Ellen Faye Boates married Donald C. Clark, Jr. on August 18, 1976, just after her Wellesley graduation. And since Ellen is a practicing librarian, Don decided to celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary and her 25th reunion with the surprise gift of a reading area at Clapp Library, in her honor.

The Ellen Boates Clark '76 Reading Area, which has become a premier location for students and faculty who want a comfortable place to study, read, and admire the view, was dedicated August 18, 2001.

It is situated at the front of the main floor, in space formerly occupied by the newspaper collection. Following consolidation and relocation of the newspapers, last June, the space was stripped down to bare walls, floor and ceiling. Best of all, the windows wall was cleared of curtains, to ensure full access to the view, which includes the rhododendron dell and Severance Green plus Founders, Jewett and Severance in the background. Natural light would be filtered by trees and moderated by the northerly orientation.

Less apparent, but as essential to a successful renovation as beauty and comfort, the Clark Area is technology friendly, with a wireless transponder as well as conventional network connections. Not everyone chooses to use a laptop in the Area, however. Equally content are students who prefer to write with a pencil or pen and others who favor curling up with a book or a periodical. Since the lounge chairs and loveseats are clustered, friends often work together. Carrying forward a time honored tradition, some like to nap.

An engraved commemorative plaque reads:

The Ellen Boates Clark '76 Reading Area. Recognizing her devotion to libraries and their mission, this reading area honors Ellen Boates Clark '76 on the occasions of her 25th reunion and 25th wedding anniversary."