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Gilman Library History
Alton's first library was established in 1892,
as Alton Free Public Library, when the Town agreed to accept $100 worth of books from the State and appropriate $50 as a prerequisite for accepting the gift. The original library was located above the Laban G. Welch Drugstore across from Monument Square.
Photo to the Left: *Monument Square, Alton, New Hampshire. Photo by Ken Gallager, February 15, 2010.Ken Gallager at en.wikipedia - Own work Transferred from en.wikipedia Public Domain
In 1914,
benefactor Oliver John Morrison Gilman drew up a will donating $10,000 to the town "for the purpose of purchasing land and the erection of a public library building," to be released upon the death of his widow. Gilman died in 1915 and his widow passed away in 1927. The monies were kept at interest until an amount deemed sufficient for construction had accumulated.
By 1950, the amount had doubled to $20,000. A portion of land, in the center of town on Main Street, was donated by Lewis P. Varney, in memory of his son, Robert, and construction on that property began. The Town voted to appropriate $3,000 from the Post-War Fund to enable completion of the project. The little brick building at 100 Main Street was dedicated as and renamed in honor of Gilman, in a ceremony held on November 9, 1951.
Photo to the Right: The Gilman Library, Alton, NH, painted by Nurnberger , 1992.
The Gilman Library was expanded in 1997,
to add two spacious wings, symmetrically on each side of the original building, with the corresponding enlargement of the basement to include a large meeting room, kitchenette, restrooms, and a wheelchair-accessible elevator. The renovation was in keeping with the period style of the original building and offers both a modern comfort with the cozy warmth of a bygone era, simultaneously maintaining history while keeping up with technology.
To the Left: Photo courtesy GoogleMaps.com Oct 2018
Gilman Library Trustees, Staff, & Friends
Gilman Library Board of Trustees
Betty Jane Meulenbroek - President
Annette Slipp - Vice President
Kristine Simone – Treasurer
Sarah Hill - Secretary
Gabrielle O'Toole
To the Left: Gilman Library photo, circa 2013, property of the Gilman Library, Alton, NH
Gilman Librarians
Eileen Gilbert, Director
Sue Gatton, Assistant Director
Sugar Connors, Library Assistant
Austin Therrieux, Library Assistant
Historical List of Library Directors and Assistant Directors
(Past Support Staff Librarians are too numerous to list here):
Library Directors:
Lena Carpenter, 1892-1900
Sadie Currier, 1901-1906
Annie Wheeler, 1905-1958
Agnes Thompson, 1958-1973
Patricia Merrill, 1974-1996
Holly Brown, 1996-2025
Assistant Directors
Mary Batchelder, 1975-1982
Susan Lord, 1982-1988
Mary Batchelder, 1988-1996
Patricia Merrill, 1996-1998
Lucinda (Cindy) Miller, 1998-2013
Roza Benoit, 2013-2020
Sue Gatton, 2020-present
The Friends of the Gilman Library
Founded in 1980, the Friends have proven to be a real asset to the library. Being part of this wonderful group is a great way to be together with old friends, meet new people, support the library, and give back to the community. If interested, please visit the circulation desk, give us a call, or send us a quick email.
INSIDE THE GILMAN LIBRARY
The Circulation Desk
Audio - Video Collection
Public Access Computers
Friendly check out service
FAX and photocopy service
Guessing Games and Riddles
Featured Display Case
Public Access Computers
Audio - Video Collection
Public Access Computers
Internet Access
Word Processing
Online research databases
Printing (15 cents / sheet)
Free Wireless
(sorry, no wireless printing, yet)
Audio - Video Collection
Audio - Video Collection
Audio - Video Collection
DVDs
Blu-Ray
Books on CD
Music CDs
Audio and Book Kits
In the Wings
Youth Wing - The Margaret E. Kayser Room
Adult Wing - The John D. & Anna L. Williams Room
Adult Wing - The John D. & Anna L. Williams Room
Whimsy Corner
The Stacks
Teen Zone
Adult Wing - The John D. & Anna L. Williams Room
Adult Wing - The John D. & Anna L. Williams Room
Adult Wing - The John D. & Anna L. Williams Room
Biography, Classics, Large Print and Magazines
Jigsaw Puzzle Table and Chess/Checkers Table
Puzzle & Paperback Swaps
Comfortable Seating
Archival Room
Adult Wing - The John D. & Anna L. Williams Room
Archival Room
Local History
Town Reports
Lower Level
The Agnes Thompson Meeting Room
Library programs
Community Group Meetings
Ongoing-year-round Book Sale
The meeting room is available to reserve for public groups. Please think of us when searching for a venue for your group. Please note that the meeting room is for nonprofit activity.
Elevator Service and Amenities
Elevator for baby strollers, walking disabilities, heavy burdens, or just plain old "tired dawgs." Unattended children are not allowed use. Comfortable foyer and public restrooms. Lower entrance leads to back parking lot.
Alton Historical Society Museum
Open by appointment, year round. Also open during the summer, on the 3rd Saturday of each month, 9:30 am to 12:30 pm.
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