milestones for the town library, 1868 and 1894.
NORTHBOROUGH – Libraries have always played an important role in Northborough
history. Some form of library existed as far back as 1793. Rev. Peter Whitney
mentioned, “About thirty gentlemen have united, and established a social library,
containing one hundred volumes at present.” This library became incorporated with the
Free Library of the First Parish Church in 1828, and renamed the Free Library of the
Congregational Society in Northborough. Additional libraries were established over the
years including; a Young Ladies Library in 1817, a Free Juvenile Library in 1824, and,
the Agricultural Library in 1857.
The state legislature passed a law allowing cities and towns to appropriate funds to
support a public library in 1851. Ten years later, Rev. Allen of Northborough gave an
address in which he said, “Although this is a reading community, there is no large public
library in the town; the people depend upon private or parish book clubs or libraries. A
free public library supported by the town…would be a great public benefit and is a
consummation devoutly to be wished…” This was the stimulus for starting a
Northborough Public Library in 1868.
The front of the original library building facing Main Street has two dates that represent
milestones for the town library, 1868 and 1894. The 1868 date represents the initial
funding donated by Capt. Cyrus Gale, Isaac Davis and Milo Hildreth to establish a
public library that would be housed in the new town hall. The town accepted the initial
donation, appropriated $150 as additional funding and appointed a board of trustees.
The 1894 date is the year when Cyrus Gale Jr., son of an original library benefactor,
offered land and funding for a new library building. At that time, the library had outgrown
its space in the town hall. The gift was readily accepted by a special town meeting vote.
The Gale Library Building was dedicated on June 12, 1895.
Jennifer Bruneau hold the library’s new historic marker.
A new historic marker highlights the contribution of the Gale Family and that it was
designed by Amos Cutting of Worcester. The library has continued to operate out of the
original granite building at 34 Main Street since then. Due to space needs, an addition
was added in 1975. With the continued growing needs of the facility, the 1975 addition
was razed so a larger addition could be added in 2009.
This author greatly appreciates information provided by Ms. Jean Langley, the long-
serving retired Northborough Free Library Director. The marker was purchased using
Northborough Community Preservation Act Funds.
