Donors Stand Behind Library Expansion Effort in Belchertown

In a demonstration of ongoing support for the Clapp Memorial Library’s renovation and expansion project, private donors are continuing to provide financial backing even in the aftermath of November’s unsuccessful request for Town Meeting approval, according to Loy Harris, chair of the Library’s capital campaign. Harris says that not only have existing donors maintained their support; but new contributors continue to join the effort.

Over the past three months, the Campaign has been contacting existing donors to explain that in spite of the unfavorable Town Meeting vote, advocates remain convinced that Belchertown needs a better library. “In those contacts,” Harris says, “we’ve asked for the donors’ continued support and offered them the opportunity to make any changes they might want to their existing commitments.” To date, he reports that not one donor has withdrawn financial support. In fact, support for the project is growing: “Two donors have increased their existing commitments and others have told us they’re considering increasing theirs. We’ve received two new pledges from current donors and four additional ‘one time’ gifts from new contributors.” As a result, pledges and gifts to the Campaign now total $882,000. And, because donors are continuing to pay on existing pledges, cash receipts since Town Meeting total $85,000, bringing the overall amount received to date to $417,000.

“That’s great!” notes Stephen Lanphear, President of the Library’s Board of Trustees: “All those people recognize that we need an upgraded library, and they’re willing to use their resources to help provide it.”

As for the future, Lanphear says that the group won’t be going back to Town Meeting until the economy improves. In the meantime, he says he is grateful for the continuing financial support and believes it can only improve the project’s chances for eventual success. Lanphear says he is moved by the show of support from donors: “I thank them, not only on behalf of the Trustees and staff, but on behalf of all the people whose lives will be touched by the new library when we finally get it built.”
 

2/5/2010