Clapp Memorial Library

Mindfulness Meditation for Stress Reduction
2025-11-20 19:00 - 20:15 (America/New_York) | 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, September 25 at 7 PM and runs every Thursday through November 20 (excluding October 16). 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/EBkKApvgPQ899tpo9
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.

Community Wellness
2025-11-21 15:00 - 17:00 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
BOAT and Clapp Memorial Library welcome anyone in the community needing access to health care, mental health/substance use resources to the library on the 3rd Friday of every month from 3:00pm to 5:00pm! Free refreshments will be available.

Nipmuc Story Time
2025-11-22 09:30 - 10:15 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
Nipmuc Story Time with Hassanamisco Nipmuc tribal members
Saturday, November 15 & 22, 9:30-10:15am
Join us in celebration of Native American Heritage Month for this drop-in story time! All ages are welcome; the event is geared towards K-3rd grade children.

Magic: the Gathering
2025-11-22 10:30 - 13:30, 2025-11-29 10:30 - 13:30, 2025-12-06 10:30 - 13:30, 2025-12-13 10:30 - 13:30 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
Join us for Magic the Gathering in the Activity Room. Bring your own deck or use one of our learning decks. Everyone is welcome, however players must be fluent readers. Players under the age of 10 must have a caregiver who is at least 14 years old on the Library premises. Join us for every session or just one – it’s up to you!
We will have two instructors to help get games started and assist with the rules of the game. No registration is required. Check the Library website or Facebook page if there is inclement weather.

Jane Eyre Reading Group
2025-11-25 14:00 - 15:30 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
Have you ever wanted to take the time to discuss a novel in depth? In this five-session group, we will discuss the Gothic novel, Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte. The discussion will be introduced and facilitated by retired professor David Spector. After registration is confirmed, participants can pick up a copy of the novel to keep, while supplies last.
Registration and confirmation required, sign up here: https://forms.gle/NxmuC9z9L6pqDeuZA
The group will meet from 2 to 3:30 PM on Tuesdays. The first meeting is on Tuesday, October 7, with the next meeting on Tuesday, October 28 to give participants a chance to read the book. Subsequent meetings are on November 4, 18, and 25. All sessions take place in the Library’s activity room.
A public screening of the 2011 version of Jane Eyre is scheduled for Tuesday, November 18 at 7pm.

Early Closing: Thanksgiving 2025
2025-11-26 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
The Library will close at 5pm in observation of the Thanksgiving holiday. Safe travels!

Teen Book Club (Nov 2025)
2025-11-26 15:00 - 16:00 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
The Clapp Memorial Library has a book club for teens in grades 7-12! On Wednesday, November 26th from 3:00-4:00PM, teens will discuss The Sunbearer Trials by Aiden Thomas. Copies of the book are available for checkout at the library’s circulation desk and on the Libby and hoopla apps. Snacks will be provided at the meeting. Email clapplibrarytab@gmail.com with any questions.

Library Closing: Thanksgiving 2025
2025-11-27 - 2025-11-28 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
The Library will be closed in observation of Thanksgiving

Magical Winter Lights
2025-11-29 18:00 - 19:00 | Lawrence Memorial Hall (Town Hall) Auditorium, Belchertown, 01007, United States
Magical Winter Lights: From Fire Festivals to Electronic Illuminations – a fun-filled family holiday magic show.
Join the Clapp Memorial Library to warm up in the Town Hall Auditorium after the Belchertown Cultural Council’s Winter Light Night on Saturday, November 29 at 6pm for a performance of Magical Winter Lights: From Fire Festivals to Electronic Illuminations. Award-winning writer Jonah Knight will present a 60-minute interactive storytelling magic show about winter holiday lights exploring how using light in winter celebrations began with early fire festivals, how they evolved with lanterns and candles, and now with spectacular electronic illuminations. This show is warm-hearted, bringing the magic of winter lights to everyone. Topics explored include the early fire festivals of the Vikings, lights in Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and Christmas, the electronic lights of Eid al Fitr and the Japanese Winter Illuminations, Yule Logs, Butter candles and Diya lamps, and the lanterns of St. Martin’s Day and Yi Peng.
Funding provided by the Friends of the Clapp Memorial Library and the Belchertown Community Alliance.

Needle Felting Penguins - Adult
2025-12-01 15:00 - 18:00 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
Join us for a Penguin Needle Felting program on Monday, December 1st from 3:00-6:00PM in the library’s Activity Room! Local fiber artist Anna Sunschauer will teach you how to sculpt fluffy wool fiber into a penguin using felting needles. No prior needle felting experience is necessary, but it is recommended that all participants have good fine motor skills to avoid injury with the sharp needles. Tools and materials will be provided. Due to anticipated popularity and limited capacity, seats will be filled by lottery drawn from all registrants signed up by November 24th. Priority will be given to Belchertown patrons.
Sign up here: https://forms.gle/zzQY93s8kRgC4KnPA

Ukulele Play Along (Virtual Event)
2025-12-01 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!

Mat Pilates Class
2025-12-03 17:30 - 18:30 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
Program is full, all new sign-ups will be added to the waitlist.
Join us for a rejuvenating Mat Pilates Pop-Up Class — a full-body, low-impact workout designed to strengthen your core, improve flexibility, and boost your posture. Perfect for all levels, this 45-minute session will leave you feeling strong, centered, and refreshed. Just bring a mat, water, and good vibes!
Registration required, click here to sign up. All participants must agree to the Pursuit Pilates Club waiver.

Fiber Arts with the Woolies
2025-12-04 17:00 - 18:30, 2025-12-11 17:00 - 18:30 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
The Woolies are a local fiber arts group who meet weekly at the library to socialize and work on their various projects. Whether you’re interested in knitting, crocheting, felting, weaving, embroidery, needle point, sewing, or another fiber art, you’re welcome to join the fun.

Babytime Story Time (3-12 months) Winter 2025
2025-12-08 09:00 - 09:45, 2025-12-15 09:00 - 09:45 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
Babytime Story Time (3-12 months)
9:00-9:45 AM, Mondays, Dec 8, 15, Jan 5, 12, 26, Feb 2 & 9
Babytime is for ages 3 – 12 months and begins @ 9:00 AM. Registration & confirmation required, sign up here: https://forms.gle/Qf2E3WgPx55qVY6j9. Our story times feature age-appropriate stories, songs, finger plays and art activities.
If the program is full you will be placed on a wait list. Confirmations and program information will be sent out several days before the program starts.

First Steps Storytime (12-24 months) Winter 2025
2025-12-08 10:00 - 10:45 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
First Steps Story Time (12-24 months)
10:00-10:45 AM, Mondays, Dec 8, 15, Jan 5, 12, 26, Feb 2 & 9
First Steps is for ages 12 – 24 months and begins @ 10:00 AM. Registration & confirmation required, sign up here: https://forms.gle/KzMruTZyL3gjwfm7A. Our story times feature age-appropriate stories, songs, finger plays and art activities.
If the program is full you will be placed on a wait list. Confirmations and program information will be sent out several days before the program starts.

Quabbin Calendar Sale and Signing with J.R. Greene
2025-12-08 18:00 - 19:00 | 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 Monday, December 8 at 6pm for a 2026 Quabbin History Calendar Sale and Signing. The program will consist of a slideshow with scenes relating to the calendar images, followed by the sale and signing of the 2026 calendar and many of his books. The Library is very grateful to be the recipient of a portion of the proceeds from this evening’s calendar sales.

Toddler Time (2 year olds) Winter 2025
2025-12-09 09:30 - 10:30 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
9:30-10:30 AM, Tuesdays, Dec 9, 16, Jan 6, 13, 27, Feb 3 & 10
Toddler Time is for children 2-3 years old, and begins @ 9:30 AM. Registration & confirmation required, sign up here: https://forms.gle/Yr5p7XnCzujL6hEw8. Our story times feature age-appropriate stories, songs, finger plays and art activities.
If the program is full you will be placed on a wait list. Confirmations and program information will be sent out several days before the program starts.

RPG Night - Lost Mountain Saga
2025-12-09 18:00 - 20:00 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
Break out your dice and join us for a monthly game!
Our current RPG campaign, Vaesen: The Lost Mountain Saga & Other Tales, is a dark Gothic setting steeped in Nordic folklore and the old myths of Scandinavia! Dive into mysteries where old struggles against the new, and myths come alive.
Players can expect to encounter ancient mysteries, old Nordic folk tales, social intrigue, and unspeakable horrors lurking in every shadow as they travel across the North and slowly uncover the truth.
Our RPG campaigns meet monthly on the 2nd Tuesday from 6-8PM.
Space is limited! Email tmannino@cwmars.org to ask about seats at the table, future campaigns, or other any questions.
Previous campaigns have included Spelljammer (Dungeons & Dragons) and Ghostbusters: a Frightfully Cheerful Roleplaying Game!
Program is for adults 18+, our Teen RPG programs are listed separately.

Wednesday Whodunnits
2025-12-10 14:00 - 15:00 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
Our Mystery Book Group is held on the second Wednesday of each month at 2:00 p.m. Join us as we discuss a different mystery novel each month. Copies of the current month’s pick available at the library. Email mmarszalek@cwmars.org with any questions.

Anime & Manga Club
2025-12-10 16:00 - 17:00 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
The Clapp Memorial Library is hosting an Anime and Manga club for tweens and teens in grades 6-8! The club meets on the 2nd Wednesday of each month from 4-5pm in the library’s Activity Room. During club meetings, we will watch 1-2 episodes of an anime, discuss manga, share artwork, eat snacks, and more! Registration is required–email macona@cwmars.org to sign up.

Anime & Manga Club
2025-12-10 16:00 - 17:00 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
The Clapp Memorial Library is hosting an Anime and Manga club for tweens and teens in grades 6-8! The club meets on the 2nd Wednesday of each month from 4-5pm in the library’s Activity Room. During club meetings, we will watch 1-2 episodes of an anime, discuss manga, share artwork, eat snacks, and more! Registration is required–email macona@cwmars.org to sign up.
December meeting is full, new sign-ups will be added to the waitlist

Preschool Storytime (3-5 year olds) Winter 2025
2025-12-11 09:30 - 10:30 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
Preschool Story Time (3-5 year olds)
9:30-10:30 AM, Thursdays, Dec 11, 18, Jan 8, 15, 29, Feb 5 & 12
Preschool Story Time is for children ages 3 to 5, and begins @ 9:30 AM. Registration & confirmation required, sign up here: https://forms.gle/35swosbUaPgxTFke6. Our story times feature age-appropriate stories, songs, finger plays and art activities.
If the program is full you will be placed on a wait list. Confirmations and program information will be sent out several days before the program starts.

Doughnut Forget the Sprinkles!
2025-12-11 16:30 - 18:00 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
A Doughnut Drawing Class for Kids with Nicole Gibbs
Thursday, December 11th 4:30 pm – 6:00 pm
Join us for a class sprinkled with drawing, story, and DOUGHNUTS (well, at least on paper). We will treat ourselves to a good laugh and some deliciously, fun illustrations as we read Arnie the Doughnut by Laurie Keller for inspiration. Together we’ll explore using the basic elements of art (with a focus on line, shape, value) to draw a doughnut.
This is an introductory, instructional drawing class for kids 7 to 11. During the class, we will work out our drawing muscles, test out doughnut drawing by drawing what we know, learn to draw what we see, and leave with our original and final drawing of a doughnut to see our own growth.
Registration is required, sign up here: https://forms.gle/4ugFZMcVTjwPAcEs5

Passage to Poros: A book talk with Edward Tick
2025-12-11 19:00 - 20:00 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
Join us at the Clapp Memorial Library on Thursday, December 11 at 7pm for Passage to Poros: In the Sanctuary of the Sea God, a book talk with Dr. Edward Tick. Explore the reawakening of ancient Greek healing practices by taking this journey of transformation, myth, and divine presence to the sacred island of Poros, a site of pilgrimage and healing for more than 3,000 years. This book examines pilgrimage, sanctuary, and asylum, the duties of Poseidon who was the ruling god of Poros. Edward Tick rediscovers asylia, the original practice of sanctuary that provides safety and inspiration while facilitating healing and connection to divinity. He explores “crossing the strait” as safe passage between the visible world and the invisible realms of the sacred. Drawing on ancient traditions, Tick shows how we know ourselves, our destinies, and our connection to the divine through dreams, visions, oracles, and synchronistic events. Passage to Poros offers wisdom for anyone seeking healing, sanctuary, spiritual presence, and reconnection with ancient and eternal forces. Books will be available for purchase and signing.

Free Food Friday (Dec 2025)
2025-12-12 14:00 - 15:30 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
Free Food Fridays are back! Teens are invited to the library after school on the second Friday of the month October-December for free snacks as they visit and use the library! Students must be in grades 7-12 and arrive between 2:00-3:30PM for a free snack, courtesy of the library, as supplies last. This program is funded by the Friends of the Clapp Memorial Library.
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