Clapp Memorial Library

Celebrate our Steinway with Stephen Page
2024-11-15 19:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | MA
Join the Clapp Memorial Library on Friday, November 15 at 7pm at the Belchertown United Church of Christ for a Jazz Piano Concert by Stephen Page. The concert will be performed on the Library’s newly restored 1877 Steinway Grand Piano, which we are welcoming back to Belchertown! The piano restoration was made possible through a grant from the Belchertown Community Preservation Act Committee. Apple cider and donuts will be available following the performance. This program is funded by the Friends of the Clapp Memorial Library.
www.stephenpagepiano.com

Novel Writing Month Write-In
2024-11-18 18:00 - 20:00 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
Join us at the library for a Novel Writing Month Write-in! Bring your laptop, notebook & pen, or even your typewriter and participate in some timed word sprints, where we’ll challenge ourselves to write as many words as we can. This event is for adults 18+. For more information, contact Annie: macona@cwmars.org

Maltese Falcon Book Group
2024-11-19 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 classic detective novel The Maltese Falcon by Dashiell Hammett. The discussion will be introduced and facilitated by retired professor David Spector, who has some expertise on birds in literature. There are, indeed, birds, including the famous title one, in this mystery story, but David hopes that discussion will range widely over many aspects of the plot and characters of this novel. After registration is confirmed, participants can pick up a copy of the novel to keep, while supplies last.
Registration & confirmation required, sign up here: https://forms.gle/DVBeozi3dHhqBYRG6
The group will meet 2 to 3:30 P.M. on Tuesdays, October 8, 15, 22, and 29, and November 12 and 19. There is no meeting on November 5. October 15th meeting location to be determined.
A public screening of the classic 1941 John Huston film version of the novel with Mary Astor, Humphrey Bogart, Sydney Greenstreet, Peter Lorre, Elisha Cook, Lee Patrick, et al., is tentatively set for Tuesday, 3 December, at 7 P.M.

Friends of the Clapp Memorial Library Meeting
2024-11-21 18:30 - 19:30 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
All are invited to the The Friends of the Clapp Memorial Library Board Meeting in the Activity Room at 6:30pm. For information email friendsofclappmemoriallibrary@gmail.com
http://www.friendsofclapplibrary.org/
​The Friends of Clapp Memorial Library is a volunteer not-for-profit organization dedicated to raising monies to assist the Library beyond the ordinary scope of the Library’s budget to reach its potential in our community. The group’s additional purpose is to promote and maintain close relationships between the Library and the people it serves, to increase public awareness of Library resources, and to encourage community participation in Library activities.

Community Mosaics in Guatemala
2024-11-22 18:00 - 19:00 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
Cynthia Fisher has been making trips to Guatemala since 2013 creating community mosaic murals. Come learn how she got started and how a small lakeside town is filling up mosaics that represent the indigenous community and beautiful natural environment.

Clapp Critics
2024-11-25 18:00 - 19:00 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
Our fiction book club, Clapp Critics meets every 4th Monday of the Month. Email mmarszalek@cwmars.org with any questions.

Early Closing: Thanksgiving 2024
2024-11-27 | 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!

Library Closing: Thanksgiving 2024
2024-11-28 - 2024-11-29 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
The Library will be closed in observation of Thanksgiving

The Maltese Falcon movie screening
2024-12-03 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, December 3 for a screening of The Maltese Falcon. We’ll be showing the classic 1941 John Huston film version of the novel with Mary Astor, Humphrey Bogart, Sydney Greenstreet, Peter Lorre, Elisha Cook, Lee Patrick, et al. Popcorn will be provided. All are welcome – even if you haven’t read the book, come see the movie!

Babytime Storytime (3-12 mo) Winter 2025
2024-12-09 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.

First Steps Storytime (12-24 months) Winter 2024
2024-12-09 10:00 - 11:00 | 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
2024-12-10 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.

Needle Felting - Penguin
2024-12-11 17:30 - 20:30 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
PROGRAM & WAITLIST FULL
Come learn the art of needle felting at the Clapp Memorial Library on Wednesday, December 11 from 5:30-8:30pm OR Monday, December 16 from 2:30-5:30pm
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. All necessary tools and materials will be provided.
This workshop is open to adults. A separate workshop is being offered for teens. Space is limited and registration is required, priority given to Belchertown residents. Sign up here: https://forms.gle/6kKemx4SUTYzxYiY9
Due to the high popularity of Needle Felting programs and their limited capacity, seats will be filled by lottery drawn from all registrants signed up by November 24th.
This program is made possible by the Friends of the Clapp Memorial Library.
https://www.instagram.com/whimsical.fiber/

Quabbin History Calendar sale and signing with J.R. Greene
2024-12-11 19:00 - 20:00 | 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 Wednesday, December 11 at 7pm for a 2025 Quabbin History Calendar Sale and Signing. The program will consist of a slideshow with scenes relating to the calendar images, followed by copies of the calendar and many of his books for sale and signing.

Preschool Storytime (3-5 year olds) Winter 2024
2024-12-12 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.

Ornament Metalsmithing for Teens
2024-12-12 16:00 - 17:30 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
Make your own holiday ornament by metalsmithing at the Clapp Memorial Library on Thursday, December 12th from 4:00-5:30PM!
The library is excited to welcome back experienced maker and teacher Heather Beck this winter! Beck will teach teens in grades 7-12 how to create their own drawings in metal with special tools and hammers. Come learn to stamp images, words, and textures to create a truly unique ornament that will stand the test of time. While hammering their own drawings into the ornament, teens will gain new knowledge and confidence and leave with a finished beautiful piece to treasure or give as a gift. Space is limited. Teens must email clapplibrarytab@gmail.com to register.
This program is funded by the Friends of the Clapp Memorial Library.

Metalworking Ornament Class (Adult)
2024-12-12 18:30 - 20:00 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
Program is full, waitlist closed.
Make your own holiday ornament by metalsmithing at the Clapp Memorial Library on Thursday, December 12th from 6:30-8:00PM!
The library is excited to welcome back experienced maker and teacher Heather Beck this winter! Beck will teach attendees how to create their own drawings in metal with special tools and hammers. Come learn to stamp images, words, and textures to create a truly unique ornament that will stand the test of time. While hammering your own drawings into the ornament, gain new knowledge and confidence and leave with a finished beautiful piece to treasure or give as a gift.
This workshop is open to adults. A separate workshop is being offered for teens. Space is limited and registration is required, priority given to Belchertown residents.
This program is made possible by the Friends of the Clapp Memorial Library.
To see more of Heather Beck’s work, visit her website: https://heatherbeckdesigns.com/

Teen Advisory Board (Dec 2024)
2024-12-13 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, December 13th from 4:30-5:30PM in the library’s Activity Room to enjoy baked goods from Atkins and create holiday cards for Cards for Hospitalized Kids. 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. Teens can email clapplibrarytab@gmail.com to register. New members are welcome.

Clapp Memorial Library/BHS Writing Club Team-Up
2024-12-16 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 in grades 7-12! Ruthie Sterling, a novelist and the Clapp Memorial Library’s Teen Services Coordinator, will run a writing workshop based on the Letters About Literature Writing Contest from the MA Center for the Book. The workshop will take place from 2:15-3:00PM on Monday, December 16th in Room 318 at Belchertown High School. This contest, which has a maximum cash prize of $200, was won by a Belchertown student in 2020. Attend this workshop, and you might be next! Students in grades 7-12 who do not attend Belchertown High School must email clapplibrarytab@gmail.com to register. Visit https://www.massbook.org/letters-about-literature for more information about the annual contest.

Belchertown Community Bell Choir
2024-12-16 19:00 - 20:00 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
The Belchertown Community Bells Choir has been playing and presenting concerts for over 40 years. Some current members are also original members. This volunteer musical group is led by Bill McClure and plays several different styles of music from religious to pop. They enjoy “ringing”, rehearsing, and sharing their music with others in the community. We hope you’ll join them at this musical performance.

Free Food Friday
2024-12-20 14:00 - 15:30 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
Teens are invited to the library after school on the third Friday of the month (December 20th) 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.

Early Closing: Christmas Eve 2024
2024-12-24 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
The Library will close early at 1PM Christmas Eve, save travels!

Library Closing: Christmas 2024
2024-12-25 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
The Library will be closed in observation of Christmas

Needle-felt a Baby Penguin (Teen Workshop)
2024-12-30 15:30 - 18:30 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
Teens in grades 7-12 are invited to the Clapp Memorial Library to learn how to needle-felt a baby penguin! On Monday, December 30th from 3:30-6:30PM local fiber artist Anna Sunschauer will teach teens how to sculpt fluffy wool fiber 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. Space is limited. Teens must email clapplibrarytab@gmail.com or call the library to register.
This program is made possible by the Friends of the Clapp Memorial Library.

POSTPONED 'Good Morning Farm Animals' with Ruth Sanderson
2024-12-30 18:00 - 19:00 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
Program has been postponed. We are working on rescheduling and will announce it as soon as we can.
Join artist Ruth Sanderson as she reads and shows the illustrations from her new board book, Good Morning Farm Animals. Children are encouraged to imitate the sounds and movements of the animals they see for a fun-filled active story-time. Can they frolic like a lamb? Balance like a goat? This story and its companion book Good Night Farm Animals, will be available for purchase after the program. Suggested for ages 3-6. Ruth’s book illustrations on display in the library for the month of December. A book signing and craft will follow the reading of the book. No registration is required.
About the Illustrator
Over her long and award-winning career, Ruth Sanderson has illustrated over 90 books for children of all ages. Her collection of titles at Crocodile Books include her numerous fairytale retellings, Mother Goose and Friends, and A Storm of Horses: The Story of Artist Rosa Bonheur. She collaborated with her daughter Whitney Sanderson on five titles in the Horse Diaries chapter book series from Random House, as well as on Good Morning Farm Animals and Good Night Farm Animals. Ruth lives in Western Massachusetts with her family and two cats. Learn more about her books at www.ruthsanderson.com.

Early Closing: New Year's Eve 2024
2024-12-31 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
The Library will close early at 1PM for New Year’s Eve, save travels!

Noon Year's Eve Party
2024-12-31 10:30 - 12:15 | Lawrence Memorial Hall (Town Hall) Auditorium, Belchertown, 01007, United States
PROGRAM FULL – WAITLIST ONLY
Noon Year’s Eve Party
Tuesday, December 31st
10:30AM-12:15PM
Help us ring in 2025 without staying up past your bedtime! Children ages 3-11 and their families are invited to a fun morning of celebration and community hosted by the library in the Lawrence Memorial Hall Auditorium. Dress up or wear your comfiest clothes! Doors open at 10:25AM. There will be stations around the auditorium with crafts, activities, and games to get us ready for the countdown at noon! Attendees can enjoy a “quieter” time to visit the stations until 11AM, after which the music and dancing will start. Stations will close and attendees will gather to count down the New Year at 11:55AM.
Space is limited; registration is required. Sign up here: https://forms.gle/iLFnG1pa5YCHrmKu5
Please email or call Jennifer at 413-323-0417 or jwhitehead@cwmars.org if you register and cannot attend, as we anticipate a waitlist for this event.
Parking is available at the Library/Town Hall lot and across the street at the Town Common lot. Please enter LMH by following the sidewalk to the far left of the back of the building. There will be a sign on the entrance door. Those who need to use the elevator will take it to the first floor and then continue straight to the auditorium. Offices in the town hall will be open. Please be considerate, and stay quiet in the hallways. Don’t stray from the auditorium. Water bottles are encouraged, and no other food or drink is allowed or will be provided.

Library Closing: Near Years Day 2025
2025-01-01 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
The Library will be closed in observation of the new year.

Creative Art workshop with Caoin O'Durgy
2025-01-04 14:30 - 15:30 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
Help Caoin O’Durgy, a Massachusetts based illustrator and Muralist, prepare his design for a mural at our own Transfer station in Belchertown on Saturday, January 4th 2:30 pm to 3:30 pm
We are very excited and proud to welcome you all to an event designed specifically to allow community input of a mural in our town. Students will design their own character that will be part Caoin’s mural.
Students K- 6th. No registration required. Children under the age of 10 must have a caregiver age 14 or older in the Library.

POSTPONED: Outdoor Survival Skills Workshop
2025-01-08 13:30 - 15:30 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
Due to severe cold, program is being rescheduled. We are reaching out to registered participants.
Outdoor Survival Skills Workshop with Frank Grindrod, author and director of Earthwork Programs LLC
Students under the age of 10 must have a caregiver who is 14 years old or older on Library property during the workshop. Registration is required.
Learn how to make a Survival Shelter like in Hatchet, how to set a survival trap like Katniss from The Hunger Games, and how to tie Buck’s # 1 Call of the Wild Rescue Knot, and so much more. Students will get items during the course to start building their own outdoor survival kit.
The workshop starts indoors with a basic discussion of a few very popular outdoor themed books and then quickly moves outside to learn Outdoor & Survival Skills Hands-On. Students will build a primitive survival shelter, learn how to use an emergency survival blanket, signal for rescue, and learn what to do when lost!
Students are encouraged to read a survival themed book such as Hatchet, Hunger Games, The Wild Robot, My Side of the Mountain, The Last Beekeeper, Night of the Howling Dogs, Colonization and the Wampanoag Story and more.
This program is funded in part by a grant from the Belchertown Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.
