The webpage for Spellbound, the Library’s Sixth Annual Public Art Exhibit, is finished! A video showcasing the Exhibit is still in the works, but you can visit the page by clicking the image above or this link to read a brief summary and see a collage of some of the great pictures taken during the event, as well as a list of the participants with examples of their work, and even some bonus poetry.
Thank you once again to everyone who made this year’s Public Art Exhibit possible!
Have you checked out the Teens & Tweens area upstairs lately? It’s home to our Game Zone, where we provide a wide variety of board games, building sets, and gaming supplies – from Apples to Apples and Ultimate Werewolf to playing cards, dominoes, PlusPlus pieces and Keva Blocks, as well as quick crafts to try out and a display of “crafty” books to spark your imagination.
Next time you’re at the Library, stop by and play an old favorite, learn a new game, or build something cool!
Meet Rocky the Rock Snake! Rocky was created by visitors to the Sixth Annual Art Exhibit, and is currently on display in the garden to the left of the Library’s side entrance. Keep an eye on the Library’s Calendar of Events: we will be giving patrons the chance to help Rocky get even longer during September – Library Card Sign-Up Month!
Local artist Carol Vinick will have her works on display in the Library’s Community Room and display cabinets throughout the months of August and September.
Carol uses fabric collage to tell stories. Included in her body of work are stories of the struggle for social justice, her family history, and the wonders of nature. She has exhibited throughout Connecticut, and has had work in juried exhibitions traveling both nationally and internationally. Her work has also been featured in books, museums, galleries, and private collections. She was co-president of Connecticut Women Artists from 2021 to 2023, and is currently co-chair of the Studio Art Quilt Associates Connecticut regional traveling show for 2026.
There will be an artist reception on Saturday, September 6 from 2:00 – 4:00 PM in the Library’s Community Room.
We’re extending the Quilt Raffle that ran during the Annual Art Exhibit through August 31! Enter for a chance to win “Inverted Stars”, a 60 x 75 inch handmade quilt created by one of our local artists, Wendy Frieden. Tickets cost $5.00, and can be paid for either with cash or via PayPal. Just write your name and contact information on the back of each ticket and add them to the basket in the Friends of the Library nook at the bottom of the main staircase. The quilt itself is on display in the same location, if you’d like to see it up close!
With our Sixth Annual Outdoor Art Exhibit around the corner, we’ve filled our book displays with stories that involve art in some way. Whether it be the biography of an artist, a mystery revolving around a famous painting or statue, or even a story told entirely through images – this is the perfect chance to see how visual art and writing interact and intersect. Pick up a story, do some Artful Reading, and get inspired!
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:
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).
A reminder to all of our young patrons (and their parents):
Whether you’re reading on your own, as part of a book club or reading challenge, or even for an assignment, make sure to check out the Library’s Summer Reading resources! We have 1000 Books Before Kindergarten Book Bags available in the Children’s Room, New Books and 2026 Nutmeg Book Award Nominees displays upstairs, and curated booklists – including Nutmeg nominees and the Governor’s Summer Reading Challenge – on our apps, Hoopla, Libby, and Palace. Happy reading!
Come get spellbound with Fractured Fairy Tales!
Join us on Thursdays, July 10 – August 14, from 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM, for fun twists on classic fairy tales, along with themed crafts and/or STEM activities. The program is intended for kids ages 2 to 10; each session will feature separate crafts/activities for younger and older participants. Caregivers must remain in the Library while the program is in progress.
Many people take the opportunity to travel during the summer, and in the spirit of summer adventure the Library’s film app, Kanopy, has created a watchlist of Cinematic Journeys for this month! Join in on adventures that transcend language, space, and even time – ranging from simple road trips and historical films to journeys through the realms of sci-fi and fantasy.
You can use your library card to access this collection, as well as hundreds of other classic and indie films, TV shows, and documentaries. New media and watchlists are added on a regular basis! Go directly to the Cinematic Journeys collection here: kanopy.com/category/11043
For a quick walkthrough of how to set up and use a Kanopy account, visit their Getting Started webpage; if you already have an account, just sign in and enjoy.