The Library will be closed this week on Friday, June 19 for Juneteenth (or Freedom Day) – the anniversary of the announcement of the Emancipation Proclamation by Union troops in Galveston, Texas, and the official end of slavery in the United States.
We hope everyone enjoys the holiday!
On Saturday, June 13, the Library will be taking part in a town-wide celebration of America 250, the 250th Anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
Stop by any time during Library hours to see our Revolutionary Reading book display and the Three Sisters Boundary Stone upstairs, the 2026 Bethany Celebrates America 250th Quilt and 1976 Bethany Bicentennial Quilt in the stairwell, a special Arts@Clark! exhibit by the Bethany Quilt & Friendship Group in the Community Room, and a Children’s Guide to the Founding Fathers Storywalk along the edge of the front lawn!
Our Summer Reading Kickoff will be happening at the same time, so be sure to sign up for the Read & Bead and Summer Reading Flowers programs (ages 10 and under), the Teens & Tweens Summer Reading Challenge (ages 10 and up), or the Adult Summer Reading Raffle while you’re here. There will also be crafts and activities, including a special Rock Painting activity starting at 2:00 PM.
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!
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!
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!
Tuesday, February 10 through Saturday, February 14, we will have supplies available downstairs in the makerspace for patrons to create their own custom Valentine’s Day cards! This drop-in activity is for all ages, and will be offered during Library hours.
Join us on January 7 for Clark Memorial Library’s Take Your Child to the Library Day Celebration! Take Your Child to the Library Day is an event celebrating libraries’ role in their communities and encourages library visits; it originated right here in Connecticut, but thousands of libraries across the world now participate every year.
We will be celebrating with a special Storytime with Willow Tree Montessori from 10:30 – 11:30 AM, a marionette rendition of “The Snow Queen” from 2:00 – 2:45 PM, and a “What Can You Make With A Dot?” makerspace craft that will be offered all day (and throughout the rest of February)! You can also get a library card if you don’t have one already (they’re free!), meet your local librarians, and explore all the services that the Library has to offer on a daily basis. And be sure to stop in again soon – because every day is a great day to take your child to the library!
Join us in the Makerspace during Library hours in February for a special craft inspired by The Dot by Peter H. Reynolds – a book that encourages children to “make their mark” artistically, even if it’s with just a dot to start. We will provide plenty of art supplies for participants to decorate custom “dots” however they want!
This craft is part of our celebration of Take Your Child to the Library Day, a national event that celebrates libraries’ role in their communities and encourages library visits! Be sure to get a library card while you’re here if you don’t have one already, and join us on February 7 at 2:00 PM for a marionette production of “The Snow Queen” by local artist and puppeteer Robin McCahill!
Clark Memorial Library will be closing at 4:00 PM on December 31 and be closed on January 1 for New Years Day. See you in 2026!
Clark Memorial Library will be closed on Wednesday, December 24 & Thursday, December 25 for Christmas; we will be open our usual hours on Saturday, December 27. Happy holidays!