It’s hard to believe that our 2026 Summer Library Program begins in only a few weeks! This year’s theme is Plant a Seed, Read and we’ll have programs all summer long related to nature and knowledge. Many of the early summer programs are listed below and for a full list you can check our online calendar.

There is also good news to share about our budget for the next fiscal year. An amendment to the town budget funded the library just above the minimum amount required for state certification. We will be able to maintain our status as a certified public library and continue to receive state funding and services such as inter-library loans.

Adult Programs at SH Public Library

Enjoy a variety of engaging Adult June programs celebrating gardening, local authors, nature, and creativity. On Wednesday, June 3 at 6:00, join Professor Anna Klimes for The Abundant Garden, a program on growing high-value organic produce to help stretch your grocery budget while creating delicious, homegrown meals. Learn how gardening can support a smart and frugal lifestyle while connecting with local growers and the library’s Seed Library. Then, on Wednesday, June 10 at 6:00, local author Corinne Demas will discuss her novel Daughters, a moving story about family, loss, and rebuilding a life on a New England farm. Professor Demas is the award-winning author of thirty-nine books and Professor Emerita of English at Mount Holyoke College. No registration is required for either lecture.

Nature lovers and puzzle enthusiasts will also find something to enjoy this month. On Wednesday, June 24 at 6:00, Jessica Benson Evans of The Pioneer Valley Mycological Association will present Local Edible Mushrooms and Poisonous Look-Alikes, an informative and fascinating talk exploring the difference between delicious edible mushrooms and dangerous toxic species found throughout Western Massachusetts. Then on Saturday, June 27 from 10:00–11:00, participate in the Library’s Jigsaw Puzzle Swap. Bring complete puzzles (300 pieces and up) to the Circulation Desk between June 8 and June 26 to receive swap tickets for the event. Participants may exchange puzzles based on the number they contribute. While visiting, don’t forget to pick up the Adult Summer Programming 2026 Calendar featuring this year’s theme: “Plant a Seed – Read!”

We’ve got some really good book groups meeting at the library. The Hello Sunshine Book Club meets on Wednesday, June 3 at 6:30 to talk about The Berry Pickers by Amanda Peters. Our romance loving Between the Covers Book Club meets on Tuesday, June 10, from 3:00-4:00. Copies of Inheritance by Nora Roberts are available at the library.

Continuing adult programs include:

  • South Hadley Chess Club this Saturday, June 6 at 3:30
  • Spanish Conversation Circle on Saturday, June 20 at 10:30
  • Tuesday Night Knitters each Tuesday at 6:00
  • Gatehouse Writers Group, online each Friday at 10:00

Online Author Programs (click each program for more information)

Children’s Programs at SH Public Library

It’s SUMMER READING time!!! Sign up on or after June 18 and read (or listen to) any book you like for 20 minutes a day. Need recommendations? Ask a librarian or fill out our Book Bundle form! Kids who complete their reading logs will earn prizes and be entered into our raffle; all kids who sign up will get a free ice cream coupon to Cindy’s. Don’t miss our kickoff event, a performance by Chinese acrobat Li Liu, on Thursday, June 25 at 3:00.

We have a variety of storytimes this month, including Pajama Storytime on most Mondays at 6:30, Storytime on Wednesdays at 10:30, Japanese Storytime with Kanae on Tuesday, June 2 at 4:00, and Baby Lapsit Storytime (Fridays June 5 & 26, and Saturday June 13 at 10:00). Look for us at the South Hadley Farmers’ Market on Wednesday, June 3 at 4:00. Do YOU want to lead a storytime? Read to therapy dog Duchess on Tuesday, June 16 from 4:00-5:00.

June is also Pride month: celebrate with a book from our “Read the Rainbow” display, or come to the Pride Club showcase on Tuesday, June 9 from 5:00-6:30.

Teen Programs at SH Public Library

This month for Teens (ages 11 through 19) we have a lot of great offerings! YA Book Tasting which happens the first Monday of the month 3:30-5:00. This month’s Crafternoon takes place Thursday, June 11 from 4:00-5:00. We will be planting some mini herb gardens. Night Craft will be happening on Tuesday, June 30 from 6:30-7:30. We will be creating Oobleck. None of these programs require signing up unless you would like an email reminder.

Our monthly gaming sessions will be happening on Tuesday, June 2 & 16 for Xbox X and Tuesday, June 9 & 23 for Switch. All gaming sessions start at 3:30 and run until 5:00. No sign up is needed. Snackternoon will be on Thursday, June 25 from 4:00-5:00. Please sign up so we can have enough supplies for all teen participants.

Our monthly Teen Takeaways continue to be available. This month features Beaded Keychain Lizards. Sign up once and get a new Teen Takeaway every month. We also have our latest Booktrovert pick: The Great Cool Ranch Dorito in the Sky by Josh Galarza. There are no in-person meet ups, just enjoy the book on your own time. Copies are available in the Teen Room for check out.

Any questions, please email Bethany.

Gaylord Memorial Library Programs

Enjoy the good weather with us by dropping in to play some Cornhole on the back lawn, Thursdays, June 4 & 18 from 4:00-7:30. All ages welcome!

For kids we have our usual Story Times (Fridays at 10:30). Our special guest on Friday, June 5 will be Miss Mary from Berkshire Hills Music Academy to read braille books and sing. LEGO Club meets Thursdays, June 4 & 18 from 3:00 to 6:00 and we have Drop-In Crafts Thursday, June 11 & 25 from 3:00 to 6:00.

We have our first Summer Reading Program event on Friday, June 26 at 10:30. The Hitchcock Center is bringing their Breezy Seeds Engineering Challenge program where kids will learn how seeds travel and meet a special creature who helps spread seeds around!

KEY WEBSITES to STAY CONNECTED:

South Hadley Public Library-June 2026 Events and News