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Gaylord Memorial Library

47 College Street
413-538-5047

History
William H. Gaylord, a much esteemed and civic-minded South Hadley citizen, would be proud to see that the library he provided for town in 1904 still stands as a fitting memorial. The son of a farmer, Gaylord rose to wealth and prominence through hard work and enterprise. Recognizing the need for a public library in the town center, he generously offered the money to build one on the site of the former village cemetery, known as "God's Acre", on College Street. Across from Mount Holyoke College's Mary Lyon Chapel, this cemetery had become overgrown and was considered an eyesore.

Permission was given to move all of the graves to Evergreen Cemetery on Hadley Street, except for the grave of John Preston, the original donor of the land. The gravestone can still be found beneath a large spruce tree behind the library.

Recent News

Gaylord Memorial Library News - January 2024

Hello friends & fans of the Gaylord Memorial Library, Happy 2024 from all of us here at the Gaylord! We're kicking off the New Year with programs for all ages. There's still space to register for January's spice club, we have a special New…

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Gaylord Memorial Library News - December 2023

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Gaylord Memorial Library News - November 2023

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Gaylord Memorial Library News - October 2023

Hello friends & fans of the Gaylord Memorial Library, We have lots of fun programs this month for all ages! Kids can enjoy several Halloween-themed versions of our usual events, and adults can look forward to poetry and photography,…

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Gaylord Memorial Library Newsletter - September 2023

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Gaylord Memorial Library Newsletter - August 2023

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Gaylord Memorial Library Newsletter - July 2023

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Gaylord Memorial Library News - June 2023

Hello friends & fans of the Gaylord Memorial Library, Beautiful summer weather is here and we're gearing up for a full month of indoor and outdoor programming. The summer program for all ages begins at both South Hadley libraries on June 20th.…

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Gaylord Memorial Library Newsletter - May 2023

Hello friends & fans of the Gaylord Memorial Library, Spring is here, and the Adirondack chairs are out! We have new seeds for the Children's Garden, new art in the rotunda, spring-themed needle felting classes, and more! Be sure to scroll…

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Gaylord Memorial Library Newsletter - April 2023

Hello friends & fans of the Gaylord Memorial Library, April is a busy month here at the Gaylord! We have new events in the rotunda, Story Stroll will be returning to the front lawn, and a new exhibit by Mount Holyoke College art students starts…

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Gaylord Memorial Library Newsletter - March 2023

Join us on March 10, 2023 at 5:30pm to support the Friends of the Gaylord Library and mingle in the historic library rotunda! Everyone over the age of 21 is cordially invited; Entry fee is $10. This event is open to the public. If you are…

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Gaylord Memorial Library Newsletter - February 2023

WINE DOWNS ARE BACK! Join us on February 10, 2023 at 5:30pm to support the Friends of the Gaylord Library and mingle in the historic library rotunda! Everyone over the age of 21 is cordially invited; Entry fee is $10. This event is open to the…

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Gaylord Memorial Library Newsletter - January 2023

Hello friends & fans of the Gaylord Memorial Library, Welcome 2023! We hope everyone had a lovely holiday season. As winter is now upon us, we want to remind you that Gaylord Memorial Library is the perfect place to warm up, browse for books,…

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Gaylord Memorial Library News - December 2022

Hello friends & fans of the Gaylord Memorial Library, We hope everyone enjoyed the Thanksgiving Holiday! As the weather gets cooler, we want to remind you that Gaylord Memorial Library is the perfect place to warm up, browse for books, or get…

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Gaylord Memorial Library News - November 2022

Hello friends & fans of the Gaylord Memorial Library, Hopefully you've been able to enjoy the gorgeous fall we have been having this year! As the weather gets cooler, we want to remind you that Gaylord Memorial Library is the perfect place to…

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Gaylord Memorial Library News - October 2022

Hello friends & fans of the Gaylord Memorial Library, As the weather begins to get crisp and cool, we'd like to remind you of all of the amazing things we've got happening inside our warm library. In addition to books and movies, we have wi-fi,…

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Gaylord Memorial Library News - September 2022

Hello friends & fans of the Gaylord Memorial Library, Thank you for being a part of our community! We've got lots of events happening at the library this month, along with the return of a few popular programs for kids and adults. All the info…

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Gaylord Memorial Library News - August 2022

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Gaylord Memorial Library News - July 2022

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Gaylord Memorial Library News - June 2022

Hello friends & fans of the Gaylord Memorial Library, Can you believe it's almost summer?! This month we have lots of great events planned and we will be launching our Summer Reading Program with registration beginning on June 21st. The theme…

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