Sunderland Public Library Contact Information
 

Sunderland Public Library will reduce our hours from 47 to 40 hours per week starting May 1, 2026. 

Sensory Friendly Hours will continue in a lesser capacity. 
 
The library is assessing our open hours (for the first time in 22 years) and will make adjustments to our lesser-used hours based on what we learn about patron needs and library use. In addition to hourly gate counts (counting the number of people who visit the library building each hour), we are also asking our patrons to indicate when they want to visit the library.
 
Are there hours that are particularly meaningful and important to you? Please let us know! Fill out this survey and let us know when you like (and need) to use the library. 
 
This is a particularly devastating loss for me. In the past ten years that I have been Director, the number one most requested change was for the library to be open more hours, particularly on Thursday mornings. I will continue to advocate for the library to be able to meet this need, and I will continue to advocate to make our library an accessible place for all of our patrons. 
 
Sincerely,
Katherine Umstot
Director
Upcoming Events in April
Local Author Timmon Wallis presents Nuclear Abolition
Tuesday, April 14th - 6:30 pm
 
Nuclear weapons pose an existential threat to humanity. They can and must be abolished. This book sets out a scenario for doing exactly that, starting with the fact that half the world has already committed to nuclear abolition through the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW). As more and more countries join this new treaty, the pressure will build on the nine countries that currently possess nuclear weapons. This pressure will especially be felt by a relatively small number of private US companies that are contracted to develop, build and maintain these weapons for the United States. There are many other steps and possible pathways to finally ridding the world of nuclear weapons, but the one described here shows nuclear abolition is possible and the pieces are already in place to make it happen.
 
Timmon Wallis is National Coordinator of the Warheads to Windmills Coalition, which is campaigning to abolish nuclear weapons and use the resources to address the climate crisis. He has a BA in Human Ecology and a PhD in Peace Studies, and has campaigned and written extensively on the issues of climate change and nuclear disarmament.

Birds of Western Massachusetts: Photographic Slideshow
Tuesday, April 21st - 6:00 pm
 
Amateur birder and photographer, and recent resident of Sunderland, Bob Gale, describes a selection of bird species that can be found locally. He has photographed birds in both North and South America, the British Isles, and Europe. In this talk, illustrated with color slides of his photographs, Bob will focus on a selection of some of the species he has spotted in Sunderland and throughout our region.

Sunderland Library advisory Council Meeting (for teens)
Friday, April 17th - 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Registration Required (so we know how much pizza to buy)
 
Hang out in the Young Adult Room, enjoy some pizza, and talk about what you would like to see at your library. We'll discuss volunteer opportunities, what books and other items you'd like to borrow from the library, and plan programs together. 
 

Adaptive Music
Thursday, April 23rd - 11:00 am
All Ages Welcome!
Registration Required
 
Join us for joyful musical experiences in a class planned with disabled and neurodivergent learners in mind! The Adaptive Music Program of Springfield will present this 45-minute session with interactive activities including singing, dancing, playing instruments, and responding to music in a sensory-managed environment.
 
Song and activity content will be appropriate for ages 3-7 but participants of all ages, neurotypes and engagement styles are welcome and will be accommodated.
 
Space is limited to 9 participants and their caregivers.

Teen-Led Trivia Night
Friday, April 24th - 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Registration Required
 
It's Trivia Night! Join in as a team or play solo to test your trivia knowledge. We'll be covering history, pop-culture, and all kinds of general knowledge- but questions about Sunderland will get you extra points! Study up on your local history and library knowledge. The grand prize winner will recieive a $25 dollar gift card

Registration is required. When registering, there's no need to denote whether or not you are a part of a team. You can feel free to let us know if you're on a team when you arrive at the event.

Artist's Reception with Diane Steingart: Inner Workings
Friday, April 24th
5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
 
Diane Steingart is a mixed-media artist and painter, whose work explores the inner world of feelings, memories, and dreams. Her work is both psychological and spiritual, and can be both abstract and semi-representational.
 
Celebrate this incredible exhibit with the artist. Inner Workings is on display in the Lane Family Reading Room Gallery through the end of April. 

Minecraft Party!
Saturday, April 25th
3:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Ages 11 - 18
Registration Required
 
Come hang out and eat snacks while playing Minecraft, old-school Lan-Party style. We'll have computers all set up on a shared server, just bring yourself!
Ongoing Programs
Functional Training
Every Monday
Two Sessions:
10:00 am - 11:00 am
&
11:00 am - 12:00 pm
 
Registration Required
 
This weekly program demonstrates how exercise can enhance our daily living skills. All of us have some specific aches and pains that can be remediated with functional training in the form of balance exercises, dynamic and static stretching, flexibility training, and other body weight exercises.
All fitness levels are welcome as any exercise can be modified to match your fitness strengths.

Knitting Circle
Every Monday
10:00 am - 12:00 pm
 
Join other fiber artists to knit and chat. New members are always welcome at this social crafting group. 

Qigong
Virtual: Every Monday
10:30 am - 11:30 am
Email for Zoom Link
 
In-Person: Every Friday
10:30 am - 11:30 am
 
 
Qigong is a Chinese holistic practice combining slow movement, meditation, and breathing techniques to enhance wellbeing. 

Sensory Friendly Hours
Every Thursday
10:00 am - 5:00 pm*
*Stay Tuned for updated hours
 
The library is open to everyone during our Sensory Friendly Hours and features a modified, more accessible environment. You'll find a calmer environment, lowered lights, and dedicated active and quiet areas among other small changes. 
 
Same Library, Enhanced Accessibility! 

Coffee & Conversation
Every Friday
10:00 am - 12:00 pm
 
Join your neighbors for a cup of coffee and conversation about anything and everything!

Story Time
Most Fridays (Not on 4/24)
11:00 am - 11:45 am
 
 
Join Miss Kelly for stories, songs, and crafts on a weekly theme. This program is best for children ages 3 - 5 and their caregivers. 

Lego Club
Every Saturday
10:00 am - 11:00 am
 
Explore the wonderful world of Legos with other likeminded kids. Each week the library presents a new challenge or kids can create anything they imagine. 
 
This program is best for children ages 4+ with a caregiver.
Can you help create wonder?
 
Wunderland is a magical fairy village located in the Sunderland Town Park. As folks wander the trail, they will stumble upon a miniature tea party, the tooth fairy’s house, and countless dwellings for fairies, gnomes, trolls, and all fantastic beings.
 
Sunderland Public Library is partnering with a local artist to revitalize this space and add even more magic and whimsy to discover!
 
We are seeking volunteers to help with this effort. How can you help?
  • Outdoor clean up (clearing brush, moving logs, etc.)
  • Donation of supplies to build fairy houses (complex items like wood cut pieces, or simple things like gathering natural objects to decorate)
  • Use your artistic skills to create something for the village
  • Financial contributions to pay for supplies and landscaping (made at Sunderland Public Library)
Contact the library to learn more or become part of our volunteer team!
Sunderland Public Library Hours and Contact Information, links to website.