The Hopkinton Public Library strives to be a comfortable, welcoming central place for the community which is accessible to all. The Library will provide access to a variety of materials, services and programs to enhance educational, cultural, social, and intellectual endeavors and to extend personal growth and development.

The Library is funded through multiple sources that include the Town Government, The McGovern Trust Fund, Annual State Aid and Friends of the Library.

Library Hours
Monday 1 – 8 pm
Wednesday & Friday 10 -8 pm
Tue., & Thurs. 10 – 5 pm
Sat. 10 – 1 pm (closed on Saturdays from mid-June to September)
Sunday - closed
We are closed the following days: New Years' day, Martin Luther King's day, Presidents day, Patriot's day, Memorial day, July 4th, Labor day, Columbus day, Veterans day, Thanksgiving day and the Thanksgiving weekend, Christmas eve and Christmas day.

 

A Brief History:
The Library was established by the Young Men's Christian Association in 1867. Seven members served as the Trustees, incorporated the Library and adopted by-laws for the government of the Library in 1890. The current building was built in 1895 with contributions from local and former residents of Hopkinton. The second floor was used as a lecture hall and was remodeled later as a children’s room. A gallery was built to connect the Library building with the adjacent Episcopal Church after extensive renovation in 1967. This new section was named after the head librarian at the time, Mrs. Betty Strong. A special feature of the reading room is a stain glass window with a motif of water fountain bubbling water flowing over an open book and the inscription on the page reads "The fountain of wisdom flows through books.” The large hall clock that still stands near the circulation desk was presented to the Library by Mrs. F.V. Thompson and Mr. Abram Crooks.

The Library became a landmark for Hopkinton, located in the heart of downtown, just steps away from the Town Common. Until 1955, bequests were the only source of funding for the Library. Since that time the town government has been appropriating public funds for employee salaries, cost of cleaning the Library, utilities and assistance with the purchase of books.

In May 2010 the library was transferred to the town government and 5 members were appointed as the Library Trustees. Starting from May 2011, election will be held for the members of the Library Board of Trustees during the Annual Town Meeting.


History of the Library Directors:


Sadie B. Stewart

1896 - 1905

Effie Woods

1906 - 1911

Caroline M. Wilbur

1912 - 1919

Annie Sheridan

1919 - 1938

Minnie Marshall

1942 – N/A

Elizabeth Strong

1955 - 1972

Jeanette Ellsworth

1972 - 1991

Rose Lavelle

1991 - 1994

Carol Walsh

1994 - 2005

Rownak P. Hussain

2005 -