Spring has officially sprung! Stop by the Children’s Room for “April Showers” umbrellas and raincloud crafts; a “Let’s Fly A Kite” display with colorful ribbons made by patrons; and a brand new “Spring Into A New Book” display. Write the title of your favorite book on a colorful paper book spine and add it to the “shelves” – then check out what other patrons have added. You may discover a new favorite! Outside, our Frog and Toad Storywalk is back, featuring the short story “The Kite”. And finally, we have a Self-Serve Seed Station at the bottom of the main staircase – if you’re planning to plant a garden this year, grab some seeds to get started!
Did you know…
…that you can check out a Kill A Watt Electricity Usage Monitor at Clark Memorial Library? This easy-to-use device allows you to measure and record your household energy use, and is part of a kit that includes instructions on how to use it and even some tips on managing your energy consumption and costs. Find out where you’re using the most electricity and save on your bills!
The Kill A Watt kit can be checked out just like a book – all you need is your library card. With Earth Day coming up, it’s the perfect time to give it a try!
Book Donation Day
On Saturday, April 25 the Friends of the Library will be on-site from 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM to accept new and lightly used book donations for the Friends of the Library Book Sale in the downstairs entryway. Children’s books and recently published adult fiction will be prioritized, and hardcover is preferred over paperback, but all books in good shape will be considered. Thank you for supporting the Friends and the Library!
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!
The Library will be closed on Saturday, April 4 for Easter. Make sure to pick up your reading material for the holiday weekend ahead of time!
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!
