Friends of Hadley Public Library

09/05/2026

09/02/2026

On Wednesday September 9th at 6:30 pm, please join us in welcoming Jafar Manselle and his performance group as they guide us through an evening of music, history, and hands on drumming! Come Out & Play (for ages 13+)

Jafar Manselle and his performance group will first perform a short set of West African drum rhythms used for village celebrations, followed by a brief talk about the history of the rhythms played, what they mean, and where they come from. Jafar will then demonstrate the basic techniques to participants, who will get to practice making the basic sounds and learning one or two rhythms. All the drums and percussion instruments will be provided; however, if anyone has their own drum, they can feel free to bring it.

The Wendell Warriors is a performance drum class that was formed seven years ago, with Jafar Manselle as their teacher/leader of the group. Jafar has, over the last 40 years, performed throughout New England, with many Boston based dance troupes such as “Art of Black Dance and Music” and “Uprising Dance Theater”. He has also, over the same time period, taught drumming in the Boston and Cambridge Public Schools for many levels of students from kindergarten to adult classes. He has also worked with the Five Colleges as accompanist for African dance classes. Jafar also plays in a Boston-based Jazz band, “The Unexpected," and two reggae bands here in Western MA called “Root Fiyah” and “Adam SZ and The Inner Fiyah."

This program is supported in part by a grant from the Hadley Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency.

08/31/2026

As we move slowly toward autumn, here is Hadley's September calendar of events.

We are especially pleased this month to offer three programs supported in part by grants from the Hadley Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council:
* West African Drumming for Adults & Teens: Come Out & Play! on September 9th at 6:30 pm
* the 3rd session of our Inside the Song series with Harry Remer and Special Guest Bob Chabot on September 25th at 8 pm
* Henna at the Library for Teens & Tweens on September 29th from 2 to 4 pm.

For more information about these and our other programs, please see our events calendar at www.hadleypubliclibrary.org.

08/27/2026

Today we extend huge and heartfelt thanks to Patty Judice for her extraordinary work on behalf of the Friends! Over the past several years Patty has been tireless in her work, especially in the book sale room, managing & pricing donations, planning special thematic displays, organizing special events, and recruiting new volunteers! As she passes the baton to new folks, we want to say Thank You, Patty! Your dedication, commitment, and creativity have been an inspiration and a true pleasure.

08/25/2026

Are you all set for your end-of-summer reading? There are so many gems in the Friends' book sale room right now! Stop in and have a look!

08/24/2026

Love libraries? Love books? Looking for fun ways to connect with your community? Come pitch in with the Friends of the Hadley Library! We are seeking volunteers to help with our used book sale, housed in a room in the library. Different sorts of activities all help -- fill out this form to signal your interest and learn more!

Friends of the Hadley Public Library seeks community volunteers to assist in our used book room. Please fill out this form if you would consider volunteering!

08/21/2026

Join us for Family Yoga on August 22nd! This class is open to children, teens, and adults of all ages and abilities! Equipment provided for class by the instructor.