Free Reading Room and Library Association

The Free Reading Room and Library Association was formed on February 8, 1878, and opened on July 1, 1878. Thomas Bodine offered the property at Main St. and Library St., providing a 10 year lease of $1.00 so the library could be built at Main and Library Streets. Its first superintendent was John Marsh, Jr. The original library included many newspapers and periodicals, began with 133 books, and loaned 31 of them. The Reading Room maintained itself through shareholders and fundraisers. Because of lack of funds, the library closed from November 16, 1889 to March 1890, and then again from 1911 to 1916. After restoration, Miss Olive Camp was appointed librarian from 1916 to 1926. Stella Sykes took the position in 1926, and then Mrs. Garwood and Mrs. Halsey supported the library for a number of years until the librarian became unable to continue. The library began its closing process in 1974 after its move to Main street.

Williamstown, New Jersey · United States