History

The West Bridgewater Public Library originally opened in 1879, in a rented room that was in the post office with Miss Mary Perkins as the very first librarian. The idea was proposed by Francis E. Howard, and everyone loved it. Eventually in 1881, the library was moved to a bigger space in the Howard Seminary Building. However, the library kept growing and moved into its own building in 1908, in the former Center Primary School. The business thrived during the 1920's and 30's, and in the 40's they collected books to give to American soldiers stationed in Europe during World War Two. In the Town Meeting of 1960, they decided to build an entirely new building for the library. Construction for it began in 1961 and it opened in 1962. This is the building we still use today, and the library remains a well-loved community space.