Category Archives: Displays

Updates about decorative or temporary displays.

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.

“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.

“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.

Easy Reader Reading Levels

Our Easy Reader collection now features colored star stickers to help find books at the right level for young readers! The collection is on the right when entering the Children’s Room downstairs, on the wall next to the catalog computer; the three levels are Beginning Reader, indicated by a red star, Intermediate Reader, indicated by a yellow star, and Advancing Reader, indicated by a green star. There are dozens of brand new books for all reading levels on display, and hundreds of titles to choose from in total – stop by and pick a few up today!

The Library’s March Mad Science program may be nearly over, but we’re keeping the scientific theme going in other ways! Real-life scientific pioneers and technologies and do-it-yourself STEM projects collide with tales of mad science, robots, and fantastic inventions of all kinds on our Science Fact & Science Fantasy book displays – stop by and pick a story from whichever category suits your tastes.

Waiting on a new book from your favorite author, or reaching the end of a series you enjoyed? Take a look at the new read-alike displays in our Adult Fiction section for suggestions on what to read next!

This month our themed book displays are filled with fantastic stories of myth and legend! Featuring both classic fairy tales and more modern fables, there’s something here for any fan of fiction – and we have books that explore the historical foundations of fantasy as well, for those who prefer facts. Stop by and try a tall tale today!

The art teachers of Amity High School and Bethany and Orange Middle Schools are collaborating with Arts@Clark! to display student artwork at the Library during February and March. Stop in any time during Library hours to see the work of a new generation of artists in the glass art displays and the Community Room!

A reception will take place on Thursday, March 6, from 4:00 – 6:00 PM in the Community Room.

Have you seen our Sustainable Bethany display, located just outside of the Teens & Tweens area upstairs? Each of the books on display has been recommended by the Bethany Sustainability Association, the local branch of Sustainable CT.

Sustainable CT is a voluntary certification program that provides opportunities for grant funding to help communities promote economic well-being and enhance equity. Reviews of selected additions are posted on the bulletin board, providing both an overview of each book’s content and the reasoning behind its recommendation. Stop by and take a look!

Did You Know?

You can pick up and/or print your 2024 income tax forms at the Library!
Physical copies of Form 1040 and Form 1040-SR, as well as instructions on how to view, download, and print Connecticut income tax forms and other IRS publications, are available on the right-hand side of the table underneath the Library bulletin board. The Library’s public computers can be used to access forms that are only available digitally; we do not charge patrons printing fees for tax forms.