Frequently Asked Questions
Regular hours are Monday 9:30-6, Tuesday through Thursday 9:30-7, Friday 9:30-6, and Saturday 9:30-2.
The library is closed Sundays.
CLOSINGS
The Library is closed on the following holidays:
New Years Day
Martin Luther King Jr. Day
President’s Day
Patriot’s Day
Memorial Day
Juneteenth
Independence Day (July 4)
Labor Day
Columbus Day
Veteran’s Day
Thanksgiving Day
Christmas Day
In addition, special closings are observed as follows
• 2pm closing on the Friday of the Belchertown Fair
• Closed Saturday of Fair weekend.
• 12 pm closing Christmas Eve
A library card in good standing from any C/WMARS member library may be used here. To get a new card, present a picture ID showing your current address. The card is free. While there is no minimum age for a library card, a Parental Permission form must be completed and signed for children under 13.
The loan period for books and music CDs is 3 weeks. DVDs and magazines circulate for one week. These items will automatically renew for 1 additional loan period.
The dropbox at the front entrance of the Library is currently open 24 hours/day. Most materials can be returned in the dropbox except those specifically designated as circulation desk return only (hotspot, ukulele, telescope, etc.).
No! The Library is fine-free with the exception of the telescope and museum passes.
Yes to both. The Library has high speed internet access computers available to Library cardholders. WiFi is available inside and outside the Library.
To ensure that our records are accurate, cards expire every two years. We will verify your contact information and renew your card for an additional two years.
Typically, the default is the last four digits of your phone number. This can also be changed once you’ve logged into your account the first time. If you have any difficulty logging in, please contact the Circulation Desk.
Yes. You can browse and request books and other library materials through the C/WMARS online catalog and request delivery to our library for pickup. Requests can also be made at the circulation desk.
Yes. You can pick up and return borrowed items at the C/WMARS library of your choice.
No. The Clapp Memorial Library was built as a library and cultural center in 1887. The stained glass windows are original to the building.
The building is owned by the Trustees of the Library While it is the public library for Belchertown, the building is not town-owned or a town-maintained property. Repairs and maintenance are funded through state aid, donations, grants, and the Friends of the Library.
The Friends of Clapp Memorial Library typically stage two book sales annually. Currently, no items whatsoever are being accepted. We anticipate the next book sale to take place October 10-15, 2022
Visit the Library and learn about our services. Join the Friends of the Library. Attend a program. Sign up for our email list. Like us on Facebook. Make a donation.
Donations can be made to the Clapp Memorial Library at any time. Checks can be mailed or dropped off at the circulation desk. Online contributions can be made by visiting our Mightycause donation page at https://www.mightycause.com/organization/Clapp-Memorial-Library.
Patrons who want access to our online resources online, such as Overdrive, can sign up for an eCard. This card allows access to most of our online collections and resources. This card can be updated to a regular card with full library borrowing privileges by visiting us in person.