National Library Week – an annual celebration that highlights the role libraries and library staff play in transforming lives and strengthening communities – is this month, April 19 – 25. This year’s theme is “Find Your Joy!”, an invitation for people of all backgrounds to explore and discover what sparks joy in them at the Library. Our displays this month will not only feature books about finding joy, but nurturing and sharing it with others. Whether its learning to appreciate the little things in life, overcoming adversity or grief, or just celebrating a good mood, you’re sure to find something to kindle your own spark!
This April, Clark Memorial Library and more than 100 other public libraries in Connecticut will once again be taking part in the Connecticut Library Association‘s Passport to CT LibrariesProgram! We hope that participants will take the opportunity to visit as many participating libraries as possible to experience and appreciate their unique architecture, vibes, and collections. Remember, you can use your library card at any Connecticut library!
The Passport program is open to both children (under 18) and adults (18 and up). Visit Clark Memorial Library any time between April 1 & April 30 to pick up a Passport and have it stamped to get you started. Then take your Passport along as you visit other participating libraries (listed here), and be sure to get it stamped at each location!
If you visit at least five participating libraries, you can return your Passport to a participating library by Monday, May 11 to enter a state-wide raffle with a chance to win a $200 Visa gift card. Six winners will be announced in mid-June: one child and one adult who collected five or more stamps, one child and one adult who collected twenty-five or more stamps, and one child and one adult who collected the most stamps overall. Clark Memorial Library will also be offering a small prize to the Bethany patron who collects the most stamps, sponsored by the Friends of the Library.
Have fun exploring, and good luck!
Mark your calendars for another Paint and Sip event organized by the Friends of the Library! Join local artist Zach Chernak on Saturday, April 11, from 2:00 – 4:00 PM; he will guide participants through the creation of a special spring painting, accompanied by wine and light refreshments. All materials will be provided, and no prior experience is necessary!
Space is limited and participants must sign up in advance; cost is $20.00 per person paid in advance. Call the Library at (203) 393-2103 to register, or for more information.
Bethany Rid Litter Day is coming up!
Bethany Rid Litter Day is a community event to clean up trash on the sides of the roads of Bethany. This year Rid Litter Day will take place on Saturday, April 11, from 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM. Cleanup supplies (including safety vest, pick up tools, gloves and trash bags) will be available Friday, April 10, 5:30 – 7:00 PM at the Library, or by appointment. Contact BethanyRidLitterDay@gmail.com for more information.
The Library’s craft video-learning site Creativebug is collaborating with fellow craft service Sew Daily to make beloved PBS sewing series ‘Sew It All’ with Ellen March available to our patrons! Use your library card number to make an account or sign in at creativebug.com/lib/clarkmemorial to access this and thousands of other sewing, art, craft, and needle art classes.
Season 1 of ‘Sew It All’, which is all about creative reuse, playful experimentation, and clever sewing solutions, is available now; additional seasons will be launching throughout 2026. You’ll learn how to sew garments and home projects from start to finish, repurpose old clothes into something entirely new, apply elements of design to create one-of-a-kind pieces, and master beginner techniques and useful sewing tips.
Did you know that March is Women’s History Month? It’s a time to reflect on the contributions women across the country and around the world have made – and continue to make – to history, culture, and society. To celebrate, the Library has filled its displays with nonfiction books showcasing the lives of famous women, historical fiction centered on important events in women’s history, and realistic fiction starring women who learn new skills or make a difference in their communities – despite facing opposition and hardships in the process. Check out the displays next time you visit us and show your support!
Bedazzled Books
Bring your favorite book to the Library from 12:00 – 3:00 PM on Saturday, March 14 and make it sparkle with bedazzling gems!
This program is open to adults only (ages 21+). You must bring your own book to bedazzle, but all other materials will be provided. Please consider that more detailed book cover designs will be more difficult to accent with the gems.
The program will take place in the Library’s Community Room – space is limited. There will be a maximum of 15 participants and registration is required. Contact the Library at 203-393-2103 or clarkmain@bethanylibrary.org to register; if you register but cannot attend, please let us know as far in advance as possible so that your spot can be opened back up.
This event is sponsored by the Friends of the Library.
This month, celebrate the magic of imagination on the Library’s film app, Kanopy! Explore extraordinary stories that blend the impossible with the unforgettable, where heroes rise, destinies unfold, and dreams come vividly to life with a curated collection of Fantasy Films in February; these captivating films will transport you to worlds filled with wonder, adventure, and myth.
All you need to access this collection – as well as hundreds of other classic and indie films, TV shows, and documentaries – is your library card. 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. New media and watchlists are added on a regular basis!
You can pick up and/or print your 2025 tax forms at the Library! Physical copies of Federal Form 1040, Federal Form 1040-SR, and State Form CT-1040 – as well as instructions on how to locate, download, and print other IRS publications – are now available on the right-hand side of the table underneath the Library’s bulletin board upstairs. The Library’s public computers can be used to access forms that are only available digitally; we do not charge patrons printing fees for tax forms.
Access CreativeBug Through The Library!
Did you know that you can access thousands of award-winning art and craft video classes through CreativeBug with just your library card? Visit creativebug.com/lib/clarkmemorial and use your library card number to sign in for free. You’ll have unlimited access to countless projects you’ll love – it’s a great way to learn new skills and find fun ways to apply the ones you already enjoy!
Once you’ve created an account through our website, you can also access CreativeBug on mobile devices by downloading the CreativeBug app through the App Store or Google Play. Contact the Library at clarkmain@bethanylibrary.org or call 203-393-2103 for more info or assistance.
