Clapp Memorial Library

Crafternoon: Block Printing
2023-10-27 15:00 - 18:00 (America/New_York) | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
Registration Required – click here to sign-up
Potato decorating your clothing? YES! Block printing is a fun way to decorate paper, fabric, and any flat surface. Block printing is a craft thought to be thousands of years old.
Come get hands-on with history with Castle Nitor. Learn how to make your own block from a potato. Then print a sample or two with our replica blocks and your own potato blocks. If you would like to bring a garment or two to embellish, please do, only natural materials please. We will show you the fundamental techniques as you create your own piece of history. We will have all the supplies and tools needed for you to make a fun project. Enjoy a break in a different time!
This class is run by Allison, the Lady of Castle Nitor; she is a history lover who collects craft skills and loves teaching and creating a fun, relaxing environment for all. Castle Nitor helps people live fully by learning from historical daily life and bringing the arts of the past to life again.

Ukulele Play Along (Virtual Event)
2023-11-06 19:00 - 20:00, 2023-12-04 19:00 - 20:00, 2024-01-01 19:00 - 20:00, 2024-02-05 19:00 - 20:00, 2024-03-04 19:00 - 20:00, 2024-04-01 19:00 - 20:00, 2024-05-06 19:00 - 20:00, 2024-06-03 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!

Stone Medicine with Leslie Franks
2023-11-09 19:00 - 20:00 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
Join local author Leslie Franks for a talk about her newly released book, Stone Medicine: a Chinese medical guide to healing with gems and minerals. She’ll be taking a look at how crystals and stones are used in healing Body, Mind, and Spirit, from both a Chinese medical and a western mineralogical perspective.
Leslie Franks is retired from more than 30 years practice in a Chinese Medicine clinic, where her modalities of treatment were bodywork, Chinese herbs, essential oils, and stones.

Focus on Youth
2024-02-11 12:00 - 13:00 | MA
Join Youth Services Librarian, Jennifer Whitehead, at the DCR Les and Terry Campbell Quabbin Visitor Center for some fun with photography. This event is for families with preschool to 4th grade students. We will meet as a group at noon on Sunday, February 11th. After a brief discussion where we’ll share ideas on where and how to take photographs of the Quabbin, families will venture off to explore on their own. Wear proper clothing and footwear for hiking and the weather. Bring your cameras, binoculars, and sense of adventure.
Registration required – click here to sign up.
For youth grades 5-12, check out our Teen Beginner Photography Workshop!

Teen Beginner Photography Workshop
2024-02-11 13:00 - 14:00 | MA
The Clapp Memorial Library is offering a Beginner Photography Workshop for students in grades 5-12 on Sunday, February 11th at 1:00PM. This program will take place at the Les and Terry Campbell Quabbin Visitor’s Center.
Learn basic nature photography (landscape and wildlife) from local photographer Ed Comeau who will present on different topics like photography techniques, composition, lighting, etc. There will be a short discussion about nature and wildlife at Quabbin followed by opportunities for photography in the Quabbin. Students are asked to register by emailing clapplibrarytab@gmail.com or by visiting the library at 19 S. Main Street.
For youth preschool-grade 4, check out our Focus on Youth photography program!

Nature Photography Workshops
2024-02-24 14:00 - 15:00, 2024-03-02 14:00 - 15:00 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
Saturdays, February 24 & March 2, at 2pm
Participants in the workshops will learn more about wildlife and landscape photography from photographer Mark Lindhult, who leads the Quabbin Photo Group. The first session will focus on technique during a lecture format and the second session will meet at the library before heading outside to practice using the techniques in the first session. The Belchertown Wildlife & Landscape Photography program is an intergenerational opportunity to participate in learning, exploration, and expression. It’s a partnership between the Clapp Memorial Library, Town of Belchertown Planning Department, and Town of Belchertown Conservation Commission. Meet other local photographers while learning new skills, build a portfolio of work, and then submit your top photos to the photo contest.

Seascapes: An Ocean of Possibilities with Pastel Painting
2024-03-21 13:00 - 15:00 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
Registration Required, sign up here: https://forms.gle/a1Yz7Rxjb9rVxdAm9
Artist Greg Maichack returns to the Clapp Memorial Library on Thursday, March 21 at 1pm for a hands-on pastel workshop inspired by Winslow Homer: Seascapes: An Ocean of Possibilities with Pastel Painting. This program serves beginners to advanced artists and is open to adults. All materials are provided including professional grade pastels, paper, and pencils. Registration is required. This program is funded by the Belchertown Cultural Council, a local agency supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council.

Disability History & the Belchertown State School
2024-03-22 18:30 - 19:30 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
Join us for a lecture led by Katherine Anderson, a renowned historian and disability rights advocate, on the history of Belchertown State School and its implications for the broader disability rights movement. Kate will use artifacts and documents from the state school to discuss institutionalization practices and the evolution of the state school and its role in shaping disability advocacy and policy reform. A Q&A will follow.
All are invited to stop by the following day from 10am-2pm to view the traveling exhibit of state school artifacts, documents, photographs, and more. Members will be on hand to answer questions both about the state school and about membership in the Friends. Donations to the Friends are welcome.

Herb Garden Starter Kit
2024-04-12 15:30 - 16:30 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
PROGRAM & WAITLIST FULL
Come to the Clapp Memorial Library on Friday, April 12 at 3:30 pm to learn about the properties of popular flowers and herbs and then plant your own! Dave Wheeler from Therapy Gardens will be on hand to address such topics as growing small flowers and herbs indoors and outdoors, including different presentation ideas. He will also review what herbs are both edible and ornamental. Participants leave with a small seed starter kit and their choice of a variety of seeds. Please note – seed selections are limited by availability and season. This program is made possible by the Friends of the Clapp Memorial Library.
Space is limited and registration is required.

Make Your Own Tea Blend
2024-04-12 18:00 - 19:00 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
PROGRAM IS FULL
On Friday, April 12 at 6pm at the Clapp Memorial Library, join Dave Wheeler from Therapy Gardens for a journey into the art and science of tea blending. Participants will explore a variety of herbs, spices, and teas, learning about their flavor profiles and health benefits. Attendees will then craft their own unique tea blend, mastering the balance of flavors and aromas. Whether you’re a tea enthusiast or a curious beginner, this workshop provides the tools and knowledge to create your own soothing or invigorating blends. Take home your custom tea mixture and the confidence to continue experimenting on your own. This program is made possible by the Friends of the Clapp Memorial Library.
Space is limited and registration is required.

The Rabbit Run Railroad: An Art and History Project
2024-04-16 19:00 - 20:00 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
On Tuesday, April 16 at 7pm at the Clapp Memorial Library, Ken Levine of Petersham, an artist and railroad fan will present a program about the Rabbit Run Railroad, his creation of a 24’ diorama at the Swift River Valley Historical Society in North New Salem, and a brief history of the era of steam railroads in America.
The 4 Lost Towns that the creation of the Quabbin Reservoir required removal of were the inspiration for this memorial to those communities who were forced to relocate in the early 20th century. Using archival photos from the archives of the MDC and other sources, Ken spent over 5 years creating a miniature recreation of the Swift River Valley, its towns, farms, industries and landscape, including working HO model trains of the steam era, 1871-1930, the Rabbit Railroad. As the train journeys from South Athol to Enfield the seasons unfold and the various towns go about their business. In a brief video using Go-Pro mini cams on the trains you are actually aboard the train as it winds its way along the Swift River, which completes the illusion of riding the Rabbit.
A NBC Boston Affiliate interviewed Ken for a movie, The Scar which was shown on TV and relates the story of the Quabbin and the Swift River Valley and the Lost Towns. Also, the SRVHS Facebook page has the video of the diorama and other information about the history of the Quabbin Reservoir.
Program made possible by the Friends of the Clapp Memorial Library

Earth Day Ceremony with Ray LaChance
2024-04-29 15:30 - 16:30 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
Community members from age 10 through adult are invited to join us on the front lawn of the Clapp Memorial Library on Monday, April 29 at 3:30 pm for a very special Earth Day Ceremony and Celebration of Indigenous People presented by Raymond LaChance (Nouba Tewk Tomakwa). The program will include a recognition of the land being the territory of the Indigenous Nipmuc People, flute playing and other music, interactive smudging of a tree in recognition of Earth Day and seed planting, and the making of an Indigenous Necklace.
This program is made possible by the Friends of the Clapp Memorial Library.
Space is limited and registration is required, sign up here: https://forms.gle/xQiLqvCu25mQ3DKD8. In the event of rain, the program will take place in the Town Hall Auditorium.

Journaling for Self-Care
2024-05-04 12:30 - 13:00 | Chestnut Hill Community School, 59 State St, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
Join Ruthie, the library’s Teen Services Coordinator, at BOAT’s Umbrella of Wellness Fair at Chestnut Hill Community School on Saturday, May 4th at 12:30PM for a session on Journaling for Self-Care! Students in grades 6-12 will learn techniques for journaling with a reflective mindset. Attendees will receive journals courtesy of BOAT.

Sourdough Starter Workshop
2024-05-06 18:00 - 19:00 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
PROGRAM & WAITLIST FULL
On Monday, May 6 at 6pm, Brandon Cochran, a sourdough maker, baker, and blogger, will be at the Clapp Memorial Library to teach participants how to make, maintain, and store a sourdough starter. Each participant will leave with a piece of Brandon’s sourdough starter of their own.
Registration required to ensure sufficient supplies.
Program made possible by the Friends of the Clapp Memorial Library

Comic Book Workshop with Jonathan Todd
2024-05-08 14:30 - 15:30 | Town Hall Auditorium, 1 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
May 8 at 2:30PM, Lawrence Memorial Hall auditorium
Belchertown kids in grades 3-6 are invited to come by for an afternoon with comic book creator Jonathan Todd, author of Timid, a semiautobiographical graphic novel about frenemies, fitting in, and finding your voice! The Clapp Memorial Library is teaming up with Mass Center of the Book for their Mass Kids Lit Fest to host this comic book-focused workshop.
Learn how to make your own comic from a pro! In this workshop, Jonathan Todd will teach the elements of a story, panel planning, creating thumbnail sketches, and penciling and inking your very own graphic novel page.
Registration & confirmation are required, sign up here: https://forms.gle/3nLkshx6WXr1U9ER8. Students under the age of 10 must have a caregiver present.
The Odyssey Bookshop will be present with copies of Timid for purchase.

Project Mishoon: Underwater Treasures of the Nipmuc
2024-05-11 15:30 - 16:30 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
Discover the untold history of Lake Quinsigamond’s submerged treasures! Join us on Saturday, May 11 at 3:30pm for an engaging presentation by Cheryl Stedtler, Nipmuc tribal member and director of Project Mishoon, as she unveils the fascinating journey behind the discovery of ancient dugout canoes known as mishoonash. Delve into the rich heritage of the Nipmuc tribe and their ancestral navigation of the lake using these unique vessels. With scientific documentation, underwater imaging, and captivating insights, Cheryl will unveil the mysteries surrounding these rare mishoonash, dating back to the 1600s. Learn how these remarkable finds are rewriting the narrative of New England’s archaeological landscape. Don’t miss this opportunity to uncover the link between these submerged treasures and the historic mishoon discovered at Morton Lake during the construction of the Quabbin Reservoir. Join us as we embark on a journey through time and heritage with Project Mishoon!

No Dig Gardening 101
2024-06-04 19:00 - 20:00 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
PROGRAM FULL! See you soon!
Join us at the Clapp Memorial Library on Tuesday, June 4 at 7pm for No Dig Gardening 101. This introductory course to the basics of the No Dig Gardening Method is perfect for beginners! Host Lindsey Baird of Oak & Ash Farm in Belchertown will teach attendees this low-maintenance garden strategy that’s not only easy to do, but helps improve soil health and is good for the environment. Learn the fundamentals of companion planting, seed starting, and feeding your soil, NOT tilling it. No matter how big or small your garden is, this method is a great way to start.
Attendees will leave with planting guides, companion planting charts and seeds or plants to get started. Everything they need to start their very first no dig bed!
Registration required.
This program is made possible by the Friends of the Clapp Memorial Library.

Herb Garden
2024-06-10 18:00 - 19:00 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
PROGRAM FULL – WAITLIST ONLY
Learn the joy and multitude of benefits that come from keeping an herb garden. Whether you want to grow an herb garden for culinary, medicinal or cosmetic uses, or just to create something beautiful to look at, this course is for you. Instructor Lindsey Baird of Oak & Ash Farm designed and planted her first herb garden at 11 and has been passionate about them ever since! She will talk you through the basics of growing herbs, as well as some simple garden layouts. You’ll leave with a collection of herb plants and the knowledge to create your own herbal oasis. Attendees will go home with martials on basic herb garden plans, list of herbs to try and their seasonality (annual, bi annual, perennial) as well as a pack of herb plants to bring home (basil, thyme, parsley, chive)
Registration required – sign up here: https://forms.gle/oxUc2cjUHC2wEVTq7
This program is made possible by the Friends of the Clapp Memorial Library.

LGBTQ+ Inclusion 101
2024-06-12 18:30 - 19:30 | Virtual, MA
Virtual Event – click here to sign up
Knowledge can empower individuals to make cultural change. This program encourages individuals at all levels of understanding to learn about what it means to be LGBTQ+ and how to be stronger allies so our entire community feels welcome to be their authentic selves.
Ali Kane (she/they), of ALK Consulting, is a Queer nonprofit leader and lifelong learner committed to creating an inclusive, equitable, and accessible world for individuals with diverse identities and experiences.
This program is sponsored by the Friends of the Joshua Hyde Public Library in Sturbridge, Charlton Public Library and the Jacob Edwards Library in Southbridge, who we are partnering with for this event.

Birds of Prey with Wingmasters
2024-06-15 10:00 - 11:00 | Town Hall Auditorium, 1 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
This program is strictly for ages 5 and up.
Families, teens and adults are welcome as we kick off our summer reading programs.
Birds of prey, also known as raptors, are hunting birds characterized by hooked beaks and powerful grabbing feet armed with sharp talons. With some of the best eyesight and the sharpest hearing in the animal kingdom, raptors include eagles, hawks, falcons and owls. Learn about these different categories in a presentation that incorporates five live birds, including predation, the birds’ place at the top of the food web, their different hunting adaptations and their status in a rapidly changing world. Because many birds of prey are declining in number, this presentation also features one or more of the endangered raptors that we care for, and explains why these species face an uncertain future.
Wingmasters is a partnership of two people dedicated to increasing public understanding and appreciation of North American birds of prey. Julie Anne Collier and Jim Parks are both licensed raptor rehabilitators based in Massachusetts. Together they care for injured birds of prey. Most of the birds they rehabilitate can ultimately be released back into the wild, but in some cases the birds are left permanently handicapped.
This event is part of our Summer Reading Program and attending is worth a Kids SRP Raffle Ticket! Make sure to sign your child up for Summer Reading at clapplibrary.beanstack.com or via the Beanstack app.
Made possible by the Friends of the Clapp Memorial Library and our Community Sponsors

Fresh Tea Gardens
2024-06-18 19:00 - 20:00 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
Grow your own cuppa with your very own fresh tea garden! Host Lindsey Baird of Oak & Ash Farm has been growing and experimenting with her own herb and tea gardens since she was a kid and wants you to learn how fun it can be. Learn to think outside the box of the basic culinary herb garden and grow your own herbal teas for enjoying fresh or dried. Lindsey will go over the multitude of plants you can grow to add to your blend, and you’ll leave with a bouquet of fresh herbal tea to enjoy at home while you plan your own garden.
Attendees will go home with a list of plants to try growing, a basic tea garden plan and a small bouquet of fresh tea to make at home (enough for one pot of tea).
Registration required, sign up here: https://forms.gle/sii24NkG4FfHRiNH9
This program is made possible by the Friends of the Clapp Memorial Library.

Magical Girls & Fighting Dreamers: An Exploration of Queer Representation in Manga & Anime
2024-06-18 19:00 - 20:00 | Virtual, MA
The Clapp Memorial Library is partnering with the Morrill Memorial Library and other MA libraries in offering a virtual program for teens for Pride Month! Click here to sign up!
On Tuesday, June 18th from 7:00-8:00PM, teen anime and manga fans are invited to watch as the MML’s Youth Services Librarian, Dina Delic, presents “Magical Girls & Fighting Dreamers: An Exploration of Queer Representation in Manga & Anime” on Zoom. Attendees will learn about the history of queer representation in manga and anime. This program will give an overview of queer representation throughout various series, from The Rose of Versailles to Yuri on Ice, and will answer your most pressing questions: What is shipping? What is the difference between yaoi and yuri? Why are the greatest love stories in anime always platonic?
Please note that this program may contain spoilers for some series. Interested adults are also welcome to attend this presentation.
