Clapp Memorial Library

Creative Art workshop with Caoin O'Durgy
2025-01-04 14:30 - 15:30 (America/New_York) | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
Help Caoin O’Durgy, a Massachusetts based illustrator and Muralist, prepare his design for a mural at our own Transfer station in Belchertown on Saturday, January 4th 2:30 pm to 3:30 pm
We are very excited and proud to welcome you all to an event designed specifically to allow community input of a mural in our town. Students will design their own character that will be part Caoin’s mural.
Students K- 6th. No registration required. Children under the age of 10 must have a caregiver age 14 or older in the Library.

Art Reception for Valentina Pavlyuk
2025-01-30 18:00 - 19:00 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
A reception for Valentina Pavlyuk will be held at the Clapp Memorial Library on January 30 from 6-7 PM to celebrate her art exhibit currently on display. Valentina Pavlyuk is a self-taught artist who began painting flowers and landscapes due to her love of gardening and has since expanded to include abstract works. Everyone is invited to this free event to view Valentina’s work and enjoy light refreshments.

BHS Honors Art Reception
2025-02-11 18:00 - 19:00 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
The public is invited to the Clapp Memorial Library on Tuesday, February 11 from 6-7pm for an Art Exhibit Reception for Lori St. Pierre’s Honors Art 1 and Honors Art 2 Classes. The Honors Art 2 class will display self-portraits, and the Honors 1 class will display their animal paintings that integrate fabric patterns. The reception will celebrate the young artists’ work, which will be on display in the library throughout the month of February. Light refreshments will be provided.

Pokémon Day
2025-02-27 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
All ages are invited to the Clapp Memorial Library on Thursday, February 27th to celebrate Pokémon Day! Did you know the library is a gym on PokémonGo? Challenge a staff member to a battle! Complete a Pokémon word search or crossword puzzle. Bedazzle an Eeveelution keychain. Play Pokémon Bingo! And more! The schedule of events is below:
All Day: Pokémon Scavenger Hunt
Pokémon have taken over the library! All ages are invited to go on a scavenger hunt to find them in the building. Turn in your scavenger hunt to enter to win a fun prize fit for all Pokémon trainers and fans!
9:30-10:30AM: Pikachu & Friends Storytime, Bingo, and Craft in library’s Activity Room
Join our Head of Children’s Services for a special Pikachu & Friends Storytime, followed by Pokémon Bingo and a Pikachu craft.
3:00-4:30PM: Pokémon Cross Stitch Demo and Instruction with Jon Rymaz
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)
3:30-5:00PM: Diamond-Paint an Eeveelution Keychain in the library’s Activity Room
Students in grades 6-12 are invited to diamond-paint Eevee or one of its Eeveelutions! Teen Services Coordinator Ruthie Sterling will teach the basics of diamond-painting. All materials will be provided. Space is limited; email clapplibrarytab@gmail.com to register.
4:00-5:30PM: Pokémon Bingo
Do you know your Pokémon? Patrons of all ages are invited to drop-in during this hour for Pokémon Bingo on the main floor of the library! Win a sticker prize! Patrons under 10 must be accompanied and continually supervised by a parent or caregiver while in the Library per our Unattended Child Policy.

BHS Artists’ Exhibit Reception
2025-04-08 18:00 - 19:00 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
The public is invited to the Clapp Memorial Library on Tuesday, April 8 from 6-7pm for an Art Exhibit Reception for Elizabeth Texeira’s Studio 3, Studio 4, and Honors Classes. The reception will celebrate the young artists’ work, which will be on display in the library throughout the month of April. Light refreshments will be provided.

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

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

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

The Art of Smartphone Photography: Nature and Landscape
2025-05-10 09:00 - 12:00 | MA
Registration required, click here to sign up.
Anyone can take a snapshot with a smartphone, but what does it take to create photos that are worthy of hanging on your walls? Learn how to elevate your smartphone photos from meh to stunning with a Clapp Memorial Library program on Saturday, May 10th from 9am-noon at the Les and Terry Campbell Visitor Center at Quabbin Reservoir. We’ll cover smartphone camera basics, as well as tips for creating compelling images. Learn how to find interesting scenes and subjects that can lead to breathtakingly beautiful photos, with many examples that can provide ideas and inspiration. A Department of Conservation and Recreation staff member will be on hand to discuss the wide range of wildlife and natural resources at Quabbin Reservoir. We’ll finish by heading outdoors to try out some of the ideas covered during the workshop. What you’ll need: just bring your smartphone. Instructor: Linda Repasky
Open to Adults & Teens!
Location: Les and Terry Campbell Visitor Center at Quabbin Reservoir, 100 Winsor Dam Road, Belchertown, MA
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/
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

Bio: Linda Repasky is a Belchertown resident who enjoys capturing the beauty of local natural resources with her iPhone. She particularly enjoys exploring around the Quabbin Reservoir, as well as pursuing macro photography to capture the tiny details in nature that are so easy to overlook. Her iPhone photos have received recognition in numerous international photography competitions. Her iPhone photos can be seen at: https://www.instagram.com/lindarepaskyphotography/

Leveling Up: The Art of Scott M Fischer
2025-06-03 18:00 - 20:00 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
Tuesday, June 3rd, 2025, 6:00 – 8:00 pm
Town Hall Auditorium (Lecture) and Clapp Memorial Library (Reception)
Join us for a very special evening with artist Scott M Fischer! Scott is a world-renowned fantasy artist known for (and this is the short list) Magic the Gathering card art, cover illustrations for Dark Horse Comics, mind blowing fantasy fine art, and being an amazing Belchertown community member. Scott has donated his time and talent to the Library’s Summer Reading Program – designing all of the logos – for the last 10 years!
Scott will give a lecture about his journey as an artist (and how he’s Leveled Up his artwork!) in the Town Hall Auditorium. His presentation will be followed by a reception at the Library where he’ll sign attendee’s Magic the Gathering cards and reveal the 2025 Summer Reading Program logo. You won’t want to miss this special event!
To read Scott’s article on the Muddy Colors website about his love for the Clapp Memorial Library, click here!
https://www.scottmfischer.com/

Trash Gala!
2025-06-13 16:00 - 18:00 | MA
A dedication event for Belchertown’s three new Transfer Station Container Murals & a celebration of community with family activities about sustainability.
June 13th, 4-6PM at the Belchertown Transfer Station
135 Hamilton Street
Trash Fashion Contest!
Come in wearable art from upcycled materials! Show off and win prizes. Visit the Swap Shop for inspiration and materials.
Grand Prize: Transfer Station Permit.
Other prizes include Transfer Station Bags
Rain Date: Saturday, June 14th

Food Truck Friday
2025-06-20 16:00 - 20:00 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
Join the Clapp Memorial Library on our beautiful Common for an evening of fun with live music and food trucks on June 20th, from 4-8PM. We will have crafts and activities for all to enjoy. Stop by to say hi and let us know if you need help registering for any of our summer reading programs.

ViewFinder Exhibit Reception and Awards Ceremony
2025-07-01 18:00 - 19:00 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
The Clapp Memorial Library and the Belchertown Creative Economy Committee invite you to the ViewFinder Nature Photography contest exhibit reception and awards ceremony on Tuesday, July 1st from 6-7pm The winning photographs will be exhibited at the Library throughout the month of July and announced publicly in June, and viewable on the Library website. The exhibition opening will include an awards ceremony to acknowledge the creative achievements of our local photographers in capturing the beauty and natural diversity of Belchertown.
The ViewFinder 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. Additional funding is provided by the Friends of the Clapp Memorial Library.

Zine Workshop for Teens
2025-07-09 17:00 - 18:30 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
The Clapp Memorial Library will be hosting a Zine Workshop for Teens in collaboration with Flywheel Arts Collective on Wednesday, July 9 from 5:00-6:30PM. Participants will be shown examples of zines and learn a little bit about their history. They will then be taught how to make their own one-page minizine using paper, markers, collage materials, and other supplies, and will leave the workshop with their own zine! This program is for students ages 12-18. Registration is required. Email macona@cwmars.org or call the library to sign up. All attendees will earn a raffle ticket for the Teen Summer Reading Program.

Creative Art with Crayons: Water Lilies
2025-07-15 19:00 - 20:30 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
Come and create Claude Monet’s Water Lilies with crayons!
Marie Tucker will lead you step by step to make your own beautiful work of art.
Registration required, sign up here: https://forms.gle/JTJC3mp2ToojGLKG8
Due to the high popularity of the program and limited capacity, seats will be filled by lottery drawn from all registrants signed up by Tuesday, July 8.
This program is funded by the Friends of the Clapp Memorial Library.
Celebrate Summer Reading with us! Sign up at clapplibrary.beanstack.com or via the Beanstack app.

Creative Art with Crayons: Almond Blossoms
2025-07-22 19:00 - 20:30 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
Come and create Vincent Van Gogh’s Almond Blossoms with crayons!
Marie Tucker will lead you step by step to make your own beautiful work of art.
Registration required, sign up here: https://forms.gle/JTJC3mp2ToojGLKG8
Due to the high popularity of the program and limited capacity, seats will be filled by lottery drawn from all registrants signed up by Tuesday, July 15.
This program is funded by the Friends of the Clapp Memorial Library.

Literary Monsters
2025-09-13 16:00 - 17:00 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
A unique perspective on the works of Edgar Allen Poe, Mary Shelley, Washington Irving, Emily Dickinson and others is coming to the Clapp Memorial Library through the marriage of original music, shadow puppetry and cinematography and special effects.
The group, known as Shadow, Sound, Spectacle, will be performing Literary Monsters on Saturday, September 13 at 4pm. The performance is a collaborative project of different pieces led by Northampton-based singer-songwriter Jess Martin, Boston puppeteer Amy West and musician/visual artist Abby Hanna, who is also Northampton-based. The production seeks to reimagine iconic gothic figures like Frankenstein’s creature, Poe’s raven and the Headless Horseman, as symbols of resistance, transformation and queer identity. The event is free and open to the public. This program is funded by the Friends of the Clapp Memorial Library.

Exploring the Galapagos
2025-11-12 19:00 - 20:00 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
The Galapagos Islands are most famous for inspiring Charles Darwin to develop his theory of evolution. They are the home and habitat for many species of birds and wildlife that are unique to the islands. Photographer Mark Lindhult explored the Galapagos Islands in May and returned with images that illustrate many of the unique behaviors and characteristics that the wildlife exhibit. Join him on an armchair adventure to see the magic this place holds at the Clapp Memorial Library on Wednesday, November 12 at 7pm.
