Clapp Memorial Library

Mindful Music with Mr. Ryan
2025-10-30 16:30 - 17:00 (America/New_York) | 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
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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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

Friend's Annual Meeting
2025-11-20 19:00 - 20:00 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
The Friends of Clapp Memorial Library announce that they will hold their annual meeting for this year at 7 PM on November 20, 2025, in the Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA 01007. The meeting will review actions from the past year, hold elections for Board members, and discuss plans for the coming year. The general public is invited, and current members of the Friends group are highly encouraged to attend.

Community Wellness
2025-11-21 15:00 - 17:00 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
BOAT and Clapp Memorial Library welcome anyone in the community needing access to health care, mental health/substance use resources to the library on the 3rd Friday of every month from 3:00pm to 5:00pm! Free refreshments will be available.

Early Closing: Thanksgiving 2025
2025-11-26 | 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!

Teen Book Club (Nov 2025)
2025-11-26 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! On Wednesday, November 26th from 3:00-4:00PM, teens will discuss The Sunbearer Trials by Aiden Thomas. 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.

Library Closing: Thanksgiving 2025
2025-11-27 - 2025-11-28 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
The Library will be closed in observation of Thanksgiving

Magical Winter Lights
2025-11-29 18:00 - 19:00 | Lawrence Memorial Hall (Town Hall) Auditorium, Belchertown, 01007, United States
Magical Winter Lights: From Fire Festivals to Electronic Illuminations – a fun-filled family holiday magic show.
Join the Clapp Memorial Library to warm up in the Town Hall Auditorium after the Belchertown Cultural Council’s Winter Light Night on Saturday, November 29 at 6pm for a performance of Magical Winter Lights: From Fire Festivals to Electronic Illuminations. Award-winning writer Jonah Knight will present a 60-minute interactive storytelling magic show about winter holiday lights exploring how using light in winter celebrations began with early fire festivals, how they evolved with lanterns and candles, and now with spectacular electronic illuminations. This show is warm-hearted, bringing the magic of winter lights to everyone. Topics explored include the early fire festivals of the Vikings, lights in Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and Christmas, the electronic lights of Eid al Fitr and the Japanese Winter Illuminations, Yule Logs, Butter candles and Diya lamps, and the lanterns of St. Martin’s Day and Yi Peng.
Funding provided by the Friends of the Clapp Memorial Library and the Belchertown Community Alliance.

Needle Felting Penguins - Adult
2025-12-01 15:00 - 18:00 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
Join us for a Penguin Needle Felting program on Monday, December 1st from 3:00-6:00PM in the library’s Activity Room! 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. Tools and materials will be provided. Due to anticipated popularity and limited capacity, seats will be filled by lottery drawn from all registrants signed up by November 24th. Priority will be given to Belchertown patrons.
Sign up here: https://forms.gle/zzQY93s8kRgC4KnPA

Mat Pilates Class
2025-12-03 17:30 - 18:30 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
Program is full, all new sign-ups will be added to the waitlist.
Join us for a rejuvenating Mat Pilates Pop-Up Class — a full-body, low-impact workout designed to strengthen your core, improve flexibility, and boost your posture. Perfect for all levels, this 45-minute session will leave you feeling strong, centered, and refreshed. Just bring a mat, water, and good vibes!
Registration required, click here to sign up. All participants must agree to the Pursuit Pilates Club waiver.

Babytime Story Time (3-12 months) Winter 2025
2025-12-08 09:00 - 09:45 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
Babytime Story Time (3-12 months)
9:00-9:45 AM, Mondays, Dec 8, 15, Jan 5, 12, 26, Feb 2 & 9
Babytime is for ages 3 – 12 months and begins @ 9:00 AM. Registration & confirmation required, sign up here: https://forms.gle/Qf2E3WgPx55qVY6j9. Our story times feature age-appropriate stories, songs, finger plays and art activities.
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 2025
2025-12-08 10:00 - 10:45 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
First Steps Story Time (12-24 months)
10:00-10:45 AM, Mondays, Dec 8, 15, Jan 5, 12, 26, Feb 2 & 9
First Steps is for ages 12 – 24 months and begins @ 10:00 AM. Registration & confirmation required, sign up here: https://forms.gle/KzMruTZyL3gjwfm7A. Our story times feature age-appropriate stories, songs, finger plays and art activities.
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.

Quabbin Calendar Sale and Signing with J.R. Greene
2025-12-08 18:00 - 19:00 | 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 Monday, December 8 at 6pm for a 2026 Quabbin History Calendar Sale and Signing. The program will consist of a slideshow with scenes relating to the calendar images, followed by the sale and signing of the 2026 calendar and many of his books. The Library is very grateful to be the recipient of a portion of the proceeds from this evening’s calendar sales.

Toddler Time (2 year olds) Winter 2025
2025-12-09 09:30 - 10:30 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
9:30-10:30 AM, Tuesdays, Dec 9, 16, Jan 6, 13, 27, Feb 3 & 10
Toddler Time is for children 2-3 years old, and begins @ 9:30 AM. Registration & confirmation required, sign up here: https://forms.gle/Yr5p7XnCzujL6hEw8. Our story times feature age-appropriate stories, songs, finger plays and art activities.
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 Storytime (3-5 year olds) Winter 2025
2025-12-11 09:30 - 10:30 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
Preschool Story Time (3-5 year olds)
9:30-10:30 AM, Thursdays, Dec 11, 18, Jan 8, 15, 29, Feb 5 & 12
Preschool Story Time is for children ages 3 to 5, and begins @ 9:30 AM. Registration & confirmation required, sign up here: https://forms.gle/35swosbUaPgxTFke6. Our story times feature age-appropriate stories, songs, finger plays and art activities.
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.

Doughnut Forget the Sprinkles!
2025-12-11 16:30 - 18:00 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
A Doughnut Drawing Class for Kids with Nicole Gibbs
Thursday, December 11th 4:30 pm – 6:00 pm
Join us for a class sprinkled with drawing, story, and DOUGHNUTS (well, at least on paper). We will treat ourselves to a good laugh and some deliciously, fun illustrations as we read Arnie the Doughnut by Laurie Keller for inspiration. Together we’ll explore using the basic elements of art (with a focus on line, shape, value) to draw a doughnut.
This is an introductory, instructional drawing class for kids 7 to 11. During the class, we will work out our drawing muscles, test out doughnut drawing by drawing what we know, learn to draw what we see, and leave with our original and final drawing of a doughnut to see our own growth.
Registration is required, sign up here: https://forms.gle/4ugFZMcVTjwPAcEs5
