The public library in Bradford was established at the town meeting in march 1893 and three trustees were elected at that time. The state furnished the library with books to the value of one hundred dollars, under the statute of 1891 relating to the establishment of free libraries. There had previously been an association library and they donated their entire collection of standard works.
This initial Bradford Free Library was housed in a room in the house of Frank Peaslee which was rented for $40 per year. Nellie Peaslee became the first appointed librarian from 1895-1901.
In 1901, the library outgrew it's space in the Peaslee home and was moved to a larger space in the home of Almira Hall, who was the librarian until 1932.
In 1931, a committee formed to build a new library through gifts from John S. Brown (whose will stipulated that if Bradford did not accept the bequest the money should be used to pay for ice for the poor in Manchester and books for Bradford), and John E. French (whose will stipulated that it must be completed within four years or the offer was null and void). This original brick building was erected in 1931 on the site of the old Presby hotel for a total cost of less than $9,000. Construction began on August 8, 1931 and was completed in December of that year. The library opened its doors to the public on January 8, 1932.
In 1999, the library was renovated and enlarged to the building you see today, tripling the total upstairs space.
This initial Bradford Free Library was housed in a room in the house of Frank Peaslee which was rented for $40 per year. Nellie Peaslee became the first appointed librarian from 1895-1901.
In 1901, the library outgrew it's space in the Peaslee home and was moved to a larger space in the home of Almira Hall, who was the librarian until 1932.
In 1931, a committee formed to build a new library through gifts from John S. Brown (whose will stipulated that if Bradford did not accept the bequest the money should be used to pay for ice for the poor in Manchester and books for Bradford), and John E. French (whose will stipulated that it must be completed within four years or the offer was null and void). This original brick building was erected in 1931 on the site of the old Presby hotel for a total cost of less than $9,000. Construction began on August 8, 1931 and was completed in December of that year. The library opened its doors to the public on January 8, 1932.
In 1999, the library was renovated and enlarged to the building you see today, tripling the total upstairs space.
Excerpts from the first catalog of books of the Bradford Free Library (1894)