Clapp Memorial Library

Clapp Memorial Library The Clapp Memorial Library is a popular and dynamic community resource in Belchertown, MA John Francis Clapp died in 1882.

The Clapp Memorial Library was made possible chiefly by a bequest of Belchertown native John Francis Clapp. John Francis Clapp, the eldest child of James and Marilla, was born in Belchertown in 1818. A studious youth more interested in books than in games, he is known to have said in later years that he never had enough to read as a boy. Toward the end of his life, John Francis Clapp resolved to b

estow the gift of a library on his native town. He wanted to have a handsome building with ample grounds, so that additions could be erected in the future. He particularly wanted enough space for lectures, concerts, and other entertainment. After discussing the details with his brothers, he made provisions in his will for a bequest of $40,000.00 to be set aside for the construction of the library and for the purchase of its contents. His bequest, held in trust by his brothers and sensibly invested, grew to $46,000.00 by 1887, the date by which the building, according to the will, had to be completed. That sum paid for the construction and for the accession of many original volumes.

Don't miss out on this weekend's unique program!This Saturday, June 13, local fiber artist Holly Field will teach partic...
06/11/2026

Don't miss out on this weekend's unique program!

This Saturday, June 13, local fiber artist Holly Field will teach participants how to make their own copy of George Washington’s headquarters flag, the Washington Standard. During the activity, participants will dye a Washington Standard of their own using a natural Indigo dye bath to color the flags blue. The cotton fabric has been pre-treated so that the dye will not stick to the area where the stars are, creating the star pattern as if by magic when the flag is removed from the dye. The dyeing process can be messy, so please dress appropriately. This activity for ages 10 to adult will take place on the front lawn of the library. Kids under 13 need to be accompanied by an adult.

Sign up here: https://forms.gle/f3Ntp4kmvq7ysW6G9

This program is funded in part by a grant from the Belchertown Cultural Council , a local agency which is supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.

Can't make the event, but want to learn more? Check out Holly's video series at Belchertown Community TV's Youtube!

Tonight is the deadline to fill out the Junior Volunteer application! Students entering grades 7-12 (as well as seniors ...
06/10/2026

Tonight is the deadline to fill out the Junior Volunteer application!

Students entering grades 7-12 (as well as seniors from the Class of 2026) can apply here: https://forms.gle/tSNm9mRsFuZWZhXd7

See what's new this week at the Clapp Memorial Library at:*** http://wowbrary.org/nu.aspx?fb&p=9159-804 ***There are eig...
06/10/2026

See what's new this week at the Clapp Memorial Library at:

*** http://wowbrary.org/nu.aspx?fb&p=9159-804 ***

There are eight new bestsellers, fifteen new audiobooks, nineteen new children's books, and 44 other new books, including 62 that are available online.

The new bestsellers this week include "View from the East Wing: A Memoir," "A Pair of Aces," and "The Fix: Saving America from the Corruption of a Mob-Style Government."

Don't miss tonight's talk with Holly Field about her project “The Fabric of a Revolution: Recreating a 13 Star American ...
06/09/2026

Don't miss tonight's talk with Holly Field about her project “The Fabric of a Revolution: Recreating a 13 Star American Flag.” She will discuss the process of creating a historically accurate 18th century American flag next to her finished product. In her talk she will share how her flag was constructed – starting with the raw materials of sheep’s fleece and flax, then spinning, weaving, dyeing, and finally sewing – as well as the connection to people in American history who would have been involved in these same processes.

The talk is from 7:00–7:30PM followed by a discussion with Holly until 8:00PM. The flag will be on display at Clapp Memorial Library through June.

This program is funded in part by a grant from the Belchertown Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.

The library's What "YA" Readin'? Book Group, a group for adults who read Young Adult books, is always looking for new me...
06/08/2026

The library's What "YA" Readin'? Book Group, a group for adults who read Young Adult books, is always looking for new members! Due to the July 4th holiday, our next meeting will be Thursday, July 9th at 7:00PM to discuss "The Wilderness of Girls" by Madeline Claire Franklin. Copies of the book are available for checkout at the circulation desk. This meeting will take place in the Select Board's Meeting Room at Town Hall.

June's prompt for the 2026 MA Center for the Book's Reading Challenge is to read a book with a sympathetic villain. Who ...
06/06/2026

June's prompt for the 2026 MA Center for the Book's Reading Challenge is to read a book with a sympathetic villain.
Who is your favorite sympathetic villain from a book or movie?

Congratulations to Sam, winner of our May Scavenger Hunt!The library has a new scavenger hunt for kids each month! This ...
06/05/2026

Congratulations to Sam, winner of our May Scavenger Hunt!

The library has a new scavenger hunt for kids each month! This month we are focusing on Jory John's books. Participating children practice reading and comprehension skills while having fun searching for clues. Show your completed paper to a staff member to receive a raffle ticket to try and win a book bundle. Good luck!

See what's new this week at the Clapp Memorial Library at:*** http://wowbrary.org/nu.aspx?fb&p=9159-803 ***There are 22 ...
06/03/2026

See what's new this week at the Clapp Memorial Library at:

*** http://wowbrary.org/nu.aspx?fb&p=9159-803 ***

There are 22 new bestsellers, seventeen new audiobooks, nine new children's books, and 59 other new books, including 47 that are available online.

The new bestsellers this week include "Whistler," "Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream [Nintendo Switch]," and "The Land and Its People: Essays."

A story in three picture books!
06/02/2026

A story in three picture books!

Address

19 S Main Street
Belchertown, MA
01007

Opening Hours

Monday 9:30am - 6pm
Tuesday 9:30am - 7pm
Wednesday 9:30am - 7pm
Thursday 9:30am - 7pm
Friday 9:30am - 6pm
Saturday 9:30am - 2pm

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