Clapp Memorial Library

Free Teen Book Hours
2023-08-02 15:00 - 16:00 (America/New_York) | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
Celebrate the end of the Teen Summer Reading Program by picking out a free teen book to keep for good! The Clapp Memorial Library is having “Free Teen Book Hours” on August 2nd from 3:00-4:00PM and August 11th from 5:00-6:00PM. A table with bins of books will be set up outside the side door of the library during this hour for teens to pick a new favorite. Teens must be registered for the Teen Summer Reading Program to pick out a book, and they may register at the table. Teens who attend will also be eligible for an additional raffle ticket for the Teen Summer Reading Program. Teens may attend both book hours for a maximum of two books as supplies last. Books are donated by the library and the Friends of the Library.
To sign up for Summer Reading, visit clapplibrary.beanstack.com or use the Beanstack app.

Raising Our Voices with Davis Bates
2023-08-02 18:00 - 19:00 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
Wednesday, August 2nd at 6 pm on the Library lawn (Swift River School Pavilion if rain)
Davis Bates, one of favorite local performers, will present Raising Our Voices. Join us for songs from the labor, civil rights and environmental movements, and ballads and tales of strength and transformation. It also includes short family narratives designed to get folks remembering their own stories, and to connect us to each other and our various communities. Also, lots of singalongs with easy to learn choruses. Bring your VOICES!
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.
Funded by the Belchertown Cultural Council

Critters of Lake Wallace
2023-08-05 09:00 - 10:00 | Foley Field, 66 State Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
UPDATE: PROGRAMS FULL
Join us on Saturday, August 5th at 9:00 AM or 10:30 AM 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 and confirmation required – sign up here (https://forms.gle/aMWEeARa5LLVdnXb9). 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.
This event is part of our Summer Reading Program! Make sure to sign your child up for Summer Reading at clapplibrary.beanstack.com or via the Beanstack app.

Ukulele Play Along (Virtual Event)
2023-08-07 08:00 - 17:00 | 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!

Concert with Ann Marie & Pop!
2023-08-09 18:00 - 19:00 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
Wednesday, August 9th at 6 pm on the Library lawn (Town Hall auditorium if rain)
Singing dancing and fun for all agat the library 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.

The Muddy Ground of Fences that Kept Me
2023-08-14 18:00 - 19:00 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
Visit the Clapp Memorial Library for the public premiere of the documentary “The Muddy Ground of Fences that Kept Me,” a documentary on the Belchertown State Schools. The documentary was created by local high school seniors Nora Dyer-Murphy and Ori Sussman and features local author and historian Kate Anderson. A Q&A will follow.

Teen Summer Reading Finale Party
2023-08-16 17:30 - 18:30 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
Teens are invited for free pizza and tie-dye at the Teen Summer Reading Finale Party at the Clapp Memorial Library on Wednesday, August 16th! Pizza will be served at 5:30PM in the library’s Activity Room. At 6:00PM, the winners of the Teen Summer Reading prizes will be announced after which the Party will move outside to allow for tie-dye. Teens are asked to bring their Summer Reading shirt to tie-dye, and shirts will be available as supplies last. Participants of the Teen Summer Reading Challenge can register at the library or by emailing clapplibrarytab@gmail.com

Taylor Swift Appreciation Party
2023-08-18 18:00 - 19:00 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
There will be a Taylor Swift Appreciation Party for teens ages 12-18 at the Clapp Memorial Library on Friday, August 18th from 6:00-7:00PM. Be fearless; come dressed in your best “eras” costume and compete in our Eras Costume Contest! Can I ask you a question? How well do you know all things Taylor Swift? Play Taylor Trivia, Musical Bingo, and more! If you don’t win, shake it off! There will also be Make-Your-Own Eras Bracelets! We know all too well how much fun this will be! Teens should register by emailing clapplibrarytab@gmail.com or by visiting the library’s circulation desk. The heat may have made this a cruel summer, but this party is going to be something from your wildest dreams! Are you ready for it?

Media Sale!
2023-08-26 09:00 - 13:00 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
The Friends of Clapp Memorial Library will conduct a Media Sale on Saturday morning, August 26th, from 9 to 1, in the Belchertown municipal parking lot near the back entrance to the library. A large selection DVDs and CDs (for both children and adults) will be offered for $1 each.. All funds raised will be used to support library programs.

Library Closing: Labor Day 2023
2023-09-04 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
The Library will be closed in observation of Labor Day

Saving Nature with Doug Tallamy: A Film Viewing & Discussion
2023-09-05 19:00 - 20:00 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
Join us at the Clapp Memorial Library on Tuesday, September 5th at 7pm for a showing of “Saving Nature with Doug Tallamy” followed by a discussion led by Heidi Dollard. In his presentation, Dr. Tallamy breaks down the concept of “You don’t have to save biodiversity for a living but you CAN save it where you live” with specific strategies to improve your own immediate local ecology. After the presentation, Heidi Dollard will invite attendees to dive into the topics introduced in Dr. Tallamy’s presentation, and how to apply these ideas to our homes and town!
Heidi Dollard will return to the library on September 19 to present “Transform Your Yard to Support Pollinators: A 12 Step Program” and this film provides excellent background information for that talk

Pro-Wrestling Storytime
2023-09-09 10:00 - 11:00 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
Bring a blanket or chair to sit on & join us on the library lawn for… PRO-WRESTLING STORYTIME on Saturday, September 9th at 10am!
Professional wrestlers are visiting the Clapp Memorial Library with some of their favorite picture books and a craft for a slamming good time and family friendly entertainment.
Location: Clapp Memorial Library Lawn
Rain Location: Town Hall Auditorium

Drum Away the Blues
2023-09-09 14:00 - 15:00 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
Using assorted percussion instruments, music educator/percussionist Craig Harris provides adults and children with the key to stress relief tools for emotional balance. “Stress is about dreading the past or fearing the future,” said Harris, “When one plays a drum or percussion instrument, they’re immediately transported into the present.
His workshops, classes, and performance are multi-faceted experiences. To guide his vocal, imagery, and drumming exercises and interactive participation, preschoolers to senior citizens discover the joys of creating music, strengthen their ability to work with a group, cooperate with others, follow directions, make decisions, build self-esteem, improve abstract thought processing, creatively express themselves, foster a lifelong love of music, establish a positive mood, and relieve stress.

Teen Advisory Board (Sept 2023)
2023-09-11 16:30 - 17:30 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
Teens in grades 7-12 are invited to the first TAB meeting of the school year!
TAB is a group of 7th-12th grade students who propose library programming for teens & provide input on teen services. New members are welcome! Visit the library or email clapplibrarytab@gmail.com for more info & to register.

Babytime Story Time (3-12 mo) Fall 2023
2023-09-18 09:00 - 09:45 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
Babytime Story time (3-12 mo) Fall 2023
9:00-9:45 AM, Mondays, Sept 18, 25, Oct 2, 23, 30, & Nov 6
Babytime is for ages 3 – 12 months and begins @ 9:00 AM. Registration is required. Our story times feature age-appropriate stories, songs, finger plays and art activities.
Registration and confirmation required, click here to sign up. 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.

Firststeps Story Time (12-24 mo) Fall 2023
2023-09-18 10:00 - 10:45 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
Monday Firststeps (12-24 months) Fall 2023
10:00-10:45 AM, Mondays, Sept 18, 25, Oct 2, 23, 30, & Nov 6
Firststeps is for ages 12 – 24 months and begins @ 10:00 AM. Registration is required. Our story times feature age-appropriate stories, songs, finger plays and art activities.
Registration and confirmation required, click here to sign up. 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.

Tuesday Toddler Time (2 years) Fall 2023
2023-09-19 09:30 - 10:30 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
Tuesday Toddler Time (2-3 years) Fall 2023
9:30-10:30 AM, Tuesdays, Sep 19, 26, Oct 3, 24, 31, & Nov 7
Toddler Storytime is for children aged 2 years, 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, click here to sign up. 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.

Transform Your Yard to Support Pollinators: A 12 Step Program
2023-09-19 19:00 - 20:00 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
Many people now realize the importance of pollinators and other essential wildlife. They want to make their yard pollinator-friendly, but don’t know where to start. This talk will step you through the process of evaluation, planning, and implementation, with many options for large and small changes.
Heidi Dollard is Co-chair of the Massachusetts Pollinator Network’s Steering Committee. She works to educate gardeners and homeowners on how they can support pollinators and other beneficial wildlife while creating a beautiful and low maintenance landscape. She has a MS in Biology and is a Master Gardener. She has been an enthusiastic native plant gardener for many years.

Early Closing (Belchertown Fair 2023)
2023-09-22 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
The Library will close at 2pm.

Library Closing (Belchertown Fair 2023)
2023-09-23 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
The Library will be closed during the Belchertown Fair

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.

Let’s Talk Emergency Preparedness
2023-09-27 18:00 - 19:00 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
September is Emergency Preparedness Month! Join Kirsten Krieger, Public Health Nurse for the Quabbin Health District, for a presentation and learn about preparing for an emergency.

Imagine 2200: Climate Fiction for Future Ancestors
2023-09-27 18:30 - 19:00 | Virtual, MA
Imagine 2200: Climate Fiction for Future Ancestors with Tory Stephens Climate Fiction Creative Manager for Grist
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 27th 6:30—7:00 PM EST
Virtual Event: Email clapp@cwmars.org for Zoom link!
Join Tory Stephens of Grist Magazine, an independent non-profit media organization focused on the climate crisis, and learn how he created Imagine 2200: Climate Fiction for Future Ancestors. Imagine is a storytelling initiative that calls for fiction writers to envision the next 180 years of equitable climate progress, imagining intersectional worlds of abundance, adaptation, reform, and hope. The initiative also seeks narratives that center solutions from the communities most impacted by the climate crisis, and stories that are rooted in cultural authenticity (a deep sense of place, customs, cuisine, and more) and rich subcultures that uplift traditions not often seen in mainstream literature. Over the course of three years the project has encouraged 3,000 plus writers from 91 countries to submit stories, and of which 700,000 people have read. Writers and readers alike will enjoy this climate justice romp.
About the Speaker: Tory Stephens creates opportunities that transform organizations and shift culture. He is a resource generator and community builder for social justice issues, people, and movements. He currently works at Grist Magazine as their climate fiction creative manager, and uses storytelling to champion climate justice, and imagine green, clean, and just futures. In another life he owned a kick-butt streetwear company, and he would have gotten away with eating the last cookie too, if it weren’t for his three meddling kids.

Program is part of Climate Prep Week, and is hosted by libraries through out Massachusetts and is coordinated with CREW and Blue Marble Librarians. This year, CREW’s theme recognizes the interconnectedness of climate change with other injustices such as health, race, food, ableism, and so many more. The impacts of extreme weather affect all of us, but it’s also important to recognize that the consequences are not experienced equally. CREW is planning on hosting 3-5 central events this year focussing on climate education and uplifting the work of organizations supporting environmental justice (EJ) communities.

Preschool Story Time (3-6 years) Fall 2023
2023-09-28 09:30 - 10:30 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
Preschool Story Time (3-6 years) Fall 2023
9:30-10:30 am, Thursdays, Sep 28, Oct 5, 19, 26, Nov 2 & 9
Raising Readers Story Time is for ages 3-6 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, click here to sign up. 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.

Historical Crafts from Ancient to Renaissance
2023-09-29 15:00 - 18:00 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
What did people do all day without computers, phones, and tablets? How did people copy a poem in Ancient Asia? How did we decorate our clothes in the past?
Come get hands-on with history with Castle Nitor. Learn about daily life and try a few crafts. We often think of the past as a foreign land that we can’t understand, but their lives were very similar to ours. Enjoy a break in a different time!
This class is run by Allison, the Lady of Castle Nitor; she is a history lover who collects craft skills and loves teaching and creating a fun, relaxing environment for all. Castle Nitor helps people live fully by learning from historical daily life and bringing the arts of the past to life again.
Program is outside on the Library lawn, all welcome

Crafternoon: Fingerloop Braiding
2023-10-06 15:00 - 18:00 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
Registration Required – click here to sign up.
Can you braid a 10-strand braid? Finger loop braiding goes back 2500 years or more, and there are texts from different periods with unique techniques and patterns.
Come get hands-on with history with Castle Nitor. We will show you the fundamental techniques as you create your own piece of history. Learn how to make your own bracelets, trims, and more with finger loop braiding. It can be a relaxing and fun fidget or something to do with family and friends. We will have all the supplies and tools needed for you to make a fun project. Enjoy a break in a different time!
This class is run by Allison, the Lady of Castle Nitor; she is a history lover who collects craft skills and loves teaching and creating a fun, relaxing environment for all. Castle Nitor helps people live fully by learning from historical daily life and bringing the arts of the past to life again.

Concert: Peter Biedermann
2023-10-07 15:00 - 16:00 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
Saturday, October 7, 3-4 Concert: Peter Biedermann
Peter Biedermann is a solo fingerstyle instrumental guitarist based in Green Valley, AZ that has performed in several different contexts since the mid 70’s. While his music doesn’t settle into any particular genre, it is a hybrid, contemporary style that melds elements of American, European and other world influences into a jambalaya of sound enhanced by subtle electronics and live looping on various guitars in unique tunings. PB began focusing on performing original music starting in the mid 80’s.
The focus of the concert program will be on pieces from his catalogue of recordings beginning with ‘Sound & Spirit’ (2000) through the latest live release ‘Say What?’ (2020). The program also encourages questions from the audience and will include some of the history and evolution of original fingerstyle guitar playing.

Library Closing: Indigenous Peoples’ Day 2023
2023-10-09 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
The Library will be closed in observation of Indigenous Peoples’ Day

Friends’ Book Sale!
2023-10-09 16:00 - 20:00 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
The Friends of the Clapp Memorial Library Book Sale
Monday: 4:00-8:00pm Members Night – memberships available at the door
Tuesday-Friday: 10:00am-8:00pm
Saturday: 9:00am-3:00pm
The Friends of the Clapp Memorial Library Book Sale accepts cash, check, and credit card.
Want to join the Friends? The Friends meet every third Thursday of the month at 6:30PM!

Crafternoon: Tablet Weaving
2023-10-13 15:00 - 18:00 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
Registration Required – click here to sign up
Was the Iron Age dull and drab? Certainly NOT! Learn a simple no loom required weaving technique that has been used for centuries to create beautiful trims, belts, and more.
Come get hands-on with history with Castle Nitor. Learn how to set up and weave using tablets to create a beautiful bookmark or short belt. We will start with a simple project and explore the basics of tablet weaving so you can design your own future projects. We will show you the fundamental techniques as you create your own piece of history. We will have all the supplies and tools needed for you to make a fun project. Enjoy a break in a different time!
This class is run by Allison, the Lady of Castle Nitor; she is a history lover who collects craft skills and loves teaching and creating a fun, relaxing environment for all. Castle Nitor helps people live fully by learning from historical daily life and bringing the arts of the past to life again.
