.

May Online Author Programs (click each program for more information)

For more information, including programs for children and teens, see the library calendar and other resources: