South Hadley
Massachusetts
Gaylord Memorial Library
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…
Read More »Gaylord Memorial Library News - December 2023
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Read More »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,…
Read More »Gaylord Memorial Library Newsletter - September 2023
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Read More »Gaylord Memorial Library Newsletter - August 2023
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Read More »Gaylord Memorial Library Newsletter - July 2023
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Read More »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.…
Read More »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…
Read More »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…
Read More »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…
Read More »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…
Read More »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,…
Read More »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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