For Children
The early years are the learning years! The first five years of a child’s life are the most crucial for cognitive development. Scientific studies show that cognitive abilities of young children raised in an environment rich in sensory experiences are significantly enhanced — and show a positive correlation with future academic achievement.
The Clapp Memorial Library has the programs and resources to help you create such a learning environment in your home. And while your child explores the riches of the Library, you can find information about all areas of parenting and teaching in our Parent/Teacher Collection. Our friendly and knowledgeable staff are always here to offer assistance. You and your child can choose from our collection of books, movies, video games, CDs, WonderBooks, and LaunchPad tablets.
We also offer a variety of regularly scheduled Children’s Programs, and popular special programs and work shops featuring talented performers and knowledgeable guest speakers — including morning and evening music programs for young children, parent workshops, programs for child care providers, and infant massage classes.
Story Hours
BabytimeFirst Steps
Toddler Time
Preschool
Our storytimes feature age-appropriate stories, songs, finger plays and art activities. Registration is required. Participation is determined by lottery.
Click here to find out more about each of our storytime programs.
Summer Reading
Summer fun with the library!Find Your Voice
For our 2023 Summer Reading program we invite you to Find Your Voice. Sign up, track your activities, and enter prize raffles through Beanstack.
TumbleBooks
Animated, talking picture books for children!TumbleBooks are created from existing picture books which have been licensed from children’s book publishers and converted to the TumbleBook format.
Click here to see what’s available!
LOTE4Kids
Picture books in world languages!LOTE4Kids offers picture books & audiobooks in world languages and sign languages.
Learn language through the magic of storytelling!
PebbleGo
Award-winning, interactive non-fiction collection just for kidsDive into interactive learning focused on animals and people! Look up your favorites for fun, curiosity, or a school project. Check it all out here. Provided by the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners.
Britannica Kids
Award-winning, interactive non-fiction collection just for kidsCheck out Britannica Fundamentals, Britannica Library: Children, and Britannica School: Elementary! Access Britannica and more on our MA Research Databases page.
Gale in Context: Elementary
Learning for Students.Enrich your learning with this classroom focused collection! Access Gale in Context: Elementary and more on our MA Research Databases page.
Learn Magic
Magic Tricks taught by Ed Popielarczyk for our library!Click here to watch Ed Popielarczyk teaching magic for the Clapp Memorial Library’s virtual Magic Camp from April 2020!
Scribbles, Sketches & Stories
with David Hyde Costello!Click here to watch this series with David Hyde Costello, as a part of ArtWeek!
Book Clubs
Book Clubs for Young ReadersPaws to Read
“Paws to Read” pairs dogs and bunnies with young readers who gain reading confidence in a relaxed, stress-free environment.Children involved in PAWS programs nationwide have shown improvement in reading skills, and willingness to become involved in other positive activities. Find out more here!