Clapp Memorial Library

Early Closing (Thanksgiving 2023)
2023-11-22 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
The Library will close at 5pm in observation of the Thanksgiving holiday. Safe travels!

Library Closing: Thanksgiving 2023
2023-11-23 - 2023-11-24
The Library will be closed in observation of Thanksgiving

Babytime Story Time (3-12 mo) Winter 2023
2023-11-27 09:00 - 09:45 (America/New_York)
Babytime Story time (3-12 mo) Fall 2023
9:00-9:45 AM, Mondays, Nov 27, Dec 4, 11, Jan 8, 22 & 29
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) Winter 2023
2023-11-27 10:00 - 10:45
Monday Firststeps (12-24 months) Winter 2023
10:00-10:45 AM, Mondays, Nov 27, Dec 4, 11, Jan 8, 22 & 29
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) Winter 2023
2023-11-28 09:30 - 10:30
Tuesday Toddler Time (2-3 years) Winter 2023
9:30-10:30 AM, Tuesdays, Nov 28, Dec 5, 12, Jan 9, 16 & 23
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) Winter 2023
2023-11-30 09:30 - 10:30
Preschool Story Time (3-5 years) Winter 2023
9:30-10:30 am, Thursdays, Nov 30, Dec 7, 14, Jan 11, 18 & 25
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.

A Musical Afternoon with Peregrine Road
2023-12-02 15:00 - 16:00
A concert of Celtic, English country dance, French, and contra dance music with Karen Axelrod (piano & accordion) and Rachel Bell (accordion). Peregrine Road will take you on a journey from a quiet, healing space with achingly beautiful waltzes to the exciting feeling of a crowded dance hall with energetic reels and then on a stroll into a Parisian cafe. There will be something for everyone: old tunes, new tunes, relatable stories, and good laughs.

Metalsmithing Workshop (Teens)
2023-12-05 15:30 - 17:00
Learn the art of metalsmithing at the Clapp Memorial Library on Tuesday, December 5th, from 3:30-5PM, with an later session for Adults.
This copper bookmark making workshop will teach you how to create your own drawings in metal with special tools and hammers. Come learn to stamp your favorite images, words and textures to create a truly unique bookmark that will stand the test of time. You’ll learn proper hammer techniques, how to patina your bookmark and share a wonderful class experience with your new friends. A large collection of different sized letter and number stamps and chasing tools will help you leave your mark on the world. While hammering your own drawing into the bookmark, you’ll gain new knowledge, confidence and leave with a finished beautiful piece that will keep you company in your favorite book.
Space is limited and registration is required – click here to sign up!

Metalsmithing Workshop (Adult)
2023-12-05 18:30 - 20:00
Learn the art of metalsmithing at the Clapp Memorial Library on Tuesday, December 5th, from 6:30-8PM, with an earlier session for Teens.
This copper bookmark making workshop will teach you how to create your own drawings in metal with special tools and hammers. Come learn to stamp your favorite images, words and textures to create a truly unique bookmark that will stand the test of time. You’ll learn proper hammer techniques, how to patina your bookmark and share a wonderful class experience with your new friends. A large collection of different sized letter and number stamps and chasing tools will help you leave your mark on the world. While hammering your own drawing into the bookmark, you’ll gain new knowledge, confidence and leave with a finished beautiful piece that will keep you company in your favorite book.
Space is limited and registration is required – click here to sign up!

Holiday Concert with Pop Hooten
2023-12-06 10:00 - 11:00
Our weekly Music with Pop is happening at the Belchertown Senior Center for a Holiday Concert on December 6th at 10am!
Music with Jacques Hooten aka Pop! Wednesdays, geared towards ages 1 to 6.
Funded by the Friends of the Clapp Memorial Library.

Teen Write Night: T.G.I.O. Party
2023-12-06 17:30 - 18:30
Students who attended any Teen Write Night in November are invited to a Teen Write Night Party at the Clapp Memorial Library on Wednesday, December 6th from 5:30-6:30PM. Email clapplibrarytab@gmail.com to register.

Hospice 101: Everything You Wanted to Know, But Were Afraid to Ask
2023-12-14 13:00 - 14:00
There are so many questions when it comes to hospice care, from when to consider it, to the expectations of family and caregivers. The first part of our educational series is to break down all myths and facts concerning hospice care so that you can make thoughtful decisions if ever faced with the question, “Should we consider hospice services?” There will also be time afterward for Q&A.
Part of the series: Hospice Informational Series – From Start to Finish, Understanding Home Health Care

Hospice 101: Everything You Wanted to Know, But Were Afraid to Ask, 12/14
Navigating the Journey of Grief and Loss, 1/11
Making the Right Choice. Learn the Options for Home Health Care, 2/8

RESCHEDULED TO FEB: Teen Crochet Night
2023-12-20 17:45 - 18:45
DUE TO ILLNESS, PROGRAM HAS BEEN RESCHEDULED TO OUR FEBRUARY CROCHET NIGHT!
Learn how to crochet an amigurumi tea bag bookmark at the Clapp Memorial Library’s next Teen Crochet Night on Wednesday, December 20th at 5:45PM. All materials will be provided, (though teens are encouraged to bring their own 3.5mm crochet hook if they have one). Teens new to crochet may also attend. Email clapplibrarytab@gmail.com or visit the library to register.

Early Closing: Christmas 2023
2023-12-22
The Library will close at 1PM in observation of Christmas, safe travels!

Library Closing: Christmas 2023
2023-12-23 - 2023-12-25
The Library will be closed in observation of Christmas

Author Visit: "Rock Stars Don't Nap" with Jason Perkins
2023-12-27 11:00 - 11:30
Who: Jason Perkins, author of Rock Stars Don’t Nap (illustrator – Cale Atkinson)
When: Wednesday, December 27th at 11:00 am – 11:30 am
Where: Clapp Memorial Library
Sign up here: https://forms.gle/H9ZYdZaVGP6J1MMM7
Children ages 2 to 7 and their families are invited to hear Jason read his book. There will be a craft and book signing to follow. We are pleased to announce that the Odyssey Bookshop will be visiting to sell Jason’s book.
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?!
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 Movie Night
2023-12-28 19:00 - 21:00
Teens in grades 7-12 are invited to a movie night at the Clapp Memorial Library over the holiday break! On Thursday, December 28th at 7:00PM, the library will be showing a recently-released movie about a famous plastic doll featuring Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling. Popcorn and pink beverages will be provided. Teens are asked to register by emailing clapplibrarytab@gmail.com.

Early Closing: New Year's
2023-12-29
The Library will close at 1PM in observation of the New Year holiday, safe travels!

Library Closing: New Year's Day 2024
2023-12-30 - 2024-01-01
The Library will be closed in observation of New Year’s Day

Teen Advisory Board (Jan 2024)
2024-01-05 16:30 - 17:30
The Clapp Memorial Library’s Teen Advisory Board will meet in the library’s Activity Room on Friday, January 5th from 4:30-5:30PM to make cards for Cards for Hospitalized Kids. All teens in grades 7-12 are welcome to attend; teens do not need to be TAB members to participate. This is a great opportunity for teens looking for volunteer or service hours. Email clapplibrarytab@gmail.com to register.

Navigating the Journey of Grief and Loss
2024-01-11 13:00 - 14:00
Grief and loss are natural and normal processes to any change, and no response is the same as each person grieves in their own way. There is no timeframe for how one grieves as it shifts and changes, never fully going away. Learn about grief, typical grief responses, and resources available community-wide. There will be time for Q&A afterward.
Part of the series: Hospice Informational Series – From Start to Finish, Understanding Home Health Care

Hospice 101: Everything You Wanted to Know, But Were Afraid to Ask, 12/14
Navigating the Journey of Grief and Loss, 1/11
Making the Right Choice. Learn the Options for Home Health Care, 2/8

Sun on the Muddy: A poetry reading by Jim Armenti with photography by Dave Madeloni
2024-01-13 14:00 - 15:00
Sun on the Muddy: A poetry reading by Jim Armenti with photography by Dave Madeloni
Join Jim Armenti (poet) and Dave Madeloni (photographer) as they share their work Sun On The Muddy, a book of poetry and fantastic photos published by Levellers Press, for a short presentation, poetry reading, a few songs, and conversation. Books will be available for purchase.

Library Closing: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day 2024
2024-01-15
The Library will be closed in observation of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

Music with Pop Jan & Feb 2024
2024-01-17 10:30 - 11:30
10:30 am, Wednesdays, Jan 17, 24, Feb 7, 21, & 28
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.
Music on 2/21 will be held in the Town Hall Auditorium.
Registration & confirmation required.
Funded by the Friends of the Clapp Memorial Library.

Winter Movie Afternoon
2024-01-19 14:00 - 16:30
**PROGRAM FULL – NEW SIGN-UPS WILL BE ADDED TO WAITLIST**
Join us for a movie afternoon! We will be showing a Haunting in Venice based on the Agatha Christie novel on Friday, January 19th, at 2PM.
Space is limited, registration is required. Sign up here: https://forms.gle/shTbbf14GsHZZz5Z8
For patrons 18 and over.

Disney Trivia Night
2024-01-26 18:00 - 19:00
Teens in grades 7-12 are invited to the Clapp Memorial Library for its first-ever Disney-themed Teen Trivia Night! The winner will receive a gift card to a local business. This program will take place at the library on Friday, January 26th from 6:00-7:00PM. Teens are asked to email clapplibrarytab@gmail.com to register.

Jigsaw Puzzle Competition
2024-01-29 14:30 - 17:30
**PROGRAM FULL**
Jigsaw Puzzle Competition at the Clapp Memorial Library
Teams of 2 are invited to participate in our Jigsaw Puzzle Competition for National Puzzle Day! The competition will be held on Monday, January 29th 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 – program full! Thank you for all your interest!
In case of inclement weather, the puzzle competition will be rescheduled to Monday, February 5th.
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 in the Community Room 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!

Teen Advisory Board (Feb 2024)
2024-02-02 16:30 - 17:30
The Clapp Memorial Library’s Teen Advisory Board will meet on Friday, February 2nd from 4:30-5:30PM to brainstorm and discuss community service ideas. 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.

Ukes for Ukraine
2024-02-03 15:00 - 16:00
On Saturday, February 3 at 3pm, the Clapp Memorial Library will host a free acoustic concert by the Belchertown duo, Ukes for Ukraine. Terry Nagel (soprano ukulele) and Jimmy Burgoff (bass ukulele) will bring their street corner music, and their little blue tip bucket, indoors with an hour of favorite uke tunes and more stories about their adventures on the streets. Although the situation in Ukraine is grim, the music of Ukes for Ukraine is anything but. Drawing from the best Tin Pan Alley music of the 20’s and 30’s, classic string band tunes, and occasional big band classics, the duo presents cheerful and unique versions of familiar chestnuts, and some obscure songs that deserve to be dusted off and brought back to life.
So far, Ukes for Ukraine has raised over $3,300, a few dollars at a time playing on street corners and in outdoor markets. All the money has gone to Blagovist 2013, an NGO providing food, school supplies, and clothing to displaced families and children in the Karkhiv region.

Trustees “Meet & Greet”
2024-02-07 17:30 - 18:30
Clapp Memorial Library Board of Trustees – Seeks New Members and Hosts Informal “Meet & Greet”
*Registration Required*
Are you a Belchertown resident? Do you love the Library? Do you want to support the Clapp Memorial Library and the amazing programming it provides our community?
If you answered “yes” to these questions then you might want to consider becoming a Trustee!
A Trustee is a great way to support all members of our community! We are looking for individuals with varied backgrounds and encourage all to inquire and apply. The Board will be hosting a “Meet & Greet” in the Activity Room of The Clapp Memorial Library on February 7, 2024 from 5:30pm-6:30pm as an opportunity to meet the current Trustees and get a feel for the issues and decisions the Board makes.
If you are interested in learning more about becoming a Trustee and would like to attend the “Meet & Greet,” please let us know via email (charbeson@cwmars.org) or phone (413) 323-0417 by Februrary 2, 2024.
We look forward to meeting you!
The Current Board of Trustees
The Clapp Memorial Library Board Trustees is committed to a diverse, inclusive, and equitable environment where all board members, staff, volunteers, and members feel respected and valued regardless of gender, age, race, ethnicity, national origin, sexual orientation or identity, disability, education, or any other bias.
