Category Archives: Friends of the Library

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

Arts@Clark! and Clark Memorial Library invite you to join us
August 3rd from 1:00-5:00 PM for our Sixth Annual Outdoor Art Exhibit:

“Spellbound: Art, Poetry, and the Enchantment of Reading”

This “plein air” experience is in the tradition of our famous Connecticut art colonies; engage with local artists while enjoying fresh air, activities, and live music. Witness countless styles of visual art, from sculpture to painting to needlework – and this year, for the first time, the artistry of our local poets and writers as well!

This event is our gift to the community and is free to all participants – artists, would-be artists, and those who are simply looking to enjoy, renew, and refresh on a beautiful summer afternoon.

Parking will be available at the Bethany Historical Society (512 Amity Road) and Bethany First Church of Christ Congregational (511 Amity Road).

Mark your calendars – we hope to see you there!

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.

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!