Clapp Memorial Library

Food Truck Friday
2024-06-21 16:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | 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.

Monday Firststeps (12-24 mo) Summer 2024
2024-07-08 10:00 - 11:00 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
Monday Firststeps (12-24 months) Spring 2024
10:00-10:45 AM, Mondays, July 8, 15, 22, 29, August 5 & 12
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. 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.

The Rescue of Angeline Palmer
2024-07-08 18:30 - 19:30 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
On Monday, July 8th at 6:30pm, come to the Clapp Memorial Library for a presentation by Cliff McCarthy, Stone House Museum archivist and author/editor of several books on Belchertown’s history. “The Rescue of Angeline Palmer” is the true story of a free-born, African American girl who was nearly kidnapped and sold into slavery in the pre-Civil War South. Orphaned at a young age and declared a ward of the town of Amherst, Angeline Palmer was “bound out” to work in the home of the family of Mason and Susanna (Dwight) Shaw of Belchertown. Only the desperate actions of three heroic Black men kept Angeline from bondage.

Tuesday Toddler Time (2 years) Summer 2024
2024-07-09 09:30 - 10:30 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
Tuesday Toddler Time (2 years) Summer 2024
9:30-10:30 am, Thursdays, July 9, 16, 23, 30th, August 6 & 13
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. 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.

Summer Teen D&D
2024-07-09 13:00 - 15:00 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
Program is full, new sign-ups will be added to our waitlist and will get an email about our fall campaign.
Calling all Belchertown Teens for Summer D&D
1:00-3:00PM, July 9th, 16th, 23rd, 30th, August 6th and 13th.
Sign up to play in a Summer D&D campaign with GM Jordan Winfield!
Enter the Feywilds and explore the Dungeons & Dragons multiverse in this fun, casual, original campaign! Game will run weekly on Tuesdays, starting on July 9th and finishing on August 13th.
Waitlist: https://forms.gle/rWUvtjDHCaZpJZ6v6
Please email any questions to tmannino@cwmars.org

Getting Ready for Kindergarten Summer 2024
2024-07-10 09:30 - 10:30 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
9:30-10:30 am, Wednesdays, July 10, 17, 24, 31, August 6 & 12,
Getting Ready for Kindergarten is for children entering Kindergarten this fall and beings at 9:30 AM. Getting Ready for Kindergarten feature age-appropriate stories, songs, finger plays and art activities independent of their caregivers to prepare young children for school. Program will be held in the Children’s Activity Room.
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.
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.

Wednesday Whodunnits
2024-07-10 13:00 - 14:00 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
Our Mystery Book Group is held on the second Wednesday of each month at 1:00 p.m. Join us as we discuss a different mystery novel each month. Email mmarszalek@cwmars.org with any questions.

Caravan Puppets - Read, Renew, Repeat
2024-07-10 18:00 - 19:00 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
Join us at 6PM on July 10th for an evening full of stories and music on the Library Lawn (in the case of rain, Town Hall Auditorium)!
Multi cultural puppet tales that celebrate how we learn (“Read, Renew”) and we can enjoy taking the time to get things right (repeat!)! Read Renew Repeat! Features original hand crafted puppets and classic stories that teach: “If your patient and you keep trying…. you’ll succeed!!”
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

Preschool Story Time (3-6 years) Summer 2024
2024-07-11 09:30 - 10:30 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
9:30-10:30 am, Thursdays, July 11, 18, 25, August 1, 8 & 15
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. 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.

Big Prize Bingo
2024-07-15 18:00 - 19:00 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
Teens ages 12-18 are invited to the library’s third annual Summer Reading Bingo program on Monday, July 15th from 6:00-7:00PM. Teens will play bingo for the chance to win big prizes like gift cards, board games, signed books, and more! All attendees will earn a raffle ticket for the Teen Summer Reading Program. Teens can sign up for this program at the library or by emailing clapplibrarytab@gmail.com. Teens must be registered for the Teen Summer Reading Program to attend.

Gross, Cool, Weird Science
2024-07-17 18:00 | Lawrence Memorial Hall (Town Hall) Auditorium, Belchertown, 01007, United States
Join us at 6PM on July 17th at the Town Hall Auditorium for Gross, Weird, Cool Science – Things to make you go “EW!” “What?!” and “WOW!!!”
The world is full of gruesomely gross, wildly weird and incredibly cool things. Animals, insects, microbes, plants, even the earth itself is full of unbelievable wonders waiting to be explored. In this program we uncover incredible things like…

real world zombies
fish that can climb trees
a creature that can grow a whole new body out of it’s head
an animal that can come back to life after being frozen solid
a worm with more butts than any other animal
the world’s most indestructible creature
pink lakes

Life on earth is endlessly fascinating and this program is designed to spark curiosity to discover more, and never stop discovering! Packed full of amazing examples of grossness, weirdness and coolness, this is a fast paced, fact filled program, with the same trademark blend of science and silliness as The Poop Museum!
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

Dr. Rosie
2024-07-18 14:00 - 15:00 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
July 18th, 2PM
Meet the author and illustrator of Dr. Rosie Helps the Animals, an award-winning STEM picture book based on and informed by real-world veterinarians. Jennifer, the author, and Rozillia, the illustrator, will first tell the story behind the story of Dr. Rosie and then engage kids in an interactive reading.
Following the reading will be a hands-on activity where kids (and their grownups) diagnose and treat a stuffy. Each participant will receive a mini vet kit and diagnostic/treatment sheet to take home.
Registration and confirmation required, sign up here: https://forms.gle/a11gu7gDjzz7c12a9
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.

Friends Book Drop Off Day
2024-07-20 09:00 - 12:00 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
Got books? Donating books to the Friends of the Library will be super easy on July 20th & August 10th from 9am to 12pm. Load up your car and drive to the Library where members of the Friends will unload the items. No need to get out of the car! DVDs also accepted but no VHS tapes. Drop off takes place in the Library parking lot.

Jacques’ Concert
2024-07-24 18:00 - 19:00 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
Join us at 6PM on July 24th for an evening of music on the Library Lawn (in the case of rain, Town Hall Auditorium)! Singing dancing and fun for all ages with Ann Marie Messbauer and Jacques “Pop” Hooten
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 Card-making for Cards for Hospitalized Kids
2024-07-26 18:00 - 19:00 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
Teens ages 12-18 are invited to the library to do good by making cards to be sent to Cards for Hospitalized Kids. This program will take place in the library’s Activity Room on Friday, July 26th from 6:00-7:00PM. Email clapplibrarytab@gmail.com or call the library to register. All attendees will earn up to two additional raffle tickets for the Teen Summer Reading Program!

Critters of Lake Wallace
2024-07-27 09:00 - 10:00 | Foley Field, 66 State Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
Join us on Saturday, July 27 to investigate fascinating creatures and critters in Lake Wallace. Join local biologists and parents Caralyn Zehnder and Will Duncan as we learn about the life cycles of aquatic invertebrates like dragonflies and damselflies and sample the lake to see what we can find. Geared towards ages 4 years and up.
9AM PROGRAM IS FULL. 10:30AM SESSION ADDED
Registration is required, sign up here: https://forms.gle/QCQrMQTv3ZqtUaLL6
We will meet at the end of the ball fields. Play clothes and bug spray are highly suggested. The 9am program has filled up, we are offering a second program at 10:30am.
Any questions, call the Clapp Memorial Library at 413-323-0417

Critters of Lake Wallace
2024-07-27 10:30 - 11:30 | Foley Field, 66 State Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
Join us on Saturday, July 27 to investigate fascinating creatures and critters in Lake Wallace. Join local biologists and parents Caralyn Zehnder and Will Duncan as we learn about the life cycles of aquatic invertebrates like dragonflies and damselflies and sample the lake to see what we can find. Geared towards ages 4 years and up.
Registration is required, sign up here: https://forms.gle/QCQrMQTv3ZqtUaLL6
We will meet at the end of the ball fields. Play clothes and bug spray are highly suggested. Our 9am program is full, join us for the 10:30am program!
Any questions, call the Clapp Memorial Library at 413-323-0417

Needle Felted Whales
2024-07-29 18:00 - 20:00 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
Come learn the art of needle felting at the Clapp Memorial Library on Monday, July 29 OR Wednesday, July 31, 6-8pm. Local fiber artist Anna Sunschauer will teach you how to sculpt fluffy wool fiber into a whale 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.
PROGRAM FULL, WAITLIST ONLY. This workshop is open to adults and teens.
Sign up here: https://forms.gle/xwXxN9gFcrC44PmZ6
This program is made possible by the Friends of the Clapp Memorial Library.

Wind Down Storytime with Jason Perkins
2024-07-30 18:00 - 19:00 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
When: Tuesday, July 30th 6:00 PM
Where: Clapp Memorial Library Activity Room
Come hear author Jason Perkins read his rockin’ story Rock Stars Don’t Nap. Everyone is invited to join the fun wearing their PJs, if you want. After we rock out together, we will have a creative craft.
The book is geared towards children ages 3 to 8 but all ages are welcome. Registration is preferred – let us know you’re coming here: https://forms.gle/7s2YqUVbgdX81Qzg6
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?!
Odyssey Bookshop will be present if you would like to purchase your own copy to be signed by Jason.
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 Book Club - July Meeting
2024-07-31 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 in/entering 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 meet to discuss one book from the nominee list. On Wednesday, July 31st from 3:00-4:00PM, teens will discuss Throwback by Maurene Goo. 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. Attendees will receive a raffle ticket for the Summer Reading Program.

Teen Crafternoon: DIY Puzzle Piece Jewelry
2024-07-31 16:00 - 17:00 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
The Clapp Memorial Library is hosting a Teen Crafternoon for teens ages 12-18 from 4:00-5:00PM on Wednesday, July 31st in the library’s Activity Room. Teens will learn how to upcycle puzzle pieces into jewelry. Attendees will leave the program with their jewelry pieces and with an additional raffle ticket for the Teen Summer Reading Program. Email clapplibrarytab@gmail.com or visit the library to register.

Whalemobile
2024-07-31 18:00 - 20:30 | Lawrence Memorial Hall (Town Hall) Auditorium, Belchertown, 01007, United States
PROGRAM FULL
For ages 5 to 11. Children under age 10 must be accompanied by a caregiver age 14 or older.
Do you love marine life, but don’t have time to make it to the ocean this summer? Have no fear, Nile is here! This 43 foot life sized inflatable humpback whale is swimming to your local library for a fun, educational experience. Discover the remarkable similarities between whales and humans, and have the hands-on-experience of touching real whale artifacts!
Sign up for a 30 minute visit inside Nile the Whale at the Town Hall Auditorium! Visit followed by hands-on activities, so plan for a full hour for this interactive and fun program. Visits starting at 6:00PM, 6:30PM, 7:00PM, and 7:30PM!
Registration Required – sign up here: https://forms.gle/gUU8ogztPa2p4X857
https://thewhalemobile.com/

Free Teen Book Hours & Book Swap!
2024-08-02 17:00 - 18:00 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
This summer, Teen Summer Reading Program participants are invited to donate up to two books (preferably Middle Grade or Young Adult) in exchange for picking out up to four books during the Free Teen Book Hours at the library on August 2nd from 5:00-6:00PM and August 7th from 6:00-7:00PM. Donations for the Free Teen Book Hours can be dropped off at the library’s circulation desk. Teens will then be given passes that allow them to take additional books at the FTBHs. Teens do not need to donate a book in order to attend the Free Teen Book Hours. Teens can automatically choose at least one free book at each FTBH they attend. Teens must, however, be signed up for the Teen Summer Reading Program to receive a free book. Leftover books after the last FTBH, and books above and below a MG or YA reading level, will be donated to the Friends of the Library for their semi-annual booksale.

Duckworld
2024-08-03 10:00 - 11:00 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
Come meet live ducks and learn about their diet, habitat, behavior and more. Duckworld Rescue at Ripley Farm will bring ducks and give children a chance to hold them and watch them swim.
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.

Belchertown’s Connection with China
2024-08-05 18:30 - 19:30 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
On Monday, August 5th at 6:30pm, come to the Clapp Memorial Library for “Belchertown’s Connection with China,” a presentation by Cliff McCarthy, Stone House Museum archivist and author/editor of several books on Belchertown’s history. Belchertown has a deep, historic connection to China. Elijah Coleman Bridgman was the first American Protestant missionary to China beginning in the 1830s. He and his Connecticut-born spouse devoted their lives to bridging the chasm between the two worlds. Then in the 1870s, a group of Chinese students came to live in Belchertown as part of the innovative experiment called the “Chinese Educational Mission.”
