Clapp Memorial Library

The Clapp Memorial Library serves Belchertown and the surrounding area, offering connection, community, programs and services for all ages. The library is open to everyone. Your gift provides critical support to allow the library to achieve its mission. Clapp Memorial Library is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and donations are tax deductible.

Belchertown native, John Francis Clapp, left a generous bequest stipulating that a library be built in five years time in his hometown. On June 30, 1887 the Clapp Memorial Library building was dedicated. In an opening address, brother Dwight Clapp reminded his listeners to "do what little we can in our day to make life in this old hill town of New England richer and broader, higher and nobler, sweeter and purer, to generations which come after us". The Clapp honors and celebrates this generous tradition of philanthropy, that makes so much possible for so many, and offers genuine thanks for any contribution, no matter the size.