Library Info
Three Town Place
Clarence, NY 14031
United States
The library is located on Old Goodrich and is next to the Clarence Town Hall. Wheelchair accessible. Parking lot available. Drop box available.
Public Access Computers: 19 computers, networked. Microsoft Office applications and Internet access. Printing (including Mobile Printing) from computer: B&W 10¢ per page, color 25¢ per page. "What can I do at a Public Access Computer?"
Copy machine available: B&W 15¢ per page for letter size.
A Meeting Room is available as a location for community informational services and for programs or meetings of established and recognized groups and associations whose purposes are educational, cultural, civic, or of general community interest.
Assistive technology for the visually impaired:
- An Optelec Clearview 300 Low Vision Magnifier is available for use in the library. Donated by the Lion's Club of Clarence.
- The Aladdin Classic is available for use in the library. Purchased with funds donated by the Lion's Club of Clarence.
- Pebble HD Hand-Held Magnifier is available for use in the library. This item was purchased with funds donated by the Lion's Club of Clarence.
- Digital Talking Book Players from the New York State Talking Book & Braille Library are available for in-house use by eligible patrons.
What's Special About the Clarence Library:
The library opened at its current location in September 2001 and is one of the largest community libraries in the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library System.
A special toddler and preschool area promotes reading with parents. Adults have a relaxing area in which to read newspapers and magazines. Free WiFi is available and the Clarence Library regularly offers a variety of computer classes through its "Clarence Library Cyber-Train." The library is well known for the variety of Summer events and programs for children and their families and also provides quality programs throughout the year. Situated in a park-like setting, the library affords many new opportunities to its community and is a state of the art library for both adults and children.
Also of note:
A large Classic Movie collection featuring films from the silent era through the 1960s
A monthly Senior Activity Day at the Clarence Library in partnership with the Clarence Senior Center
The Clarence Bee Newspaper: Bound volumes (1965-1982) and microfilm (1983-2014)
Flight 3407 Memorial - Designed by Hadley Exhibits and dedicated in October 2017, this informational touch-screen kiosk provides biographies of the loved ones lost in the tragic crash of Flight 3407 that took place in Clarence Center on February 12, 2009 and provides a history of all facets of the tragedy including a tribute to first responders and to the work of family members who have campaigned tirelessly in Washington D.C. to ensure adequate pilot training and have helped bring about improved airline safety and pilot training regulations.
Some Ways to Support the Clarence Library:
The Friends Place Book Store, operated by the Friends of the Clarence Public Library, Inc., is a great place to shop for quality used and donated books and materials. Proceeds support the programs and services of the Clarence Public Library.
Fowler's Candy Bars are on sale for $2 per bar.
AmazonSmile is a simple and automatic way for you to support the Clarence Library. To register, use the smile.amazon.com link: https://smile.amazon.com/ch/16-0820093
A percentage of your Amazon purchases will be donated to benefit the Clarence Public Library.
Become a member of the Friends of the Clarence Public Library.
Friends of the Clarence Public Library, Inc.
The Friends of the Clarence Public Library is a non-profit group of citizens who believe that an excellent library is essential to a community. They work to promote and assist the library and are responsible for raising money to add to the basic collection and provide for special needs.
The Friends of the Clarence Public Library generally meets at the library on the fourth Monday of the month at 6:00 pm.
"The Friends Place" book store, located off the lobby, is a great place to shop for used and donated books and other material. The book store is scheduled to be open during regular library hours but is staffed entirely by volunteers. If you're available to help out, please consider filling out an application and volunteering your time.
- Friends of the Library Volunteer Application
- Friends of the Clarence Public Library Membership Brochure
Clarence Public Library Policies
- Bylaws, adopted March 18, 2002, Amended to include Article 6 on September 22, 2014, Amended to include Article 2 Governance Committee on January 28, 2019
- Claims Audit Policy, approved November 28, 2016
- Bulletin Board Policy, adoped October 26, 2015, Reviewed March 25, 2019
- Conflict of Interest Policy, adopted July 1, 2014, Reviewed January 22, 2018
- Display Case and Exhibit Policy, approved January 28, 2019
- Emergency Procedures/Disaster Plan Policy
- Freedom of Information Law - FOIL Policy
- Gift and Donor Recognition Policy
- Long Range Plan Policy
- Meeting Room Policy, amended April 25, 2022
- Open Meetings Policy, adopted January 25, 2021
- Procurement Policy, approved May 18, 2015, Reviewed March 25, 2019
- Public Health Emergency Operations Plan
- Rules of Conduct Policy, amended September 26, 2022
- Telecommuting Policy, adopted January 25, 2021
- Tutoring Policy, approved February 26, 2018
- Used Book Donation Guidelines, June 2014
- Whistleblower Policy, adopted February 25, 2019
System-Wide Policies
The Clarence Public Library is a member of the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library System.
What’s Happening
Clarence Public Library Calendar of Events
Hours of Operation
Monday - 10-9
Tuesday - 10-9
Wednesday - 10-6
Thursday - 10-9
Friday - 10-5
Saturday - 10-5
Paper HEAP (Home Energy Assistance Program) application packets available at the Clarence Library from the Erie County Department of Social Services.. Call 716-741-2650 to reserve a packet (while supplies last).
Do you shop through Amazon? You can help support the Clarence Public Library through AmazonSmile!
AmazonSmile is a simple and automatic way for you to support the Clarence Library. To register, use the smile.amazon.com link: https://smile.amazon.com/ch/16-0820093
Library of Things at the Clarence Public Library!
The Library of Things is a collection of non-traditional library items available for checkout at the Clarence Public Library. It includes three broad categories of kits: STEM, early childhood, and "things" (tools and other specialized objects for household use). Three kits may be checked out at a time with the possibility of one renewal. The Library of Things Circulation Guidelines and Agreement are linked below. Please call the library at 741-2650 with any questions!
Library of Things Circulation Guidelines and Agreement
STEM Kit Informational Trifold
Friends of the Clarence Public Library
MEMBERS ONLY
Wednesday, October 26,2022 6:00 PM-8:30 PM
GENERAL PUBLIC
Thursday, October 27, (10:00 AM-8:30 PM)
Friday, October 28, (10:00 AM-4:30 PM)
Saturday, October 29, ALL DAY $5 BAG SALE
Buy as you enter (10:00 AM-4:00 pm)
October
Teentober Reading Raffle: Read 1 book between October 1st and 31st and get entered into a raffle to win an art supply starter kit. For ages 12-19. Submit your entry at the desk.
September and October Storytimes and Playdates
September and October Storytime: Share the fun of reading with your children ages 3-6 years! Children and their grownups will explore stories and activities to encourage children to develop a love of reading. We sing, read, talk and craft.
Registration begins September 1st.
Tuesday Date:
Playdate at the Library: Extend your child's learning through play. Best for walkers, toddlers (or children between these developmental stages. Children of preschool age are also welcome. Caregivers will join in the fun and meet other caregivers as we provide developmentally enriching play materials in a joyful environment.
Registration begins September 1st.
Wednesday date:
PAWS FOR LOVE: Reading to a therapy dog can have a positive impact on children, whether they are fluent or reluctant readers. Dogs are great listeners and they provide a calm and motivating atmosphere for children as they sit and read to a gentle furry friend. Register to read to for a 15-minute session to a therapy dog from the SPCA's Paws for Love Program.
Dates:
October 8
November 5
December 10
Register now. Call 716-741-2650 or register at the desk.
Graham Cracker Haunted House: Are you ready for Halloween? if not, this haunted house craft will to put your family in the spirit! Children will tap into their creativity by decorating graham cracker houses with lots of candy and other provided items. For children ages 5-12. Wednesday, October 12 at 4:00 pm. Registration begins September 28. Call 716-741-2650 or register here. *Program is full*
Afterschool Wind Down Yoga with Mari Fox: This is a class for children of school age to wind down after a week of school. They will practice simple poses working toward relaxation. Friday, October 14, 2022 at 4:00 PM. Registration begins September 30. Visit the desk or call 716-741-2650 to register.
October Kidding Around Yoga: Parent/caregiver must remain with their children. These classes include music, stories, games, yoga poses, mindfulness activities and special guided relaxation time for you and your child. Call 716-741-2650 to register, or stop at the front desk at your next library visit. Thursday, October 20, 2022. at 11:00 am. Registration begins October 6 .
Holmes and the Ripper: Sherlock Holmes and Jack the Ripper the back! Join us for a special presentations by Michael Hawley (author several books including The Ripper Haunts and Jack the Ripper Suspect: Dr. Francis Tumblety) and Kevin Gallivan, a lifelong scholar on Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and Sherlock Holmes. Monday, October 17 from 6:30 to 8:30 pm. Call the library to register.
November
Please complete our Children's Programming Survey here.
November Storytime and Playdates
Storytime: Share the fun of reading with your children ages 3-6 years! Children and their grownups will explore stories and activities to encourage children to develop a love of reading. We sing, read, talk and craft.
Tuesday Dates:
November 1st, 2022. Registration begins October 15th.
November 15th, 2022. Registration begins November 1st.
November 22nd, 2022. Registration begins November 1st.
November 29th, 2022. Registration begins November 1st.
Playdate at the Library: Extend your child's learning through play. Best for walkers, toddlers (or children between these developmental stages. Children of preschool age are also welcome. Caregivers will join in the fun and meet other caregivers as we provide developmentally enriching play materials in a joyful environment.
Wednesday dates:
November 2nd, 2022. Registration begins October 15.
November 16th, 2022. Registration begins November 1st.
November 23rd, 2022. Registration begins November 1st.
November 30th, 2022. Registration begins November 1st.
PAWS FOR LOVE: Reading to a therapy dog can have a positive impact on children, whether they are fluent or reluctant readers. Dogs are great listeners and they provide a calm and motivating atmosphere for children as they sit and read to a gentle furry friend. Register to read to for a 15-minute session to a therapy dog from the SPCA's Paws for Love Program.
Dates:
November 5
December 10
Hawk Creek Presents: MYTHS, MAGIC & MYSTERY OF MAMMALS. If you’ve ever wanted to learn more about what’s hanging out in your backyard, local park, or beyond, then this program is for you! We look at the way animals survive, including some of their amazing adaptations, and dispel the misconceptions surrounding them. The presentation includes three live mammals, a slide show, and touchable animal artifacts. For ages 7 and up. November 11, 2022, at 6:30 PM Registration begins October 24. Call 716-741-2650 to register.
Perry Ground - Traditional Haudenosaunee Storytelling: Saturday, November 12 at 1:00 pm. Join us for an all-ages event as Perry Ground, Master Storyteller and Cultural Educator, will be at the Clarence Public Library for a fun, interactive storytelling experience about the customs and culture of the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) people. Registration begins October 29.
LEGO Club: For children ages 5 to 12. Space is limited! Parents or guardians must remain in the library. Register by calling 716-741-2650. 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM Wednesday, November 16th and November 30th. Registration is required and begins November 2nd (for 10/16) and November 16th (for 10/30).
Kidding Around Yoga with Donna Baia: Parent/caregiver must remain with their child. These classes include music, stories, games, yoga poses, mindful activities and special guided relaxation time for your child. Call 716-741-2650 to register, or stop in at the front desk at your next library visit. Thursday, November 17th (registration begins 11/3), December 1st (registration begins 11/17) and December 15th (registration begins 12/1)
Clarence School Reading Lists
Clarence Center Elementary
Board Info
Clarence Public Library Board Info
Annual Report
- Clarence Public Library Annual Report - 2015
- Clarence Public Library Annual Report - 2016
- Clarence Public Library Annual Report - 2017
- Clarence Public Library Annual Report - 2018
- Clarence Public Library Annual Report - 2019
- Clarence Public Library Annual Report - 2020
- Clarence Public Library Annual Report - 2021
Board of Trustees
President
Judith Hilburger
Secretary
Joseph Zinni
Treasurer
Marjorie Ebersole
Trustees
Marlene Arno
Stacey Jafarjian
Dawn Olczak
Susanne Powers
Board Meetings, Agendas, Minutes
The next scheduled meeting of the Clarence Public Library Board of Trustees will take place Monday, September 26 at 7:15 pm in the library's meeting room.
The Clarence Library Board of Trustees generally meets at the library on the fourth Monday of each month unless otherwise noted.
2022 Clarence Library Board Meeting Schedule
- January 24
Click here for a link to the January 24, 2022 supporting documents.
- February 28 - Agenda, Financials, 2021 RETURN TO SYSTEM Statement, Resolution 2022-01, Director's Report
- March 28 - Agenda, Financials, State Report and Resolution, Director's Report
- April 25 - *please see change in location listed above* - Agenda, Financials, Annual Financial Report-Draft, Meeting Room Policy, Director's Report
- May 23 - Agenda, Financials, Memorandum and Resolution 2022-12, Disaster Response Policy-DRAFT, Director's Report
- June 27 - Agenda, Financials, Director's Report, 2022 Contract
- July - No Meeting Scheduled
- August - No Meeting Scheduled
- September 26 - Agenda, Financials, Director's Report, Resolution, Rules of Conduct amendment
- October 24
- November 28
- December - No Meeting Scheduled
2022 Minutes
2021 Minutes
- January 25
- February 22
- March 22
- April 26
- May 24
- June 28
- August 23
- September 27
- October 25
- November 22
2020 Minutes
- January 27
- February 24
- March 30
- April 27
- May 26
- June 1
- July 20
- September 28
- October 26
- November 23
- December 16
- December 21
2019 Minutes
2018 Minutes
2017 Minutes
2016 Minutes
- January 25
- February 22
- March 28
- April 25
- May 23
- June 27
- August 4
- September 26
- October 24
- November 28
2015 Minutes
Bylaws
- Clarence Public Library Bylaws, amended September 22, 2014
Budget
Strategic Plan
- Clarence Public Library Long Range Plan (2016-2021)