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History of NH Libraries
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Richards Free Public Library, Newport, NH
Richards Free Public Library
Library service to the people of Newport began in 1803 when the Newport Social Library was granted its charter. About the same time a Social Library was established in what is now North Newport. Important book collections were also housed in the town’s churches. In addition to these collections of books, Newport boasted the Newport Lyceum, the Newport Reading Circle, the Periodical Clu -
Keene
Though there were other smaller libraries, such as the Cheshire Athenaeum and the Cheshire Theological Institute, they could do little to meet the growing demand for a general reference library. In December there was a meeting of interested citizens and subscriptions were procured to the amount of $1,000, in shares of $5 each. The Keene Public Library was organized under the general laws of the State of New Hampshire, with a board of 12 trustees. The library occupied space over the store at Elli
