A Brief History of Bentley Memorial Library

(excerpted from "Bolton's Heritage," edited by Bruce G. Ronson)

Open House at the new Bentley Memorial Library - November 9, 1975

1881	Bolton Library Association created - housed in general store in Bolton Center (219 Bolton Center Road).
1883	Frank Williams recorded as first librarian - paid $10 per year "provided he attends to his duties."
1885-87	Library moves to house of Deacon Charles Loomis - Adelia Loomis appointed librarian, a post she held until 1943.
1900	Vote taken at town meeting to establish a Free Public Library, maintained by the town, did not pass.
1912	Group of seven citizens form a corporation, "The Bolton Hall and Library Association."
1914	Voted at town meeting to appropriate $50 annually for a free library.
1915	New library opens with 900 books in wing of Community Hall.
1957	Library moves to former Roman Catholic chapel (now the Hans Christian Andersen Montessori School).
1975	Library moves into new building at its present location at 206 Bolton Center Road. Named for, and endowed by, Elinor Hees Bentley, former head librarian at the Bolton public library.

Opening Day at the new Bentley Memorial Library - November 9, 1975
(Click on photo to see larger size.)

Librarian Adelia Loomis receiving award for selling War Bonds from William Johnson, Savings Bank of Manchester