Clapp Memorial Library

The Bequest  | The Operation |   The Need   | 

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. He left Belchertown for New York City when he was sixteen years old, and there he continued his studious habits, teaching himself both Spanish and French -- languages that proved helpful to him in business. He lived in New York for about sixty years, becoming a partner in the firm of Simpson, Clapp, and Company.  Everett, Dwight, and Edward Lyman Clapp  followed their older brother to New York and, like him, became merchants. They continued to maintain residences on South Main Street, returning with their families during the summer months.  

Toward the end of his life, John Francis Clapp resolved to bestow 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.     John Francis Clapp died in 1882. 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 acquisition of many original volumes.

The Operation
The Clapp Memorial Library, with its magnificent stained glass windows, exquisite interior woodwork and Longmeadow brownstone exterior, is regarded as one of Belchertown's most precious assets and is listed on the National Register of Historical Place. The first librarian, Miss Lydia Barton, oversaw the borrowing and lending of the first 344 books for the town's 2,120 residents. The building of 9,930 gross square feet had well-furnished reading areas; book shelves on two levels; a stage, complete with a grand piano, for cultural activities. and several small offices.

Although the town has provided financial support for its operations, the library itself is not a municipal building. It is owned by  a private, not-for-profit corporation, governed by a seven member volunteer Board of Trustees. The Chair of the Board of Selectman serves ex-officio. Funds for the operation and maintenance of the library come from several sources: the town budget (for wages, salaries and operational support); state and federal grants and aid; charitable contributions; the Friends of the Library; and library-generated income.    The Clapp Memorial Library has deep roots in the community, offering programs and resources to people of all ages.  It's been a place for children to grow and learn with story times and crafts, researching and reading, doing homework and completing school projects. It is a place for older patrons to enjoy the benefits of lifelong learning by satisfying their need for information on an infinite variety of subjects, in a variety of formats. Everyone benefits from the competent and welcoming staff whose primary task is to provide the community with public library services of the highest quality.

The Need
For more than 120 years, the people of Belchertown have sustained and helped the Clapp Memorial Library grow with their private and public support. During this time the town's population has increased 7 times over and is expected to continue growing in the years ahead. The building has never been expanded.  The current collection of 26,000 books, music CD's and other items -- less than half of what is recommended for a town this size -- is crammed into every available inch of usable space, leaving little room for other library functions such as quiet reading areas, computer work stations and program areas.  Although cherished, the Steinway piano had to be removed and is now on loan to a local church, enabling the library to convert the stage into a much needed children's area. The sub basement houses a small children's program and meeting room and staff offices have been carved out of all available nooks and crannies. A wealth of historical collections are available to the public only by appointment. The library is down to less than 3000 square feet of usable space for patron services.    It is also poorly lit, noisy, in need of climate control efficiencies and safety measures, and out of compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act regulations. 

Just as the schools, police and fire services, senior citizen and emergency services, infrastructure and so many other things have been heavily impacted by population growth, the town's library is now beyond capacity and in need of attention.  and a united front from Belchertown citizens - those who are frequent library users and those who are not.  It is important that everyone take time to become informed and aware of the value of  this project for current and future generations.   Two key votes will be required: (1) A November ballot vote to approve the debt exclusion and (2) a Town Meeting vote to approve the bonds.