Brookline Public Library - Brookline, NH
Posted by: 
silverquill
N 42° 43.980 W 071° 39.574
19T E 282280 N 4734595
Housed in a former church, this public library serves the people of the small village of Brookline, NH.
Waymark Code: WM1EXK
Location: New Hampshire, United States
Date Posted: 04/23/2007
Views: 42
The Library is located in the former Methodist Church, a building with a rich history. The Methodist Church was originally constructed in 1859 on land conveyed to several Brookline citizens. This land had the strict condition that it be occupied for the purposes of a "House of Worship for the Methodist Episcopal Church." According to the deed, if the land ever ceased to be used for that purpose, the land would revert to the original owner, Joseph C. Tucker.
The building was used as a Methodist Church until 1951. At that time, two of the town churches merged. For the next 40 years, it functioned as an activity center for both the town and church youth groups. Then, the Church of Christ and the Town of Brookline decided to expand their facilities. The Church was left with a mortgage and the Brookline Library needed to move out of Town Hall.
Fortunately, a solution was found that satisfied both groups. In 1992, the Town voted to purchase the building, which housed the Youth Center, from the Church for approximately $25,000 to renovate it as a Town Library. Meanwhile, the Church was able to complete their new three-story addition using the proceeds from the sale.
The former youth center was extensively renovated in the fall of 1992 and was ready for occupancy by January, 1993. In 1992, the Friends of the Library re-formed after a three-year hiatus and were instrumental in providing funds, labor, and support during the move.
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