History - Donations - Staff and Trustees - Friends of the Library - Library Use Calculator - Return to Home
The Chester Public Library serves the rural community of Chester, NH. The Public Library started in 1895, being housed in Wilcomb’s Store. The Ladies Circulating Library donated 900 volumes 1896 and the Library's collection moved to the “Dearborn” shop. In 1930, the Library made another move to two rooms in Stevens Memorial Hall. Ruth Ray, a Chester Resident and former Postmistress, bequeathed her estate to the town upon her death and her home became the location of the current post office. Her horse and grain barn, located next door, was converted into the Public Library. In March of 1981, the Library collection was officially passed by hand from Steven’s Hall to its current location across the parking lot. In 2001, the Library was given an overwhelmingly generous donation by Col. Richardson D. Benton in memory of his late wife Bette who was a former Library trustee. This donation enabled the Library to double in size at the same location where it stands today.
We are now handicapped accessible to the second floor due to an anonymous donation by a Chester resident. This generousity provided funds to construct the A.D.A. required elevator.
Our card catalogs have been replaced by an online system. We've been connected to the world wide web since 1994. The size of the Library’s collection of materials grows in number every week. The contents of the collection change as often as required to keep up with technology and the demographics of our patrons. We pride ourselves on having something for everyone in town from our youngest patron to our oldest. We are constantly evolving and hope to continue to be an integral part of Chester’s future.
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The Library is only accepting book, audio book, and video donations made through our Amazon Wish List. We are currently not accepting any other book, audio book, and video donations. The Town Transfer Station has a shed for residents to leave books for others to take.
We accept monetary donations in memory or in honor of loved ones. Please contact the Library for more details.
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Tim Sheehan (Director) - Jane Hanson - Raven Gregg - MaryAn Sullivan - Alison Rochenski
Mary Beth Ditoro (Chair) - Barbara Cannon - Kandace Knowlton - Renee Mallett - Deb Munson
The Friends of the Library is an all-volunteer support organization of the Chester Public Library. The groups mission is to support the Library in a way that benefits not only the Library but the community as well. The group fundraises and hosts programs in conjunction with the staff and the Board of Trustees. The Friends are the Library's primary source of non-tax dollars and exists to financially help the Library as needed. Contact the Library for more information. You may also friend The Friends on Facebook.
We all know the Library provides invaluable services to the community. But have you ever wondered just what the Library is worth to your family? Try the Library Use Calculator provided by the New Hampshire Library Association and find out what all the Library services you use would cost if you had to pay for them directly. You might be surpised.
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Created August 2009 by Chester Public Library. Updated July 7 2010