Clarence Public Library

Clarence Public Library
Library Info

Three Town Place
Clarence, NY 14031
United States

716-741-2650
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

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

  • Programs and Services of the Clarence Public Library

     

    The Clarence Public Library will be closed for HVAC Repairs from Monday, August 25th, through Wednesday, August 27th. The library is scheduled to re-open to the public on Thursday, August 28th at 10:00 AM. While we are closed, the outside drop box will remain open, and limited curbside service will be available from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM for holds pickup only.

    • Monday 8/25/25- Wednesday, 8/27/25, from 12-4:30 PM you may come to the Clarence Public Library to pick up an available hold.
    • Call us from 10:00 AM -4:30 to schedule your pick up . Have your card number ready.
    • Wait in your car or indicated area and we will bring the materials to you. 

    Fall 2025 Book Sale (PDF)

    Alzheimer's Association Programs

    Dates/Times: 

    August 25, 2025, at 2:00 PM Exploring Care: A Support Series

    September 2025 Programs (PDF)

    Children’s Programs

    For program registration 📞 716-741-2650 or click on the underlined date below to register online for the following programs:

    • Talecraft for Tots
    • Read&Play
    • Makery

    Talecraft for Tots (PDF)

    Tuesdays at 11:00 AM

    Dates: 16, 23, 30.

    Registration begins September 2. For 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.

    Read&Play (PDF)

    Wednesdays at 11:00 AM.

    Dates: September 24 and October 1.

    Registration begins September 3. 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.

    LEGO Club

    September 17 at 4:00 PM

    Registration begins September 3.

    For children ages 5 to 12. Registration is required. Space is limited! Program is freeform building and children can put their creations in the library! 

     Intergenerational Programs

    Makery (PDF)

    This is a maker-focused program with a new project each month. At 4:30 PM on 

    On Wednesday, September 10, 2025.

    Registration begins August 27.

    Everyone over the age of six is welcome. Register online or by phone at 716-741-2650. The program will offer the supplies and support to make an authentic creation.  This month, we will be making leaf impressions with color glazes.

    Teen Programs

    Neurodivergent Teen Group

     Focuses on community connection and developing new skills such as self-awareness, social wellness and coping with stress. Register by emailing

     Patty McCalister, LMHC at patriciamccalisterlmhc@gmail.com

    Monday, September 15, 2025 at 6:30 PM.

     

    October TeenLit Box (PDF)

    Sign up between September 2 to 16. Online or at the library desk. Find your next three books: Fill out the form telling us what you like. Visit us to pick up your box at the start of October. (Clarence Public Library pick-up.) Bring back the 3 books when you are finished. Enjoy the goodies and favors you can keep.

    Adult Programs

    A Study in Sherlock

    September 4 at 6:30 PM. Registration begins August 21.

    A group that discusses the various iterations of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes universe. This month’s short story selection is The Creeping Man (1923). Following our discussion will be a screening of the 1932 version of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.

    Chair Yoga Series

    Thursdays at 2:00 PM.

    September 4, 11, 18, 25. 

    Registration begins August 21

    Instructor Donna Fairlie CYT-200, DJ Gentle Yoga, LLC.Specializing in mobility-challenged.

    The RoadRunners in Concert at the Clarence Public Library

    Oldies and Classic Rock Covers

    Tuesday, September 16 at 6:30 PM.

    Registration begins 

    September 2.

    Buffalo Music Hall of Fame

     Workshop held from 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM  on September 27, 2025

    Learn from local industry professionals.

    Florence: Birthplace of the Renaissance

     A presentation by Bob Poczik on Monday, September 29 at 7:00 PM

     Registration begins September 15.

     

    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

    Donation Policy

    Book Donations