First Steps Storytime (12-24 months) Winter 2024
2025-01-27 10:00 - 11:00, 2025-02-03 10:00 - 11:00, 2025-02-10 10:00 - 11:00 (America/New_York) | 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
2025-01-28 09:30 - 10:30, 2025-02-04 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.

Wuthering Heights Book Group
2025-01-28 14:00 - 15:30, 2025-02-04 14:00 - 15:30, 2025-02-11 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 six-session group, we will discuss the Gothic novel, Wuthering Heights by Emily 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/y8m4xFjRf86mVume9
The group will meet from 2 to 3:30 PM on Tuesdays from January 28 through March 4 in the Library’s activity room.
A public screening of the classic 1939 William Wyler film version with Laurence Olivier and Merle Oberon is set for Tuesday, March 4 at 7 PM.

Minding Midwinter Moods: Hygge for Adults
2025-01-28 17:00 - 18:00 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
PROGRAM & WAITLIST FULL! Thank you for your interest.
Do you get the blues as winter drags on? Are you itching for spring and resisting the cold months ahead? Have you been curious about hygge (pronounced HOO-GA), the Danish term for a sense of comfort, contentment, and pleasurable coziness? The Clapp Memorial Library’s Ruthie Sterling invites you to “Minding Midwinter Moods: Hygge for Adults,” 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 winter self-care strategies and the concept of hygge, and will take home a “hygge kit” full of comforting goodies. Space is limited. Registration required.
Program will take place downstairs in the Activity Room.

Preschool Storytime (3-5 year olds) Winter 2024
2025-01-30 09:30 - 10:30, 2025-02-06 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.

Fiber Arts with the Woolies
2025-01-30 17:00 - 18:30, 2025-02-06 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.

Art Reception for Valentina Pavlyuk
2025-01-30 18:00 - 19:00 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
A reception for Valentina Pavlyuk will be held at the Clapp Memorial Library on January 30 from 6-7 PM to celebrate her art exhibit currently on display. Valentina Pavlyuk is a self-taught artist who began painting flowers and landscapes due to her love of gardening and has since expanded to include abstract works. Everyone is invited to this free event to view Valentina’s work and enjoy light refreshments.

Hot Chocolate Day!
2025-01-31 14:30 - 17:30 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
Celebrate Hot Chocolate Day with Cocoa & Papercrafts!
January 31st is Hot Chocolate Day!
Drop by the Clapp Memorial Library from 2:30-5:30PM for free Hot Chocolate donated by Starbucks.
During this time, the library will have a card & scrapbooking station open for patrons of all ages.
Paper, glue, scrapbooking materials, and the library’s Ellison machine will be available. Patrons are also welcome to bring their own supplies.
There will also be a special station for making Valentine’s Day cards for Meals on Wheels. If you can’t attend and would like to add a handmade card to our collection, please bring it to the library by Feb. 7th.

National Take Your Child to the Library Day!
2025-02-01 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
Take Your Child to the Library Day! Saturday February, 1st, 9:30 AM – 2 PM

Bring a child in your life to visit the Clapp Memorial Library!
Fran Ferry will be performing magic.
Special activities and a craft will be available all day.
Learn Magic the Gathering from 11 am to Noon. Open play of Magic the Gathering will be from 11 am to 1:30 pm, bring your own cards.
The Zoo in Forest Park will be offering Wildlife on Wheels at 10 am and 11 am. Registration is required, sign up here: https://forms.gle/13gXnu5BuFBHJKRWA. Ages 5 to 10.

Funded in part by a Coordinated Family and Community Engagement grant from the MA Department of Early Education and Care, administered by Collaborative for Educational Services, a donation in memory of David Goff, and the Friends of Clapp Memorial Library.

Wildlife on Wheels
2025-02-01 10:00 - 11:00, 2025-02-01 11:00 - 12:00 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
Programs are full, waitlist is open.
Register to learn about animal ambassadors from The Zoo in Forest Park. Saturday, February 1st for ages 5 to 10. A child can be registered for one of the two time slots; 10:00 am or 11:00 am.
Registration is required, sign up here: https://forms.gle/13gXnu5BuFBHJKRWA
Children under the age of 10 must be accompanied by a caregiver that is 14 years old or older.
Funded in part by a Coordinated Family and Community Engagement grant from the MA Department of Early Education and Care, administered by Collaborative for Educational Services, a donation in memory of David Goff, and the Friends of Clapp Memorial Library.

Fiber Arts with the Woolies
2025-02-01 10:00 - 12:00, 2025-02-08 10:00 - 12:00 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
The Woolies are a local fiber arts group who meet twice a week 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.

Babytime Storytime (3-12 mo) Winter 2025
2025-02-03 09:00 - 10:00, 2025-02-10 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.

Legacy with Cliff McCarthy
2025-02-03 18:30 - 20:00 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
For the first time, local historian Cliff McCarthy will speak publicly about his mixed-race family, telling the story of his grandfather’s “passing” over the color line, his accomplished family members, and describing how his family’s incredible story illuminates many aspects of African American history and the history of our nation – from Negro League baseball to the violence of the Red Summer of 1919. He will relate what he has learned about his enslaved ancestors in Georgia and their enslavers. He will share the adventure of his fifty-year genealogical journey and its moments of discovery, heartache, joy, and dumb luck.
This program is funded by the Friends of the Clapp Memorial Library.

Ukulele Play Along (Virtual Event)
2025-02-03 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!

You Wrote a Book, Now What? Session II: Manuscript Feedback
2025-02-08 14:00 - 16:00 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
Calling all writers! The Clapp Memorial Library invites you to learn about getting published and receive feedback on your work from a literary agent! Registration required, program is full. Thank you!
Session I: Publishing Tips – Saturday Jan 18, 2pm
Gain an insider’s view of book publishing with literary agent Jan Kardys from Black Hawk Literary Agency, Jan will share her 40 years of experience inside 10 major NYC book publishers on such topics as developing a concept, writing a manuscript, editing, finding a literary agent, book proposals, how to get the attention of a literary agent, components of a novel, self-publishing vs. traditional book publishing, subsidiary rights, marketing, utilizing the most cutting-edge technologies and social media services to increase visibility to literary agents, publishers and readers alike.
Session II: Manuscript Feedback – Saturday Feb 8, 2pm
Interested in getting feedback on your manuscript? In this session, writers may submit their query letter along with the first 15 pages of their manuscripts for Black Hawk’s editorial comments and feedback. Instructions on how to write a query letter will be provided in the first session. We encourage you to bring your 15-page manuscript to the first session to allow time for editorial feedback in the second session.
Both sessions will take place on the main floor of the library.
Sponsored by the Friends of the Clapp Memorial Library.

BHS Honors Art Reception
2025-02-11 18:00 - 19:00 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
The public is invited to the Clapp Memorial Library on Tuesday, February 11 from 6-7pm for an Art Exhibit Reception for Lori St. Pierre’s Honors Art 1 and Honors Art 2 Classes. The Honors Art 2 class will display self-portraits, and the Honors 1 class will display their animal paintings that integrate fabric patterns. The reception will celebrate the young artists’ work, which will be on display in the library throughout the month of February. Light refreshments will be provided.

Ghostbusters RPG
2025-02-11 18:00 - 20:00 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
It’s time to strap on that proton pack and play Ghostbusters: A Frightfully Cheerful Roleplaying Game. For fans of the movies and roleplaying games (such as D&D, Call of Cthulhu, and others). No experience necessary to join in on this zany adventure.
Ghostbusters has expanded from it’s original team of four, with new hires and franchises across the country. Step into the shoes of a team with their new start-up franchise ready to take on spooks!

Why are 27,000 ghosts ravaging the cereal aisles in supermarkets across the country?
Why are supernatural basketball players menacing the fourth-graders of Fritz Mondale Grammar School?
What popular cartoon character is really a Big-Time Demon in disguise?
How can the Ghostbusters stop the Big-Time Demon from destroying Life, The Universe, and Oral Hygiene as we know it?

These and other exciting questions are answered in Ghost Toasties: A nutritious, humorous, fun-filled and life-and-death struggle to save the world from demons, eldritch horrors, and crazed advertising executives.
Our RPG campaigns meet monthly on the 2nd Tuesday from 6-8PM.
Space is limited! If you’d like to join or be notified about our next campaign, email tmannino@cwmars.org
The next RPG campaign will start on May 13th, and invites you to play Vaesen, a dark Gothic setting steeped in Nordic folklore and the old myths of Scandinavia! Dive into mysteries where old struggles against the new, and myths come alive.
Program is for adults 18+, our Teen RPG programs are listed separately.

Wednesday Whodunnits
2025-02-12 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.

Teen Crafternoon: Diamond-painting Bookmarks
2025-02-12 17:30 - 18:30 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
Teens in grades 7-12 are invited to a Teen Crafternoon on Wednesday, February 12th from 5:30-6:30PM in the library’s Activity Room. Attendees will learn the basics of diamond-painting and will create their very own diamond-painted bookmark! All materials and instruction will be provided. Space is limited. Email clapplibrarytab@gmail.com to register.

NEW DATE: Be Ready to Save a Life with Hands Only CPR
2025-02-13 15:00 - 16:00 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
NEW DATE – program has been moved to 2/13 at 3PM.
More than 350,000 cardiac arrests occur outside a hospital each year. Learn how to deliver lifesaving CPR care without rescue breaths. When you immediately provide Hands-Only CPR, you can increase the chance of survival.
Program will take place in the Town Hall Auditorium. Registration required, sign up here: https://forms.gle/UHZmg5ikZHu7mjfB9
