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.

  • Clarence Public Library Calendar of Events

    Clarence Public Library Survey

    Register for Our Programs!
    Call us at 716-741-2650 or stop by to register for our upcoming programs.

    December Children’s and Intergenerational Programs

    Tail Waggin’ Tutors Therapy Dog Program

    Saturday, December 21, 2024
    From 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM (15-minute sessions). Registration begins December 7.5.

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    January Children’s and Intergenerational Programs

    Early Literacy Programs (PDF)

    Read & Play
    Wednesdays at 11:00 AM
    Best for walkers, toddlers, and children in these developmental stages (preschool-age children are also welcome). Join us for a story and song, followed by open play.
    Dates: January 15, 22, 29
    Registration: Begins January 2

    TALECRAFT FOR TOTS
    Tuesdays at 11:00 AM
    For children ages 3-6 and their caregivers. Explore stories and activities to develop a love for reading through singing, reading, talking, and crafting.
    Dates: January 7, 21, 28
    Registration: Begins December 23

    TELL&SHARE STORYTIME
    Thursdays at 11:00 AM
    In this interactive storytime, each child will have the opportunity to share a story about an item or toy they've brought. The librarian will begin with a song or chant, followed by individual presentations.
    Target Audience: Families with children ages 3-5
    Dates: January 9, 23, 30
    Registration: Begins December 26

    Kidding Around Yoga with Donna Baia
    New time! Monday at 1:30 PM, January 13, 2025
    Ages 3-6. Call the Clarence Library at 716-741-2650 to register. Bring a yoga mat or towel.
    Space is limited!

    Registration: Begins December 30 

    Children’s Programs

    Invention Convention
    Monday, January 2025
    Time: 10:30 AM - 2:00 PM
    Grades: K-8
    All WNY students are welcome to compete in the WNY Regional Invention Convention. Learn about invention, design, entrepreneurship, problem-solving, and more.

    LEGO Club
    Wednesday, January 15
    Time: 4:00 - 5:00 PM
    For: Children ages 5-12
    If you love LEGOs, come join us for an hour of building and creativity!
    Registration: Begins January 2

    Tail Waggin' Tutors - Therapy Dog Program
    Saturday, January 18, 2025
    Time: 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM (15-minute sessions)
    Children can read aloud to Oakley a certified therapy dog in this stress-free environment.
    Registration: Begins January 4

    Teen Programs

    TeenLit Box Registration
    Registration Period: January 2 - January 16
    Pick-up Begins: February 3

    Your Subscription Box Includes:

    • 3 Library Books: Selected just for you based on your past favorites.
    • Goodies & Favors: Fun items for you to enjoy!

    How It Works:

    1. Fill Out the Form: Complete the registration form to sign up.
    2. Pick Up Your Box: Starting January 2, pick up your subscription box at Clarence Library.
    3. Return the Box: Return the box and books to Clarence Library. Keep everything else, including the goodies!

    Intergenerational Programs

    Makery (PDF)
    Wednesday, January 22, 2025
    Time: 4:30 PM
    A maker-focused program with a new project each month. This month, create a winter scene on a miniature black canvas.
    For: Everyone 6+
    Registration: Begins January 2

    Hooked on Crochet
    Saturday, January 18, 2025
    Time: 11:30 AM
    A hands-on crochet class for all skill levels.
    Registration: Begins January 4

    Adult Programs

    Mindfulness: Guided Meditation (PDF)
    Monday, January 16, 2025
    Time: 6:00 PM
    Join us for a mindfulness meditation session hosted by the Clarence Public Library and Wat Prodketchettharam America, guided by Phramaha Piya Jundadal. No previous meditation experience necessary.
    Registration: Begins January 2

    Nickel City Guitar Quartet (PDF)
    Thursday, January 30, 2025
    Time: 7:00 PM

    A Study in Sherlock (PDF)
    Monday, January 6, 2025
    Time: 6:30 PM
    A group that discusses the various iterations of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes universe. For our January program, we have the pleasure of welcoming Lissa Marie Redmond, author of Cold Case Investigation Series. Lissa will join us for a discussion on the influence of both Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and the 19th century mystery writer. Anna Katharine Green on the genre of detective fiction.

    Registration: Begins December 23

    National Puzzle Day
    Tuesday, January 29, 2025
    Time: 2:00 PM - 5:30 PM
    Drop-in program celebrating National Puzzle Day! Come challenge your mind with various puzzles.
    No registration required.

    Chat About That: English Conversation Group
    Mondays at 12:00 PM
    A free program for those looking to improve their English conversation skills. All levels welcome.
    Dates: Throughout January

    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.

     

    Library of Things at the Clarence Public Library!

    Circulating Kits

    Click on the image above for a PDF of the brochure. There are links to the catalog within the PDF.

    Borrow from our Library of Things at Clarence Public Library
    Explore our collection of the Library of Things — a variety of non-traditional items available for borrowing at the Clarence Public Library. These items go beyond the usual library materials, offering something new for everyone.

    How It Works:

    MEMORY/REMINISCE KITS (PDF)
    Made possible by the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo: Daniel C. and Beatrice M. Fisher Fund, these kits are designed for use by caregivers with individuals experiencing cognitive memory impairment.

    How It Works:

    • Each Busy Bottle contains a variety of items such as rice, beads, and buttons.
    • Each kit includes two laminated cards, featuring reminiscence questions and conversation starters.
    • Users can mark off items found in the bottle using the included dry-erase marker.

    Safety Note:
    These bottles are for adult use only and are not intended for children. Use with care. The bottles can be gently shaken or rolled to reveal hidden objects. They can be enjoyed individually or in a small group setting.

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

    Activity Kits:

    Sheridan Hill Elementary Summer 2024

     Kindergarten(pdf)

    First Grade(pdf)

    Second Grade(pdf)

    Third Grade(pdf)

    Fourth Grade(pdf)

    Fifth Grade(pdf)

    Clarence School Reading Lists (Summer 2023)

    Clarence Center Elementary

    Kindergarten(pdf)

    First Grade(pdf)

    Second Grade(pdf)

    Third Grade(pdf)

    Fourth Grade(pdf)

    Fifth Grade(pdf)

    Donation Policy

    Book Donations