Community Focus Group
2024-03-27 18:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
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 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
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 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
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 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
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 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
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 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
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 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
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 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
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 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
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 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
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 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
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 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
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 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
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 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
While supplies last, one per patron.
For Earth Day we’re giving away LEGOs made from plants!

Friends’ Book Sale!
2024-04-22 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!

Stories Told & Untold: Writing Between Memory & History
2024-04-23 19:00 - 20:00 | Parks & Recreation, 66 State Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
Tuesday, April 23, 2024, 7pm
Belchertown Recreation Center Front Room
Stories Told & Untold: Writing Between Memory & History will feature three local authors, Uzma Aslam Khan, Thérèse Chehade, and Hannah Moushabeck. Each author will read from and discuss their work in light of the panel’s focus and then we will open up the discussion to q&a with the audience. Justine Dymond will be introducing the panelists and helping moderate the q&a. The Clapp Memorial Library is co-sponsoring this event with Belchertown Voices for Justice.

Earth Day Ceremony with Ray LaChance
2024-04-29 15:30 - 16:30 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
Community members from age 10 through adult are invited to join us on the front lawn of the Clapp Memorial Library on Monday, April 29 at 3:30 pm for a very special Earth Day Ceremony and Celebration of Indigenous People presented by Raymond LaChance (Nouba Tewk Tomakwa). The program will include a recognition of the land being the territory of the Indigenous Nipmuc People, flute playing and other music, interactive smudging of a tree in recognition of Earth Day and seed planting, and the making of an Indigenous Necklace.
This program is made possible by the Friends of the Clapp Memorial Library.
Space is limited and registration is required, sign up here: https://forms.gle/xQiLqvCu25mQ3DKD8. In the event of rain, the program will take place in the Town Hall Auditorium.

Learning in Retirement
2024-04-30 14:00 - 15:00 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
On Tuesday, April 30 at 2pm, Edie Kirk from Five College Learning in Retirement will be at the Clapp Memorial Library for an information session to provide the Belchertown community with information about continuing education opportunities.
For more information about Five College Learning in Retirement: https://fclir.org/
Contact: ‪(413) 200-9816‬, https://fclir.org/contact/

Music with Pop Spring 2024
2024-05-01 10:30 - 11:30 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
10:30 am, Wednesdays, May 1, 8, 22, 29, June 5th
Music with Jacques Hooten aka Pop! Wednesdays at 10:30 am in the Children’s Activity Room, geared towards infants to age 6. Spaces will be filled first by children who reside within Belchertown. Enjoy singing and dancing in this interactive music series. Limited space so click here to register today.
Registration & confirmation required.
Funded by the Friends of the Clapp Memorial Library.

Award Ceremony for Photo Contest Winners
2024-05-03 17:00 - 18:00 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
The Clapp Memorial Library, Belchertown Planning Department, and Belchertown Conservation Department invite the community to an exhibition opening and awards ceremony on Friday, May 3 from 5-6 pm for the Belchertown Wildlife & Landscape Photography Contest. The top three winners in each age group and wildlife or landscape category will be displayed at this in-person exhibition throughout the month of May at the Clapp Memorial Library.

Music & Movement with Julie (Spring 2024)
2024-05-04 10:30 - 11:15 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
Saturdays, 10:30 am to 11:15 am
May 4th, May 11th, May 18th, May 25th, and June 1st
Music and Movement with Julie. Join us for a music series on Saturday mornings at the Clapp Memorial Library. Julie’s programs let babies and young children explore music in a fun and creative environment. Her program is geared toward ages 0 to 7, but all ages are welcome!
This series is funded in part by the Friends of Clapp Memorial Library and a grant from the Department of Early Education and Care through the Collaborative for Educational Services.
Registration required and confirmation. Click here to sign up: https://forms.gle/yy1G9UgDS9tKk5WCA
Registration open until all slots are filled – just sign up for the Program and Jennifer Whitehead, Children’s Librarian, will be in touch!

Journaling for Self-Care
2024-05-04 12:30 - 13:00 | Chestnut Hill Community School, 59 State St, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
Join Ruthie, the library’s Teen Services Coordinator, at BOAT’s Umbrella of Wellness Fair at Chestnut Hill Community School on Saturday, May 4th at 12:30PM for a session on Journaling for Self-Care! Students in grades 6-12 will learn techniques for journaling with a reflective mindset. Attendees will receive journals courtesy of BOAT.

Storytime at Umbrella of Wellness Fair
2024-05-04 12:30 - 13:00 | Chestnut Hill Community School, 59 State St, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
Join Jennifer at BOAT’s Umbrella of Wellness Fair at Chestnut Hill Community School on Saturday, May 4th at 12:30PM for a storytime!

A Musical Afternoon with Eloise & Co.
2024-05-04 14:30 - 15:30 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
Join us at the Clapp Memorial Library on Saturday, May 4 at 2:30pm for a musical afternoon with Eloise & Co., featuring the combined creative force of three of the country’s most sought-after traditional musicians: Becky Tracy, Rachel Bell, and Bethany Waickman. These three dig into powerhouse reels with electrifying grit and unapologetic drive, while savoring the spacious beauty of jigs and waltzes, with styles ranging from French to Celtic to Quebecois. Originally thrown together at an event where Becky led the contra dance portion of the evening and Rachel led the French dance part of the evening, they have continued to fuse these two elements into their concerts and dances, as well as adding songs and original compositions to the mix. Their latest project was a series of music videos filmed in unique Vermont places, all of which are available at www.rachelbellmusic.com/eloiseandco
This program is made possible by the Friends of the Clapp Memorial Library.

Sourdough Starter Workshop
2024-05-06 18:00 - 19:00 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
PROGRAM & WAITLIST FULL
On Monday, May 6 at 6pm, Brandon Cochran, a sourdough maker, baker, and blogger, will be at the Clapp Memorial Library to teach participants how to make, maintain, and store a sourdough starter. Each participant will leave with a piece of Brandon’s sourdough starter of their own.
Registration required to ensure sufficient supplies.
Program made possible by the Friends of the Clapp Memorial Library

Mindful Mandala Dot Painting Workshop
2024-05-07 18:00 - 20:00 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
PROGRAM FULL – WAITLIST ONLY
Spend an evening at the Clapp Memorial Library learning the meditative art of Mandala Dot Painting. On Tuesday, May 7 from 6-8pm, artist Karen Miller will guide you through this relaxing workshop with easy step-by-step instructions on how to sketch your mandala outlines, choose your unique color pallet, and use dot-making tools with acrylic paint to fill in the details.

You will create colorful, hand-painted designs on your own beautiful mandala coaster. Your coaster will add an item of interest to your home or workspace, or you may decide to give it as a one-of-a-kind gift.
No experience is necessary. This event is free of charge and all supplies will be provided.
Space is limited, so please only register if you are certain that you can attend.

REGISTRATION REQUIRED, sign up here: https://forms.gle/9EwzAh7uoALmBvqYA
Program is currently full, all new registrations will be added to our waitlist and notified if a seat opens!
Funded by the Belchertown Cultural Council.
Bio: Belchertown resident Karen Miller first became interested in Mandala art creation at a workshop with the Belchertown Women’s Collaborative. Since then she has enjoyed many hours of mindful creating. She wants to share her love of the mandala art with others. Karen believes in the potential and power of art to change lives while fostering a sense of community.

Comic Book Workshop with Jonathan Todd
2024-05-08 14:30 - 15:30 | Town Hall Auditorium, 1 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
May 8 at 2:30PM, Lawrence Memorial Hall auditorium
Belchertown kids in grades 3-6 are invited to come by for an afternoon with comic book creator Jonathan Todd, author of Timid, a semiautobiographical graphic novel about frenemies, fitting in, and finding your voice! The Clapp Memorial Library is teaming up with Mass Center of the Book for their Mass Kids Lit Fest to host this comic book-focused workshop.
Learn how to make your own comic from a pro! In this workshop, Jonathan Todd will teach the elements of a story, panel planning, creating thumbnail sketches, and penciling and inking your very own graphic novel page.
Registration & confirmation are required, sign up here: https://forms.gle/3nLkshx6WXr1U9ER8. Students under the age of 10 must have a caregiver present.
The Odyssey Bookshop will be present with copies of Timid for purchase.

Teen Advisory Board (May 2024)
2024-05-10 16:30 - 17:30 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
Join TAB and upcycle tea tins into planters!
The Clapp Memorial Library’s Teen Advisory Board will meet on Friday, May 10th from 4:30-5:30PM in the library’s Activity Room. Teens will upcycle tea tins into planters to take home and enjoy. Attendees will leave with their own planter and spider plant. All teens in grades 7-12 are welcome to attend. 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.

Poop Museum #2
2024-05-10 18:00 - 19:00 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
PROGRAM FULL – WAITLIST ONLY
May 10th at 6PM
Ages 4 -11
This past fall, we hosted the Poop Museum with Susie. The audience filled the library and laughed and ewwww-ed while learning so many facts about poop, but we didn’t learn it all! Poop Museum #2 will teach about pooping in space, pooping underwater, poop from the past, and more!
If you missed the Poop Museum, you will not want to miss #2. If you attended the Poop Museum, we know you don’t want to miss #2!
Registration & confirmation required. This program is for ages 4-11. Sign up for the waitlist here: https://forms.gle/HvZoTSMywN5YFS4f9
Program made possible by the Friends of the Clapp Memorial Library.

Project Mishoon: Underwater Treasures of the Nipmuc
2024-05-11 15:30 - 16:30 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
Discover the untold history of Lake Quinsigamond’s submerged treasures! Join us on Saturday, May 11 at 3:30pm for an engaging presentation by Cheryl Stedtler, Nipmuc tribal member and director of Project Mishoon, as she unveils the fascinating journey behind the discovery of ancient dugout canoes known as mishoonash. Delve into the rich heritage of the Nipmuc tribe and their ancestral navigation of the lake using these unique vessels. With scientific documentation, underwater imaging, and captivating insights, Cheryl will unveil the mysteries surrounding these rare mishoonash, dating back to the 1600s. Learn how these remarkable finds are rewriting the narrative of New England’s archaeological landscape. Don’t miss this opportunity to uncover the link between these submerged treasures and the historic mishoon discovered at Morton Lake during the construction of the Quabbin Reservoir. Join us as we embark on a journey through time and heritage with Project Mishoon!
