Gaylord Memorial Library
South Hadley, MA 01075

About the Library
Catalog Hours and Directions
Programs and Events
Youth Services
Resources
New Materials 
 Volunteers
 Local History

Interested in Volunteering?

Gaylord Library depends on a dedicated group of close to sixty volunteers who contribute their time, talent, and resources in a variety of roles week after week. 

We welcome prospective volunteers to visit us at Gaylord Memorial Library to fill out our Volunteer Application. We make every effort to match people with jobs they will enjoy, but we cannot guarantee that we will have an opening at the time you apply.

Our volunteers are provided with training and support, in addition to a friendly group of staff and fellow volunteers to work with.

Please take a look at our volunteer policy below. We hope your volunteer experience will be a gratifying one!

Volunteer Policy

Recruitment. If you enjoy volunteering at Gaylord, please tell your friends. Most of our recruiting is done by word of mouth. The suggested minimum age for young people working independently in the library is 12 years old.

Attendance/Absences.  The Library staff depend on volunteers to work the hours they agreed to work. If you cannot make it on your day, please try to find another volunteer who can work for you. If you are unable to find a replacement, please call your volunteer coordinator. We appreciate as much notice as possible to fill your slot. If it is a last minute cancellation, please call the library as soon as you know you will not be able to volunteer.

Time Commitment. Due to the amount of training involved, we would prefer that our "desk" volunteers make a commitment to work for a year. This does not apply to summer volunteers (six weeks) or casual volunteers (as needed).

Confidentiality. Volunteers as well as staff members are asked to treat all information about patrons or library staff in a confidential manner. This includes all information that may be passed through word of mouth, computer documents, and other records.

Donations and Contributions to the Library

Gaylord Memorial Library welcomes monetary donations as well as donations of new and used books, CDs and DVDs. We are unfortunately unable to accept text books, magazines, Reader’s Digest Condensed Books, encyclopedias, or materials in poor condition.

The Library reserves the right to make a final decision about which materials will be added to the collection. The library also reserves the right to withdraw materials from the collection when they are no longer appropriate under the collection policy.

We appreciate your contributions to the library. 

Here is a short list of services and improvements we would like to make to our library. Contributions in any amount are appreciated.  They are tax-deductible and will serve all members of the community. Consider donating in honor of a loved one.
ITEM ESTIMATED COST  
Library Automation $25,000-$30,000 Completed!
Computers $500 each Completed!
Circulation Desk $2,000 Completed!
Chairs $125 each  
Expand Parking $10,000 
Refinish Floors $5,000 
Handicapped Access $150,000 
Paint Interior $12,000 
Alarm System $5,000 Completed!
DVDs for all ages $25 each 
Books for all ages $25 each 
Books on CD $25-$50 each  
Quilt Hanger $50 each 
IKEA copier table $60 

Our thanks to all who have contributed to help us meet these goals for the library! 

Check out photos of the new circulation desk, which was donated by the New England School of Architectural Woodworking in Easthampton.
Gaylord Memorial Library is now automated  

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Meet our newest trustee: Susan Canedy

 We recently had the pleasure of speaking with Gaylord Library’s newest trustee Susan Canedy. Susan Canedy is a South Hadley native and an avid volunteer. Beside her volunteer work at Gaylord the South Hadley native volunteers at Buttery Brook Park, and in the Senior Center library. She also runs the Senior Center Travel Club where she takes many of the seniors on “daycations”. She will be traveling with them on a Bermuda cruise in May. In her free time Susan enjoys traveling, gardening, and reading.

 Susan’s passion for reading developed at an early age when she began coming to Gaylord. As she recalled first entering the library at the age of 6 Susan mentioned, “This library has always held a fascination for me. It has so much history.” Gaylord helped her cultivate a passion for literature, with a particular emphasis on mystery novels. She was an ardent reader of Nancy Drew and Hardy Boys. Sherlock Holmes and mystery novels are among her books.

 After volunteering at Gaylord for a little over a year, Susan was encouraged to submit a letter of interest for an available trustee position. Shortly after submitting the letter she was accepted as a member.


 

47 College Street, South Hadley, MA 01075   Christine Quigley, Director    413-538-5047    [email protected]