National Library Week is an annual event sponsored by the American Library Association (ALA) and libraries of all kinds – school, public, academic, and specialty – all across the country. It is a time to celebrate the contributions of libraries and librarians to the communities they serve and to promote library use and support.

This year’s theme is “There’s More to the Story” – a reminder that the Library offers a lot more than just print books! We can provide resources like audiobooks, digital media, DVDs, puzzles, museum passes, meeting and study space, technology access and assistance, a variety of programs and activities, and more. But books are still a big part of what the Library is, and we’ve been bringing in all sorts of new material. Most of it can be found on our New Books display, to the right of the public computers upstairs. If there’s something you’d like to see in the Library’s collection but don’t right now, please fill out one of our book request forms (available at the Library) to let us know!

Bethany Rid Litter Day 2023
Many hands can accomplish amazing things
For info email BethanyRidLitterDay@gmail.com

Rid Litter Day is an annual event meant to foster community involvement in cleaning up Bethany. This year it will take place on April 22, from 9AM – 12PM.
You can sign up to participate on SignupGenius.com; please commit to a road/neighborhood (as individuals or as a group) on the signup sheet. For more information, please email BethanyRidLitterDay@gmail.com. Gloves and bags will be available for pickup at the Library on Friday, April 21, 5:30 – 7:30 PM.

Graphic Novel & Illustrated Fiction Displays

During April, Clark Memorial Library is celebrating graphic novels, comics, and illustrated fiction. They’re a great place to start for young and beginner readers, and a whole new way of experiencing stories for those of us used to text-only media. Stop by and give one a try today!

Our YA and Adult graphic novel displays
Our Teens & Tweens displays
The Children’s Room graphic novel and illustrated fiction displays
An image of one of the storywalk signs, backed by bushes.

Spring has sprung, and a new storywalk is up at Clark Memorial Library. Take a stroll around the outer edge of the Library’s front lawn and read through When Spring Comes, written by Kevin Henkes and illustrated by Laura Dronzek.

We also have some exciting news: starting Friday, April 14, the Library will be increasing its hours of operation! We will now open at 12:00 PM on Fridays, and close at 5:00 PM as usual. We hope you enjoy these extended hours!

Our Makerspace got plenty of use in March! Here are pictures taken during some of the programs and craft activities we offered – be sure to check the event calendar for chances to take part in even more Maker activities as we move into April.

Clark Memorial Library Children’s Programs
The following programs will be offered for children throughout April:

Maker Wednesdays
For grades K-5. Join us for Makerspace activities all month. Drop in: 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM.

Family Storytimes – Wednesdays and Saturdays
For all ages. Enjoy a lively read aloud and then check out books to take home to read, read, read. Bring a friend! Drop in: 10:30 AM – 11:00 AM.

Friday Arts@Clark for Children and Families
For all ages. Stop in Friday afternoon to enjoy our ongoing art exhibits and see what’s new in the Children’s Room. Drop in: 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM.

Saturdays are Maker Days!
For all ages. Come explore the Makerspace every Saturday afternoon. Come for a visit and create something! Drop in: 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM.

Now that spring is officially here, it’s the perfect time to check out our new Gardening and Crafts display! It’s just outside the Teens & Tweens area upstairs, and includes books on flower and vegetable gardening, landscaping, caring for houseplants, paper-crafts, and many kinds of needlework. Come take a look!

Paper Magic For Adults: Spring Cupcake Box. Create a spring-themed pop-open cupcake box from paper cutouts! Tuesday, March 28th from 2:00 to 3:00 PM. Note: Space is limited. Please call the Library at (203) 393-2103 to sign up.

Paper Magic For Adults: Spring Cupcake Box
Create a spring-themed pop-open cupcake box from paper cutouts!
Tuesday, March 28th from 2:00 to 3:00 PM
Note: Space is limited. Please call the Library at (203) 393-2103 to sign up.

March is Women’s History Month! Have you seen our Women’s History Month book displays? Many of these books are also available as ebooks and audiobooks via Libby, Hoopla, and Palace!

Our Adult Display
Our Women’s History display for Adult readers.
Our Teens & Tweens Display
The Women’s History display for Teens & Tweens.
Our Children's Display
The Women’s History Month display in our Children’s Room.