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Clarence Public Library

Clarence Public Library

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:

  • 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 (pdf) and volunteering your time.

Clarence Public Library Policies

System-Wide Policies

  • Programs and Services of the Clarence Public Library


    June 2026 Programs

     The Library will be closed on June 19, 2026, in observance of Juneteenth.

    Children's Programs

    Read & Play
    Enjoy a story and song followed by open play.
    Dates: Wednesday, June 24 — all at 11:00 AM
    Ages: Walkers, toddlers, and preschool-age children with caregivers.

    TaleCraft
    Explore stories and activities to encourage a love of reading. Includes singing, reading, talking, and crafting.
    Dates: Tuesday, June 23 — all at 11:00 AM
    Ages: 3–6 years and their caregivers
    For (ages 3-6). Parent/Guardian must remain with their child.
    June 22, 2026 at 1:30 PM.
    Required registration begins June 8, 2026. Call 716-741-2650 to reserve your spot.
     
     
    Intergenerational Programs
     
    Makery
    A maker-focused program with a new project each month. The program offers supplies and support to make an authentic creation Everyone over the age of six (to 100+) is welcome. In June we will be making paper topiaries.
    Date: Wednesday, June 17, 2026 at 4:30 PM
    Ages: 6 and up
    Required registration begins June 3. Register online or call (716) 741-2650. 
     

    Adult Programs
     
    A Study in Sherlock
    A monthly discussion of Sherlock Holmes stories. 
    Date: Monday, June 1, 2026 at 6:30 PM
    Required registration begins May 18. Call (716) 741-2650.

    Chair Yoga Series
    A gentle yoga series designed for mobility-challenged participants. Instructor: Donna Fairlie CYT-200, DJ Gentle Yoga, LLC.
    Dates: Thursday, June 4 | Thursday, June 11 | Thursday, June 18 — all at 2:00 PM
    Registration required. Registration begins May 21.

    Mindfulness Meditation
    Meditation is self-care and awareness. Meditation boosts health and well-being and promotes inner peace for world peace! Chair seating available. Meets every second Monday of the month.
    Date: Monday, June 8, 2026 at 6:00 PM
    Required registration begins May 25.

    Bookmarks Book Club
    Monthly book club meeting. All are welcome — no registration required.
    Date: Tuesday, June 9, 2026 at 7:00 PM
    No registration required.

    Knitting Club
    Monthly knitting get-together. All skill levels welcome — no registration required.
    Date: Tuesday, June 16, 2026 at 6:30 PM
    No registration required.

     
    Special Events
     
     
    Roadrunners Concert
    (Enjoy lawn games and light refreshments from 5 pm to 6 pm)
    Thursday, June 18th from 6 pm to 8 pm (Rain or shine - concert will be held outdoors if weather permits) - bring your lawn chair and enjoy an evening of Rock 'n Roll oldies with the Roadrunners!
     
     
    Friends DRIVE UP Chicken BBQ 
    Thursday, June 25, 2026
    3:00-6:00 PM or until sold out.
    PRESALE JUNE 1-22
    Cash or check only.
     
     
    Growing Up in a Frank Lloyd House
    Kim Bixler’s family owned Frank Lloyd Wright’s 1908 Edward E. Boynton House in Rochester, New York, from 1977 to 1994. In her multi-media presentation, Kim recounts the joys and pitfalls of owning and living in a Wright-designed home Kim began giving tours of the Wright-designed Boynton House when she was eight years old. A graduate of Cornell University and NYU, Bixler has traveled the country giving lectures at numerous Wright sites, including Taliesin West, Unity Temple, the Darwin D. Martin House, Wright’s Mason City, Iowa sites, the Marin County Civic Center, and the Hollyhock House.
    June 26, 2026 at 10:30 AM.
    Required registration begins June 12.
     

    University Express
    June  29 at 2:00 PM Let's Talk Sports

     

    Unearth a Story Summer 2026

     

    Clarence Public Library

    We have a full roster of activities planned for Summer 2026 at the Clarence Public Library!

    For Book Lovers:

    Join our Summer Reading Log! You can register anytime during or after our Summer Kick-Off.

    For Ages 2-12:

    • Color a dino print for every 20 minutes you read or read to someone.
    • After marking 30 dino prints (which equals 10 hours), come in to claim a prize and decorate a dino print.
    • You will also be entered to win one of several exciting prizes at the end of the program

    For Ages 13-16:

    • Once you have marked 30 dino prints (equivalent to 20 hours), pick up a prize and a dino egg to decorate.
    • You will be entered to win one of several prizes at the conclusion of the program.

    For Those Who Enjoy Summer Activities:

    Sign up for our Summer Badging Program! Every time you achieve a “Bingo” on your Summer Badge Bingo card, visit us to collect four badges to display on your lanyard. You can register anytime during or after our Summer Kick-Off.

    Return of the Friends of the Clarence Public Library Basket Raffle for all ages.

    The basket raffle will be held from Tuesday, June 23, to Friday, July 31. $5/ sheet of tickets. Tickets on sale through July 31st. Drawing to be held August 1st.


    Children's Programs


    Book Babies 

    Up to 18 months. Join our librarian, Ana, for baby story time! Let's bounce, play, sing, and read together with hands-on books, bubbles, and a short open sensory playtime. For caregivers and their little ones up to 18 months old.
    Dates: Friday, July 10 and 17, 2026
    10:30–11:00 AM
    Registration required. Registration begins June 26. Register online or call (716) 741-2650. Space is limited.
    Note: For safety concerns, no child over 18 months may attend this event.

    Read & Play

    Best for walkers, toddlers, and preschool-age children with caregivers. Enjoy a story and song followed by open play. Required preregistration begins June 17.

    Dates:

    TaleCraft

    Preschool Ages: 3-6 years and their caregivers. Explore stories and literacy activities to encourage a love of reading. Includes singing, reading, talking, activities, scavenger hunts, and crafting.

    Required registration begins on June 16.

    Dates:

    June 30 at 11:00 AM


     

    Kidding Around Yoga for (ages 4-10). Parent/Guardian must remain with their child.

    July 9 and August 14, 2026, at 11:00 AM.

    Required registration begins June 25, 2026. Call 716-741-2650 to reserve your spot.

     

    LEGO Club

    Recommended for ages 5-12. Call to register two weeks before each session. From 2:00 to 3:00 PM in July and August.

    July 24, 2026

    July 31, 2026

    August 7, 2026

    August 14, 2026


    Special Programs

    Indoor Black Light Dino Mini Golf I Snow Cones I Popcorn I Dino face painting with CYB I Dino crafts

    12:00-3:00 PM. Saturday, June 27, 2026

    Sign up for 15-minute golf time slots.

    Space is limited for each time slot. Required registration for golf begins June 13.

    Makery: 

    This is a maker-focused program with a new project each week of July at 2:00 PM on Thursdays. Everyone over the age of six is welcome. Register online or by phone at 716-741-2650. The program will provide supplies and support to create an authentic piece. We will be making painted suncatchers, a paper koi pond for framing, and more.

    Dates:

    Required registration begins on June 18.

    Dino-mite Fossil Hunt:

    Bring your sense of adventure and get ready for a dino-mite time! Four sets of dinosaur bones will be hidden throughout the gardens, and pint-sized paleontologists will have to find them and return them to the reconstruction site. For ages 4-10.

    The Great Dinosaur Discovery Show w/ Checkers the Inventor! 

    The Great Dinosaur Discovery Show is a fast-paced, interactive variety show featuring comedy, magic, juggling, stunts, audience participation, and more exciting surprises! This event will be performed by the performer, Checkers the Inventor!

    Thursday, July 9 at 6:30 PM

    Required registration begins June 25. Space is limited. All ages

    Fossils, Fossils Everywhere! 

    This program teaches about the amazing diversity of fossils and the different ways in which they form. We will examine fossils from all over the world and learn how scientists categorize them to help us understand these discoveries better.

    Monday, July 20th

    3:00 pm to 4:00 PM

    (Recommended for 2nd grade and up)

    A 60-minute presentation that discusses the basics of fossilization and explores different categories of fossils from around the world.

    Required preregistration begins July 6. Space is limited!

    Mubu the Morph

    Book signing event.

    Monday, July 27th at 6:00 PM

    mubu the morph creator Stephen Nawotniak and illustrator Jeff Perdziak will be at the Clarence Public Library for a book signing and reading of their newest Mubu book - Blue Mubu, 2nd edition. This is a heartwarming children's book about emotions with the message of how gratitude and thankfulness help how we feel, even when we are sad. Copies of the book will be available for purchase and there will be free Mubu activity sheets and stickers for the kids!

    The WNY Petting Zoo is a unique, interactive, and informative experience for you this summer.

    Wednesday, July 29th

    3:00 pm to 4:30 PM

    Required registration begins July 15.

    This is an outdoor program, and in the event of rain will be rescheduled.

    Registration spots are limited.

    wnytinyzoo.com

    July 30 at 6:30 PM

    Required registration begins July 16.

    Ages 6 and Up: Limited Space Available

    Don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity to learn hoop dancing from a professional in this 60-minute program!

     

    Nan Hoffman: Singing Our History (America 250 program)

    Monday, August 3 at 6:30 PM. Registration begins July 20.

    American history comes alive through folksong as Nan Hoffman and Joe Tumino present traditional and contemporary songs that tell of the people and events that shaped our country, and the diverse ethnic groups that weave the tapestry of our culture. Native Americans and early settlers, the Revolution and the Constitution, the Underground Railroad and the Civil War, the Erie Canal and westward expansion, and immigration are among topics that can be explored. Using a variety of instruments and songs that often invite audience participation, this presentation is fun and informative and geared for all age groups.

    Tuesday, August 11 at 6:30 PM. Required registration begins on July 28. Space is limited.

    Tuesday, August 15 at 2:00-3:00 PM. Required registration begins on July 28. Space is limited.

    Presented by Foam Rider 716 on the lawn of the Clarence Public Library

    Call to register beginning August 5, 2026. A children’s event. Parents/guardians must sign a waiver at

    check-in on the event day. Foam is nontoxic and biodegradable. Ingredients upon request.

     


    Borrow from our Library of Things


    Click on the image below for a PDF of the brochure. (Links to the catalog are inside the PDF.)


    Explore our Library of Things — a collection of unique, non-traditional items available for borrowing at Clarence Public Library. From tools to tech, we offer something unexpected for every interest

    How It Works

     Borrowing Limits: Check out up to 3 kits at a time.
     Renewals: Each kit can be renewed once (if no holds are pending).
     Guidelines: Review the full Library of Things Circulation Guidelines and Agreement

     Need help? Contact us: 📞 716-741-2650 


    What is Citizen Science?


    People just like you are contributing to real scientific research! By collecting data, taking photos of clouds or streams, documenting changes in nature, using smartphone sensors to monitor water and air quality, or even playing games to advance health research, you can help scientists make discoveries.

    Citizen Science Kits

    Jumpstart your journey with these fun and impactful projects:

    1. Observing Pollinators 🐝
      Help track bees, butterflies, and other pollinators to protect ecosystems.

    2. Mapping Mosquito Habitats 
      Identify and report mosquito breeding sites to prevent disease spread.

    3. Monitoring Air Quality 🌫
      Use sensors to measure pollution levels in your community.

    4. Measuring Light at Night 🌃
      Track light pollution and its effects on wildlife and human health.

    5. Exploring Biodiversity 🌿
      Document plant and animal species in your area to support conservation.

    6. Zombee Hunting 🐝
      Help scientists study zombie flies that parasitize honeybees!


    MEMORY/REMINISCE KITS


    Made possible by the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo: Daniel C. and Beatrice M. Fisher Fund

    These kits are designed to support caregivers of individuals experiencing cognitive memory impairment, providing engaging and therapeutic interaction.

    How It Works

    • Each Busy Bottle contains sensory items like rice, beads, and buttons.

    • Two laminated cards are included, featuring reminiscence questions and conversation starters.

    • Use the provided dry-erase marker to check off discovered items.

    Safety Note

    ⚠️ Adult use only – Not suitable for children.

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

    Activity Kits:



    Check out our Seed Library!


    Seed Library Brochure(pdf)

    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. 

    Special thanks to the Garden Friends of Clarence for the support of this project.

     

    Seed Library

     


    Introducing the Road to Decode Literacy Hub at the Clarence Public Library


    We now have Decodable Books (PDF) at the Clarence Public Library!

    The Clarence Public Library is partnering with Teach My Kid to Read to provide free access to their Online Literacy Community for resources about early literacy, homeschooling, dyslexia, tutoring, decodables and more!

    Check out the link below to sign up for the FREE "Literacy @ Your Library" online community: 

    https://bit.ly/ClarencePubLib

    To learn more, check out these videos:

    Welcome video

    Tour of the Road to Decode Online Community