Clark Memorial Library is proud to host the works of the Bethany “Art Gang”, a group of friends who meet each Thursday at the Town Hall to create and experiment with artistic techniques. The “Art Gang” is sponsored by Bethany Senior Services and led by local artist Mary Lou Narowski; it began as a weekly hour-long watercolor class, but soon branched out into a wide variety of techniques and now normally runs for at least two hours. For more information, contact Robin Glowa, Director of Bethany Senior Services, at 203-393-2100 x1124. The Gang’s art is being displayed upstairs, on the table to the left of the checkout desk and the shelves across from it. Be sure to stop by during Library hours to take a look!

Some of the Gang’s work will also be part of our 5th Annual Public Art Exhibit, which will take place on July 28th, 1:00-5:00 PM. Save the date!

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!

In celebration of the upcoming Arts@Clark Fifth Annual Outdoor Art Exhibit – which will take place on July 28th, 1:00 to 5:00 PM – our displays for this month will feature books about artists of all kinds, their works, and the process of making art in general. Take the chance to learn about the people who bring so much wonder and color into all of our lives, and make sure to mark the Outdoor Art Exhibit on your calendar so you can meet the artists in our community in person!

Dragon Eye Adventure: July 18th, 3:00-5:00 PM
Sculpt and decorate a two-dimensional clay dragon head, then choose from our special collection of glass dragon eyes to make your sculpture sparkle!
Ages 7 and up. Sign-up required – space is limited! Call the Library at 203-393-2103 for more information or to sign up.

Adventure Begins At Your Library!
Coming Up In July:

Special Events
Dragon Eye Adventure – July 18, 3:00–5:00 PM (sign-up required)
5th Annual Outdoor Art Exhibit – July 28, 1:00–5:00 PM

Ongoing Programs
Read & Bead – All Month, During Library Hours
Adult Reading Raffle – All Month, During Library Hours
Drop-In Makerspace Activities – All Month, During Library Hours
Tween Nutmeg Book Club – July 11, 5:45–6:30 PM
Silent Book Club – July 9, 2:00–3:30 PM
Wednesday Morning Storytimes – Wednesdays, 10:30–11:30 AM
BCS Lego Club – Wednesdays, 2:00–4:00 PM
Warm Up America Community Service Project – Thursdays, 3:00–5:00 PM
Thursday Game Nights – Thursdays, 3:30–6:30 PM

For more information, see our Calendar of Events!

To celebrate the official start of summer, we have updated our storywalk! Make your way along the edge of the Library’s front lawn to read “The Kite” – a short story from Days with Frog and Toad, written and illustrated by Arnold Lobel.

This summer Clark Memorial Library will once again be partnering with the Warm Up America! Foundation to provide blankets for those in need – and community service hours for those who take part in this program!

The goal is to create 7″x9″ knit or crocheted squares that can later be joined together to make blankets of various sizes. This is a perfect way to practice your knitting and/or crochet skills, but no prior experience is needed – we will provide instructions and materials. Drop in on Thursdays between 3:00 to 5:00 PM to take part. Ages 10 and up.

Share your favorite childhood book and enter our raffle!
Add your favorite title to our butterfly display to help readers of all ages explore our collections with tried-and-true suggestions. What ‘grabbed’ you as a young reader – an animal story, a picture book, or an adventure? Which book would you recommend – or like to reread? At the end of summer we will draw names for our raffle basket of restaurant gift certificates and edible treats.

Join us on June 20 for a special Campfire Storytime in the Children’s Room! This event is geared towards young children, but all ages are welcome. Drop in 5:30 – 6:30 PM.