Bertera History Room

The purpose of the Bertera Local History collection is to preserve materials that document the history of West Springfield. This includes supporting materials from surrounding towns, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and elsewhere that inform West Springfield’s history and development. Materials in the Bertera History Room are often unique and, in some cases, irreplaceable. Therefore, local history materials may be reviewed in the Bertera History Room only.

The Bertera Local History collection is available to researchers and the general public during defined open hours or by appointment. Certain restrictions are in place to protect the future viability of rare and/or fragile materials. When possible, circulating copies of some titles are in the regular circulating collection. Due to docent and staff limitations, detailed research assistance is not available but basic research questions can be emailed to the docents.

Summary of Collection Contents:

Local and Regional History Books and Newspaper Articles
Maps Collection
Newspaper Collection
West Springfield Directories 1860 - Present
West Springfield High School Yearbooks 1913, 1914 and 1923-present
Town Reports 1860-1983

Terms and Restrictions:

The Library requests that a credit line that reads, “Courtesy of the West Springfield Public Library” accompany images used in any publication, exhibition, or other public display, along with a link to the home page of the West Springfield Public Library in the case of electronic publications.

Certain restrictions are in place to protect the future viability of rare and/or fragile materials. As such, the library has created some rules around use to protect these important items:

No food permitted, securely covered beverages allowed in the designated area
Users must bring their own paper and pencils or laptop/cellphone to record your research
Before handling materials, hands must be cleaned and without sanitizer
Users are encouraged to handle all materials with care
Briefcases and bags are permitted in the room, but not opened on the worktable, as space is limited
One Bertera Vertical File at a time is allowed for use
Users may take photographs of materials but the Library reserves the right to prohibit the photocopying or reproduction of historical images or materials if doing so will harm the original in any way
Do not write on or in the materials
Visitors to the Bertera Local History Room should not reshelve materials

The West Springfield Public Library reserves the right to deny access to the Bertera History Room to any patron who refuses to comply with any portion of this policy.

Equipment Use:

The microfilm reader is available for use on a first come, first serve basis. If requested, basic instructions for use will be given. Reels must be rewound and returned to the correct box after use. Patrons with their own reels are also allowed use of the microfilm reader. Printing and scanning is unavailable at this time.