Maltese Falcon Book Group
2024-10-22 14:00 - 15:30, 2024-10-29 14:00 - 15:30, 2024-11-12 14:00 - 15:30, 2024-11-19 14:00 - 15:30 (America/New_York) | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
Have you ever wanted to take the time to discuss a novel in depth? In this six-session group we will discuss the classic detective novel The Maltese Falcon by Dashiell Hammett. The discussion will be introduced and facilitated by retired professor David Spector, who has some expertise on birds in literature. There are, indeed, birds, including the famous title one, in this mystery story, but David hopes that discussion will range widely over many aspects of the plot and characters of this novel. After registration is confirmed, participants can pick up a copy of the novel to keep, while supplies last.
Registration & confirmation required, sign up here: https://forms.gle/DVBeozi3dHhqBYRG6
The group will meet 2 to 3:30 P.M. on Tuesdays, October 8, 15, 22, and 29, and November 12 and 19. There is no meeting on November 5. October 15th meeting location to be determined.
A public screening of the classic 1941 John Huston film version of the novel with Mary Astor, Humphrey Bogart, Sydney Greenstreet, Peter Lorre, Elisha Cook, Lee Patrick, et al., is tentatively set for Tuesday, 3 December, at 7 P.M.

A Narrative of Dwight Village in Belchertown, Part 1
2024-10-24 19:00 - 20:00 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
Michael Carolan will provide a two-part documented history and geographical genealogy of the indigenous and nonindigenous peoples, notable events, architecture and landscapes, from the Eighteenth to the Twentieth centuries, and the district’s contributions to art, industry, politics, science and religion, on October 24th and November 14th. Known as Logg-town, Hopetown, Dwight’s Station and Pansy Park, this narrowly-defined, eight-square-mile district has been subsumed historically into the larger community. The Rev. Henry Ward Beecher—the “most famous man in America”—gave his first sermon here. The hamlet was celebrated as the birthplace of Abraham Lincoln’s first biographer, J. G. Holland. Rare aquatic flower gardens drew hundreds through Dwight’s two railroad stops. And its chapel was established after a culmination of efforts said to have been initiated by Poet Emily Dickinson’s sister-in-law. There were feuds, accidents, suicides, drownings, fires, the millwright who outlived six wives and the portrait painter who rendered the place and its characters in colorfully detailed letters preserved to this day.
Michael Carolan writes for The Springfield Republican and his essays appear on New England Public Radio. He taught literature and writing at Clark University for 13 years.

Teen Advisory Board (Oct 2024)
2024-10-25 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 25th from 4:30-5:30PM in the library’s Activity Room for its second meeting of the 2024-2025 school year! 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. Teens can email clapplibrarytab@gmail.com for more information and to register.

Afterschool Ghostbusters RPG
2024-10-28 14:30 - 16:00 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
Calling all Belchertown Students for Afterschool Gaming
2:30-4:00PM, Mondays, October 28th – December 9th.
*No game on November 11th
It’s time to grab your dice and slip on that proton pack and play Ghostbusters. For fans of the movies and D&D. No experience necessary to join in on this zany adventure.
Step into the shoes of a new team of Ghostbusters for Ghost Toasties, a nutritious, humorous, fun-filled and life-and-death campaign to save the world from demons, eldritch horrors, and crazed advertising executives for Ghostbusters: a Frightfully Cheerful Roleplaying Game
Program will run weekly starting in October for Middle & High School 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.
Space is limited, sign up at https://forms.gle/7PGoWc6SP8q6pmiK9
Confirmations will be sent out to students confirming enrollment or waitlist status.
Please email any questions to tmannino@cwmars.org

Ghosts of the Bridgewater Triangle
2024-10-29 19:00 - 20:00 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
Come to the library for a night of Massachusetts based paranormal mystery and exploration with Tim Weisberg!
Ghosts of the Bridgewater Triangle: How a paranormal vortex in southern New England has captured the imagination of the world through stories of ghosts, UFOs, cryptids, and true crime. Includes real-life ghost stories and ghostly voices captured in the Triangle
Tim Weisberg is the host and executive producer of “Spooky Southcoast” radio and of “Midnight Society with Tim Weisberg”. He is also the former host of “Midnight in the Desert,” the last radio program created and originally hosted by the legendary Art Bell. Tim is the author of “Ghosts of the SouthCoast” and “Haunted Objects: Ghosts On Your Shelf,” the latter co-written with Christopher Balzano.

Teen Pumpkin-Carving
2024-10-30 15:30 - 16:30 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
The Clapp Memorial Library will be having a free outdoor Pumpkin-Carving program for teens in grades 7-12 on Wednesday, October 30th from 3:30-4:30PM. Registration for this program is required, and teens can sign up at the library or by emailing clapplibrarytab@gmail.com. In the event of rain, this program will be moved inside to the library’s Activity Room.

Canning Basics
2024-11-01 18:00 - 19:00 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
Always wanted to learn how to can foods but aren’t sure where to start? Well Lindsey Baird of Oak & Ash Farm is here you teach you that you can, can!
Using the USDA guidelines for safe canning, Lindsey will teach you the basic rules and simple tips and tricks. Maybe you want to preserve your harvest, or perhaps you want to have quick and easy meals in a jar ready to go. Or maybe you want to learn how to save money by preserving items you purchase in bulk. You’ll learn how, all while controlling the ingredients and without relying on having enough space in your freezer.
You will leave with a simple guide on how to use both a water bath canner or pressure canner, and the confidence to fill your pantry with safe, home canned foods.
This program is funded by the Friends of the Clapp Memorial Library.

Games Day 2024
2024-11-08 14:30 - 17:30 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
Celebrate International Games Month at the library! Patrons of all ages are invited to the library’s Games Day on Friday, November 8th, from 2:30-5:30PM. Drop in and play a board game or two, roll some dice and try a RPG with Tegan, maybe even learn to play Magic: the Gathering, Disney Lorcana, or Pokemon TCG – learning decks available to use thanks to our volunteer Jon Rymasz!
All welcome!

Teen Advisory Board (Nov 2024)
2024-11-08 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 8th from 4:30-5:30PM in the upstairs of the library to celebrate Games Day! Board games and snacks will be provided for attendees. 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. Teens can email clapplibrarytab@gmail.com to register. New members are welcome.

Teen Trivia Night
2024-11-08 18:00 - 19:00 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
The Clapp Memorial Library is hosting a Teen Trivia Night on Friday, November 8th at 6:00PM. Test your knowledge on everything from pop culture, to worldwide holidays, to the oceans and the universe! The winner will receive the choice to pick between a Barnes & Noble and a Friends of the Library Book Sale gift certificate. Teens in grades 7-12 can sign-up at the library or by emailing clapplibrarytab@gmail.com.

Library Closing: Veterans' Day 2024
2024-11-11 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
The Library will be closed in observation of Veterans’ Day

Beat the Winter Blues: Hygge for Teenagers
2024-11-13 17:30 - 18:30 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
Do you get the winter blues when the clocks change? Are you interested in learning self-care strategies for the winter months? Have you been curious about hygge (pronounced HOO-GA), the Danish term for a sense of comfort, contentment, and pleasurable coziness? Teens in grades 7-12 are invited to the library’s Activity Room on Wednesday, November 13th from 5:30-6:30PM for “Beat the Winter Blues: Hygge for Teenagers,” a presentation and interactive program on self-care and the Danish concept of hygge. Tea, snacks, and hot chocolate will be provided. Attendees will leave with a newfound knowledge of self-care strategies and the concept of hygge, and will take home a “hygge kit” full of comforting goodies.
Teens can email clapplibrarytab@gmail.com or visit the library to register.

A Narrative of Dwight Village in Belchertown, Part 2
2024-11-14 19:00 - 20:00 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
Michael Carolan returns for the second part of his narrative history of Dwight Village in Belchertown. Known as Logg-town, Hopetown, Dwight’s Station and Pansy Park, this narrowly-defined, eight-square-mile district has been subsumed historically into the larger community. The Rev. Henry Ward Beecher—the “most famous man in America”—gave his first sermon here. The hamlet was celebrated as the birthplace of Abraham Lincoln’s first biographer, J. G. Holland. Rare aquatic flower gardens drew hundreds through Dwight’s two railroad stops. And its chapel was established after a culmination of efforts said to have been initiated by Poet Emily Dickinson’s sister-in-law. There were feuds, accidents, suicides, drownings, fires, the millwright who outlived six wives and the portrait painter who rendered the place and its characters in colorfully detailed letters preserved to this day.
Michael Carolan writes for The Springfield Republican and his essays appear on New England Public Radio. He taught literature and writing at Clark University for 13 years.

Free Food Friday
2024-11-15 14:00 - 15:30 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
Teens are invited to the library after school on the third Friday of the month 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.

Celebrate our Steinway with Stephen Page
2024-11-15 19:00 - 20:00 | MA
Join the Clapp Memorial Library on Friday, November 15 at 7pm at the Belchertown United Church of Christ for a Jazz Piano Concert by Stephen Page. The concert will be performed on the Library’s newly restored 1877 Steinway Grand Piano, which we are welcoming back to Belchertown! The piano restoration was made possible through a grant from the Belchertown Community Preservation Act Committee. Apple cider and donuts will be available following the performance. This program is funded by the Friends of the Clapp Memorial Library.
www.stephenpagepiano.com

Novel Writing Month Write-In
2024-11-18 18:00 - 20:00 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
Join us at the library for a Novel Writing Month Write-in! Bring your laptop, notebook & pen, or even your typewriter and participate in some timed word sprints, where we’ll challenge ourselves to write as many words as we can. This event is for adults 18+. For more information, contact Annie: macona@cwmars.org

Community Mosaics in Guatemala
2024-11-22 18:00 - 19:00 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
Cynthia Fisher has been making trips to Guatemala since 2013 creating community mosaic murals. Come learn how she got started and how a small lakeside town is filling up mosaics that represent the indigenous community and beautiful natural environment.

Early Closing: Thanksgiving 2024
2024-11-27 | 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 2024
2024-11-28 - 2024-11-29 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
The Library will be closed in observation of Thanksgiving

The Maltese Falcon movie screening
2024-12-03 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, December 3 for a screening of The Maltese Falcon. We’ll be showing the classic 1941 John Huston film version of the novel with Mary Astor, Humphrey Bogart, Sydney Greenstreet, Peter Lorre, Elisha Cook, Lee Patrick, et al. Popcorn will be provided. All are welcome – even if you haven’t read the book, come see the movie!

Babytime Storytime (3-12 mo) Winter 2025
2024-12-09 09:00 - 10:00 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
Babytime Story time (3-12 mo) Winter 2024
9:00-9:45 AM, Mondays, Dec 9, 12, Jan 6, 13, 27, Feb 3 & 10
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, sign up here: https://forms.gle/jRT4QmiCVsHQw5p1A. 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.

First Steps Storytime (12-24 months) Winter 2024
2024-12-09 10:00 - 11:00 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
Monday Firststeps (12-24 months) Winter 2024
10:00-10:45 AM, Mondays, Dec 9, 16, Jan 6, 13, 27, Feb 3 & 10
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, sign up here: https://forms.gle/Pj4YcjA1nLCsPKot5. 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.

Toddler Time (2 year olds) Winter 2024
2024-12-10 09:30 - 10:30 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
Tuesday Toddler Time (2 years) Winter 2024
9:30-10:30 am, Tuesdays, Dec 10, 17, Jan 7, 14, 21, 28 & Feb 4
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, sign up here: https://forms.gle/5HByTxejzhRaX9uP7. 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.

Needle Felting - Penguin
2024-12-11 17:30 - 20:30 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
PROGRAM & WAITLIST FULL
Come learn the art of needle felting at the Clapp Memorial Library on Wednesday, December 11 from 5:30-8:30pm OR Monday, December 16 from 2:30-5:30pm
Local fiber artist Anna Sunschauer will teach you how to sculpt fluffy wool fiber into a penguin 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. A separate workshop is being offered for teens. Space is limited and registration is required, priority given to Belchertown residents. Sign up here: https://forms.gle/6kKemx4SUTYzxYiY9
Due to the high popularity of Needle Felting programs and their limited capacity, seats will be filled by lottery drawn from all registrants signed up by November 24th.
This program is made possible by the Friends of the Clapp Memorial Library.
https://www.instagram.com/whimsical.fiber/

Quabbin History Calendar sale and signing with J.R. Greene
2024-12-11 19:00 - 20:00 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
Historian and author J.R. Greene returns to the Clapp Memorial Library on Wednesday, December 11 at 7pm for a 2025 Quabbin History Calendar Sale and Signing. The program will consist of a slideshow with scenes relating to the calendar images, followed by copies of the calendar and many of his books for sale and signing.

Preschool Storytime (3-5 year olds) Winter 2024
2024-12-12 09:30 - 10:30 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
Preschool Story Time (3-6 years) Winter 2024
9:30-10:30 am, Thursdays, Dec 12, 19, Jan 9, 16, 23, 30 & Feb 6
Preschool Story Time is for ages 3-5 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, sign up here: https://forms.gle/4Meyj3ueG6RT6ZQ97. 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.

Ornament Metalsmithing for Teens
2024-12-12 16:00 - 17:30 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
Make your own holiday ornament by metalsmithing at the Clapp Memorial Library on Thursday, December 12th from 4:00-5:30PM!
The library is excited to welcome back experienced maker and teacher Heather Beck this winter! Beck will teach teens in grades 7-12 how to create their own drawings in metal with special tools and hammers. Come learn to stamp images, words, and textures to create a truly unique ornament that will stand the test of time. While hammering their own drawings into the ornament, teens will gain new knowledge and confidence and leave with a finished beautiful piece to treasure or give as a gift. Space is limited. Teens must email clapplibrarytab@gmail.com to register.
This program is funded by the Friends of the Clapp Memorial Library.
