Clapp Memorial Library

Wildlife on Wheels
2025-02-01 10:00 - 11:00, 2025-02-01 11:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York) | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
Programs are full, waitlist is open.
Register to learn about animal ambassadors from The Zoo in Forest Park. Saturday, February 1st for ages 5 to 10. A child can be registered for one of the two time slots; 10:00 am or 11:00 am.
Registration is required, sign up here: https://forms.gle/13gXnu5BuFBHJKRWA
Children under the age of 10 must be accompanied by a caregiver that is 14 years old or older.
Funded in part by a Coordinated Family and Community Engagement grant from the MA Department of Early Education and Care, administered by Collaborative for Educational Services, a donation in memory of David Goff, and the Friends of Clapp Memorial Library.

Ukulele Play Along (Virtual Event)
2025-02-03 19:00 - 20:00, 2025-03-03 19:00 - 20:00, 2025-04-07 19:00 - 20:00, 2025-05-05 19:00 - 20:00 | Virtual, MA
Strum along with the Ukulele Play Along on the first Monday every month!
Grab your ukulele and play along – because playing your ukulele is more fun when you do it with others. We’ll be focusing on 3 and 4 chord songs, with lyrics and chords provided on screen. Participants will be muted, so don’t worry about how you sound!
To join, email Julie Stepanek (julie@musicjulie.com) for the Zoom link and to receive the songs for the program. Don’t have a Ukulele? Don’t worry – you can borrow one from us!

You Wrote a Book, Now What? Session II: Manuscript Feedback
2025-02-08 14:00 - 16:00 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
Calling all writers! The Clapp Memorial Library invites you to learn about getting published and receive feedback on your work from a literary agent! Registration required, program is full. Thank you!
Session I: Publishing Tips – Saturday Jan 18, 2pm
Gain an insider’s view of book publishing with literary agent Jan Kardys from Black Hawk Literary Agency, Jan will share her 40 years of experience inside 10 major NYC book publishers on such topics as developing a concept, writing a manuscript, editing, finding a literary agent, book proposals, how to get the attention of a literary agent, components of a novel, self-publishing vs. traditional book publishing, subsidiary rights, marketing, utilizing the most cutting-edge technologies and social media services to increase visibility to literary agents, publishers and readers alike.
Session II: Manuscript Feedback – Saturday Feb 8, 2pm
Interested in getting feedback on your manuscript? In this session, writers may submit their query letter along with the first 15 pages of their manuscripts for Black Hawk’s editorial comments and feedback. Instructions on how to write a query letter will be provided in the first session. We encourage you to bring your 15-page manuscript to the first session to allow time for editorial feedback in the second session.
Both sessions will take place on the main floor of the library.
Sponsored by the Friends of the Clapp Memorial Library.

NEW DATE: Be Ready to Save a Life with Hands Only CPR
2025-02-13 15:00 - 16:00 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
NEW DATE – program has been moved to 2/13 at 3PM.
More than 350,000 cardiac arrests occur outside a hospital each year. Learn how to deliver lifesaving CPR care without rescue breaths. When you immediately provide Hands-Only CPR, you can increase the chance of survival.
Program will take place in the Town Hall Auditorium. Registration required, sign up here: https://forms.gle/UHZmg5ikZHu7mjfB9

Pokémon Cross Stitch Demo and Instruction with Jon Rymaz
2025-02-27 15:00 - 16:30 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
Part of our Pokemon day festivities!
Learn how to cross stitch a Pokémon or two or more! Rymaz will demonstrate cross stitching and assist others in learning on the main floor of the library. (Open to all patrons old enough to use a needle. Patrons under 10 must be accompanied and continually supervised by a parent or caregiver while in the Library per our Unattended Child Policy)

Create Better Health
2025-03-10 18:00 - 19:00 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts, in partnership with SNAP-Ed, offers a nutrition education program at the Clapp Memorial Library. Learn about Explore MyPlate healthy eating guidelines, learn to decipher the nutrition facts labels and how to make a budget-friendly meal, and get tips to add more exercise into your daily routine.

Mindfulness Meditation
2025-03-13 19:00 - 20:15, 2025-03-20 19:00 - 20:15, 2025-03-27 19:00 - 20:15, 2025-04-03 19:00 - 20:15, 2025-04-10 19:00 - 20:15, 2025-04-17 19:00 - 20:15, 2025-04-24 19:00 - 20:15, 2025-05-01 19:00 - 20:15 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
Clapp Memorial Library is offering a Stress Reduction Awareness course. The eight-week introductory course starts on Thursday, March 13 at 7 PM and runs every Thursday through May 1. The course is designed to teach and practice mindfulness-based skills. Mindfulness meditation skills teach us to be fully present in the moment and, when practiced regularly, help decrease stress levels and improve general well-being and health. Skills covered in the course are gentle and free of judgment. Because each session of this course builds on the previous week, we ask that you register only if you are able to attend all sessions.
Registration required, sign up here: https://forms.gle/rFqoLh2NCX1QHSWB8. If you have any questions please email clapp@cwmars.org
This course will be taught by Magda Bechar, a retired nursing professor who has taught mindfulness meditation skills to many groups, including at the Clapp Memorial Library, for many years.
Sessions will take place on the main library floor, except for April 3 and May 1, which will take place in the Activity Room.

The Magic of Mushrooms: Explorations in the Wonderful World of Fungi
2025-03-22 14:00 - 15:00 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
Jonathan Kranz offers an introduction to mushrooms: what they are, how they live, why they’re fascinating. The talk will cover the basics of fungal life with insights on foraging for food and avoiding toxins, with a special emphasis on common mushrooms you are likely to find in our neck of New England.
This program is funded by the Friends of the Clapp Memorial Library.

Intro to Gardening
2025-04-07 18:00 - 19:00 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
Would you like to start a garden but not sure where to begin? This introductory class is for you! Lindsey of Oak & Ash Farm will walk you the basics; everything from soil health, the best style garden for your property and how to get the most out of a small space. Companionship planting, starts vs. seeds and mulching will all be covered.
Sign up to let us know you are coming (click here)! The first 15 people that sign up will receive “Provider” Bean seeds from the Common Seed Project. Must be present at the program to participate.
This program is funded by the Friends of the Clapp Memorial Library.

Intro to Nature Photography for Kids at Lake Wallace
2025-04-22 09:30 - 11:00 | Parks & Recreation, 66 State Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
Learn how to capture beautiful images of nature in these photography workshops. Come for a short presentation and then go outside to explore for hands-on photography. You will gain an understanding of photography fundamentals, and then apply what you’ve learned. Attend one or both workshops.
Registration is required, sign up here: https://forms.gle/wjKvvdZCbqhHRxPh6
Geared towards photographers 5 & up. Children under the age of 10 must be accompanied by an adult caregiver. Dress for the weather. Bring a camera or smartphone or take turns borrowing one of the Library’s cameras. There will also be some phone microscope lenses to borrow that can be used with most smartphones. Holly Fields and Meru Causeway will be our instructors, and Louise Levy and Jennifer Whitehead will help when we break up into groups. Come take a different look at the beautiful nature Belchertown has to offer.
The ViewFinder workshop series is sponsored by the Clapp Memorial Library and the Town of Belchertown’s Creative Economy Committee, with support from the Belchertown Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency. Additional funding is provided by the Friends of the Clapp Memorial Library.
Intro to Nature Photography for Kids at Lake Wallace on Tuesday, April 22 will meet at the Belchertown Recreation Department, 66 State Street, Belchertown. Intro to Nature Photography for Kids at the School Gardens on Saturday, May 3 will meet at the Swift River Elementary pavilion, 57 State Street, Belchertown
Workshop List

Tuesday, April 22: Intro to Nature Photography for Kids at Lake Wallace, 9:30am-11am
Saturday, May 3: Intro to Nature Photography for Kids at the School Gardens, 4pm-5:30pm

Outdoor Survival Skills Workshop
2025-04-25 10:00 - 12:00 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
PROGRAM FULL
Outdoor Survival Skills Workshop with Frank Grindrod, author and director of Earthwork Programs LLC
Students under the age of 10 must have a caregiver who is 14 years old or older on Library property during the workshop. Registration is required.
Learn how to make a Survival Shelter like in Hatchet, how to set a survival trap like Katniss from The Hunger Games, and how to tie Buck’s # 1 Call of the Wild Rescue Knot, and so much more. Students will get items during the course to start building their own outdoor survival kit.
The workshop starts indoors with a basic discussion of a few very popular outdoor themed books and then quickly moves outside to learn Outdoor & Survival Skills Hands-On. Students will build a primitive survival shelter, learn how to use an emergency survival blanket, signal for rescue, and learn what to do when lost!
Students are encouraged to read a survival themed book such as Hatchet, Hunger Games, The Wild Robot, My Side of the Mountain, The Last Beekeeper, Night of the Howling Dogs, Colonization and the Wampanoag Story and more.
This program is funded in part by a grant from the Belchertown Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.

Learn Computer Basics!
2025-04-25 12:00 - 13:00, 2025-05-09 12:00 - 13:00 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
Learn Computer Basics at the Clapp Memorial Library!
We’re partnering with Tech Foundry to offer a series of computer basics classes and drop in tech-support on alternating Fridays starting on April 25th and running through June 20th. Computer Basics classes run from 12-1 in our Activity Room, with Drop-In Tech Support available for everyone’s computer questions in the Main library from 1-2.
Sign up for all or just some of the classes by visiting the Circulation Desk or calling the library, 413-323-0417
Computer Basics (4/25)
This beginner workshop helps you get comfortable with computers, covering basic skills like using a mouse, keyboard, and navigating the internet. Gain the confidence to handle everyday tasks!
Internet Basics (5/9)
Conquer the internet in this beginner-friendly workshop! Learn to use search engines, browse websites, and explore the online world with confidence—no prior experience needed.
Email Basics (5/23)
Connect with friends and colleagues from across town or across the world. Learn the basics of using e-mail and use this powerful tool to your advantage.
6/6: Online Safety & Avoiding Misinformation
This workshop teaches online safety basics, including creating strong passwords, securing information, and avoiding scams. Learn how to protect your privacy and navigate the web safely, as well as learn how to spot red flags, fact-check, and navigate the web confidently, becoming a savvy and critical consumer of online information.
6/20: Social Media Basics
This beginner workshop covers using Facebook, Instagram, and Messenger to connect, share posts, and manage privacy—no experience needed.

Drop-In Tech Support
2025-04-25 13:00 - 14:00, 2025-05-09 13:00 - 14:00 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
We’re partnering with Tech Foundry to offer drop-in tech support on alternating Fridays starting April 25th through June 20th!
Bring in your computer questions and quandaries, and let the troubleshooting begin. Find our Tech Foundry expert on the main floor of the library from 1-2PM, no appointment needed.

Introduction to Basic Photography
2025-04-26 09:00 - 12:00 | Parks & Recreation, 66 State Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
Registration required, click here to sign up.
Learn how to capture beautiful images of nature in this series of photography workshops. Belchertown’s abundant natural resources offer limitless opportunities for creating amazing photos. Through these workshops, you’ll gain an understanding of photography fundamentals, and then go into the field to apply what you’ve learned. All levels of photographers are welcome, as are all types of cameras (including smartphones). Attend one or all workshops. All sessions are free to attend.
Open to Adults & Teens!
The ViewFinder workshop series is sponsored by the Clapp Memorial Library and the Town of Belchertown’s Creative Economy Committee, with support from the Belchertown Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency. Additional funding is provided by the Friends of the Clapp Memorial Library. For more on ViewFinder, visit https://clapplibrary.org/art-in-the-library/viewfinder/
Introduction to Basic Photography on Saturday, April 26 with Ed Comeau and Creative Nature Photography on Saturday, May 3 with Mark Lindhult will meet at the Belchertown Recreation Department, 66 State Street, Belchertown. The Art of Smartphone Photography workshop on Saturday, May 10 with Linda Repasky will meet at the Les and Terry Campbell Visitor Center at Quabbin Reservoir, 100 Winsor Dam Road, Belchertown
ViewFinder Workshop List – click here to sign up:

Saturday, April 26: Introduction to Basic Photography, 9am-12pm
Saturday, May 3: Creative Nature Photography, 9am-12pm
Saturday, May 10: The Art of Smartphone Photography: Nature and Landscape, 9am-12pm

Servas
2025-04-26 14:00 - 15:00 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
Are you interested in having a greater cultural experience when you travel in the US or abroad? Do you have commitments preventing you from traveling yet you are still looking to make connections with the world? Are you 18 to 30 years of age and want a language or cultural immersion experience? Perhaps Servas is for you?
Servas connects hosts and travelers from over 100 countries to provide a network for its members to build friendships and broaden their understanding of the world. Are you interested in learning more about what Servas can offer you? Join this informational session where current members share their experiences and answer your questions about hosting and travelling.

Creative Nature Photography
2025-05-03 09:00 - 12:00 | Parks & Recreation, 66 State Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States

CANCELLED: Intro to Nature Photography for Kids at the School Gardens
2025-05-03 16:00 - 17:30 | Chestnut Hill Community School, 59 State St, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
Program cancelled due to weather forecast and low registration
Learn how to capture beautiful images of nature in these photography workshops. Come for a short presentation and then go outside to explore for hands-on photography. You will gain an understanding of photography fundamentals, and then apply what you’ve learned. Attend one or both workshops. If you attended the Lake Wallace program, you are welcome to join us at 4 pm for the presentation or meet us at the School Gardens around 4:15 pm.
Geared towards photographers 5 & up. Children under the age of 10 must be accompanied by an adult caregiver. Dress for the weather. Bring a camera or smartphone or take turns borrowing one of the Library’s cameras. There will also be some phone microscope lenses to borrow that can be used with most smartphones. Holly Fields and Meru Causeway will be our instructors, and Louise Levy and Jennifer Whitehead will help when we break up into groups. Come take a different look at the beautiful nature Belchertown has to offer.
The ViewFinder workshop series is sponsored by the Clapp Memorial Library and the Town of Belchertown’s Creative Economy Committee, with support from the Belchertown Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency. Additional funding is provided by the Friends of the Clapp Memorial Library.
Intro to Nature Photography for Kids at Lake Wallace on Tuesday, April 22 will meet at the Belchertown Recreation Department, 66 State Street, Belchertown. Intro to Nature Photography for Kids at the School Gardens on Saturday, May 3 will meet at the Swift River Elementary pavilion, 57 State Street, Belchertown
Workshop List
Tuesday, April 22: Intro to Nature Photography for Kids at Lake Wallace, 9:30am-11am
Saturday, May 3: Intro to Nature Photography for Kids at the School Gardens, 4pm-5:30pm
