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)
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Extinctopedia–A Discovery of What We Have Lost, What is at Risk, and What To Do About it with Smithsonian Scientists, A Library Speakers Consortium and Smithsonian Institution Collaboration, Wednesday, June 4 at 2:00pm
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Explore Unexpected Twists and Turns with Bestselling Author Lisa Jewell, #1 New York Times Bestselling Author of None of This Is True and Then She Was Gone, Tuesday, June 10 at 2:00pm
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Living the Otter Life with Katherine Applegate (3rd-6th Grade), Newbery Medalist and New York Times Bestselling Author, Tuesday, June 24 at 4:00pm
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)
South Hadley Public Library homepage
Gaylord Memorial Library homepage