Published in the July 12, 2017 edition

By HOLLY MERCER

Director, Lynnfield Public Library

LYNNFIELD — On Saturday, July 22, the Lynnfield Public Library celebrates 125 years of providing excellent library service. During these years, many people have used the Library’s services, including borrowing books, coming to programs, researching lineage, meeting with neighbors and using Library spaces to study and learn.

As a safe community place, the Library is welcoming to all and enhances the quality of life in Lynnfield by supporting and advancing the educational interests and endeavors of residents. Throughout the years, the Library has been a public knowledge space supporting community interests, catering collections and services to the unique attributes of the town, and above all working to create possibilities for everyone to pursue their dreams.

The Library has had many highlights throughout the years, starting with the opening on July 22, 1892.

• 1892 – On July 22, 1892, the Library opened at Town Hall with 554 books.

• 1905 – The Library moved from Town Hall to the former Central School House near the Common. 

• 1959 – A 700 square foot addition was completed. 

• 1960 – The Friends of the Lynnfield Library group was formed. 

• 1967 – A second addition was built, bringing the Library to its current size. 

• 1974 – The local history collection was started. 

• 1985 – The first computer for public use was installed.

• 1992 – The Library underwent a renovation, adding an entrance ramp, air conditioning, and converting a portion of the basement into collection space. 

• 1993 – The Internet became available at the Library.

• 2006 – Wifi was installed at the Library.

• 2010 – eBooks and eAudiobooks were added to the collection.

• 2012 – Expanded hours were implemented with the Library providing services 64 hours per week.

• 2016 – Library use expanded with 300 individuals using the Library per day with the circulation of 126,000 items during the year and attendance of nearly 9,000 patrons at library programs. 

• 2017 – Submission of a building grant to cover nearly half of the cost for a new library building. 

The aspiration for the Library is to serve the entire community in a vibrant facility that fits the current needs of residents. This goal led to the submission of the building grant application in January for a new building.

Located at Reedy Meadow, the proposed new building will be 25,874 square feet and includes abundant parking, meeting and program spaces, expanded youth services and additional patron seating. The space has been created with the user in mind, with flexible and adaptive spaces taking advantage of the scenic golf course view designed to inspire, stimulate creativity, and encourage collaboration and communication, as well as reflect both the goals and values of the community.

As we look toward the future, the Library remains committed to cultivating an interest in reading and learning, partnering with community groups and organizations, supporting information seeking and processing, and connecting to the community and the world through meeting personal, professional, information, education, recreation and cultural needs by providing both current technological and traditional means of access to materials, programs and services. 

Townspeople invited to birthday celebration 

We invite all to join in the Library celebration on Saturday, July 22 at 10 a.m., celebrating the Library’s rich history and sharing enthusiasm for its exciting future. 

In addition, everyone is invited to utilize the many services the Library has to offer. Explore additional information on the Library’s services and history on the web: www.lynnfieldlibrary.org.