Clapp Memorial Library

Drama 101
2025-10-08 14:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
Teens in grades 7-12 are invited to the library on Wednesday, October 8th, a BPS early release day, for Drama 101, a teen program for drama and theater enthusiasts and those looking to try their hand at acting for the first time! From 2:00-3:00PM, the library’s Teen Services Coordinator (a former theater kid herself) will lead teens and tweens in various theater games. Weather permitting, the program will take place on the library’s front lawn; in the case of rain, the program will take place in the library’s Activity Room downstairs. Teens should email clapplibrarytab@gmail.com with any questions and to register.

Free Food Friday (Oct 2025)
2025-10-10 14:00 - 15:30 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
Free Food Fridays are back! Teens are invited to the library after school on the second Friday of the month October-December for free snacks as they visit and use the library! Students must be in grades 7-12 and arrive between 2:00-3:30PM for a free snack, courtesy of the library, as supplies last. This program is funded by the Friends of the Clapp Memorial Library.
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The Flood: a One-Person Play by Jason Mellin
2025-10-10 19:00 - 20:00 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
Part of Quabbin Days
Join the Clapp Memorial Library on Friday, October 10th at 7pm when award-winning storyteller Jason Mellin presents “The Flood,” a one-person play blending personal narrative with historical reflection. Mellin, a director, poet, and performer, pulls from his own experience with bipolar disorder to connect the remarkable story of the drowned towns of Quabbin to his and our own experiences of learning how to survive when your world is falling apart.
This program is funded by the Friends of the Clapp Memorial Library.

Library Closing: Indigenous Peoples’ Day 2025
2025-10-13 | 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! - Fall 2025
2025-10-13 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!

Taylor Swift Diamond-Painting
2025-10-18 14:00 - 15:30 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
Celebrate Taylor Swift’s new album at the library’s Taylor Swift Diamond-Painting program for teens in grades 7-12! Make your own *bejeweled* Diamond-Painted Swiftie Eras bookmark as we listen to Swift’s “The Life of a Showgirl” at the library on Saturday, October 18th from 2:00-3:30PM! Space (and Eras) are limited so don’t wait a *fortnight*! Email clapplibrarytab@gmail.com or call the library to register. This program is funded by the Friends of the Clapp Memorial Library.

Halloween Spook-Tacular
2025-10-19 17:00 - 18:30 | Chestnut Hill Community School, 59 State St, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
Belchertown Pollinator Garden, 57 State Street
Sign up for Sunday, October 19th or Thursday, October 23rd
5:00 PM – 6:30 PM
Children and their families are invited to the Belchertown Pollinator Garden and School Garden for an evening of fun, spooky stories and activities. Bring a flashlight, wear a costume, and be ready for some adventure. The kids in the theater program at the Recreation Department will start us off with an interactive skit. Then Jennifer Whitehead, Youth Services Librarian, will tell a somewhat spooky story.
Master Gardener, Debby Lapointe, will set up decorations throughout her pollinator garden and everyone can take part in a scavenger hunt in the dark. There will be crafts, cider, and cookies, too.
This program is geared towards children ages 4 to 11 and their families. Registration is required as space is limited, sign up here: https://forms.gle/5PdugN1TCL7rc9UB6
Donations for the garden are appreciated.

Who Goes There…
2025-10-21 19:00 - 20:30 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
Are you interested in local paranormal investigations? Join us as Rob Goff from Agawam Paranormal showcases some local sites and investigations done there. Beginning with an introduction as to the historic value and events that happened there, we will get into the actual investigations that were conducted and finally end with the potential evidence captured on site. Learn about paranormal investigations and a little history from our own backyard.
This program is sponsored by Agawam Paranormal.

Belchertown Community Health & Wellness Resource Fair
2025-10-24 15:00 - 16:00 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
Clapp Memorial Library and BOAT welcome community members in need of accessing health care, mental health care, substance use resources, and family resources. Free lockboxes, Naloxone, Fentanyl Test Strips, and health screenings will be available. Health care organizations such as MA Behavioral Health, Hampshire Hope, Tapestry and more will be here in addition to Baystate Health’s Wellness on Wheels (WOW) bus! Free refreshments will be provided.

Teen Advisory Board (Oct 2025)
2025-10-24 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 Friday, October 24th from 4:30-5:30PM on the main floor of the library. 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! At this meeting, teens will reflect on the Summer Reading Program and brainstorm ideas for next year. Teens can email clapplibrarytab@gmail.com to register. New members are welcome!

Halloween Harvest: Ghost Stories with Davis Bates
2025-10-24 18:00 - 19:00 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
The Clapp Memorial Library is excited to welcome back award-winning storyteller Davis Bates on Friday, October 24th at 6:00PM for a night of ghost stories, supernatural songs, and harvest tales. His performance will conclude with a workshop for teens on telling their own ghost stories. Will a certain library or local state school be a feature? Teens in grades 7-12 are asked to email clapplibrarytab@gmail.com to register.
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.

Gravestone Girls
2025-10-28 19:00 - 20:30 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
“Welcome to the Graveyard!” is a 90 minute in-person ‘virtual tour’ chronicling cemetery art, history and symbolism. From colonial New England burial grounds of the 16 & 1700s, through the nation-wide rural cemetery movement of the 19th century and into 21st century locations, the program examines why we have cemeteries and gravestones, why they look like they do and how styles and art have evolved over almost 400 years. The presentation is robust with photographs of original gravestones and burial grounds from cemeteries visited by Gravestone Girls over many years, including plenty of content from Belchertown’s local haunts!
About:
Gravestone Girls create replicas of old New England tombstones in the form of wall hangings, magnets, coasters, mirrors, tombstone chocolate and more! Cast directly from originals still on cemetery landscapes, their art is a piece of history in your hand! “Keeping Our Dead Alive” through lectures, tours, classes and art, they work nationwide, raising cemetery awareness and teaching citizens the history buried under their feet.
This program is funded by the Friends of the Clapp Memorial Library.

Teen Book Club (Oct 2025)
2025-10-29 15:00 - 16:00 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
The Clapp Memorial Library has a book club for teens in grades 7-12! This Teen Book Club is 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. On Wednesday, October 29th from 3:00-4:00PM, teens will discuss Gwyn & Art Are Not in Love by Lex Croucher. 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.

CANCELED Astral Evening
2025-10-29 19:00 - 21:00 | Foley Field, 66 State Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
Due to poor weather forecasts, event has been canceled.
Telescopes will be set up on Foley Field and a representative of Springfield STARS will lead us on a tour of the night sky and some of its most interesting and impressive sights. Please wear comfortable footwear and clothing to be able to stand outside for an extended period of time.
To get to the event, turn onto Whitlock Way from State St (Rt.202). You will pass the Belchertown Police Department and then the Rec Department on your left. As you near a turn, go straight onto the unpaved road and follow it to Foley Field.

Mindful Music with Mr. Ryan
2025-10-30 16:30 - 17:00 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
Thursdays, 4:30 pm to 5:00 pm
October 30th, November 6th, 13th, & 20th

Mindful Music with Mr. Ryan is a joyful, heart-led program for children ages 6–11 that blends the magic of music, movement, mindfulness, and mythology—all through the colorful lens of Bhakti, the Indian practice of love and connection with self and others.

Each session is an adventure in sound and story: kids join Mr. Ryan in lively call-and-response singing (Kirtan), listen to mythical tales of daring gods and wise goddesses, and explore creative ways to move, breathe, play, and reflect together. Inspired by the rich traditions of Indian culture, the class celebrates timeless themes like compassion, courage, curiosity, and joy—all while helping kids feel more present, expressive, and connected.

There’s no rigid routine here—every session flows organically based on the group’s energy and the theme of the day. One week might feature the monkey-god Hanuman-ji leaping across oceans to save Sita, the brave and noble queen; another might explore what it means to listen deeply or sing from the heart.

At its core, Mindful Music with Mr. Ryan is about creating a warm, welcoming space where children can sing and create from their hearts, move their bodies freely, and feel the simple magic of being together in the moment.

Registration is required, sign up here: https://forms.gle/cBNbu3gWZn7ZT2U16. Students under the age of 10 must have a caregiver who is 14 years old or older on the Library premises. November 13th session will be in the Town Hall Auditorium. Caregivers will not be in the same room where the classes will be held. Students who would like to ride a bus from a Belchertown public school to the Library should contact Jennifer, jwhitehead@cwmars.org.

Funded by the Friends of Clapp Memorial Library

In Defiance Book Talk
2025-11-03 18:30 - 19:30 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
Authors Tom Weiner and Dr. Amilcar Shabazz will be at the Clapp Memorial Library on Monday, November 3 at 6:30pm to present on their new book, In Defiance: 20 Abolitionists You Were Never Taught in School (April 2025, Interlink Publishing). In Defiance uncovers the stories of individuals who risked their lives to fight enslavement, serving as a compelling call for justice and the preservation of history. This book brings to light the often-suppressed stories of 20 Black and white men and women – their courage, activism, and unwavering commitment to freedom.
Amid ongoing efforts to erase history, these stories serve as a powerful corrective—meant to challenge, inspire, and ignite action. Co-authored by Tom Weiner, a Northampton-based writer, educator, and anti-racist activist, and Dr. Amilcar Shabazz, professor and former president of the National Council for Black Studies, the book weaves their perspectives into the narrative, emphasizing the importance of learning from the past. For fans of The New Jim Crow by Michelle Alexander and The Color of Abolition by Linda Hirshman, In Defiance is both a testament to those who fought for justice and an inspiration for those who continue the struggle today.
If you would like to place a hold for In Defiance to read on your own, you can ask the circulation desk or visit the catalog here.

Tea and Haiku
2025-11-04 19:00 - 20:00 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
You are invited to join Denise Fontaine-Pincince on Tuesday, November 4 at 7pm for a reading of her new haiku anthology, tea ─ all the time it takes. Available on Amazon, the collection includes tea haiku from more than a hundred poets from 13 countries. The event begins with a brief reading followed by an open mic. The public is welcome to bring a poem of any topic to share. Open Mic readers may sign-up to read between 6:30- 7:00 pm, just prior to the event. Tea and cookies will be served.

Library Closing: Veterans’ Day 2025
2025-11-11 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
The Library will be closed in observation of Veterans’ Day

Anime & Manga Club
2025-11-12 16:00 - 17:00 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
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.

Exploring the Galapagos
2025-11-12 19:00 - 20:00 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
The Galapagos Islands are most famous for inspiring Charles Darwin to develop his theory of evolution. They are the home and habitat for many species of birds and wildlife that are unique to the islands. Photographer Mark Lindhult explored the Galapagos Islands in May and returned with images that illustrate many of the unique behaviors and characteristics that the wildlife exhibit. Join him on an armchair adventure to see the magic this place holds at the Clapp Memorial Library on Wednesday, November 12 at 7pm.

Fused Glass Pendant Workshop (Adults)
2025-11-13 16:30 - 17:30 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
Program & waitlist are full
Belchertown adults and up are invited to the Clapp Memorial Library for a Fused Glass Pendant Workshop on Thursday, November 13th from 4:30-5:30PM in the library’s Activity Room. Under the tutelage of stained glass designer Deenie Pacik, participants will create their own dichroic fused glass pendants with colorful pre-cut glass in this easy and fun class. Deenie will fire the pieces in their studio kiln and then return them to the library for participants to pick up. Space is limited and registration is required.
Interested Teens should see the Teen Fused Glass Pendant Workshop at 6:30!
This program is funded by the Friends of the Clapp Memorial Library.

Fused Glass Pendant Workshop (Teens)
2025-11-13 18:30 - 19:30 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
Teens ages 13 and up are invited to the Clapp Memorial Library for a Fused Glass Pendant Workshop on Thursday, November 13th from 6:30-7:30PM in the library’s Activity Room. Under the tutelage of stained glass designer Deenie Pacik, teens will create their own dichroic fused glass pendants with colorful pre-cut glass in this easy and fun class. Deenie will fire the pieces in their studio kiln and then return them to the library for teens to pick up. Space is limited and registration is required. Teens can email clapplibrarytab@gmail.com to register.
Interested Adults should see the Adult Fused Glass Pendant Workshop at 4:30!
This program is funded by the Friends of the Clapp Memorial Library.

Free Food Friday (Nov 2025)
2025-11-14 14:00 - 15:30 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States

Games Day 2025
2025-11-14 14:30 - 17:30 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
Join us in celebrating International Games Month at the library! Patrons of all ages are invited to the library’s Games Day on Friday, November 14th, from 2:30-5:30PM. Drop in, have fun, and enter to win a game of your own.
Board games, card games, puzzles, and more. Bring your Magic: the Gathering decks! Like Disney? Learn to play Lorcana with Jonathan. Ask Tegan about RPGs. Enter into our free games raffle!
All welcome

Teen Advisory Board (Nov 2025)
2025-11-14 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 Friday, November 14th from 4:30-5:30PM on the main floor of the library to celebrate Games Day! TAB members will play board games, enjoy free snacks, and make new friends. 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. New members are welcome!

Cookbook Club (Nov 2025)
2025-11-14 18:30 - 19:30 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
Do you like browsing cookbooks and trying new recipes? In the Cookbook Club, we each make a recipe from a cookbook and bring it for everyone to try. Taste, enjoy, and chat with your new cookbook friends!
This month’s book is Gatherings: Casual-Fancy Meals to Share.
Registration & confirmation required, sign up here: https://forms.gle/A4tUx5bSHyodufry6

Nipmuc Story Time
2025-11-15 09:30 - 10:15 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
Nipmuc Story Time with Hassanamisco Nipmuc tribal members
Saturday, November 15 & 22, 9:30-10:15am
Join us in celebration of Native American Heritage Month for this drop-in story time! All ages are welcome; the event is geared towards K-3rd grade children.

Magic: the Gathering
2025-11-15 10:30 - 13:30 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
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. Check the Library website or Facebook page if there is inclement weather.

Writing Contest Workshop
2025-11-17 14:15 - 15:00 | Belchertown High School, 142 Springfield Road, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
The BHS Writing Club and the Clapp Memorial Library are teaming up for a writing workshop for teens! Ruthie Sterling, a novelist and the library’s Teen Services Coordinator, will run a writing workshop based on the Letters About Literature Writing Contest at a BHS Writing Club meeting. The workshop will take place from 2:15-3:00PM on Monday, November 17th in Room 318 at Belchertown High School. Just last year, a BHS student placed in this contest, which has a maximum cash prize of $200! Attend this workshop, and you might be next! Teens who do not attend Belchertown High School must email clapplibrarytab@gmail.com to register.

Jane Eyre Movie Screening
2025-11-18 19:00 - 21:00 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
Join us at the Clapp Memorial Library on Tuesday, November 18 at 7pm for a movie screening of the 2011 adaptation of Jane Eyre featuring Mia Wasikowska, Michael Fassbender, Jamie Bell, Judi Dench, and Holliday Grainger. Popcorn will be provided.
Public performance rights provided by SWANK
