Clapp Memorial Library

Nature Photography Workshops
2024-02-24 14:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
Saturdays, February 24 & March 2, at 2pm
Participants in the workshops will learn more about wildlife and landscape photography from photographer Mark Lindhult, who leads the Quabbin Photo Group. The first session will focus on technique during a lecture format and the second session will meet at the library before heading outside to practice using the techniques in the first session. The Belchertown Wildlife & Landscape Photography program is an intergenerational opportunity to participate in learning, exploration, and expression. It’s a partnership between the Clapp Memorial Library, Town of Belchertown Planning Department, and Town of Belchertown Conservation Commission. Meet other local photographers while learning new skills, build a portfolio of work, and then submit your top photos to the photo contest.

Babytime Story Time (3-12 mo) Spring 2024
2024-02-26 09:00 - 09:45
Babytime Story time (3-12 mo) Spring 2024
9:00-9:45 AM, Mondays, Feb 26, Mar 4, 11, 18, 25, Apr 1 & 8
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) Spring 2024
2024-02-26 10:00 - 10:45
Monday Firststeps (12-24 months) Spring 2024
10:00-10:45 AM, Mondays, Feb 26, Mar 4, 11, 18, 25, Apr 1 & 8
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.

Afterschool D&D (Spring 2024)
2024-02-26 14:30 - 16:00
PROGRAM FULL.
Calling all Belchertown Students for Afterschool D&D
2:30-4:00PM, February 26th, March 4th, 11th, 18th, 25th, & April 1st.
In the case of a weather closing, program will extend to April 8th.
After an attack from a cosmic entity threatened to destroy their world, this band of brave heroes launched themselves into silvery void of the Astral Sea to save their home. So far they’ve met enemies, made friends, and discovered the powers behind the attack. Can they save their world before time runs out? Players of all experience welcome.
Program will run weekly starting in February for Middle & Highschool Students. Participants may bring their own nut-free snacks. Please inform Librarian & Game Master Tegan Mannino, if there is a day you will not attend.
Game will cover the second half of the Spelljammer Light of Xaryxis Campaign, started this past fall.
Space is limited! Sign up here: https://forms.gle/MPPq452YfGUqAhqR8
Confirmations will be sent out to students confirming enrollment or waitlist status.
Please email any questions to tmannino@cwmars.org

Tuesday Toddler Time (2 years) Spring 2024
2024-02-27 09:30 - 10:30
Tuesday Toddler Time (2-3 years) Spring 2024
9:30-10:30 AM, Tuesdays, Feb 27, Mar 5, 12, 19, 26, Apr 2 & 9
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.

Preschool Story Time (3-5 years) Spring 2024
2024-02-29 09:30 - 10:30
Preschool Story Time (3-5 years) Spring 2024
9:30-10:30 am, Thursdays, Feb 29, Mar 7, 14, 21, 28, Apr 4 & 11
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.

The Real Score: Unraveling Myths about Trans People in Sports with Erin Reed
2024-03-05 19:00 - 20:00
The Clapp Memorial Library is excited to partner with a cohort of many Massachusetts public libraries to host journalist Erin Reed for a virtual presentation titled “The Real Score: Unraveling Myths About Trans People in Sports” on Tuesday, March 5 at 7:00pm on Zoom. Sign up here to join via Zoom!
In this presentation, we will explore the complex and often misunderstood world of transgender athletes in sports. Delving into the history and current controversies, we will address the myths and misinformation surrounding “biological advantages.” We will also discuss the discriminatory nature of recent sports bans targeting transgender individuals, and interrogate how similar arguments have been historically used to marginalize other minority groups. We will look at the real world impact of these sports bans, and how they might touch places you didn’t think about. Finally, we’ll put it all together in considering what transgender inclusion means for society at large.
About the presenter: Erin Reed (she/her) is a transgender journalist based in Washington, D.C. She tracks LGBTQ+ legislation around the United States for her subscription newsletter, Erin In The Morning. Her work has been cited by the AP, Reuters, The New York Times, The Washington Post, and many more major media outlets. You can follow her on twitter and tiktok @ErinInTheMorn.

Teen Advisory Board (Mar 2024)
2024-03-08 16:30 - 17:30
The Clapp Memorial Library’s Teen Advisory Board will meet on Friday, March 8th from 4:30-5:30PM in the library’s Activity Room. At this meeting, TAB will work on their community service project and learn some basic ASL signs. TAB is a group of 7th-12th grade students who meet monthly during the school year to propose library programming for teens, provide input on teen services, volunteer, and have fun! New members are welcome. Email clapplibrarytab@gmail.com to register.

Needle Felting
2024-03-11 17:30 - 20:30
Come learn the art of needle felting at the Clapp Memorial Library on Monday, March 11 from 5:30-8:30pm or Wednesday, March 13 from 5:30-8:30pm. Local fiber artist Anna Sunschauer will teach you how to sculpt fluffy wool fiber into a chicken 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 workshop is open to adults and teens.
Programs & waitlists full!
To view more of Anna’s work, visit her Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whimsical.fiber/
This program is made possible by the Friends of the Clapp Memorial Library.

Cupcake Wars
2024-03-13 15:00 - 16:30
Teens in grades 7-12 are invited to the Clapp Memorial Library for a cupcake-decorating challenge on Wed., March 13th from 3:00-4:30PM 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. Space is limited; email clapplibrarytab@gmail.com to register for this program taking place on an early-release day for the Belchertown Public Schools.

Community Forum
2024-03-16 09:30 - 12:00
The Clapp Memorial Library has embarked on a strategic planning process to develop priorities and plan the library’s future. We need your help! Join us and facilitator Deb Hoadley of Hoadley Consulting on Saturday, March 16 from 9:30am to noon in the Town Hall Auditorium for this important conversation about the community and the library. Tell us what you love about the library and what the library can do to serve you better. Refreshments will be served. This event is free and open to the public; bring your friends and neighbors!

Clue Escape Room for Teens
2024-03-20 15:00 - 17:00
Mr. Boddy is dead, and it’s up to you to figure out whodunnit before time runs out!
Teens grades 7-12 are invited to the Clapp Memorial Library to solve our Clue-themed Escape Room on Wednesday, March 20th at 3:00 or 4:00PM. Sleuths will have 40 minutes to scour the room for clues, work together, and solve the mystery before time runs out and they’re found at the scene of the crime! Space is limited. Teens can register by emailing clapplibrarytab@gmail.com with what session they want to attend.

Seascapes: An Ocean of Possibilities with Pastel Painting
2024-03-21 13:00 - 15:00
Registration Required, sign up here: https://forms.gle/a1Yz7Rxjb9rVxdAm9
Artist Greg Maichack returns to the Clapp Memorial Library on Thursday, March 21 at 1pm for a hands-on pastel workshop inspired by Winslow Homer: Seascapes: An Ocean of Possibilities with Pastel Painting. This program serves beginners to advanced artists and is open to adults. All materials are provided including professional grade pastels, paper, and pencils. Registration is required. This program is funded by the Belchertown Cultural Council, a local agency supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council.

Movie Afternoon
2024-03-22 14:00 - 16:00
Adult library patrons are invited to join us for a movie afternoon. On Friday, March 22 at 2PM, the Clapp Memorial Library will be showing The Miracle Club starring Laura Linney and Maggie Smith. Popcorn and beverages will be provided.
Program is full, waitlist here: https://forms.gle/8vp4wC78t5QyFJrp6
For patrons 18 and over.

Disability History & the Belchertown State School
2024-03-22 18:30 - 19:30
Join us for a lecture led by Katherine Anderson, a renowned historian and disability rights advocate, on the history of Belchertown State School and its implications for the broader disability rights movement. Kate will use artifacts and documents from the state school to discuss institutionalization practices and the evolution of the state school and its role in shaping disability advocacy and policy reform. A Q&A will follow.
All are invited to stop by the following day from 10am-2pm to view the traveling exhibit of state school artifacts, documents, photographs, and more. Members will be on hand to answer questions both about the state school and about membership in the Friends. Donations to the Friends are welcome.

Belchertown State School Traveling Exhibit
2024-03-23 10:00 - 14:00
On Saturday, March 23, between 10am and 2pm, the Belchertown State School Friends will be at the Clapp Memorial Library with a traveling exhibit of state school artifacts, documents, photographs, and more. Members will be on hand to answer questions both about the state school and about membership in the Friends. Donations to the Friends are welcome.

Community Focus Group
2024-03-27 18:00 - 20:00
The Clapp Memorial Library has embarked on a strategic planning process to develop priorities and plan the library’s future. As part of this process, we will be conducting 2 community focus group meetings led by facilitator Deb Hoadley of Hoadley Consulting to learn from stakeholders in the community how the library can better serve Belchertown. The meetings will take place on Wednesday, March 27 and April 10 from 6-8pm. If you are interested in being part of this discussion, please contact Cyndi Harbeson (charbeson@cwmars.org) for more information.

The Creation of the Quabbin Reservoir
2024-04-02 19:00 - 20:00
On Tuesday, April 2nd at 7pm, the Clapp Memorial Library will welcome J.R. Greene for a lecture, “The Creation of Quabbin Reservoir.” A brief history of the Metro Boston water system and construction of the reservoir is followed by profiles of each of the lost towns. A lifelong resident of Athol, J.R. Greene is the author of sixteen books and 39 annual pictorial calendars relating to the history of the Quabbin and lost towns. He chairs the board of directors of the Friends of Quabbin, is the Chair of the Quabbin Watershed Advisory Council, and serves as the MWRA Advisory Board representative for the Quabbin and Ware River watersheds. Copes of his in-print books will be for sale at the program.

Teen Advisory Board (Apr 2024)
2024-04-03 16:30 - 17:30
The Clapp Memorial Library’s Teen Advisory Board will meet on Wednesday, April 3rd from 4:30-5:30PM in the library’s Activity Room to sort donations from their clothing drive. New members are welcome to attend and accomplish an hour of community service. TAB is a group of 7th-12th grade students who meet monthly during the school year to propose library programming for teens, provide input on teen services, volunteer, and have fun! Email clapplibrarytab@gmail.com to register.

Soap-Making Workshop for Teens
2024-04-05 16:00 - 17:00
On Friday, April 5th, at 4:00PM the library will host artist and potter Gariné (ga-renée) Arakelian in the library’s Activity Room for a Rainbow Soap Workshop for teens in grades 7-12.
Each participant gets to unleash their creativity and make their own unique and vibrant rainbow soap! Using a glycerin based soap as the foundation, this hands-on experience allows you to explore a world of colors, scents, and cosmetic glitter to craft a dazzling soap creation. With no exposure to lye, this process ensures a safe and enjoyable experience for all. As the heated soap cools, the magic continues as we sprinkle in the glitter, add the vibrant colors, and even embed colorful soap cubes. At the end of the workshop, you will take your handmade masterpiece home, ready to use and enjoy. With an approximated weight of 5 oz. and overall measurements of 4” x 4” x 3/4”, this soap truly encapsulates the essence of fun and quirkiness.
Please note:
Melted soap is hot. The registering of children under 18 years old for this program indicates that the parent/guardian acknowledges the possibility of safety concerns while handling hot soap.

Program starts promptly, no admission is allowed after instructions are given.
No young children will be allowed in the room, only the registered participants.
No exceptions will be made to these rules.

Space is limited. Teens must email clapplibrarytab@gmail.com to register.

Jigsaw Puzzle Competition
2024-04-06 14:30 - 17:30
Jigsaw Puzzle Competition at the Clapp Memorial Library
Teams of 2 are invited to participate in our Jigsaw Puzzle Competition! The competition will be held on Saturday, April 6 from 2:30pm – 5:30pm. Please try to arrive early in order to ensure that your team is able to begin on time – the clock will begin exactly at 2:30pm. Latecomers are welcome but won’t receive additional time.
REGISTRATION REQUIRED – Click here to sign up!
Competition Details:

Teams are limited to 2 people.
Teams may sign up at the library or by using the online registration form on our website.
The event is open to all ages. Per library policy, children under the age of 10 must be accompanied by an adult.
Each team will tackle the same 500-piece puzzle. No one gets a sneak peak – the puzzle will be revealed when the competition begins.
Teams will work on the main floor at the Clapp Memorial Library.
The challenge concludes at 5:30 PM. Prizes will be awarded to the top 3 teams. In case of unfinished puzzles, library staff will count the remaining pieces to determine the winners and the overall rankings.
All teams will get to take home their copy of the puzzle!

Eclipse Viewing Party
2024-04-08 14:30 - 16:30
Join us on the front lawn at the Clapp Memorial Library on Monday, April 8th between 2:30 pm and 4:30 pm for a Partial Eclipse Viewing Party. We’ll have eclipse glasses to give away (while supplies last) and light refreshments at this low-key event. Bring chairs or a blanket and hang out with other eclipse aficionados while viewing the partial eclipse.
This program is made possible by the Friends of the Clapp Memorial Library and SEAL (Solar Eclipse Activities for Libraries).
In the event of inclement weather, the program will be canceled.

BHS Art Exhibit Reception
2024-04-11 18:00 - 19:00
Join us at the Clapp Memorial Library on Thursday, April 11 from 6-7pm at a reception for students in Lori St. Pierre’s Honors Art 1 class, whose show, “Put Yourself in Someone Else’s Shoes,” will be on display throughout the month of April. Light refreshments will be provided.

Herb Garden Starter Kit
2024-04-12 15:30 - 16:30
PROGRAM & WAITLIST FULL
Come to the Clapp Memorial Library on Friday, April 12 at 3:30 pm to learn about the properties of popular flowers and herbs and then plant your own! Dave Wheeler from Therapy Gardens will be on hand to address such topics as growing small flowers and herbs indoors and outdoors, including different presentation ideas. He will also review what herbs are both edible and ornamental. Participants leave with a small seed starter kit and their choice of a variety of seeds. Please note – seed selections are limited by availability and season. This program is made possible by the Friends of the Clapp Memorial Library.
Space is limited and registration is required.

Make Your Own Tea Blend
2024-04-12 18:00 - 19:00
PROGRAM IS FULL
On Friday, April 12 at 6pm at the Clapp Memorial Library, join Dave Wheeler from Therapy Gardens for a journey into the art and science of tea blending. Participants will explore a variety of herbs, spices, and teas, learning about their flavor profiles and health benefits. Attendees will then craft their own unique tea blend, mastering the balance of flavors and aromas. Whether you’re a tea enthusiast or a curious beginner, this workshop provides the tools and knowledge to create your own soothing or invigorating blends. Take home your custom tea mixture and the confidence to continue experimenting on your own. This program is made possible by the Friends of the Clapp Memorial Library.
Space is limited and registration is required.

Teen Movie Night (The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes)
2024-04-13 18:00 - 21:00
Teens in grades 7-12 are invited to a movie night at the Clapp Memorial Library on Saturday, April 13th from 6:00-8:45PM! Watch a movie starring Tom Blythe and Rachel Zegler, based on the prequel to Suzanne Collins’s popular book, The Hunger Games! Popcorn and beverages will be provided. Register by emailing clapplibrarytab@gmail.com.

Library Closing: Patriots’ Day 2024
2024-04-15
The Library will be closed in observation of Patriots’ Day

The Rabbit Run Railroad: An Art and History Project
2024-04-16 19:00 - 20:00
On Tuesday, April 16 at 7pm at the Clapp Memorial Library, Ken Levine of Petersham, an artist and railroad fan will present a program about the Rabbit Run Railroad, his creation of a 24’ diorama at the Swift River Valley Historical Society in North New Salem, and a brief history of the era of steam railroads in America.
The 4 Lost Towns that the creation of the Quabbin Reservoir required removal of were the inspiration for this memorial to those communities who were forced to relocate in the early 20th century. Using archival photos from the archives of the MDC and other sources, Ken spent over 5 years creating a miniature recreation of the Swift River Valley, its towns, farms, industries and landscape, including working HO model trains of the steam era, 1871-1930, the Rabbit Railroad. As the train journeys from South Athol to Enfield the seasons unfold and the various towns go about their business. In a brief video using Go-Pro mini cams on the trains you are actually aboard the train as it winds its way along the Swift River, which completes the illusion of riding the Rabbit.
A NBC Boston Affiliate interviewed Ken for a movie, The Scar which was shown on TV and relates the story of the Quabbin and the Swift River Valley and the Lost Towns. Also, the SRVHS Facebook page has the video of the diorama and other information about the history of the Quabbin Reservoir.
Program made possible by the Friends of the Clapp Memorial Library

Cocoa & Crochet
2024-04-17 17:45 - 18:45
Teens in grades 7-12 are invited to enjoy hot cocoa and crochet at the library on Wednesday, April 17th from 5:45-6:45PM. Teens can bring their own project or use the library’s crochet supplies. Crochet hooks, yarn, and instruction will be provided for those new to crochet. This program will take place in the library’s Activity Room. Register for this program at the library or by emailing clapplibrarytab@gmail.com

Earth Day LEGO Giveaway
2024-04-22
While supplies last, one per patron.
For Earth Day we’re giving away LEGOs made from plants!
