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Clarence Public Library

Clarence Public Library
    Library Info

    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


      Clarence Public Library
      May 2026 Programs

      * Library CLOSED Monday, May 25 in observance of Memorial Day *


      Children's Programs


      Read & Play
      Enjoy a story and song followed by open play. 
      Date: Wednesday, May 27 — all at 11:00 AM
      Ages: Walkers, toddlers, and preschool-age children with caregivers
      Registration required. Registration begins April 22.

      TaleCraft
      Explore stories and activities to encourage a love of reading. Includes singing, reading, talking, and crafting.
      Date:| Tuesday, May 26 — all at 11:00 AM
      Ages: 3–6 years and their caregivers
      Required registration begins April 28.

       
       

      Adult Programs
      Chair Yoga Series
      A gentle yoga series designed for mobility-challenged participants. Instructor: Donna Fairlie CYT200, DJ Gentle Yoga, LLC.
      Dates: Thursday, May 21 | Thursday, May 28 — all at 2:00 PM
      Register now.

      Special Events
      Red Cross Blood Drive
      Give the gift of life. Open to all eligible donors. Find more information at redcross.org or call 1-800-RedCross
      Date: Tuesday, May 26, 2026, 1:00–6:00 PM
      University Express

      For more information visit: https://www4.erie.gov/universityexpress/universityexpress/classes
      May 28 at 6:00 PM: Organic Farming Root Down Farm
       

      June 2026 Programs

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

      Children's Programs
       
      Book Babies
      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.
      Date: Friday, June 5 and 12, 2026
      Time: 10:30–11:00 AM
      Ages: Up to 18 months
      Registration required. Registration begins May 22. 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
      Enjoy a story and song followed by open play.
      Dates: Wednesday, June 3 | Wednesday, June 17 | Wednesday, June 24 — all at 11:00 AM
      Ages: Walkers, toddlers, and preschool-age children with caregivers
      Required registration begins May 20.

      TaleCraft
      Explore stories and activities to encourage a love of reading. Includes singing, reading, talking, and crafting.
      Dates: Tuesday, June 2| Tuesday, June 16 | Tuesday, June 23 — all at 11:00 AM
      Ages: 3–6 years and their caregivers
      Required registration begins May 19.
       
      Oakley in the Library
      What do you get when you bring children, dogs, and books together? Happy, confident children who love to read! Register to read for a 15-minute session to Oakley, our therapy dog.
      Date: Saturday, June 6, 2026
      Time: 10:30 AM–12:00 PM
      Required registration open.
       
      LEGO Club
      A fun building program for children ages 5 to 12.
      Date: Wednesday, June 10, 2026 at 4:00 PM
      Ages: 5–12 years
      Required registration begins May 27.
      For (ages 3-5). Parent/Guardian must remain with their child.
      June 22, 2026 at 10:30 AM. 
      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. 
       
      Teen Programs
       
      Growing with Others — Neurodivergent Social Group
      Meets the 1st Tuesday of every month. Patty runs the group and is a licensed mental health counselor with over 20 years in the Human Services fields, working with individuals with intellectual disabilities and autism spectrum disorder.
      Date: Tuesday, June 2, 2026, 6:30–8:00 PM
      Contact: patriciamccalisterlmhc@gmail.com

      TeenLit Box Fill out the form from June 1- 15, online or at the library desk, telling us what you like. Visit us to pick up your box at the start of July. (Clarence Public Library pick-up.) Bring back the 2 books when you are finished. Enjoy the goodies and favors you can keep.

      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 of the CPL 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 4 at 11:00 AM: Building a Climate Resistant Garden
      June 5 at 2:00 PM: Wonderful Words of Shakespeare
      June 9 at 2:00 PM: The Gardens at Murder Creek
      June 11 at 7:00 PM: Pan-American Exposition  
      June  29 at 2:00 PM Let's Talk Sports

       

      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

      Unearth a Story Summer 2026

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