Clark Memorial Library was established by a group of town residents who formed the nonprofit Bethany Library Association (BLA) to operate and maintain the Clark Memorial Library. All BLA Board members are volunteers. Clark Memorial is the only public library in the town of Bethany, CT. We are a non-profit and as such, rely on state and town grants and the generosity of our patrons and the Friends of Clark Memorial Library for all of our funding. These funds enable us to provide the crafts, programs, print books, magazines, puzzles, museum passes, digital resources, and knowledgeable staff our patrons have come to expect.
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Clark Memorial Library is part of the Libraries Online (LION) consortium, one of four in CT, consisting of over 30 libraries. Membership in this consortium allows us to provide our patrons access to the combined catalogs of each of the libraries in the consortium through our online catalog. Feel free to browse and reserve a book from Clark or any of the libraries in the consortium. We process and put out reserved books on Tuesdays and Thursdays for patron pickup in our side entryway.
Additionally, Clark Memorial Library offers robust programming for children and adults, a Community Room, a 3d printer, public computers, and a welcoming environment Tuesday through Thursdays, 10 am until 7 pm and Fridays and Saturdays, 10 am until 5 pm.
For further information on our events and resources, how to access, reserve, and pick up please see the following pages:
The Friends of the Bethany Library Association is a volunteer organization that contributes to Clark Memorial Library’s ongoing educational, cultural, and entertainment programs, as well as other special events hosted or sponsored by the Library. The Friends’ mission is to “support quality library service in the community through fundraising, volunteering, and serving as advocates for the library.”
The Friends sponsor three of our ongoing programs at Clark:
- Museum & Park Passes allow free or discounted admission to museums and parks across CT. These are available to anyone with a CT Library card, but are not reservable or renewable. These passes are available first come, first served for a 3-day loan.
- the Used Book Sale located just inside the side entryway. Hardcover books $3, softcover books $2, or fill a bag for $5
- Seasonal baking events, like the Library’s annual public art exhibit in August, the town’s Fall Harvest Festival, and other celebrations at the library and in town.
Anyone can be a Friend! You can either pick up a physical copy of the membership application downstairs at the Library or print a membership application, fill it in, and then either mail it to the Friends, c/o Clark Memorial Library, 538 Amity Road, Bethany, CT 06524 pr drop off your membership application in person.
The 1937 Legacy Society is a way to provide an endowment to the Library and ensure the long-term sustainability of this valuable town resource. If your life – or the lives of your children and grandchildren – have been enriched by your life-long library experiences of books and learning, please consider sharing that gift with the present and future residents of Bethany, offering something like your own legacy for future generations. By supporting the 1937 Legacy Society you can help to create an inspiring example for others to follow. And – it’s rewarding to pass on a legacy. We invite you to consider this powerful opportunity to enrich lives, strengthen our community and shape our shared culture.
For further information, email the 1937 Legacy Society via our main email address at clark.main@bethanylibrary.org.
The Arts@Clark! Committee supports the mission of the Clark Memorial Library (CML) by providing opportunities for cultural enrichment through artistic programs and exhibits. The Community Room and the adjoining hallway displays are great opportunities to view art by local artists curated by the Arts@Clark! Committee. End of run receptions are posted to our Events page – come join us!
For further information on our policies and exhibit space please contact Liz Scott at artsatclark@bethanylibrary.com.