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.

    Holiday Closure Notice:
    We will be closed on Thanksgiving Day, November 28, 2024.

    November Calendar (PDF)

     

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    Children’s and Intergenerational Programs

    Talecraft for Tots (PDF)
    Tuesdays at 11:00 AM
    November 19. Registration begins October 21.
    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. Online registration available.

    Read&Play (PDF)
    Wednesdays at 11:00 AM
    November 20. Registration begins October 22.
    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. Online registration available.

    Kidding Around Yoga
    Monday, November 25, 2024
    11:00 to 11:30 AM
    Register November 11.
    Bring a yoga mat or towel. Space is limited!

    LEGO Club
    If you love LEGOs and are between 5 and 12 years old,
    Register for LEGO Club!
    From 4:00 to 5:00 PM
    Wednesday, November 20. Registration begins October 2

    Tail Waggin’ Tutors Therapy Dog Program
    From 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM (15-minute sessions)
    Saturday, November 16, 2024. Registration begins October 5.

    Kidding Around Yoga for the Family
    Experience Some Fun Together Time!
    Ages 4-11. Adult participation is encouraged!
    6:30 - 7:15 PM
    Thursday, November 14. Registration begins October 31.

     

    Adult Programs

    Chat About That: English Conversation Group
    This program is free and open to learners who want to improve their English conversation skills.
    Mondays at 12:00 PM, November 18.

    Knitting Club
    Tuesday, November 19, 2024 at 6:30 PM.
    No registration is required.

     

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    December Children’s and Intergenerational Programs

    Talecraft for Tots (PDF)

    Tuesdays at 11:00 AM. 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. December 3 and 17. Registration begins November 19.

    Read & Play (PDF)

    Wednesdays at 11:00 AM
    This program is designed for toddlers  (or in this developmental stage), along with their caregivers. Preschool-age children are also welcome. Join us for a story, a song, and then enjoy open playtime. The sessions will take place on December 4 and 11.
    Registration opens on November 20.

    Show & Tell Storytime (PDF)

    Thursdays at 11:00 AM. In this storytime session, the librarian will start with a song or chant, followed by each registered child sharing a story about an item or toy they've brought. Each child will take turns presenting their object in a circle format. This event is designed for families with children aged 3 to 5. December 5 and 12. Registration begins November 21.

    Preschool Kidding Around Yoga

    Monday, December 9, 2024. 11:00 to 11:30 AM. Register on November 25.
    Call the Clarence Library at 716-741-2650 to register. Bring a yoga mat or towel. Space is limited!

    LEGO Club

    If you love LEGOs and are between 5 and 12 years old, register for LEGO Club!
    Wednesdays, December 11 & December 18, 4:00 - 5:00 PM. Registration begins October 23.

    Tail Waggin’ Tutors Therapy Dog Program

    Saturday, December 21, 2024
    From 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM (15-minute sessions). Registration begins December 7.

    Holiday Makeries (PDF)

    This is a maker-focused program with a new project each month at 4:30 PM.
    Age 6 and over.

    • Wednesday, December 4, 2024: Salt Dough Ornaments. Registration begins November 20.
    • Thursday, December 12, 2024: Decorate an Ugly Sweater Cookie. Registration begins November 28.

    Kidding Around Yoga for the Family

    Experience some fun together time! Ages 4-11. Adult participation is encouraged!
    Thursday, December 19, 2024, 7:15 - 8:00 PM. Registration begins December 5.

    Hooked on Crochet
    2nd Saturday of every month. Recommended for ages 12+.11:30 - 1:00 PM
    Saturday, December 14, 2024.

    TeenLit Box Registration for Ages 13-17 (PDF)

    Registration Period: December 2 - December 16
    Pick-up Begins: January 2

    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:

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

    Adult Programs

    Mindfulness: Guided Meditation

    Join us for a mindfulness meditation class hosted by the Clarence Public Library and Wat Prodketchettharam America, and guided by Phramaha Piya Jundadal! All are welcome. No meditation experience is necessary.
    Monday, December 9, 2024 at 6:00 PM. Registration begins November 25.

    A Study in Sherlock

    A group that discusses the various iterations of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes universe. A special Holmes for the Holidays viewing of The Seven-Per-Cent Solution (1976).
    Monday, December 2, 2024 at 6:30 PM. Registration begins November 18.

    Paint Night

    Tuesday, December 10 at 6:30 PM. For ages 16+. Tap into your artistic side and create your own masterpiece with local art teacher Kimberly Strell. Space is limited. Registration begins November 27.
    Call 716-741-2650 to register.

    Knitting Club

    Tuesday, December 17, 2024, at 6:30 PM.
    No registration required.

     

     

    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.

    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

     

    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. 
    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

    NEW as of October 2023

     

    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