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
     

     

    Empire Pass 2023
    Holds cannot be placed on the Empire Pass.
     
     
    Seed Library logo
    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!

     

    Circulating Kits

    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:

    Favorite Things Reminisce - sets include themed photo cards, activity cards and DVD

     

     

    September and October Clarence Public Library Bulletin

    September

    For Early Learners StoryFUNtime and Read&Play

    StoryFUNTimeFor children ages 3-6 years and their caregivers. We will explore stories and activities to encourage children to develop a love of reading. We sing, read, talk and craft on Tuesdays at 11:00 AM SEPTEMBER 5TH, 19TH and 26TH.

    Read&Play -  Best for walkers and toddlers (or children between these developmental stages), and their caregivers. Preschool-age children are welcome. Join us for a story and song followed by open play Wednesdays at 11:00 AM. SEPTEMBER 6TH, 20TH and 27TH. Registration begins for September begins August 23rd

    Erie County Emergency Homecare Kit Distribution - FREE to Erie County residents. Patron must call the Clarence Public Library at 716-741-2650 to reserve a kit or sign up on the library's web site via LIBCAL at buffalolib.libcal.com/ .  These kits are provided by Erie County and include tools and resources to help your household prepare for a weather emergency.  For more information about the kits, please call 716-858-8500.  The Clarence Public Library pick-up date is Tuesday, September 12 from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm. Limit one per household. ALL OF OUR KITS HAVE BEEN RESERVED.

    Knitting Club - Tuesday, September 19 from 6:30 to 8:30 pm.  Bring your knitting or crocheting project, be inspired and have fun! No registration is necessary!

    LEGO Club - Wednesday, September 20 from 4:00 to 5:00 pm.  For children ages 5-12.  Join the fun building creations with Legos.  All Legos provided!  Call 716-741-2650 to register.  Space is limited!

    Business of Music Workshop - Thursday, September 21, 2023, from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm. Clarence Public Library.  Learn all about copyright, setting up a music business, managing your band, and more!  Free event courtesy of Erie County.  Call the Clarence Library at 716-741-2650 to register.  Walk-ins also welcome!

    Author Event - Join us for a presentation by local author Burt Freiman as he discusses his novel The Darker Shades of Night. Thursday, September 28 at 7:00 pm.  Call 716-741-2650 to register.

     

     

    October 2023

    October 2023 Programming

     

    Programs with online registration:

    StoryFuntime- Tuesdays at 11:00 AM.OCTOBER 3RD, 17TH AND 31ST.

    Read&Play-Wednesdays at 11:00 AM. OCTOBER 4TH, 11TH AND NOVEMBER 1ST. 

    Crafternoon: Painting Paper Mache Pumpkins. Wednesday, October 18 at 4:00 PM.

    Registration begins October 4. Call 716-741-2650 or register here.

    Haunted Graham Cracker House

    Wednesday, October 11 at 4:00 PM.

    Registration begins September 27. Call 716-741-2650 or register here.

     

    October 2023 Flyers

    For Early Learners StoryFUNtime and Read&Play

    Crafternoon: Painting Paper Mache Pumpkins

    Haunted Graham Cracker House

    Kidding Around Yoga: Preschool Age

    LEGO Club

    Author Event: Karen Wielinski

    Book Presentation: Bob Poczik

     

     

    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, September 25 at 4:30 pm in the library's meeting room. Meeting is open to the public.

     

    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)