Tag Archives: Friends of the Library

Summer Reading Challenge

This NEW Summer Reading Program is for children ages 10 and up! You’ll start off by receiving a Positive Pickle for inspiration – then hang a flower decoration on our “branch bouquet” for every 30 minutes you read during the summer, and pick another Pickle for every 90 minutes! You’ll be entered into the Participation Raffle if you return your reading log with at least 30 min of reading marked – but those who complete all 12 of the Reading Challenges in the reading log will also be entered into the Reading Challenge Raffle!

Participation Raffle Prizes:
– Copper Water Bottle
– Giant Tub of Popcorn
– Rechargeable Earbuds
– Pack of 200 Stickers

Reading Challenge Raffle Prizes:
– Copper Water Bottle
– Pack of 200 Stickers
– Guinness Book of World Records 2026
– The Ultimate Book of Random Fun Facts
– Leather Journal and Pen
– $100 Gift Certificate to The Clay Date

The Library’s 2026 Summer Reading Kickoff is Saturday, June 13! Early sign-ups start Tuesday, June 9, but we encourage you to stop by during the Kickoff even if you’ve signed up already. Take part in fun crafts and activities – and while you’re here, check out our displays for the state-wide America 250 Celebration as well!

Congratulations to Clark Memorial Library’s Passport to Connecticut Libraries Top Travelers – the patrons in the program’s two age categories that collected the most stamps over the course of April! The winners of the state-wide raffle will be drawn next week, but we are also sending each of our local winners a small prize (sponsored by the Friends of the Library). Thank you to our Top Travelers, and to everyone who participated – we hope to see you all again during the Passport Program’s next run!

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!

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.

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.

Our workshop series with local artist Susan Taddei is back!

The second run of the Library Quilt Bee will take place over 5 sessions on January 24, 2:00 – 4:00 PM; February 5, 4:30 – 6:30 PM; and February 21, March 7, & March 21, 2:00 – 4:00 PM. No prior experience is necessary! Susan will be teaching participants fabric preparation and ironing, rotary cutting, strip piecing, easy triangles, layer tying, and edge binding. The result will be a 9″ x 9″ square sampler.

You must attend all 5 sessions to complete the sampler. We supply all materials – come free your inner quilter in a relaxed afternoon atmosphere! Space is limited; call the Library to register at 203-393-2103.

This program is sponsored by the Friends of the Library.

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!

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:

“Spellbound: Art, Poetry, and the Enchantment of Reading”

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).

Mark your calendars – we hope to see you there!

We invite Bethany residents to make use of our new outdoor Community Bulletin Board, provided by the Friends of the Library! This enclosed board is located next to the book drop, and can be used to advertise local events, programs, services, and more! Use of the Bulletin Board will not require permission from Library staff, but keep the following guidelines in mind:

Posted documents will be retained until the date of the event they advertise, or for 30 days after they are initially posted if there is no associated date. The Library reserves the right to remove documents that it deems inappropriate, potentially harmful, or otherwise in violation of its policies.

We will continue to provide access to our indoor bulletin board and add events to our Calendar of Events on request – the Community Bulletin Board is intended to supplement these resources, not replace them. If you have any questions, contact the Library at 203-393-2103 or ClarkMain@BethanyLibrary.org.