Category Archives: Friends of the Library

Updates regarding the Friends of the Library and events they sponsor.

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

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.

Paint and Sip with the Friends of the Library!
Thursday, April 10, 7:00 – 9:00 PM

Mark your calendars for another Paint and Sip event organized by the Friends of the Library. Local artist Zach Chernak will guide participants through painting a special spring picture; there will be wine, cheese and crackers as refreshments.

Space is limited and registration is required.
Cost is $20.00 per person and may be paid at the door.
Call the Library at (203) 393-2103 to register!

Be sure to look for us at the 2024 Bethany Harvest Festival! The Friends of the Library will be hosting a bake sale, there will be a raffle to win a Halloween gift basket, and if you don’t already have a library card, we’ll have everything you need to sign up for one!

The Festival takes place at the Old Bethany Airport (695 Amity Road) on Sunday, October 6, and lasts from 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM.

The Arts@Clark! Fifth Annual Public Art Exhibit will take place on Sunday, July 28, from 1:00 – 5:00 PM!

Parking will be available at the Bethany Historical Society (512 Amity Road) and the First Church of Christ Congregational Church (511 Amity Road).
 
This event is our gift to the community: it is free to all participants – artists, would-be artists, and those who are simply looking to enjoy, renew, and relax on a beautiful summer afternoon. Twenty-six local artists will have their artwork on display on the library grounds – with a wide variety of styles and mediums, ranging from paintings and drawings to needlework and sculpture! There will be live music provided by local musicians, a bake sale sponsored by the Friends of the Library, a display showcasing our newly expanded collection of art books, and even “plein air” art activities for visitors to try out the creative process for themselves!

On Saturday, April 6, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM, the Friends of the Library will be on site to collect new and gently used books for the Library’s ongoing book sale in the entryway. Children’s and adult books in good condition will be considered.

Thank you to everyone who attended our Take Your Child to the Library Day Celebration and the dedication of the Nancy J. Disbrow Children’s Room during the first week of February! We’d like to share some pictures from both events, featuring a look at the Ribbon Tree, just a few of the amazing Celebration Cupcakes our patrons decorated, and the balloon art of Ali the Balloon Guy, who made a special appearance for the dedication!

The Friends of the Library are very grateful to the Bethany community for all the support they have provided to their various fundraising events.

On Tuesday, February 13, starting at 7:00 PM, the Friends will be sponsoring a special Paint and Sip event. Local artist Zach Chernak will guide participants through painting a special Valentine’s picture; there will be wine, cheese and crackers as refreshments.

The event is free, but space is limited;
please sign up at the Library, or call 203-393-2103.

With the renovation of the Children’s Room at Clark Memorial Library finally complete, we are proud to announce its dedication as the Nancy J. Disbrow Children’s Room,
in honor of Nancy Disbrow, one of our most dedicated longtime supporters.

The dedication ceremony will take place Saturday, February 3rd at 1:30 PM,
as part of our Take Your Child to the Library Day celebration. Please join us in thanking Nancy for her contributions to the Library’s success!

Nancy is a lifelong Bethany resident and a second generation librarian. Her mother served as Head Librarian for Clark Memorial Library in the 1950s and 60s, and Nancy often rode the bus to the Library after school, rather than to her home. She has fond memories of reading near the upstairs fireplace in the original Library structure.

Nancy worked professionally as a public and school librarian in New Haven, and then joined the faculty of Southern Connecticut State University and spent many years training new librarians. She retired in 2013 as an Associate Professor Emeritus.

Her connections to Clark Memorial Library continued throughout her adult life; she served for many years as a BLA board member, and continues to be an active member and officer of the Friends of the Library. She is a founding member of the 1937 Legacy Society, with a substantial contribution to its endowment. Most recently, she has donated her collection of professional children’s literature books to the Library, and been instrumental in fundraising for the Children’s Room renovation.