Come join the fun at the Clapp Memorial Library in Belchertown.  Our Storytimes are full of age-appropriate stories told through the reading of books, flannel board and story props, puppets and acting.  We sing songs, play instruments and end the fun with crafts. Registration is required!  If Storytime is full, you will be placed on a waitlist.  If you have any questions about our Storytimes, please contact Jennifer.

When the Belchertown Public Schools have a delay or closure due to the weather, story times are canceled.

Attendance Policy
In order to accommodate as many children as possible in our limited space and to plan appropriately for program size, after two missed sessions in a program without informing the Head of Youth Services, a child’s place will be given to the next child on the waiting list.

Babytime Storytime (3-12 months)
9:00-9:45 AM, Mondays, Dec 9, 12, Jan 6, 13, 27, Feb 3 & 10
Babytime is for ages 3 – 12 months and begins @ 9:00 AM. Registration & confirmation required. Our storytimes feature age-appropriate stories, songs, finger plays and art activities.

First Steps Storytime (12-24 months)
10:00-10:45 AM, Mondays, Dec 9, 12, Jan 6, 13, 27, Feb 3 & 10
First Steps is for ages 12 – 24 months and begins @ 10:00 AM. Registration & confirmation required. Our story times feature age-appropriate stories, songs, finger plays and art activities.

Toddler Time (2 year olds)
9:30-10:30 am, Tuesdays, Dec 10, 17, Jan 7, 14, 21, 28 & Feb 4
Toddler Time is for children 2 years old, and begins @ 9:30 AM. Registration & confirmation required. Our story times feature age-appropriate stories, songs, finger plays and art activities.

Music with Pop (ages 0-6)
10:30 am, Wednesdays, October 9, 16, 23, 30, November 6th & 13th
Music with Jacques Hooten aka Pop!  Wednesdays at 10:30 am in the Children’s Activity Room, geared towards ages 1 to 6.  On October 16, Music with Pop will take place in the Town Hall Auditorium.  Spaces will be filled first by children who reside within Belchertown.  Enjoy singing and dancing in this interactive music series. Limited space so register today.  Registration & confirmation required.  Funded by the Friends of the Clapp Memorial Library.

Preschool Storytime (3-5 year olds)
9:30-10:30 am, Thursdays, Dec 12, 19, Jan 9, 16, 23, 30 & Feb 6
Preschool Story Time is for children ages 3 to 5, and begins @ 9:30 AM. Registration & confirmation required. Our story times feature age-appropriate stories, songs, finger plays and art activities.

Past/Seasonal Storytimes
These are past regular programs we host that are not currently scheduled.

Music & Movement with Julie (ages 0-7)
10:30 am, Saturday,
Music and Movement with Julie. Join us for a music series on Saturday mornings at the Clapp Memorial Library (April 27th will take place at the Town Hall Auditorium). Julie’s programs let babies and young children explore music in a fun and creative environment. Her program is geared toward ages 0 to 7, but all ages are welcome!  Registration & confirmation required.  This series is funded in part by the Friends of Clapp Memorial Library and a grant from the Department of Early Education and Care through the Collaborative for Educational Services.

Music with Caylin (Ages 7 and Under)
10:00-10:30 AM, Saturdays,
Come join music time with Mrs. Caylin for a blend of music and movement for littles (ages birth to 5). This stay at home mom of two has been studying music since she was 10. She is well versed in guitar and ukulele. A former preschool teacher she understands the importance of music in early childhood years. Music and movement help promote language, gross motor skills, fine motor skills and fun! Along with her littles Mrs. Caylin brings a mixture of original songs, traditional and cover songs along with movement to her classes. We can’t wait to sing with you!  Registration & confirmation required.

Summer Reading
We offer summer reading programs for children every year, June-August.  The Kids’ Summer Reading Program is for children ages 0-11, youth 12+ are invited to join our Teen Summer Reading Program.  Registration is required, all welcome.  Summer Story Times are part of our Summer Reading Program.  Make sure to sign your child up for Summer Reading at clapplibrary.beanstack.com or via the Beanstack app.

Getting Ready for Kindergarten
9:30-10:30 am, Wednesdays,
Getting Ready for Kindergarten is for children entering Kindergarten this fall and beings at @ 10:00 AM. Registration is required. Getting Ready for Kindergarten feature age-appropriate stories, songs, finger plays and art activities independent of their caregivers to prepare young children for school. Program will be held in the Children’s Activity Room. Registration and confirmation required.