Clapp Memorial Library

First Steps Storytime (12-24 months) Fall 2025
2025-10-27 10:00 - 10:45, 2025-11-03 10:00 - 10:45 (America/New_York) | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
Monday Firststeps (12-24 months) Fall 2025
10:00-10:45 AM, Mondays, Sep 22, 29, Oct 6, 20, 27 & Nov 3
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.
This program is full, if you wish to be added to the waitlist please send an email to jwhitehead@cwmars.org with the child’s name, age and which program.

Toddler Time (2 year olds) Fall 2025
2025-10-28 09:30 - 10:30, 2025-11-04 09:30 - 10:30 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
Tuesday Toddler Time (2 years) Fall 2025
9:30-10:30 am, Tuesdays, Sep 30, Oct 7, 21, 28 & Nov 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.
This program is full, if you wish to be added to the waitlist please send an email to jwhitehead@cwmars.org with the child’s name, age and which program.

Jane Eyre Reading Group
2025-10-28 14:00 - 15:30, 2025-11-04 14:00 - 15:30 | 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 five-session group, we will discuss the Gothic novel, Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte. The discussion will be introduced and facilitated by retired professor David Spector. After registration is confirmed, participants can pick up a copy of the novel to keep, while supplies last.
Registration and confirmation required, sign up here: https://forms.gle/NxmuC9z9L6pqDeuZA
The group will meet from 2 to 3:30 PM on Tuesdays. The first meeting is on Tuesday, October 7, with the next meeting on Tuesday, October 28 to give participants a chance to read the book. Subsequent meetings are on November 4, 18, and 25. All sessions take place in the Library’s activity room.
A public screening of the 2011 version of Jane Eyre is scheduled for Tuesday, November 18 at 7pm.

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.

Preschool Storytime (3-5 year olds) Fall 2025
2025-10-30 09:30 - 10:30, 2025-11-06 09:30 - 10:30 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
Preschool Story Time (3-6 years) Fall 2025
9:30-10:30 am, Thursdays, Sep 25, Oct 2, 9, 23, 30 & Nov 6
Preschool Story Time is for ages 3-6 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/XcoGi3Naao7iMtkP8. 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.

Mindful Music with Mr. Ryan
2025-10-30 16:30 - 17:00, 2025-11-06 16:30 - 17:00, 2025-11-13 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

Fiber Arts with the Woolies
2025-10-30 17:00 - 18:30, 2025-11-06 17:00 - 18:30, 2025-11-13 17:00 - 18:30 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
The Woolies are a local fiber arts group who meet weekly at the library to socialize and work on their various projects. Whether you’re interested in knitting, crocheting, felting, weaving, embroidery, needle point, sewing, or another fiber art, you’re welcome to join the fun.

Mindfulness Meditation for Stress Reduction
2025-10-30 19:00 - 20:15, 2025-11-06 19:00 - 20:15 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
Clapp Memorial Library is offering a Stress Reduction Awareness course. The eight-week introductory course starts on Thursday, September 25 at 7 PM and runs every Thursday through November 20 (excluding October 16). The course is designed to teach and practice mindfulness-based skills. Mindfulness meditation skills teach us to be fully present in the moment and, when practiced regularly, help decrease stress levels and improve general well-being and health. Skills covered in the course are gentle and free of judgment. Because each session of this course builds on the previous week, we ask that you register only if you are able to attend all sessions.
Registration required, sign up here: https://forms.gle/EBkKApvgPQ899tpo9
If you have any questions please email clapp@cwmars.org
This course will be taught by Magda Bechar, a retired nursing professor who has taught mindfulness meditation skills to many groups, including at the Clapp Memorial Library, for many years.

Music & Movement with Julie (ages 0-7) Fall 2025
2025-11-01 10:30 - 11:15 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
10:30-11:15 am, Saturday, Sep 27, Oct 4, 25 & Nov 1
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! Registration & confirmation required, sign up here: https://forms.gle/yB5QHdk8H5irSzyB8
This program is supported in part by a grant from the Belchertown Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.

Babytime Story Time (3-12 months) Fall 2025
2025-11-03 09:00 - 09:45 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
Babytime Story time (3-12 mo) Fall 2025
9:00-9:45 AM, Mondays, Sep 22, 29, Oct 6, 20, 27 & Nov 3
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/qthJPwyhCQV9CQSW9. 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.

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.

Ukulele Play Along (Virtual Event)
2025-11-03 19:00 - 20:00 | Virtual, MA
Strum along with the Ukulele Play Along on the first Monday every month!
Grab your ukulele and play along – because playing your ukulele is more fun when you do it with others. We’ll be focusing on 3 and 4 chord songs, with lyrics and chords provided on screen. Participants will be muted, so don’t worry about how you sound!
To join, email Julie Stepanek (julie@musicjulie.com) for the Zoom link and to receive the songs for the program. Don’t have a Ukulele? Don’t worry – you can borrow one from us!

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

Wednesday Whodunnits
2025-11-12 14:00 - 15:00 | 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 2:00 p.m. Join us as we discuss a different mystery novel each month. Copies of the current month’s pick available at the library. Email mmarszalek@cwmars.org with any questions.

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.
