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 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 $1 per bar. Proceeds support the programs and services of the Clarence Public Library.
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 September meeting has been cancelled. Please check back for future meeting dates.
"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
- Freedom of Information Law - FOIL Policy
- Meeting Room Policy, approved October 27, 2014, amended February 25, 2019
- 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 June 1, 2020
- 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
The Clarence Public Library is open to the public! We look forward to seeing you!
Hours of Operation
Monday - 10-9
Tuesday - 10-9
Wednesday - 10-6
Thursday - 10-9
Friday - 10-5
Saturday - 10-5
Clarence Public Library Micro-Cluster Curbside Service Plan
Clarence Public Library Micro-Cluster Plan - Updated-12-21-2020
TUTORS may contact us to make a reservation. Call 716-741-2650.
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).
DONATIONS UPDATE: Material donations in limited quantities are now being accepted. Materials must be in good physical condition.
Click here for donation guidelines.
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
STEM Kits at the Clarence Public Library!
STEM Kits are available to check out from the Clarence Public Library! The STEM Kit Circulation Guidelines and Agreement are linked below. Please call the library at 741-2650 with any questions!
STEM Kit Circulation Guidelines and Agreement
STEM KIT PDF with links to the kits in the catalog. Click here to download.
Summer Programming
Summer Storytime will be held in the Lions Den Pavilion in Town Place Park just a short walk from the Clarence Public Library on
Registration is required. This Storytime is intended for children 2-6 years of age. Registration will open on June 29. Register online or call 716-741-2650. Space is limited. Physical distancing will be encouraged.
Summer Afternoon Storytime will be held in the Lions Den Pavilion in Town Place Park just a short walk from the Clarence Public Library on
Registration is required. This Storytime is intended for children 2-6 years of age. Registration will open on June 29. Register online or call 716-741-2650.Space is limited. Physical distancing will be encouraged.
Summer LEGO Club: Come and show off your creativity with an original construction, or follow one of our animal templates for this summer's reading theme: Tails and Tales! Registration at one of six tables is available. Parents need to register their children for each session but can register their children for multiple dates when they call. Registration is first come-first served beginning June 16. 6 Tables available per session with up to 4 participants per table. Participants must be "together" (siblings/friends) to sign-up at the same table. For children ages 5-12. Please call 716-741-2650 to register for the following dates: From 11:00 AM to 12:00 PMJuly, 8, 15, 22, 29, and August 5. This program is FULL.
Summer 2021 Dates and Times:
Saturday, July 24, 2021: 10:30 am, 10:50 am, 11:10 am & 11:30 am (one parent/child per session)
Saturday, August 14, 2021: 10:30 am, 10:50 am, 11:10 am & 11:30 am (one parent/child per session)
Saturday, August 28, 2021: 10:30 am, 10:50 am, 11:10 am & 11:30 am (one parent/child per session)
Only one person or parent/child per appointment. No groups. Anyone visiting a Paws for Love Therapy Animal must be using hand sanitizer or washing hands thoroughly before and after their session. Masks are encouraged. All sessions will take place in the library meeting room which is sectioned off from the rest of the library.
Butterflies in the Garden: A Program for Children: Wednesday, July 28 at 3 pm in the Children's Reading Garden. Explore the world of the Monarch Butterfly! With special guest Dave O'Donnell, founder of Eastern Monarch Butterfly Farm. Geared for children 4 and up and will include butterfly story, craft and scavenger hunt. Registration begins July 14. Space is limited.
Circus Arts for All Presented by Benjamin Berry: Participants will learn about the many physical and emotional benefits of circus arts and see for themselves that "circus is for all!" Benjamin will instruct participants in Juggling, Poi (New Zealand-originated spinning prop), Hoop Dance, and Plate Spinning. This program will be held in the Children's Reading Garden on Monday, August 9, 2021, at 2:00 PM. Registration begins July 26, 2021, at 716-741-2650. Space is Limited.
Crafternoon in the Park: Crafternoon in the Park will be held on Wednesday, August 11, 2021, at 1:00 PM. This summer craft program in the Lions Den Pavilion in the Clarence Town Park, walking distance from the Clarence Public Library. The theme is nature’s art box geared toward children from 5 to 12 years old. We will be making crafts made of materials that celebrate the natural world. Register online through our website or call 716-741-2650 beginning July 15, 2021. Click here to register.
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
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 Clarence Library Board of Trustees generally meets at the library on the fourth Monday of each month unless otherwise noted.
2021 Clarence Library Board Meeting Schedule
- January 25* - via Zoom
- February 22
- March 22
- April 26
- May 24
- June 28
- July - No Meeting Scheduled
- August - No Meeting Scheduled
- September 27
- October 25
- November 22
- December - No Meeting Scheduled
Next Meeting is scheduled for Monday, June 28 at 7:00 pm.
2021 Minutes
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)