Groundbreaking for the new South Hadley Public Library

Building Support for Library Construction ~ Spring WMLA Meeting

From the Ground Up:  Building Support for Library Construction

This is an exciting time for libraries in Western Massachusetts, as many are in the midst of—or have just completed—new construction and renovation projects.  Come hear our panelists discuss some of the great victories and difficult challenges they have faced in the name of building community support and fundraising for new libraries.

Panelists:

•           Joe Rodio, Director of the South Hadley Public Library

•           Toni Golinsky-Foisy, Director of the West Springfield Public Library

•           Lyn Keating, Director of the Westhampton Public Library

•           Mary Anne Antonellis, Director of the M.N. Spear Memorial Library in Shutesbury

•           Moderator: Chris Lindquist, Director of the Westfield Athenaeum

On April 16 at 9:30 a.m., the Western Massachusetts Library Advocates (WMLA) will hold their semi-annual meeting at the Westhampton Public Library.  Westhampton’s new library was dedicated in October 2010 after monumental grassroots efforts to raise money and support.  Westhampton received a LEED Gold Certificate for its sustainable design.  The library is located at 1 North Rd., Westhampton, MA.

Construction Grants Awarded to Western MA Libraries

Congratulations to the Granby Free Public Library, M.N. Spear Memorial Library (Shutesbury), South Hadley Public Library and West Springfield Public Library! They received 4 out of the 8 construction grants approved by the MA Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC) this morning. We expect more information on the awarded grants and the wait list to be posted on the MBLC website very soon.

Building a Library With Flowers

Can you build a library with flowers? The South Hadley Public Library is holding an online flower fundraiser through April 29 to raise money towards a new library building.  Flower Power Fundraising offers a completely green way to raise money -- no catalogs or order forms to recycle... everything is handled over the computer, from automated emails to a customized website and ordering form.  Our goal this first year is to raise $1,000 and so far we've had a positive response.  We used the Friends of the Library list as a base for emails and publicized it with handouts, Facebook, and a link from our homepage.  I figure other libraries may be interested in this, and if you feel the urge to place an order while you're looking around.... click here.

NASA Administrator @South Hadley Public Library

The head of NASA during the Carter administration will speak at the South Hadley Public Library on Tuesday, July 21 at 6:30.

Dr. Robert Frosch served as NASA Administrator from 1977-1981. While at NASA, Dr. Frosch was responsible for overseeing the continuation of the development effort on the Space Shuttle. During his tenure the project underwent testing of the first orbiter, Enterprise, at NASA's Dryden Flight Research Facility in southern California. The orbiter made its first free flight in the atmosphere on August 12, 1977.

Dr. Frosch has also served as an Assistant Secretary of the Navy, Assistant Secretary General of the United Nations, and Vice-President of General Motors. He is still active in scientific and technical policy activities, serving as a Senior Associate at the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard.

For more information, contact the library at 413-538-5045 or visit them online at http://www.shadleylib.org

Gaylord Library Automation News

Automation Celebration … Ringing in the 21st Century

at Gaylord Library in South Hadley

All are invited to celebrate the completion of Gaylord Library’s long-awaited Follett automation project. Please join us on Friday, December 7 at 7 pm to be entertained by the Renaissance Ringers handbell choir and enjoy light refreshments. Parking available in MHC staff lot adjacent to the library. Sponsored by Gaylord Friends.


~ Christine Quigley, Director, Gaylord Memorial Library

Library Address: 47 College Street, South Hadley

South Hadley Library Online Survey

The South Hadley Public Library, as part of our Strategic Planning process, is conducting a seven question survey to evaluate our community's needs. We know of several WMRLS librarians that use our library for personal or professional needs - if you are one please fill out our survey!

• Direct direct link to the survey
• Or it may be accessed from the library's homepage.

Thank you.

~ Joe Rodio, South Hadley Public Library Director