Mae Horak - Handmade Clothing & Photography Exhibit
2019-04-27 09:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York) | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
The Taiga is a photography series initially inspired by the Decemberists Hazards of Love album. It tells a story of destructive love, heartbreak and rebirth through handmade clothing, sets and photography. The story takes place in an ancient mysterious forest and is inspired by European fairy tales. The Taiga reminds us that nature is vastly more powerful than any individual. Mae Horak started sketches for this project over 4 years ago and have spent the past year working on bringing the series to life. Each costume, including headpieces and props are handmade by Mae and all photos are taken by her in locations in the greater Boston area. Mae grew up in Belchertown and looks forward to sharing her work with our community.
FREE

Mae Horak presents Taiga
2019-04-27 13:30 - 14:30 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
Mae will share her creative work and discuss where her ideas come from and show the behind the scenes pictures of Taiga.
The Taiga is a photography series initially inspired by the Decemberists Hazards of Love album. It tells a story of destructive love, heartbreak and rebirth through handmade clothing, sets and photography. The story takes place in an ancient mysterious forest and is inspired by European fairy tales. The Taiga reminds us that nature is vastly more powerful than any individual. Mae Horak started sketches for this project over 4 years ago and have spent the past year working on bringing the series to life. Each costume, including headpieces and props are handmade by Mae and all photos are taken by her in locations in the greater Boston area. Mae grew up in Belchertown and looks forward to sharing her work with our community.
FREE

Creating a Picture Book with David Hyde Costello
2019-04-29 16:00 - 18:00, 2019-04-30 16:00 - 18:00, 2019-05-01 16:00 - 18:00, 2019-05-02 17:00 - 19:00, 2019-05-03 16:00 - 17:00 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
Join us at the Clapp Memorial Library during the week of April 29-May 3 as we create our own picture book with author/illustrator David Hyde Costello.
At the start of the week Monday, April 29th at 4 pm David will lead a brainstorming session with an audience of young co-creators to generate a brand new story. Then he’ll set up a studio space in the library where you can observe his process throughout the week as he revises the story text and creates the final watercolor illustrations. Monday 4 pm – 6 pm, Tuesday 4 pm – 6 pm, Wednesday 4 pm 6pm, Thursday 5pm – 7pm. On Friday, May 3rd David will present the newly finished work at 4 pm.

Aesop's Fable Miniature 3D Puppet Theatre Craft and Zoom Program
2021-04-21 09:00 - 10:00, 2021-04-21 16:00 - 17:00 | Virtual, MA
The Clapp Memorial Presents Aesop’s Fable Miniature 3D Puppet Theatre Craft and Zoom Program. Children will create their own theaters, puppets, and practice shows, and share them through Zoom. Mary Jo Maichack, a professional singer and storyteller, will guide you in making the theatre. She will share tips on storytelling and demonstrate one fable puppet show. Families are welcome to attend both time slots, but will only present at the one they choose when registering.
REGISTRATION REQUIRED
Please fill out this form <https://forms.gle/CDLfFVm958PSb6gd9> to register for this program. Program is limited to 25 families and geared for children ages 5 and up.
We will reach out to registered families to schedule a pick up time for the kit, and will send a video link out on April 9th. Participants can attend the Zoom program on April 21st at 9 AM or 4 PM
This program is supported, in part by the Belchertown Cultural Council, a local agency supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency.

Artist Reception for Brendan Stecchini
2023-06-13 17:00 - 19:00 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
Join us on the Library’s front lawn for a reception honoring Belchertown-based artist, Brendan Stecchini, and his sculpture, REFLECTIVE WIND. The reception will feature music, light refreshments, and the opportunity for people of all ages to build their own mini-sculpture to take home. The sculpture is on loan to the Clapp Memorial Library from the artist and will be on display on the front lawn through mid-October.
Brendan Livio Stecchini has resided in western Massachusetts since 1972 and has spent the last 25 years in Belchertown. Throughout this time, Mr. Stecchini has had numerous art exhibitions and awards in painting and sculpture. For the last three decades, his focus has been on creating public, kinetic, interactive sculpture and he has had installations and commissions in cities, parks, museums, and colleges.
His sculpture, REFLECTIVE WIND, is designed to be a visually dynamic and engaging experience, viewed up close and from afar, contemplative of the surrounding environment and our place in it. The artwork is an equilateral, triangular pyramid, derived from ancient history, mathematics, and engineering. It distinctly defines and locates a single reference point on our global Earth and uses stainless steel mirrors to reach out and reflect the surroundings.
REFLECTIVE WIND is perhaps like a scientific instrument, a lighthouse; the round mirror projects light and reflections, turning 360 degrees and oscillating in the wind somewhat like a weathervane. It is the center and focal point of the sculpture, looking in and reflecting out. The mirrors on the outside of the legs capture light, the sky, and the upper reaches of trees. The mirrors on the inside reflect the ground and our footprints. Finally, the polished, stainless steel rod on top points the entire sculpture to the heavens, like a lightning rod.

The Jellyfish: A Pastel Painting Workshop
2023-09-26 13:00 - 15:00 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
REGISTRATION REQUIRED – click here to sign up. Program full, waitlist open.
Artist Greg Maichack returns to the Clapp Memorial Library for another pastel painting workshop, this time featuring the jellyfish for adults (18+) on Tuesday, September 26th from 1pm to 3pm.
This is a pastel painting workshop designed for both sheer beginners to advanced participants. In this new, fun, two-hour workshop, all participants produce their very own personalized and original pastel based on these captivating sea creatures. Maichack guides everyone in drawing, blending, and layering.
All materials supplied (pastels, paper, blending material, etc.) with the process broken down into easy steps and methodically planned out to make it so easy. Participants will come out with a lovely pastel painting to keep.
Space is limited! Confirmations will be sent out before program confirming enrollment or waitlist status.

Red Ribbon Week Bookmark Contest Award Announcement
2023-10-27 18:45 - 19:00 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
Red Ribbon Week Bookmark Contest Award Announcement
Friday, October 27, 6:45 PM
Join the Clapp Memorial Library and Belchertown Overcoming Adversity Together (BOAT) as we announce the winners of our Red Ribbon Week Bookmark Contest. A winner will be chosen from each age category: ages 12-18 and 11 and younger. Free pizza will be provided by Sleigh City Pizza Co.

Sun on the Muddy: A poetry reading by Jim Armenti with photography by Dave Madeloni
2024-01-13 14:00 - 15:00 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
Sun on the Muddy: A poetry reading by Jim Armenti with photography by Dave Madeloni
Join Jim Armenti (poet) and Dave Madeloni (photographer) as they share their work Sun On The Muddy, a book of poetry and fantastic photos published by Levellers Press, for a short presentation, poetry reading, a few songs, and conversation. Books will be available for purchase.

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.

BHS Art Exhibit Reception
2024-04-11 18:00 - 19:00 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
Join us at the Clapp Memorial Library on Thursday, April 11 from 6-7pm at a reception for students in Lori St. Pierre’s Honors Art 1 class, whose show, “Put Yourself in Someone Else’s Shoes,” will be on display throughout the month of April. Light refreshments will be provided.

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

Comic Book Workshop with Jonathan Todd
2024-05-08 14:30 - 15:30 | Lawrence Memorial Hall (Town Hall) Auditorium, Belchertown, 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.

Community Mosaics in Guatemala
2024-11-22 18:00 - 19:00 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
Cynthia Fisher has been making trips to Guatemala since 2013 creating community mosaic murals. Come learn how she got started and how a small lakeside town is filling up mosaics that represent the indigenous community and beautiful natural environment.

Quabbin History Calendar sale and signing with J.R. Greene
2024-12-11 19:00 - 20:00 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
Historian and author J.R. Greene returns to the Clapp Memorial Library on Wednesday, December 11 at 7pm for a 2025 Quabbin History Calendar Sale and Signing. The program will consist of a slideshow with scenes relating to the calendar images, followed by copies of the calendar and many of his books for sale and signing.

Creative Art workshop with Caoin O'Durgy
2025-01-04 14:30 - 15:30 | 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/
