Celebration of Bob Kadis Event
On Thursday, October 23, The Friends of the Agawam Public Library will be hosting a celebration to honor Robert “Bob” Kadis and his legacy. Bob was a long-time member of the Friends and had a passion for the arts. For many years, he orchestrated annual juried art shows and juried photography exhibits, showcasing, in the library’s gallery, the work of many people in our community. The gallery is now to be named in Bob’s honor and a plaque to commemorate the dedication will be unveiled at the celebration.
Bob is being remembered not only for his desire to promote creativity but also for his enduring service to the community as a member of the Friends of the Agawam Senior Center and the Agawam Cultural Council. The program will be held from 7 to 8:30 p.m. in the library’s Judy Clini Conference Room and will include shared memories of Bob by members of his family and the arts community. The evening is open to everyone who wants to share in the celebration.
About the Friends of APL
The Friends of the Agawam Public Library is a non-profit membership organization dedicated to supporting and fundraising for the Agawam Public Library. Since our inception in 2003, the Friends have donated over $100,000 to the library; this has enabled the library to supplement their regular operating budget. We are able to do this by sponsoring a Juried Fine Art Show in the fall, a Juried Photography Show in the winter, and a basket raffle during the holiday season, along with other events throughout the year. We also have book bags and coffee cups available for purchase. Both carry the logo designed by a local artist, David Cecchi. We also provide a form for those of you who wish to make a donation to the Friends either for yourself, in memory of someone, or in honor of someone.
Members are cordially invited to attend our monthly Executive Board Meetings held the first Thursday of the month (except for July and August) at 7:00PM at the Agawam Public Library. We welcome your input suggestions and ideas! The Agawam Public Library is very important to all of us, so please consider supporting your library either with your time or with your tax-deductible membership fee or donation. Also, please take a moment to explore our site and check out photos of past events, our calendar of events and much, much more.
Support the Friends
Become a Member
Support Agawam Public Library by joining the Friends today! With your membership, you will receive the Friends newsletter, calendar, and an invitation to all Friends meetings, events, and volunteer opportunities.
Make a Donation
Donations to the Friends help fund library programs, materials, and more! Not able to donate online but still interested in supporting the Friends monetarily? Click here to download a PDF of our donation form to mail your donation or drop it off in person at the library circulation desk.
Friends of the Library Store
We also offer a variety of items in our “store” at Agawam Public Library circulation desk! Book bags featuring the Friends’ logo – beautifully designed and graciously provided by Agawam’s David Cecchi – are available for $20 each and have longer handles, a front pocket, and a snap fastener at the top. We also have magnetic bookmarks, earrings, and bracelets for sale with new styles all the time!
Keep Up-to-Date with Us
2025 Event Calendar
We have so many great fundraisers and events happening this year, and we’d love for you to join in on the fun! Please contact the Friends at [email protected] with any questions you may have.
Fall 2025 Newsletter
Take a look at what we’ve been up to, as well as what we have planned for this year! Interested in receiving a copy the Friends newsletter in your inbox? Become a member today!
Past Newsletters
Check out our past fundraisers, events, and more by viewing our past newsletters! (Newsletters go back to Spring of 2008).
Our Mission Statement
The Friends of the Agawam Public Library is a nonprofit, 501 c(3) tax-exempt organization whose mission is to support the town library by providing fundraisers, workshops and educational activities, and volunteer services.
The purpose of this organization is to establish closer relations between the Agawam Public Library and the people it serves; to promote informed interest in its function, resources, services, and needs; to confer with the staff of the Library on matters related to the welfare of the institution; to stimulate and receive gifts, endowments and bequests for the benefit of the Library; and to support the development of a program for the extension and improvement of the Library’s services and resources.
This organization will operate exclusively for charitable, scientific, literary and educational purposes, defined in accordance with the applicable provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of the United States, as now or hereafter existing, amended, supplemented, or superseded, as the case may be.
You may contact the Friends at [email protected]
Holiday Basket Raffle
The Friends of the Agawam Public Library are preparing for our annual Christmas Basket Raffle—and we’re looking for generous donors to create and contribute baskets!
What We’re Asking For:
• A themed basket filled with goodies (treats, books, crafts, games, gift cards, etc.)
• Wrapped in clear cellophane and ready to raffle
Important Dates:
• Basket Drop-Off Deadline: Saturday, November 15th
• Raffle Drawing: Saturday, December 13th at Noon
How to Participate:
• Click here to download a basket maker’s packet, which contains helpful guidelines to follow when making a basket as well as the basket maker’s form.
All proceeds to benefit Agawam Public Library.
Click here to download the flyer for our Holiday Basket Raffle.
Check Out Our Juried & Judged Shows!
All Images are Copyrighted
(Ever Viligant by Linda Lastoff, Pastels;
1st Place Pastels and Artists’ Choice)
Fine Arts Show
All Images are Copyrighted
The Friends of the Agawam Public Library Open Juried Art Show has been a tradition for many years, and has been held both in person and virtually.
(Snowy Over The Marsh by Tom Stratton;
Honorable Mention)
Photography Show
All Images are Copyrighted
Similar to the Fine Arts Show, the Friends of the Agawam Public Library’s Open Juried & Judged Photography Show has been a well-loved feature of the Friends for many years.
(Grapes Vining by Linda Keech;
1st Place Artisan/Craft-Ceramics/Gourds)
3D Objects Show
All Images are Copyrighted
The Friends of the Agawam Public Library’s 1st Open Juried 3d Art Object Show took place in 2015 and featured decorative gourds, sculptures, jewelry and more. View a list of the artists and artisans.
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