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Library Staff/Trustees |
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Mission Statement |
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The Stevens Memorial Library exists to serve the community as a source of print and non-print information and will provide educational, cultural, historical, and recreational materials to meet the present and future needs of its users, within the constraints of its budget. The Library will provide both the opportunity and encouragement to members of the community to utilize and enjoy the contents of the library collection and its programs. The Stevens Memorial Library has a long range plan, detailing the library's plans through 2010, which can be viewed here. |
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History of the Stevens Library |
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There has been a library in Ashburnham since 1793.
Initially it
received no aid from the town. Rights or shares
of the library were sold at two dollars apiece,
with the whole number issued at fifty-five.
The library was kept financially stable by
selling shares, as well as collecting both
monetary donations and donations of books.
After an existence of 40 years - in 1833,
the organization was disbanded by mutual consent
and books divided into 55 parcels and
distributed by lot to the owners of the shares.
In 1850, The Ladies Library Association was organized and a limited collection of books of approved character was continued by renewals until 1884. The volumes remaining in the organization were donated to the town and were the nucleus of the public library. The number of volumes in 1885 was 1700. The town appropriated finances to sustain the library in 1885 and 1886 totaling $300.00 for each year, and during that time the library was housed in the selectman's office at the town hall. In 1888, the town accepted the bequest of George Stevens, former town clerk, in the amount of $10,000.00 and a piece of land at the corner of Main and Water Street, with the stipulation that it be used as a site for a public library building. The money from George Stevens was turned over to the town treasurer in 1889, and the library was named Stevens Public Library by a vote. In April 1890, the ground was broken and in December 1890, the building was dedicated. Books were moved from the selectman's office to the library's new location. The doors opened to the public on January 9, 1891. A printed list of titles was compiled by the members of the library committee and made available to the public inside the library. Over the years, the town has contributed yearly to the up-keep of the library. Additionally, donations from various sources have augmented the town aid. In the spring of 1985, the Stevens Memorial Library trustees voted to support the reuse of the Dolly Whitney Adam building, a former elementary school. With a town population of nearly 5,000, the library was out-growing the Stevens Building. In 1986, at the Annual Meeting, voters unanimously approved Article 20 on the town warrant to accept the preliminary design for converting the D.W.A. building into a town library. Renovation of the D.W.A building continued through 1987, during which time the town received several grants to offset inflation and to offset the $750,000 bond issue. In 1988, the move into the new Stevens Memorial Library building took place on Sunday, May 15, 1988. |
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About Ashburnham, MA |
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Ashburnham was established in 1765. It is a perfect piece of New England countryside with rolling hills, over 20 lakes with 8 of significant size (totaling 2.33 square miles), and forested areas (elevation of 1028 ft., and land capacity of 38.67 square miles for a grand total of 41.00 square miles). The population is approximately 5546 and doubles during the summer months due to the influx of summer residents. The community is normally a bedroom suburb of Boston and Worcester. Ashburnham is known for its community involvement. The community expects the services which a small city would provide. The library is considered the community center. Any information, print or non-print is obtainable at the local library. The average household salary is approximately $58,993. Over 90% of the residents are high school graduates or higher. The single family home ranges approximately $127,200 - $350,000 in value. The average size of a household is 2.87 people. The people of Ashburnham range in profession from 37% managers and professionals, 35% laborers and operators, 27% technicians and sales, and .08% self-employed. |
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Stevens Memorial Library Preservation Room |
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Preservation Room details to be posted once
construction commences. Check back for
more information!
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