Clapp Memorial Library

Preschool Story Time (3-6 years) Summer 2024
2024-07-11 09:30 - 10:30 (America/New_York) | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
9:30-10:30 am, Thursdays, July 11, 18, 25, August 1, 8 & 15
Preschool Story Time is for ages 3-5 and begins @ 9:30 AM. Registration is required. Our story times feature age-appropriate stories, songs, finger plays and art activities.
Registration and confirmation required. Registration open until all slots are filled. 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.
Summer Story Times are part of our Summer Reading Program, starting June 15th. Make sure to sign your child up for Summer Reading at clapplibrary.beanstack.com or via the Beanstack app.

Big Prize Bingo
2024-07-15 18:00 - 19:00 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
Teens ages 12-18 are invited to the library’s third annual Summer Reading Bingo program on Monday, July 15th from 6:00-7:00PM. Teens will play bingo for the chance to win big prizes like gift cards, board games, signed books, and more! All attendees will earn a raffle ticket for the Teen Summer Reading Program. Teens can sign up for this program at the library or by emailing clapplibrarytab@gmail.com. Teens must be registered for the Teen Summer Reading Program to attend.

Gross, Cool, Weird Science
2024-07-17 18:00 | Lawrence Memorial Hall (Town Hall) Auditorium, Belchertown, 01007, United States
Join us at 6PM on July 17th at the Town Hall Auditorium for Gross, Weird, Cool Science – Things to make you go “EW!” “What?!” and “WOW!!!”
The world is full of gruesomely gross, wildly weird and incredibly cool things. Animals, insects, microbes, plants, even the earth itself is full of unbelievable wonders waiting to be explored. In this program we uncover incredible things like…

real world zombies
fish that can climb trees
a creature that can grow a whole new body out of it’s head
an animal that can come back to life after being frozen solid
a worm with more butts than any other animal
the world’s most indestructible creature
pink lakes

Life on earth is endlessly fascinating and this program is designed to spark curiosity to discover more, and never stop discovering! Packed full of amazing examples of grossness, weirdness and coolness, this is a fast paced, fact filled program, with the same trademark blend of science and silliness as The Poop Museum!
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

Dr. Rosie
2024-07-18 14:00 - 15:00 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
July 18th, 2PM
Meet the author and illustrator of Dr. Rosie Helps the Animals, an award-winning STEM picture book based on and informed by real-world veterinarians. Jennifer, the author, and Rozillia, the illustrator, will first tell the story behind the story of Dr. Rosie and then engage kids in an interactive reading.
Following the reading will be a hands-on activity where kids (and their grownups) diagnose and treat a stuffy. Each participant will receive a mini vet kit and diagnostic/treatment sheet to take home.
Registration and confirmation required, sign up here: https://forms.gle/a11gu7gDjzz7c12a9
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.

Friends Book Drop Off Day
2024-07-20 09:00 - 12:00 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
Got books? Donating books to the Friends of the Library will be super easy on July 20th & August 10th from 9am to 12pm. Load up your car and drive to the Library where members of the Friends will unload the items. No need to get out of the car! DVDs also accepted but no VHS tapes. Drop off takes place in the Library parking lot.

Clapp Critics
2024-07-22 18:00 - 19:00 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
Our fiction book club, Clapp Critics meets every 4th Monday of the Month. Book Club members should email akuchieski@cwmars.org for meeting details. Clapp Critics is currently full.
Please note, our the November meeting is on 11/20 not 11/27!

SFF Book Club
2024-07-23 18:00 - 19:00 | Virtual, MA
A monthly book group for lovers of high fantasy, hard science fiction, fable, far future, and all of the speculative fiction options.
We meet online via Google Meet.
Upcoming reads:

The Naming Song / Jedediah Berry (1/27)
The Children of Blood and Bone / Tomi Adeyemi (2/24)
The Tainted Cup / Robert Jackson Bennett (3/24)
Nettle & Bone / T. Kingfisher (4/28)
Stories of Your Life and Others / Ted Chiang (5/26)
The Last Hour Between Worlds / Melissa Caruso (6/23)

To sign-up or ask questions email Tegan at tmannino@cwmars.org

Jacques’ Concert
2024-07-24 18:00 - 19:00 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
Join us at 6PM on July 24th for an evening of music on the Library Lawn (in the case of rain, Town Hall Auditorium)! Singing dancing and fun for all ages with Ann Marie Messbauer and Jacques “Pop” Hooten
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

Teen Card-making for Cards for Hospitalized Kids
2024-07-26 18:00 - 19:00 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
Teens ages 12-18 are invited to the library to do good by making cards to be sent to Cards for Hospitalized Kids. This program will take place in the library’s Activity Room on Friday, July 26th from 6:00-7:00PM. Email clapplibrarytab@gmail.com or call the library to register. All attendees will earn up to two additional raffle tickets for the Teen Summer Reading Program!

Critters of Lake Wallace
2024-07-27 09:00 - 10:00 | Foley Field, 66 State Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
Join us on Saturday, July 27 to investigate fascinating creatures and critters in Lake Wallace. Join local biologists and parents Caralyn Zehnder and Will Duncan as we learn about the life cycles of aquatic invertebrates like dragonflies and damselflies and sample the lake to see what we can find. Geared towards ages 4 years and up.
9AM PROGRAM IS FULL. 10:30AM SESSION ADDED
Registration is required, sign up here: https://forms.gle/QCQrMQTv3ZqtUaLL6
We will meet at the end of the ball fields. Play clothes and bug spray are highly suggested. The 9am program has filled up, we are offering a second program at 10:30am.
Any questions, call the Clapp Memorial Library at 413-323-0417

Critters of Lake Wallace
2024-07-27 10:30 - 11:30 | Foley Field, 66 State Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
Join us on Saturday, July 27 to investigate fascinating creatures and critters in Lake Wallace. Join local biologists and parents Caralyn Zehnder and Will Duncan as we learn about the life cycles of aquatic invertebrates like dragonflies and damselflies and sample the lake to see what we can find. Geared towards ages 4 years and up.
Registration is required, sign up here: https://forms.gle/QCQrMQTv3ZqtUaLL6
We will meet at the end of the ball fields. Play clothes and bug spray are highly suggested. Our 9am program is full, join us for the 10:30am program!
Any questions, call the Clapp Memorial Library at 413-323-0417

Needle Felted Whales
2024-07-29 18:00 - 20:00 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
Come learn the art of needle felting at the Clapp Memorial Library on Monday, July 29 OR Wednesday, July 31, 6-8pm. Local fiber artist Anna Sunschauer will teach you how to sculpt fluffy wool fiber into a whale 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. All necessary tools and materials will be provided.
PROGRAM FULL, WAITLIST ONLY. This workshop is open to adults and teens.
Sign up here: https://forms.gle/xwXxN9gFcrC44PmZ6
This program is made possible by the Friends of the Clapp Memorial Library.

Wind Down Storytime with Jason Perkins
2024-07-30 18:00 - 19:00 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
When: Tuesday, July 30th 6:00 PM
Where: Clapp Memorial Library Activity Room
Come hear author Jason Perkins read his rockin’ story Rock Stars Don’t Nap. Everyone is invited to join the fun wearing their PJs, if you want. After we rock out together, we will have a creative craft.
The book is geared towards children ages 3 to 8 but all ages are welcome. Registration is preferred – let us know you’re coming here: https://forms.gle/7s2YqUVbgdX81Qzg6
Inspired by classic rock songs and eighties hair bands, Rock Stars Don’t Nap is a hilarious bedtime story for anyone who’s got “Moves Like Jagger.”
There was no denying it: Jimmy was born to rock. With his mom and dad in tow, Jimmy is rocking and rolling wherever he goes.
But when Mama tells Jimmy its time to get some shuteye, what is a washed-up rock star to do?!
Odyssey Bookshop will be present if you would like to purchase your own copy to be signed by Jason.
Read more about this local author and his book here: https://www.masslive.com/entertainment/2023/11/dont-sleep-on-this-chicopee-kids-author.html

Teen Book Club - July Meeting
2024-07-31 15:00 - 16:00 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
The Clapp Memorial Library has started a book club for teens in/entering grades 7-12! This Teen Book Club will be in conjunction with the MA Teen Choice Book Awards (MTCBA), the only book award in the state selected by teens. Each month teens will read and meet to discuss one book from the nominee list. On Wednesday, July 31st from 3:00-4:00PM, teens will discuss Throwback by Maurene Goo. Copies of the book are available for checkout at the library’s circulation desk and on the hoopla app. Snacks will be provided at the meeting. Attendees will receive a raffle ticket for the Summer Reading Program.

Teen Crafternoon: DIY Puzzle Piece Jewelry
2024-07-31 16:00 - 17:00 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
The Clapp Memorial Library is hosting a Teen Crafternoon for teens ages 12-18 from 4:00-5:00PM on Wednesday, July 31st in the library’s Activity Room. Teens will learn how to upcycle puzzle pieces into jewelry. Attendees will leave the program with their jewelry pieces and with an additional raffle ticket for the Teen Summer Reading Program. Email clapplibrarytab@gmail.com or visit the library to register.

Whalemobile
2024-07-31 18:00 - 20:30 | Lawrence Memorial Hall (Town Hall) Auditorium, Belchertown, 01007, United States
PROGRAM FULL
For ages 5 to 11. Children under age 10 must be accompanied by a caregiver age 14 or older.
Do you love marine life, but don’t have time to make it to the ocean this summer? Have no fear, Nile is here! This 43 foot life sized inflatable humpback whale is swimming to your local library for a fun, educational experience. Discover the remarkable similarities between whales and humans, and have the hands-on-experience of touching real whale artifacts!
Sign up for a 30 minute visit inside Nile the Whale at the Town Hall Auditorium! Visit followed by hands-on activities, so plan for a full hour for this interactive and fun program. Visits starting at 6:00PM, 6:30PM, 7:00PM, and 7:30PM!
Registration Required – sign up here: https://forms.gle/gUU8ogztPa2p4X857
https://thewhalemobile.com/

Free Teen Book Hours & Book Swap!
2024-08-02 17:00 - 18:00 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
This summer, Teen Summer Reading Program participants are invited to donate up to two books (preferably Middle Grade or Young Adult) in exchange for picking out up to four books during the Free Teen Book Hours at the library on August 2nd from 5:00-6:00PM and August 7th from 6:00-7:00PM. Donations for the Free Teen Book Hours can be dropped off at the library’s circulation desk. Teens will then be given passes that allow them to take additional books at the FTBHs. Teens do not need to donate a book in order to attend the Free Teen Book Hours. Teens can automatically choose at least one free book at each FTBH they attend. Teens must, however, be signed up for the Teen Summer Reading Program to receive a free book. Leftover books after the last FTBH, and books above and below a MG or YA reading level, will be donated to the Friends of the Library for their semi-annual booksale.

Duckworld
2024-08-03 10:00 - 11:00 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
Come meet live ducks and learn about their diet, habitat, behavior and more. Duckworld Rescue at Ripley Farm will bring ducks and give children a chance to hold them and watch them swim.
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.

Belchertown’s Connection with China
2024-08-05 18:30 - 19:30 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
On Monday, August 5th at 6:30pm, come to the Clapp Memorial Library for “Belchertown’s Connection with China,” a presentation by Cliff McCarthy, Stone House Museum archivist and author/editor of several books on Belchertown’s history. Belchertown has a deep, historic connection to China. Elijah Coleman Bridgman was the first American Protestant missionary to China beginning in the 1830s. He and his Connecticut-born spouse devoted their lives to bridging the chasm between the two worlds. Then in the 1870s, a group of Chinese students came to live in Belchertown as part of the innovative experiment called the “Chinese Educational Mission.”

Ukulele Play Along (Virtual Event)
2024-08-05 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!

Clapp Writing Group
2024-08-07 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

Ultraviolet Concert
2024-08-07 18:00 - 19:00 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
Come rock out with Belchertown’s own teen band on the Clapp Memorial Library Lawn (in case of rain, Swift River Elementary Pavilion) on August 7th at 6PM. Ultraviolet began as a group of 6th graders playing rock music with their band teacher at recess. Now in middle school Lily (vocals), Wesley (bass), John (guitar), and Jake (drums) are still at it and playing hits from the last four decades.
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

Rolie Polie Guacamole
2024-08-08 10:00 - 11:00 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
August 8th at 10AM on the Clapp Memorial Library Lawn!
Don’t miss the return of this fantastic band from Brooklyn, NY! Winner of the prestigious Parents’ Choice® and NAPPA Awards, Rolie Polie Guacamole has developed a smart, parent-friendly musical style that dresses up original tunes and classic covers with vibrant harmonies and deft instrumental layers, plugging in a sizzling electric current of rhythm that lights up lyrics humming with relevance and humor.
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.
Program is in memory of David Goff, made possible by the Goff Family & Friends of the Clapp Memorial Library

Teen Summer Reading Finale Party: Tie-Dye & Teen Movie Night
2024-08-14 18:30 - 21:00 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
Celebrate the end of the Teen Summer Reading Program at the Clapp Memorial Library’s Finale Party on Wednesday, August 14th! Teens will gather outside the library at 6:30PM to tie-dye. The Teen Movie Night will follow inside the library at 7:00PM. Popcorn and drinks will be provided. Teens are asked to bring their Summer Reading shirts to tie-dye, though shirts will be available as supplies last. Participants of the Teen Summer Reading Program can register at the library or by emailing clapplibrarytab@gmail.com. Attendees will earn a raffle ticket for the Teen Summer Reading Program.

Friends of the Clapp Memorial Library Meeting
2024-08-15 18:30 - 19:30 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
All are invited to the The Friends of the Clapp Memorial Library Board Meeting in the Activity Room at 6:30pm. For information email friendsofclappmemoriallibrary@gmail.com
http://www.friendsofclapplibrary.org/
​The Friends of Clapp Memorial Library is a volunteer not-for-profit organization dedicated to raising monies to assist the Library beyond the ordinary scope of the Library’s budget to reach its potential in our community. The group’s additional purpose is to promote and maintain close relationships between the Library and the people it serves, to increase public awareness of Library resources, and to encourage community participation in Library activities.

Introduction to Homesteading
2024-08-16 18:00 - 19:00 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
Adults, teens, and children aged 10+ are invited to attend our series of Homesteading Workshops led by local Zackery W. Zawalski. You can come to one, two, or all three, and learn about ways to grow and raise your own food and make use of the land you live on.
Friday, August 16: Introduction to Homesteading
Friday, August 23: Livestock Basics
Friday, August 30: Gardening Basics
Zackery Zawalski has raised livestock since 2010, including ducks, chickens, goats, doves, dogs, and a pig. He has helped his parents with their local 4-H club and has been a member of 4-H since 2013. Zackery takes pleasure in helping with his family garden since he could walk and still enjoys it to this day.
All workshops start at 6:00 PM at the Clapp Memorial Library and include a presentation and activity. These programs are funded by the Friends of the Clapp Memorial Library.

Teen Book Club – August Meeting
2024-08-21 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/entering grades 7-12! This Teen Book Club is in conjunction with the MA Teen Choice Book Awards (MTCBA), the only book award in the state selected by teens. Each month teens will read and meet to discuss one book from the nominee list. On Wednesday, August 21st from 3:00-4:00PM, teens will discuss Rez Ball by Byron Graves. Copies of the book are available for checkout at the library’s circulation desk and on the hoopla app. Snacks will be provided at the meeting.

RESCHEDULED: Needle Felted Whales
2024-08-21 18:00 - 20:00 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
This is a reschedule of the July 31st workshop. Program is full.
Local fiber artist Anna Sunschauer will teach you how to sculpt fluffy wool fiber into a whale 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. All necessary tools and materials will be provided.
This program is made possible by the Friends of the Clapp Memorial Library.

Livestock Basics
2024-08-23 18:00 - 19:00 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
Adults, teens, and tweens are welcome to attend the second session in our series of Homesteading Workshops by local Zackery W. Zawalski: Livestock Basics. In this session, learn the basics of raising your own livestock and meet (at least) one very special guest from Zack’s own farm.
Friday, August 16: Introduction to Homesteading
Friday, August 23: Livestock Basics
Friday, August 30: Gardening Basics
Zackery Zawalski has raised livestock since 2010, including ducks, chickens, goats, doves, dogs, and a pig. He has helped his parents with their local 4-H club and has been a member of 4-H since 2013. Zackery takes pleasure in helping with his family garden since he could walk and still enjoys it to this day.
All workshops start at 6:00 PM at the Clapp Memorial Library and include a presentation and activity. These programs are funded by the Friends of the Clapp Memorial Library.

Gardening Basics
2024-08-30 18:00 - 19:00 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
Adults, teens, and tweens are welcome to the third and final session in our series of Homesteading Workshops by local teen Zackery W. Zawalski. In this session, Gardening Basics, learn how to start your own garden and pot your own plant to take home.
All workshops start at 6:00 PM at the Clapp Memorial Library and include a presentation and activity. This program is funded by the Friends of the Clapp Memorial Library.
Friday, August 16: Introduction to Homesteading
Friday, August 23: Livestock Basics
Friday, August 30: Gardening Basics
Zackery Zawalski has raised livestock since 2010, including ducks, chickens, goats, doves, dogs, and a pig. He has helped his parents with their local 4-H club and has been a member of 4-H since 2013. Zackery takes pleasure in helping with his family garden since he could walk and still enjoys it to this day.
All workshops start at 6:00 PM at the Clapp Memorial Library and include a presentation and activity. These programs are funded by the Friends of the Clapp Memorial Library.
