Category Archives: Programs

Updates about ongoing programs.

A New D&D Program at the Library!

Based on the runaway success of our ongoing Library D&D Program, Clark Memorial Library will be offering a new Intro to D&D program on alternating Thursdays, 3:30 – 5:30 PM! Participants will take part in shorter, “one-shot” modules using premade characters in order to learn the basics of the game system. We will also be grouping players by age – those ages 10 and under will play an officially published, simplified version of D&D, whereas those over 10 will play the full version. Program dates will be marked on the Library’s Calendar of Events.

Sign ups are required for both age groups, and children under 12 must have a guardian present in the Library during the program’s runtime, in accordance with CT General Statutes. Call the Library at (203) 393-2103 or email Antonio at astrumolo@bethanylibrary.org to register or for more information. Number of players is limited to 5 per session, but additional sign-ups can be added to a wait list if a given session is already at capacity.

Our workshop series with local artist Susan Taddei is back!

The second run of the Library Quilt Bee will take place over 5 sessions on January 24, 2:00 – 4:00 PM; February 5, 4:30 – 6:30 PM; and February 21, March 7, & March 21, 2:00 – 4:00 PM. No prior experience is necessary! Susan will be teaching participants fabric preparation and ironing, rotary cutting, strip piecing, easy triangles, layer tying, and edge binding. The result will be a 9″ x 9″ square sampler.

You must attend all 5 sessions to complete the sampler. We supply all materials – come free your inner quilter in a relaxed afternoon atmosphere! Space is limited; call the Library to register at 203-393-2103.

This program is sponsored by the Friends of the Library.

The Library’s Nifty Needlers program will have a new schedule this year. Beginning January 8, meetings will take place on Thursdays from 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM. Meetings will continue to take place in the Adult Books area to the right of the main desk; no prior experience is necessary, and materials are provided. Bring your latest needlework project or learn to knit or crochet with fellow “needlers”!

Saturdays, January 10, 17, & 24 | 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM

Join local artist and comic maker James Vanderberg in January for a three-part workshop exploring cartoon drawing, narrative storytelling, and autobiographical comic making. Participants will work with simple tools and no-fail prompts to ignite their creativity, help them create their own characters and tell their own stories.

No previous artistic experience needed! All supplies are provided. Whether you love reading graphic novels, making comics, or simply reading the Sunday funnies, you’re sure to find this program fun and engaging!

This program is intended for ages 10 and up. The workshops are drop in events, but space is limited!

Homeschool Hangouts

Thanks to the positive reception it’s received, the Library’s Homeschool Hangouts program has been extended through May of 2026! It will continue to be scheduled on the third Thursday of each month – stop by between 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM to take part. Meet other home-schooled patrons and their families, and enjoy all that the Library has to offer together!

And don’t forget, the last Homeschool Hangouts meeting of 2025 will take place next week, on Thursday, December 18. We hope to see you there!

From October to December, the Library will be hosting Homeschool Hangouts on the third Thursday of each month. These are opportunities for home schooled children and their families to meet and enjoy all that the Library has to offer, together!

Stop by between 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM on October 16, November 20, and December 18 to take part!

Next time you stop by the Children’s Room, pick up an Autumn Scavenger Hunt & Exploration Kit! They include an Autumn Scavenger Hunt featuring signs of the changing seasons and local wildlife to keep an eye out for, as well as a journal ready to be filled with notes and sketches, and assorted supplies for exploring and celebrating the great outdoors. The kits will only be available while supplies last, so don’t miss your chance to get one of these fun goodie bags as we officially move into autumn!

Clark Memorial Library is partnering with the Library Speakers Consortium to give our community access to a growing catalog of virtual talks featuring bestselling authors, innovators and influencers, and experts in a variety of fields. Multiple new webinars will be added each month. Patrons can visit the Library’s LCS microsite (libraryc.org/bethanylibrary) to register for upcoming live events – all of which will be recorded and remain available to watch on-demand as well! The archive already includes talks with authors like Kate Quinn (The Diamond Eye), Bonnie Garmus (Lessons in Chemistry), Geraldine Brooks (People of the Book), & Frieda McFadden (The Housemaid).

We hope this service will empower the members of our community to continue their journeys of lifelong learning and personal growth! The following LSC webinars will be taking place during October:

“Nuestra América: Stories of 30 Inspiring Latinas/Latinos Who Have Shaped the United States” with Smithsonian educators – Thursday, October 2 at 2:00 PM EDT,

“10 Years of Daring Heists and Lovable Outcasts in YA Fantasy” with Six of Crows author Leigh Bardugo – Thursday, October 9 at 7:00 PM EDT,

“Finding My Way” with Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Malala Yousafzai – Wednesday, October 22 at 7:00 PM EDT,

& “Courtly Intrigue and Whispers as Weapons” with historical fiction author Philippa Gregory – Wednesday, October 29 at 2:00 PM EDT.

Check the Library’s Calendar of Events for more details!

Wednesday Morning Storytimes will be taking a short hiatus during September. There will be no meetings on September 17 & September 24 – the next meeting will instead be on October 1. Toys, activities, and makerspace crafts will still be available in the Children’s Room during this period, so there will still be plenty to entertain our young patrons in the meantime!