Yearly Archives: 2025

Many people take the opportunity to travel during the summer, and in the spirit of summer adventure the Library’s film app, Kanopy, has created a watchlist of Cinematic Journeys for this month! Join in on adventures that transcend language, space, and even time – ranging from simple road trips and historical films to journeys through the realms of sci-fi and fantasy.

You can use your library card to access this collection, as well as hundreds of other classic and indie films, TV shows, and documentaries. New media and watchlists are added on a regular basis! Go directly to the Cinematic Journeys collection here: kanopy.com/category/11043

For a quick walkthrough of how to set up and use a Kanopy account, visit their Getting Started webpage; if you already have an account, just sign in and enjoy.

We invite Bethany residents to make use of our new outdoor Community Bulletin Board, provided by the Friends of the Library! This enclosed board is located next to the book drop, and can be used to advertise local events, programs, services, and more! Use of the Bulletin Board will not require permission from Library staff, but keep the following guidelines in mind:

Posted documents will be retained until the date of the event they advertise, or for 30 days after they are initially posted if there is no associated date. The Library reserves the right to remove documents that it deems inappropriate, potentially harmful, or otherwise in violation of its policies.

We will continue to provide access to our indoor bulletin board and add events to our Calendar of Events on request – the Community Bulletin Board is intended to supplement these resources, not replace them. If you have any questions, contact the Library at 203-393-2103 or ClarkMain@BethanyLibrary.org.

Come get spellbound with Fractured Fairy Tales!
 
Join us on Thursdays, July 10 – August 14, from 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM, for fun twists on classic fairy tales, along with themed crafts and/or STEM activities. The program is intended for kids ages 2 to 10; each session will feature separate crafts/activities for younger and older participants. Caregivers must remain in the Library while the program is in progress.

Need to print something at the Library, but don’t have cash on hand? Use our new Library Services QR Code to make your payment through PayPal or a credit or debit card! This code can be used to make a donation to the Library that covers the cost of printing and copy services, 3D printing services, and purchases from the Friends of the Library Book Sale and Bake Sale. Just point your phone’s camera at the code and click the link that appears, then select the service you’re paying for from the drop-down menu and your payment method. If you haven’t used this service before, you may be prompted to fill in your PayPal or card information – otherwise you should be all set!

Steps: 1. Scan the QR code using your phone's camera 2. Insert the amount of your payment or purchase 3. Select the service your payment will cover 4. Choose whether to cover PayPal's payment fees 5. Select your payment method 6. If necessary, insert your PayPal or card information

Amigurumi Workshops

July 1st, July 8th, & July 22nd
2:00 – 3:00 PM
 
Create your own tiny crocheted creature at one of our Amigurumi Workshops this July – no prior experience needed! The workshops are drop-in activities intended for ages 10 and up, but adults are welcome to participate as well! Yarn and other materials, such as stuffing and toy eyes – as well as guidance for those who have not crocheted before – will be provided.
 
Amigurumi is a type of needlecraft that originated in Japan. It focuses on creating 3D knit or crocheted stuffed toys, which are usually cute and small in size. The word itself is simply a combination of the Japanese words for “knit/crocheted” and “stuffed doll”.

This summer Clark Memorial Library is hosting a special raffle just for adult readers, sponsored by the Friends of the Library. For each book you read (or listen to) this summer, fill out a raffle slip with the title of the book, your name, and a phone number or email address for a chance to win one of two “Enchanted iPad Packages” – each includes an iPad, a case, wireless earphones, and two hours of instruction (at your convenience) from a Library staff member to get you started setting up the device and learning how to download ebooks and audiobooks using the Library’s apps.

We encourage reading and entering multiple times! Names will be drawn in late August.

Raffle slips are available in the Friends of the Library nook at the bottom of the main staircase, and can be filled out and submitted digitally here. The raffle slip link will also be available on the homepage of our website, or you can simply email the necessary information directly to the Library at ClarkMain@BethanyLibrary.org.

Read by yourself / Read with each other
Read one good book / Then read another

Our new summer storywalk features excerpts from Artful Reading, by Bob Raczka. Take a walk around the Library’s front lawn and you’ll see all kinds of works of art, ranging in time from the 1400’s to the 1960’s, and in style from realism to cubism! But no matter the era or the style, each and every painting tells a story about a reader. Both art lovers and book lovers will enjoy this celebration of “the fine art of reading”.

Right now our themed book displays are packed with cats and dogs, competing to see who’s more popular – and often learning that they have more in common than expected along the way. Whether it’s a kitten or puppy tale you’re looking for, we’re sure to have something you’ll enjoy. Stop by and pick up a story featuring your favorite form of furry friend!

Join us for LEGO Club this summer!

The Club will meet in the Children’s Room on Thursdays, 3:00 – 5:00 PM, starting June 26th. It is a drop-in program open to all ages, but a parent or guardian must be present for participants 12 and under. Both LEGO and DUPLO blocks are available for free-building!

Dragon Eye Adventure is back!
June 18th, 4:00-5:00 PM, & June 21st, 11:00-12:00 PM

Sculpt, decorate, and paint a two-dimensional clay dragon profile, then choose from our special collection of glass dragon eyes to give your sculpture a spark of life!

Ages 7 and up. This is a drop-in activity, but space is limited – arrive on time (or early) to make sure you get a spot! Call the Library at 203-393-2103 for more information.