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!
Need to print something at the Library, but don’t have cash on hand? Use our new Library Services QR Code to make your payment through PayPal or a credit or debit card! This code can be used to make a donation to the Library that covers the cost of printing and copy services, 3D printing services, and purchases from the Friends of the Library Book Sale and Bake Sale. Just point your phone’s camera at the code and click the link that appears, then select the service you’re paying for from the drop-down menu and your payment method. If you haven’t used this service before, you may be prompted to fill in your PayPal or card information – otherwise you should be all set!
This summer Clark Memorial Library is hosting a special raffle just for adult readers, sponsored by the Friends of the Library. For each book you read (or listen to) this summer, fill out a raffle slip with the title of the book, your name, and a phone number or email address for a chance to win one of two “Enchanted iPad Packages” – each includes an iPad, a case, wireless earphones, and two hours of instruction (at your convenience) from a Library staff member to get you started setting up the device and learning how to download ebooks and audiobooks using the Library’s apps.
We encourage reading and entering multiple times! Names will be drawn in late August.
Raffle slips are available in the Friends of the Library nook at the bottom of the main staircase, and can be filled out and submitted digitally here. The raffle slip link will also be available on the homepage of our website, or you can simply email the necessary information directly to the Library at ClarkMain@BethanyLibrary.org.
Read by yourself / Read with each other
Read one good book / Then read another
Our new summer storywalk features excerpts from Artful Reading, by Bob Raczka. Take a walk around the Library’s front lawn and you’ll see all kinds of works of art, ranging in time from the 1400’s to the 1960’s, and in style from realism to cubism! But no matter the era or the style, each and every painting tells a story about a reader. Both art lovers and book lovers will enjoy this celebration of “the fine art of reading”.
Right now our themed book displays are packed with cats and dogs, competing to see who’s more popular – and often learning that they have more in common than expected along the way. Whether it’s a kitten or puppy tale you’re looking for, we’re sure to have something you’ll enjoy. Stop by and pick up a story featuring your favorite form of furry friend!
It’s Mystery Month at the Library! Our themed displays for May feature detective stories, crime dramas, whodunnits and thrillers. Classic literary sleuths like Sherlock Holmes and Nancy Drew are featured alongside modern equivalents like Alex Cross and Agatha Raisin, as well as the real-life detectives who star in true crime tales. Stop by and track down a new favorite!
The Library’s chapter of the Silent Book Club will be meeting in the Community Room on Wednesday afternoons, 3:00-4:00 PM going forward. The Silent Book Club is a “bring your own book” activity – no assigned reading and no pressure. Come for light refreshments and an hour of quiet to focus on your latest read. Afterwards you are welcome to chat and share titles, but the hour of reading time is sweet silence.
Don’t have a book already? Come a bit early to browse our shelves and then dig in! Between our new book, read-alike, and monthly themed book displays, you’re sure to come across something to suit your tastes – or pique your interest.
Poem in Your Pocket Day is a special event that takes place every year on a day in National Poetry Month – this year it’s today, April 10th! Help the Library celebrate by taking a “poem for your pocket” from the display on the the curbside pickup table in the foyer, the Friends of the Library nook at the bottom of the stairs, or the main desk upstairs.. Each paper pocket features either a short poem or an excerpt from a longer poem; you can simply enjoy them as is, use them as inspiration for your own creative work, or share them with friends and family! They will continue to be available through the remainder of the month, so don’t worry if you miss the holiday itself.
There’s another 3D Printer Orientation coming up! Learn about the Library’s 3D printing resources and how to use the printer and its associated software, and see the printer in action. Once you’ve attended an orientation, you’ll be able to use the 3D printer for yourself during our trial period, during which patrons will not be charged for prints. Space is limited, so please call the Library at (203) 393-2103 or speak to a librarian in person to sign up.
It’s National Poetry Month once again! Launched by a nonprofit charitable organization called the Academy of American Poets in April 1996, National Poetry Month has since become the largest literary celebration in the world. Check out our April book displays, which feature everything from the collected works of famous poets to simple stories with rhyming text, as well as the stories of poets both real and fictional. Even if you’ve never had an interest in poetry, there’s sure to be something here you’ll love!
The 2025 National Poetry Month poster features an excerpt from the poem “Gate A-4”, by former Young People’s Poet Laureate and Academy Chancellor Naomi Shihab Nye, as well as artwork by New York Times-bestselling author and illustrator Christy Mandin.
