Needham
Massachusetts
Needham Free Public Library
The Needham Free Public Library was founded in 1888. The current building was constructed in 1915 and has had two additions, one in 1961 that more than doubled the size of the library and a smaller one in 1981 that provided accessibility for the physically challenged. It is located between the town center and Needham Heights and is in close proximity to the town's high school. The library is governed by an elected seven-member Board of Trustees and is a member of the Metrowest Massachusetts Regional Library System and the Minuteman Library Network, which provides computerized availability of materials from many other libraries throughout the Greater Boston area.
We have had many inquiries about how the town of Needham got its name. This has been a matter of speculation since 1811 when the Rev. Stephen Palmer, the town’s third minister, delivered a sermon on the occasion of the town’s hundredth birthday. In a footnote to the published version of this “Century Sermon” the Rev. Mr. Palmer says that he was informed by a descendant of a member of the legislature of the time the town was incorporated (1711) that the town was “named Needham at the request of Governor Dudley, after Needham in England; and because that town is near to Dedham though in a different county.”
Recent News
Needham Free Public Library Notes for December 2023
This coming year we will be participating in the Mass Center for the Book Reading Challenge 2024. The Reading Challenge gives people of all ages (yes, adults!) a chance to set and meet the goal of reading a book each month in a specific category…
Read More »Needham Free Public Library Notes - November 2023
The Needham Free Public Library is proud to partner with the Indian Community of Needham (ICON), a local non-profit civic and cultural organization, to showcase literature from India and about Indian heritage through November. Please check out the…
Read More »Needham Free Public Library Notes - October 2023
Click Here to view the Needham Free Public Library Notes - October 2023
Read More »Needham Free Public Library Notes - July 2023
July is Midsummer, which means that the Summer Reading Programs for all ages have begun! You can still sign up to join - please click here to use our online registration for these programs. We offer programs for all ages, both virtual and in…
Read More »Needham Free Public Library Notes - December 2022
December is full of activities for both YA's and Children, as well as a new Take and Make kit for ages 12+ (yes, Adults - you too!). You can click on any image to be sent to our Event Calendar to register for the events listed. Not everything will…
Read More »Needham Free Public Library Notes - October 2022 - Addendum
The Library is embarking upon the development of a new 5 year Strategic Plan. This plan will define our goals and vision for the coming years, and we would love to hear from Needhamites! We are hosting 3 one hour-long focus groups, and we hope…
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