Babytime Story Time (3-12 mo) Spring 2024
2024-04-01 09:00 - 09:45, 2024-04-08 09:00 - 09:45 (America/New_York) | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
Babytime Story time (3-12 mo) Spring 2024
9:00-9:45 AM, Mondays, Feb 26, Mar 4, 11, 18, 25, Apr 1 & 8
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, 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.

Firststeps Story Time (12-24 mo) Spring 2024
2024-04-01 10:00 - 10:45, 2024-04-08 10:00 - 10:45 | 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, Feb 26, Mar 4, 11, 18, 25, Apr 1 & 8
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, 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.

Afterschool D&D (Spring 2024)
2024-04-01 14:30 - 16:00 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
PROGRAM FULL.
Calling all Belchertown Students for Afterschool D&D
2:30-4:00PM, February 26th, March 4th, 11th, 18th, 25th, & April 1st.
In the case of a weather closing, program will extend to April 8th.
After an attack from a cosmic entity threatened to destroy their world, this band of brave heroes launched themselves into silvery void of the Astral Sea to save their home. So far they’ve met enemies, made friends, and discovered the powers behind the attack. Can they save their world before time runs out? Players of all experience welcome.
Program will run weekly starting in February for Middle & Highschool 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.
Game will cover the second half of the Spelljammer Light of Xaryxis Campaign, started this past fall.
Space is limited! Sign up here: https://forms.gle/MPPq452YfGUqAhqR8
Confirmations will be sent out to students confirming enrollment or waitlist status.
Please email any questions to tmannino@cwmars.org

Ukulele Play Along (Virtual Event)
2024-04-01 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!

Tuesday Toddler Time (2 years) Spring 2024
2024-04-02 09:30 - 10:30, 2024-04-09 09:30 - 10:30 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
Tuesday Toddler Time (2-3 years) Spring 2024
9:30-10:30 AM, Tuesdays, Feb 27, Mar 5, 12, 19, 26, Apr 2 & 9
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, 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.

The Creation of the Quabbin Reservoir
2024-04-02 19:00 - 20:00 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
On Tuesday, April 2nd at 7pm, the Clapp Memorial Library will welcome J.R. Greene for a lecture, “The Creation of Quabbin Reservoir.” A brief history of the Metro Boston water system and construction of the reservoir is followed by profiles of each of the lost towns. A lifelong resident of Athol, J.R. Greene is the author of sixteen books and 39 annual pictorial calendars relating to the history of the Quabbin and lost towns. He chairs the board of directors of the Friends of Quabbin, is the Chair of the Quabbin Watershed Advisory Council, and serves as the MWRA Advisory Board representative for the Quabbin and Ware River watersheds. Copes of his in-print books will be for sale at the program.

Teen Advisory Board (Apr 2024)
2024-04-03 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 on Wednesday, April 3rd from 4:30-5:30PM in the library’s Activity Room to sort donations from their clothing drive. New members are welcome to attend and accomplish an hour of community service. 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.

Preschool Story Time (3-5 years) Spring 2024
2024-04-04 09:30 - 10:30, 2024-04-11 09:30 - 10:30 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
Preschool Story Time (3-5 years) Spring 2024
9:30-10:30 am, Thursdays, Feb 29, Mar 7, 14, 21, 28, Apr 4 & 11
Raising Readers 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, 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.

PAWS to Read
2024-04-04 15:30 - 18:30, 2024-04-11 15:30 - 18:30 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
“Paws to Read” pairs certified therapy animals with young readers who gain reading confidence in a relaxed, stress-free environment. For reluctant or struggling readers in grades 1-5.
Our therapy dogs & bunnies visit the Library with their owners, who volunteer their time to help young readers. Children’s reading abilities improve as they gain confidence through reading to animals. Why? Animals listen uncritically and wag their tails or twitch their noses as the children read. Research indicates that under these conditions, children’s heart rates actually slow, resulting in a state of calm that leads to greater reading success.
Children involved in PAWS programs nationwide have shown:

Improved READING skills
A sense of PRIDE in their accomplishments
Willingness to become INVOLVED in other positive activities
Increased RESPECT and KINDNESS in their interactions with animals
Greater READING enjoyment and increased LIBRARY usage

Program is currently full, please contact Jennifer Whitehead and Judy Schmidt to join the interest list.
323-0417.

Fiber Arts with the Woolies
2024-04-04 17:00 - 18:30, 2024-04-11 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.

Soap-Making Workshop for Teens
2024-04-05 16:00 - 17:00 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
On Friday, April 5th, at 4:00PM the library will host artist and potter Gariné (ga-renée) Arakelian in the library’s Activity Room for a Rainbow Soap Workshop for teens in grades 7-12.
Each participant gets to unleash their creativity and make their own unique and vibrant rainbow soap! Using a glycerin based soap as the foundation, this hands-on experience allows you to explore a world of colors, scents, and cosmetic glitter to craft a dazzling soap creation. With no exposure to lye, this process ensures a safe and enjoyable experience for all. As the heated soap cools, the magic continues as we sprinkle in the glitter, add the vibrant colors, and even embed colorful soap cubes. At the end of the workshop, you will take your handmade masterpiece home, ready to use and enjoy. With an approximated weight of 5 oz. and overall measurements of 4” x 4” x 3/4”, this soap truly encapsulates the essence of fun and quirkiness.
Please note:
Melted soap is hot. The registering of children under 18 years old for this program indicates that the parent/guardian acknowledges the possibility of safety concerns while handling hot soap.

Program starts promptly, no admission is allowed after instructions are given.
No young children will be allowed in the room, only the registered participants.
No exceptions will be made to these rules.

Space is limited. Teens must email clapplibrarytab@gmail.com to register.

Fiber Arts with the Woolies
2024-04-06 10:00 - 12:00, 2024-04-13 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.

Jigsaw Puzzle Competition
2024-04-06 14:30 - 17:30 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
Jigsaw Puzzle Competition at the Clapp Memorial Library
Teams of 2 are invited to participate in our Jigsaw Puzzle Competition! The competition will be held on Saturday, April 6 from 2:30pm – 5:30pm. Please try to arrive early in order to ensure that your team is able to begin on time – the clock will begin exactly at 2:30pm. Latecomers are welcome but won’t receive additional time.
REGISTRATION REQUIRED – Click here to sign up!
Competition Details:

Teams are limited to 2 people.
Teams may sign up at the library or by using the online registration form on our website.
The event is open to all ages. Per library policy, children under the age of 10 must be accompanied by an adult.
Each team will tackle the same 500-piece puzzle. No one gets a sneak peak – the puzzle will be revealed when the competition begins.
Teams will work on the main floor at the Clapp Memorial Library.
The challenge concludes at 5:30 PM. Prizes will be awarded to the top 3 teams. In case of unfinished puzzles, library staff will count the remaining pieces to determine the winners and the overall rankings.
All teams will get to take home their copy of the puzzle!

Eclipse Viewing Party
2024-04-08 14:30 - 16:30 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
Join us on the front lawn at the Clapp Memorial Library on Monday, April 8th between 2:30 pm and 4:30 pm for a Partial Eclipse Viewing Party. We’ll have eclipse glasses to give away (while supplies last) and light refreshments at this low-key event. Bring chairs or a blanket and hang out with other eclipse aficionados while viewing the partial eclipse.
This program is made possible by the Friends of the Clapp Memorial Library and SEAL (Solar Eclipse Activities for Libraries).
In the event of inclement weather, the program will be canceled.

D&D Campaign
2024-04-09 18:00 - 20:00 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
When a cosmic enemy threatens to destroy their world, brave heroes must do everything in their power to save it. This quest will take them across the teeming oceans of Wildspace to the silvery void of the Astral Sea and beyond. Along the way, they’ll make friends, encounter terrifying foes, and face one cliffhanger after another. Can they save their world before time runs out?
Game will run on the 2nd Tuesday of the month through a starter series of adventures and into “Light of Xaryxis,” through the end of that campaign. Interested players should email tmannino@cwmars.org. Current campaign is expected to end fall 2024, registration to open soon for the next campaign… GHOSTBUSTERS!
Program is intended for adults, but we regularly offer teen RPG programs.

Wednesday Whodunnits
2024-04-10 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.

Community Focus Group
2024-04-10 18:00 - 20:00 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
The Clapp Memorial Library has embarked on a strategic planning process to develop priorities and plan the library’s future. As part of this process, we will be conducting 2 community focus group meetings led by facilitator Deb Hoadley of Hoadley Consulting to learn from stakeholders in the community how the library can better serve Belchertown. The meetings will take place on Wednesday, March 27 and April 10 from 6-8pm. If you are interested in being part of this discussion, please contact Cyndi Harbeson (charbeson@cwmars.org) for more information.

BHS Art Exhibit Reception
2024-04-11 18:00 - 19:00 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
Join us at the Clapp Memorial Library on Thursday, April 11 from 6-7pm at a reception for students in Lori St. Pierre’s Honors Art 1 class, whose show, “Put Yourself in Someone Else’s Shoes,” will be on display throughout the month of April. Light refreshments will be provided.

Herb Garden Starter Kit
2024-04-12 15:30 - 16:30 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
PROGRAM & WAITLIST FULL
Come to the Clapp Memorial Library on Friday, April 12 at 3:30 pm to learn about the properties of popular flowers and herbs and then plant your own! Dave Wheeler from Therapy Gardens will be on hand to address such topics as growing small flowers and herbs indoors and outdoors, including different presentation ideas. He will also review what herbs are both edible and ornamental. Participants leave with a small seed starter kit and their choice of a variety of seeds. Please note – seed selections are limited by availability and season. This program is made possible by the Friends of the Clapp Memorial Library.
Space is limited and registration is required.

Make Your Own Tea Blend
2024-04-12 18:00 - 19:00 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
PROGRAM IS FULL
On Friday, April 12 at 6pm at the Clapp Memorial Library, join Dave Wheeler from Therapy Gardens for a journey into the art and science of tea blending. Participants will explore a variety of herbs, spices, and teas, learning about their flavor profiles and health benefits. Attendees will then craft their own unique tea blend, mastering the balance of flavors and aromas. Whether you’re a tea enthusiast or a curious beginner, this workshop provides the tools and knowledge to create your own soothing or invigorating blends. Take home your custom tea mixture and the confidence to continue experimenting on your own. This program is made possible by the Friends of the Clapp Memorial Library.
Space is limited and registration is required.

Teen Movie Night (The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes)
2024-04-13 18:00 - 21:00 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
Teens in grades 7-12 are invited to a movie night at the Clapp Memorial Library on Saturday, April 13th from 6:00-8:45PM! Watch a movie starring Tom Blythe and Rachel Zegler, based on the prequel to Suzanne Collins’s popular book, The Hunger Games! Popcorn and beverages will be provided. Register by emailing clapplibrarytab@gmail.com.

Library Closing: Patriots’ Day 2024
2024-04-15 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
The Library will be closed in observation of Patriots’ Day

The Rabbit Run Railroad: An Art and History Project
2024-04-16 19:00 - 20:00 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
On Tuesday, April 16 at 7pm at the Clapp Memorial Library, Ken Levine of Petersham, an artist and railroad fan will present a program about the Rabbit Run Railroad, his creation of a 24’ diorama at the Swift River Valley Historical Society in North New Salem, and a brief history of the era of steam railroads in America.
The 4 Lost Towns that the creation of the Quabbin Reservoir required removal of were the inspiration for this memorial to those communities who were forced to relocate in the early 20th century. Using archival photos from the archives of the MDC and other sources, Ken spent over 5 years creating a miniature recreation of the Swift River Valley, its towns, farms, industries and landscape, including working HO model trains of the steam era, 1871-1930, the Rabbit Railroad. As the train journeys from South Athol to Enfield the seasons unfold and the various towns go about their business. In a brief video using Go-Pro mini cams on the trains you are actually aboard the train as it winds its way along the Swift River, which completes the illusion of riding the Rabbit.
A NBC Boston Affiliate interviewed Ken for a movie, The Scar which was shown on TV and relates the story of the Quabbin and the Swift River Valley and the Lost Towns. Also, the SRVHS Facebook page has the video of the diorama and other information about the history of the Quabbin Reservoir.
Program made possible by the Friends of the Clapp Memorial Library
