History of the Library
The Gilmanton Iron Works Library began as the Gilmanton Public Library in 1896. The commercial building where the Library was located was destroyed in the fire of 1915, but thankfully, many of the books were saved.
Later in 1915 the Gilmanton Iron Works Library Association was incorporated, with the purpose of constructing and maintaining a separate building for the public library. With the help of many volunteers, the building was finished and the library opened to the public on August 11, 1917.
The Gilmanton Iron Works Library was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1989 under the category of architecture. It is described as “an attractive small library building, notable for its pleasing design and simple but effective ornament, and as the first public library building in Belknap County to use the Colonial Revival style.”
As a public charity our primary mission is to provide free library services to the community and maintain the library building. A small group of volunteers maintains the building and the library’s extensive collection of books and DVDs.
Later in 1915 the Gilmanton Iron Works Library Association was incorporated, with the purpose of constructing and maintaining a separate building for the public library. With the help of many volunteers, the building was finished and the library opened to the public on August 11, 1917.
The Gilmanton Iron Works Library was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1989 under the category of architecture. It is described as “an attractive small library building, notable for its pleasing design and simple but effective ornament, and as the first public library building in Belknap County to use the Colonial Revival style.”
As a public charity our primary mission is to provide free library services to the community and maintain the library building. A small group of volunteers maintains the building and the library’s extensive collection of books and DVDs.