March brings the first day of Spring, St. Patrick’s Day, and Women’s History Month. This month also brings a full slate of free public programs for all ages and interests. If you’ve been cooped up this winter and are looking for something to do, stop in at South Hadley Public Library or Gaylord Memorial Library to see what’s new.
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Boston Bruins Annual PJ Drive through March 15
The South Hadley Public Library and the Gaylord Memorial Library have again teamed up with the Boston Bruins to participate in their annual pajama drive to benefit DCF Kids and Cradles to Crayons. New pajamas, socks, and underwear may be dropped off at either library location through March 15. All contributors will receive a raffle ticket for every pair of pajamas, package of socks, or package of underwear donated. Prizes include a signed hockey stick, game puck, and more.
Adult Programs at SHPL
Tuesday Night Knitting Group. Tuesdays from 6:00-8:00
Join the library’s Tuesday Night Knitters for some quality knitting and crocheting time. All skill levels are welcome. The group meets on the second floor in the Mandrachia Quiet Study Room but may move to the Trustees Conference Room when it is available.
Virtual Job Search and Networking Group for age 50 and Older. Every other Wednesday.
If you are age 50+, unemployed and actively looking, underemployed, seeking a new career direction, re-entering the job market after a long employment gap, or recently retired and looking for your “Encore Career”, this networking group program is perfect for you. Remember, 85% of jobs are found through networking!
· Wednesday Morning sessions from 9:30 – 11:30. Sign Up at https://tinyurl.com/ycxud9t8
March 1 -- Develop Your Resume (Pt. 1)
March 15 -- Develop Your Resume (Pt. 2)
· Wednesday Evening sessions from 6:00–8:00 Sign Up at https://tinyurl.com/4bak6fud
March 8 -- Develop Your Resume (Pt. 1)
March 22 -- Develop Your Resume (Pt. 2)
Color Me Calm. Monday, March 6 at 4:00
Color Me Calm is a laid-back coloring group for ages 13 & up. Join us in the Community Meeting Room for an afternoon of coloring your cares away! Coloring pages and utensils will be provided, or BYOCB (Bring Your Own Coloring Book).
Adult Chess for All Skill Levels. Mondays in March at 6:00.
Play the game of Kings and Queens! Any skill level from beginner to advanced can join. Learn how to use all the pieces, study famous games, and discover winning strategies to improve your play. Games take place on March, 6, 13, 20, 27 and April 6.
Virtual Adult Writers Group. Saturday, March 11 at 11:30.
Limited to 6 participants. Register by clicking here. Writing workshops give writers of all experience the chance to foster their writing in an environment geared towards improvement. Writers come with work they have already written and share it with peers who then provide feedback (positive and constructive). This general workshop accepts all writing. A facilitator from InfinityEd will be here to guide conversation.
Virtual Author Talk with David Epstein. Range: Why Generalists Triumph in a Specialized World. Monday, March 13 at 1:00
Register by clicking here. David Epstein examined the world’s most successful athletes, artists, musicians, inventors, forecasters, and scientists. He discovered that in most fields—especially those that are complex and unpredictable—generalists, not specialists, are primed to excel. Generalists often find their path late, juggling many interests rather than focusing on one. They’re also more creative, agile, and able to make connections their more specialized peers can’t see.
Office Hours with Rep. Dan Carey and Sen. Jake Oliveira. Tuesday, March 14 at 4:30
Meet with South Hadley’s state legislators to share your views, ideas, and concerns.
Job Seekers and Networking Group. Tuesdays, March 14 & 28 at 10:00.
Come and get the information you need to find that position you are looking for! Network and find like-minded individuals to help you achieve your goals. In the Trustees Room.
Second Session Offered! Demystifying Tarot: Three Card Spreads with Winifred from AwenTree. Wednesday, March 15 at 6:00
Limited space! Click here to register or go on wait list. Participants will learn the foundational basics to reading a tarot card intuitively, how to navigate a Three Card spread, sample Three Card spreads to explore, and tips for understanding the flow and interaction in a spread. Winifred has been a professional, intuitive tarot reader and teacher for over 15 years.
Spanish Conversation Circle. Saturday, March 18 at 10:30
An opportunity for Spanish speakers to practice their language skills. Participants should have some basic conversational skills to join the group. This is not a language class.
Virtual Author Talk with Celebrity Chef Jernard A. Wells, Author of Southern Inspired. Tuesday, March 21 at 4:00
Click here to register. A talk that will leave you starving for more! Join us as we chat with celebrity chef Jernard Wells about his newest cookbook Southern Inspired: More Than 100 Delicious Dishes from My American Table to Yours. Savor delicious and inventive recipes that remix the traditional flavors and classic dishes of Southern food and celebrate African-American culinary contributions to tables worldwide—from the host of CLEO TV’s New Soul Kitchen.
Virtual Author Talk with Pam Jenoff, Author of The Lost Girls of Paris and Code Name Sapphire. Tuesday, March 28 at 7:00
Click here to register. Join us for an exciting trip through time as we chat with New York Times bestselling historical fiction author Pam Jenoff about her newest book Code Name Sapphire. In Code Name Sapphire, a woman must rescue her cousin's family from a train bound for Auschwitz in this riveting tale of bravery and resistance.
Teen Programs at SHPL (for ages 11 through High School unless specified)
Teen Advisory Board: Next Meeting: Tuesday March 7 at 4:00
Come join the Teen Advisory Board. Open to those ages 13 through High School. Help plan library programs that you want! Meetings take place once or twice a month. Meetings are held in the Trustees Meeting Room unless noted.
Xbox in the Afternoon
Teens, come to the Teen Room and play our Xbox1! Experience some new games and old favorites! No sign up is ever needed.
· Tuesday, March 14 at 4:00
· Tuesday, March 28 at 4:00
No-Sew Heating Pad. Thursday, March 23 at 4:00
Teens can make their own heating pad! No sewing is required. All supplies will be provided. No sign up needed. Check out the Teen Room door for more information. Craft will take place in the Teen Room.
Teen Takeaways Book Corner Bookmarks
Enjoy our monthly Teen Takeaways. Sign up once and receive a new Takeaway every month. A craft with all supplies and directions provided, as well as some other goodies in each bag. No monthly meetings or online meetings! Craft on your own time with no pressure or stress. This month's Teen Takeaway features Book Corner Bookmarks!
Children’s Programs at SHPL
Monthly Take & Make Craft: LEPRECHAUN IN A POT OF GOLD
Children up to age 10 are welcome to stop in for our monthlyTake & Make craft. This month we are offering a LEPRECHAUN IN A POT OF GOLD. NO pre-registration is needed. Just pop into the Children’s Room and grab a bag. Supplies are limited so ONE per child please so more kids will be able to participate. Craft bags are available from March 1, while supplies last.
Yoga for Littles
Children ages 3 to 6 along with their grownups can sign up for an introductory yoga class geared especially for them. Certified yoga instructor Barbara Paulo will teach this kid friendly class on Monday, March 13 at 10:30. Participants will learn about mindfulness and more. Space is limited, so sign up soon! To pre-register, stop into the library or call us at 413-538-5045. This event is sponsored by a grant from the Coordinated Family & Community Engagement program.
Reading Buddies with Duchess & Gwen
Duchess the Yorkshire terrier and Gwen the greyhound are reading therapy dogs from Bright Spot Therapy Dogs. Kids in kindergarten and above can schedule a 15-minute time slot to read to one of them. Duchess will be here on Mondays, March 13 & 27 from 6:00 to 7:00. Gwen will be here on Wednesday, March 22 from 3:30 to 5:00. Pre-registration IS required. Parents or caretakers can sign their children up by either calling the library at 413-538-5045 or stopping into the library. If all time slots are filled feel free to give your information for future visits.
Let’s Build a Roof Over the World: Picture as a Storyteller
Third and fourth grade students are encouraged to come hear about art in the USA, participate in an instructional drawing exercise, and create art that will be sent to children in Lithuania. On Thursday, March 23 at 4:00, Fermata Arts Foundation will present this event. They encourage intercultural dialog between countries. This program is supported in part by a grant from the South Hadley Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency. NO pre-registration needed – just come to the Community Meeting Room.
Buildwave STEM Workshop for Kids
Kids in kindergarten through 6th grade are invited to pre-register for an exciting Buildwave STEM workshop which will take place on Saturday, March 25 at 10:00. Children will create with over a dozen different building materials including LEGO, PlusPlus, custom made materials, and much more. The workshop is like a video game, with an A/V setup featuring animation and music that guide students through different waves. To sign up, stop in the library or call 413-538-5045.
Juggling for Families.
Have you ever wanted to learn how to juggle? Kids ages 10 and older (teens and adults welcome too) are invited to sign up for this 3-part workshop being held on March 28, 29, & 30 at 4:00. Classes will be led by Valley Flow juggler Andy Morris-Friedman. All levels are welcome but especially beginners. Equipment will be provided. Learn to juggle scarves, balls, rings, clubs, and more. To pre-register, stop by the library or call us at 413-538-5045.
Story Time & Rhyme Time
Families are invited to join us for Story Time every Monday and Thursday morning at 10:30 for an assortment of picture books followed by an age-appropriate craft or other fun activity. While geared for birth to age 5, we welcome older children to participate if desired. Join us in the Storytime/Craft Room.
Our youngest patrons and their grownups are encouraged to come to Rhyme Time every Tuesday morning at 10:30. Participants can sing and dance during this interactive music-based program. Children from birth through 5 or 6 will enjoy this fun activity. Rhyme Time takes place in the Community Meeting Room.
CFCE Wednesday Playgroup
Every Wednesday we host Dana from the Coordinated Family Community Engagement Program who presents a fun filled program with stories, games, circle time, music & more for children from birth to 5. Older siblings are always welcome to attend too. Playgroups take place at 10:30 except on the first Wednesday of the month when the playgroup will take place at 3:30. Watch the library website for what the weekly themes will be and join us in the Children’s Room.
Chemistry Adventure
Children in grades kindergarten through 6th grade are invited to register to participate in the Chemistry Adventure program along with an adult partner. This collaboration with Mount Holyoke College introduces children to Chemistry. Each child/adult team conducts experiments at home that are in 10 different kits that can be checked out of the library. Upon completion of 3, 6 and 10 kits the child will receive a small prize. We hope to be able to have a Chemistry Adventure Day at the college at the end of the school year for all teams that complete all 10 kits. Teams that participated last year are welcome to continue their Chemistry journey.
Gaylord Library Programs
Lego Club. Thursdays, March 2, 16, and 30 from 3:00-6:00
Build with Lego! If you like creating with various sizes and types of Lego bricks, stop by the library anytime between 3-6pm. Age 12 and under. No registration necessary.
Drop-in Craft for Kids ages 5+. Thursdays, March 9 & 23 from 3:00-6:00
Visit the children's room anytime between 3-6pm and join Miss Janet for a special craft activity (for ages 5+). No registration necessary.
Board Games & Puzzles. Saturday, March 11 from 10:30-11:30
Bring a friend or meet a new one at the library! Kids of all ages are invited to play board games and do puzzles in our Children's Room. No registration necessary.
Story Time with Miss Janet. Fridays at 10:30
Join Miss Janet Friday mornings at 10:30 for story time and a craft.
Needle Felt a Cardinal with Anna (Teens/Adults). Thursday, March 23 at 6:00 OR Friday, March 31 at 2:30
Learn the art of needle felting! Gaylord staff member and fiber artist Anna Sunschauer will teach you how to sculpt fluffy wool fiber into 3D objects using felting needles. In this workshop, you will learn how to apply different color details to a felted piece, and make a bird ornament to take home with you! This workshop is being offered on two different dates, however, participants only need to attend one session to complete the project. No prior felting experience is necessary, but it is recommended that all participants have good fine motor skills to avoid injury with sharp needles. This workshop is open to teens and adults ages 12 & up and is limited to 8 participants per session. All necessary tools and materials will be provided. Sign up for Thursday, March 23 from 6-8 OR Friday, March 31 from 2:30-4:30.
Spice Club (Teens/Adults). Thursday, March 2 at 6:30
Want to challenge your culinary palate, find inspiration in the kitchen, and meet community members who enjoy cooking? Join our Spice Club! This program will run from September-March with a different seasoning featured each month from Southern New England Spice Company. A gathering is held monthly on the first Thursday of the month at 6:30 for registered participants to pick up their new seasoning and have the option to stay and chat with others to brainstorm recipe ideas and check out cookbooks. The seasoning for March is Saffron Rice Seasoning. Sign up for the March Spice Club .
Virtual Sit and Stitch with Timna Tarr. Thursday, March 9 at 6:00
Log in and spend an evening with your crafty neighbors. Bring your portable handwork of choice - quilting, crocheting, knitting, cross-stitch etc. - and enjoy the company of fellow slow stitchers while you work on your project from the comfort of your own home. Timna Tarr is a professional quilter and South Hadley resident whose work has been in numerous exhibits, books, and magazines. Details to connect to this virtual meeting will be sent via email to registered participants. The event is limited to 8 people. Register here.
MHC Artist Research Book Project Exhibition. Now on display and available for checkout!
Mount Holyoke College Studio Art Department and the Gaylord Memorial Library are pleased to present Deep Dive, an exhibition showcasing artworks by students in the fall 2022 Advanced Studio course taught by Associate Professor Lisa Iglesias. Each student spent time observing and researching an artist currently on display at the Mount Holyoke College Art Museum. The students then created books of art inspired by their studies that will be circulated and available for checkout from any library in the C/W Mars network. The participating artists include Lillian Ding, Emily Donahue, Laura Hinojosa. Hanan Khan, Jenny Kirk, Maeve Kydd, Vivian McPherson, Sarah Miller-Bartley, Hiba Nawaid, Fiona O’Loughlin, Savannah Pérez, Mar Simon, and Sunny Wei.
Need Books Delivered? Check out our Homebound Delivery Service
The Gaylord Memorial Library continues to offer a Homebound Delivery Service to residents of South Hadley who have health or transportation issues. Books and other library materials are delivered and picked up on a monthly basis. If you, or someone you know would like to learn more and sign up for Homebound Delivery, please visit: https://gaylordlibrary.org/homebound-delivery/ or call 538-5047.
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