Clapp Memorial Library

Focus on Youth
2024-02-11 12:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York) | MA
Join Youth Services Librarian, Jennifer Whitehead, at the DCR Les and Terry Campbell Quabbin Visitor Center for some fun with photography. This event is for families with preschool to 4th grade students. We will meet as a group at noon on Sunday, February 11th. After a brief discussion where we’ll share ideas on where and how to take photographs of the Quabbin, families will venture off to explore on their own. Wear proper clothing and footwear for hiking and the weather. Bring your cameras, binoculars, and sense of adventure.
Registration required – click here to sign up.
For youth grades 5-12, check out our Teen Beginner Photography Workshop!

Teen Beginner Photography Workshop
2024-02-11 13:00 - 14:00 | MA
The Clapp Memorial Library is offering a Beginner Photography Workshop for students in grades 5-12 on Sunday, February 11th at 1:00PM. This program will take place at the Les and Terry Campbell Quabbin Visitor’s Center.
Learn basic nature photography (landscape and wildlife) from local photographer Ed Comeau who will present on different topics like photography techniques, composition, lighting, etc. There will be a short discussion about nature and wildlife at Quabbin followed by opportunities for photography in the Quabbin. Students are asked to register by emailing clapplibrarytab@gmail.com or by visiting the library at 19 S. Main Street.
For youth preschool-grade 4, check out our Focus on Youth photography program!

Snow Day RPG!
2024-02-13 18:00 - 20:00 | Virtual, MA
In light of our snow closing, our monthly D&D game is canceled, with a one-shot being run instead on Roll20! Email tmannino@cwmars.org for more information.
Tamir and the Palace of Dreams
A lonely asteroid, a damaged spacecraft and an unusual paradise where there should only be barren and uninhabited lands. The players have the task of solving the mystery and trying to find their way home.
System: Coriolis: The Third Horizon
Coriolis is a science fiction RPG set in a remote cluster of star systems called The Third Horizon in a setting reminiscent of Firefly and The Expanse. Colonists arriving in two waves hundreds of years apart have built new civilizations in the ancient ruins of the Portal Builders, and those living there today have mysteries to uncover, politics to navigate, and adventures to follow.
Coriolis uses a d6 dice pool resolution mechanic known as Year Zero Engine.
Dice Pool = Attribute + Skill, 6 = Success.
No previous knowledge or experience with the system needed.
Want to read more? Free quickstart available at Free League Publishing and DriveThruRPG

Winter Movie Afternoon
2024-02-16 14:00 - 16:00 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
February movie selection based on popular demand! It’s fantastic!
Adult library patrons are invited to join us for a movie afternoon. On Friday, February 16 at 2p.m., the Clapp Memorial Library will be showing a recently-released movie about a famous plastic doll featuring Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling. Popcorn and beverages will be provided.
PROGRAM FULL, additional registrations will be added to the waitlist. Click here to sign-up: https://forms.gle/27ArzKw7QZKt1qes9
For patrons 18 and over

Library Closing: Presidents’ Day 2024
2024-02-19 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
The Library will be closed in observation of Presidents’ Day

Delayed Opening: Staff Training
2024-02-20 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
The library will be opening at 11am due to a staff training in the morning.

Teen Crochet Night
2024-02-21 17:45 - 18:45 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
Rescheduled from December!
Learn how to crochet an amigurumi tea bag bookmark at the Clapp Memorial Library’s next Teen Crochet Night on Wednesday, February 21st at 5:45PM. All materials will be provided, (though teens are encouraged to bring their own 3.5mm crochet hook if they have one). Teens new to crochet may also attend. Email clapplibrarytab@gmail.com or visit the library to register.

Teen Movie Night
2024-02-23 18:00 - 20:30 | 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 Friday, February 23rd from 6:00-8:30PM! Watch the movie based on Suzanne Collins’s popular book! Hint: the prequel to the movie we’ll show came out this past winter. There will be songbirds in this movie, but no snakes. Popcorn and beverages will be provided. Register by emailing clapplibrarytab@gmail.com.

Nature Photography Workshops
2024-02-24 14:00 - 15:00 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
Saturdays, February 24 & March 2, at 2pm
Participants in the workshops will learn more about wildlife and landscape photography from photographer Mark Lindhult, who leads the Quabbin Photo Group. The first session will focus on technique during a lecture format and the second session will meet at the library before heading outside to practice using the techniques in the first session. The Belchertown Wildlife & Landscape Photography program is an intergenerational opportunity to participate in learning, exploration, and expression. It’s a partnership between the Clapp Memorial Library, Town of Belchertown Planning Department, and Town of Belchertown Conservation Commission. Meet other local photographers while learning new skills, build a portfolio of work, and then submit your top photos to the photo contest.

Babytime Story Time (3-12 mo) Spring 2024
2024-02-26 09:00 - 09:45 | 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
2024-02-26 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)
2024-02-26 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

Tuesday Toddler Time (2 years) Spring 2024
2024-02-27 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.

Preschool Story Time (3-5 years) Spring 2024
2024-02-29 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.

The Real Score: Unraveling Myths about Trans People in Sports with Erin Reed
2024-03-05 19:00 - 20:00 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
The Clapp Memorial Library is excited to partner with a cohort of many Massachusetts public libraries to host journalist Erin Reed for a virtual presentation titled “The Real Score: Unraveling Myths About Trans People in Sports” on Tuesday, March 5 at 7:00pm on Zoom. Sign up here to join via Zoom!
In this presentation, we will explore the complex and often misunderstood world of transgender athletes in sports. Delving into the history and current controversies, we will address the myths and misinformation surrounding “biological advantages.” We will also discuss the discriminatory nature of recent sports bans targeting transgender individuals, and interrogate how similar arguments have been historically used to marginalize other minority groups. We will look at the real world impact of these sports bans, and how they might touch places you didn’t think about. Finally, we’ll put it all together in considering what transgender inclusion means for society at large.
About the presenter: Erin Reed (she/her) is a transgender journalist based in Washington, D.C. She tracks LGBTQ+ legislation around the United States for her subscription newsletter, Erin In The Morning. Her work has been cited by the AP, Reuters, The New York Times, The Washington Post, and many more major media outlets. You can follow her on twitter and tiktok @ErinInTheMorn.

Teen Advisory Board (Mar 2024)
2024-03-08 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 Friday, March 8th from 4:30-5:30PM in the library’s Activity Room. At this meeting, TAB will work on their community service project and learn some basic ASL signs. 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! New members are welcome. Email clapplibrarytab@gmail.com to register.

Needle Felting
2024-03-11 17:30 - 20:30 | 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, March 11 from 5:30-8:30pm or Wednesday, March 13 from 5:30-8:30pm. Local fiber artist Anna Sunschauer will teach you how to sculpt fluffy wool fiber into a chicken 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. This workshop is open to adults and teens.
Programs & waitlists full!
To view more of Anna’s work, visit her Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whimsical.fiber/
This program is made possible by the Friends of the Clapp Memorial Library.

Cupcake Wars
2024-03-13 15:00 - 16:30 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
Teens in grades 7-12 are invited to the Clapp Memorial Library for a cupcake-decorating challenge on Wed., March 13th from 3:00-4:30PM in the library’s Activity Room! Participants will be given themes and timed rounds to decorate their cupcakes and can take home the tasty treats at the end of the program. Space is limited; email clapplibrarytab@gmail.com to register for this program taking place on an early-release day for the Belchertown Public Schools.

Community Forum
2024-03-16 09:30 - 12:00 | 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. We need your help! Join us and facilitator Deb Hoadley of Hoadley Consulting on Saturday, March 16 from 9:30am to noon in the Town Hall Auditorium for this important conversation about the community and the library. Tell us what you love about the library and what the library can do to serve you better. Refreshments will be served. This event is free and open to the public; bring your friends and neighbors!

Clue Escape Room for Teens
2024-03-20 15:00 - 17:00 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
Mr. Boddy is dead, and it’s up to you to figure out whodunnit before time runs out!
Teens grades 7-12 are invited to the Clapp Memorial Library to solve our Clue-themed Escape Room on Wednesday, March 20th at 3:00 or 4:00PM. Sleuths will have 40 minutes to scour the room for clues, work together, and solve the mystery before time runs out and they’re found at the scene of the crime! Space is limited. Teens can register by emailing clapplibrarytab@gmail.com with what session they want to attend.

Seascapes: An Ocean of Possibilities with Pastel Painting
2024-03-21 13:00 - 15:00 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
Registration Required, sign up here: https://forms.gle/a1Yz7Rxjb9rVxdAm9
Artist Greg Maichack returns to the Clapp Memorial Library on Thursday, March 21 at 1pm for a hands-on pastel workshop inspired by Winslow Homer: Seascapes: An Ocean of Possibilities with Pastel Painting. This program serves beginners to advanced artists and is open to adults. All materials are provided including professional grade pastels, paper, and pencils. Registration is required. This program is funded by the Belchertown Cultural Council, a local agency supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council.

Movie Afternoon
2024-03-22 14:00 - 16:00 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
Adult library patrons are invited to join us for a movie afternoon. On Friday, March 22 at 2PM, the Clapp Memorial Library will be showing The Miracle Club starring Laura Linney and Maggie Smith. Popcorn and beverages will be provided.
Program is full, waitlist here: https://forms.gle/8vp4wC78t5QyFJrp6
For patrons 18 and over.

Disability History & the Belchertown State School
2024-03-22 18:30 - 19:30 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
Join us for a lecture led by Katherine Anderson, a renowned historian and disability rights advocate, on the history of Belchertown State School and its implications for the broader disability rights movement. Kate will use artifacts and documents from the state school to discuss institutionalization practices and the evolution of the state school and its role in shaping disability advocacy and policy reform. A Q&A will follow.
All are invited to stop by the following day from 10am-2pm to view the traveling exhibit of state school artifacts, documents, photographs, and more. Members will be on hand to answer questions both about the state school and about membership in the Friends. Donations to the Friends are welcome.

Belchertown State School Traveling Exhibit
2024-03-23 10:00 - 14:00 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
On Saturday, March 23, between 10am and 2pm, the Belchertown State School Friends will be at the Clapp Memorial Library with a traveling exhibit of state school artifacts, documents, photographs, and more. Members will be on hand to answer questions both about the state school and about membership in the Friends. Donations to the Friends are welcome.

Community Focus Group
2024-03-27 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.

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.

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.

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.
