Pelham Library

Intro to iNaturalist for the 2026 City Nature Challenge and Pelham's First BioBlitz!
2026-04-24 10:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York) | Pelham Library, 2 South Valley Road , Pelham, MA, 01002, United States
Did you ever wonder how many species live in Pelham? There are probably too many to count, but in collaboration with iNaturalist and UMass, we’re going to see how many we can find over4 days in April!
Started in 2016 as a competition between Los Angeles and San Francisco, the City Nature Challenge (CNC) has grown into an international event, motivating people around the world to find and document wildlife in their own cities. This workshop, led by Melanie Radik of UMass, will introduce participants to iNaturalist and help you get started. Bring a smartphone or tablet with WIFI capability and the iNaturalist app installed. After an introduction in the Community Room, we’ll head outside and see what we can find right here on the library grounds.
The City Nature Challenge runs from April 24-27. You can learn more at https://www.inaturalist.org/projects/city-nature-challenge-2026-western-mass All observations found in Pelham will be automatically added to the Pelham project (link to follow soon), and results shared with the community. Let’s get out there and explore!

R.U.S.H. (Rise Up Singing in Harmony): An Open Singing Circle
2026-04-25 14:00 - 16:00, 2026-05-23 14:00 - 16:00, 2026-08-22 14:00 - 17:00 | Pelham Library, 2 South Valley Road , Pelham, MA, 01002, United States
Our free, open singing circle meets once a month in the Ramsdell room. Accompanied by at least one guitar, we sing requests out of the Rise Up Singing and Rise Again songbooks–and we have copies to share. Sometimes we bring snacks. Drop i or stay the whole time!

Shiitake Mushroom Growing Workshop
2026-04-28 17:00 - 18:30 | Pelham Library, 2 South Valley Road , Pelham, MA, 01002, United States
Learn to grow delicious shiitake mushrooms with Elijah from Boulder Top Farm in Montague. Everyone will get to inoculate a log with spore and take it home. All materials will be provided. Space is very limited, so please sign up at
https://www.signupgenius.com/…/10C0D4EAAA72EA3FEC61…

This program will be held outside. The rain date is Tuesday, May 5. This program is for adults only.

Artist's Reception: Barbara Cooper
2026-05-02 12:00 - 14:00 | Pelham Library, 2 South Valley Road , Pelham, MA, 01002, United States
Join Pelham artist Barbara Cooper for a reception for her exhibit, “April, 2025-May, 2026: A Retrospective”.
From the artist: “One year ago, last April, I was diagnosed with NSCAC – non small cell adeno carcinoma, a form of lung cancer that is most often found among non-smokers. I was told it is treatable, not curable. Last May, 2025, I began treatment as part of a clinical trial conducted by Dana
Farber Cancer Institute. This exhibit includes some of the art I made during that momentous year.
This retrospective journey begins with the two largest pieces: “Diagnosis” and “Crossroads.” The latter represents the beginning of treatment. The smaller works in this exhibit reflect my reactions
to the various emotional and physical ups and downs I experienced as treatments progressed, stalled, and changed course between April 1, 2025 and April 1, 2026. Looking back, I am extremely grateful. I realize I am very fortunate to have come through this past year breathing better than I did in
April 2025. Thank you to all my family, friends, and medical providers for the best possible beginning of this journey.”

Jug Band Jam Session and Experimental Improvisation
2026-05-16 12:00 - 14:00 | Pelham Library, 2 South Valley Road , Pelham, MA, 01002, United States
Join us for an experimental improvisation and Jug Band Jam! Bring instruments, sing, make noise, express yourself and let your light shine!

Wild Bees and Other Insects: The Pollination Heroes of the Vegetable Garden
2026-05-17 13:00 - 14:00 | Pelham Library, 2 South Valley Road , Pelham, MA, 01002, United States
Come learn about pollinators with Heidi Dollard, co-chair of the Massachusetts Pollinator Network and learn how to address the biodiversity needs in your garden while increasing plant yields. The complex relationships between flowers and pollinators is both fascinating and essential for life on Earth.
NOTE: This event is NOT at the library. If it’s not raining, meet at the Pelham Community Garden near the Buffam Falls Conservation Area at the north end of Meetinghouse Road where Buffam, North Valley an Meetinghouse Roads come together. If it’s raining, meet at Pelham Community Hall, across the street from the library.
This event is co-sponsored with the Pelham Community Garden Committee.

Pelham Library Book Group: "The Cold Millions"
2026-05-27 19:00 - 21:00 | Pelham Library, 2 South Valley Road , Pelham, MA, 01002, United States
This month’s title is “The Cold Millions” by Jess Walter. All are welcome and copies are available at the desk.

Building Community Across Differences: A Conversation on Understanding and Connection
2026-06-04 18:00 - 20:00 | Pelham Library, 2 South Valley Road , Pelham, MA, 01002, United States
Join us for pizza and a conversation on understanding and connection across differences. Led by Jennifer Moyston, we’ll build on themes from her fall workshop, Interrupting Bias and Building Belonging in a Municipality. Together we’ll explore ways to thoughtfully respond to change, new perspectives, and people with different lived experiences while developing tools to foster understanding, and respect, and connection.
This workshop is co-sponsored with the Select Board and the ARAC.

Nature Journaling Workshop
2026-06-06 10:30 - 12:30 | Pelham Library, 2 South Valley Road , Pelham, MA, 01002, United States
Acquaint yourself with the natural world through a slow drawing and writing process. We unknowingly pass by so much beauty every day. Join our Nature Journaling Workshop and learn techniques to notice outdoor wonders that might otherwise be missed.
This workshop is open to adults and teens. Space is limited and registration is required. Register at https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0D4EAAA72EA3FEC61-64197901-nature

Pelham Players Intro. Session for "Into the Woods Jr."
2026-06-13 10:00 - 13:00 | Pelham Library, 2 South Valley Road , Pelham, MA, 01002, United States
This year’s show will be “Into the Woods JR.” under the direction of Cindy Naughton. It’s open to all kids and teens ages 7 & up. Our initial meeting will introduce the show and begin to cast parts (everyone gets a part!) The performances will be on July 25 & 26. There is no cost to participate. We hope you’ll join us! If you cannot make this session please email us for more info. and a registration sheet.

This event is made possible through a grant from the Pelham Cultural Council.

Make a Summer Bouquet
2026-06-13 11:30 - 13:30 | MA
Join Avery of Wee Vice Farm for a summer flower extravaganza! Roll up your sleeves and make your own bouquet using gorgeous, local, and organic flowers grown in Shutesbury. This event is all about embracing the beauty of nature and getting creative while connecting with fellow flower enthusiasts and learning a bit about the importance of supporting local farms. Come make something beautiful!

CLOSED: Juneteenth
2026-06-19 | Pelham Library, 2 South Valley Road , Pelham, MA, 01002, United States

Learn to Play Mahjong
2026-06-24 17:00 - 19:00 | Pelham Library, 2 South Valley Road , Pelham, MA, 01002, United States
Do you love Mahjong? Or maybe you always wanted to learn, but never had the opportunity? Either way, join us on Wednesdays this summer, 6/24, 7/8, 7/22, 7/29 & 8/5 in the Ramsdell Room. Bring a set if you have one, or use one of ours. This event is open to adults and older teens.

Summer Reading Program: Seed Bomb Workshop
2026-07-01 18:00 - 19:00 | Pelham Library, 2 South Valley Road , Pelham, MA, 01002, United States
Learn about native wildflowers from our friends at the Kestrel Land Trust, then make a “seed bomb” with clay and seeds so you can help spread them. Grow your own wildflower meadow!
Come early at 5 to play on the playground and have snacks courtesy of our friends at the Collaborative for Educational Services, then the program starts at 6!
This event is a part of “Plant a Seed, Read”, and is sponsored by The Friends of the Pelham Library, the Pelham Cultural Council, the Massachusetts Library System, the Boston Bruins, and the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners.

Pelham Old Home Day at the Historical Complex
2026-07-04 13:00 - 16:00 | Pelham Historical Complex, 376 Amherst Rd, Pelham, 01002, United States
It’s back after many years. Join the celebration, at the Pelham Historical Complex with a participatory reading of the Declaration of Independence, old-fashioned games, an ice cream social and more! This event is co-sponsored with the Pelham Historical Society

Summer Reading Program: Breezy Seeds Engineering Challenge
2026-07-08 18:00 - 19:00 | Pelham Library, 2 South Valley Road , Pelham, MA, 01002, United States
Take a look at some real seeds, some of them quite unusual, with our friends at the Hitchcock Center, then create a seed pod out of simple materials and test how far it flies with help from a small box fan. Then enjoy a visit with a box turtle, who passively plant seeds through their—ahem–digestion!
Come early at 5 to play on the playground and have snacks courtesy of our friends at the Collaborative for Educational Services, then the program starts at 6!
This event is a part of “Plant a Seed, Read”, and is sponsored by The Friends of the Pelham Library, the Pelham Cultural Council, the Massachusetts Library System, the Boston Bruins, and the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners.

BOOK GROUP: Tree of Smoke
2026-07-08 19:00 - 21:00 | Don’s house
This month’s title is “Tree of Smoke” by Denis Johnson. This month, the group will meet at the leader’s house. email dtv53@yahoo.com for directions. All are welcome and copies are available at the desk.

Summer Reading Program: Live Animals with the Reptile Nook
2026-07-15 17:00 - 18:00 | Pelham Library, 2 South Valley Road , Pelham, MA, 01002, United States
Meet live snakes, lizards, spiders and more and learn about their fascinating lives!
Come early at 4 to play on the playground and have snacks courtesy of our friends at the Collaborative for Educational Services, then the program starts at 5!
This event is a part of “Plant a Seed, Read”, and is sponsored by The Friends of the Pelham Library, the Pelham Cultural Council, the Massachusetts Library System, the Boston Bruins, and the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners.

Summer Reading: Family Concert with Wendy & Anna Plummer
2026-07-22 18:00 - 19:00 | Pelham Library, 2 South Valley Road , Pelham, MA, 01002, United States
Wendy and Anna will sing some favorites and some new ones, too! Enjoy a make-believe bonfire and some indoor s’mores.
Come early at 5 to play on the playground and have snacks courtesy of our friends at the Collaborative for Educational Services, then the program starts at 6!
This event is a part of “Plant a Seed, Read”, and is sponsored by The Friends of the Pelham Library, the Pelham Cultural Council, the Massachusetts Library System, the Boston Bruins, and the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners.

A Visit to the Gravesites of Pelham Soldiers
2026-07-25 13:00 - 14:00 | West Burial Ground, North Valley Rd., Pelham, MA, 01002
Join us for an hour exploring Cook-Johnson Cemetery (West Burial Ground) and honoring the Revolutionary War soldiers buried here. After a brief introduction, you’ll use a worksheet to seek out their graves, plant a flag at each, and learn their stories, including a few who also took part in Shays’s Rebellion. This is a free event but registration is encouraged to help us plan. Find more information and register here: https://tally.so/r/RGa2Ad

The event is co-sponsored with the Pelham Historical Society. For any questions, please contact Mikey Cutting at cuttingcataloging@gmail.com or 413-695-4692.

Summer Reading: Make a Pounded Flower Book Bag
2026-07-29 18:00 - 19:00 | Pelham Library, 2 South Valley Road , Pelham, MA, 01002, United States
Use real flowers and leaves to decorate a new book bag. Their color transfers to the fabric through pounding with wooden mallets. You’ll get to bring your project home!
Come early at 5 to play on the playground and have snacks courtesy of our friends at the Collaborative for Educational Services, then the program starts at 6!
This event is a part of “Plant a Seed, Read”, and is sponsored by The Friends of the Pelham Library, the Pelham Cultural Council, the Massachusetts Library System, the Boston Bruins, and the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners.

SUMMER READING: Party Time!
2026-08-05 18:00 - 19:00 | Pelham Library, 2 South Valley Road , Pelham, MA, 01002, United States
Your reading log is your ticket to prizes and fun! Come celebrate your accomplishments and pick out your prize (everyone gets a prize even if you only read one book!), get some henna done, then head outside (if weather permits) for snacks and fun!
This event is a part of “Plant a Seed, Read”, and is sponsored by The Friends of the Pelham Library, the Pelham Cultural Council, the Massachusetts Library System, the Boston Bruins, and the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners.

CLOSED: CHRISTMAS EVE
2026-12-24, 2027-12-24, 2028-12-24 | Pelham Library, 2 South Valley Road , Pelham, MA, 01002, United States
To allow our staff to spend time with their families we will be closed this evening.

CLOSED: New Year's Day
2027-01-01, 2028-01-01, 2029-01-01 | Pelham Library, 2 South Valley Road , Pelham, MA, 01002, United States
The Library will be CLOSED today. Happy New Year!
