The Nahant Public Library was founded in 1819, making it one of the oldest municipally-owned library collections in Massachusetts. It began as a gift to the people of Nahant of “about Ten Hundred Volumes of Books” from summer visitor William Wood. The collection was held in the stone schoolhouse, where the library playground is today. About three hundred of those original volumes are still owned by the Library today. US Senator, Henry Cabot Lodge, chair of the Library Board of Trustees, and the Nahant residents of the time knew the growing collection needed its own building. In 1895 (130 years ago), the library opened its doors in the building we have now.

Join us  to celebrate 130 years of the Nahant Public Library Saturday May 3rd from 1pm-3pm

Activities for all ages.  Refreshments provided by the Friends of the Nahant Public Library. Throughout the event, there will be a continuous slideshow highlighting the library’s vision and essential needs to sustain and thrive for the next 130 years. There will be tours of the historic building  during the Open House. 130 years of stories -Let’s write the next chapter together!