Clapp Memorial Library

Friends Book Drop Off Day
2024-07-20 09:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York) | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
Got books? Donating books to the Friends of the Library will be super easy on July 20th & August 10th from 9am to 12pm. Load up your car and drive to the Library where members of the Friends will unload the items. No need to get out of the car! DVDs also accepted but no VHS tapes. Drop off takes place in the Library parking lot.

Jacques’ Concert
2024-07-24 18:00 - 19:00 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
Join us at 6PM on July 24th for an evening of music on the Library Lawn (in the case of rain, Town Hall Auditorium)! Singing dancing and fun for all ages with Ann Marie Messbauer and Jacques “Pop” Hooten
This event is part of our Summer Reading Program and attending is worth a Kids SRP Raffle Ticket! Make sure to sign your child up for Summer Reading at clapplibrary.beanstack.com or via the Beanstack app.
Made possible by the Friends of the Clapp Memorial Library and our Community Sponsors

Teen Card-making for Cards for Hospitalized Kids
2024-07-26 18:00 - 19:00 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
Teens ages 12-18 are invited to the library to do good by making cards to be sent to Cards for Hospitalized Kids. This program will take place in the library’s Activity Room on Friday, July 26th from 6:00-7:00PM. Email clapplibrarytab@gmail.com or call the library to register. All attendees will earn up to two additional raffle tickets for the Teen Summer Reading Program!

Critters of Lake Wallace
2024-07-27 09:00 - 10:00 | Foley Field, 66 State Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
Join us on Saturday, July 27 to investigate fascinating creatures and critters in Lake Wallace. Join local biologists and parents Caralyn Zehnder and Will Duncan as we learn about the life cycles of aquatic invertebrates like dragonflies and damselflies and sample the lake to see what we can find. Geared towards ages 4 years and up.
9AM PROGRAM IS FULL. 10:30AM SESSION ADDED
Registration is required, sign up here: https://forms.gle/QCQrMQTv3ZqtUaLL6
We will meet at the end of the ball fields. Play clothes and bug spray are highly suggested. The 9am program has filled up, we are offering a second program at 10:30am.
Any questions, call the Clapp Memorial Library at 413-323-0417

Critters of Lake Wallace
2024-07-27 10:30 - 11:30 | Foley Field, 66 State Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
Join us on Saturday, July 27 to investigate fascinating creatures and critters in Lake Wallace. Join local biologists and parents Caralyn Zehnder and Will Duncan as we learn about the life cycles of aquatic invertebrates like dragonflies and damselflies and sample the lake to see what we can find. Geared towards ages 4 years and up.
Registration is required, sign up here: https://forms.gle/QCQrMQTv3ZqtUaLL6
We will meet at the end of the ball fields. Play clothes and bug spray are highly suggested. Our 9am program is full, join us for the 10:30am program!
Any questions, call the Clapp Memorial Library at 413-323-0417

Needle Felted Whales
2024-07-29 18:00 - 20:00 | 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, July 29 OR Wednesday, July 31, 6-8pm. Local fiber artist Anna Sunschauer will teach you how to sculpt fluffy wool fiber into a whale 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.
PROGRAM FULL, WAITLIST ONLY. This workshop is open to adults and teens.
Sign up here: https://forms.gle/xwXxN9gFcrC44PmZ6
This program is made possible by the Friends of the Clapp Memorial Library.

Wind Down Storytime with Jason Perkins
2024-07-30 18:00 - 19:00 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
When: Tuesday, July 30th 6:00 PM
Where: Clapp Memorial Library Activity Room
Come hear author Jason Perkins read his rockin’ story Rock Stars Don’t Nap. Everyone is invited to join the fun wearing their PJs, if you want. After we rock out together, we will have a creative craft.
The book is geared towards children ages 3 to 8 but all ages are welcome. Registration is preferred – let us know you’re coming here: https://forms.gle/7s2YqUVbgdX81Qzg6
Inspired by classic rock songs and eighties hair bands, Rock Stars Don’t Nap is a hilarious bedtime story for anyone who’s got “Moves Like Jagger.”
There was no denying it: Jimmy was born to rock. With his mom and dad in tow, Jimmy is rocking and rolling wherever he goes.
But when Mama tells Jimmy its time to get some shuteye, what is a washed-up rock star to do?!
Odyssey Bookshop will be present if you would like to purchase your own copy to be signed by Jason.
Read more about this local author and his book here: https://www.masslive.com/entertainment/2023/11/dont-sleep-on-this-chicopee-kids-author.html

Teen Book Club - July Meeting
2024-07-31 15:00 - 16:00 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
The Clapp Memorial Library has started a book club for teens in/entering grades 7-12! This Teen Book Club will be 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, July 31st from 3:00-4:00PM, teens will discuss Throwback by Maurene Goo. Copies of the book are available for checkout at the library’s circulation desk and on the hoopla app. Snacks will be provided at the meeting. Attendees will receive a raffle ticket for the Summer Reading Program.

Teen Crafternoon: DIY Puzzle Piece Jewelry
2024-07-31 16:00 - 17:00 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
The Clapp Memorial Library is hosting a Teen Crafternoon for teens ages 12-18 from 4:00-5:00PM on Wednesday, July 31st in the library’s Activity Room. Teens will learn how to upcycle puzzle pieces into jewelry. Attendees will leave the program with their jewelry pieces and with an additional raffle ticket for the Teen Summer Reading Program. Email clapplibrarytab@gmail.com or visit the library to register.

Whalemobile
2024-07-31 18:00 - 20:30 | Lawrence Memorial Hall (Town Hall) Auditorium, Belchertown, 01007, United States
PROGRAM FULL
For ages 5 to 11. Children under age 10 must be accompanied by a caregiver age 14 or older.
Do you love marine life, but don’t have time to make it to the ocean this summer? Have no fear, Nile is here! This 43 foot life sized inflatable humpback whale is swimming to your local library for a fun, educational experience. Discover the remarkable similarities between whales and humans, and have the hands-on-experience of touching real whale artifacts!
Sign up for a 30 minute visit inside Nile the Whale at the Town Hall Auditorium! Visit followed by hands-on activities, so plan for a full hour for this interactive and fun program. Visits starting at 6:00PM, 6:30PM, 7:00PM, and 7:30PM!
Registration Required – sign up here: https://forms.gle/gUU8ogztPa2p4X857
https://thewhalemobile.com/

Free Teen Book Hours & Book Swap!
2024-08-02 17:00 - 18:00 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
This summer, Teen Summer Reading Program participants are invited to donate up to two books (preferably Middle Grade or Young Adult) in exchange for picking out up to four books during the Free Teen Book Hours at the library on August 2nd from 5:00-6:00PM and August 7th from 6:00-7:00PM. Donations for the Free Teen Book Hours can be dropped off at the library’s circulation desk. Teens will then be given passes that allow them to take additional books at the FTBHs. Teens do not need to donate a book in order to attend the Free Teen Book Hours. Teens can automatically choose at least one free book at each FTBH they attend. Teens must, however, be signed up for the Teen Summer Reading Program to receive a free book. Leftover books after the last FTBH, and books above and below a MG or YA reading level, will be donated to the Friends of the Library for their semi-annual booksale.

Duckworld
2024-08-03 10:00 - 11:00 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
Come meet live ducks and learn about their diet, habitat, behavior and more. Duckworld Rescue at Ripley Farm will bring ducks and give children a chance to hold them and watch them swim.
This event is part of our Summer Reading Program and attending is worth a Kids SRP Raffle Ticket! Make sure to sign your child up for Summer Reading at clapplibrary.beanstack.com or via the Beanstack app.

Belchertown’s Connection with China
2024-08-05 18:30 - 19:30 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
On Monday, August 5th at 6:30pm, come to the Clapp Memorial Library for “Belchertown’s Connection with China,” a presentation by Cliff McCarthy, Stone House Museum archivist and author/editor of several books on Belchertown’s history. Belchertown has a deep, historic connection to China. Elijah Coleman Bridgman was the first American Protestant missionary to China beginning in the 1830s. He and his Connecticut-born spouse devoted their lives to bridging the chasm between the two worlds. Then in the 1870s, a group of Chinese students came to live in Belchertown as part of the innovative experiment called the “Chinese Educational Mission.”

Ultraviolet Concert
2024-08-07 18:00 - 19:00 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
Come rock out with Belchertown’s own teen band on the Clapp Memorial Library Lawn (in case of rain, Swift River Elementary Pavilion) on August 7th at 6PM. Ultraviolet began as a group of 6th graders playing rock music with their band teacher at recess. Now in middle school Lily (vocals), Wesley (bass), John (guitar), and Jake (drums) are still at it and playing hits from the last four decades.
This event is part of our Summer Reading Program and attending is worth a Kids SRP Raffle Ticket! Make sure to sign your child up for Summer Reading at clapplibrary.beanstack.com or via the Beanstack app.
Made possible by the Friends of the Clapp Memorial Library and our Community Sponsors

Rolie Polie Guacamole
2024-08-08 10:00 - 11:00 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
August 8th at 10AM on the Clapp Memorial Library Lawn!
Don’t miss the return of this fantastic band from Brooklyn, NY! Winner of the prestigious Parents’ Choice® and NAPPA Awards, Rolie Polie Guacamole has developed a smart, parent-friendly musical style that dresses up original tunes and classic covers with vibrant harmonies and deft instrumental layers, plugging in a sizzling electric current of rhythm that lights up lyrics humming with relevance and humor.
This event is part of our Summer Reading Program and attending is worth a Kids SRP Raffle Ticket! Make sure to sign your child up for Summer Reading at clapplibrary.beanstack.com or via the Beanstack app.
Program is in memory of David Goff, made possible by the Goff Family & Friends of the Clapp Memorial Library

Teen Summer Reading Finale Party: Tie-Dye & Teen Movie Night
2024-08-14 18:30 - 21:00 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
Celebrate the end of the Teen Summer Reading Program at the Clapp Memorial Library’s Finale Party on Wednesday, August 14th! Teens will gather outside the library at 6:30PM to tie-dye. The Teen Movie Night will follow inside the library at 7:00PM. Popcorn and drinks will be provided. Teens are asked to bring their Summer Reading shirts to tie-dye, though shirts will be available as supplies last. Participants of the Teen Summer Reading Program can register at the library or by emailing clapplibrarytab@gmail.com. Attendees will earn a raffle ticket for the Teen Summer Reading Program.

Friends of the Clapp Memorial Library Meeting
2024-08-15 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.

Introduction to Homesteading
2024-08-16 18:00 - 19:00 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
Adults, teens, and children aged 10+ are invited to attend our series of Homesteading Workshops led by local Zackery W. Zawalski. You can come to one, two, or all three, and learn about ways to grow and raise your own food and make use of the land you live on.
Friday, August 16: Introduction to Homesteading
Friday, August 23: Livestock Basics
Friday, August 30: Gardening Basics
Zackery Zawalski has raised livestock since 2010, including ducks, chickens, goats, doves, dogs, and a pig. He has helped his parents with their local 4-H club and has been a member of 4-H since 2013. Zackery takes pleasure in helping with his family garden since he could walk and still enjoys it to this day.
All workshops start at 6:00 PM at the Clapp Memorial Library and include a presentation and activity. These programs are funded by the Friends of the Clapp Memorial Library.

Teen Book Club – August Meeting
2024-08-21 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/entering 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, August 21st from 3:00-4:00PM, teens will discuss Rez Ball by Byron Graves. Copies of the book are available for checkout at the library’s circulation desk and on the hoopla app. Snacks will be provided at the meeting.

RESCHEDULED: Needle Felted Whales
2024-08-21 18:00 - 20:00 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
This is a reschedule of the July 31st workshop. Program is full.
Local fiber artist Anna Sunschauer will teach you how to sculpt fluffy wool fiber into a whale 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 program is made possible by the Friends of the Clapp Memorial Library.

Livestock Basics
2024-08-23 18:00 - 19:00 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
Adults, teens, and tweens are welcome to attend the second session in our series of Homesteading Workshops by local Zackery W. Zawalski: Livestock Basics. In this session, learn the basics of raising your own livestock and meet (at least) one very special guest from Zack’s own farm.
Friday, August 16: Introduction to Homesteading
Friday, August 23: Livestock Basics
Friday, August 30: Gardening Basics
Zackery Zawalski has raised livestock since 2010, including ducks, chickens, goats, doves, dogs, and a pig. He has helped his parents with their local 4-H club and has been a member of 4-H since 2013. Zackery takes pleasure in helping with his family garden since he could walk and still enjoys it to this day.
All workshops start at 6:00 PM at the Clapp Memorial Library and include a presentation and activity. These programs are funded by the Friends of the Clapp Memorial Library.

Gardening Basics
2024-08-30 18:00 - 19:00 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
Adults, teens, and tweens are welcome to the third and final session in our series of Homesteading Workshops by local teen Zackery W. Zawalski. In this session, Gardening Basics, learn how to start your own garden and pot your own plant to take home.
All workshops start at 6:00 PM at the Clapp Memorial Library and include a presentation and activity. This program is funded by the Friends of the Clapp Memorial Library.
Friday, August 16: Introduction to Homesteading
Friday, August 23: Livestock Basics
Friday, August 30: Gardening Basics
Zackery Zawalski has raised livestock since 2010, including ducks, chickens, goats, doves, dogs, and a pig. He has helped his parents with their local 4-H club and has been a member of 4-H since 2013. Zackery takes pleasure in helping with his family garden since he could walk and still enjoys it to this day.
All workshops start at 6:00 PM at the Clapp Memorial Library and include a presentation and activity. These programs are funded by the Friends of the Clapp Memorial Library.

Library Closing: Labor Day 2024
2024-09-02 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
The Library will be closed in observation of Labor Day

Ukes for Ukraine
2024-09-07 15:00 - 16:00 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
On Saturday, September 7 at 3pm, the Clapp Memorial Library will host a free acoustic concert by the Belchertown duo, Ukes for Ukraine. Terry Nagel (soprano ukulele) and Jimmy Burgoff (bass ukulele) will bring their street corner music, and their little blue tip bucket, indoors with an hour of favorite uke tunes and more stories about their adventures on the streets. Although the situation in Ukraine is grim, the music of Ukes for Ukraine is anything but. Drawing from the best Tin Pan Alley music of the 20’s and 30’s, classic string band tunes, and occasional big band classics, the duo presents cheerful and unique versions of familiar chestnuts, and some obscure songs that deserve to be dusted off and brought back to life.
So far, Ukes for Ukraine has raised over $3,300, a few dollars at a time playing on street corners and in outdoor markets. All the money has gone to Blagovist 2013, an NGO providing food, school supplies, and clothing to displaced families and children in the Karkhiv region.

Belchertown & the California Gold Rush
2024-09-09 18:30 - 19:30 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
On Monday, September 9th at 6:30pm, come to the Clapp Memorial Library for “Belchertown and the California Gold Rush,” a presentation by Cliff McCarthy, Stone House Museum archivist and author/editor of several books on Belchertown’s history. The California Gold Rush was an important event in American history, having an enormous impact on migration, land development, the slavery debate, and the nation’s economy. At least nineteen Belchertown men went west in pursuit of their dreams. Some played important roles in the development of California; some returned to New England and built on their western adventures to achieve positions of stature and importance in our communities.

Teen Advisory Board (Sep 2024)
2024-09-13 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, September 13th from 4:30-5:30PM in the library’s Activity Room for its first meeting of the 2024-2025 school year! 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! At this meeting, teens will get to meet each other, discuss the year ahead, and learn about a volunteer opportunity during the Belchertown Fair weekend. Teens can email clapplibrarytab@gmail.com to register.

Early Closing: Belchertown Fair 2024
2024-09-20 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
The Library will close at 2pm.

Teen Wellness Table
2024-09-20 14:00 - 15:30 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
The Clapp Memorial Library will have a table on their front lawn from 2:00-3:30PM the Friday of the Belchertown Fair (September 20th). Teens in grades 7-12 walking from school to the Fair are invited to stop by for free water, granola bars, and snacks as supplies last!

Craft with the Teen Advisory Board at the Exhibit Hall!
2024-09-20 16:00 - 17:00 | MA
The library’s Teen Advisory Board is offering a free craft in the Exhibit Hall from 4:00-5:00PM the Friday of the Belchertown Fair. All ages are welcome to stop by and do a craft paired with this year’s Fair theme, “Barn in the USA,” as supplies and materials last!

Library Closing: Belchertown Fair 2024
2024-09-21 | Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States
The Library will be closed during the Belchertown Fair
