Clapp Memorial Library

Magic: the Gathering
2025-11-15 10:30 - 13:30 (America/New_York) | 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.

Writing Contest Workshop
2025-11-17 14:15 - 15:00 | Belchertown High School, 142 Springfield Road, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
The BHS Writing Club and the Clapp Memorial Library are teaming up for a writing workshop for teens! Ruthie Sterling, a novelist and the library’s Teen Services Coordinator, will run a writing workshop based on the Letters About Literature Writing Contest at a BHS Writing Club meeting. The workshop will take place from 2:15-3:00PM on Monday, November 17th in Room 318 at Belchertown High School. Just last year, a BHS student placed in this contest, which has a maximum cash prize of $200! Attend this workshop, and you might be next! Teens who do not attend Belchertown High School must email clapplibrarytab@gmail.com to register.

Jane Eyre Movie Screening
2025-11-18 19:00 - 21:00 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
Join us at the Clapp Memorial Library on Tuesday, November 18 at 7pm for a movie screening of the 2011 adaptation of Jane Eyre featuring Mia Wasikowska, Michael Fassbender, Jamie Bell, Judi Dench, and Holliday Grainger. Popcorn will be provided.
Public performance rights provided by SWANK

Friend's Annual Meeting
2025-11-20 19:00 - 20:00 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
The Friends of Clapp Memorial Library announce that they will hold their annual meeting for this year at 7 PM on November 20, 2025, in the Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA 01007. The meeting will review actions from the past year, hold elections for Board members, and discuss plans for the coming year. The general public is invited, and current members of the Friends group are highly encouraged to attend.

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.

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

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.

Babytime Story Time (3-12 months) Winter 2025
2025-12-08 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.

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.
.

Escape the Under: a “Stranger Things” Escape Room
2025-12-16 15:00 - 15:45 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
Can you escape before time runs out? The library will host “Escape the Under: a Stranger Things Escape Room” run by librarian Tegan Mannino on Tuesday, December 16th with sessions at 3:00PM and 4:00PM in the library’s Activity Room. Teens will have 40 minutes to look for clues, solve puzzles, and work together to escape before time runs out! Space is limited. Teens in grades 7-12 should email clapplibrarytab@gmail.com to register for either the 3:00PM or 4:00PM session.
Solving puzzles does not require any knowledge of Stranger Things, but dressing up in Hellfire Club, Scoops Ahoy, or other Stranger Things swag is encouraged!

Community Bell Choir
2025-12-16 19:00 - 20:00 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
The Belchertown Community Bells Choir will be performing a free concert at the Clapp Memorial Library on Tuesday, December 16 at 7pm. They have been playing and presenting concerts for nearly 40 years. This volunteer musical group is led by Bill McClure and plays several different styles of music from religious to pop. They enjoy ringing, rehearsing, and sharing their music with others in the community. We hope you’ll join them at this musical performance.

Winter Reading Begins
2025-12-20 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
Winter Reading Bingo starts today! Pick up your Bingo card at the library or take part online through Beanstack at clapplibrary.beanstack.org or using the Beanstack app! Programs for Teens & Adults, running December 20th – February 20th
For the first time ever, the Clapp Memorial Library is running a Teen Winter Reading Program! Teens in grades 7-12 are invited to sign up for Teen Winter Reading Bingo at clapplibrary.beanstack.org or on the Beanstack app! Physical Bingo cards are also available for pick-up at the library. Participating is easy – and, of course, there are prizes! Get all the details when you sign up. Save the date, and start earning tickets on December 20th! This program is funded by the Friends of the Clapp Memorial Library.

Early Closing: Christmas Eve 2025
2025-12-24 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
The Library will close early at 1PM Christmas Eve, save travels!

Library Closing: Christmas 2025
2025-12-25 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
The Library will be closed in observation of Christmas

Early Closing: New Year’s Eve 2025
2025-12-31 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
The Library will close early at 1PM for New Year’s Eve, save travels!

Library Closing: New Year’s Day 2026
2026-01-01 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
The Library will be closed in observation of New Year’s Day

Getting Started with Libby
2026-01-07 12:00 - 13:00 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
Let’s start off the new year with new skills! Each Wednesday in January you’re invited to a workshop to introduce you to different library offerings.
On January 7th we’ll be Getting Started with Libby and explore how to access this online library collection. Come by with your questions and get started borrowing ebooks, audiobooks, and magazines with your library card. Already using Libby? All are welcome, and maybe we can help you learn a few tricks.
We’ll cover Hoopla on January 14th, Kanopy on January 21st, and Mango Languages on January 28th!

Clapp Writing Group
2026-01-07 18:00 - 19:00 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
PROGRAM FULL
The Clapp Memorial Library hosts a bi-weekly writing group for adults aged 18+. Whether you write romance, mystery, fantasy, non-fiction, poetry, children’s books, or screenplays, you’re welcome to join us! Come meet with other writers and share what you’ve been working on over the past month, work on your writing, and more. If you are interested, contact Annie at the library to sign up: macona@cwmars.org

Cookbook Club (Jan 2026)
2026-01-09 18:30 - 19:30 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
Do you like browsing cookbooks and trying new recipes? In the Cookbook Club, we each make a recipe from a cookbook and bring it for everyone to try. Taste, enjoy, and chat with your new cookbook friends! The January cookbook is What to cook when you don’t feel like cooking by Caroline Chambers.
Registration & confirmation required. Sign up here: https://forms.gle/vcXqXqif2rvTGys49

Intergenerational Needle-Felting: Penguins!
2026-01-12 15:00 - 18:00 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
December’s Intergenerational Needle-Felting Penguin Program has been rescheduled to Monday, January 12th 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. Priority in registration is given to those who had originally signed up for the cancelled December program. Registration will reopen if spaces become available. This program is funded by the Friends of the Clapp Memorial Library.
