Forbush Memorial Library

118 Main Street
Westminster MA 01473

Phone: 978-874-7416

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Description:
Westminster's interest in the library started even before the town was incorporated (1759). In the early 1700's, a "social library" was started by an association of joint stockholders, and was accessible to the public on payment of a fixed fee. The birth of Westminster's first free public library dates back to 1853 when a group of young people met and formed the Young People's Literary Society. They collected fees ($1.00 per year for men and $.75 for women) got a loan, and were able to buy the first 100 books. In 1865, the Society joined with the Farmer's Library and reorganized as the Westminster Library Association.

In 1865, after refusing several times, the town finally voted to accept the Library Association as a town institution in the charge of the selectmen. It wasn't until 1878, however, that a committee to be in charge of the library was elected. After that, the usefulness and growth of the library steadily increased. Physically it moved from place to place. A permanent home wasn't found until the Forbush Memorial Building was erected in 1901.

The present location was chosen as being most appropriate, but was only available after an agreement to move the four-story Reed house that was on the lot to a new location on Main Street. This was accomplished. With a bequest of $10,000 from Charles A. Forbush, in memory of his cousin Joseph W. Forbush, and another $6,000 from eighty other citizens, the Forbush Memorial Public Library was established.

The library has stood as built until now with little outward signs of change. The one major change that has been made since then was to add a children's room devoted strictly to the needs of preschool through sixth grade children. The basement, which at the time the library was built was used to house plows and looms, etc. (items too large to fit on the second floor) was turned into a very attractive space for the use of children. This was brought about by a vote at the Town Meeting in 1976. The new room opened in 1977 and has been a booming success ever since. This move freed up original library space for additional adult books.

The library continued to thrive with increased circulation and increased collections. it got to the point where space was so limited that for years it was literally a case of having to discard a book for every book added. Also, of course, with modern times came different needs. Books were no longer the only resources needed. Magazines, records, then CD's, Video tapes, and now the very popular books-on-tape are all important collections in the library. Now there are also the pressures of modern technology and the need for computers, access to the Internet, etc.

In 1986 the Library Trustees started a campaign to enlarge the library, but for various reasons that effort didn't succeed. In 1992, with another chance at state grant money becoming available, they formed the present building and fund raising committees and committed themselves to the expansion again. What you see here is the fruition of that effort. As others will also tell you this day, this present building is the result of the enormous commit- ment of many people. No one person is responsible, nor even one group of people. It has taken countless hours, and literally millions of dollars. I think you are going to like the result. We have a terrific building.