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.

06/01/2026

It's the first day of June! We're saying goodbye to "Monster May" with our monthly "Bookmarks Left in Library Books" reel.

It's our final day sharing monsters, so we're making it another Double Monster Day with Monster New Balance Boa's and Mo...
05/31/2026

It's our final day sharing monsters, so we're making it another Double Monster Day with Monster New Balance Boa's and Monster Alie. We have had so much fun watching the community check out this art by Swift River Elementary and Belchertown High School students!

In need of a book recommendation? Check out our Staff Picks from May!
05/30/2026

In need of a book recommendation?
Check out our Staff Picks from May!

It's the last day to check out our collaborative art exhibit! These Swift River students’ 2D monster drawings were reima...
05/30/2026

It's the last day to check out our collaborative art exhibit!

These Swift River students’ 2D monster drawings were reimagined into 3D sculptures by BHS students. Meet Monster Lisa!

Time to register for summer story times! Monday Seeds 3 months to 12 months 9 am - 9:45 amMonday Sprouts 13 months to 24...
05/29/2026

Time to register for summer story times! Monday Seeds 3 months to 12 months 9 am - 9:45 am
Monday Sprouts 13 months to 24 months 10 am - 10:45 am

Tuesday Seedlings 2 - 3 years 9:30 am - 10:30 am

Thursday Sunflowers 3 - 7 years 9:30 am - 10:30 am

Back again this summer is our popular Getting Ready for Kindergarten story time program, Wednesday mornings 9:30 am - 10:30 am. Children who will start Kindergarten in the fall will attend this story time program on their own. We will read stories, sing songs and talk about what school will be like and the different feelings they may have while practicing skills such as listening, taking turns, cooperating, using scissors and rhyming. Caregivers will not stay in the Activity Room but do need to remain on Library property. We encourage all children to also register for Plant A Seed, Read!, our summer reading program.
https://clapplibrary.org/story-hour/

Meet Monster Monsty!These Swift River students’ 2D monster drawings were reimagined into 3D sculptures by BHS students. ...
05/29/2026

Meet Monster Monsty!

These Swift River students’ 2D monster drawings were reimagined into 3D sculptures by BHS students. The artwork will remain on display in the library throughout the month of May.

Kinti EnsembleTuesday, June 2nd7:00 - 8:00 PMJoin us for an inspired collaboration between cellist Rebecca Harka and And...
05/28/2026

Kinti Ensemble

Tuesday, June 2nd
7:00 - 8:00 PM

Join us for an inspired collaboration between cellist Rebecca Harka and Andean musician Curi Cachimuel!

This program is funded by the Friends of the Clapp Memorial Library
Clapp Memorial Library, 19 South Main Street, Belchertown

[alt text: a photo of the musicians with the post text on a green and tan background, bordered with a stylistic hummingbird]

This we are thanking Kansai Asian Bistro for their generous donation of sushi and gyoza to our Sushi Diamond-Painting ...
05/28/2026

This we are thanking Kansai Asian Bistro for their generous donation of sushi and gyoza to our Sushi Diamond-Painting program earlier this month! As you can see, the program was a resounding success and a fun way to celebrate !

Meet Monster Purple!These Swift River students’ 2D monster drawings were reimagined into 3D sculptures by BHS students. ...
05/28/2026

Meet Monster Purple!

These Swift River students’ 2D monster drawings were reimagined into 3D sculptures by BHS students. The artwork will remain on display in the library throughout the month of May.

Meet Monster Jimmy!These Swift River students’ 2D monster drawings were reimagined into 3D sculptures by BHS students. T...
05/27/2026

Meet Monster Jimmy!

These Swift River students’ 2D monster drawings were reimagined into 3D sculptures by BHS students. The artwork will remain on display in the library throughout the month of May.

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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