Yearly Archives: 2025


The Library’s chapter of the Silent Book Club will be meeting in the Community Room on Wednesday afternoons, 3:00-4:00 PM going forward. The Silent Book Club is a “bring your own book” activity – no assigned reading and no pressure. Come for light refreshments and an hour of quiet to focus on your latest read. Afterwards you are welcome to chat and share titles, but the hour of reading time is sweet silence.  

Don’t have a book already? Come a bit early to browse our shelves and then dig in! Between our new book, read-alike, and monthly themed book displays, you’re sure to come across something to suit your tastes – or pique your interest.

Poem in Your Pocket Day is a special event that takes place every year on a day in National Poetry Month – this year it’s today, April 10th! Help the Library celebrate by taking a “poem for your pocket” from the display on the the curbside pickup table in the foyer, the Friends of the Library nook at the bottom of the stairs, or the main desk upstairs.. Each paper pocket features either a short poem or an excerpt from a longer poem; you can simply enjoy them as is, use them as inspiration for your own creative work, or share them with friends and family! They will continue to be available through the remainder of the month, so don’t worry if you miss the holiday itself.

Roses are red / on return screens they appear
In Libby’s collection / poetry is always near.

Looking for something to read for National Poetry Month? Check Libby, the Library’s source for ebooks and audiobooks! There are thousands of titles to choose from, many available in both formats – and if you have an Amazon Kindle, you can download titles directly to your device. All you need to create an account are your name and library card number. Check out the video below for a quick introduction to Libby’s functions and resources, or visit the Getting Started with Libby webpage:

“Never Alone: Keeping Company with Painters and Poets”

Gigi Lawrence, along with Margot Trout
April – May 

Keeping company with those who give and have given form to imagination across genres, media, and time, Gigi Lawrence presents her work – along with work by Margot Trout, her friend and mentor – and poetry that has sustained and inspired them both.

“When trying to envision a library show that would be running concurrently with National Poetry Month, the idea of including Margot Trout came to mind, and the possibility looked rich and rewarding. Margot has inspired me as a painter, a teacher, a mentor, and a friend for the past 30 years. I have shared more poetry with Margot than with anyone else in my life, as is also true of paintings, and of art in multiple mediums.

It is noticeable that the appearance of our work is very different. What is important about artwork, is not its style, but what comes through it. In that respect, they are probably not so very different at all. This show is an opportunity to see Margot’s work along with mine, and to think about the art and poetry that has spoken to each, and sometimes both, of us.”

There will be an artist reception on Saturday, May 17, from 2:00 – 4:00 PM in the Library’s Community Room, but unfortunately, Margot will not be able to attend.

Bethany Rid Litter Day is coming up!

Rid Litter Day is a community event to clean up trash on the sides of the roads of Bethany. This year Rid Litter Day will take place on Saturday, April 19th, from 9 AM – 12 PM. Join the effort using the event’s Sign-Up Form; supplies (including safety vest, pick up tools, gloves and trash bags) will be available at the Library Friday, April 18 5:30-7:00 PM, or by appointment. Contact BethanyRidLitterDay@gmail.com for more information.

There’s another 3D Printer Orientation coming up! Learn about the Library’s 3D printing resources and how to use the printer and its associated software, and see the printer in action. Once you’ve attended an orientation, you’ll be able to use the 3D printer for yourself during our trial period, during which patrons will not be charged for prints. Space is limited, so please call the Library at (203) 393-2103 or speak to a librarian in person to sign up.

“This is the world I want to live in. The shared world.”

It’s National Poetry Month once again! Launched by a nonprofit charitable organization called the Academy of American Poets in April 1996, National Poetry Month has since become the largest literary celebration in the world. Check out our April book displays, which feature everything from the collected works of famous poets to simple stories with rhyming text, as well as the stories of poets both real and fictional. Even if you’ve never had an interest in poetry, there’s sure to be something here you’ll love!

The 2025 National Poetry Month poster features an excerpt from the poem “Gate A-4”, by former Young People’s Poet Laureate and Academy Chancellor Naomi Shihab Nye, as well as artwork by New York Times-bestselling author and illustrator Christy Mandin.

There’s always an activity set up for kids of all ages to enjoy in our Children’s Room!Come check out our newest addition – PlusPlus pieces, which kids can use to make 2D or 3D creations.

Clark Memorial Library will continue to be closed on Fridays until further notice. We will continue to work towards returning to our usual hours; thank you as always for your patience and understanding in the meantime.

Families with young children are invited to join Mrs. Perkins, a Montessori Guide from Willow Tree Montessori, for a storytime session! During this read-aloud, Willow Tree hopes to share the love of language with rich vocabulary through stories, songs and poems. Drop in starting at 10:30 AM, Saturday April 5.