Clapp Memorial Library

Wednesday Whodunnits
2026-06-10 14:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | 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
2026-06-10 16:00 - 17:00
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.

Fiber Arts with the Woolies
2026-06-11 17:00 - 18:30, 2026-06-18 17:00 - 18:30, 2026-06-25 17:00 - 18:30, 2026-07-02 17:00 - 18:30
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.

Fabric of the Revolution Workshop
2026-06-13 10:00 - 11:00
On June 13 at 10am, local fiber artist Holly Field will be hosting an activity at the Clapp Memorial Library where participants can make their own copy of George Washington’s headquarters flag, the Washington Standard. This flag was flown during the Revolutionary War to mark Washington’s position in camp and on the battlefield. During the activity, participants will dye a Washington Standard of their own using a natural Indigo dye bath to color our flags blue. The cotton fabric we will be using has been pre-treated so that the dye will not stick to the area where the stars are, creating the star pattern as if by magic when the flag is removed from the dye. The dyeing process can be messy so please dress appropriately. This activity is limited to 18 participants, ages 10 to adult, and will take place on the front lawn of the library. Kids under 13 need to be accompanied by an adult. Click here to sign up.
This program is funded in part by a grant from the Belchertown Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.

Magic: the Gathering
2026-06-13 10:30 - 13:30, 2026-06-20 10:30 - 13:30
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. Join the email list so if the group needs to be postponed, we can notify you, by sending an email to Jennifer Whitehead, jwhitehead@cwmars.org.

Pride Movie Matinee: The Children’s Hour
2026-06-16 15:00 - 16:45
Grab your popcorn for this program series! Tuesdays in June we’re showing a series of films for Pride Month in our Activity Room! Features include a Hayes-code era classic, a teen coming of age, parents helping their son propose, and a documentary. Snacks provided, no registration required.
The Children’s Hour (1962), PG, 1hr 47min
Based on the play of the same name by Lillian Hellman, this movie tells the story of two women who start a boarding school and have their lives ruined by a lie. This movie was only possible due to an amendment to the Hayes code the previous year, and is the second film adaptation of the play by director William Wyler.
Starring Audrey Hepburn, Shirley MacLaine, James Garner, and Miriam Hopkins
Public performance rights provided through SWANK

Plant Swap
2026-06-16 18:00 - 19:00
Bring a plant (or not!) to the library and swap it for a new one. The program takes place on the library lawn. Monthly on the third Tuesday of the month from May to September.
This program is funded by the Belchertown & Around Plant Swap

Clapp Writing Group
2026-06-17 18:00 - 19:00, 2026-07-01 18:00 - 19:00
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

LibraryBEATS! Drum and Rhythm Circle
2026-06-18 17:30 - 18:45
Celebrate Juneteenth at the Clapp Memorial Library!
LibraryBEATS! Drum and Rhythm with Otha Day is a fun and lively drumming circle. Otha believes that rhythm has the power to build community, promote well-being, and create joy. Let’s share this experience together.
The drumming circle will be on the Library’s front lawn. Bring chairs or blankets but no experience in percussion is needed. In case of inclement weather, we will meet in the Town Hall Auditorium.
Geared towards ages 3 to 103. Children under the age of 10 must have a caregiver at least 14 years old on the Library property
Funded in part by The Belchertown Cultural Council, a local agency funded by Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.

Friends of the Clapp Memorial Library Meeting
2026-06-18 18:30 - 19:30
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.

Library Closing: Juneteenth 2026
2026-06-19
The Library will be closed in observation of Juneteenth

Pamela Means Presents: Black, Brown Beige
2026-06-20 17:00 - 18:00
Join us on the front lawn of the Clapp Memorial Library for a concert on Saturday, June 20th at 5pm as we welcome singer-songwriter, jazz musician, educator, and activist, Pamela Means. This new program celebrates the artistry and cultural contributions of Black, Brown and Beige musicians; a nod to Duke Ellington in title and celebration. This concert honors artists who have used their voices, their lives, and their art to call out injustice, inspire compassion, and prove possibilities of a just and loving world. Highlighted artists include Bessie Smith, Leadbelly, Nina Simone, Louis Armstrong, Billie Holiday, Marvin Gaye, Tracy Chapman, Prince, and more! Inimitable voices that have played an integral part of our nation’s history from its earliest formation to the present day. In case of rain, the concert will take place inside Town Hall.
This program is funded by the Friends of the Clapp Memorial Library.

Clapp Critics
2026-06-22 18:00 - 19:00
Our fiction book club, Clapp Critics meets every 4th Monday of the Month. Email mmarszalek@cwmars.org with any questions.

Pride Movie Matinee: The Birdcage
2026-06-23 15:00 - 17:00
Grab your popcorn for this program series! Tuesdays in June we’re showing a series of films for Pride Month in our Activity Room! Features include a Hayes-code era classic, a teen coming of age, parents helping their son propose, and a documentary. Snacks provided, no registration required.
The Birdcage (1996), R, 2hr
A gay couple who run a nightclub are challenged to play it straight when their son brings home his fiancée—the daughter of an ultraconservative senator.
Starring Robin Williams, Nathan Lane, Gene Hackman, Dianne Wiest, Dan Futterman
Public performance rights provided through SWANK

SFF Book Club
2026-06-23 18:00 - 19:00
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 Last Hour Between Worlds / Melissa Caruso (6/23)
Sunward / William Alexander (7/28)
A Letter to the Luminous Deep / Sylvie Cathrall (8/25)
Kaiju Preservation Society / John Scalzi (9/22)
Of Monsters and Mainframes / Barbara Truelove (10/27)
The Mimicking of Known Successes / Malka Older (11/24)

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

Teen Book Club (June 2026)
2026-06-24 15:00 - 16:00
Wednesday, June 24th from 3:00-4:00PM
Are you a tween or teen age 12-18? The library has a Teen Book Club 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. June’s meeting will be Wednesday, June 24th from 3:00-4:00PM. Teens will discuss The Dead of Summer by Ryan La Sala. 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.
All attendees will earn a raffle ticket for the Teen Summer Reading Program.

Teen Crafternoon: Diamond-Painting Pollinators
2026-06-24 16:00 - 17:30
Wednesday, June 24th from 4:00-5:30PM
Teens ages 12-18 are invited to diamond-paint a pollinator garden stake on Wednesday, June 24th from 4:00-5:30PM in the library’s Activity Room! All materials will be provided, but design options and space are limited; email clapplibrarytab@gmail.com or call the library to register.
All attendees will earn a raffle ticket for the Teen Summer Reading Program. Teens must be registered for the Teen Summer Reading Program to attend.
This program is funded by the Friends of the Clapp Memorial Library.

Sweet Seeds of Summer Drawing Series
2026-06-25 16:30 - 18:00
Come explore using the basic elements of art (with a focus on line, shape, value) to learn to draw some summer fruits and their seeds! Each class is seeded with sketching, story, and the juicy goodness of summer fruits. We will slurp up some tasty stories as we read a book that celebrates each fruit we draw.
These are introductory, instructional drawing classes for kids 7 to 11 to be held in the Clapp Memorial Library’s Activity Room. During the class, we will work out our drawing muscles and draw the fruit from what we know. Then learn to draw what we see. Completed artwork from the first two classes will be put on display at the Library during the month of August.
Registration required. Sign up here: https://forms.gle/1YTr4WEsPwa5szkk9
Thursday June 25th – Tart Art – Let’s Draw a Lemon
Monday, July 13th – Sweet Sketches – Let’s Draw a Watermelon
Tuesday, August 4th – Peaches, Peaches, Peaches – Let’s Draw a Peach

Touch A Truck
2026-06-27 10:00 - 12:00
Hands on fun with the Belchertown community! Kick off the summer at the Clapp Memorial Library and see vehicles from our Fire, Police, and Public Works department, and more. There will be activities, registration for our summer reading program, “Plant A Seed, Read!,” special guests, and more. Families can purchase treats from Cindy’s Drive-In’s new ice cream truck. Children can stop by the summer reading table for a free book, while supplies last. No registration required. This is a rain or shine event but not a storm event.
The event is funded in part by the Friends of Clapp Memorial Library. Free books are funded by the Friends of Clapp Memorial Library and a Coordinated Family and Community Engagement grant.

Cupcake Wars
2026-06-29 16:00 - 17:30
Monday, June 29th from 4:00-5:30PM
Teens ages 12-18 are invited to the Clapp Memorial Library for a Summer Reading-themed edition of Cupcake Wars on Monday, June 29th from 4:00-5:30PM in the library’s Activity Room! Participants will be given themes and timed rounds to decorate their cupcakes and can take home the tasty treats at the end of the program.
All attendees will earn a raffle ticket for the Teen Summer Reading Program; the winner will receive a gift certificate to Carefree Cakery in North Amherst. Teens can sign up for the program at the library or by emailing clapplibrarytab@gmail.com. Teens must be registered for the Teen Summer Reading Program to attend. Space is limited.
This program is funded by the Friends of the Clapp Memorial Library.

Pride Movie Matinee: Stonewall Uprising
2026-06-30 15:00 - 16:30
Grab your popcorn for this program series! Tuesdays in June we’re showing a series of films for Pride Month in our Activity Room! Features include a Hayes-code era classic, a teen coming of age, parents helping their son propose, and a documentary. Snacks provided, no registration required.
Stonewall Uprising (2010), TV14, 1hr 22min
In the early morning hours of June 28, 1969, police raided the Stonewall Inn, a popular gay bar in the Greenwich Village section of New York City. Such raids were not unusual in the late 1960s, an era when homosexual sex was illegal in every state but Illinois. That night, however, the street erupted into violent protests and demonstrations that lasted for the next six days.
The Stonewall riots, as they came to be known, marked a major turning point in the modern gay civil rights movement in the United States and around the world.
Public performance rights provided through Kanopy

ViewFinder Exhibition and Award Reception
2026-07-01 18:00 - 19:30
Join us for a reception and awards ceremony on Wednesday, July 1 at 6pm at Clapp Memorial Library for the winners of the ViewFinder: Belchertown Nature Photography Contest. This contest, sponsored by the Clapp Memorial Library, Friends of Lake Wallace, Quabbin Photo Group, and the Belchertown Creative Economy Committee, showcases local photographers capturing the natural diversity of Belchertown. Light refreshments will be served. The winning photographs will be displayed at the Library throughout the month of July and, after that, will be on the Town of Belchertown website.

Library Closing: Independence Day 2026
2026-07-03 - 2026-07-04
The Library will be closed in observation of Independence Day

Seeds Storytime (3-12 mo)
2026-07-06 09:00 - 09:45
Monday Seeds Storytime (3-12 mo) Summer 2026
9:00-9:45 AM, Monday, July 6th – August 10th
Sign up here: https://forms.gle/TEq5hWYAQuH5ryvh8
Children participate in stories, finger plays, songs, dancing, instrument play and crafts. Come spend some quality time with your child. We encourage all children to also register for Plant A Seed, Read!, our summer reading program.
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 ahead of the program start.

Sprouts Storytime (13-24 mo)
2026-07-06 10:00 - 10:45
Monday Seeds Storytime (13-24 mo) Summer 2026
10:00-10:45 AM, Monday, July 6th – August 10th
Storytime full. Please email jwhitehead@cwmars.org with any questions.
Children participate in stories, finger plays, songs, dancing, instrument play and crafts. Come spend some quality time with your child. We encourage all children to also register for Plant A Seed, Read!, our summer reading program.
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 ahead of the program start.
