Clapp Memorial Library

Music & Movement with Julie (Spring 2024)
2024-05-04 10:30 - 11:15 (America/New_York) | 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 | Lawrence Memorial Hall (Town Hall) Auditorium, Belchertown, 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!

Belchertown Community Bells Choir
2024-05-14 19:00 - 20:00 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
On Tuesday, May 14 at 7pm, the Belchertown Community Bells Choir will be performing a free concert at the Clapp Memorial Library. The Belchertown Community Bells Choir has been playing and presenting concerts for nearly 40 years. Some current members are also original members. This volunteer musical group is led by Bill McClure and plays several different styles of music from religious to pop. They enjoy “ringing”, rehearsing, and sharing their music with others in the community. We hope you’ll join them at this musical performance.

Library Closing: Memorial Day 2024
2024-05-27 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
The Library will be closed in observation of Memorial Day

Teen Book Club - First Meeting!
2024-05-29 15:00 - 16:00 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
The Clapp Memorial Library is starting a book club for teens in grades 7-12! This Teen Book Club will be 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 discuss one book from the nominee list. On Wednesday, May 29th from 3:00-4:00PM, teens will discuss Where You See Yourself by Claire Forrest. Copies of the book are available for checkout at the library’s circulation desk and on the hoopla app. Snacks will be provided at the meeting.

No Dig Gardening 101
2024-06-04 19:00 - 20:00 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
PROGRAM FULL! See you soon!
Join us at the Clapp Memorial Library on Tuesday, June 4 at 7pm for No Dig Gardening 101. This introductory course to the basics of the No Dig Gardening Method is perfect for beginners! Host Lindsey Baird of Oak & Ash Farm in Belchertown will teach attendees this low-maintenance garden strategy that’s not only easy to do, but helps improve soil health and is good for the environment. Learn the fundamentals of companion planting, seed starting, and feeding your soil, NOT tilling it. No matter how big or small your garden is, this method is a great way to start.
Attendees will leave with planting guides, companion planting charts and seeds or plants to get started. Everything they need to start their very first no dig bed!
Registration required.
This program is made possible by the Friends of the Clapp Memorial Library.

Herb Garden
2024-06-10 18:00 - 19:00 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
PROGRAM FULL – WAITLIST ONLY
Learn the joy and multitude of benefits that come from keeping an herb garden. Whether you want to grow an herb garden for culinary, medicinal or cosmetic uses, or just to create something beautiful to look at, this course is for you. Instructor Lindsey Baird of Oak & Ash Farm designed and planted her first herb garden at 11 and has been passionate about them ever since! She will talk you through the basics of growing herbs, as well as some simple garden layouts. You’ll leave with a collection of herb plants and the knowledge to create your own herbal oasis. Attendees will go home with martials on basic herb garden plans, list of herbs to try and their seasonality (annual, bi annual, perennial) as well as a pack of herb plants to bring home (basil, thyme, parsley, chive)
Registration required – sign up here: https://forms.gle/oxUc2cjUHC2wEVTq7
This program is made possible by the Friends of the Clapp Memorial Library.

Leading Men with author Christopher Castellani
2024-06-11 18:30 - 19:30 | Virtual, MA
Virtual Event – click here to sign up.
Join author Christopher Castellani for a presentation of his book Leading Men and the real-life characters who feature in it.
“In July of 1953, at a glittering party thrown by Truman Capote in Portofino, Italy, Tennessee Williams and his longtime lover Frank Merlo meet Anja Blomgren, a mysteriously taciturn young Swedish beauty and aspiring actress. Their encounter will go on to alter all of their lives.
Ten years later, Frank revisits the tempestuous events of that fateful summer from his deathbed in Manhattan, where he waits anxiously for Tennessee to visit him one final time. Anja, now legendary film icon Anja Bloom, lives as a recluse in the present-day U.S., until a young man connected to the events of 1953 lures her reluctantly back into the spotlight after he discovers she possesses the only surviving copy of Williams’s final play.”
*This program will NOT be recorded*
This program is sponsored by the Friends of the Joshua Hyde Public Library in Sturbridge, Charlton Public Library and the Jacob Edwards Library in Southbridge, who we are partnering with for this event.

Pride Craft Program
2024-06-12 16:00 - 17:00 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
Teens in grades 7-12 are invited to the library to make a welcoming, rainbow craft for Pride Month! This program will take place Wednesday, June 12th at 4:00PM in the library’s Activity Room. More details to come.
Email clapplibrarytab@gmail.com to sign up.

LGBTQ+ Inclusion 101
2024-06-12 18:30 - 19:30 | Virtual, MA
Virtual Event – click here to sign up
Knowledge can empower individuals to make cultural change. This program encourages individuals at all levels of understanding to learn about what it means to be LGBTQ+ and how to be stronger allies so our entire community feels welcome to be their authentic selves.
Ali Kane (she/they), of ALK Consulting, is a Queer nonprofit leader and lifelong learner committed to creating an inclusive, equitable, and accessible world for individuals with diverse identities and experiences.
This program is sponsored by the Friends of the Joshua Hyde Public Library in Sturbridge, Charlton Public Library and the Jacob Edwards Library in Southbridge, who we are partnering with for this event.

Birds of Prey with Wingmasters
2024-06-15 10:00 - 11:00 | Lawrence Memorial Hall (Town Hall) Auditorium, Belchertown, 01007, United States
This program is strictly for ages 5 and up.
Families, teens and adults are welcome as we kick off our summer reading programs.
Birds of prey, also known as raptors, are hunting birds characterized by hooked beaks and powerful grabbing feet armed with sharp talons. With some of the best eyesight and the sharpest hearing in the animal kingdom, raptors include eagles, hawks, falcons and owls. Learn about these different categories in a presentation that incorporates five live birds, including predation, the birds’ place at the top of the food web, their different hunting adaptations and their status in a rapidly changing world. Because many birds of prey are declining in number, this presentation also features one or more of the endangered raptors that we care for, and explains why these species face an uncertain future.
Wingmasters is a partnership of two people dedicated to increasing public understanding and appreciation of North American birds of prey. Julie Anne Collier and Jim Parks are both licensed raptor rehabilitators based in Massachusetts. Together they care for injured birds of prey. Most of the birds they rehabilitate can ultimately be released back into the wild, but in some cases the birds are left permanently handicapped.
This event is part of our Summer Reading Program and attending is worth a Kids SRP Raffle Ticket! Make sure to sign your child up for Summer Reading at clapplibrary.beanstack.com or via the Beanstack app.
Made possible by the Friends of the Clapp Memorial Library and our Community Sponsors

Teen Pizza-Tasting Contest/Teen Summer Reading Program Kick-Off
2024-06-15 14:00 - 15:00 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
The Clapp Memorial Library is kicking off the start of the Teen Summer Reading Program with a Pizza-Tasting Contest on Saturday, June 15th at 2:00PM! Teens entering grades 7-12 (and graduating students from the class of 2024) are invited to the library to blindly taste pizza from Belchertown pizza places and restaurants. Teens will vote and declare which pizza in Belchertown is “Teens’ Choice for Cheese!” and “Teens’ Choice for Specialty Pizza!” from pizzas donated by Antonio’s, Grapevine, La Trattoria, McCarthys, and Sleigh City!
Teens can enjoy games, a photobooth, and a Wii as the votes come in. Don’t miss this program, which was a fan-favorite prior to 2020! Students should email clapplibrarytab@gmail.com to register.
Attendees will receive a raffle ticket for the Teen Summer Reading Program. The winning Pizza Places will be announced in The Sentinel and on the library’s social media accounts.

Fresh Tea Gardens
2024-06-18 19:00 - 20:00 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
Grow your own cuppa with your very own fresh tea garden! Host Lindsey Baird of Oak & Ash Farm has been growing and experimenting with her own herb and tea gardens since she was a kid and wants you to learn how fun it can be. Learn to think outside the box of the basic culinary herb garden and grow your own herbal teas for enjoying fresh or dried. Lindsey will go over the multitude of plants you can grow to add to your blend, and you’ll leave with a bouquet of fresh herbal tea to enjoy at home while you plan your own garden.
Attendees will go home with a list of plants to try growing, a basic tea garden plan and a small bouquet of fresh tea to make at home (enough for one pot of tea).
Registration required, sign up here: https://forms.gle/sii24NkG4FfHRiNH9
This program is made possible by the Friends of the Clapp Memorial Library.

Magical Girls & Fighting Dreamers: An Exploration of Queer Representation in Manga & Anime
2024-06-18 19:00 - 20:00 | Virtual, MA
The Clapp Memorial Library is partnering with the Morrill Memorial Library and other MA libraries in offering a virtual program for teens for Pride Month! Click here to sign up!
On Tuesday, June 18th from 7:00-8:00PM, teen anime and manga fans are invited to watch as the MML’s Youth Services Librarian, Dina Delic, presents “Magical Girls & Fighting Dreamers: An Exploration of Queer Representation in Manga & Anime” on Zoom. Attendees will learn about the history of queer representation in manga and anime. This program will give an overview of queer representation throughout various series, from The Rose of Versailles to Yuri on Ice, and will answer your most pressing questions: What is shipping? What is the difference between yaoi and yuri? Why are the greatest love stories in anime always platonic?
Please note that this program may contain spoilers for some series. Interested adults are also welcome to attend this presentation.

Library Closing: Juneteenth 2024
2024-06-19 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
The Library will be closed in observation of Juneteenth

JV Trainings
2024-06-20 11:00 - 12:00 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
Students accepted to be Junior Volunteers during the summer of 2024 are expected to attend one JV Training Session before they get scheduled to attend to the Children’s Summer Reading Table over the summer. JVs should register for the session on Thursday, June 20th from 11AM-12PM or the session on Tuesday, June 25th from 7-8PM by emailing clapplibrarytab@gmail.com. JVs unable to attend either session should contact clapplibrarytab@gmail.com to schedule a time to meet with Library Staff about training.

Food Truck Friday
2024-06-21 16:00 - 20:00 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
Join the Clapp Memorial Library on our beautiful Common for an evening of fun with live music and food trucks. We will have crafts and activities for all to enjoy.
This event is part of our Summer Reading Program and attending is worth a Kids SRP Raffle Ticket! Make sure to sign your child up for Summer Reading at clapplibrary.beanstack.com or via the Beanstack app.
Program made possible by the Belchertown Cultural Council

Teen Book Club - June Meeting
2024-06-26 15:00 - 16:00 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
The Clapp Memorial Library has started a book club for teens entering 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, June 26th from 3:00-4:00PM, teens will discuss Promise Boys by Nick Brooks. Copies of the book are available for checkout at the library’s circulation desk and on the hoopla app. Snacks will be provided at the meeting. Email clapplibrarytab@gmail.com with any questions.

1969 Stonewall Rebellion
2024-06-26 18:30 - 19:30 | Virtual, MA
Virtual Event – click here to sign up!
Join author Milo Todd on Zoom as he discusses the Stonewall Rebellion, a grassroots movement that sparked LGBTQ+ rights across the country.
What happened during the multi-night rebellion around the Stonewall Inn in June of 1969? What was the first thing thrown and who threw it? Who took part and who stayed away?Hear the details of what happened and how this ultimately led to the creation of Pride Month.
Note: This session includes mention of transphobia, racism, police brutality, slurs, murder, sexual assault, and misgendering/deadnaming
This program is sponsored by the Friends of the Joshua Hyde Public Library in Sturbridge, Charlton Public Library and the Jacob Edwards Library in Southbridge, who we are partnering with for this event.

Edible Flowers
2024-06-27 19:00 - 20:00 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
Thursday, June 27, 7pm
Smell your flowers, and eat them too! Learn about the many types and uses of edible flowers in this class hosted by Lindsey Baird of Oak & Ash Farm. Lindsey will go over which varieties and parts of flowers are edible, and then teach you how best to enjoy them. You’ll leave with recipes and a collection of edible flowers to try at home.
Attendees will go home with a list of edible flowers and their seasonality, as well as a box of edible flowers to enjoy!
Registration Required, sign up here: https://forms.gle/uYNog4Aw1JrbFwZj6
This program is made possible by the Friends of the Clapp Memorial Library.

Library Closing: Independence Day 2024
2024-07-04 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
The Library will be closed in observation of Independence Day

Babytime Story time (3-12 mo) Spring 2024
2024-07-08 09:00 - 10:00 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
9:00-9:45 AM, Mondays, July 8, 15, 22, 29, August 5 & 12
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. 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.
Summer Story Times are part of our Summer Reading Program, starting June 15th. Make sure to sign your child up for Summer Reading at clapplibrary.beanstack.com or via the Beanstack app.
