Clarence Public Library

Clarence Public Library
    Library Info

    Three Town Place
    Clarence, NY 14031
    United States

    Fax: 716-741-1243
    Monica Mooney, Director

    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.

    Fax Machine for outgoing faxes:  The first page is $1.75 and each additional page is $1.00.  A Credit/Debit card may be used or a Fax Card can be purchased.

    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.

    Clarence Children's Reading Garden - Ladybug Storytime-photo for web site

    Clarence Public Library Children's Reading Garden:

    Dedicated in 2017 and made possible by a grant and donations from organizations as well as members of the community, the unique landscape of the Children’s Reading Garden provides a place for children to develop a lifelong interest and passion for nature.  The garden was developed to provide children with a sensory space—one that is designed to immerse them in the scents, textures and colors of a variety of plants, flowers, and herbs.  Related elements such as wind chimes, gazing balls, bird feeders and a fairy garden also add to this experience.  The Children’s Reading Garden now includes a pollinator garden to attract bees and butterflies and a recently added “Stumpery Garden” that provides a living space for mosses, ferns, mushrooms and other shade-loving forest plants.  These plants have the additional benefit of encouraging and hosting biodiversity while also providing a tranquil atmospheric garden area.  The Children’s Reading is the ideal location for a variety of children’s programs on nature and gardening. The garden is maintained by library staff and volunteers, including members from the Garden Friends of Clarence.  
     

    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.

    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.

    Clarence Public Library Policies

    System-Wide Policies

    The Clarence Public Library is a member of the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library System.

    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
     

     

    Our seed library offers a wide variety of free seeds to our community. We provide a variety of vegetable, herb and flower seeds. Families are allowed up to four packets per year.  Seeds have been donated by patrons and seed companies.  Seeds can be donated by completing a donation form and submitting them with the seeds to the circulation desk.

    Library of Things at the Clarence Public Library!

     

     

    Library of Things

    Click to enlarge.

    Find items to borrow that are not traditionally thought of as library materials available for checkout at the Clarence Public Library.  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 716-741-2650 with any questions! 

    Library of Things Circulation Guidelines and Agreement

    **NEW STEM Kits /Library of Things

     

    NEW Memory /Reminisce Kits
    Made possible by the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo: Daniel C. and Beatrice M. Fisher Fund, these kits are designed to be used by caregivers with individuals experiencing cognitive memory impairment. 
    Available June 2023 are BUSY BOTTLES "I-SPY" MEMORY PLAY. Filled with colorful rice, buttons, beads, and miniature items, these kits are a fun way to search out and recognize objects with a specific theme.  Included in each kit are two laminated cards which offer reminisce questions and conversation starters as well as objects in the bottle that can be marked off with the included dry-erase marker.  Bottles are meant to be gently shaken or rolled and can be used individually or within a small group.  Safety note: For adult use only and not intended for children.
    THEMED BUSY BOTTLES NOW CIRCULATING INCLUDE:
     
     
     

     

    June

     

    The Happy Author TroupeThis group will meet bi-monthly on Thursdays. The purpose is to encourage authors to write more and improve their craft. The emphasis is on encouragement rather than critique.  All types of writing are welcome. Call 716-741-2650 to register.  

    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.

    Register now.

    Tuesday, June 6, 2023. at 11 AM

    Tuesday, June 20, 2023, at 11 AM

    Playdate: Extend your child’s learning through play! Best for walkers and toddlers (or children between these developmental stages), and their caregivers. Preschool-age children are welcome. Join us for a library playdate and meet other caregivers as we provide developmentally-enriching play materials in a joyful environment.

    Register now.

    Wednesday, June 7, 2023, at 11 AM

    Wednesday, June 21, 2023, at 11 AM

    June Craft: Father's Day's Card-making. For ages 6-12.  Wednesday, June 7, 2023, at 4:00 PM. Register now Call 716-741-2650 or register here

    The link is now in working order.

    Kidding Around Yoga: Parents/caregivers 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. June 8, 2023, at 11:00 AM Call 716-741-2650 to register beginning May 25, or stop at the front desk at your next library visit.

    Study in Sherlock: Tuesday, June 6, 2023, at 6:30 pm. For our last installment before we break for the summer, we will be discussing the story The Adventure of the Naval Treaty which is one of 56 short stories written by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and one of 12 titles collected The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes. The story was first published in the U.K. in The Strand Magazine in October and November 1893 and in the U.S. in Harper’s Weekly on October 14 and October 21, 1893. Because of its length, it was originally published in two parts. A screening of the 1985 Granada TV series version of this title starring Jeremy Brett will follow the discussion and light refreshments will be served. Call 716-741-2650 to register. Space is limited.

    For the Birds!: Transform your outdoor space into a place birds will flock!: Monday, June 12, at 7:00 PM.   Presented by Carol Ann Harlos. Join us for a discussion on how to choose native plants that will thrive, why messy is beautiful, and get tips on creating gardens that meet the needs of birds. No matter how large or small your growing space is, you’ll be inspired to put on your gardening gloves and get busy creating a bird-friendly environment. Call 716-741-2650 to register. Space is limited.

    LEGO Club - May & June: For children ages 5 to 12. Registration is required. Space is limited! Parents or guardians must remain in the library. Register by calling 716-741-2650. Runs WEDNESDAYS 4:00 to 5:00 PM ON THE FOLLOWING DATES:

    June 14--Registration begins May 31.

    June 21--Registration begins June 7.

    Battle of the Books Informational Meeting: Battle of the Books is a summer reading program and team trivia competition for students entering grades 6 – 9.  The Clarence Team is forming now. Please see the attached flyer. There is no registration for the informational meeting, which will take place on Saturday, June 17 at 11:00 AM in the first meeting room. 

     

    Summer Reading

    Summer Kick-Off: Pick up your summer reading packet for children ages 2-12 and check out your first summer reading books.  Also, try some of our lawn games, a scavenger hunt, chalk drawing, parachute games, face painting, snacks, and more. Call 716-741-2650 to register beginning June 13.

    Una Serata del Cinema:  Join us for our Italian-themed Summer Family Movie Night. Our Summer Reading theme is "All Together Now" and in celebration of this, we will be screening the film the Disney PIXAR film Luca. Join us for an evening of film, popcorn, Italian ice and gelato.

    The Film begins at 6:00 pm on June 27th. Registration begins June 13. The popcorn, Ice and Gelato bar opens at 5:30 pm.

    The film's setting is inspired by the beautiful seaside destination of Cinque Terre and the characters by regional folklore. Even the design and animation are hand drawn to evoke nostalgia! This film is a PG-rated film about sea monsters and acceptance.

     

     

    Clarence School Reading Lists

    Clarence Center Elementary

    Kindergarten

    First Grade

    Second Grade

    Third Grade

    Fourth Grade

    Fifth Grade

    Clarence Public Library Board Info

    Annual Report


    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, June 26 at 4:30 pm in the library's meeting room. Meeting is open to the public.

     

    2022 Clarence Library Board Meeting Schedule

    • January 24  

    Click here for a link to the January 24, 2022 supporting documents.

    2023 Minutes

    2022 Minutes

     

    2021 Minutes

     

    2020 Minutes

     

     

     

     

    2019 Minutes

    2018 Minutes

    2017 Minutes

    2016 Minutes

    2015 Minutes


    Bylaws

    • Clarence Public Library Bylaws, amended September 22, 2014

    Budget

     


    Strategic Plan

    • Clarence Public Library Long Range Plan (2016-2021)