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
Open House at the new Bentley Memorial Library - November 9, 1975
1881Bolton Library Association created -
housed in general store in Bolton Center (219 Bolton Center Road).
1883Frank Williams recorded as first librarian -
paid $10 per year "provided he attends to his duties."
1885-87Library moves to house of Deacon Charles Loomis -
Adelia Loomis appointed librarian, a post she held until 1943.
1900Vote taken at town meeting to establish a Free Public Library,
maintained by the town, did not pass.
1912Group of seven citizens form a corporation, "The Bolton Hall and Library Association."
1914Voted at town meeting to appropriate $50 annually for a free library.
1915New library opens with 900 books in wing of Community Hall.
1957Library moves to former Roman Catholic chapel (now the Hans Christian Andersen Montessori School).
1975Library 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.
Librarian Adelia Loomis receiving award for selling War Bonds
from William Johnson, Savings Bank of Manchester
Librarian Adelia Loomis receiving award for selling War Bonds from William Johnson, Savings Bank of Manchester