Babytime Story Time (3-12 months) Fall 2025

Babytime Story time (3-12 mo) Fall 20259:00-9:45 AM, Mondays, Sep 22, 29, Oct 6, 20, 27 & Nov 3 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. Re......More

Babytime Story time (3-12 mo) Fall 20259:00-9:45 AM, Mondays, Sep 22, 29, Oct 6, 20, 27 & Nov 3 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/qthJPwyhCQV9CQSW9.  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.

Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States

First Steps Storytime (12-24 months) Fall 2025

Monday Firststeps (12-24 months) Fall 202510:00-10:45 AM, Mondays, Sep 22, 29, Oct 6, 20, 27 & Nov 3 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 activ......More

Monday Firststeps (12-24 months) Fall 202510:00-10:45 AM, Mondays, Sep 22, 29, Oct 6, 20, 27 & Nov 3 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. This program is full, if you wish to be added to the waitlist please send an email to [email protected] with the child’s name, age and which program.

Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States

In Defiance Book Talk

Authors Tom Weiner and Dr. Amilcar Shabazz will be at the Clapp Memorial Library on Monday, November 3 at 6:30pm to present on their new book, In Defiance: 20 Abolitionists You Were Never Taught in School (April 2025, Interlink Publishing). In Defiance uncovers the stor......More

Authors Tom Weiner and Dr. Amilcar Shabazz will be at the Clapp Memorial Library on Monday, November 3 at 6:30pm to present on their new book, In Defiance: 20 Abolitionists You Were Never Taught in School (April 2025, Interlink Publishing). In Defiance uncovers the stories of individuals who risked their lives to fight enslavement, serving as a compelling call for justice and the preservation of history. This book brings to light the often-suppressed stories of 20 Black and white men and women – their courage, activism, and unwavering commitment to freedom. Amid ongoing efforts to erase history, these stories serve as a powerful corrective—meant to challenge, inspire, and ignite action. Co-authored by Tom Weiner, a Northampton-based writer, educator, and anti-racist activist, and Dr. Amilcar Shabazz, professor and former president of the National Council for Black Studies, the book weaves their perspectives into the narrative, emphasizing the importance of learning from the past. For fans of The New Jim Crow by Michelle Alexander and The Color of Abolition by Linda Hirshman, In Defiance is both a testament to those who fought for justice and an inspiration for those who continue the struggle today. If you would like to place a hold for In Defiance to read on your own, you can ask the circulation desk or visit the catalog here.

Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States

Ukulele Play Along (Virtual Event)

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. Particip......More

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 ([email protected]) 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!

Virtual, MA

Toddler Time (2 year olds) Fall 2025

Tuesday Toddler Time (2 years) Fall 20259:30-10:30 am, Tuesdays, Sep 30, Oct 7, 21, 28 & Nov 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 ac......More

Tuesday Toddler Time (2 years) Fall 20259:30-10:30 am, Tuesdays, Sep 30, Oct 7, 21, 28 & Nov 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. This program is full, if you wish to be added to the waitlist please send an email to [email protected] with the child’s name, age and which program.

Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States

Jane Eyre Reading Group

Have you ever wanted to take the time to discuss a novel in depth? In this five-session group, we will discuss the Gothic novel, Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte. The discussion will be introduced and facilitated by retired professor David Spector. After registration is co......More

Have you ever wanted to take the time to discuss a novel in depth? In this five-session group, we will discuss the Gothic novel, Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte. The discussion will be introduced and facilitated by retired professor David Spector. After registration is confirmed, participants can pick up a copy of the novel to keep, while supplies last. Registration and confirmation required, sign up here: https://forms.gle/NxmuC9z9L6pqDeuZA The group will meet from 2 to 3:30 PM on Tuesdays. The first meeting is on Tuesday, October 7, with the next meeting on Tuesday, October 28 to give participants a chance to read the book. Subsequent meetings are on November 4, 18, and 25. All sessions take place in the Library’s activity room. A public screening of the 2011 version of Jane Eyre is scheduled for Tuesday, November 18 at 7pm.

Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States

Tea and Haiku

You are invited to join Denise Fontaine-Pincince on Tuesday, November 4 at 7pm for a reading of her new haiku anthology, tea ─ all the time it takes. Available on Amazon, the collection includes tea haiku from more than a hundred poets from 13 countries. The event begin......More

You are invited to join Denise Fontaine-Pincince on Tuesday, November 4 at 7pm for a reading of her new haiku anthology, tea ─ all the time it takes. Available on Amazon, the collection includes tea haiku from more than a hundred poets from 13 countries. The event begins with a brief reading followed by an open mic. The public is welcome to bring a poem of any topic to share. Open Mic readers may sign-up to read between 6:30- 7:00 pm, just prior to the event. Tea and cookies will be served.

Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States

Clapp Writing Group

PROGRAM FULL The Clapp Memorial Library hosts a bi-weekly writing group for adults aged 18+. Whether you write romance, mystery, fantasy, non-fiction, poetry, children’s books, or screenplays, you’re welcome to join us! Come meet with other writers and share what you’ve......More

PROGRAM FULL The Clapp Memorial Library hosts a bi-weekly writing group for adults aged 18+. Whether you write romance, mystery, fantasy, non-fiction, poetry, children’s books, or screenplays, you’re welcome to join us! Come meet with other writers and share what you’ve been working on over the past month, work on your writing, and more. If you are interested, contact Annie at the library to sign up: [email protected]

Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States

Preschool Storytime (3-5 year olds) Fall 2025

Preschool Story Time (3-6 years) Fall 20259:30-10:30 am, Thursdays, Sep 25, Oct 2, 9, 23, 30 & Nov 6 Preschool 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 activit......More

Preschool Story Time (3-6 years) Fall 20259:30-10:30 am, Thursdays, Sep 25, Oct 2, 9, 23, 30 & Nov 6 Preschool 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, sign up here: https://forms.gle/XcoGi3Naao7iMtkP8. 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.

Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States

Mindful Music with Mr. Ryan

Thursdays, 4:30 pm to 5:00 pm October 30th, November 6th, 13th, & 20thMindful Music with Mr. Ryan is a joyful, heart-led program for children ages 6–11 that blends the magic of music, movement, mindfulness, and mythology—all through the colorful lens of Bhakti, the Indi......More

Thursdays, 4:30 pm to 5:00 pm October 30th, November 6th, 13th, & 20thMindful Music with Mr. Ryan is a joyful, heart-led program for children ages 6–11 that blends the magic of music, movement, mindfulness, and mythology—all through the colorful lens of Bhakti, the Indian practice of love and connection with self and others.Each session is an adventure in sound and story: kids join Mr. Ryan in lively call-and-response singing (Kirtan), listen to mythical tales of daring gods and wise goddesses, and explore creative ways to move, breathe, play, and reflect together. Inspired by the rich traditions of Indian culture, the class celebrates timeless themes like compassion, courage, curiosity, and joy—all while helping kids feel more present, expressive, and connected.There’s no rigid routine here—every session flows organically based on the group’s energy and the theme of the day. One week might feature the monkey-god Hanuman-ji leaping across oceans to save Sita, the brave and noble queen another might explore what it means to listen deeply or sing from the heart.At its core, Mindful Music with Mr. Ryan is about creating a warm, welcoming space where children can sing and create from their hearts, move their bodies freely, and feel the simple magic of being together in the moment.Registration is required, sign up here: https://forms.gle/cBNbu3gWZn7ZT2U16.  Students under the age of 10 must have a caregiver who is 14 years old or older on the Library premises.  November 13th session will be in the Town Hall Auditorium.  Caregivers will not be in the same room where the classes will be held. Students who would like to ride a bus from a Belchertown public school to the Library should contact Jennifer, [email protected] by the Friends of Clapp Memorial Library

Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States

Fiber Arts with the Woolies

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 t......More

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.

Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States

What "YA" Readin'? Book Group

The library’s What “YA” Readin’? Book Group, a group for adults who read Young Adult books, will meet Thursday, November 6th at 7:00PM to discuss Braiding Sweetgrass for Young Adults: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge, and the Teachings of Plants by Robin Wall Kim......More

The library’s What “YA” Readin’? Book Group, a group for adults who read Young Adult books, will meet Thursday, November 6th at 7:00PM to discuss Braiding Sweetgrass for Young Adults: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge, and the Teachings of Plants by Robin Wall Kimmerer and adapted by Monique Gray Smith. Copies of the book are available for checkout at the circulation desk. New members are welcome!

Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States

Mindfulness Meditation for Stress Reduction

Clapp Memorial Library is offering a Stress Reduction Awareness course. The eight-week introductory course starts on Thursday, September 25 at 7 PM and runs every Thursday through November 20 (excluding October 16). The course is designed to teach and practice mindfulne......More

Clapp Memorial Library is offering a Stress Reduction Awareness course. The eight-week introductory course starts on Thursday, September 25 at 7 PM and runs every Thursday through November 20 (excluding October 16). The course is designed to teach and practice mindfulness-based skills. Mindfulness meditation skills teach us to be fully present in the moment and, when practiced regularly, help decrease stress levels and improve general well-being and health. Skills covered in the course are gentle and free of judgment. Because each session of this course builds on the previous week, we ask that you register only if you are able to attend all sessions. Registration required, sign up here: https://forms.gle/EBkKApvgPQ899tpo9If you have any questions please email [email protected] This course will be taught by Magda Bechar, a retired nursing professor who has taught mindfulness meditation skills to many groups, including at the Clapp Memorial Library, for many years.

Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States

Library Closing: Veterans’ Day 2025

The Library will be closed in observation of Veterans’ Day

Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA, 01007, United States