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

     

    Register for Our Programs!
    Call us at 716-741-2650 or stop by to register for our upcoming programs. Programs with online registration will have dates linked to the registration page.

    February Programming (PDF)

    Library Closure
    The Clarence Public Library will be closed on February 17, 2025, for President’s Day.

    Children’s Programming

    TALECRAFT FOR TOTS

    • When: Tuesdays at 11:00 AM
    • Who: For children ages 3-6 years and their caregivers
    • Details: Explore stories and activities to encourage a love of reading. We will sing, read, talk, and craft.
    • Dates: February 4, 18, and 25
    • Registration: Begins January 22

    READ&PLAY

    • When: Wednesdays at 11:00 AM
    • Who: Best for walkers and toddlers (or children between these developmental stages), and their caregivers. Preschool-age children are also welcome.
    • Details: Join us for a story and song followed by open play.
    • Dates: February 5, 19, and 26
    • Registration: Begins January 23

    Kidding Around Yoga

    • When: Tuesday, February 18, 2025, from 2:00 PM to 2:30 PM
    • Who: For children ages 4-10. Parents/caregivers must remain with children ages 4 and 5.
    • Details: Enjoy yoga with fun, music, and mindfulness activities, taught by certified KAY teacher Donna Baia. Please bring a towel or mat.
    • Who: For children ages 5-12 who love LEGOs
    • Registration: Begins January 31.

    LEGO Club

    For: Children ages 5-12

    If you love LEGOs, come join us for an hour of building and creativity!

    • When: Wednesday, February 12, 2025, from 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM
    • Who: For children ages 5-12 who love LEGOs
    • Registration: Begins January 29.

    Mardi Gras Craft

    • When: Thursday, February 20, 2025
    • Who: Children 4-12
    • Registration: Begins February 6.

    Tail Waggin’ Tutors - Therapy Dog Program

    • When: Saturday, February 22, 2025, from 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM (15-minute sessions)
    • Who: Children can read to Oakley the therapy dog
    • Registration: Begins January 29

    Intergenerational 

    Hooked on Crochet

    2nd Saturday of the month 11:30 - 1:00 PM Dates include: Jan. 18 Feb. 15 March 15 Recommended Ages 12+ Registration required and begins January 4th. Crochet hooks and yarn are provided, but please feel free to bring your own if you have them! If you are new to crocheting, let us know when you call to register. Learn how to crochet and read patterns, or just come to crochet with some company! Beginners and experienced crocheters are welcome!

    • When: Saturday, February 15, 2025, at 11:30 AM
    • Registration: Begins February 1

    Adult Programming

    "Chat About That - English Conversation Group

    • When: Mondays at 12:00 PM in February.
    • Details: A free program for learners who want to improve their English conversation skills.

    Canva Basics

    • When: Friday, February 21, 2025, from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM

    • Registration: Call 716-741-2650 to register.

    March 2025 Programming (PDF)

    Children (Ages 0-12)

    Limerick the Leprechaun (PDF)

    • Dates: March 3–22, 2025 (Weekly)

    • Time: When we are open.

    • Details: The Limerick is hidden in the library! Find him weekly for a chance to enter a raffle for a gift basket. Please report your discovery at the front desk.

    • Registration: Begins February 18.

    TALECRAFT FOR TOTS (PDF)

    • Dates: Tuesdays, March 4, 18, 25

    • Time: 11:00 AM

    • Details: For children ages 3-6 and their caregivers. Activities include singing, reading, talking, and crafting.

    • Registration: Begins February 18.

    READ&PLAY (PDF)

    • Dates: Wednesdays, March 5, 19, 26

    • Time: 11:00 AM

    • Details: Story and song session followed by open play for toddlers and preschoolers.

    • Registration: Begins February 19.

    LEGO Club

    • Dates: Wednesdays, March 5, 19

    • Time: 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM

    • Details: For children ages 5-12 who love LEGOs.

    • Registration:

      • March 5 session: Begins February 19.

      • March 19 session: Begins March 5.

    Kidding Around Yoga

    • Date: Thursday, March 20, 2025

    • Time: 1:00 PM

    • Details:  Yoga classes with certified instructor, Donna Baia. Caregiver must remain with child. Towel or mat recommended.

    • Registration: March 6.

    Tail Waggin’Tutors

    • Date: Saturday, March 22

    • Time: 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM (15-minute sessions)

    • Details: Read to Oakley, a therapy dog.

    • Registration: Begins February 22.

    Teens (Ages 13-18)

    Neurodivergent Teen Social Group

    • Date: Tuesday, March 4

    • Time: 6:00 PM

    • Details: A safe and inclusive space for neurodivergent teens to socialize.

    TeenLit Box [PDF(sign up from March 3- March 17 for an April box.)]

    • Details: Enjoy a box full of library books hand-picked for you, packaged with snacks and surprises! Return the box and books after THREE weeks, but keep everything else.

    • Registration: Sign up with an email you check often. Notifications for pickup will be sent via email. Available on a first-come, first-served basis.

    • Note: This is not an ongoing subscription. Sign up each month to receive a tote. 

    Adults (Ages 18+)

    Study in Sherlock

    • Date: Monday, March 3

    • Time: 6:30 PM

    • Details: A group that discusses the various iterations of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes universe. This month we will be discussing The Boscombe Valley Mystery.

    Chat About That (PDF)

    • Dates: Mondays, March 3, 10, 17, 24, 31

    • Time: 12:00 PM

    • Details: Casual conversation group. No registration required.

    The Spiritualists & The Suffragists (PDF)

    • Date: Monday, March 10

    • Time: 6:30 PM

    • Details: Presented by author Amanda Woomer. Explore the history of the Spiritualist Movement and its connection to women’s rights.

    • Registration: Begins February 24.

    Mindfulness and Meditation (PDF)

    • Date: Tuesday, March 11

    • Time: 6:00 PM-7:00 PM

    • Details: Relax and recharge with guided mindfulness and meditation.

    Knitting Club

    • Date: Tuesday, March 18

    • Time: 6:30-8:30 PM

    • Details: Join fellow knitting enthusiasts.

    Computer Basics: Windows 11(PDF)

    • Date: Friday, March 21

    • Time: 1:00-3:00 PM

    • Details: Introductory class on Windows 11.

    • Registration: Begins March 7.

    AAUW Presents: Restoring the Humboldt Parkway

    • Date: Saturday, March 29

    • Time: 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM

    • Details: Discussion on restoring Humboldt Parkway with Terrence Robinson and Bradley Wales.

    • Registration: Register on the AAUW website.

    Wonders of the Vatican (PDF)

    • Date: Monday, March 31

    • Time: 7:00 PM

    • Details: Explore the Vatican’s hidden wonders with Bob Poczik.

    • Registration: Begins March 17.

    Bookmarks Book Club

    • Date: Monday, March 17

    • Time: 3:00 PM

    • Details: Discussing Dubliners by James Joyce. No registration required.

    Intergenerational

    Makery (PDF)

    • Date: Wednesday, March 12, 2025

    • Time: 4:30 PM

    • Details: For everyone ages 6 to 100+. This month, we will be making a paper floral wreath.

    • Registration: Begins February 26.

    Hooked on Crochet (PDF)

    • Date: Saturday, March 15

    • Time: 11:30 AM

    • Details: Learn and practice crochet techniques.

    • Registration: Begins Februry 15.

     

     

    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