The Friends of Clapp Memorial Library

Woman in Photograph Essay Contest

Last Updated on Sunday, 24 January 2010 21:41 Tuesday, 12 January 2010 15:09

There is one absolute fact known about the woman pictured below: she loves her library. However, the Friends of Clapp Memorial Library know little else about her, and we want to learn more. Using all of the powers of your imagination, invent a story for the lady who loves her library. Maybe you will create a name for her or reveal what she’s reading. Perhaps it’s 1887 and she’s just checked-out a book from the Clapp Memorial Library. The Friends do not know her story, but we want to read your account of her.

Here is your task: Write a narrative essay about the woman in the photograph. As part of your piece include an explanation of the woman’s love for her library. Do not exceed 500 words. SUBMIT YOUR WRITING TO THE FRIENDS BY MONDAY, FEBRUARY 1, via mail (P.O. Box 627, Belchertown, MA 01007-0627), email ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ), or hand-delivery to the Clapp Memorial Library. Make sure your name, address, phone number, and grade (or age) are included with your submission.

You do not need to be a member of the Friends to participate but we hope you will seriously consider becoming a Friend if you are not a member.

Please note, your submission will become the property of the Friends and will not be returned to you. Your participation in this contest permits the Friends to publicly display and/or reprint your essay online and/or in the Friends’ newsletter, ClappConnection.

Essays will be reviewed during February, Love Your Library month, and winners will be announced at the Friends’ meeting on February 18th. There will be several winners, one from each of the following age groups:

Kindergarten—3rd grade
4th grade—6th grade
7th grade—9th grade
10th grade—12th grade
Adult

WINNERS in each group will receive a $25 Gift Certificate from the Odyssey Bookshop in South Hadley, MA.

FOL Membership Renewals

Last Updated on Sunday, 24 January 2010 21:11 Sunday, 24 January 2010 20:29

As a reminder, all Friends of Clapp Memorial Library Memberships expired as of 12/31...it's time to renew! And if you do so now, you won't have to worry about it before the March Book Sale (Monday, March 22 is Friends-Only Night!). Click here to renew now.

Featured Friend: Randy Prescott

Last Updated on Sunday, 24 January 2010 20:21 Sunday, 06 December 2009 13:22

Fall/Winter 2009: The Friends would like to express our gratitude to Randy Prescott, a long-time Friend. In addition to lots of other talents, Randy has used his amazing woodworking skills to build bookshelves for the Library. His newest project is a much-needed Young Adult bookshelf; the Friends are supplying the wood and materials...Randy is supplying the labor!

Randy arrived in Belchertown in 1995 via Pelham, Pittsfield and Amherst. For 34 years, he loved teaching junior and senior high school industrial arts as well as woodworking for adults. He was named Massachusetts Industrial Arts Teacher in 1982!

Randy defines "retirement" by using his skills at Clapp Memorial Library, Belchertown Senior Center, his church and wherever he is called. You may see him about town in his restored yellow '54 Chevy pickup.

Thank you Randy! We can't wait to see the new shelf!

Items for Sale

Last Updated on Sunday, 24 January 2010 20:23 Friday, 06 February 2009 21:37

Here are some great gift ideas for the literary lovers in your life! Not only will you support Clapp Memorial Library with your purchase, you will give the gift of reading!

Puzzles! Beautiful photograph of Clapp Memorial Library, taken by well-known photographer Les Campbell of Belchertown. $20 each...supplies are limited (we will not be ordering more). Add a book or two, a bookmark, and you have yourself a lovely present for your favorite reader!

Special Price: Cloth Book Bags...black with Friends of Clapp Memorial Library logo. ON SALE! $8 large or $4 small. For a very thoughtful gift, you can add our Puzzle and a book to the large Bag! And a DVD or CD would fit perfectly in the small Bag!

Ongoing Book Sale: There is always a great selection of books available for purchase--$1.00 each (unless specially marked)--on the Ongoing Sales Book Shelf.

Purchases can be made at the Circulation Desk. If you have any questions, send us an email

( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ).